201 Street » Health

Biofeedback and Dreaming

Brody — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 03:10:00 +0000

Everyone dreams, even though there are quite a number of people who claim that they don’t. Even mammals dream, where dogs will run, sniff, snap at the air, and display the same rapid eye movement that humans do. Dreaming is still one of the most mysterious behaviors, and it’s never been understood completely.

There are some schools of psychoanalysis that claim that dreams are simply the way the mind empties itself out at night, where the strange and random images are not meant for contemplation, but merely distractions to be rid of. There are others, many others, who imagine that dreams are really the hidden vocabulary of the psyche, or even soul. While it might be impossible for anyone to remember every single one of their dreams, it is possible to increase one’s ability to recall them.

Learning how to slow down one’s own internal rhythm is a very good beginning. Using techniques such as biofeedback , it’s possible to modulate the heartbeat and the breath, along with many other physical functions, and this has the effect of putting the mind in a meditative state. In this state, one is more receptive to the things of the imagination, and here, it’s possible to recall dreams with a very surprising clarity.

Biofeedback and Dreaming is a post from: 201 Street

Haven’t Been to Knoxville Since the Worlds Fair

Denial and Drug Addiction Treatment

Brody — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 03:10:00 +0000

Most people in this country who are over the age of twenty-one have been intoxicated at least once in their lifetime. In addition a large portion of the population has tried at least one illegal drug. There is also a substantial population in this country that regularly consumes large quantities of alcohol and regularly uses one or more illegal drugs. And so far the population of prescription medication abusers has not even been mentioned, though that number continues to rise every year. And while drug addiction continues to remain a social taboo and addicts frequently experience a social stigma along with their disease, larger numbers of people are fitting into this population than ever before.

And with all of that disturbing information, many people find it difficult to recognize that they have a problem and when they do are unsure of how to address it. One of the standard associated aspects of drug addiction is denial of the issue. This is built into the disease and is part of what makes it flourish. And denial extends far behind the actual addict. Family members, friends, coworkers and loved ones are frequently willing to overlook potential signs of addiction and pretend that everything is as it should be. Society itself is willing to overlook the degree of drug addiction in this country and this is one of the things that contributes to an addict’s reluctance to seek treatment. It is easy for a single addict to feel like they’re on the social fringe, though they are in much greater company than what most people realize and are willing to admit.

This is one of the issues that drug rehab treatment programs deal with and work to reverse. So many people are eager to ignore potential addiction issues until the problem becomes too destructive and the behavior of the addict is so out of control that prison time may be imminent or family members simply can’t take the manipulation, and frequently theft, that is standard to the addicts behavior. Finally they are willing to accept the problem and openly support the addict’s treatment. One of the things that could greatly assist the ongoing war on drugs is nationwide acknowledgment that the problem has hit home and to let go of the need for secrecy and taboo on the subject.

Denial and Drug Addiction Treatment is a post from: 201 Street

Best Recovery in Prague

Brody — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:03:22 +0000

I can speak directly to the value of patient activity in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). It was around 1999, when I was in my 60′s and living in Prague. An Indian heart/lung surgeon from Albuquerque, New Mexico (I know, it’s confusing)performed open chest surgery on me in order to remove a tumor which two biopsies had failed to identify. Prior to my surgery, the doctor refused to explain to my what my procedure will be post-operation. He said he’ll explain it to me right before surgery. He would only say that it was so difficult that he had patients say on the morning of the surgery that they did not want to do it, so they ended up going back home. He said that telling me ahead of time would only cause me worry.

Anesthesia was timed perfectly. I was awake in the operating room and they required me to stand. Then I was moved through a couple of stages the required me to achieve specific activity goals until I regained my own room. The entire wing was run as an ICU. Instead of allowing me to sleep, I was awakened every hour on the hour on day 1 and I was required to stand. Next, I was made to walk the measured hallways, talking my IV stand along for the ride. My nurses acted like my own personal cheerleaders and they would make sure I was in no pain. They would even tap my tubes coming out of my back to avoid any pulling sensations. It was my job to walk several times each day with a daily goal leading to my ultimate goal. When I reached my 2 mile goal on the 8th day, I was dismissed. But, I had a stipulation that I would continue the routine at home. It was in the dead of winter, but with the help of my son, I reached my goal of 5 miles per day. I had what was considered one of the most rapid recoveries.

I’m now in my 80′s and I got a chance to ask my doctor why I was the only person walking the halls and he told me that there were two reasons: first, I had never smoked so my lungs were in perfect condition and two, I did not have any complicating illnesses. I advised him I made a reservation with one of the Prague Czech Republic hotels because I would like to personally thank him for not telling me before my surgery just how hard it was to recover.

Best Recovery in Prague is a post from: 201 Street

Healing Stones of Singapore

Brody — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:27:37 +0000

For the past few years, I have been going on these vacations Singapore offers through my place of work. One deal was to spend time learning about all the different healing modalities of the country. The one I enjoyed the best was about the healing powers of crystal stones.

This one place, which was on the tour, gave us all a lesson about crystal stones. Apparently, they have been helping people to understand their personal strength and weaknesses concerning money matters, careers, luck and relationships by doing numerology readings with healing crystal stones. We each got a reading and got to learn how to pick with healing crystal stone is the correct one for us. It’s a unique healing process kit designed by this place and has been successful in helping thousands of people improve their personal destiny in many opportunities. The healing method helps people who are suffering with negative blockage energy.

The showed us all the testimonials from some very famous people around the world and from all the other regular people from around the world. Like, they got a new job, a better career opportunity, a promotion, better salary or just an increase in luck. New romances were on the horizon or they solved unresolved issues or problems and their love life had never been better. We were told that usually, after a numerology reading a crystal stone will be selected based on our individual needs at the moment of the reading. After my reading, I truly became a believer of the numerology reading. I found it to be a very powerful healing and consulting tool. The crystal that was picked out for me was labradorite which is supposed to help me with insight and contemplation.

Ever since my vacation, my life has been improving and opportunities seem to drop in my lap. So, next time your in Singapore, why not stop in a place that will read your numerology and pick a healing crystal stone, what do you have to lose?

Healing Stones of Singapore is a post from: 201 Street

Perth in a Healing State of Mind

Brody — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:40:13 +0000

I’ve come to Australia to attend a new energy healing seminar. I’ve booked a room at one of the Perth boutique hotels for the duration of the seminar. Am fascinated by the research being done on this subject. I’ve wondered if there was a way to record when healing energies are being channeled directly to a client. Also, if they can record energy before and after a channeled healing session. The Metaphysical Institutes’s seminar will cover their most recent research on energy healing with the graphing of the human life energy fields that are within the body.

During the seminar they demonstrated some of what they are researching. They take readings by measuring the electrical energy in a number of points on a person’s hand and feet before an energy healing takes place. The energy healing modality being used has no actual physical contact with the client. The measurements will then graph all the major energy meridians within the body on a computer monitor which will show the ying/yang (left/right) balance and more.

Then they demonstrated how the heart energy healing works. We communicate with our mind to these human life energy fields through the universal life force energy. This communication is done in the Delta state, where like in Reiki, they use the Alpha state. But, we were told both results are still obtained by communicating through universal life force energy of the patient.The results recorded were dramatic after the healing sessions. The graphing changes recorded were astonishing. They explained that this research is about finding out which individual fields are affected; even at the times when the healing is dealing purely with spiritual issues. Then they told us that this research is a precursor to what happens to the physiology, chemical changes and and DNA changes in the body.

When the seminar was over, I had a new found appreciation for the capacity of the healing nature of the human species. It was proven to me that with the right healing intentions, concentration and practice, of course, that we humans have a great gift.

Perth in a Healing State of Mind is a post from: 201 Street

If pot is legal will drug abuse stats rise?

Brody — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:19:05 +0000

Marijuana is a big debate. Some people say it is totally harmless and less harmful then alcohol, which is legal. Others say that marijuana is a gateway drug that leads someone to do harder street drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Many say legalized marijuana would lead to more people in addiction treatment and resources stretched even further.

There has been a recent debate in the state of California, because the state is basically broke, that if marijuana was legalized it would help alleviate the state’s budget woes. Research has showed that is as difficult to quit smoking marijuana daily as it is nicotine cigarettes. And nicotine cigarettes are also legal in the United States for those over the age of 18. And if marijuana use does lead to the use of harder drugs or because of mental problems, rehab centers that use dual diagnosis treatment would be needed.

No matter what side of the debate you are on, it is interesting to take a look at what the Dutch did. They have coffee shops that sell the drug in the Netherlands to those who were at least 16 and the rates of young people using the drug went up. But, once the number of coffee shops dwindled and the legal age was changed to 18, the statistics for use went down. There is also a thought if criminal penalties for marijuana use should be lessened for those who have small amounts in their possession.

No matter what you think, it needs to be taken into consideration that marijuana is potentially harmful, but no more so really than alcohol and cigarettes and those are both legal at certain ages. Kids already get a hold of marijuana and it’s all about parenting to keep them away from things until they are old enough to make their own informed decisions.

If pot is legal will drug abuse stats rise? is a post from: 201 Street

Stress Relief in the Form of a Garden and a Hot Tub

Brody — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:38:31 +0000

Stress is a problem that increases everyday in the United States. The affects are felt by people of every ethnic background, those of each sex and every age, and stress will attack regardless of ones religious background. While the human body is equipped to deal with stress on a moderate level, when stress builds up or becomes excessive the body just can not do it on its own. Medical doctors, researcher and scientists continue to amazed and dumb-founded as to just what stress can do to the body. Those in the work place, sitting in traffic, or those raising children, all people feel this at some point, on every level. Stress that goes un-managed can cause serious health problems, in the United States alone, three out of ten deaths are attributed to the effects of stress, as stress is one of the leading causes of heart disease. Un-managed stress is becoming a disease that is crippling otherwise healthy people. Just thinking about stress alone, causes stress.

While this may sound overwhelming, there are so many steps individuals can take to care for themselves. Many of those stressed out in the population today are finding solace and relief in those practices that at one time may have been passed off as ‘new age’ or esoteric. Aromatherapy is one such practice. It is nothing new, the idea of scent. Scent is one of the most powerful senses when it comes to memory and feelings and mood. One such measure that many are taking in reducing their own stress levels and taking their care and their lives into their own hands, is to install hot tubs, many models of spas can be found at choosehottubsdirect.com. Installing a hot tub in ones back yard that is surrounded by gardens of roses and lavender, both flowers known for their calming properties, will serve two purposes. The hot soak in a hot tub relaxes the muscles, and the scent of the garden relaxes one’s mind. In this day and age, people are finding the joy, the harmony, and the simple effects of just what taking a little time out from the hectic world will do for their daily life.

Stress Relief in the Form of a Garden and a Hot Tub is a post from: 201 Street

Chilling and Grilling

Brody — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 21:23:40 +0000

It’s been some time since I’ve written anything about barbecuing. But, I had a great time on my built in grill over the summer holidays, I thought I’d share some of my built in grills tricks. Over the years of grilling, I’ve learned a few things that made everything I grilled turn out perfect everytime. I’ve listed a few that will make you look like a grilling professional.

First, learn how to light the grill. If you have a gas grill check all the connections to make sure everything is operating properly. If it’s a wood burning or charcoal grill, buy the smallest bag of match light charcoals or tinder, then but the regular bag of charcoal or wood and lighter fluid. Before anyone shows up, lay some match light charcoals or tinder down in your grill. Then as the invited guest arrive, make a show of putting in the charcoals or wood and the lighter fluid. Let it soak up for several minutes then light it up. The match lights or tinder at the bottom should not only hold the fire really well, but help the regular charcoals and wood stay lit.

Now, to truly look like a grilling professional cook ribs with meat that falls off the bone. You can cheat by preparing ahead of time by either buying a 40 ounce can of your favorite beer, toss it into a big stock pot along with two bottles of water, enough that the ribs are barely covered. Add salt, pepper, garlic and onion. Boil the water first before adding in the ribs. Simmer for about an hour. Toss it in the fridge. When it’s time, toss the ribs on the grill and coat them with your homemade barbecue sauce. The ribs do not need to be grilled for long, just enough to heat them up really, get a smokey flavor and the BBQ sauce is a little bit browned.

For burgers, learn how to flip them only once. Flipping the burgers only once saves time and they don’t dry out. A good sign when it’s time to flip is when the blood rises to the top of the burger. Now for chicken, one really needs to be careful in the preparation. I find boiling the chicken first helps make sure that once you place either the whole chicken or chicken parts on the grill, that it will be thoroughly cooked. Peeling the skin aways also helps in this area.

With these tips you are now well on the way for creating a great barbecue party and being the best griller your friends have ever witnessed.

Chilling and Grilling is a post from: 201 Street

Grandmothers Accused of Selling Heroin

Brody — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:07:27 +0000

Two grandmothers accused of selling heroin from their homes near Stroudsburg, PA were in court Wednesday morning reported WNEP Newschannel 16. Elizabeth Grube, 70, and Elaine Volkert, 65, gave up their right to a preliminary hearing in Stroud Townshp. Both defense and prosecuting attorneys said they want to cooperate with authorities.

The sisters are charged with selling tens of thousands of dollars of heroin out of their homes near Stroudsburg. Attorneys said this latest move is part of a plea deal. “We’re trying to work up the chain of distribution. Her cooperation, particularly Elaine’s, is going to be fruitful,” explained Assistant District Attorney Michael Mancuso.

The prosecutor said the sisters continue to cooperate. They will plead guilty to possession of heroin with intent to distribute once the case goes to trial in Monroe County court. Grube’s lawyer said the women are hoping for a sentence of probation, rather than jail time.

Risk of heroin use:

* For intravenous users of heroin (and any other substance), the use of non-sterile needles and syringes and other related equipment leads to several serious risks:
o the risk of contracting blood-borne pathogens such as HIV and hepatitis
o the risk of contracting bacterial or fungal endocarditis and possibly venous sclerosis
o abscesses
* Poisoning from contaminants added to “cut” or dilute heroin
* Chronic constipation
* Addiction and increasing tolerance
* Physical dependence can result from prolonged use of all opioids, resulting in withdrawal symptoms on cessation of use
* Decreased kidney function (although it is not currently known if this is due to adulterants or infectious diseases)

Please contact a drug rehab or drug treatment centers for more information regarding the dangers of heroin use. Drug rehab programs are important for this or any kind of addiction.

Grandmothers Accused of Selling Heroin is a post from: 201 Street

Continuing Therapy

Brody — Wed, 27 May 2009 20:40:40 +0000

When I came out of clinic for my chronic pain issues, I didn’t feel any better. I used up most of my life savings to go to this particular pain clinic with which their brochure boosted a 99% success rate with reducing pain or removing pain all together. They said they’ll take on what ever pain ails you and heal you within 30 days with their patent pending breakthrough intense treatments of psycho-analysis, physical therapies, natural remedies like meditation and yoga and if necessary, surgery using State-of-the-Art procedures and equipment. With that kind of claim, I took an emergency sabbatical from teaching at the University, got my passport, booked a room in one of the Top Singapore Hotels and headed off to Malaysia.

I’ve suffered with chronic pain not too long after my mother died. I woke up on morning not being able to move with out excruciating pain. Pain all over. I was taken to the emergency room via ambulance screaming all the way. I can’t even tell you exactly where the pain is cause it’s everywhere. After tons of testing, poking and prodding, the doctors could not find a reason for my pain. All they could do for me is give me some prescription for pain pills. I’ve been on the pain pills for years. Every now and then, I would stop taking the pills to see if the pain has gone away, stupid of me really, it would take me hours bent over with severe pain waiting for the pain medication to take effect again.

I knew I couldn’t live this way the rest of my life, so I’ve been all over the country consulting with pain specialist that promised results, and none came. Surgeons who said to get psychiatric help because there was nothing physically wrong with me. Allergy specialist, any specialist. No one could help me. I finally broke down and went to a psycho-therapist and was still in pain after six month of now knowing my love hate relationship with my mother.

Walking down the streets of Singapore in a daze, disappointed and absolutely broke, I found myself standing in front of a Buddhist Temple. Monks were chanting inside the temple halls seeming all blissful and peaceful. I wanted that. Peace. I wanted to know peace again; a non drug prescribe peace.

Continuing Therapy is a post from: 201 Street