Lemon Balm Tea

This lemon balm tea is soothing and mild. Having lemon balm before bed will help calm your nerves and give you a better night's sleep.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons lemon balm
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Directions
Mix the lemon balm, lemon zest and thyme together. Boil 4 cups of water. For each serving, use 1 teaspoon of the blend per 1 cup of hot water. Steep for 5 minutes or more. Add 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice to each cup just before serving.

*If a stronger, more medicinal tea is desired, use 2 teaspoons or up to 1 tablespoon of the tea blend per serving.

From Life-Changing Foods Anthony William

Creating Optimal Health

Optimal health is all about living and eating to obtain a healthy body, mind and spirit, yet optimal health is different for everyone. We have different genes and grew up in different environments and social economic classes, so health management is not the same for everyone.

Ultimately we all need to take charge and be responsible for our own health. Unfortunately, the majority of us let the pharmaceutical companies take care of our health with the ill-fated result of prescription drugs having become the fifth leading cause of death in the United States.

The side effects of drugs are often worse than what the drug is designed to treat; yet people continue to look for magic-bullet cures. And then there are individuals who go to the health food store clerk to ask what they should take for a health condition self-diagnosed on the Internet. There is a substantial risk letting someone with minimal knowledge recommend a vitamin or supplement to resolve a health issue.

IDENTIFY ISSUES SPECIFIC TO YOU

So how can we obtain optimal health? By reviewing our diet and lifestyle with a professional specifically trained to look at your diet and diagnosis and treat disease (e.g., a naturopathic physician or another holistic practitioner). Diet is the key for most chronic diseases. However, the same diet does not work for everyone; it really depends on the health issues of the person.

For instance, high cholesterol is due to too much saturated fat in the diet. Yet many of my patients state they eat healthy and have high cholesterol because of genetics since everyone in their family has high cholesterol. This is not due to genes; this is because they eat like everyone in their family.

Each of us needs to take a good look at our diet to identify what we are eating that is causing the problem. Statins are not the answer because of the side effects, such as muscle aches, dementia, asthma, etc. If we continue to eat a diet high in saturated fat, we will increase our risk for heart disease and cancer.

If one has gastrointestinal issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, one likely has food allergies and malabsorption issues that have not been identified. If one has memory issues or a history of Alzheimer’s, they would do better with a healthy fat diet and lifestyle changes. As you can see, diet can be very different for individuals depending on their health issues.

THINGS WE ALL NEED

Despite the fact that diet must be individualized, some things are universal. Sugar is not good for anyone. It increases inflammation in the body and thus increases your risk for cancer, heart disease, diabetes and many other diseases. This includes fructose, sucrose, maltose, glucose, etc.

Genetically modified organisms, or engineered foods, are treated with herbicides such as Roundup, which can cause neurological issues and has been associated with cancer. This is why organic, local food is better.

Alcohol should be used in moderation, which means one or two drinks one to three times per week. Alcohol has been linked to many cancers, such as breast, prostate, colon and pancreatic cancer.

What about exercise? Ideally, we all should engage in one hour of exercise five times a week. Studies show that any more exercise than this has no more health benefit. In fact, more exercise can increase our risk for heart disease and cause more wear and tear on our joints. This is why most individuals in the Vail Valley have already had a knee or hip surgery or replacement at a very early age.

What about lifestyle? We all need to eliminate as many chemicals as we can in our environment. Chemicals in our environment cause all kinds of health problems, such as increasing our risk for cancer, Parkinson’s, autoimmune disease, liver disease, etc. Chemicals such as parabens, household cleaners, benzene, formaldehyde, radon, lead, herbicides, pesticides and mercury, just to name a few, are in our skin-care products, lotions, sunscreens, shampoos, supplements, etc. If you cannot identify a name in the ingredients of a product, it is probably not a clean product.

As you can see, we can take charge of our health by taking the responsibility to eat healthy, exercise and eliminate as many toxins as possible in our environment. If you do have a health problem, go to someone with experience to help you diagnose and identify the cause of your health issue, rather than treating the symptoms with medication or supplements.

Deborah Wiancek, a naturopathic physician, has had a family practice at the Riverwalk Natural Health Clinic & Pharmacy for 18 years. She can be reached at 970-926-7606 or wiancek@healthref.com.Visit riverwalknaturalhealth.blogspot.com or follow twitter.com/riverwalkhealth.

THE CRANIOSACRAL TREATMENT

THE CRANIOSACRAL SYSTEM
You are probably aware of the many systems that the body is made up of including the respiratory system, digestive system, the cardiovascular system, etc. The body also has a very subtle system unrecognized by science until fairly recently which is known as the craniosacral system. The craniosacral (CS) system consists of the membranes that form the meninges of the brain and spinal cord (down to the sacrum), the bones of the skull to which the membranes attach, other structures related to the meninges, the cerebrospinal fluid, and the structures that produce, contain and reassorb the cerebrospinal fluid. The cornerstone of the CS system is the finding that the bones of the skull are able to move as the cerebrospinal fluid moves through the membranes.

 Cerebrospinal fluid is made in the brain and travels through the CS system. It is then reassorbed into the blood via the venous system.  Production of this fluid (CSF) is halted when a certain pressure level is reached. As the pressure then drops, the CSF production begins again. This ebb and flow of fluid through the meninges of the brain causes there to be a CS rhythm unique to that system.

Since the membranes through which the CSF flows are attached to the skull bones, they move in response to the increase and decrease in pressure. The movement of these bones forms the basis of the CS diagnosis and treatment. The diagnosis of physiological problems is based on the clinician’s ability to assess the rate, amplitude and symmetry of the CS rhythm. The rate of CS rhythm will go up and the amplitude will go down when the meningeal membranes are restricted somewhere. Lack of symmetry helps the clinician assess where a loss of physiological motion is occurring. This could be from injuries, inflammation, scars, etc.

There is a connective tissue sheath that surrounds all body parts. This sheath is known as fascia, and is connected to the CS system and is thus kept in motion. There will be a rocking motion of the sacrum and a widening and narrowing of the head during the CS pulse. A skilled clinician will also be able to feel this rhythm on other parts of the body as the fascia moves with the CS rhythm. The clinician will correct the rhythm with gentle, subtle movements of the skull, the sacrum and other areas where fascia is restricted. The following pages describe this treatment further.

WHAT CS IS USED FOR?
Because the CS system is connected to the rest of the body by its connection to the fascia, restriction can affect many other systems, most notably the nervous system, musculoskeletal system, vascular system, endocrine system, etc. Because of these relationships, CS therapy is used to treat many different conditions. In our clinical setting, we have found them to be helpful for headaches, sinus problems, concussions, anxiety, stress in general , endocrine problems, muscular fatigue or stress, depression, TMJ problems and pain.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Your clinician will have you lie on a table on your back. You may wish to be covered with a sheet or blanket. Even though you will remain fully clothed, the relaxing nature of the treatment may make you feel a little cold. The clinician will then palpate (i.e. examine the CS rhythm by touch) by placing her/his hands on your head then your sacrum. You may be asked to shift your body slightly from time to time, but there is no other way that you need to be involved except to relax and enjoy the treatment. An attempt will be made to keep the room quiet and darkened to enhance the relaxing atmosphere. The clinician will use a very gentle light touch. She/he may move your head from time to time as she/he applies her/his hands to the different bones of the skull, but these movements will be gentle. The clinician will apply very light pressure as she/he attempts to release the restrictions she/he has felt.

The clinician will also use her/his hands on your abdomen and chest to release restrictions of the fascia at these points. She/he may also return to the sacrum from gentle release of restrictions there. More advanced clinicians may feel the CS rhythm in the body fascia by lightly holding your feet, your knees or your shoulders or by very lightly stretching your neck upwards. For facial bones that are more easily accessible through the mouth, the clinician may place a gloved finger into your mouth and very gently move these bones. This technique would be explained in detail to you before it is done. There are no surprises and should be no discomfort. If discomfort is experienced, you should let the clinician know at once so she/he may adjust the pressure or location of her/his hands.
You may feel yourself drifting off into a sort of sleep or you may drift off into a sound sleep. This is normal and you should allow yourself this level of relaxation. The treatment can take anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes depending on how extensive it needs to be. Your clinician can explain to you afterwards what she/he felt and what releases were obtained if you wish to know. You may feel a little “spacey” afterwards. You will probably be very relaxed and may wish to sit in the waiting area before going on to your next activity.

If you have never had a craniosacral treatment it is a great treatment especially for headaches, pain, misalignment, stress, concussions, anxiety, insomnia, muscle pain and depression. To make an appointment please call our office at 970-926-7606.

7 Tips to Keeping Your Skin Healthy

1. Watch your environment- limit exposure to household toxins such as cleaning products, BPA, toxins in cosmetics and sun exposure (buy sunscreens with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, these are the best protection from harmful rays).
2. Enhance your digestion- the body must have a way to eliminate toxins. If you do not have regular digestion your body is unable to do this, try eating more fiber or a daily probiotic to align your body's digestive tract.
3. Allow your body to detoxify- the last newsletter focused on detoxification, so I urge you to glance back on that for detox tips.
4. Modulate your immune response- The best thing you can do for your immune system is adding a quality multi-vitamin and omega-3. Read about the benefits here!
5. Balance your blood sugar- the best way to do this is by avoiding sugar as much as possible, this also includes fruit juices, honey, agave, rice syrup and corn syrup.
6. Keep your hormones balanced- eating well, keeping stress levels down and exercising 3-5 times a week can really keep you balanced.
7. Boost your nutrients-eliminate all processed foods and choose whole, organic foods.

10 Tips to Healthier Eating

1. Eat more high fiber foods such as 100% whole grain breads and cereals.
2. Choose a diet rich in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans
3. Choose vegetable oils such as olive oil and use sparingly. Limit fatty foods; especially animal fats.
4. If you are overweight, consider loosing weight by reducing portion sizes and increasing physical activity.
5. Consult your dietitian to help you with weight management, diet changes and symptom management.
6. Limit red meat consumption to no more than four meals per week. Also, limit portion to three ounces per meal, which is about the size of a deck of cards.
7. Limit salt-preserved, salted, or salty foods.
8. Limit "fast foods" and sugary beverages like soda and juice drinks.
9. Avoid processed meats as much as possible (deli meat, hot dogs, sausage, bacon, etc.)
10. Avoid or limit alcohol.

Toxins in Your Toothpaste

Brushing your teeth is something we've all been doing for so long it's almost automatic. Everyday, 2 times a day, toothpaste enters your body. Whether you recognize it or not, there are most definitely toxic ingredients in a lot of toothpaste - maybe the one that's in your bathroom right now. Even so called "natural ingredients" and brands we trust may have some hidden things we should not be ingesting in them. Dr.Mercola does a fantastic job explaining the 7 toxic toothpaste ingredients to avoid (link below).

Toxic Toothpaste Ingredients You Need to Avoid

In addition to his article, an easy DIY toothpaste you can make at home is simply hydrogen peroxide and baking soda - nothing complicated about it! Be aware and make sure you are not purchasing a potentially harmful product the next time you buy a new tube!

New Association to Accredit Healthy Destination

The recently launched Institute for Health Destination Accreditation, currently comprising six U.S. resort hotels as founding members, is working to help evaluate hotels as “healthy travel destinations” based on a science-based certification process.  Health nut or not, if you’re in the market for a health-focused travel destination, this newly formed association may be able to help you find what you’re looking for.

“Our mission is to be the trusted source for both travel destinations and consumers, including business travelers, seeking the best possible healthy guest experience,” IHDA cofounder and Chief Science Officer Mary Ellen Rose said in a statement.  “Offering consumers a portfolio of destinations committed to the healthy guest experience is one of the many ways we are creating the health and wellness standard in hospitality.”

The association hopes that promoting and certifying hotel health and wellness programs will encourage travelers to make healthier lifestyle choices beyond the dates of their stay.  Alex Cha, IHDA membership sales coordinator, wrote in a blog post. “Healthy travel options tend to extend outwardly to attract guests, but they can also take root at the resort itself where opportunities for educating guests on the value of a healthy lifestyle can come in many forms.  That healthy knowledge learned at the resort can continue long after the guest has left the destination and returned home.”

Meal Planning Sites and Apps

Transitioning into healthier eating is easier said then done.  It can feel overwhelming, especially when you have others to cook for.  Why not makes things easier on yourself? These food sites are easy to use, and have a lot of great information. 

Plan to Eat

The menu planner is at the heart of Plan to Eat.  Easily drag recipes from your recipe book to create your personalized meal plan, and then add additional ingredients, events and notes.  Save existing mean plans from you planner as menus, then drag them back to your menu planner to simplify future planning

Relish 

For everything having to do with food including in season recipes, holiday recipes and ideas, cooking how-to’s, a collection of clean eating recipes for moms, and a lot more.

eMeals  

eMeals has you choose a meal plan based don your eating style (low carb, lowfat, gluten-free), your family size, and even your favorite grocery store.  Every week, your meal plan arrives in your inbox and includes seven dinner recipes.  Each includes an entrée and side dishes.

Dine without Whine 

Dine Without Whine’s website features weekly menus and categorized grocery shopping list that you.  Once you sign up you will receive a menu and shopping list via e-mail each week by Thursday afternoon.  

Menus 4 Moms 

Menus 4 Moms provides weekly menus and grocery list depending on your time, budget, and dietary restrictions. The website also has quick and easy recipes to print off if you are not ready to enroll in their service.  

Cooking Light

Cooking Light’s website has tons of good recipes, plus nutritional info, and tips for living a healthy lifestyle.

Eatingwell 

This website contains recipes for all occasions, plus information on diet and health, free cookbooks, a menu planner and a lot more.

Fruit Anthocyanins

  

What are Fruit Anthocyanins? 

Our Fruit Anthocyanins are an organic dark fruit and berry concentrate designed by Dr. William Mitchell, who pioneered its use as a powerful tool in promoting health.  Over the years he modified his blend to achieve optimal clinical health benefits.  This product is his final formulation, which he used in thousands of patients for a wide variety of health concerns.

Many scientific studies have been conducted around the world, which have shown that the particular fruit and berries contained in this blend — Red Grape, Elderberry, Blueberry, Aronia Berry, Pomegranate, and Red Raspberry — have extraordinary health benefits.  Many of the promising research areas for human health applications are listed below:

• Anti-Bacterial • Erectile Dysfunction • Anti-Inflammatory • Eye Conditions • Anti-Oxidant • Gastrointestinal Conditions • Anti-Viral • Nerve Conditions • Cancer • Obesity • Cardiovascular Diseases • Pulmonary Conditions • Connective Tissue Health • Skin Health • Dental Health Diabetes • Urinary Conditions Cardiovascular disease: The flavonoids are helpful in protecting the heart. Since 1995 I have had virtually no incidence of repeat cardiac events in patients who have had heart attacks. It is essential medicine for heart attack recovers. I also use it for patients who have heart disease in their family histories. Arterial disease: Arteritis, vascular disease with compromised peripheral circulation,phlebitis, and varicosities have all improved. Some of these cases are actually quiteremarkable. I have had no diabetic patients needing to undergo amputation as a result ofcompromised peripheral circulation since using the berry flavonoids. Diabetes: Using a tablespoonful of flavonoids in a large glass of water daily has resulted in lower blood sugar levels.  Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that the flavonoids are particularly helpful with.  Here again, the flavonoids in a large glass of water consumed with a meal twice daily. Macular degeneration:  I have had 6 cases of macular degeneration that have healed using the flavonoids. I am particularly excited about this application of the flavonoids. Pulmonary fibrosis:  The cases I have treated have recovered a great deal of energy and liveliness.  They have less shortness of breath and are actually able to take walks again.  An established case of pulmonary fibrosis where the breathing is severly compromised is considered progressive and terminal.  Given this, I am very pleased to see progression slowed and even stopped in some cases.  Follow up in these cases is currently ongoing. Cancer:  Studies on the organic acids in the pigments are interesting, such as ellagic acid from raspberries.  I use the flavonoids in all of my cancer patients as a protective nutrient. I have seen some amazing results with these concentrated fruit anthocyanins they are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory.  If you are interested in trying them please stop by my office or call to order 970-926-7606.

Monsanto Has Been Banned in Many Countries

Why Not Here??

Stress: How stress Can Affect You & How to Stay Healthy Under Stress

"Stress can create an extensive number of responses in the body; impacting behavior, emotions, and physical and mental well-being. Yet, no two people are likely to experience the same effects or exhibit the same symptoms of stress."

Everyone knows what it’s like to be stressed.  Stress can bring about anything from nervous jitters and sleepless nights to the risk of serious illness.  Sometimes stress in our lives can seem unavoidable.  When you are under stress, what can you do about it?

One thing to understand is that everyone reacts to stress differently, and everyone has different stressors since no two lives are the same. The things that cause stress for one person can be entirely different for someone else. While you may think that stress isn’t an issue for you, it doesn’t mean that you’re immune to its effects.  Stress can create an extensive number of responses in the body; impacting behavior, emotions, and physical and mental well-being. Yet, no two people are likely to experience the same effects or exhibit the same symptoms of stress.

Tips to de-stress include the following:

1. Rest- sleep allows our hormones to reset, the body to recharge, and the system to reboot itself.
2. A regular sleep schedule- with consistent bed times and wake-up times, the growth hormone, cortisol will become balanced.
3. Quieting the mind- yoga, meditation, and deep breathing are excellent ways to release tention and encourage your body out of its “fight or flight” mode
4. Improve Digestion- 70-80 percent of the serotonin (the ‘happy’ hormone) in the body is in the digestive tract.  More and more research is linking overall gut health with mood and brain function.   By eating a diet that consists of mainly vegetables and lean proteins, and limited processed foods and sugar, you can change the way you thing and respond to stress in the first place.
5. Support the stress glands- adrenal glands, located just about the kidneys, are responsible for releasing cortisol, the stress messenger,  A naturopathic doctor might help these glands with basic nutrients like vitamin C, magnesium and B vitamins, which are directly involved in the function of the adrenal glands and can be depleted during chronic stress. Herbs can also help the function of the adrenal glands so that you can become more resilient and better at coping with stress.  The right dose of botanicals like Rhodiola, ashwagandha, Holy basil, Siberian ginseng and licorice, can accomplish this task. 

Nine Steps to Better Health Experts Want Men to Know

On average, men live 5 years less than women.  According to experts, if men were to pay attention to these nine things they would have better health and potentially narrow the longevity gap.

1. There is no Shame in Depression. It is a real physiological event, says certified athletic trainer Ken Locker. Men tend to think it's better to tough it out because they don't want to talk about it: "It might make things worse," or "I'm admitting weakness." Action: Talk to your family doctor who can recommend a professional counselor.
2. Yoga isn’t just a girl thing. Men should aim for cardio and muscle building exercise.  Yoga is great as you age because it helps with balance.
   Action: Ask friends for recommendations, and then try a class.
3. “No pain, no gain” is a none-sense.  Certified chiropractor, Logan Sherman has witnessed plenty of examples of the falsity of this silly saying.  Sherman stated that his male patients are guilty of pushing past the minor things that could be caught at an earlier stage, and turning them into an injury.
   Action: If you feel a twinge, rest. For plantar fasciitis, avoid going barefoot. Roll a tennis ball, golf ball or frozen water bottle under the foot several times a day. If the pain persists, check with your doctor
4.  Certain cancer screenings are imperative. “Prostate cancer is “the easiest cancer to kill if it’s detected,” Locker says. But men, of course, would happily skip that part of a physical, he says.  Another villain is colon cancer, which can be detected early, he says. “Men tend not to want to know, or to think they don’t have any problems.”
   Action: Schedule the screenings, for crying out loud.
5. You don’t need a gym to be fit.  “Gravity,” Locker says, “was the first gym ever invented.”
   Action:  What to do: Pushups, crunches and squats can be done anywhere. Ditto for walking.
6.  You don’t know what to do at the gym. “What men do that’s the biggest problem in exercise is not asking for help,” O’Bryant says. “It’s like that asking for directions thing. I go to the gym, and see people there for the first time and they think they automatically know what they’re doing. But they’re probably doing it wrong.”
   Action: What to do: Use a trainer. Most gyms offer a free session with membership.
7. Sunscreen isn’t for wusses. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the incidence of melanoma is higher in women than men until age 45. By age 60, though, rates are twice as high. 
   Action: What to do: Use a zinc or titanium based face cream with SPF of at least 15, Locker says.  And Schedule a skin check at least once a year.
8. Exercising isn’t a free license to eat anything. “Men who are successful getting into physical activity often think that’s enough,” O’Bryant says. “‘I work out so I can eat what I want.’ ‘I work out so I can drink whatever I want
   Action: Think moderation. Also remember that diet “is not only related to heart health, but intimately related to brain health,” O’Bryant says. “It’s very, very powerful.”

Cheap and Safe Weed Killer Recipe

Weed-Be-Gone

1 Gallon Vinegar

2 Cups Epsom Salt

¼ Cup Dawn Dish Soap (The Blue Original)

It will kill anything you spray it on.  Just mix and spray in the morning, after the dew has evaporated.  Walk away.  Go back after dinner and the weeds are all gone!  Cheaper than anything you can buy at the store.  Never buy Round-up again!

400 Companies that Don’t Use GMOs in Their Products

Many large agricultural companies partner with Monsanto and use genetically modified seeds, as well as fertilizers and herbicides that make us sick.  Big businesses are able to do this because people continue to buy their products, and they have the financial backing to do so.  

To avoid GMOs and added chemicals, we can grow our own food, or buy from a local farmer. There are also numerous companies out there who practice sustainable methods and source from farmers that do not use GMO. 

For a complete list, click HERE

Allergy Free Cookbooks

Top allergy-free cookbooks to stock in your kitchen cupboard

Living Without Gluten 
Developed by Peggy Wagener to help others with gluten intolerances.  For more information go to 
livingwithout.com

The Allergy Self-Help Cookbook: Over 350 Natural Foods Recipes; Free of all common food allergies.  This book contains updates nutrition information, recipes, tips and more.  For more information, click HERE

The Whole Foods Allergy Cookbook: Two Hundred Gourmet & Homestyle Recipes for the Food Allergic Family.  This cookbook contains recipes aimed at eliminating each of the 8 allergens responsible for 90% of food allergies.  For more info, click HERE

What to Eat When You Can't Eat Anything: The Complete Allergy Cookbook.  Offers more than 120 recipes for all types of food sensitivities. For more information, click HERE.

Allergy-free Cookbook: No eggs, no dairy, no nuts, no gluten
Alice Sherwood, a former BBC TV producer whose husband and son have serious food allergies, used her degree in chemistry and love of food to write her own cookbook. For more information, click HERE. 

Lavan Cooks Dairy-Free! A Healthy, Simple Approach to Your Favorite Foods
This cookbook contains lower calorie recipes that use natural dairy substitutes such as soy, rice, oat, and almond milks.  For more information, click HERE. 

The Ultimate Food Allergy Cookbook and Survival Guide: How to Cook with Ease for Food Allergies and Recover Good Health.
This cookbook contains more than 500 sugar-free recipes that work for gluten-free or dairy-free diets.  The book also contains a ton of information about how allergies are developed and how they can be treated.  For more information, click HERE.  


*In case you missed it, check out our newsletter, containing feature article in the Vail Daily, "Clean Out for Spring," earth-day tips, allergy blogs, an immune boosting recipe!*

Study Shows Dementia Patients Benefit from Holistic Exercise Program

"Holistic exercise strives to encourage individuals to not only to take part in the physical activities, but also to become aware of their own physical and psychological states"

Dementia patients can often suffer from depression and declining physical and mental ability, however exercise has been shown to help improve both their physical and psychological state. Researchers at Teesside University in the U.K. investigated how the combination of cognitive activities and elements of yoga, tai chi, qigong and meditation affected dementia patients. It was concluded that a holistic exercise program focusing on both mind and body can help improve quality of life for dementia patients.

For this study, conducted in association with the Alzheimer's Society (UK), researchers developed the Happy Antics program, a holistic exercise plan that integrates physical movements with consideration for the emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual health of the patients. Each Happy Antics session began with a cognitive exercise in which participants were shown a picture of an object while the instructor spoke briefly about it. The patients were then encouraged to discuss the object and ask questions. This activity was followed by warm-up exercises and then physical exercise drawing from principals of tai chi, yoga, qigong, and dance. Each session ended with a short, guided meditation that focused on breathing and mindfulness.

Fifteen participants ranging from 52 to 86 years old attended the program: eight dementia patients, five care-givers, and two volunteers. Some patients said they felt more relaxed after the sessions and experienced some degree of pain relief. Other patients found learning to do the new exercises "empowering," even though sometimes they faced physical difficulty performing the tasks.

"When the wellness approach is applied to exercise, holistic exercise strives to encourage individuals to not only to take part in the physical activities, but also to become aware of their own physical and psychological states, and to perform exercise that is purposeful and meaningful to them," explained lead investigator Yvonne J-Lyn Khoo, BSc (Hons), MS, PhD, of the Health and Social Care Institute, Teesside University.

Top 9 Water Sources

This morning's blog was about the current research on hydrotherapy, and the benefits of regularly soaking in mineral water.  Below are 9 of the most formidable sources for soaking.  

Bad Sulza, Germany

Toskana Therme is known for its natural, warm salt water that springs from an ancient underground ocean, allowing guests to float as if in the Dead Sea.

Ojo Caliente, N.M.

Revered by Pueblo Indians for over 3,000 years, the springs at Ojo Caliente are heated by subterranean volcanic aquifers and fill 11 pools with 80- to 109-degree waters with different combinations of minerals.  One of the pools contains a high arsenic content.  Arsenic is said to relieve arthritis.

Hot Springs, Va.

The Omni Homestead touted as the “oldest spa structure in the U.S,” contains waters that remain a consistent 98 degrees, even in winter.   This spa is where Thomas Jefferson soaked to relieve his rheumatism.  

Saturnia, Italy

Here at the Terme di Saturnia Spa and Golf Resort, the water pours into a large mineral pool fast enough (132 gallons a second) that it is refreshed every four hours.  The spa has been favored by discerning travelers as well as cutting-edge beauty clinics of Switzerland, such as La Prairie. The mineral water is known for having a lot of sulfur which is a building block for collagen and makes skin feel soft and smooth.

Baden-Baden, Germany

Baden means “bath” in Germany, and the old joke is the town is so charming, special and lovely, they named it twice. Situated in the foothills of the idyllic Black Forest, it is one of Europe’s classic spa towns where Roman emperors once came to ease their aches.

The Caracalla Spa is famous for its glass walls.  The mineral waters come in both hot and cold (alternating temperatures are believed to stimulate circulation and build the immune system). The second floor is for those who prefer to go au natural, a common practice for Germans. 

Brittany, France
The Thalasso Center was built by three-time Tour de France winner Louison Bobet after thalassotherapy helped him recover from several surgeries following a car accident. Everything about the property embraces the ocean.

Montauk, N.Y.
The closest the U.S. has to a thalasso center is in Montauk on the tip of Long Island. Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, pumps ocean water into its heated indoor Olympic-size pool.