About 70% of the cells that are responsible for your immune system are located along the lining of your gastrointestinal tract. Having a healthy gastrointestinal lining not only helps boost your immune system, it helps to reduce bloating, constipation, flatulence, and could even help you lose weight and improve your overall health. There are four steps for achieving a healthy gastrointestinal lining and immune system. The first step is to remove harmful toxins from your diet; you should remove anything that could be causing damage to your digestive process. This includes excessive caffeine, alcohol, unhealthy fats, processed foods, wheat, gluten, low fat products, dairy and sugar products. After removing harmful foods from your diet, focus on repairing damage to your gut and your intestinal lining. Eat more foods that are known to help heal the stomach. This includes foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids and other healthy fats, such as fish or avocados. Aloe Vera and a good quality turmeric supplement are known to improve the health of your gut and heal the lining of your stomach. Every day, you should try to include at least one or two servings of foods that can help repair your intestinal lining. Replenishing healthy gut bacteria is one of the most important steps to healing your gut. A healthy intestinal tract should contain about 80-85% good gut bacteria. Having a better balance of healthy bacteria can boost your immune system and heal digestive disorders. Taking a high quality probiotics supplement is helpful in replenishing your healthy gut bacteria. In order to increase the natural production of healthy gut bacteria, include foods that already contain good bacteria (kerif, cabbage, fermented foods). The final step is to replace digestive enzymes. Boosting the levels of healthy digestive enzymes will further improve your digestion and ward off leaky gut syndrome. Adding more organic salt to your diet should give you more hydrochloric acid and other beneficial enzymes. Juicing allows your digestive system a rest from processing foods that: Take longer to digest You might be intolerant to or; Might cause an allergic or acidic reaction in the body These are namely refined sugars, refined carbs, alcohol, caffeine and diary. Without having to process these, your body can then digest live juices in about 15 minutes and focus on ‘detoxing’ your cells. If you don’t eat many raw fruits and vegetables each day you may be mineral or nutrient deficient. Juicing allows you to get a host of vitamins and minerals into your body consistently, which will mean you will be feeding your cells exactly what they need. Although you lose the benefits of consuming fibre when drinking your juice, it takes less energy to digest food in liquid form. Heating and cooking vegetables also reduces or destroys some of their enzyme content, which some say can impede digestion. With juicing, it’s believed that these food enzymes are not only preserved, but your digestive system also gets a “rest.” When you drink fresh vegetable and fruit juices you are greatly reducing the digestive process that normally occurs when you consume food. The fiber has been removed leaving the nutrient-dense juice that is easily digested. The vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and enzymes of fresh juice are easily transported across the intestine walls into the bloodstream, where they become available for use by the body. An additional benefit is that juice requires little to no energy expenditure in order to digest and absorb the nutrients. This provides extra energy that can be used for healing chronic health problems. VIEW AND DOWNLOAD 3-DAY JUICE CLEANSE HERE REFERENCES
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By Sister Alida – Our registered nurse Naturopathic Health Care Centre, Hazelwood, PretoriaSo here you are, a young first time mom with your brand new baby and the only thing you want… is to do everything right.
You have read a pile of baby magazines and you are subscribed to a few email newsletters to help you stay on track. You are attending baby stimulation classes and go to workshops and somewhere along the line somebody mentioned Homoeopathy. Yet another new topic to explore. In my career as a nursing sister working in a homoeopathic practice, I have seen a number of little children whose parents were desperate. Their kid is six months old and already finished her third course of antibiotics. Often people come to the homoeopathic practitioner as a last resort. It would be great if we could get our patients early, teach them what to look out for and help them to understand the value of the body’s own healing properties. My ideal is to have parents who can act as first line healers in their own homes. If we can achieve that, the world would be a better place. The first thing to understand is the illness: Acute disease An acute disease develops in a short period of time. It is important that you learn to observe the circumstances during the early stages of development because your homoeopathic practitioner will ask about the following:
Parents should learn to watch out carefully for the symptoms, realise that the body’s own defense mechanism already kicked in with an inflammatory response causing a raised temperature, pain, swelling, tiredness, etc. We are going to discuss the whole issue around fever in future talks. The homoeopathic approach to acute diseases is to find a remedy or a complex of remedies that support the immune system in that specific area. Most pharmacies keep homoeopathic complexes to treat almost any minor ailment and it is quite okay to keep some of those little bottles in your medicine cupboard. It is a combination of remedies in low potency that can be taken frequently according to the acuteness of the situation. In most cases the illness will start improving within 24 hours, starting on a mental level. In other words, when you see your child does not moan anymore and starts looking happier, then you know that there is a turn for the better. Chronic disease A chronic illness develops over a longer period of time and it lasts for several months to years. A chronic case is more complicated to treat and will almost always need professional help. Chronic disease has often to do with an over response of the body’s immune system. You need a knowledgeable health care practitioner who are not only able to find the correct homoeopathic simplex , but who also has a good understanding of the physiological mechanism of the body and are able to tackle the condition from a different angle like for instance the digestive system. Why does homoeopathy work? To answer this question we must look into the history of homoeopathy. It all started with Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, who qualified in 1791 as a medical doctor. He practiced medicine for about nine years, but became increasingly disillusioned by the cruel and ineffective treatments of his time. At this point I must remind you that medicine and medical treatment in those days were not what we are used to these days. They made use of plants and herbals of which some of the side effects were very dangerous and even poisonous. Dr. Hahnemann left practice and focused on studying, writing and translation work. To make a long story short, he started experimenting on himself. For that he used Peruvian bark, known as Cinchona. Homoeopaths call it China. Hahnemann then observed that Cinchona produced in a healthy person the symptoms of malaria, the very disease that it was known to cure, a discovery which was a cornerstone in the development of homoeopathy. He referred to it as similia similibus curentur, meaning let like be cured with like. This principle became the first law of a system he called homoeopathy. (Homoios – similar and pathos – disease.) He started experimenting with smaller and smaller doses, until he got rid of the side effects, but now it no longer effected a cure. He then developed a new method of dilution. Instead of simply stirring the substance after each dilution, he shook it vigorously. This shaking he called succusion and the liquid he called a potentised remedy. He found that the more he dilutes the remedy, using the method of succusion, the more effectively his remedy cured. He believed that the shaking released the energy of the substance and dissipated its toxic effects. This of cause is difficult to understand, difficult to explain and difficult to accept. How can anything so dilute have any affect? Yet despite opposition homoeopathy survived and spread remarkably quickly – because it was remarkably effective. Important Principles, mode of action: The classical homoeopath would give one remedy at a time, trying to match as much as possible symptoms of the patient with as much as possible characteristics of the remedy. This is time consuming and hard work, but once a practitioner gets the hang of it, it becomes most rewarding. OTC’s on the market Luckily for you, you do not have to become an expert before you can help your child. There are complex remedies on the market that contains a combination of simplexes altogether aiming for the same target. The ideal remedy will probably be in the complex, but until you can get to a practitioner who is able to choose the remedy more accurately, the OTC will do it for you. When to self-medicate and when to seek professional help. This is something that is different for every person, depending on one’s knowledge, or lack thereof, but also one’s personality and nerve. For instance, if you bump your toe, you are not going to ran off to the doctor. But if the toe becomes hot and red and the pain persists for several days, you might suspect a fracture. Then you might consider going to the doctor. And then there are still a few who will say: What will the doctor do? Take an x-ray, confirm the fracture and bandage it. I can do it myself. … While it is always important to seek professional advice for serious injuries and situations, don’t forget that even here, homeopathy can help. A few doses of the needed remedy while the ambulance is on the way can make all the difference when every minute counts. Conclusion Now you have an idea of what homoeopathy is about. In the next talk we are going to discuss a few general conditions and remedies that work well on those conditions. At Wilna Pretorius Pilates Studio, based in our offices in Hazelwood, Pretoria,we focus on making pilates enjoyable, informative, challenging and making exercise a way of life, not a chore or a burden. For those of you who don’t know what Pilates is all about and if it is something that you would be interested in, here is some information about Pilates and our Pilates classes. What is Pilates?Pilates is a form of exercise, developed by Joseph Pilates, which emphasizes the balanced development of the body through strength, flexibility, and awareness in order to support efficient, graceful movement. Pilates can play a key role in overall health and fitness. It is a form of exercise that focuses on the individual’s needs in relation to alignment, posture, toning, sport specific training and general health. The benefits of Pilates include the following:
Pilates emphasizes correct form while exercising and all the Pilates moves require you to engage virtually your whole body. With so many exercise variations and progressions you may have a hard time getting bored with Pilates. who can join my pilates classes?Anyone between the ages of 14 and 85 years of age can join my Pilates classes. Pilates for younger children is no longer really Pilates as their concentration span is very short and the exercises then become more movement based. can you join my classes if you have an injury?I am experienced and have detailed knowledge of injuries and anatomy/physiology, as I am also a qualified Biokineticist. This ensures that you receive client specific sessions as well as exercises that will benefit the injury and not be contraindicated to the injury. Therefore, Pilates is safe when you have an injury, as long as the instructor is experienced and knowledgeable. how much does pilates cost?Good quality Pilates does not come cheap. You get what you pay for, however there are studios that charge excessive amounts of money for sessions and the qualifications are not up to standard. At my Pilates Studio based in Pretoria, there are many options to choose from, ranging from private to group classes. To find out more about the fees at Wilna Pretorius Pilates Studio, Pretoria please contact us or click here for our Pilates Class Standard Rates. How do I know I am attending classes at a great studio? The first rule is that when you leave the session, you feel that the instructor targeted your specific needs while informing you of what they are doing. Another important factor is that the instructor has a comprehensive knowledge of anatomy/physiology and explains anatomically what is going on in your body and what they are working on. You will know if you instructor is passionate and professional- the more information they can give you, the better. Can i do pilates if i am overweightPilates is a form of exercise that can accommodate people of all shapes and sizes. If you feel uncomfortable exercising in front of others, opt for private Pilates sessions. What do I need to do if I want to start with Pilates classes?Your first session that you will attend will be a body assessment. This session is an hour and a half long and in this session your instructor will be assessing the following:
During this assessment, the instructor will also gather information from you regarding past injuries, any aches or pains, your exercise history and what goals you would like to achieve. This assessment is not about pointing out all of your faults but rather to gather information on what is needed to get your body to its ultimate balance for efficient movement as well as what is needed to reach your goals. Getting started So, are you ready to get moving? Contact Wilna Pretorius Pilates Studio in Hazelwood to make your appointment. You won’t be disappointed! Contact details: Contact person: Wilna Pretorius Telephone number: 072 722 6696 Email address: wpretorius007@gmail.com What is the difference between Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis and Sinusitis?
Remember that “itis” normally refers to infection. So when we think of sinusitis, we know that 80% of cases is a viral infection causing inflamed mucous membranes, over production of mucous and congestion. About 20% of cases are caused by bacteria. Hay Fever, seasonal allergy and allergic rhinitis all refer to an overreaction of the immune system to a harmless substance like pollen, resulting in a histamine secretion. Histamine reaction is your immune system’s way of getting rid of the allergen. As a result of that, your mucous membranes become inflamed, red and swollen. A watery discharge streaming out of the nose and the eyes. Eyes are red and itchy and a lot of sneezing may occur. Your body is now really trying to do you a favour by getting rid of the invader. Furthermore, your immune system is not stupid. It has a clever way of dealing with its “fears”It produces little “guards” by the name of immunoglobulins (Ige). Next time when it notices some pollen dust, cat hair, etc., those antibodies are ready instantly. Before you even know that spring is in the air, the whole cascade of reactions take place and you sit with your watery eyes, runny nose and your sneezing. Treatment Conventional treatment includes.
Simple Steps for Managing Hay Fever There are several self-help measures that cost very little which you can do yourself to help with hay fever. They are:
Homoeopathic approach In homoeopathy, we treat by the law of similars. “Homeopathic Law of Similars is based on certain characteristic symptoms being the key to choosing a remedy. A substance which may in a large dose cause undesirable symptoms, can in homeopathic potency repel these similar symptoms out of your system and the body rebalances and heals. Law of Potentization-homeopathy uses the smallest dose to effect a cure. By extreme dilution and Homeopathic potentization, curative properties are enhanced and poisonous and undesirable side effects ameliorated.” By now you should be able to think about something that you have in your own kitchen that causes burning , watery eyes and runny nose, causing you to run for an open door, looking for some fresh air …. Yes chopped onion. Our homoeopathic remedy for these symptoms would be Allium Cepa, which is nothing other than red onion. Allium Cepa is prescribed for exactly that. Onions and garlic can be used for their homeopathic effect – the symptoms they cause, they can also treat. Both contain natural compounds that reduce the inflammation of hay fever. Add them liberally to your meals or, if you are up to it, eat them by themselves to reduce nasal irritation and streaming eyes. In our arsenal we also have a few other remedies that are well indicated in the treatment of hay fever.
Your homoeopayhic practitioner Because you may find it difficult to sort through your symptoms and all the different remedies available, an appointment can be made with a homeopath that will assess your symptoms in full and make a constitutional prescription to help you get on top of the problem once and for all. Reference:
Leaky gut and it's complications As an alternative health care doctor with a great interest in functional medicine, I see many patients in my practice suffering from chronic conditions for which they do not have any hope left. “I have tried everything”, “You are my last hope”, “I have been to every doctor”, “you must help me”, “I am desperate” are the phrases that I hear so often, if not on a daily basis. To these phrases, more than not my response generally is “as a result of your lifestyle, medication, diet and stress you might be suffering from a leaky gut” Before we look at what a leaky gut is, let’s look at your gut in its normal anatomy and physiology. Although extremely complicated I will try and break it down and simplify it. normal gut Intestinal health is the optimal digestion, absorption and assimilation of food. The gut like the skin is one of the largest barrier organs that protects the body from external invasion from bacteria, viruses, parasites etc. On top of that it need to rid the body of toxins, produced as by-products of your metabolism. While doing all this your nutrients need to be absorbed into your blood stream to maintain your health and functions. This mainly happens within the small intestine via finger like projections called villi. Villi increases the surface absorption area. On top of Villi you find microvilli which is where nutrients are absorbed. In between these projections are small junctions called tight-junctions. This is where the nutrients pass from the lumen of the intestines into the blood stream into our cells. Toxins and large undigested particles can’t pass through these junctions and are thus passed out via the stool, as demonstrated in fig 1. Like I always demonstrate to my patients. Imagine your hands were your gut with your fingers your microvilli. In-between the fingers are the tight junctions carefully regulating your nutrient absorption. Nothing falls through the fingers because of the skin connecting them. As demonstrated in fig 2. Now What is a leaky gut then? The basic short and sweet function of your immune system is to protect the body from pathogens or invaders that will cause harm to your body. Remember that your gut is rich in immune cells. Your entire body is protected from these invasions by only that one, thin single cell layer of the villi. When stretched open it can roughly cover the size of a tennis court. So basically your body is protected from a sewer by only one layer of cells. This is the exact reason why up to 80% of your immune function is active in your gut. Once a toxin or “pathogen” enters the gut and your very delicate ecosystem within your gut can not deal with this, or an imbalance is created, your immune system is activated causing micro inflammation within the gut. This damage or inflammation causes damage to the tight junctions, creating a hole within the single layer of cells, resulting in toxins, and undigested food etc leaking through into your blood stream. This results in a massive immune response against all the foreign particles which will result in systemic inflammation. As demonstrated in fig 3 Should this response carry on, over time your immune system will be hypersensitive leading to things like eczema, sinusitis, headaches, rash, and depression to more chronic things like autoimmune disease, cancers etc. Triggers or causes of Leaky gut
Signs that you might be suffering from a leaky gut
By: Dr. M Swanepoel SERVICES PROVIDED: I do neuropsychological assessments and provide psychotherapy from an integrative framework for: · Children and Adolescents · Adults (including the elderly). Depending on the need of the client, I provide: · Individual Psychotherapy; · Family Therapy; · Couples Therapy (gay and straight); and · Group Therapy. I work with all psychiatric diagnoses and have a particular interest in working with adolescents and adults who are striving to work through childhood wounds in order to lead a more fulfilling life. I also have a special interest in working with individuals with low self-esteem and issues with guilt and shame. BACKGROUND: I worked as an Occupational Therapist for 10 years from 2000-2010. I worked at Denmar Psychiatric Clinic providing individual and group therapy. I also worked in private practice with children and at a school for children with emotional and learning problems. I worked mainly on improving the quality of life of people struggling with psychological discomfort. In 2008 I obtained my Honours degree in Psychology, cum laude, through UNISA; and in 2013 I obtained my Masters degree in Clinical Psychology, summa cum laude, through UNISA. I completed my internship at Sterkfontein Psychiatric Hospital in 2013 and my year of Community Service at the community clinics in Bronkhorstspruit and Dark City in 2014. WORK EXPERIENCE: COMMUNITY SERVICE AT TSHWANE DISTRICT, REGION C: Bronkhorstspruit Clinic and Dark City Clinic Neuropsychological assessments and psychotherapy with individuals, families, and couples of all ages and diagnoses but particularly: · Sexual abuse of woman and children; · Severe, acute trauma; · Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; and · Complicated Bereavement. I designed, implemented and evaluated a programme which addressed adolescent school girls with the aim of empowerment of the community by encouraging survivors of sexual assault to speak out without shame and fear and with the necessary support. INTERNSHIP AT STERKFONTEIN PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL: I worked in the Forensic Unit of Sterkfontein Psychiatric Hospital for eight months where I did: · Psycho-legal work, including high profile neuro-psychological assessments and report writing for the court; · Psychotherapy with state patients in the form of individual-, group- and family therapy with patients of ages ranging from 18 to 65 and all diagnoses including state patients suffering from severe psychopathology and higher functioning state patients waiting for re-classification and placement. I designed, implemented and evaluated a programme designed for state patients diagnosed with severe mental illnesses which is currently being written up for publication. I worked for four months in the Dual Diagnosis Unit designed for patients suffering from a substance abuse disorder and a concurrent mental disorder where I provided individual-, group-, and family therapy for patients of ages raging from 20-60. I also did psychological assessments. For 12 months on a weekly basis I did neuropsychological assessments and provided psychotherapeutic input at community clinics for individuals, families and couples of all ages and all diagnoses but in particular: · Complicated Bereavement; · Personality Disorders; and · Mood- and Anxiety disorders. TRAINING: I obtained theoretical training in the following subjects: · African Epistemology; Basic Therapeutic Skills; Community Psychology; Ecosystemic Psychology; Marriage and Family Therapy; Neuropsychology; Psychological Assessment; and Psychopathology I obtained practical experience in the following:
PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS: - Investigating the effects of a group therapy programme designed for a ward with in-patients in a forensic setting diagnosed with severe mental illnesses (co-authors: Dr. DCJ Hoffman & Prof. U. Subramaney) . o In process for publication o Presented at the South African Psychology Congress (PsySSA) (2013&2015)and at the African Regional Conference of the International Association for Group Psychotherapy and Group Process (IAGP) (2015). - The Importance of differentiation of the self of the psychotherapy trainee. o In process for publication o Presented at the International Congress of Psychology (ICP)( 2012); at the Southern African Students' Psychology Conference ( 2013) and at the European Congress of Psychology (ECP) ( 2013) in Stockholm, Sweden - Ensuring viable structural coupling with a community by gaining entry from a respectful position of informed not-knowing. o In process for publication o Presented at the Southern African Students' Psychology Conference ( 2013) and at the European Congress of Psychology (ECP) July 2013 in Stockholm, Sweden. - DVD review: Virginia Satir: The use of self in therapy (co-authored with Niel Victor), published in: o New Voices in Psychology Vol 8 (1) 2012, pp.129-131; and - Congress report: Honey and Saffron: The 13th European Psychology Congress, Stockholm, Sweden 9-12 July; published in: o New Voices in Psychology Vol 9 (1&2) 2013, pp. 130-133 Credentials B.PSYCH HONS (UNISA); MA. CLIN PSYCH (UNISA) Address: 13 Hazelwood Street, Pretoria (Menlo Park area) Telephone: 071 152 5443 E-mail: sasjavandermerwe@gmail.com HPCSA: 0122874; PRACTICE NUMBER: 0600334 Anxiety in children
Not all fear is bad. In fact, a little fear serves as an insurance policy. "Without fear, we'd jump headlong into things we shouldn't," says Tamar E. Chansky, PhD, author of Freeing Your Child from Anxiety. Ages and stages. Babies and toddlers have little to worry about. For children to worry, they have to imagine the future and bad things that can happen in it. Some of them might fear sudden loud noises, heights, strangers & separation. Fears of an Infant or Toddler · Loud noises or sudden movements · Large looming objects · Strangers · Separation · Changes in the house Fears During Preschool Years · The dark · Noises at night · Robbers · Monsters and ghosts · Animals such as dogs, insects Fears During School Years · Snakes and spiders · Storms and natural disasters · Being home alone · Fear of a teacher who's angry · Scary news or TV shows · Injury, illness, doctors, shots, or death · Fear of failure and rejection School children could fear failure, criticism, exams and physical harm. Children over age eight are more likely to have worries. Worries are when a child thinks about past or future situations. Fear usually occurs in the present. Cause of anxiety and fear. 1. Biological: Some people are more likely to be anxious. It runs in the family . 2. Parenting styles or modelling: children look at you to see how they should react. 3. Life events. Situations that caused trauma. Even a film or story . Children hear everything you say and mimic everything you do, so give them a good example. Ways to support your child 1. Acknowledge your child’s fears. 2. Gently encourage your child to do things they feel anxious about, but don’t push. (Use the stepladder approach.) 3. Praise and give rewards for little victories, don’t criticise their fear or anxiety. One simple thing you can do to maintain calm is to establish a predictable routine. Also, minimize the numbers of caretakers in your child's life. Strong bonding with your child -- through regular touch, eye contact, and talking or singing -- creates a foundation of trust, helping to inoculate your child against future anxiety, too. Approach the fear in steps. Resist the temptation either to overprotect. Instead, give your child opportunities for direct, safe experiences. Talk to a dog's owner and ask, "Is the dog friendly? Can we say 'hi'?" "Or, ask your child, 'Is the dog's tail wagging? That's the sign of a happy dog.'" If you have a friend with a dog, let the "sleeping dog lie" -- and let your child observe. That allows a safe entrance to the world of dogs. Nightmares 1. During 2nd halve of the night 2. Ages 5 – 6 when they become aware of real life 3. Remember it is a normal way of dealing with life’s stresses and does not point out bad parents. How to deal with nightmares 1. Reassure, talk , rub, rock 2. Teach coping skills, positive thoughts, relaxing skills (imagine lying on a beach) By developing her own stories that incorporated deep-breathing, affirmations, and muscular relaxation, she was able to greatly help her own children. 3. Keep monster spray at hand, play Imagine magic. 4. Avoid scary TV shows or storybooks before bedtime How to deal with fear of dark 1. Play fun in the dark: hand figures, treasure hunt. 2. Discuss all fears during the day and practice skills, helping with self confidence. 3. Give a security object like a soft towl, blanket 4. Leave night light on, keep doors open. How to deal with children sneaking to parent’s bed. 1. Try to convince him to stay in his bed 2. Stay with him for a while. 3. Check on him regularly predictably, for trust 4. Set up a star system and give a reward 5. Deal with the issue during daytime by giving reassurance. When to be concerned about anxiety in children When it is interfering with his social life or school work or friendships, it is time to discuss the matter with your health care practitioner. Remember that psychosomatic symptoms develop normally during first school years and that these odd stomach pains or headaches are not necessarily signs of concern. Rescue Remedy (2) This homeopathic stress relief preparation has been used safely and effectively for generations and it comes in a number of convenient forms to suit your particular application: oral drops, a spray, a topical cream, as a lozenge, and in chewing gum form. Rescue Remedy is a blend of 5 of the original 38 Bach Flower Remedies, developed by Dr. Edward Bach a medical physician, turned homeopath and researcher in the 1920's and 1930s. Dr. Bach was an advanced physician for his time and we owe him a great deal for his research on mental and emotional causes of dis-ease. If you would like to learn more about his life and his research, please visit the Bach Centre. Rescue Remedy is comprised of the following 5 individual flower remedies:
According to BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, like other homeopathic preparations, Rescue Remedy is considered safe for pregnant woman, infants, children and people with medical conditions. How does Rescue Remedy actually work? The science of homeopathy is actually based on vibrational and energy medicine. There is no actual active ingredient in a homeopathic remedy, as the original ingredients have been diluted so many times that all that is left is an energetic and vibrational imprint. This is what makes it so safe, as well as so powerful. References: 1.Tamar E. Chansky, PhD, author of Freeing Your Child from Anxiety. 2.http://www.doctor-recommended-stress-relief.com/Dr Lisa This week in our Mom and Baby workshops we will be discussing fear and anxiety in our children and how to best handle and treat the situation.
We will cover: · Fear of dark, strangers, seperation · Fear of monsters, thunder · Bad dreams · How to manage fear · The benefits of Phosphorus When: Tuesday , 4 August 2015 Time: 10h00 – 11h00 Join us for a relaxed informative session with some other mommies and babes. It takes place at our Health Care Centre, every First Tuesday of each month. Refreshments are served Please kindly give us a call to book your spot. Why the bum? |
1. Pelvic stabilisation The gluteus maximus is the strongest and biggest muscle of the body. It plays an important role in pelvic stabilisation. Co-contraction of the gluteus maximus with the psoas major (see picture on the right) contributes to lumbo-sacral (lower back and pelvic region) stabilisation. |
The gluteus maximus provides stability to the sacroiliac joint (SI joint) (see picture on the left) by bracing and compression. Excess movement at the SI joint would compromise the intervertebral joints and disc and could lead to SI joint dysfunction and low back pain. The gluteal muscles stabilise the hip by counteracting gravity and maintaining proper leg alignment.
1. Spine stabilisation
The gluteus maximus allows us to maintain an upright position. The gluteus maximus also provides lower back stability through its connection with the erector spinae (deep muscles in the back that keep the back upright). Some of its fibres are continuous with the fibres of the erector spinae. A contraction of the gluteus maximus will generate tension in the erector spinae muscle on the same side, providing stiffness to the spinal column.
2. Movement
The gluteus maximus is a hip extensor (hip extension is the movement where the leg moves towards the back of the body). The gluteal muscles play a very big role in sufficient and efficient movement. Weak gluteal muscles will cause movement problems and compensations that can lead to injuries.
Gluteal amnesia
Gluteal amnesia is a condition where your body can’t or forgets how to properly activate the gluteal muscles, whether it’s due to postural flaws or lack of use. As a result, you may lose the ability to move your hips through a full range of motion which adds stress to your knee, lower back, and even your shoulder joints!
The gluteus maximus allows us to maintain an upright position. The gluteus maximus also provides lower back stability through its connection with the erector spinae (deep muscles in the back that keep the back upright). Some of its fibres are continuous with the fibres of the erector spinae. A contraction of the gluteus maximus will generate tension in the erector spinae muscle on the same side, providing stiffness to the spinal column.
2. Movement
The gluteus maximus is a hip extensor (hip extension is the movement where the leg moves towards the back of the body). The gluteal muscles play a very big role in sufficient and efficient movement. Weak gluteal muscles will cause movement problems and compensations that can lead to injuries.
Gluteal amnesia
Gluteal amnesia is a condition where your body can’t or forgets how to properly activate the gluteal muscles, whether it’s due to postural flaws or lack of use. As a result, you may lose the ability to move your hips through a full range of motion which adds stress to your knee, lower back, and even your shoulder joints!
Testing to see if the gluteal muscles are weak?
There is a test you can do to determine if your glutes are weak. To start this test, stand in front of a chair (facing the chair) and with your feet under the chair and your knees touching the seat. Now squat down and try not to let your knees push into the chair. If you find that your knees are hitting the chair or you are even moving the chair, your glutes are not working properly. If the knees come forward into the chair, you are initiating the squat movement with your quads. This places unnecessary stress on the knees and ankles. The object of this assessment is to try to initiate the squat from the hips (i.e. stick your butt out before your try to bend your knees). Starting a squat from the hips will engage the gluteus maximus.
What causes the gluteal muscles to weaken?
When considering the human body, we know that some muscles are more prone to inhibition than others, and the glutes are one of these “easily-inhibited” muscles. Here are some of the reasons your glutes may be weak or inhibited:
There is a test you can do to determine if your glutes are weak. To start this test, stand in front of a chair (facing the chair) and with your feet under the chair and your knees touching the seat. Now squat down and try not to let your knees push into the chair. If you find that your knees are hitting the chair or you are even moving the chair, your glutes are not working properly. If the knees come forward into the chair, you are initiating the squat movement with your quads. This places unnecessary stress on the knees and ankles. The object of this assessment is to try to initiate the squat from the hips (i.e. stick your butt out before your try to bend your knees). Starting a squat from the hips will engage the gluteus maximus.
What causes the gluteal muscles to weaken?
When considering the human body, we know that some muscles are more prone to inhibition than others, and the glutes are one of these “easily-inhibited” muscles. Here are some of the reasons your glutes may be weak or inhibited:
1. Inactivity
Probably the biggest reason why the glutes shut down is due to inactivity. If you fail to consistently activate a muscle, and you fail to regularly activate a muscle to high levels of capacity, it will inevitably quit working properly. If you spend long periods of time sitting in a chair, then the front of the hips (psoas) become short and tight, while the back of the hips (gluteal muscles) become long and weak. Soon the body forgets how to use the gluteal muscles because it will divert the neural signal intended for them to a stronger muscle close by to do the job instead. Gluteal inhibition can negatively impact posture, and poor posture can further inhibit the glutes, thereby creating a downward spiral in gluteal function.
Probably the biggest reason why the glutes shut down is due to inactivity. If you fail to consistently activate a muscle, and you fail to regularly activate a muscle to high levels of capacity, it will inevitably quit working properly. If you spend long periods of time sitting in a chair, then the front of the hips (psoas) become short and tight, while the back of the hips (gluteal muscles) become long and weak. Soon the body forgets how to use the gluteal muscles because it will divert the neural signal intended for them to a stronger muscle close by to do the job instead. Gluteal inhibition can negatively impact posture, and poor posture can further inhibit the glutes, thereby creating a downward spiral in gluteal function.
2. Pain
Pain is a huge inhibitor of the gluteus maximus. The glutes can become inhibited with just about any lower body or spinal injury. Following injury, most people simply keep on keeping on, and their movement patterns suffer. Rather than experiencing proper glute function during movement, they rely on other muscles to get the job done. This will cause many postural and gait compensations. The body is resilient and will find a way to prevail. Next time you go for an early morning drive, pay attention to the joggers. You’ll notice that not many of them appear athletic or possess good running posture. Sadly, most look like they’re “speed-limping.” This is due to compensating for, most likely, weak glutes.
What can happen if my gluteal muscles are weak?
Inhibition and delayed activation of the gluteal muscles can in time lead to weakness of these muscles. Gluteal inhibition negatively affects performance and lower body strength and is a root cause for many injuries and chronic pain. Injuries that can result from weakened glutes include:
Pain is a huge inhibitor of the gluteus maximus. The glutes can become inhibited with just about any lower body or spinal injury. Following injury, most people simply keep on keeping on, and their movement patterns suffer. Rather than experiencing proper glute function during movement, they rely on other muscles to get the job done. This will cause many postural and gait compensations. The body is resilient and will find a way to prevail. Next time you go for an early morning drive, pay attention to the joggers. You’ll notice that not many of them appear athletic or possess good running posture. Sadly, most look like they’re “speed-limping.” This is due to compensating for, most likely, weak glutes.
What can happen if my gluteal muscles are weak?
Inhibition and delayed activation of the gluteal muscles can in time lead to weakness of these muscles. Gluteal inhibition negatively affects performance and lower body strength and is a root cause for many injuries and chronic pain. Injuries that can result from weakened glutes include:
1. Hamstring strains
Due to delayed gluteus maximus activity, the hamstring muscles become dominant during hip extension, which can cause hamstring strains. A lot of athletes that pulled a hamstring keep suffering re-injuries despite their focus and efforts to strengthen the hamstrings. They are reinforcing a compensation pattern instead of reactivating their inhibited glutes.
2. Low back pain
Gluteus maximus activation plays an important role in stabilising the pelvis during the task of lifting. Delayed gluteus maximus activation causes excessive compensation of the back extensors. The lower back becomes dominant and the glutes are neglected. The body is an interconnected system. If the muscles do not fire where and when they’re supposed to, other muscles compensate, which can result in strain or injury. For example – weak glutes can’t stabilise your pelvis, and cause it to tilt forward, putting pressure on your lower spine. The lower back can be injured if it is forced to do the hip extending job of the glutes.
3. Knee pain
The excessive internal rotation of the femur (inward movement of the leg) as a result of glute weakness increases the pressure on the knee cartilage.
4. Hip pain
Decreased force production from the gluteus maximus during hip extension could lead to increased force and wear and tear on the hip joint structures.
5. Lower-body malalignment
Weak glutes results in postural compensation which in turn leads to poor posture. Over time, compensation causes muscle imbalances, trigger points in muscles, and overuse injury.
Due to delayed gluteus maximus activity, the hamstring muscles become dominant during hip extension, which can cause hamstring strains. A lot of athletes that pulled a hamstring keep suffering re-injuries despite their focus and efforts to strengthen the hamstrings. They are reinforcing a compensation pattern instead of reactivating their inhibited glutes.
2. Low back pain
Gluteus maximus activation plays an important role in stabilising the pelvis during the task of lifting. Delayed gluteus maximus activation causes excessive compensation of the back extensors. The lower back becomes dominant and the glutes are neglected. The body is an interconnected system. If the muscles do not fire where and when they’re supposed to, other muscles compensate, which can result in strain or injury. For example – weak glutes can’t stabilise your pelvis, and cause it to tilt forward, putting pressure on your lower spine. The lower back can be injured if it is forced to do the hip extending job of the glutes.
3. Knee pain
The excessive internal rotation of the femur (inward movement of the leg) as a result of glute weakness increases the pressure on the knee cartilage.
4. Hip pain
Decreased force production from the gluteus maximus during hip extension could lead to increased force and wear and tear on the hip joint structures.
5. Lower-body malalignment
Weak glutes results in postural compensation which in turn leads to poor posture. Over time, compensation causes muscle imbalances, trigger points in muscles, and overuse injury.
How to re-activate the gluteal muscles
Because of compensatory patterns it may be difficult to target and strengthen the glutes. Re-activating your glutes will improve your core stability, prevent lower-body injuries and enhance sport performance and daily activities.
During the “re-education” process, it’s important to have proper perspective. You might have been walking around with a gluteal imbalance for over a decade, therefore it’s going to take some time to rewire your body. If it takes a few months for the problem to normalize, so be it. Each session you’ll be a little bit closer to your goal, so be patient.
There’s a neural and muscular component to fixing the issue. When your glutes are weak, they don’t know how to activate. You need to get it easily-excitable through neural re-education, and then you can focus on increasing strength. If the gluteus maximus firing pattern is so far off that they cannot activate, doing squats and other types of glute exercises will only make the problem worse if you are not using the proper muscle at the proper time to achieve the motion. Retraining the brain to tell the glutes to contract (neuromuscular coordination) is an important part of beginning a glute strengthening program.
Because of compensatory patterns it may be difficult to target and strengthen the glutes. Re-activating your glutes will improve your core stability, prevent lower-body injuries and enhance sport performance and daily activities.
During the “re-education” process, it’s important to have proper perspective. You might have been walking around with a gluteal imbalance for over a decade, therefore it’s going to take some time to rewire your body. If it takes a few months for the problem to normalize, so be it. Each session you’ll be a little bit closer to your goal, so be patient.
There’s a neural and muscular component to fixing the issue. When your glutes are weak, they don’t know how to activate. You need to get it easily-excitable through neural re-education, and then you can focus on increasing strength. If the gluteus maximus firing pattern is so far off that they cannot activate, doing squats and other types of glute exercises will only make the problem worse if you are not using the proper muscle at the proper time to achieve the motion. Retraining the brain to tell the glutes to contract (neuromuscular coordination) is an important part of beginning a glute strengthening program.
Posture plays an important factor in gluteal activation. A postural flaw that can lead to gluteal amnesia is known as anterior pelvic tilt. This occurs when the pelvis tilts forward and the stomach protrudes. The forward tilt of the pelvis stretches your gluteals into a relaxed state which decreases your ability to properly activate them. You can increase pelvic stability while simultaneously decreasing knee and back pain with the right exercises. Increasing pelvic stability means that you are re-training your muscles to pull the pelvis back into a neutral position so that your gluteal muscles can be activated efficiently. Tight hip flexors are also characteristic of anterior pelvic tilt. If your hip flexors become too tight, they rotate your pelvis forward, overstretching your abdominal and gluteal muscles. Massaging and stretching the hip flexors can help you to better activate the gluteals. As mentioned, the abdominals are also affected in an anterior pelvic tilt posture. The abdominals prevent anterior pelvic tilt. However, they are unable to do their job if they are in a relaxed state. Properly training the abdominals will help to bring the pelvis into a neutral position so that you are better able to use your gluteals.
It is important to seek professional help when attempting any sort of rehabilitation, so consult your Biokineticist or Physiotherapist before starting an exercise programme.
Stay healthy,
Wilna Pretorius
Biokineticst
Life • Health • Movement
It is important to seek professional help when attempting any sort of rehabilitation, so consult your Biokineticist or Physiotherapist before starting an exercise programme.
Stay healthy,
Wilna Pretorius
Biokineticst
Life • Health • Movement
A Person’s body is covered in organisms, such as bacteria and parasites.
The reason why we are not permanently ill is because we have an immune system. Our body is a pipe that starts at the mouth and ends at the anus. Most of our body activities happen inside and outside the pipe.
1. First line of Defense (Barrier or shell)
Skin, mucous membrane, hair in the nose and ears, body secretions like sweat, earwax and tears, urine, tummy juices.
2. Second line of defense
A battle between the invader and the immune system begins.
Inflammatory response: Increased blood circulation, bringing along the different White blood cells. (Leucocytes) The area becomes painful, hot and red and swollen due to the increase of blood and proteins. There are several different types of leukocytes (white blood cells): neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and macrophages.
3. Third line of defense
Immune response, anti- bodies are formed and a cell memory is built.
The reason why we are not permanently ill is because we have an immune system. Our body is a pipe that starts at the mouth and ends at the anus. Most of our body activities happen inside and outside the pipe.
1. First line of Defense (Barrier or shell)
Skin, mucous membrane, hair in the nose and ears, body secretions like sweat, earwax and tears, urine, tummy juices.
2. Second line of defense
A battle between the invader and the immune system begins.
Inflammatory response: Increased blood circulation, bringing along the different White blood cells. (Leucocytes) The area becomes painful, hot and red and swollen due to the increase of blood and proteins. There are several different types of leukocytes (white blood cells): neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and macrophages.
3. Third line of defense
Immune response, anti- bodies are formed and a cell memory is built.
How can we help our bodies?
Keep in mind the three different lines of defense:
1. Hygiene, washing hands and don’t share crockery and cutlery.
Protect the mucous membrane – sleep with a humidifier in the room
Hydrate your body cells by drinking plenty of water.
Look after your gut by maintaining a good ph balance. Avoid sugar, eat raw veggies and take your pre- and pro- biotic.
2. Give the inflammatory process time, do not suppress it.
Good diet rich in Zinc, Omega 3 and Vitamin C. Exercise rest and sleep.
All the above measures feed and maintain the body cells, lymph cells and blood cells that is needed to fight the battle.
3. Give the Immune response time to develop. Don’t take unnecessary antibiotics
Make use of alternative therapies like homoeopathy. (Huis renovate story)
The Homoeopathic approach
The classical homoeopath would give one remedy at a time, trying to match as much as possible symptoms of the patient with as much as possible characteristics of the remedy. This is time consuming and hard work, but once a practitioner gets the hang of it, it becomes most rewarding. Complex remedies on the other hand contains a group of remedies, all targeting the disease in order to bring about the desired results.
Echinacae
Echinacae is a well-known remedy often used to improve the immune system and many homoeopathic formulations contains Echinacae.
Echinacea is a genus, or group of herbaceous flowering plants in the daisy family, Asteraceae.
The generic name is derived from the Greek word ἐχῖνος (echino), meaning "sea urchin," due to the spiny central disk. These flowering plants and their parts have different purposes. Some species are cultivated in gardens for their showy flowers, and some are traditionally used to treat and prevent common cold, flu, and other infections.
References
Sunset Western Garden Book, 1995:60
Kelly, Kindscher. "The Conservation Status of Echinacea Species" (PDF).USDA. Retrieved 29 October 2014.
The Plant List search for Echinacea
Perry, Ann. 2010. Exploring Echinacea’s Enigmatic Origins. United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service
Keep in mind the three different lines of defense:
1. Hygiene, washing hands and don’t share crockery and cutlery.
Protect the mucous membrane – sleep with a humidifier in the room
Hydrate your body cells by drinking plenty of water.
Look after your gut by maintaining a good ph balance. Avoid sugar, eat raw veggies and take your pre- and pro- biotic.
2. Give the inflammatory process time, do not suppress it.
Good diet rich in Zinc, Omega 3 and Vitamin C. Exercise rest and sleep.
All the above measures feed and maintain the body cells, lymph cells and blood cells that is needed to fight the battle.
3. Give the Immune response time to develop. Don’t take unnecessary antibiotics
Make use of alternative therapies like homoeopathy. (Huis renovate story)
The Homoeopathic approach
The classical homoeopath would give one remedy at a time, trying to match as much as possible symptoms of the patient with as much as possible characteristics of the remedy. This is time consuming and hard work, but once a practitioner gets the hang of it, it becomes most rewarding. Complex remedies on the other hand contains a group of remedies, all targeting the disease in order to bring about the desired results.
Echinacae
Echinacae is a well-known remedy often used to improve the immune system and many homoeopathic formulations contains Echinacae.
Echinacea is a genus, or group of herbaceous flowering plants in the daisy family, Asteraceae.
The generic name is derived from the Greek word ἐχῖνος (echino), meaning "sea urchin," due to the spiny central disk. These flowering plants and their parts have different purposes. Some species are cultivated in gardens for their showy flowers, and some are traditionally used to treat and prevent common cold, flu, and other infections.
References
Sunset Western Garden Book, 1995:60
Kelly, Kindscher. "The Conservation Status of Echinacea Species" (PDF).USDA. Retrieved 29 October 2014.
The Plant List search for Echinacea
Perry, Ann. 2010. Exploring Echinacea’s Enigmatic Origins. United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service
FIRST TRIMESTER:
In the first few weeks of pregnancy, the embryo develops three layers of cells.
· The Endoderm: it will eventually become your baby's digestive system.
· The Mesoderm: it is the source of the sex organs, bones, kidneys and muscles.
· The Ectoderm, or outer layer, develops into the nervous system, hair, skin and eyes.
At its most basic level, the digestive system is a series of tubes leading from the mouth to the anus.
By about 8 weeks’ gestation, that tube is starting to form along with the stomach.
By about week 10, the stomach starts to produce digestive juices and enzymes. For now, your baby is getting all his nutrition from you, via the placenta and umbilical cord (and he’s sending the waste right back into the placenta). Her own digestive system won’t take over for real until she is born and starts consuming breast milk or formula.
SECOND TRIMESTER:
Early in the second trimester, around week 13, the digestive system’s structures are fully formed and in the right places. Now it’s time for practice: Baby begins to suck and swallow amniotic fluid and the muscles and organs that make up the digestive system start to contract. He also pees every 40 minutes. These are all tasks that baby will rely on for digestion once she’s out in the world, consuming breast milk, formula and eventually solid food.
THIRD TRIMESTER:
The digestive system continues to practice its waste management duties, but it won’t be fully ready for prime time until your baby is born and starts taking all her nutrition by mouth (instead of by umbilical cord).
Still, in the final weeks of pregnancy, the digestive system gets ready for its own first delivery: meconium starts to build up in the intestine. This is baby’s first bowel movement. Instead of food, it’s made up of the stuff your baby collected in his intestines while in utero (like old blood cells and skin cells), which is why it looks so drastically different from the baby poop yet to come.
In the first few weeks of pregnancy, the embryo develops three layers of cells.
· The Endoderm: it will eventually become your baby's digestive system.
· The Mesoderm: it is the source of the sex organs, bones, kidneys and muscles.
· The Ectoderm, or outer layer, develops into the nervous system, hair, skin and eyes.
At its most basic level, the digestive system is a series of tubes leading from the mouth to the anus.
By about 8 weeks’ gestation, that tube is starting to form along with the stomach.
By about week 10, the stomach starts to produce digestive juices and enzymes. For now, your baby is getting all his nutrition from you, via the placenta and umbilical cord (and he’s sending the waste right back into the placenta). Her own digestive system won’t take over for real until she is born and starts consuming breast milk or formula.
SECOND TRIMESTER:
Early in the second trimester, around week 13, the digestive system’s structures are fully formed and in the right places. Now it’s time for practice: Baby begins to suck and swallow amniotic fluid and the muscles and organs that make up the digestive system start to contract. He also pees every 40 minutes. These are all tasks that baby will rely on for digestion once she’s out in the world, consuming breast milk, formula and eventually solid food.
THIRD TRIMESTER:
The digestive system continues to practice its waste management duties, but it won’t be fully ready for prime time until your baby is born and starts taking all her nutrition by mouth (instead of by umbilical cord).
Still, in the final weeks of pregnancy, the digestive system gets ready for its own first delivery: meconium starts to build up in the intestine. This is baby’s first bowel movement. Instead of food, it’s made up of the stuff your baby collected in his intestines while in utero (like old blood cells and skin cells), which is why it looks so drastically different from the baby poop yet to come.
FIRST WEEKS AFTER BIRTH
During gestation, your baby received nutrients and disposed of waste products through the placenta. At birth, this changed abruptly, but your newborn's digestive system is still very immature. As a result, he may lose up to 10 percent of his body weight in the first days of his life, as he adjusts to using his digestive system. Because a newborn's stomach is small, your infant needs frequent feedings. Breast milk is high in fat because that's the most efficient way for your baby to meet his caloric needs. Ounce for ounce, fat contains over twice as many calories as proteins or carbohydrates.
Your baby’s tummy is about the size of a small marble at birth. After three days, it is about the size of a ping-pong ball, but still can’t hold much.1
Until she is about 4 months old, your baby’s tummy can hold only small amounts of milk at a time. Too much milk during feedings can cause your baby to spit up or be fussy.
Spitting up can happen when your baby:
· Burps (this is called a wet burp)
· Eats too much
· Swallows too much air
There is no reason to worry about these common causes for your baby spitting up. It is not painful, and most babies do not even realize they have done it. As long as your baby is healthy and gaining weight, it is simply part of the development process. It might seem like a lot, but the amount of liquid your baby spits up might not be as much as you think. One tablespoon is normal, but it looks like a lot.
WHAT IS COLIC?
The cause of colic is unknown. Researchers have explored a number of possibilities, including allergies, lactose intolerance, changes in the normal bacteria found in the digestive system, a digestive system that hasn't fully developed, anxious parents, and differences in the way a baby is fed or comforted. Yet it's still unclear why some babies have colic and others don't.
The "Rule Of Threes."
When infants cry for three or more hours a day at least three days a week for three weeks or more, it could be colic.
Colic generally begins at 2 to 3 weeks; it is unusual after 3 months.
Fussing and crying are normal for infants, and a fussy baby doesn't necessarily have colic. In an otherwise healthy, well-fed baby, signs of colic include:
· Predictable crying episodes.
· Intense or inconsolable crying.
· Crying that occurs for no apparent reason.
· Posture changes. Curled up legs, clenched fists and tensed abdominal muscles.
· It usually starts a few weeks after birth and often improves by age 3 months. By ages 4 to 5 months, the majority of babies with colic have improved.
THE HOMOEOPATHIC APPROACH
If we understand the stages through which a new born baby’s digestive system develops, then it is easier to stay calm when baby has reflux, gas, diarrhea and some discomfort. Crying is your baby’s only way of telling you something is bothering him. It does not always mean he is experiencing serious discomfort. Check first to see if he is too cool or warm, hungry, gassy, or tired, or if he needs a diaper change.
Colic improves on its own, often by age 3 months. Unfortunately, there are no proven treatments that consistently help every baby. Treatments that have been tried include:
· Gas & Cramp -relief medications:
· Calming the tummy nerves
· Probiotics. Probiotics are substances that help maintain the natural balance of "good" bacteria in the digestive tract. This kind of treatment is relative expensive so do not experiment without seeking advice from a knowledgeable practitioner.
During gestation, your baby received nutrients and disposed of waste products through the placenta. At birth, this changed abruptly, but your newborn's digestive system is still very immature. As a result, he may lose up to 10 percent of his body weight in the first days of his life, as he adjusts to using his digestive system. Because a newborn's stomach is small, your infant needs frequent feedings. Breast milk is high in fat because that's the most efficient way for your baby to meet his caloric needs. Ounce for ounce, fat contains over twice as many calories as proteins or carbohydrates.
Your baby’s tummy is about the size of a small marble at birth. After three days, it is about the size of a ping-pong ball, but still can’t hold much.1
Until she is about 4 months old, your baby’s tummy can hold only small amounts of milk at a time. Too much milk during feedings can cause your baby to spit up or be fussy.
Spitting up can happen when your baby:
· Burps (this is called a wet burp)
· Eats too much
· Swallows too much air
There is no reason to worry about these common causes for your baby spitting up. It is not painful, and most babies do not even realize they have done it. As long as your baby is healthy and gaining weight, it is simply part of the development process. It might seem like a lot, but the amount of liquid your baby spits up might not be as much as you think. One tablespoon is normal, but it looks like a lot.
WHAT IS COLIC?
The cause of colic is unknown. Researchers have explored a number of possibilities, including allergies, lactose intolerance, changes in the normal bacteria found in the digestive system, a digestive system that hasn't fully developed, anxious parents, and differences in the way a baby is fed or comforted. Yet it's still unclear why some babies have colic and others don't.
The "Rule Of Threes."
When infants cry for three or more hours a day at least three days a week for three weeks or more, it could be colic.
Colic generally begins at 2 to 3 weeks; it is unusual after 3 months.
Fussing and crying are normal for infants, and a fussy baby doesn't necessarily have colic. In an otherwise healthy, well-fed baby, signs of colic include:
· Predictable crying episodes.
· Intense or inconsolable crying.
· Crying that occurs for no apparent reason.
· Posture changes. Curled up legs, clenched fists and tensed abdominal muscles.
· It usually starts a few weeks after birth and often improves by age 3 months. By ages 4 to 5 months, the majority of babies with colic have improved.
THE HOMOEOPATHIC APPROACH
If we understand the stages through which a new born baby’s digestive system develops, then it is easier to stay calm when baby has reflux, gas, diarrhea and some discomfort. Crying is your baby’s only way of telling you something is bothering him. It does not always mean he is experiencing serious discomfort. Check first to see if he is too cool or warm, hungry, gassy, or tired, or if he needs a diaper change.
Colic improves on its own, often by age 3 months. Unfortunately, there are no proven treatments that consistently help every baby. Treatments that have been tried include:
· Gas & Cramp -relief medications:
· Calming the tummy nerves
· Probiotics. Probiotics are substances that help maintain the natural balance of "good" bacteria in the digestive tract. This kind of treatment is relative expensive so do not experiment without seeking advice from a knowledgeable practitioner.
Homoeopathic remedies that can be considered:
· Carbo vegetabilis is indicated for flatulence, and burning crampy, stomach pain.
· Magnesium Phosphoricum is used to treat abdominal bloating and flatulent colic.
· Strychnos nux-vomica is indicated for flatulence, symptoms that are associated with mental strain and rritability.
All the above remedies are found in Natura Magen.
· Carbo vegetabilis is indicated for flatulence, and burning crampy, stomach pain.
· Magnesium Phosphoricum is used to treat abdominal bloating and flatulent colic.
· Strychnos nux-vomica is indicated for flatulence, symptoms that are associated with mental strain and rritability.
All the above remedies are found in Natura Magen.
· Achillea millefolium relieves acute pain in the pit of the stomach.
· Arnica montana relieves stomach pain and abdominal discomfort associated with loose stools and aversion to touch.
· Calendula officinalis quietens apparent hunger in a baby who has just nursed.
· Centaurium erythraea helps relieve gripping abdominal pains and colic with excessive flatulence and which tends to be more severe at night.
· Matricaria recutita (Chamomilla) is indicated for painful teething, regurgitation of food, abdominal distension and colic accompanied by loose stools.
All the above remedies are found in Natura Cesranol
· Arnica montana relieves stomach pain and abdominal discomfort associated with loose stools and aversion to touch.
· Calendula officinalis quietens apparent hunger in a baby who has just nursed.
· Centaurium erythraea helps relieve gripping abdominal pains and colic with excessive flatulence and which tends to be more severe at night.
· Matricaria recutita (Chamomilla) is indicated for painful teething, regurgitation of food, abdominal distension and colic accompanied by loose stools.
All the above remedies are found in Natura Cesranol
- Banisteropsis caapi relieves nervous hypersensitivity.
- Cuprum aceticum helps treat spasmodic pains in stomach and abdomen.
- Magnesium phosphoricum has anti-spasmodic and analgesic action on all muscular tissue and treats twitches, and spasmodic, colicky pain.
- Veratrum viride has anti-congestive action and treats twitches and hiccoughs.
- Verbena officinalis has a general anti-spasmodic properties.
- Zincum metallicum acts on the central nervous system to treat muscular twitches, difficult teething, hiccough and flatulent colic.
All the above remedies are found in Natura Sedaped
Good advice
A good support system gives you a much needed break when your baby’s crying becomes overwhelming. Ask for help from your partner or a family member to get relief or sleep when you need it. If the crying makes you feel like you might lose control, calmly and safely place your baby in a crib, and step away briefly to collect your thoughts and calm down. Feeling overwhelmed is only temporary — never shake an infant.
Resources:
All content here, including advice from doctors and other health professionals, should be considered as opinion only. Always seek the direct advice of your own practitioner in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.
www.livestrong.com › Diseases and Conditions
1. Spangler AK, et al. J Hum Lact. 2008;24:199-205.
2. Behrman RE, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 16th ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders Co., 2000:165.
3. Samour PQ and King K. Handbook of Pediatric Nutrition. 3rd ed. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers, 2005:90.
4. Fomon SJ. Infant Nutrition. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders Co., 1974:24.
Mayo Clinic Staff
Natura Website - http://www.comedhealth.co.za/
By Sister Alida Idema
“Science hadn’t given me a framework for understanding how a minute amount of a substance could alleviate pain or the flu; much less facilitate emotional or spiritual transformation. But over the past 20 years, I’ve watched homeopathy assist hundreds of patients with their healing process.” ~ Dr. Carrie Demers, MD, is a holistic physician who blends modern medicine with traditional approaches to health.
Watch out for our informative talks on the application of homoeopathy in common dis-ease. It takes place at our Health Care Centre, every First Tuesday of each month.
Most households have a first aid kit containing plasters and ointments. You may wish to make up your own homoeopathic home kit as well, building on it as you need them and as you gain knowledge and experience.
Homeopathy will prepare you for most minor emergencies. All that remains is for you to practice – the more you practice, the more you learn, the better you become. Your homoeopathic practitioner is just a phone call away and the friendly staff at the Naturopathic Health Care Centre is always willing to assist.
While it is always important to seek medical advice for serious injuries and situations, don’t forget that even here, homeopathy can help. A few doses of the needed remedy while the ambulance is on the way can make all the difference when every minute counts.
30 common ailments, accidents and injuries:
1. Anaphylaxis: Aconite; Apis Mellifera.
2. Bedwetting: Causticum, Belladonna, Rhus Tox
3. Bites and stings: Apis Mellifera; Arnica; Canthharis; Ledum.
4. Blisters: Cantharis; Rhus-tox.
5. Bruises: Arnica; Ledum.
6. Burns and scalds: Cantharis; Urtica-urens.
7. Colds & Coughs: Aconite, Euphrasia
8. Cuts, scrapes and puncture wounds: Arnica; Calendula; Hypericum; Ledum.
9. Dental Work & surgery: Arnica; Hypericum; Ruta, Staphysagrae.
10. Dehidration: China
11. Electroshock: Phoshorus.
12. Eye injuries: Arnica; Ledum; Euphrasia; Symphytum.
13. Fatigue and exhaustion: Kali phos, Arnica, Nux vom
14. Food poisoning: Arsenicum-album; Nux-vomica.
15. Fractures: Arnica; Symphytum.
16. Headache: Belladonna, Nux Vomica, Glonoin
17. Heat stroke or exhaustion: Belladonna; Glonoin.
18. Hyperventilation: Aconite.
19. Motion sickness: Cocculus; Tabacum.
20. Nosebleeds: Arnica; Phoshorus, Hypericum
21. Nausea and overindulgence: Nux-vomica
22. Panic and Shock: Aconite.
23. Skin conditions: Rhus tox, Urtica urens
24. Sleep problems: Chamomilla, Valeriana, Hypericum
25. Splinters and thorns: Silicae.
26. Sprains and strains: Arnica; Hypericum; Ledum; Rhus-t; Ruta.
27. Teething: Calc carb, Chamomilla
28. Toothache: Arnica, Belladonna, Hypericum
29. Travel sickness: Cocculus, Tabacum
30. Wounds: Staphysagria
30 Common First Aid Remedies:
The following remedies are some of the most commonly used homoeopathic remedies to treat people in first aid situations. Study them and choose only ten for a start. Keep in pillule form for stability as you are not using them all the time.
1. Aconite: is a good remedy when chills, fevers, coughs, croup etc. come with a rapid onset. Also a great remedy for mental/emotional fright or shock after bad news, or an accident.
2. Antimonium Crudum: Works very good for sunstrokes – heat strokes. A very good summer remedy.
3. Apis Mellifica: Can be used for various types of swelling and inflammation caused by animal or insect bites and stings.
4. Argentum nitricum: Stomach upsets. The rushed and hurried diarrhoea, sickness, bloating, flatulence and headache you might get from nervous anticipation. It’s wonderful for pre-driving test, or pre-flight nerves.
5. Arnica: It is basically for any physical shock or trauma. Give first in any accident or injury, for bruises, bumps and bangs. Use in ointment where the skin is unbroken, if broken use Calendula.
6. Arsenicum album: One of the leading remedies for diarrhea, especially from food poisoning and flu. It is a perfect remedy to relieve “upset tummy” from unfamiliar foods.
7. Belladonna: Illnesses that come on suddenly and violently, resulting in throbbing pain, redness and swelling. Belladonna. Ear problems are especially prevalent; the sufferer will literally be driven mad with pain. It is particularly useful in measles and almost specific for scarlet fever, though these illnesses are no longer common. Most sunstroke responds well to Belladonna.
8. Calcarea Carb: for slow difficult teething in children.
9. Calendula: It is nature’s own natural antibiotic and also stops bleeding very well. Use in an ointment form for open wounds, cuts, sores, burns, and similar injuries. Helps relieve infection.
10. Cantharis: For burns, particularly ones that blister.
11. Carbo Veg: is a number one remedy for resuscitation. It is also called the "Homoeopathic corpse reviver". This remedy has saved many lives. Symptoms at their most extreme are complete state of collapse due to oxygen starvation. Body is cold, pale or blue.
12. Chamomila: A favorite child’s remedy particularly for ear ache and teething.
13. China: for dehydration. Complaints often arise after loss of fluids / severe dehydration (e.g. after fever or diarrhea).
14. Cocculus: For sea sickness and travel sickness.
15. Colocynth: For colic, tummy aches, diarrhea.
16. Euphrasia officinalis: Comes from the herb, eyebright, and relieves persistent pain following the removal of a foreign object, or irritated, streaming eyes and nose.
17. Glonoinum: Suits heat stroke in which there is a congestive headache, surging of blood to head and heart, and pulsating pains.
18. Hepar Sulphuricum: For sore throats, or loss of voice.
19. Hypericum: Never to be used on open wounds. Also works well for nosebleed. It can be taken before and after dental extractions and any other surgery. Have great anti-tetanus properties. For injuries to parts with high nerve fibres such as the mouth, tongue, fingers, etc. Great for the "caught the finger in the car door" or any other "crush" injuries. For paper cuts, it closes them up immediately.
20. Ledum: Puncture wounds and blunt trauma to the eyes. Insect bites and stings.
21. Nux vomica: Stomach upsets, headaches and hangovers caused by over-indulgence.
22. Phosphorus: Bleeding wounds/nose bleeds. Phosphorus stops bleeding virtually instantaneously.
23. Rhus tox: Bruised, sore muscles and joints. This patient has stiff, sore joints and muscles but is better for movement. Rhus tox can be used for skin conditions that present like “poison ivy” rashes, for example chicken pox and shingles.
24. Ruta grav: Strained joints and ligaments. Ruta helps with ligaments and tendon injuries, where Rhus tox is more muscular.
25. Silicea terra: The ‘homeopathic scalpel’. When used for embedded foreign substances it helps the body expel them.
26. Staphysagria: Lacerated wounds. It can be used prophylactically for open surgery. Keyhole surgery would be better with Ledum.
27. Symphytum officinale: The main remedy for fractures once the bone has been set. – don’t use before, use Arnica instead. Also useful for punctured or ruptured eyeballs.
28. Tabacum: A good motion sickness remedy when there is nausea, dizziness, chills, and sweating. Symptoms are worsened by tobacco smoke.
29. Urtica urens: Skin conditions. As the name suggests this is useful for urticaria, but only the sort that produces little vesicles and/or raised lumps like nettle rash. It’s great for “prickly heat”. Urtica can be used for minor burns and scalds as well.
30. Valeriana officinalis: Most commonly known for it sedative properties, Valeriana officinalis may be prescribed for nervousness, stress, anxiety, hysteria and insomnia. It may also help with muscle cramps and reducing blood pressure.
Dosage and directions:
1. Potency: If you are just starting out with homoeopathy it is recommended that you stock your kit in the 12th potency. If you are more experienced you may choose to stock some remedies in the 30th potency.
2. Frequency: It depends on the intensity of the complaint – the more intense the symptoms, the more frequent the dose.
3. Golden rule of homeopathy: is that once symptoms start to improve, stop taking the remedy. Only re-dose if improvement slows or symptoms start to return. This approach avoids too-frequent doses of the remedy that may cause an aggravation – a temporary intensification of symptoms. While aggravations are usually mild and not harmful, they are also unnecessary and show that too much of the remedy has been taken.
Reference:
http://homeopathyplus.com.au/Fran Sheffield, homeopathic Consultant and Educator
http://www.britishhomeopathic.org/Carol Jackson MRPharmS DFHom (Pharm)
First Aid with Homeopathic Medicines, By Dana Ullman MPH, CCH
Homeopathic First Aid Kit - 10 essential remedies. BY Dr Carrie Demers.
Most households have a first aid kit containing plasters and ointments. You may wish to make up your own homoeopathic home kit as well, building on it as you need them and as you gain knowledge and experience.
Homeopathy will prepare you for most minor emergencies. All that remains is for you to practice – the more you practice, the more you learn, the better you become. Your homoeopathic practitioner is just a phone call away and the friendly staff at the Naturopathic Health Care Centre is always willing to assist.
While it is always important to seek medical advice for serious injuries and situations, don’t forget that even here, homeopathy can help. A few doses of the needed remedy while the ambulance is on the way can make all the difference when every minute counts.
30 common ailments, accidents and injuries:
1. Anaphylaxis: Aconite; Apis Mellifera.
2. Bedwetting: Causticum, Belladonna, Rhus Tox
3. Bites and stings: Apis Mellifera; Arnica; Canthharis; Ledum.
4. Blisters: Cantharis; Rhus-tox.
5. Bruises: Arnica; Ledum.
6. Burns and scalds: Cantharis; Urtica-urens.
7. Colds & Coughs: Aconite, Euphrasia
8. Cuts, scrapes and puncture wounds: Arnica; Calendula; Hypericum; Ledum.
9. Dental Work & surgery: Arnica; Hypericum; Ruta, Staphysagrae.
10. Dehidration: China
11. Electroshock: Phoshorus.
12. Eye injuries: Arnica; Ledum; Euphrasia; Symphytum.
13. Fatigue and exhaustion: Kali phos, Arnica, Nux vom
14. Food poisoning: Arsenicum-album; Nux-vomica.
15. Fractures: Arnica; Symphytum.
16. Headache: Belladonna, Nux Vomica, Glonoin
17. Heat stroke or exhaustion: Belladonna; Glonoin.
18. Hyperventilation: Aconite.
19. Motion sickness: Cocculus; Tabacum.
20. Nosebleeds: Arnica; Phoshorus, Hypericum
21. Nausea and overindulgence: Nux-vomica
22. Panic and Shock: Aconite.
23. Skin conditions: Rhus tox, Urtica urens
24. Sleep problems: Chamomilla, Valeriana, Hypericum
25. Splinters and thorns: Silicae.
26. Sprains and strains: Arnica; Hypericum; Ledum; Rhus-t; Ruta.
27. Teething: Calc carb, Chamomilla
28. Toothache: Arnica, Belladonna, Hypericum
29. Travel sickness: Cocculus, Tabacum
30. Wounds: Staphysagria
30 Common First Aid Remedies:
The following remedies are some of the most commonly used homoeopathic remedies to treat people in first aid situations. Study them and choose only ten for a start. Keep in pillule form for stability as you are not using them all the time.
1. Aconite: is a good remedy when chills, fevers, coughs, croup etc. come with a rapid onset. Also a great remedy for mental/emotional fright or shock after bad news, or an accident.
2. Antimonium Crudum: Works very good for sunstrokes – heat strokes. A very good summer remedy.
3. Apis Mellifica: Can be used for various types of swelling and inflammation caused by animal or insect bites and stings.
4. Argentum nitricum: Stomach upsets. The rushed and hurried diarrhoea, sickness, bloating, flatulence and headache you might get from nervous anticipation. It’s wonderful for pre-driving test, or pre-flight nerves.
5. Arnica: It is basically for any physical shock or trauma. Give first in any accident or injury, for bruises, bumps and bangs. Use in ointment where the skin is unbroken, if broken use Calendula.
6. Arsenicum album: One of the leading remedies for diarrhea, especially from food poisoning and flu. It is a perfect remedy to relieve “upset tummy” from unfamiliar foods.
7. Belladonna: Illnesses that come on suddenly and violently, resulting in throbbing pain, redness and swelling. Belladonna. Ear problems are especially prevalent; the sufferer will literally be driven mad with pain. It is particularly useful in measles and almost specific for scarlet fever, though these illnesses are no longer common. Most sunstroke responds well to Belladonna.
8. Calcarea Carb: for slow difficult teething in children.
9. Calendula: It is nature’s own natural antibiotic and also stops bleeding very well. Use in an ointment form for open wounds, cuts, sores, burns, and similar injuries. Helps relieve infection.
10. Cantharis: For burns, particularly ones that blister.
11. Carbo Veg: is a number one remedy for resuscitation. It is also called the "Homoeopathic corpse reviver". This remedy has saved many lives. Symptoms at their most extreme are complete state of collapse due to oxygen starvation. Body is cold, pale or blue.
12. Chamomila: A favorite child’s remedy particularly for ear ache and teething.
13. China: for dehydration. Complaints often arise after loss of fluids / severe dehydration (e.g. after fever or diarrhea).
14. Cocculus: For sea sickness and travel sickness.
15. Colocynth: For colic, tummy aches, diarrhea.
16. Euphrasia officinalis: Comes from the herb, eyebright, and relieves persistent pain following the removal of a foreign object, or irritated, streaming eyes and nose.
17. Glonoinum: Suits heat stroke in which there is a congestive headache, surging of blood to head and heart, and pulsating pains.
18. Hepar Sulphuricum: For sore throats, or loss of voice.
19. Hypericum: Never to be used on open wounds. Also works well for nosebleed. It can be taken before and after dental extractions and any other surgery. Have great anti-tetanus properties. For injuries to parts with high nerve fibres such as the mouth, tongue, fingers, etc. Great for the "caught the finger in the car door" or any other "crush" injuries. For paper cuts, it closes them up immediately.
20. Ledum: Puncture wounds and blunt trauma to the eyes. Insect bites and stings.
21. Nux vomica: Stomach upsets, headaches and hangovers caused by over-indulgence.
22. Phosphorus: Bleeding wounds/nose bleeds. Phosphorus stops bleeding virtually instantaneously.
23. Rhus tox: Bruised, sore muscles and joints. This patient has stiff, sore joints and muscles but is better for movement. Rhus tox can be used for skin conditions that present like “poison ivy” rashes, for example chicken pox and shingles.
24. Ruta grav: Strained joints and ligaments. Ruta helps with ligaments and tendon injuries, where Rhus tox is more muscular.
25. Silicea terra: The ‘homeopathic scalpel’. When used for embedded foreign substances it helps the body expel them.
26. Staphysagria: Lacerated wounds. It can be used prophylactically for open surgery. Keyhole surgery would be better with Ledum.
27. Symphytum officinale: The main remedy for fractures once the bone has been set. – don’t use before, use Arnica instead. Also useful for punctured or ruptured eyeballs.
28. Tabacum: A good motion sickness remedy when there is nausea, dizziness, chills, and sweating. Symptoms are worsened by tobacco smoke.
29. Urtica urens: Skin conditions. As the name suggests this is useful for urticaria, but only the sort that produces little vesicles and/or raised lumps like nettle rash. It’s great for “prickly heat”. Urtica can be used for minor burns and scalds as well.
30. Valeriana officinalis: Most commonly known for it sedative properties, Valeriana officinalis may be prescribed for nervousness, stress, anxiety, hysteria and insomnia. It may also help with muscle cramps and reducing blood pressure.
Dosage and directions:
1. Potency: If you are just starting out with homoeopathy it is recommended that you stock your kit in the 12th potency. If you are more experienced you may choose to stock some remedies in the 30th potency.
2. Frequency: It depends on the intensity of the complaint – the more intense the symptoms, the more frequent the dose.
3. Golden rule of homeopathy: is that once symptoms start to improve, stop taking the remedy. Only re-dose if improvement slows or symptoms start to return. This approach avoids too-frequent doses of the remedy that may cause an aggravation – a temporary intensification of symptoms. While aggravations are usually mild and not harmful, they are also unnecessary and show that too much of the remedy has been taken.
Reference:
http://homeopathyplus.com.au/Fran Sheffield, homeopathic Consultant and Educator
http://www.britishhomeopathic.org/Carol Jackson MRPharmS DFHom (Pharm)
First Aid with Homeopathic Medicines, By Dana Ullman MPH, CCH
Homeopathic First Aid Kit - 10 essential remedies. BY Dr Carrie Demers.
Reference:
1. adolescentgrowth.com/treatment-programs/substance-abuse/warning-signs-that-yout-child-is-using-drugs/
1. adolescentgrowth.com/treatment-programs/substance-abuse/warning-signs-that-yout-child-is-using-drugs/
SHIP® AS A THERAPEUTIC MODALITY IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
THE SHIP® FOUNDATION was established as a training school for Clinical, Counselling and Educational Psychologists registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) in September 2001. The HPCSA accredited THE SHIP® FOUNDATION with CPD status in 2002.
Human beings have been endowed with spontaneous healing processes in the bodily system, but have been mistakenly taught to deny the spontaneous rebalancing mechanism. In the same way as sutures keep the lips of a wound together, the SHIP® facilitator creates an environment within which the internal spontaneous healing process of the client may follow its natural self-normalizing sequence and in this manner allow the emotional wound to heal itself. SHIP® focuses on the activation of, and spontaneous release of the repressed information.
Ultimately it is the connection of the client with his or her repressed material (the two sides of the wound) that brings about healing. The facilitator continually guides (facilitates) the client to remain in this healing space of self-normalising activity of the system and to reclaim these past filed trauma experiences. The spontaneous healing process within the client is therefore allowed the opportunity to express (release) repressed information, to release trauma experiences and to move towards rebalance.
The practical benefits of SHIP® as psychotherapy model in everyday practice are the following:
SHIP® is applicable to the treatment of a variety of psychological symptoms, problems and DSM-5 disorders. It is a practical form of psychotherapy that does not focus on pathology but on healing and growth.
SHIP® provides structure for the psychologist and client. It creates feelings of security with clients. SHIP® creates a space for individual differences and the client’s own pace. It is non-judgemental and follows the client’s own rhythm and tempo and respects the client’s feelings throughout.
It provides a focus on cognitive, behavioural, emotional and bodily experiences and is therefore an integrated and holistic approach It activates a spontaneous healing process in each individual and does not only offer temporary solutions in the form of short lived coping techniques and dissociation. It focuses on psychological integration and freedom from painful and hurtful experiences.
SHIP® unlocks and provides access to the power of the unconscious (disconnected) functioning of clients. This contributes to permanent healing. This is one of a few psychotherapy perspectives that can claim this.
It is culture free and therefore appropriate for use across all culture groups in South Africa and respects the client’s own frame of reference. SHIP® can be used with all age groups and has different categories that specialise in age appropriate psychotherapy.
It helps to heal the past that contaminated and dictated a person’s life. It helps a client not to be a victim and slave of his circumstances and provides him with control over his life. SHIP® releases a great deal of positive energy within the self. It unlocks wisdom and the client experiences freedom that will allow him to accept the self and others. SHIP® improves self-validation and the client’s emotions are less fluctuating.
Freedom from chronic physical and psychological symptoms takes place as well as freedom from projections. Chronic life crises disappear and creativity in personal lives and careers are unlocked.
It helps the client feel comfortable with the self and being more assertive to the degree that one no longer feels threatened by other people. The client becomes more spontaneous and the constant sense that something inside of him is holding him back all the time disappears.
SHIP® breaks the destructive and negative patterns and themes in a client’s psychological functioning and behaviour.
Applications of ship®
A huge asset of SHIP® is its broad spectrum of application possibilities. One of the big contributing factors is that symptoms are not only regarded as pathology but signs of healing, integration and spontaneous healing reactions. SHIP® does not claim to be everything to everyone but it has proven over many thousands of psychotherapy sessions to be helpful in the following application scenarios, problems and symptoms that clients present with and seek help for.
1. Irritable bowel syndrome
2. Headaches: Migraines (vascular); Tension (muscle contraction)
3. Self image and assertiveness
4. DSM-5 Disorders, e.g.
1. Post traumatic stress disorders
2. Anxiety disorders and problems
3. Mood disorders
4. Somatoform disorders
5. Sexual dysfunctions and problems
6. Sleeping problems and disorder
7. Personality problems and disorders
8. Panic disorders and panic attacks
9. Eating disorders
10. Phobia
11. Impulse control problems
12. Identity problems and disorders
5. Impacts positively on intimate and marriage relationships
6. Psychological burnout
7. Rehabilitation and adjustment e.g. the consequences of accidents, operations, injuries, etc.
8. Life crises and adjustment e.g. divorce, death of loved one, family murder, terminal illness, loss of job, financial crisis, etc.
9. Aggression problems
10. Destructive behavioural patterns and habits
11. Stress problems
12. Bronchial asthma
13. Peptic ulcers
14. Irritable bowel syndrome
15. Headaches: Migraines (vascular); Tension (muscle contraction)
16. Self image and assertiveness
17. Psychological burnout
18. Rehabilitation and adjustment e.g. the consequences of accidents, operations, injuries, etc.
19. Life crises and adjustment e.g. divorce, death of loved one, family murder, terminal illness, loss of job, financial crisis, etc.
20. Aggression problems
21. Destructive behavioural patterns and habits
22. Stress problems
23. Bronchial asthma
24. Peptic ulcers
25. Eating problems / weight problems / obesity
26. Acute trauma
27. Chronic pain e.g. low back pain
28. Low energy levels
29. Bereavement
30. Personal growth
31. Healing of painful and hurtful experiences that happened in the past
32. Interpersonal problems.
It is important to understand the limitations and consequent contra indicators for SHIP®. Screening and assessing of clients is just as an important factor of effective treatment as the psychotherapy itself. The following are contra indicators:
References:
1. Dr. JOS. (2002). SHIP® : The age-old art of facilitating healing. Pretoria: JOS Publications.
2. JOS (2004). Workshop 1: SHIP® Back to basics; Introductory Lectures – Continued.
3. SHIP® website: www.ship.org.za
THE SHIP® FOUNDATION was established as a training school for Clinical, Counselling and Educational Psychologists registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) in September 2001. The HPCSA accredited THE SHIP® FOUNDATION with CPD status in 2002.
Human beings have been endowed with spontaneous healing processes in the bodily system, but have been mistakenly taught to deny the spontaneous rebalancing mechanism. In the same way as sutures keep the lips of a wound together, the SHIP® facilitator creates an environment within which the internal spontaneous healing process of the client may follow its natural self-normalizing sequence and in this manner allow the emotional wound to heal itself. SHIP® focuses on the activation of, and spontaneous release of the repressed information.
Ultimately it is the connection of the client with his or her repressed material (the two sides of the wound) that brings about healing. The facilitator continually guides (facilitates) the client to remain in this healing space of self-normalising activity of the system and to reclaim these past filed trauma experiences. The spontaneous healing process within the client is therefore allowed the opportunity to express (release) repressed information, to release trauma experiences and to move towards rebalance.
The practical benefits of SHIP® as psychotherapy model in everyday practice are the following:
SHIP® is applicable to the treatment of a variety of psychological symptoms, problems and DSM-5 disorders. It is a practical form of psychotherapy that does not focus on pathology but on healing and growth.
SHIP® provides structure for the psychologist and client. It creates feelings of security with clients. SHIP® creates a space for individual differences and the client’s own pace. It is non-judgemental and follows the client’s own rhythm and tempo and respects the client’s feelings throughout.
It provides a focus on cognitive, behavioural, emotional and bodily experiences and is therefore an integrated and holistic approach It activates a spontaneous healing process in each individual and does not only offer temporary solutions in the form of short lived coping techniques and dissociation. It focuses on psychological integration and freedom from painful and hurtful experiences.
SHIP® unlocks and provides access to the power of the unconscious (disconnected) functioning of clients. This contributes to permanent healing. This is one of a few psychotherapy perspectives that can claim this.
It is culture free and therefore appropriate for use across all culture groups in South Africa and respects the client’s own frame of reference. SHIP® can be used with all age groups and has different categories that specialise in age appropriate psychotherapy.
It helps to heal the past that contaminated and dictated a person’s life. It helps a client not to be a victim and slave of his circumstances and provides him with control over his life. SHIP® releases a great deal of positive energy within the self. It unlocks wisdom and the client experiences freedom that will allow him to accept the self and others. SHIP® improves self-validation and the client’s emotions are less fluctuating.
Freedom from chronic physical and psychological symptoms takes place as well as freedom from projections. Chronic life crises disappear and creativity in personal lives and careers are unlocked.
It helps the client feel comfortable with the self and being more assertive to the degree that one no longer feels threatened by other people. The client becomes more spontaneous and the constant sense that something inside of him is holding him back all the time disappears.
SHIP® breaks the destructive and negative patterns and themes in a client’s psychological functioning and behaviour.
Applications of ship®
A huge asset of SHIP® is its broad spectrum of application possibilities. One of the big contributing factors is that symptoms are not only regarded as pathology but signs of healing, integration and spontaneous healing reactions. SHIP® does not claim to be everything to everyone but it has proven over many thousands of psychotherapy sessions to be helpful in the following application scenarios, problems and symptoms that clients present with and seek help for.
1. Irritable bowel syndrome
2. Headaches: Migraines (vascular); Tension (muscle contraction)
3. Self image and assertiveness
4. DSM-5 Disorders, e.g.
1. Post traumatic stress disorders
2. Anxiety disorders and problems
3. Mood disorders
4. Somatoform disorders
5. Sexual dysfunctions and problems
6. Sleeping problems and disorder
7. Personality problems and disorders
8. Panic disorders and panic attacks
9. Eating disorders
10. Phobia
11. Impulse control problems
12. Identity problems and disorders
5. Impacts positively on intimate and marriage relationships
6. Psychological burnout
7. Rehabilitation and adjustment e.g. the consequences of accidents, operations, injuries, etc.
8. Life crises and adjustment e.g. divorce, death of loved one, family murder, terminal illness, loss of job, financial crisis, etc.
9. Aggression problems
10. Destructive behavioural patterns and habits
11. Stress problems
12. Bronchial asthma
13. Peptic ulcers
14. Irritable bowel syndrome
15. Headaches: Migraines (vascular); Tension (muscle contraction)
16. Self image and assertiveness
17. Psychological burnout
18. Rehabilitation and adjustment e.g. the consequences of accidents, operations, injuries, etc.
19. Life crises and adjustment e.g. divorce, death of loved one, family murder, terminal illness, loss of job, financial crisis, etc.
20. Aggression problems
21. Destructive behavioural patterns and habits
22. Stress problems
23. Bronchial asthma
24. Peptic ulcers
25. Eating problems / weight problems / obesity
26. Acute trauma
27. Chronic pain e.g. low back pain
28. Low energy levels
29. Bereavement
30. Personal growth
31. Healing of painful and hurtful experiences that happened in the past
32. Interpersonal problems.
It is important to understand the limitations and consequent contra indicators for SHIP®. Screening and assessing of clients is just as an important factor of effective treatment as the psychotherapy itself. The following are contra indicators:
- Organic mental problems and disorders
- Lack of motivation and focus on psychotherapy
- No need for long term psychotherapy
References:
1. Dr. JOS. (2002). SHIP® : The age-old art of facilitating healing. Pretoria: JOS Publications.
2. JOS (2004). Workshop 1: SHIP® Back to basics; Introductory Lectures – Continued.
3. SHIP® website: www.ship.org.za
According to the Stedman’s medical dictionary Acne is defined as an “Inflammatory disease of sebaceous follicles marked by papules and pustules. Typically begins during puberty, affecting mainly the chest, back, shoulders and face”
What does this mean?
This simply means that due to occlusion or “plugging” of the hair follicle due to a collection of oil and dead skin tissue inflammation is caused leading to redness and swelling, resulting in pimples or bumps filled with pus. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria resulting in bacterial infection. This aggravates the severity if acne. The full medical term for acne is known as Acne Vulgaris
Skin anatomy 101
The skin or intugumentary system is the largest organ of the body and the body’s first line of defence. It acts as a barrier and thus protects the body from external factors and invasion, while keeping the internal system intact. Other functions of the skin include: excretion of salt, water and other organic waste products; thermoregulation; vitamin D production; nutrient storage; and detection of stimuli such as touch, pressure, pain and temperature.
The skin is composed of three main layers namely the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue (Fat layer) as illustrated in the figure below
What does this mean?
This simply means that due to occlusion or “plugging” of the hair follicle due to a collection of oil and dead skin tissue inflammation is caused leading to redness and swelling, resulting in pimples or bumps filled with pus. This creates a breeding ground for bacteria resulting in bacterial infection. This aggravates the severity if acne. The full medical term for acne is known as Acne Vulgaris
Skin anatomy 101
The skin or intugumentary system is the largest organ of the body and the body’s first line of defence. It acts as a barrier and thus protects the body from external factors and invasion, while keeping the internal system intact. Other functions of the skin include: excretion of salt, water and other organic waste products; thermoregulation; vitamin D production; nutrient storage; and detection of stimuli such as touch, pressure, pain and temperature.
The skin is composed of three main layers namely the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue (Fat layer) as illustrated in the figure below
The main structures in involved in Acne is the sebaceous gland (oil gland), hair follicle which houses the hair and in which the oil is transported to the outside of the skin and the epidermis from where the dead skin cells comes from.
Who suffers from Acne most commonly?
Acne is most common among teenagers in their puberty years, with a reported prevalence of 70 to 87 percent. These days we see an increase number of younger children suffering from acne.
Although both men and women are affected by acne, chances are that young men will suffer from acne much longer than women would. This can be attributed to the much higher levels of testosterone in men.
WHY??
Well the bad news is there is no clear cut answer to this question. As mentioned above the start of acne is due to the blocking of the pores. This is increased in puberty years due to the increase in androgens (type of hormones) which leads to an increase in oil production as well as an increase in skin turn over (the rate at which dead skin cells are replaced) resulting in pores being blocked faster.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy might trigger the development of acne or it might lead to the reoccurrence there of.
There are studies that shows that acne might have a genetic component to it, i.e. if mom or dad had it you might have it.
Greasy cosmetics may cause acne in some susceptible people or it may just aggravate it. Some hair products are extremely greasy which might have the same clogging effect.
As we all know a High GI diet and dairy is also liked to the development or aggravation of acne. The good news is that there is now scientific proof as published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Anxiety and stress. Long standing chronic stress causes a change in some hormones like cortisol and adrenalin. These hormones influence the rate of oil production and pro-inflammatory cells leading to the onset or aggravation of acne.
Climate changes especially, hot humid climate leads to an increase in perspiration which leads to oily and sticky skin, resulting in an increase in clogging
There are a few different types of acne
· Whiteheads – they remain under the skin, and are usually very small
· Blackheads – or comedones are small black and clearly visible
· Papules - These are small pink bumps on top of the skin
· Pustules – these are the ones that are filled with pus and appear yellow
· Nodules – These are the large, solid and painful ones and run deep into the skin
· Cysts – These can lead to scar formation. They are large, panful and filled with pus
How to treat your acne
Acne is not dangerous but may occasionally cause scarring and have an emotional or psychological impact. However squeezing or “popping a zit” is a bad idea. By squeezing a papule underlying tissues are damaged and the infected pus may spread causing aggravation of infection and scarring.
Depending on the severity of your acne, doctors will adjust their treatment protocol.
Common topical treatments involve ingredients that will try and limit inflammation, kill bacteria, increase dead cell removal and oils production suppressants etc.
Antibiotics are often give to prevent bacterial overgrowth however in most cases as soon as the antibiotics’ effects wear off the acne returns.
Retinoids containing medication is often given. This however may have LONG TERM side effects and can become toxic.
Oral contraceptives are often given to females as this supress overactive glands, however one should consider the hormonal effect these medications cause.
Homeopathic and natural treatments for acne
A visit to your Homeopath will result in proper and more effective treatment, especially if your problem is hormonal related.
Some OTC (over the counter) products include:
· Tissue salts
- Ferrum phos (4) which will aid in inflammation of the skin and calm the redness
- Silicae (12) this will aid in the expelling of the acne pustule, at first this might seem like it is aggravating the acne but be calm as this will start clearing.
· Acne plus ointment from Natura. This may be used with calendula cream which will aid in the inflammation and infection if pustules.
· Organo 1 (Natura) – Homeopathic medicine assisting in immune system function and aiding in the prevention of spreading of infection. It has a marked function on suppuration, thus the pus forming infections such as acne.
· Feminon (Natura) – This might assist in the regulation of female hormones which might be beneficial for premenstrual acne
· Omega 3 – Essential Fatty Acids plays an important role in hormonal regulation and production. Omega 3 is an extremely important supplement as it regulates and decrease inflammation. It is common that people ingest too many Omega 6 which might lead to an inflammatory response. People on blood thinning medication should consult a practitioner before taking omega supplements.
· Zinc – Zinc deficiency is a common problem in especially teenagers. Zinc is known for skin health due to the inhibition of enzymes leading to testosterone conversion leading to increase in oil production and abnormal follicular growth. Please be careful not to overdose on zinc as it is a metal and there are chances of toxicity in high doses. Something like zinc picolinate can be used in doses of 15-30mg a day.
· Selenium – is an immune boosting mineral with an effect on glutahion. This leads to decrease inflammation. Once again one should be careful not to overdose on selenium due to toxicity levels.
· Wash your skin after sweating with lukewarm water as sweating may lead to aggravation on acne
· Stay clear of alcohol containing skin products. This might aggravate inflammation and dry up your skin.
· DO NOT PICK, POP or SQUEEZE you skin. This just causes more damage to your skin and will take much longer to heal. Let nature take its course and let it heal by itself. This will minimize scarring and spread. In other words HANDS OFF FACE.
· Consult your health care professional for treatment should your acne be “bad”.
-- By Dr. M Swanepoel
References
Boon, NA. (editor). (2006). Davidson’s Principles & Practice of Medicine. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingston. Pp1299-1300
Gawkrodger, 2009
Martini, F. (2004). Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology. USA: Benjamin Cummings. Pp 154-179
Mark, H (editor). (2006). The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. New Jersy: Merc Research Laboratories. Pp941-946
Lukens, R (Editor). (2005). Stedman’s Medical Dictionary of the Health Professions and Nursing.cott Williams & Wilkens.P15
http://ykdy.org/acne-curiosity-good-looking-skin/
Who suffers from Acne most commonly?
Acne is most common among teenagers in their puberty years, with a reported prevalence of 70 to 87 percent. These days we see an increase number of younger children suffering from acne.
Although both men and women are affected by acne, chances are that young men will suffer from acne much longer than women would. This can be attributed to the much higher levels of testosterone in men.
WHY??
Well the bad news is there is no clear cut answer to this question. As mentioned above the start of acne is due to the blocking of the pores. This is increased in puberty years due to the increase in androgens (type of hormones) which leads to an increase in oil production as well as an increase in skin turn over (the rate at which dead skin cells are replaced) resulting in pores being blocked faster.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy might trigger the development of acne or it might lead to the reoccurrence there of.
There are studies that shows that acne might have a genetic component to it, i.e. if mom or dad had it you might have it.
Greasy cosmetics may cause acne in some susceptible people or it may just aggravate it. Some hair products are extremely greasy which might have the same clogging effect.
As we all know a High GI diet and dairy is also liked to the development or aggravation of acne. The good news is that there is now scientific proof as published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Anxiety and stress. Long standing chronic stress causes a change in some hormones like cortisol and adrenalin. These hormones influence the rate of oil production and pro-inflammatory cells leading to the onset or aggravation of acne.
Climate changes especially, hot humid climate leads to an increase in perspiration which leads to oily and sticky skin, resulting in an increase in clogging
There are a few different types of acne
· Whiteheads – they remain under the skin, and are usually very small
· Blackheads – or comedones are small black and clearly visible
· Papules - These are small pink bumps on top of the skin
· Pustules – these are the ones that are filled with pus and appear yellow
· Nodules – These are the large, solid and painful ones and run deep into the skin
· Cysts – These can lead to scar formation. They are large, panful and filled with pus
How to treat your acne
Acne is not dangerous but may occasionally cause scarring and have an emotional or psychological impact. However squeezing or “popping a zit” is a bad idea. By squeezing a papule underlying tissues are damaged and the infected pus may spread causing aggravation of infection and scarring.
Depending on the severity of your acne, doctors will adjust their treatment protocol.
Common topical treatments involve ingredients that will try and limit inflammation, kill bacteria, increase dead cell removal and oils production suppressants etc.
Antibiotics are often give to prevent bacterial overgrowth however in most cases as soon as the antibiotics’ effects wear off the acne returns.
Retinoids containing medication is often given. This however may have LONG TERM side effects and can become toxic.
Oral contraceptives are often given to females as this supress overactive glands, however one should consider the hormonal effect these medications cause.
Homeopathic and natural treatments for acne
A visit to your Homeopath will result in proper and more effective treatment, especially if your problem is hormonal related.
Some OTC (over the counter) products include:
· Tissue salts
- Ferrum phos (4) which will aid in inflammation of the skin and calm the redness
- Silicae (12) this will aid in the expelling of the acne pustule, at first this might seem like it is aggravating the acne but be calm as this will start clearing.
· Acne plus ointment from Natura. This may be used with calendula cream which will aid in the inflammation and infection if pustules.
· Organo 1 (Natura) – Homeopathic medicine assisting in immune system function and aiding in the prevention of spreading of infection. It has a marked function on suppuration, thus the pus forming infections such as acne.
· Feminon (Natura) – This might assist in the regulation of female hormones which might be beneficial for premenstrual acne
· Omega 3 – Essential Fatty Acids plays an important role in hormonal regulation and production. Omega 3 is an extremely important supplement as it regulates and decrease inflammation. It is common that people ingest too many Omega 6 which might lead to an inflammatory response. People on blood thinning medication should consult a practitioner before taking omega supplements.
· Zinc – Zinc deficiency is a common problem in especially teenagers. Zinc is known for skin health due to the inhibition of enzymes leading to testosterone conversion leading to increase in oil production and abnormal follicular growth. Please be careful not to overdose on zinc as it is a metal and there are chances of toxicity in high doses. Something like zinc picolinate can be used in doses of 15-30mg a day.
· Selenium – is an immune boosting mineral with an effect on glutahion. This leads to decrease inflammation. Once again one should be careful not to overdose on selenium due to toxicity levels.
· Wash your skin after sweating with lukewarm water as sweating may lead to aggravation on acne
· Stay clear of alcohol containing skin products. This might aggravate inflammation and dry up your skin.
· DO NOT PICK, POP or SQUEEZE you skin. This just causes more damage to your skin and will take much longer to heal. Let nature take its course and let it heal by itself. This will minimize scarring and spread. In other words HANDS OFF FACE.
· Consult your health care professional for treatment should your acne be “bad”.
-- By Dr. M Swanepoel
References
Boon, NA. (editor). (2006). Davidson’s Principles & Practice of Medicine. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingston. Pp1299-1300
Gawkrodger, 2009
Martini, F. (2004). Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology. USA: Benjamin Cummings. Pp 154-179
Mark, H (editor). (2006). The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. New Jersy: Merc Research Laboratories. Pp941-946
Lukens, R (Editor). (2005). Stedman’s Medical Dictionary of the Health Professions and Nursing.cott Williams & Wilkens.P15
http://ykdy.org/acne-curiosity-good-looking-skin/
Considering a career in Homeopathics?
What does a homeopath do?
Homoeopathy is a system of medicine that focuses on the cause of the symptom and not just the alleviation of the symptom alone. Finding the root cause of a patients discomfort is often much more complicated than simply prescribing a medication to palliate/supress the patient’s discomfort. If you treat the cause of the pain/discomfort, then we bring about cure. Homeopaths uses a system of medicine based on ‘likes cures likes’, which means, we take down a careful case history, establish the possible cause of disease, and the prescribe a medicine based on the symptom picture as described by the patient. If a remedy can cause these symptoms in an otherwise healthy person, then it can cure those same symptoms in an individual suffering from that same symptom picture. We also focus on diet, lifestyle and nutritional supplementation to bring an individual back to health.
Why did you become a Homoeopath?
I always knew I wanted to be a doctor. When I was a child, I was very sickly and it was homeopathy that finally treated me as a whole and gave me back my quality of life. So when it came time to choose between an allopathic vs homeopathic career path, the decision was obvious. Homoeopaths qualify as primary health care physicians registered with the AHPCSA, so although we cannot prescribe allopathic scheduled medication, we can diagnose (physical exam, blood tests, X-rays etc) and treat using a natural system of medicine.
What and where did you study?
M.Tech (HOM) UJ. This is masters degree at the University of Johannesburg. It takes 5 years to complete your masters in Homeopathy, after which you need to complete your clinical hours and research as partial fulfilment of your masters degree. Your subjects include everything from basic science to anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnostics and homeopathic pharmaceuticals to name a few.
One you have your degree in Homoeopathy, do you need any further studying?
Yes, as part of continuous research and development, we have to attend regular courses in various medical fields to obtain CPD points. To continue practicing, you need to obtain a certain amount of CPD points per year.
Which subjects should you take at school if you want to follow this career path?
As with any science degree, maths and science is a must, with biology being a beneficial optional extra.
What challenges do you face?
Homeopathy is very often belittled by mainstream medicine because of the dilution and potentiation of our medications. Scientists feels our medicines is not scientifically proven effective, and often years of clinical success is scrutinised despite testimonials from patients whom had tried every other system of medicine without success. Often we are not recognised as ‘real’ doctors, which can be very frustrating seeing as we are qualified primary health care professionals. The only difference really is that we spend a significant amount of time(up to one hour for a new patient) with our patients to establish a complete picture and a true diagnosis based on the root of the cause, while our treatment is aimed at bringing about cure, and not just treating symptomatically.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
Changing lives, bringing about cure. When a patient thanks you for changing their lives…now that makes it all worth it.
Is it easy to find work as a Homeopath?
Yes, there are very few opportunities to locum once qualified. So going into private practice is often your only career path once you qualify.
What misconceptions are there about the industry?
One of my patients calls me her white witch doctor. When we cure a patient thought to be incurable, there is often an airy fairy association with what we do. The fact is that we study all the necessary subjects to qualify as a primary health care physician, we register as such, and we practice as such. The only difference is the way in which we approach patients. A simple example would be a patient with severe Crohn’s disease (an inflammatory bowel disease which causes bloody diarrhoea and massive malabsorption issues), is said to be incurable, a Gastroenterologist / GP would aim to minimize symptoms with pharmaceutical drugs. Homeopaths would aim to treat the symptom picture homoeopathically (using a remedy picture that is identical to the patients presenting case) while simultaneously treating the gut in order to reverse the damage which might have led to the Crohn’s disease being triggered in the first place, by focusing on diet, lifestyle and supplementation.
Homoeopathy is a system of medicine that focuses on the cause of the symptom and not just the alleviation of the symptom alone. Finding the root cause of a patients discomfort is often much more complicated than simply prescribing a medication to palliate/supress the patient’s discomfort. If you treat the cause of the pain/discomfort, then we bring about cure. Homeopaths uses a system of medicine based on ‘likes cures likes’, which means, we take down a careful case history, establish the possible cause of disease, and the prescribe a medicine based on the symptom picture as described by the patient. If a remedy can cause these symptoms in an otherwise healthy person, then it can cure those same symptoms in an individual suffering from that same symptom picture. We also focus on diet, lifestyle and nutritional supplementation to bring an individual back to health.
Why did you become a Homoeopath?
I always knew I wanted to be a doctor. When I was a child, I was very sickly and it was homeopathy that finally treated me as a whole and gave me back my quality of life. So when it came time to choose between an allopathic vs homeopathic career path, the decision was obvious. Homoeopaths qualify as primary health care physicians registered with the AHPCSA, so although we cannot prescribe allopathic scheduled medication, we can diagnose (physical exam, blood tests, X-rays etc) and treat using a natural system of medicine.
What and where did you study?
M.Tech (HOM) UJ. This is masters degree at the University of Johannesburg. It takes 5 years to complete your masters in Homeopathy, after which you need to complete your clinical hours and research as partial fulfilment of your masters degree. Your subjects include everything from basic science to anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnostics and homeopathic pharmaceuticals to name a few.
One you have your degree in Homoeopathy, do you need any further studying?
Yes, as part of continuous research and development, we have to attend regular courses in various medical fields to obtain CPD points. To continue practicing, you need to obtain a certain amount of CPD points per year.
Which subjects should you take at school if you want to follow this career path?
As with any science degree, maths and science is a must, with biology being a beneficial optional extra.
What challenges do you face?
Homeopathy is very often belittled by mainstream medicine because of the dilution and potentiation of our medications. Scientists feels our medicines is not scientifically proven effective, and often years of clinical success is scrutinised despite testimonials from patients whom had tried every other system of medicine without success. Often we are not recognised as ‘real’ doctors, which can be very frustrating seeing as we are qualified primary health care professionals. The only difference really is that we spend a significant amount of time(up to one hour for a new patient) with our patients to establish a complete picture and a true diagnosis based on the root of the cause, while our treatment is aimed at bringing about cure, and not just treating symptomatically.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
Changing lives, bringing about cure. When a patient thanks you for changing their lives…now that makes it all worth it.
Is it easy to find work as a Homeopath?
Yes, there are very few opportunities to locum once qualified. So going into private practice is often your only career path once you qualify.
What misconceptions are there about the industry?
One of my patients calls me her white witch doctor. When we cure a patient thought to be incurable, there is often an airy fairy association with what we do. The fact is that we study all the necessary subjects to qualify as a primary health care physician, we register as such, and we practice as such. The only difference is the way in which we approach patients. A simple example would be a patient with severe Crohn’s disease (an inflammatory bowel disease which causes bloody diarrhoea and massive malabsorption issues), is said to be incurable, a Gastroenterologist / GP would aim to minimize symptoms with pharmaceutical drugs. Homeopaths would aim to treat the symptom picture homoeopathically (using a remedy picture that is identical to the patients presenting case) while simultaneously treating the gut in order to reverse the damage which might have led to the Crohn’s disease being triggered in the first place, by focusing on diet, lifestyle and supplementation.
NURSING AS CAREER OF CHOICE
1. What do nurses do?
Nursing is a challenging yet rewarding career. Apart from the fact that nurses are trained to deliver a vital service to people in need of health care, they have a multitude of opportunities to further their careers and to establish a secure future for themselves.
A nurse can work in various hospitals and clinics in the community or specialise in general medical and surgical nursing science, trauma nursing, theatre nursing, community nursing, psychiatric nursing, midwifery nursing, paediatric nursing, neonatal nursing, nursing management and nursing education.
There are positions in nursing education, positions at all levels of management, working for doctors’ practices, as private nurse practitioners working for their own account, representative and marketing positions, positions with medical schemes and managed care organizations.
2. How do I become a nurse?
Training is offered at nursing education institutions. These institutions can be a nursing science department, a school of nursing in a university, or colleges of nursing and nursing schools.
2.1. What training does a university offer?
Universities offer a basic four-year, full-time undergraduate degree (BCur) that prepares students in four career fields, namely: general nursing (caring for people in hospitals, clinics and private practices); community nursing (primary healthcare and the prevention of disease in the com-munity); psychiatric nursing (treating the mental health of individuals); midwifery nursing (caring for mothers and babies).
Clinical (practical) nursing ex-perience is obtained at hospitals and other health services during the four years of study. Universities also offer post basic qualifications at diploma, degree, masters and doctorate levels.
2.2. What training does a college of nursing offer?
There are public and private nursing colleges and the most common courses they offer are: a four-year diploma leading to registration as a nurse (general, psychiatry, community or midwifery); a two-year bridging course; one-year courses; post basic diplomas.
2.3. What courses will I study?
A student can expect to study fundamental subjects such as anatomy and physiology, behavioural sciences, nursing, midwifery, community and psychiatric nursing.
2.4. What are the academic requirements for college study?
A matriculation certificate is the minimum admission requirement for college study.
2.5. What are the academic requirements for university study?
The admission requirements for university are a matriculation exemption (some universities require certain subjects like Biology, Physical Science or Mathematics). As there are different academic requirements, it would be best to contact the training institutions for their specific requirements.
2.6. What is the difference between a nursing degree and a diploma?
After four years of study, students from colleges and universities graduate as professional nurses. The difference between the diploma and the degree is the academic level at which students complete their studies. A BCur graduate will have an advantage when it comes to specialising in a certain field of nursing. Bridging courses are available for college graduates to 'top-up' their qualifications to a degree level to assist future career development.
A nursing college is the answer for the student who cannot afford university fees. An advantage is that students receive payment for their practical (clinical) work while they are studying. A university student is required to study as a full-time student.
3. How can I recognise a fly-by-night training institution?
Students must be very careful and make sure that the South African Nursing Council (SANC) has approved the nursing institution they register with. If the institution and/ or courses are not approved, SANC will not recognise the training and the student will not be allowed to practise. A list of the SANC approved nursing education institutions is available on their website www.sanc.co.za.
4. Nursing categories
In South Africa there are at present three categories of nurses: registered nurse, enrolled nurse and enrolled nursing auxiliary.
The SANC is currently reviewing all the nursing training programmes to align new nursing qualifications with the National Qualifications Framework and related legislations.
The new Nursing Act, 2005 identifies four nursing categories: professional nurse; midwife; staff nurse; nursing auxiliary or auxiliary midwife.
5. Websites to visit for more information on Training Institutions
www.sanc.co.za
www.vukuzenzele.gov.za
www.arwyp.com
www.netcare.co.za
www.nursingacademy
Referenses:
www.sanc.co.za;
www.vukuzenzele.gov.za;
www.arwyp.com;
www.netcare.co.za
www.nursingacademy
1. What do nurses do?
Nursing is a challenging yet rewarding career. Apart from the fact that nurses are trained to deliver a vital service to people in need of health care, they have a multitude of opportunities to further their careers and to establish a secure future for themselves.
A nurse can work in various hospitals and clinics in the community or specialise in general medical and surgical nursing science, trauma nursing, theatre nursing, community nursing, psychiatric nursing, midwifery nursing, paediatric nursing, neonatal nursing, nursing management and nursing education.
There are positions in nursing education, positions at all levels of management, working for doctors’ practices, as private nurse practitioners working for their own account, representative and marketing positions, positions with medical schemes and managed care organizations.
2. How do I become a nurse?
Training is offered at nursing education institutions. These institutions can be a nursing science department, a school of nursing in a university, or colleges of nursing and nursing schools.
2.1. What training does a university offer?
Universities offer a basic four-year, full-time undergraduate degree (BCur) that prepares students in four career fields, namely: general nursing (caring for people in hospitals, clinics and private practices); community nursing (primary healthcare and the prevention of disease in the com-munity); psychiatric nursing (treating the mental health of individuals); midwifery nursing (caring for mothers and babies).
Clinical (practical) nursing ex-perience is obtained at hospitals and other health services during the four years of study. Universities also offer post basic qualifications at diploma, degree, masters and doctorate levels.
2.2. What training does a college of nursing offer?
There are public and private nursing colleges and the most common courses they offer are: a four-year diploma leading to registration as a nurse (general, psychiatry, community or midwifery); a two-year bridging course; one-year courses; post basic diplomas.
2.3. What courses will I study?
A student can expect to study fundamental subjects such as anatomy and physiology, behavioural sciences, nursing, midwifery, community and psychiatric nursing.
2.4. What are the academic requirements for college study?
A matriculation certificate is the minimum admission requirement for college study.
2.5. What are the academic requirements for university study?
The admission requirements for university are a matriculation exemption (some universities require certain subjects like Biology, Physical Science or Mathematics). As there are different academic requirements, it would be best to contact the training institutions for their specific requirements.
2.6. What is the difference between a nursing degree and a diploma?
After four years of study, students from colleges and universities graduate as professional nurses. The difference between the diploma and the degree is the academic level at which students complete their studies. A BCur graduate will have an advantage when it comes to specialising in a certain field of nursing. Bridging courses are available for college graduates to 'top-up' their qualifications to a degree level to assist future career development.
A nursing college is the answer for the student who cannot afford university fees. An advantage is that students receive payment for their practical (clinical) work while they are studying. A university student is required to study as a full-time student.
3. How can I recognise a fly-by-night training institution?
Students must be very careful and make sure that the South African Nursing Council (SANC) has approved the nursing institution they register with. If the institution and/ or courses are not approved, SANC will not recognise the training and the student will not be allowed to practise. A list of the SANC approved nursing education institutions is available on their website www.sanc.co.za.
4. Nursing categories
In South Africa there are at present three categories of nurses: registered nurse, enrolled nurse and enrolled nursing auxiliary.
The SANC is currently reviewing all the nursing training programmes to align new nursing qualifications with the National Qualifications Framework and related legislations.
The new Nursing Act, 2005 identifies four nursing categories: professional nurse; midwife; staff nurse; nursing auxiliary or auxiliary midwife.
5. Websites to visit for more information on Training Institutions
www.sanc.co.za
www.vukuzenzele.gov.za
www.arwyp.com
www.netcare.co.za
www.nursingacademy
Referenses:
www.sanc.co.za;
www.vukuzenzele.gov.za;
www.arwyp.com;
www.netcare.co.za
www.nursingacademy
What does a Biokeniticist do?
Biokinetics is defined as the science of movement and the application of exercise in rehabilitative treatment or performance.
A Biokineticist is a specialist who is recognised by and registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. They work closely with doctors and other medical practitioners. After detailed, scientific assessments, evaluations and measurements of the patient or individual, a Biokineticist will design exercise programmes to improve the well-being and quality of life of the person.
A Biokineticist is a specialist who is recognised by and registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. They work closely with doctors and other medical practitioners. After detailed, scientific assessments, evaluations and measurements of the patient or individual, a Biokineticist will design exercise programmes to improve the well-being and quality of life of the person.
Why did you become a Biokineticist?
I wanted to venture into the medical field, but not as a doctor. I have always loved working with people and have always been interested in the human anatomy and human movement.
What and where did you study?
I did a bachelor’s degree in Human Movement Science which is a three year degree. Then I did my honours in biokinetics which is a one year degree. Both of the degrees I completed at the University of Pretoria.
Once you have your degree in biokinetics, do you need to do any further studying?
Because biokinetics is part of the medical field, you always need to do courses to stay on top of things. These are referred to as Continuous Professional Development courses. Each course you do gives you a certain amount of points (CPD points). A biokineticist needs to accumulate 60 CPD points over 2 years.
Which subjects should you take at school if you want to follow this career path?
Definitely biology, as you will be working with the human body.
Maths is also important, because when you assess the human body you sometimes need to use calculations to determine different variables.
Chemistry and physics are also important, as it will help in understanding the movement of the body and the different processes involved.
Maths is also important, because when you assess the human body you sometimes need to use calculations to determine different variables.
Chemistry and physics are also important, as it will help in understanding the movement of the body and the different processes involved.
What challenges do you face?
Biokinetics is a fairly new profession, so it is difficult to inform the public about the benefits of biokinetics.
Biokineticists work long and irregular hours, so you really need to love what you are doing.
Biokineticists work long and irregular hours, so you really need to love what you are doing.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
I help people improve their well-being and quality of life through physical activity. Since each person is different and requires individual treatment, I am always faced with new and exciting challenges. You learn new things and meet new and interesting people every day.
Is it easy to find work as a Biokineticist?
At the moment it is not easy to find work as a biokineticist. However, biokinetics is a growing profession in South Africa. With the increased importance placed on health and wellness, people are becoming more aware of the benefits of biokinetics.
What misconceptions are there about the industry?
People confuse biokinetics with physiotherapy. There is an overlap, but the scope is different. Physiotherapists treat patients directly after injury, whereas biokineticists will be more involved in the rehabilitation process- correcting muscle imbalances, movement, posture and preventing injury in the future (injury prevention).
What advice would you give to aspiring Biokineticists?
You have to be prepared to put in long hours of studying and hard work. You also have to be passionate about what you do in order to really enjoy it and reap the rewards.
Which one is your child?
By Dr. Marlo Swanepoel
The topic of this month’s article was a complete surprise. After a consultation room full of crying babies and desperate mommies, I decided to share some knowledge I gained while conducting and writing my thesis as a student. The topic TREATMENT OF NAPPY RASH.
Why Nappy rash you may ask. Well I am proud to say that I conducted a pilot (first) study on alternative, more specific homeopathic, treatment for Nappy Rash (NR). My study yielded positive results and was published in the Journal Health SA Gesondheid (Read: Health). Follow the link should you wish to read it http://www.hsag.co.za/index.php/HSAG/article/view/680.
What you can do to prevent or treat NR?
Due to the numerous causes of NR one must try to avoid contact with the most common causative agents. The golden rule is prevention is better than cure.
Moisture barrier creams, which have been shown to decrease water loss from the skin as well as improving skin conditions in some patients may be applied .
Why Nappy rash you may ask. Well I am proud to say that I conducted a pilot (first) study on alternative, more specific homeopathic, treatment for Nappy Rash (NR). My study yielded positive results and was published in the Journal Health SA Gesondheid (Read: Health). Follow the link should you wish to read it http://www.hsag.co.za/index.php/HSAG/article/view/680.
In the past few months I was bombarded by mommies desperate to find some solution to this common daily problem their baby had to face.
What is Nappy Rash?
The medical word for NR is known as Diaper Dermatitis. Diaper meaning Nappy and “derma” skin and “-itis” inflammation, which is exactly what NR is, inflammation of the skin restricted to area covered by a nappy (1). Nappy Rash is the most common skin complaint in babies and toddlers, estimated at 7% to 35%. It is nearly impossible to determine the exact prevalence as many cases are treated at home. Others however are so severe that medical intervention is required (2,3).
What does Nappy Rash look like?
There are many different presentations of a Nappy Rash. The most common description is a red, flat, itchy and painful rash restricted to only the area covered by the nappy (diaper). In some cases the rash may be more severe presenting with pimples and pus like eruptions. It can become so severe that the skin may be broken forming an ulcer (2,3,4). In many cases this rash may become infected with bacteria such as Staphylococcus spp. or Streptococcus spp., or fungi such as Candida albicans (5). Many studies showed that up to 77% of cases will within the first three days of having a Nappy Rash be infected by the above mentioned organisms (6).
What causes Nappy Rash?
Nappy Rash is primarily caused due to the prolonged exposure to faeces and urine as well as the environment present within the diaper. Although diaper technology has improved in recent years, resulting in a decrease in both incidence and severity of Nappy Rash, this condition remains a common problem (5). Things like: ammonia levels, friction, skin dampness (influenced by the type of diaper), pH level, enzymes contained in the urine and stool, micro-organisms (bacteria, fungus), diet (which has an effect on the alkaline levels), and skin maturation all affect the permeability of the skin resulting in an immune response which leads to inflammation which is what we will see as a rash (1,7).
What is Nappy Rash?
The medical word for NR is known as Diaper Dermatitis. Diaper meaning Nappy and “derma” skin and “-itis” inflammation, which is exactly what NR is, inflammation of the skin restricted to area covered by a nappy (1). Nappy Rash is the most common skin complaint in babies and toddlers, estimated at 7% to 35%. It is nearly impossible to determine the exact prevalence as many cases are treated at home. Others however are so severe that medical intervention is required (2,3).
What does Nappy Rash look like?
There are many different presentations of a Nappy Rash. The most common description is a red, flat, itchy and painful rash restricted to only the area covered by the nappy (diaper). In some cases the rash may be more severe presenting with pimples and pus like eruptions. It can become so severe that the skin may be broken forming an ulcer (2,3,4). In many cases this rash may become infected with bacteria such as Staphylococcus spp. or Streptococcus spp., or fungi such as Candida albicans (5). Many studies showed that up to 77% of cases will within the first three days of having a Nappy Rash be infected by the above mentioned organisms (6).
What causes Nappy Rash?
Nappy Rash is primarily caused due to the prolonged exposure to faeces and urine as well as the environment present within the diaper. Although diaper technology has improved in recent years, resulting in a decrease in both incidence and severity of Nappy Rash, this condition remains a common problem (5). Things like: ammonia levels, friction, skin dampness (influenced by the type of diaper), pH level, enzymes contained in the urine and stool, micro-organisms (bacteria, fungus), diet (which has an effect on the alkaline levels), and skin maturation all affect the permeability of the skin resulting in an immune response which leads to inflammation which is what we will see as a rash (1,7).
There are mainly three types of Nappy Rash:
- Primary irritant diaper dermatitis,
- Allergic contact diaper dermatitis and
- Candida diaper dermatitis; all of which leads to the red painful rash we all dread (8).
What you can do to prevent or treat NR?
Due to the numerous causes of NR one must try to avoid contact with the most common causative agents. The golden rule is prevention is better than cure.
- Nappies should be changed directly after every stool or urine passed
- Time spent out of a nappy should be increased
- Harsh chemicals or irritants such as: wet wipes, perfumes and soap should be avoided
- Only tepid water and cotton wool must be used to clean the nappy area
- Disposable nappies should be used instead of cotton nappies unless sensitivity or allergies towards the nappies are present (6,9,10).
Moisture barrier creams, which have been shown to decrease water loss from the skin as well as improving skin conditions in some patients may be applied .
Topical creams used for Nappy Rash usually contain one or more of the following ingredients: zinc oxide, petrolatum or dimethicone (a silicone based polymer) (4,9). Creams containing petrolatum, mineral oil, mineral wax and wool wax (lanolin), have also been shown to decrease loss of water, reduce inflammation and lower skin colonisation (bacterial or fungal growth) (2,4,10). Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal or Corticosteroid creams are prescribed for persistent NR to reduce inflammation and prevent secondary infections. However adverse effects such as thinning of the skin and adrenal axis suppression are risks (8,10) thus these should be avoided as long as possible.
In my experience protecting the skin by creating a barrier with things like lanolin, caster oil with zinc oxide mixture, bees wax, milking cream or Happy Nappy Cream (formulated by me) will be sufficient. Some paediatric nurses recommend using Mazina in a paste or the slimy water from oats (make sure it is cold when applied). I have to say even though I will only be a daddy in January 2015 I have been motivated to do my research due to my brothers and sisters having a total of 9 children and these tips I have witnessed as effective.
TOP 5 take away points
1. Change the nappy regularly
2. Keep the skin dry by allowing your baby to spent time without a nappy. Be careful of using baby powder as the fine dust can be inhaled by the baby and cause respiratory issues
3. Avoid harsh chemicals or irritants such as: perfumed wet wipes, perfumes, soap and creams containing parabens
4. Use tepid water and a cloth or cotton wool to clean the nappy area
5. Apply a cream or ointment to create a protective barrier against urine and faeces, but be sure to wash your babies bum.
Referece
1. Fölster-Holst, Buchner & Proksch 2011
2. Wolf, R., Wolf, D., Tüzün, B. and Tüzün, Y. (2000). Diaper Dermatitis. Clinics in Dermatology, 18:657-660.
3. Barkin, M.B. and Rosen, P. (2003). Emergency Pediatrics A Guide to Ambulatory Care. Pennsylvania: Mosby. Pp588-589.
4. Visscher, M.O., and Hoath, S.B. (2006). Diaper Dermatitis. In Irritant Dermatitis. Edited by Chew, A., Maibach, H.I. New York: Springer, pp 37-51
5. Fernandes, J.D., Machadoll, M.C.R. and de Oliveirall, Z.N.P. (2009). Clinical Presentation and Treatment of Diaper Dermatitis – Part II. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, 84(1).
6. Concannon, P., Gisoldi, E., Phillips, S. and Grossman, R. (2001). Diaper dermatitis: A Therapeutic Dilemma. Results of a Double-Blind Placebo Controlled Trial of Miconazole Nitrate 0.25%. Pediatric Dermatology, 18: 149-155.
7. De wet, P.M., Rode, H., van Dyk, A. and Millar, A.J.W. (1999). Perianal candidos in a comparative study with mupirocin and nystatin. International Journal of Dermatology, 38: 618-622
8. Wahrman, J.E., and Honig, P.J. (2000). Clinical Features and Differential Diagnosis. In Textbook of Pediatric Dermatology. Volume 1. Edited by Harper, J., Oranje, A., and Prose, N. London: Blackwell Science Ltd, pp 58-
9. Scheinfeld, N. (2005). Diaper Dermatitis: A Review and Brief Survey of Eruptions of the Diaper Area. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 6(5): 273-281.
10. Friedlander, S.F., Eichenfield, L.F., Leyden, J., Shu, J. and Spellman, M.C. (2009). Diaper Dermatitis: Appropriate Evaluation & Optimal Management Strategies. Contemporary Pediatrics, April: 1-13.
In my experience protecting the skin by creating a barrier with things like lanolin, caster oil with zinc oxide mixture, bees wax, milking cream or Happy Nappy Cream (formulated by me) will be sufficient. Some paediatric nurses recommend using Mazina in a paste or the slimy water from oats (make sure it is cold when applied). I have to say even though I will only be a daddy in January 2015 I have been motivated to do my research due to my brothers and sisters having a total of 9 children and these tips I have witnessed as effective.
TOP 5 take away points
1. Change the nappy regularly
2. Keep the skin dry by allowing your baby to spent time without a nappy. Be careful of using baby powder as the fine dust can be inhaled by the baby and cause respiratory issues
3. Avoid harsh chemicals or irritants such as: perfumed wet wipes, perfumes, soap and creams containing parabens
4. Use tepid water and a cloth or cotton wool to clean the nappy area
5. Apply a cream or ointment to create a protective barrier against urine and faeces, but be sure to wash your babies bum.
Referece
1. Fölster-Holst, Buchner & Proksch 2011
2. Wolf, R., Wolf, D., Tüzün, B. and Tüzün, Y. (2000). Diaper Dermatitis. Clinics in Dermatology, 18:657-660.
3. Barkin, M.B. and Rosen, P. (2003). Emergency Pediatrics A Guide to Ambulatory Care. Pennsylvania: Mosby. Pp588-589.
4. Visscher, M.O., and Hoath, S.B. (2006). Diaper Dermatitis. In Irritant Dermatitis. Edited by Chew, A., Maibach, H.I. New York: Springer, pp 37-51
5. Fernandes, J.D., Machadoll, M.C.R. and de Oliveirall, Z.N.P. (2009). Clinical Presentation and Treatment of Diaper Dermatitis – Part II. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, 84(1).
6. Concannon, P., Gisoldi, E., Phillips, S. and Grossman, R. (2001). Diaper dermatitis: A Therapeutic Dilemma. Results of a Double-Blind Placebo Controlled Trial of Miconazole Nitrate 0.25%. Pediatric Dermatology, 18: 149-155.
7. De wet, P.M., Rode, H., van Dyk, A. and Millar, A.J.W. (1999). Perianal candidos in a comparative study with mupirocin and nystatin. International Journal of Dermatology, 38: 618-622
8. Wahrman, J.E., and Honig, P.J. (2000). Clinical Features and Differential Diagnosis. In Textbook of Pediatric Dermatology. Volume 1. Edited by Harper, J., Oranje, A., and Prose, N. London: Blackwell Science Ltd, pp 58-
9. Scheinfeld, N. (2005). Diaper Dermatitis: A Review and Brief Survey of Eruptions of the Diaper Area. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 6(5): 273-281.
10. Friedlander, S.F., Eichenfield, L.F., Leyden, J., Shu, J. and Spellman, M.C. (2009). Diaper Dermatitis: Appropriate Evaluation & Optimal Management Strategies. Contemporary Pediatrics, April: 1-13.
Anxiety – what is it and how to deal with it!
Anxiety can present itself in many forms. Most people can identify a feeling of anxiousness by an increased heart rate of “butterflies in the stomach.” You often experience these feelings of anxiousness when you have to address a group of people, or before you compete in an event. This is quite normal and actually needed as this feeling helps the body getting “ready” for a big event.
But then one day, while walking from your office to your car, you experience a feeling of awful dread. So much so that you are convinced that something bad is going to happen to you, or worse, you are going to die. Your heart starts to beat so fast, you are convinced you are having a heart attack, your breathing becomes shallow, your palms sweaty. This is classified as an anxiety disorder, such as a panic attack. This feeling is not normal and can actually have life altering effects.
Panic attacks are normally caused by a traumatic event which was not dealt with properly. For instance, being in a vehicle accident where you were injured, or being hijacked. People suffering from an anxiety disorder tend to start avoiding certain situations, people and places as they start fearing that they might suffer another panic attack. They start to alter their daily pattern, avoid certain areas or situations, normally the same situation that brought on a previous panic attack.
However, some people might experience a panic attack “out of the blue” with no trigger. In such instances, the person can exclude himself totally from society, withdrawing from even the closest family and friends.
To see if you might be suffering from anxiety, answer the following questions:
If you have answered yes to several of the above questions, you may be suffering from anxiety.
The good news is that there is help available. For more serious cases or if you feel that you have been experiencing panic attacks more frequently, it might be a good idea to see a professional such as a Clinical Psychologist.
Read other articles in our stress series:
Happiness with Homeopathy
Why exercise makes you happier
Mindfullness as a stress reduction practise
Common complications in men due to stress
Stress and weight gain
Anxiety can present itself in many forms. Most people can identify a feeling of anxiousness by an increased heart rate of “butterflies in the stomach.” You often experience these feelings of anxiousness when you have to address a group of people, or before you compete in an event. This is quite normal and actually needed as this feeling helps the body getting “ready” for a big event.
But then one day, while walking from your office to your car, you experience a feeling of awful dread. So much so that you are convinced that something bad is going to happen to you, or worse, you are going to die. Your heart starts to beat so fast, you are convinced you are having a heart attack, your breathing becomes shallow, your palms sweaty. This is classified as an anxiety disorder, such as a panic attack. This feeling is not normal and can actually have life altering effects.
Panic attacks are normally caused by a traumatic event which was not dealt with properly. For instance, being in a vehicle accident where you were injured, or being hijacked. People suffering from an anxiety disorder tend to start avoiding certain situations, people and places as they start fearing that they might suffer another panic attack. They start to alter their daily pattern, avoid certain areas or situations, normally the same situation that brought on a previous panic attack.
However, some people might experience a panic attack “out of the blue” with no trigger. In such instances, the person can exclude himself totally from society, withdrawing from even the closest family and friends.
To see if you might be suffering from anxiety, answer the following questions:
- Are you constantly tense, worried, or on edge?
- Does your anxiety interfere with your work, school, or family responsibilities
- Are you plagued by fears that you know are irrational, but can’t shake?
- Do you believe that something bad will happen if certain things aren’t done a certain way?
- Do you avoid everyday situations or activities because they cause you anxiety?
- Do you experience sudden, unexpected attacks of heart-pounding panic?
- Do you feel like danger and catastrophe are around every corner?
If you have answered yes to several of the above questions, you may be suffering from anxiety.
The good news is that there is help available. For more serious cases or if you feel that you have been experiencing panic attacks more frequently, it might be a good idea to see a professional such as a Clinical Psychologist.
Read other articles in our stress series:
Happiness with Homeopathy
Why exercise makes you happier
Mindfullness as a stress reduction practise
Common complications in men due to stress
Stress and weight gain
Everybody is a little scared and on edge these days with the renewed spread and death toll of the EBOLA Virus.
Please click HERE for a list of signs and symptoms to look for when and also ways to minimize your risk of coming into contact with the disease.
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Dr. Marike de Klerk
Dr. Swanepoel
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Sister Alida
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