It’s no secret that alcohol use is alive and well on college campuses across America. New research studies investigate a largely unexplored area — the relationship between heavy drinking and social anxiety.

According to a recent report by the National Institute of Health (NIH), anxiety is a psychological risk factor associated with heavy or problem drinking among college students.

Along with anxiety and other psychological factors, the NIH report suggests that an impulsive personality and a family history of alcohol abuse may be additional risk factors for problem drinking.

People with social anxiety, students and non-students alike, can benefit from these findings by taking action to eliminate risk factors for problem drinking and address their anxiety.

Social anxiety is the most common type of anxiety disorder and it affects 15% of Americans. Social anxiety, also known as social phobia, is diagnosed as overwhelming anxiety, fear, and self-consciousness in everyday social situations.

It triggers a host of physical symptoms, anxious thoughts, and avoidance behaviors.

People that suffer from social anxiety disorder usually realize that their fears are unfounded or extreme, but still feel unable to control their fears that others are looking at or judging them.

What You Can Do

Ask yourself why you drink. Do you drink to relax, to relieve stress, or to help alleviate social fears and anxieties? If any of these reasons describe you, you may be using alcohol in a vain attempt to cope with the root cause — social anxiety.

Drinking large amounts of alcohol may mask the problem for a few brief hours. However, once the mask comes off you are faced with yourself, and your anxiety returns stronger than ever.

In fact, problem drinking hinders you from making positive strides forward in healing because instead of one problem to overcome, you now have two problems, social anxiety AND alcohol abuse.

Here are several ways you can empower yourself to address the root causes of social anxiety, instead of masking the problem with heavy drinking.

– Build a social support system. Many people rely on drinking for social support. Instead of using drinking to connect with others, seek social support outside of the drinking environment. This is easier said than done, I know. After all, the social anxiety is what hinders these types of connections in the first place.

Remember, baby steps can move mountains over time. Start with safe people like a trusted family member, a best friend, counselor, or pastor, and build from there.

Some colleges offer group therapy for people with social anxiety, which gives you an opportunity to learn how to overcome your fears in a safe environment with people who understand what you’re going through.

– Change your expectations about what alcohol can do for your stress level. National Institute of Health research indicates that when a person EXPECTS that alcohol will relax them or loosen their social inhibitions, it leads to increased drinking.

Problem drinkers tend to believe that drinking alcohol will reduce stress and relax them. In fact, there is much debate as to whether this assumption is actually true.

While some studies suggest that low levels of alcohol temporarily reduce the stress response (also known as the fight or flight response), other studies now indicate that alcohol actually INDUCES the stress response.

Much research demonstrates that alcohol actually triggers the fight or flight response by stimulating the release of stress hormones such as corticosterone and adrenaline. In other words, large amounts of alcohol can actually CREATE many of the symptoms that you’re trying to avoid!

– Practice wise drinking habits. If you find it difficult to stop once you start drinking, or have a difficult time drinking responsibly, skip the alcohol altogether (at least until you learn how to engage in healthy drinking behaviors). As the saying goes: “If in doubt, go without.”

If you do decide to drink, alternate alcoholic with non-alcoholic drinks, and do not drink on an empty stomach. Foods high in protein or fat will slow the absorption of the alcohol.

Note: If you think you have a drinking problem and you want help, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a wonderful resource. AA groups have helped millions transform their lives, and meetings are available in most communities.

– Increase your sense of control over social anxiety by learning anxiety reduction techniques. Nutritional strategies for reducing anxiety, deep breathing, guided imagery, and cognitive-behavioral strategies are just a few examples of anxiety reduction techniques that are included in our Conquer Anxiety Success Program.

Anxiety reduction techniques can be highly effective tools in helping you to conquer anxiety. For example, NIH findings indicate that cognitive-behavioral therapy can be as effective as medication in treating anxiety, and even more effective than medication at preventing long-term recurrence of anxiety.

The coping skills that anxiety reduction strategies give you empower you to bring your anxiety down to a healthy level. These skills also increase your sense of control so that you don’t need alcohol to successfully handle social situations.

Remember, you are not alone, and you CAN feel better.

Panic and Anxiety Attacks Can Easily Be Cured

If you suffer from anxiety or panic attacks, you are not alone. According to the National Institute of Health, 1 out of 75 people have these attacks at some time in their lives. It is estimated that twice as many women than men suffer from this disorder. Some cases are much more severe than others.

It is very controversial what causes these attacks. Some researchers believe it is hereditary, while others believe it is an imbalance of two neurotransmitters in the brain: dopamine and serotonin. For many, just the thought of having another anxiety attack can bring one on, so it becomes a vicious cycle which can be extremely difficult to break.

Many symptoms are tightness in the chest and stomach, dizziness, lack of oxygen, fear which cannot be controlled, and a feeling of passing out. Some may experience anxiety or panic attacks while driving in rush hour traffic, boarding a plane, giving a speech or an experience where they feel they are not in control. The fear of losing control is usually the strongest contributor or causation to bring an attack full speed ahead.

I suffered from anxiety and panic attacks for many years. While many resort to medication or therapy for this condition, that was not the route for me. I didn’t want to deal with the side effects of pills or become dependent on them for the rest of my life. Therapy was useless for me. However. I was bound and determined to beat this disorder once and for all.

I found the most amazing cure and it has totally changed my life. I will never have another attack. I have learned how to stop them dead in their tracks before they even begin. It was so easy to learn and has made such a difference in my life. Now I feel confident and in control of every situation.

Acupuncture originates from the Latin words for Needle (acus) and Prick (pungere) or Zhen jiu (Standard Mandarin) and is the technique of inserting and manipulating needles into the various acupuncture points found on our bodies. According to the teachings of acupuncture the use of these techniques will help to restore a person’s health and well being as well as particularly very good for treating pain.

It is thought that acupuncture originates from China and it is certainly most commonly associated in today’s society with Traditional Chinese medicine. However there are other forms of acupuncture such as Japanese, Korean as well as the classical Chinese Acupuncture which are taught and practiced around the globe.

Whether the use of acupuncture is an effective remedy or that patients think it is effective seems to be subject to scientific research. However scientists who have already conducted reviews according to the rules of evidence based medicine on clinical trials already carried out have that it has some benefits in treating headaches, lower back pain and nausea, but in respect of most other conditions they feel that there is insufficient evidence to say whether it is effective or not. You will also find not only the World Health Organisation (WHO), American Medical Association (AMA), National Institute of Health (NIH) as well as various governments have commented on the use of acupuncture but that further research is required. However, the one that all can seem to agree on is that the use of acupuncture is safe as long as it is administered by a well trained and qualified practitioner.

When looking back on the history of acupuncture it can be traced back in China as far back as the 1st Millennium BC and there is archaeological evidence where it was used during the Han Dynasty (202 BC to 220AD). There have also been forms of it described in Korean literature called Chimsul and is also an important part of the traditional medicine system in Japan and is called Kampo.

During the recent examination of a 5,000 year old mummy (Otzi) found in the Alps it was discovered that the mummy had over 50 tattoos on its body and some of these were located on various acupuncture points that would now days be used to treat certain ailments that Otzi seemed to suffer from. Some scientists even believe that this provides us with evidence that practices were carried out similar to acupuncture elsewhere in Eurasia during the Bronze Age period. But unfortunately there is no evidence to prove that the tattoos on Otzi’s body were used as acupuncture points or they were just a decoration.

It is uncertain that acupuncture originates in China as the earliest medical texts found (68BC) do not have any mention of this form of treatment. The first real Chinese medical text to mention acupuncture comes from the Yellow Emperor’s “Classic of Internal Medicine (History of Acupuncture)” which compiled around the period 305-204BC. There has also been the discovery of hieroglyphics dating back to around 1,000BC which may indicate the use of acupuncture also.

Another thing which seems to suggest that the Chinese were not the first to use acupuncture is the discovery of sharp pointed stones (Bian stones) in ruins which were used to treat diseases in ancient times. Some people (scholars) believe that the use of these stones for bloodletting was a precursor to certain acupuncture techniques.

In fact in a book written by R C Crozier (Traditional Medicine in Modern China) it says that the early Chinese Communist Party had expressed considerable aversion towards many classical forms of Chinese medicine, deriding it as mumbo jumbo, irrational and backwards and that it conflicted with the Party’s reliance on science as a way of progress. Acupuncture was certainly included in the Party’s criticism of all such practices. But later on the Communist Party Chairman Mao then reversed what the party had been saying by saying that “Chinese medicine and pharmacology are the greatest treasure house and efforts should be made to explore them and raise them to a higher level”. Following this reversal representatives were sent out across China from the party to collect information on the theories and practices of Chinese medicine, thus the TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) system of Chinese medicine was created and includes the use of Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, tuina and other forms. However, after the Cultural Revolution the instruction of TCM was incorporated in to the University medical curricula throughout China under the “Three Roads” policy. This is where TCM, biomedicine and a synthesis of the two would be encouraged and development permitted. But unfortunately after this time some forms of classical Chinese medicine other than TCM where outlawed and because of this a number of practitioners of these methods left China.

It is thought that the first forms of acupuncture to reach the USA were brought into the country by non-TCM practitioners and many employed styles of acupuncture that they had been handed down through the family or from master to apprentice, and is collectively known as Classical Chinese Acupuncture.

Bariatric Surgery: Choosing the Right Procedure to Reduce Obesity

Bariatric surgery may be an effective treatment for patients suffering from morbid obesity, but the decision to undergo surgery as the corrective method should not be taken lightly. For those who decide to pursue the surgical option the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the adjustable gastric band, and the sleeve gastrectomy procedures are the most common bariatric surgery procedures conducted in the US today. The right option varies on a patient to patient basis. The patient and physician must work closely to evaluate a multitude of factors in the selection of the safest and most effective procedures.When considering bariatric surgery patients first need to know if they are a candidate for one of the procedures. The National Institute of Health defines eligible candidates for bariatric surgery as those suffering from morbid obesity. People with a Body Mass Index over 40 are considered morbidly obesity, and at this point the health risks associated with maintaining this condition outweigh any risks associated with the bariatric procedure. For those suffering from co-morbidities such as hypertension, glucose intolerance (Type II diabetes), and sleep apnea Bariatric Surgery is an indicated treatment at BMI of 35 and above because of the dual benefits of weight loss and secondary disease control.About the Common ProceduresRoux-en-Y gastric bypassThe Roux-en-Y procedure is the most commonly preformed bariatric surgery in the US today, with 140,000 cases done in 2005. During the procedure a small sack is created from the upper section of the stomach and connected directly to the distal portion of the small intestine. This process change to the digestive tract anatomy diverts food from the upper section of the small intestine, where much of the absorptive process takes place. The combined effect of the decreased stomach size, coupled with decreased absorption usually results in rapid and substantial weight loss.Adjustable Gastric BandThe adjustable gastric band, the second most common Bariatric Surgery, similarly creates a small pouch in the upper stomach by placing an adjustable band around the upper portion of the stomach. The band catches and holds ingested food creating the sensation of satiety. Weight loss achieved with the band process is more gradual but sustained, and for the procedure to be highly effective the patient must be dedicated to maintaining the post procedural regimens.Although similar levels of weight loss can be expected a year or two after the Bariatric Surgery is completed, the path to that point and other effects on the body differ from the moment the patient leaves the OR. While the Roux-en-Y offers the potential for quick weight loss the digestive anatomy must be restructured. This alteration is permanent, but this may be desirable for type II diabetes treatment or other considerations. There are also unique dietary considerations that patients who under go the Roux-en-Y procedure may have to adhere to such as avoiding certain types of food and taking dietary supplements to compensate for the decreased absorptive capabilities. The lap band on the other hand provides a slower weight reduction, but the procedure is safely conducted laparoscoically and is reversible. This feature is particularly desirable for patients for whom pregnancy after the procedure is a possibility.For those seriously considering surgery as a treatment for morbid obesity, the first step in making the right decision is contacting a knowledgeable physician to discuss their options and to determine if bariatric surgery is right for them.

Massage Low Back Pain

Firstly, different specialists allege that Yoga serves as a faultless solution for back ache due to the fact that it counsels its scholars on how to take in air suitably, permitting the uninhibited supply of oxygen and focuses on stretching exercises which assist the body to quiet down.

Stretching out one’s body regularly serves as a direct reliever for back ache by reducing the pain which accompanies it; so make certain you spend a great deal of time each day stretching your body.

The extract from the skin of the willow tree has been famously known to work efficaciously in treating back ache due to the fact that it contains pain killer properties which present noticeable comfort for the sufferer; countless folks who don’t bother with taking such herbs have got comfort from back ache taking such.

According to a pain comfort study conducted by the National Institute of Health, acupuncture is a helpful way of dealing with back ache; that’s obviously why countless folks all over the world are thinking about this Chinese alternative solution; nothing ought to prevent you from attempting this route too as an alternative relief for back ache.

Exercises which are concentrated on principal muscles around the lower back assist to raise spinal support, improve posture and also raise flexibility in the spine! therefore lessening any incidence of back pain; so when engaging in exercises, explore such exercises.

Exercise videos or DVDS on forestalling and also treating back ache are available for sale if you’re keen to start an exercise regime which will surely assist to enhance your back and also body as a way to assist alleviate back ache.

Several folks are turning to herbal remedies to assist them cope with back ache. Such herbal remedies include the skin of the willow tree whose extract contains aspirin properties that alleviate pain. It will not harm you to explore such herbal remedies, specifically if you haven’t yet got comfort from other remedies you tried in the past.

When buying a handheld massager mostly for your back ache, you need to make certain you go for high quality than brand; in addition ensure that the warranty clause is okay with you; a handheld massager efficaciously eases back ache.

Your yearning to learn all you can regarding back ache and also the various remedies can be fulfilled on the Net where you can access a number of sites which present elaborate and also really exhaustive advice regarding it.

To draw an inference, a massage therapy may well not be the finest back ache solution for you specifically if your back ache is brought about by an inflammation of the muscles in the back and not brought about by a spasm of the back muscles.

Diet your way to a longer life?

Lately, people are searching for the fountain of youth, but not with facelifts or Botox. They are turning to their diet to help them live longer. Research on monkeys, rodents, fish and even insects has shown that if calories are cut below what the animal would normally choose to eat, they actually live longer.A recent study at Tufts University shows that people who restrict their calories do not just live longer, they are healthier. In an animal study conducted, the animals actually aged biologically slower. Their hair has gone gray less quickly. Their hormones have stayed at their youthful profile and their immune function has stayed good.So what is the theory behind this research?With fewer calories, cells throughout the body appear to die more slowly and repair themselves more easily. Research on fruit flies and rats has shown that a 30% reduction in calories can lead to 30% longer life, according to the National Institute of Health.There are 2 simple “drug-free” ways to help you to maintain a moderate diet and keeping your weight down:1. Eat slowly. Or take a break in the middle of your meal, go outside and have a fruit juice. Theory: By the time you return to your meal, you will find that you are no longer hungry. It takes some time for the body to digest the food and send the signals to the brain that you are already satiated. Giving your body enough time to make this neural connection will prevent you from overeating.2. Wear a shapewear.Theory: Shapewear are specialized medical grade garments that compresses at a particular pressure that is optimal to blood and lymph flow.Shapewear meant for cellulite purposes may resemble a pair of undergarments or a pair of tights, and will help to reduce cellulite by improving lymphatic drainage and eliminating water retention. Shapewear that compresses around the abdomen can also act as an “appetite suppressant” as you are less likely to feel hungry.So is there really a fountain of youth in eating less? Well, there certainly appears to be a small fountain. Given the genes we have got, we can certainly do our best to have a healthier lifestyle by choosing to eat wisely. As the old saying goes, “you are what you eat”. So it is really up to us to choose to eat well and live well.

Diet your way to a longer life?

Lately, people are searching for the fountain of youth, but not with facelifts or Botox. They are turning to their diet to help them live longer. Research on monkeys, rodents, fish and even insects has shown that if calories are cut below what the animal would normally choose to eat, they actually live longer.A recent study at Tufts University shows that people who restrict their calories do not just live longer, they are healthier. In an animal study conducted, the animals actually aged biologically slower. Their hair has gone gray less quickly. Their hormones have stayed at their youthful profile and their immune function has stayed good.So what is the theory behind this research?With fewer calories, cells throughout the body appear to die more slowly and repair themselves more easily. Research on fruit flies and rats has shown that a 30% reduction in calories can lead to 30% longer life, according to the National Institute of Health.There are 2 simple “drug-free” ways to help you to maintain a moderate diet and keeping your weight down:1. Eat slowly. Or take a break in the middle of your meal, go outside and have a fruit juice. Theory: By the time you return to your meal, you will find that you are no longer hungry. It takes some time for the body to digest the food and send the signals to the brain that you are already satiated. Giving your body enough time to make this neural connection will prevent you from overeating.2. Wear a shapewear.Theory: Shapewear are specialized medical grade garments that compresses at a particular pressure that is optimal to blood and lymph flow.Shapewear meant for cellulite purposes may resemble a pair of undergarments or a pair of tights, and will help to reduce cellulite by improving lymphatic drainage and eliminating water retention. Shapewear that compresses around the abdomen can also act as an “appetite suppressant” as you are less likely to feel hungry.So is there really a fountain of youth in eating less? Well, there certainly appears to be a small fountain. Given the genes we have got, we can certainly do our best to have a healthier lifestyle by choosing to eat wisely. As the old saying goes, “you are what you eat”. So it is really up to us to choose to eat well and live well.

Antioxidant Supplements

The variety of options available today can make choosing a supplement a daunting task; it seems that you could be endlessly downing herbs, pills, and powders. You need to focus on the categories of supplements that provide the best results. One of these is antioxidant supplements. Antioxidants are molecules that prevent other molecules from oxidizing, or slow the oxidation process. Our body is continually engaged in oxidizing reactions that are essential to life, but these create substances that can be very dangerous-even lethal-to the healthy cells in our bodies. If our levels of antioxidants are too low, our bodies cannot neutralize these dangerous molecules, and illness and injury can result. There is considerable medical evidence linking oxidative stress, the buildup of the oxidation by-products, to human disease. For example, strokes and other neurological diseases are accompanied by oxidative stress, as are cardiovascular disease such as arteriosclerosis. Antioxidants may also protect against the cell damage that leads to several different types of cancer, according to research by the National Institute of Health in the United States. Antioxidant supplements contain substances such as Vitamin C, beta-carotene, lycopene, Vitamin E, and Vitamin A. You can purchase each of these substances individually in capsule or tablet form, or a supplement that blends them into a single convenient dose. There are also special formulas for people under a great deal of physical or mental stress and other people with special nutritional needs. A natural food store or pharmacy will be able to provide you with a full line of antioxidant supplements to choose from. You should always consult with a nutritionist, pharmacist, or healthcare professional when designing your antioxidant regimen. Excessive doses can be harmful, and, at very least, will be a waste of your money. Do your homework, design an antioxidant plan that is right for you, and stick to it. When used properly, antioxidants can be a central building block to your health regimen.

The Health Benefits of a Tummy Tuck from Hawaii Plastic Surgeons

While many men and women opt for a tummy tuck due to aesthetic reasons, there are tremendous health benefits to this procedure performed by Hawaii plastic surgeons. By reducing your belly fat, you lead a healthier life – one that puts less strain on your organs and reduces your cholesterol. The dangers of belly fat While Hawaii plastic surgeons often speak with patients who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their mid-section, the dangers of belly fat run much deeper than aesthetics. According to medical studies, belly fat contains the most dangerous fat cells of all for many reasons.First, the location of your abdomen to your organs makes belly fat dangerous. Near your liver, heart, and other important organs, your belly fat cells directly feed your organs toxins and place tremendous pressure on them – which disrupts how your organs function and operate. The average individual’s body has more than 30 billion fat cells, most of which are contained in your abdomen. By working with a Hawaii plastic surgeon to undergo a tummy tuck, you are removing these dangerous fat cells that can wreak havoc on your organs. In addition, the fat cells in the stomach area also have an ability to transmit fatty acids into the rest of your body – acids that can prevent your body from processing insulin. When your body has difficulties breaking down insulin, this can lead to diabetes. Therefore, tummy tucks through Hawaii plastic surgeons not only make your figure more flattering, but they can also lower your chance of developing diabetes. According to the National Institute of Health, men who have a midsection greater than 40 inches are faced with a prominent risk of diabetes and heart disease. Women who have fatty, disproportional waistlines also face the same health risks. By meeting with Hawaii plastic surgeons to discuss your tummy tuck options, you are on the road to leading a healthier life, with a decreased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. What to expect with Hawaii plastic surgeons’ tummy tuckHawaii plastic surgeons have extensive experience with tummy tucks, and in most cases, they will make an incision from hipbone to hipbone, right above the public area. The Hawaii plastic surgeon will then make another incision from the belly button. Through these two incisions, the Hawaii plastic surgeon can tighten the muscles underneath, resulting in a tighter, healthier stomach. Recovery after a Hawaii plastic surgeon’s tummy tuck procedure Typically, most patients can return to work after a Hawaii plastic surgeon’s tummy tuck in two to four weeks. It is important to be careful not to engage in strenuous activity for the first four to six weeks after the procedure. Afterwards, you can participate in regular activities, and the procedure’s scars will fade and flatten anywhere from three months to two years. With regular exercise and a balanced diet, a patient can enjoy the results of a Hawaii plastic surgeon’s tummy tuck for years to come.

Bariatric surgery may be an effective treatment for patients suffering from morbid obesity, but the decision to undergo surgery as the corrective method should not be taken lightly. For those who decide to pursue the surgical option the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the adjustable gastric band, and the sleeve gastrectomy procedures are the most common bariatric surgery procedures conducted in the US today. The right option varies on a patient to patient basis. The patient and physician must work closely to evaluate a multitude of factors in the selection of the safest and most effective procedures.When considering bariatric surgery patients first need to know if they are a candidate for one of the procedures. The National Institute of Health defines eligible candidates for bariatric surgery as those suffering from morbid obesity. People with a Body Mass Index over 40 are considered morbidly obesity, and at this point the health risks associated with maintaining this condition outweigh any risks associated with the bariatric procedure. For those suffering from co-morbidities such as hypertension, glucose intolerance (Type II diabetes), and sleep apnea Bariatric Surgery is an indicated treatment at BMI of 35 and above because of the dual benefits of weight loss and secondary disease control.About the Common ProceduresRoux-en-Y gastric bypassThe Roux-en-Y procedure is the most commonly preformed bariatric surgery in the US today, with 140,000 cases done in 2005. During the procedure a small sack is created from the upper section of the stomach and connected directly to the distal portion of the small intestine. This process change to the digestive tract anatomy diverts food from the upper section of the small intestine, where much of the absorptive process takes place. The combined effect of the decreased stomach size, coupled with decreased absorption usually results in rapid and substantial weight loss.Adjustable Gastric BandThe adjustable gastric band, the second most common Bariatric Surgery, similarly creates a small pouch in the upper stomach by placing an adjustable band around the upper portion of the stomach. The band catches and holds ingested food creating the sensation of satiety. Weight loss achieved with the band process is more gradual but sustained, and for the procedure to be highly effective the patient must be dedicated to maintaining the post procedural regimens.Although similar levels of weight loss can be expected a year or two after the Bariatric Surgery is completed, the path to that point and other effects on the body differ from the moment the patient leaves the OR. While the Roux-en-Y offers the potential for quick weight loss the digestive anatomy must be restructured. This alteration is permanent, but this may be desirable for type II diabetes treatment or other considerations. There are also unique dietary considerations that patients who under go the Roux-en-Y procedure may have to adhere to such as avoiding certain types of food and taking dietary supplements to compensate for the decreased absorptive capabilities. The lap band on the other hand provides a slower weight reduction, but the procedure is safely conducted laparoscoically and is reversible. This feature is particularly desirable for patients for whom pregnancy after the procedure is a possibility.For those seriously considering surgery as a treatment for morbid obesity, the first step in making the right decision is contacting a knowledgeable physician to discuss their options and to determine if bariatric surgery is right for them.