Baby Boomers Network

A growing number of people are becoming more interested in alternative treatments for their ailments than traditional medicines. For some, they have not obtained the results they hoped for with more traditional medical approaches. For others, they feel strongly that natural remedies are more effective. Whatever you feel, be sure to research your options thoroughly so you don’t get caught up in ineffective claims and put yourself at risk.

Recent research is showing that natural vitamins and supplements increase the body’s ability to ward of illness and reduce pain. New scientific discoveries from nature are being made into treatments for pain and other medical conditions with great success. However, only a small number of plant species are being studied for use in medical applications, even though research indicates a huge potential for medial breakthroughs.

While you should always consult with your physician before adding supplements or changing your medical regimen, here are some things to discuss, which may be helpful for your condition.

Calcium can be found in collard greens and is effective for headaches and nerve pain

Ginger, from ginger root, helps arthritis

Niacinamide, found in whole grains, is useful for pain and stiffness

Turmeric, as turmeric spice, helps with Inflammatory arthritis

Cinnamon, as cinnamon spice, regulates blood sugar

Bromilain, found in pineapple, is effective for sprains and strains

Resveratrol, found in red wine, grapes, peanuts and blueberries, helps with cardiovascular disease

B-Complex, found in legumes/whole grains, helps with peripheral neuropathy

Omega 3 Fatty Acids, found in fish oil/salmon, helps fibromyalgia, cardio disease

Pomegranate or pomegranate juice helps the prostrate and heart health

As traditional remedies and modern medicine merge, more and more people are discovering alternatives or additions to pharmaceutical products. Just remember, if it seems to good to be true, it probably is. Also, always seek out a reputable practitioner who can help you make safe, educated decisions.

Medical Supplies

Even though sustained negativity is toxic and bad for your health, many people are still more intrinsically pessimistic than optimistic. Are you, therefore, born with a propensity for pessimism or can you develop the mindset of an optimist?

Apparently, you learn many attitudinal patterns from your parents and become wired toward a certain direction. However, there’s a lot of learning you can do to take control of your outlook on life and keep the pendulum swinging in a more optimistic course.

Some people try lifestyle changes, like meditation, relaxation, and yoga exercises to keep their perspective upbeat and focused on the sunnier side of the spectrum. Others seek professional help through cognitive-behavioral therapy to change their irrational negative thoughts into more logical, hopeful thinking.

To identify where you stand, look at your habitual behaviors and notice how you explain things that happen. If you are more inclined to say things like, “Why do bad things always happen to me?” you are probably more a “glass-half-empty” kind of person. If, on the other hand, you feel bad events are temporary and situational, you lean toward a more optimistic view of life.

Optimism can be learned, according to Martin Seligman, PhD. author of “Learned Optimism”. You can reprogram your brain and nervous system to be free of negative thoughts and to allow in optimism, if you so choose. Just change your explanatory style, telling yourself that things are good, that “this too shall pass” and that things will get better and you will experience more happiness and increase your general sense of positive feelings.

Prolonged negativity is harmful and the more you can maintain a good perspective, the more you will experience positive long-term outcomes over your lifetime.

Are baby boomers going crazy? They’re sending their pets to spas and resorts that offer massages, spa baths, suites with TVs and shopping sprees!

No, they are not losing their minds. Pets are no longer something to keep chained up outside or in a doghouse, but rather they are considered treasured members of our families. They are like our kids, only lower maintenance and more cooperative. They are a genuine part of the household, sharing eating, sleeping and family vacations.

Pets are so significant, that when our “real” kids leave home for college or to start their own lives, it is our pets that fill the empty nest and emotional void. Many of us are no longer burdened with the cost of raising children, and are even willing to use our extra income to extend the lives of our furry friends. We are opting for expensive surgeries and preventative procedures that rival human medicine, just to keep our pets around longer.

We continue to spoil our pets as we did our children and the bond between us and them is growing and strong. Our pets give us peace of mind and comfort during the difficult transition time when we must let our children “fly the coop.” They help us feel less lonely and more needed.

Having pets has so many health benefits, too. They help reduce blood pressure, triglyceride and cholesterol levels and even reduce the number of trips to the doctor and time spent in the hospital. Research shows that we have to remain healthy since our pets are so dependent on us for walking, feeding and maintaining their healthy quality of life. Pets decrease anger, frustration, depression and reduce stress. They also give us a sense of purpose and satisfaction.

My wonderful pet, Gus, was a feral, non-friendly cat when we first met. However, he became the most affectionate, devoted and loving cat I’ve ever owned. He has, by far, the sweetest temperament and disposition. Not only is he a “”lap-cat when you watch TV, but he’s a “curl up in your arms in bed” cat at night. The house is quieter without the kids, but just as joyful and alive with my sweet, best companion, Gus, in it.

Our animals are natural born healers and they lift up our spirits and bring us a feeling of well-being that we often can’t get anywhere else. There is no better way to enrich your life than by sharing it with the unconditional love of a pet (or 2).

Visit your local pet shelter and adopt!