Hydrate and Re-hydrate!!! It's important!!

Even mild dehydration can alter a person's mood, energy level, and ability to think clearly, according to two studies recently conducted at the University of Connecticut's Human Performance Laboratory.

The tests showed that it didn't matter if a person had just walked for 40 minutes on a treadmill or was sitting at rest – the adverse effects from mild dehydration were the same. Mild dehydration is defined as an approximately 1.5 percent loss in normal water volume in the body.

The test results affirm the importance of staying properly hydrated at all times and not just during exercise, extreme heat or exertion, says Lawrence E. Armstrong, one of the studies' lead scientists and a professor of physiology in the university's Department of Kinesiology in the Neag School of Education.

In order to stay properly hydrated, experts like Armstrong recommend that individuals drink eight, 8-ounce glasses of water a day, which is approximately equivalent to about 2 liters of water. People can check their hydration status by monitoring the color of their urine. Urine should be a very pale yellow in individuals who are properly hydrated. Urine that is dark yellow or tan in color indicates greater dehydration.

If you are looking for more flavor then what water provides to you, the company Advocare offers a product called Rehydrate.  I can attest to it's powers personally through a long-term client who says   "I used to suffer from what they call "restless leg syndrome," until I started using this product before going to bed!  I sleep like a baby now and all because my body is getting the nutrition I need.  No more leg cramping or sleep deprivation!"  If you are interested in knowing more about this product before buying...I have a great friend who is an active Advocare enthusiast and has tried most, if not all, of the products they offer!  Be prepared to learn about "Spark" which is an all natural energy drink which has been in studies replacing Aderol in children!  Amazing stuff and amazing products!

Research Shows How Massage Reduces Inflammation

New research indicates something athletes and sports massage therapists know well: Massage therapy reduces inflammation following strenuous exercise.

On the cellular level massage reduces inflammation and promotes the growth of new mitochondria in skeletal muscle, according to the research conducted by scientists from the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and McMaster University in Hamilton Ontario.

The study involved the genetic analysis of muscle biopsies taken from the quadriceps of eleven young males after they had exercised to exhaustion on a stationary bicycle, according to a university press release. One of their legs was randomly chosen to be massaged. Biopsies were taken from both legs prior to the exercise, immediately after 10 minutes of massage treatment and after a two-and-half-hour period ofNew research indicates something athletes and sports massage therapists know well: Massage therapy reduces inflammation following strenuous exercise.

On the cellular level massage reduces inflammation and promotes the growth of new mitochondria in skeletal muscle, according to the research conducted by scientists from the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and McMaster University in Hamilton Ontario.

The study involved the genetic analysis of muscle biopsies taken from the quadriceps of eleven young males after they had exercised to exhaustion on a stationary bicycle, according to a university press release. One of their legs was randomly chosen to be massaged. Biopsies were taken from both legs prior to the exercise, immediately after 10 minutes of massage treatment and after a two-and-half-hour period of recovery.

"Our research showed that massage dampened the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the muscle cells and promoted biogenesis of mitochondria, which are the energy-producing units in the cells," said Buck Institute faculty Simon Melov, PhD, who was responsible for the genetic analysis of the tissue samples.

He added that the pain reduction associated with massage may involve the same mechanism as those targeted by conventional anti-inflammatory drugs.

"There's general agreement that massage feels good, now we have a scientific basis for the experience," said Melov.

A Pound of Prevention...

I love the magazine Prevention. It is chock full of useful health information, has short, easy to read articles, and is easy to transport so I can take it anywhere and read it while I wait. Admittedly its content does tend toward women, but there is plenty of useful information for every member of the family, including pets!  If you're not interested in reading the magazine (very affordable) check out the website http://www.prevention.com/

This morning I received an e-mail that simply said "Do you give deep messages?" I responded with "It is so simple to be happy, but it is so difficult to be simple!" I was worried about sending, but did anyway. I got a response moments later "Seriously, I needed that! Thank you! When can we schedule?"