Feeling special

Well, I haven't been blogging nearly enough lately - our page has been going gangbusters on Facebook, and the chat group is busy, active and supportive, but I haven't always got around to penning my thoughts in here.
This morning's wonderful surprise from my GP colleague Edwin Kruys means I need to get back to it- and get my book finished too!

Read his list of top Australian GP bloggers - yours truly gets a mention along with a bunch of talented medical colleagues, I'm among illustrious company!

http://doctorsbag.net/2015/07/20/top-australian-gp-bloggers-2015/

Thanks Edwin!

Oh and if you haven't found us on social media yet:
http://www.facebook.com/leangreenandhealthy
http://www.facebook.com/groups/LGH.chat
and I'm @LGHtweets on twitter
Share the lean green love!! hahaha

Herbal Medicine

The origins of herbal medicine date all the way back to prehistoric times. Many pharmaceutical medicines contain a single active ingredient and may cause a long list of unpleasant side effects, ranging from nausea and headaches to far worst conditions such as depression and anxiety disorder. Medicinal herbs often feature more than one active ingredient and in many cases, feature fewer or less severe side effects. It is best to consult with a Naturopathic physician before you begin taking medicinal herbs to identify if there are any ingredients that may interfere with other medications you are taking. These are just a few of the benefits of medicinal herbs.

They May be More Effective for Treating Certain Conditions

Medicinal herbs may be more beneficial to patients who are struggling with a chronic condition, such as arthritis. Since chronic conditions require the use of long-term medication, another great aspect of medicinal herbs is that they typically cost less than pharmaceutical prescriptions.

Availability

Many herbs are available without a doctor�s prescription. This is a great feature for patients who have visited a Naturopathic physician and determined with medicinal herbs they need to take to alleviate their symptoms; they will not have to keep scheduling costly follow-up appointments in order to fill their prescription. Many herbs can even be grown in a garden, such as chamomile and peppermint. In fact, in many parts of the world, herbs might be the only available treatment for the majority of patients.

They May Be a Safer Alternative

One of the most attractive benefits of medicinal herbs is that they might be a safer alternative to prescription medications, simply because herbs are more natural than pharmaceuticals. With so many people becoming increasingly aware about the benefits of purchasing organic produce and products that do not contain growth hormones, the interest in medicinal herbs is also growing.

These are just a few reasons medicinal herbs might be beneficial. In addition to consulting with a medical expert to learn more about potential side effects and drug interactions, you can also find plenty of information online about the benefits of specific herbs.

All In A Style

When you enter a hair salon, you might think that the only thing you can get done is a wash and style for your hair. While this might be true of some smaller salons, many of the larger Portland Oregon hair salons, as well as those in other cities, offer more than a simple shampoo, condition and cut.

The most common thing that you will see when entering a salon is chairs where you can get your hair cut or colored. If you only want it washed with professional products, then this is an option as well. You can get your hair highlighted or colored so that it's completely different. Products that are used are safe, and the staff will often test an area of the hair to make sure it will be the correct color before applying to the entire head.

Another service that hair salons offer is styling your hair for a special occasion. This might be for a wedding, prom, reunion or another celebration where you want to have a manicured appearance. Stylists can straighten the hair so that it flows elegantly on the shoulders or curl it with an iron to give tight or loose curls. There are barrels of various sizes when it comes to curling irons depending on the kind of curls that you want.

Most hair salons now offer manicure and pedicure services. You can usually get your eyebrows waxed as well. Some will also wax the lip area. Hair treatments are also offered. These include conditioning the hair so that it's soft. If you have curly hair that seems to be frizzy all the time, then this kind of treatment can help in managing the curls. Perms and relaxers are also used to change the look of the hair. Some salons can add extensions to give a longer look to the hair.

What Should You Look For In A Bariatric Surgeon?

These days, obesity has become an epidemic and many individuals find that their lives are adversely affected because they carry excess weight. If this is the case for you and you're interested in improving your health, you may have considered the value of finding a bariatric surgery Tampa company to assist you. Before you commit to undergoing surgery, it's important that you make certain that the company you select will offer you the excellent, expedient care you deserve. To realize this objective, make sure that the bariatric surgery services provider possesses these key characteristics:

1. Experience In The Bariatric Industry.

One of the first things you should look for in a bariatric surgeon is industry experience. In short, you want to put yourself in the care of a professional who has spent many years developing a successful practice that truly improves the quality of life for patients. To learn whether a surgeon has extensive experience in the bariatric industry, you can typically view the company's website. Once you get this research process started, be sure to keep a company like Bay Surgical Specialists in mind. This company's physicians have decades of combined experience assisting great people like you.

2. A Good Reputation.

Another attribute that you should look for in a company that offers bariatric services is a good reputation. In general, bariatric surgeons who are known for operating in excellence do so. There are several ways for you to get more information regarding what type of reputation a bariatric surgeon has. For starters, you can go online and see if the surgeon or the company employing him or her has a Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. The companies that have earned an A rating or higher will typically offer you the exemplary services you're looking for.

3. Excellent Customer Service.

One final characteristic you should definitely seek in a bariatric surgeon is excellent customer service. Although knowing that the surgeon can perform your surgery with precision and efficacy is important, being treated well is almost equally important. Surgery can be an anxiety-inducing experience, and working with a physician and staff who are amicable and genuinely concerned about your mental and physical well-being can alleviate some of this anxiety. Since this is the case, make sure you're seeking a service provider known for offering excellent customer service.

Conclusion

If you're interested in attaining bariatric surgery in order to facilitate weight loss, remember that selecting the ideal surgeon is important. To ensure that you can do so, be sure to look for the aforementioned attributes in the service provider. Good luck!

Three Reasons to Consider Shaving the Old-School Way

If you're not satisfied with using today's multi-bladed disposable razors and fruity-smelling cream, you're not alone. Shaving with a straight razor and shaving soap is still practiced by plenty of guys, from older gents to guys in high school. If you're on the fence, here are three reasons to give it a try.

Less Irritation

For those who are sensitive to chemicals, modern shaving can be a disaster. The friction of four or five stacked blades scraping against your face can be a recipe for disaster, as can the ingredients in the built-in moisturizing strip. With a straight razor, you're the one choosing the soap. There are no built-in irritants. If you suffer from ingrown hairs, acne or razor burn, old-schooling shaving may be just the solution.

Environmental Friendliness

The plastic and chemicals in disposable razors can't really be recycled, making them destined for the landfill. By comparison, a quality straight razor and brush can last you for the rest of your life with proper care and cleaning. Everything from shaving soap to moustache wax is produced in environmentally friendly packaging and hypo-allergenic formulations, too!

Fewer Injuries

While this can see counter-intuitive, many men experience fewer cuts with an old-fashioned straight-edge than they do with so-called safety razors. A lot of this has to do with the sharpness of the blade and the angle at which you use it. If you are pushing too hard with an inferior safety razor and suffering cuts, experimenting with a sharp straight razor can save you a lot of pain and aggravation.

If you're having trouble with your currently shaving method or are concerned about the environmental impact, old-school shaving may be right for you. Don't be afraid to experiment and see what works best for you.

Three Precautions You Can Take with Your Young Gymnast

Gymnastics is a wonderful form of exercise and also help kids learn about discipline, meeting goals and learning mastery over their own body. However, it is also a very percussive sport with a high risk for injury. If you have a young gymnast, here are three ideas for keeping them as safe as possible.

Instruction with a Dietitian or Nutritionist

Both male and female gymnasts become aware of their weight early. If they are too heavy, the strain on their joints can lead to injury. Sadly, this leads some kids into disordered eating because they do not understand how to eat well and still control their weight. If your child is serious about gymnastics, getting them the education necessary to control their weight in a safe way is invaluable.

Purchase Extra Padding for the At-Home Practice Space

Padding allows gymnasts to push their skills and improve. While gymnasts are usually quite inured to pain, fear of injury can make him or her hesitant to try out new skills and perfect them. Exercise floor mats can help avoid a lot of nasty spills and injuries.

Don't Allow Your Child to Be Pushed Too Hard

There is a difference between pushing towards a goal and pushing a child too hard. If your little gymnast starts to complain of incessant joint pain, is falling behind their peers in school or asks to slow down or stop training, don't push. Successful gymnasts are all self-motivated, and the vast majority of children should be encouraged to enjoy the sport and not focus on the Olympics or other lofty goals.

Gymnastics is a wonderful sport that is good for both flexibility and cardiovascular training. By keeping these tips in mind, you can keep your gymnast healthy and happy for the entire time they participate.

Assistance From A Rail

If you care for someone who stays in bed for a large portion of the day, then consider getting an adjustable bed rail. This is a rail that can be removed and put back on the bed at any time. It can also be moved to different areas on the bed depending on what the person is doing. The rail can be used as a tool to assist the caretaker in moving the person up in the bed or to help in getting the person to sit up while eating. 

One of the reasons to use a bed rail is for the safety of the person. It can help keep the person from falling out of the bed, and it can help in giving the person a way to move from one side to another. If the person can't get up to walk, then this is the lifeline for changing clothes, bathing and other daily activities. The person can grab the rail no matter where it's positioned. It can be used as a support when you are standing beside the person and helping with giving a bath or making sure they get their clothes on with as little effort as possible.

What To Expect From Alcohol Rehab

If you have issues with drinking alcohol, then a rehab center might be able to give you the help that you need. When you enter the facility, you will meet with counselors and doctors who will address your alcohol abuse and help you determine why you turn to drinking to solve the problems in your life. There are outpatient options as well as inpatient services that are best if you have been drinking for longer periods of time. 

One of the things to keep in mind is that you can leave any time you want as long as you aren't court ordered to receive treatment. Even if you have been ordered, you can still leave, you but would face the consequences of those actions when you go back to court. If you choose the inpatient service, then you will go through a period of detox to rid the body of the alcohol and any other drugs. This is done in a safe manner, and there will be nurses and doctors there to monitor your progress. There are classes to take while there so that you can learn about healthy ways to direct your depression, anxiety or other feelings. Group therapy and family meetings are also used in treating the alcoholism that you have faced.

Tonight's taste test - Curried carrot and red lentil soup

Tonight is cool and wet so it's time to start winter cooking. I decided to make an experiment tonight and it worked!! A delicious fragrant and spicy soup, this one is vegetarian and vegan friendly, cheap and easy to make and very filling with lots of fibre and low GI carbohydrates from the lentils (which are from the legume family). 

Legumes are foods like peas, beans and lentils and they are nutritional powerhouses with fantastic nutrient qualities, a great source of plant based protein, low GI carbohydrates and resistant starch. The coconut cream in my recipe does add more kilojoules and fat, but it is not too much across this big pot of soup. If you are closely watching your saturated fat intake you could consider using yoghurt or evaporated milk instead. 

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 brown onion diced
• 1 bunch coriander
• 4 large carrots diced
• 1.5 cups dried red lentils
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• 1/2  can reduced fat coconut cream
• 2 TBSP Thai red curry paste
• 2 TBSP olive oil
• 1 TBSP minced garlic (or 2 cloves fresh garlic chopped)
• 1 tsp minced ginger 
• 1 TBSP dried ground cumin
• 1 TBSP dried chilli flakes (omit if you don't like it spicy!)

METHOD:

• Dice brown onion, chop stems of coriander just aboove the roots, set leaves aside for later. 

• Toss onion and coriander steams in a heavy based pot with olive oil, garlic, ginger, cumin and chilli flakes and saute until onion is transparent

• Add red curry paste and stir for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

• Add diced carrots and saute for 2-3 minutes until softened then add lentils and stock.

• Simmer for 30 minutes on low heat until carrots and lentils are very soft.

• If you like your soup lumpy, leave it as is. I whizzed mine with a stick blender until thick and no large pieces remain.

• Add reduced fat coconut cream to taste (I used a bit less than 1/2 can) and stir through chopped coriander leaves in last 5 minutes to serve.

We each had a small bowl to taste test it and then I filled five containers for the freezer so this recipe could easily serve 6-8 people.

Bon appetit!

Aggressive Sports Therapy

Physical therapy methods have been used for decades to treat several physical conditions. And with the advancement of technology, physical therapy has become even better, especially for sportsmen and women.

What is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is the treatment of injury, dysfunction, disease or disability using physical and mechanical methods such as massage, heat, light, electricity and regulated exercise. Physical therapy aims to facilitate and restore normal functioning of the body.

Physical therapists such as the Aggressive Sports Therapy are professionals at improving your motion and mobility because pain-free movement is vital to the quality of your daily life.

Benefits of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy has been proven to provide several benefits to an individual.

Improved Motion and Mobility

Physical movement helps to prevent obesity that is responsible for at least 18 percent of adult deaths in the Unites States. Research shows that prolonged sitting is unhealthy and that walking for a reasonable distance each day reduces your risk of stroke and heart attack.
Movement is also vital in maintaining proper physical balance. Studies show that falls account for a significant number of injuries that are costly to the victim.

Helps to Avoid Prescription Drugs and Surgery

Many people have been referred to physical therapists to rehabilitate from surgeries and major medical traumas. Research shows that treatment by physical therapists is an equally effective and cheaper alternative to prescription drugs and surgery to several conditions that range from knee osteoarthritis and meniscal tears to back pain and degenerative disk disease.

Increased Muscle Strength and Range of Motion

Research shows that massage therapy can help individuals with spinal injuries. It serves to increase the muscle strength and range of motion for joints, and it improves extension and flexing abilities of muscles.

In addition, physical therapy is beneficial because it:

� Improves body posture and alignment
� Decreases joint and muscular inflammation
� Relieves stiffness in the joints
� Releases joint strains (tight muscles and tendons)
� Releases restrictions of connected tissues (fascia)
� Relieves stiffness, soreness and tension in the muscles
� Improves blood circulation in the body
� Improves overall muscle tone
� Improves nutrients flow to the muscles and joints
� Shortens the time taken for recovery from injuries and fatigue
� Reduces scar tissues
� Breaks down and prevents knots (adhesion)
� Relieves cramps and muscular spasms
� Increases physical confidence
� Eliminates swelling and pain in the joints and muscles

If you are a sportsman or woman, or you are recovering from an injury or accident, physical therapy can help you to regain your fitness and to improve your current condition. You can also benefit from it if you are suffering from any physical conditions.

4 Ways to Reduce the Attacks of Mosquitos and Ticks this Summer

Although mosquitos and ticks are relatively small, they can still cause a great deal of damage to yourself and the family. Very few people are resistant to mosquito bites, but the diseases these insects carry are very dangerous to human health. Ticks are often attributed to lyme disease and other complications as well. Luckily, there are ways to protect your family from these small creatures.

Insect Repellent Sprays

Repellents can go a long way to stopping bugs from biting you or the children. However, these sprays are flammable and can leave a very nasty aftertaste in your mouth. Now, this doesn't mean that you need to treat your tongue and teeth with the spray, but it does affect eating barbecue chicken with your hands. Many of these sprays are also short-lived and require several applications throughout the day.

Foods

Various types of foods can repel insects of all kinds. Planting things such as garlic and lavender repels ticks and can prevent them from coming into the yard. In fact, garlic can repel a large portion of insects including mosquitoes. You shouldn't rub yourself down with a slice of pizza, but garlic plants and lotions can be effective in reducing your appeal to these carnivores.

Citronella

An oil derived from the cymbopogon plant, citronella has been an effective deterrent against various insects for more than seven decades. However, the downside to the product is that the range is limited and lotions need to be applied every hour. If you use several candles around the area where you and the family are outdoors, it could be enough to stave off mosquitoes and ticks.

Professional Natural Sprays

Some companies will use natural and non-toxic sprays to rid an area of ticks and mosquitoes. This means that you don't have to worry about your children and pets when these insect experts come to your door. Natural sprays and compounds also help your local environment as the water table doesn't absorb toxic compounds.

It only takes one tick or mosquito to infect you or your family with deadly illnesses. With the long list of insect-related ailments, you don't want to take the chance of having to make an emergency room visit after a bite. Visiting websites such as mosquitosquad.com can help you get in touch with professionals and devices that can protect the household from these kinds of bugs. Do what needs to be done to enjoy your summer without being swarmed by mosquitoes or the occasional tick.