Monday, August 13, 2012
Therapeutic Bodywork: A Path to Health
By Joel Curry, MSW, CMT, Pathways to Health
How do I stay healthy? How do I keep from incurring medical bills? A first step is to begin to take responsibility for one’s own health. But where do I start?
Most massage and bodywork methods are focused on bringing the body to a balanced, relaxed condition, with the idea that healing begins in this state In a typical massage session, you and the therapist will discuss what you want from the session and this will determine which parts of the body will be the main focus of the work and what methods will be employed. A trained massage therapist can discern chronically tight parts of the body and employ appropriate strokes and pressure to relieve the tightness.
Even methods that may not employ soothing oils, like Bowen Therapy, acupressure or shiatsu can lessen stress levels. Also the therapist may use movement and stretches and suggest activities at home such as breath focused progressive relaxation exercises to further create a balance in the body.
So how do I stay healthy? I need to continue on the path to taking responsibility for my own health through self-care, and to keep experimenting with the nutrition, exercise, and stress relief approaches that are right for me.
How do I stay healthy? How do I keep from incurring medical bills? A first step is to begin to take responsibility for one’s own health. But where do I start?
For many people the path to health through self-care has taken them to a combination of endeavors that include nutrition, exercise and relaxation. We will focus on the activity that most of us discount, relaxation.
The pressures that cause stress have always been with us. But the opportunity to balance those pressure filled times with periods of deep relaxation appear to be lessening. The advent of instant communication through advanced media systems brings a constant barrage of catastrophic happenings to our awareness. Plus, in our fast paced, competitive culture, the last thing many of us feel we can afford to do is relax. We may attempt to distract ourselves with movies, TV, alcohol, tobacco and other activities that may actually increase stress levels. This makes countering stressful periods more difficult and may be contributing to many people developing physical symptoms as a result of chronic stress.
The pressures that cause stress have always been with us. But the opportunity to balance those pressure filled times with periods of deep relaxation appear to be lessening. The advent of instant communication through advanced media systems brings a constant barrage of catastrophic happenings to our awareness. Plus, in our fast paced, competitive culture, the last thing many of us feel we can afford to do is relax. We may attempt to distract ourselves with movies, TV, alcohol, tobacco and other activities that may actually increase stress levels. This makes countering stressful periods more difficult and may be contributing to many people developing physical symptoms as a result of chronic stress.
Most massage and bodywork methods are focused on bringing the body to a balanced, relaxed condition, with the idea that healing begins in this state In a typical massage session, you and the therapist will discuss what you want from the session and this will determine which parts of the body will be the main focus of the work and what methods will be employed. A trained massage therapist can discern chronically tight parts of the body and employ appropriate strokes and pressure to relieve the tightness. Even methods that may not employ soothing oils, like Bowen Therapy, acupressure or shiatsu can lessen stress levels. Also the therapist may use movement and stretches and suggest activities at home such as breath focused progressive relaxation exercises to further create a balance in the body.
So how do I stay healthy? I need to continue on the path to taking responsibility for my own health through self-care, and to keep experimenting with the nutrition, exercise, and stress relief approaches that are right for me.
The Filipino Impact in America
Interview of Romy Velasco (Methodist Pastor in Meadow Vista) by Joe Hoffmann
The Rev. Romy Velasco, born and raised in the Philippines, upon graduation from high school in 1970 was encouraged by American missionaries to become a preacher. In 1987, he came to America, earned a Master of Divinity degree, and pastored churches here for 25 years. For the past two years he has been the talented and energetic pastor of the United Methodist Church in Meadow Vista.
• Pastor Romy, why do Filipinos want to come to America? Why did you come?
My parents were liberated from the Japanese occupation by American soldiers in 1944, and they taught me great respect for Americans. I was often reminded of the debt we owe America. Whenever I saw an American, I wanted to bow and say, “Thank you, thank you for saving my country and my family.” I wanted to come to America to show my gratitude, as have many other Filipinos, but most come for the employment opportunities here that are not available in the Philippines. At first many farmers came, but now most come for professional and service positions. According to the 2010 census, the unemployment rate of Filipinos in the U.S. is only 5%, much lower than that of the general population.
• Are there many Filipinos living in the U.S.?
Yes, according to the 2010 census, the number of Philippine-born people in the U.S. was 180,000. Plus, many of those have America-born children raised the “Filipino way.” My three daughters, born in the Philippines, married American men here. Now my six grandchildren are being raised the “Filipino way,” with a little of the “American way” mixed in.
• What do you mean by the “Filipino way” of raising children?
Filipinos raise their children in a special way. Filipino relatives usually live together, so when Filipino babies wake, there is always someone there to cuddle and rock them. Also, there is no pressure to potty-train nor to eat like adults at the table. They are spoon-fed until they are nearly six years old. The growing child is included in the activities around the house and gradually learns to be helpful. But I think the biggest difference is that children are consistently taught self-esteem, respect for authority, and the importance of education. They must be doing something right, because the literacy rate for all adults in the Philippines is 96%, including many primitive tribes in the mountains and the poor living in shanty towns around the big cities.
• Do Filipinos have other, unique customs?
Oh, yes! The Philippines are blessed with an abundance of rice, served at every meal, and with sea foods, served almost daily, and with year-long supplies of fruit. For special occasions guests are served Léchon, a roasted pig whose brown crust is cut into delicious strips. Everyone is invited to come and try some Léchon at our Filipino Festival on Saturday, September 15, from 10:00 to 2:30 at 17250 Placer Hills Road. With the help of many Filipino friends, we are serving a variety of authentic, delicious Filipino dishes followed by exciting Filipino entertainment clearly showing the impact of the Filipino culture on America. (Adult reservations are $10. Call 530-878-0651 or 878-8087. Limited to 150 people.)
The Rev. Romy Velasco, born and raised in the Philippines, upon graduation from high school in 1970 was encouraged by American missionaries to become a preacher. In 1987, he came to America, earned a Master of Divinity degree, and pastored churches here for 25 years. For the past two years he has been the talented and energetic pastor of the United Methodist Church in Meadow Vista.
• Pastor Romy, why do Filipinos want to come to America? Why did you come?
My parents were liberated from the Japanese occupation by American soldiers in 1944, and they taught me great respect for Americans. I was often reminded of the debt we owe America. Whenever I saw an American, I wanted to bow and say, “Thank you, thank you for saving my country and my family.” I wanted to come to America to show my gratitude, as have many other Filipinos, but most come for the employment opportunities here that are not available in the Philippines. At first many farmers came, but now most come for professional and service positions. According to the 2010 census, the unemployment rate of Filipinos in the U.S. is only 5%, much lower than that of the general population.
• Are there many Filipinos living in the U.S.?
Yes, according to the 2010 census, the number of Philippine-born people in the U.S. was 180,000. Plus, many of those have America-born children raised the “Filipino way.” My three daughters, born in the Philippines, married American men here. Now my six grandchildren are being raised the “Filipino way,” with a little of the “American way” mixed in.
• What do you mean by the “Filipino way” of raising children?
Filipinos raise their children in a special way. Filipino relatives usually live together, so when Filipino babies wake, there is always someone there to cuddle and rock them. Also, there is no pressure to potty-train nor to eat like adults at the table. They are spoon-fed until they are nearly six years old. The growing child is included in the activities around the house and gradually learns to be helpful. But I think the biggest difference is that children are consistently taught self-esteem, respect for authority, and the importance of education. They must be doing something right, because the literacy rate for all adults in the Philippines is 96%, including many primitive tribes in the mountains and the poor living in shanty towns around the big cities.
• Do Filipinos have other, unique customs?
Oh, yes! The Philippines are blessed with an abundance of rice, served at every meal, and with sea foods, served almost daily, and with year-long supplies of fruit. For special occasions guests are served Léchon, a roasted pig whose brown crust is cut into delicious strips. Everyone is invited to come and try some Léchon at our Filipino Festival on Saturday, September 15, from 10:00 to 2:30 at 17250 Placer Hills Road. With the help of many Filipino friends, we are serving a variety of authentic, delicious Filipino dishes followed by exciting Filipino entertainment clearly showing the impact of the Filipino culture on America. (Adult reservations are $10. Call 530-878-0651 or 878-8087. Limited to 150 people.)
Nature is Waiting with MV Trails Association
By Rich Walker, Meadow Vista Trails Association
MVTA is happy to be the latest dues paying member of the Merchants Association. We continue to be an active Community Service Organization that can help you learn about the community through our local trail network. In years past we have sponsored local nature walks on the Simpson Ranch, out Combie Rd., with our local historian, George Lay, and covering the local Indian grinding areas in Meadow Vista. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about both the public trails and private paths in our area.
Did you know you can actually walk from Café Vista, in downtown Meadow Vista to the Placer Nature Center. You’ll experience dogs, lots of birds, including turkeys, chickens, peacocks, and during the right time of the year, I’ve experienced a rattle snake ball. We are continuing to follow the guidelines of the Community Plan to keep the community connected through Trails. We’d love to have you share in the experience of traveling on the old stage coach route into the canyon to the upper reaches of Lake Clementine. And, it’s all downhill. We’ve recently had a trail incident reported on our web site of an encounter between a dirt bike and equestrian rider on the Sugar Pine trail around Winchester. Thankfully no one was hurt, but we’re continuing to educate, that our trails are not open to off road vehicles. Signs are posted. This incident has been reported to the Sheriff’s office, so they’re watching too. Mountain bikers have been very cooperative when sharing the tails with equestrians and hikers, and we thank you for that. Visit our site for current schedule, newsletter and events: www.mvtrails.org
Hope to meet you at our monthly meeting, last Tuesday of the month or on a work day. Check our newsletter on the website for our meeting location and trail work days. Did you know we have our very own multi-class Meadow Vista horse show, including Trail Trials, --- and it’s coming up.
MVTA is happy to be the latest dues paying member of the Merchants Association. We continue to be an active Community Service Organization that can help you learn about the community through our local trail network. In years past we have sponsored local nature walks on the Simpson Ranch, out Combie Rd., with our local historian, George Lay, and covering the local Indian grinding areas in Meadow Vista. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about both the public trails and private paths in our area.
Did you know you can actually walk from Café Vista, in downtown Meadow Vista to the Placer Nature Center. You’ll experience dogs, lots of birds, including turkeys, chickens, peacocks, and during the right time of the year, I’ve experienced a rattle snake ball. We are continuing to follow the guidelines of the Community Plan to keep the community connected through Trails. We’d love to have you share in the experience of traveling on the old stage coach route into the canyon to the upper reaches of Lake Clementine. And, it’s all downhill. We’ve recently had a trail incident reported on our web site of an encounter between a dirt bike and equestrian rider on the Sugar Pine trail around Winchester. Thankfully no one was hurt, but we’re continuing to educate, that our trails are not open to off road vehicles. Signs are posted. This incident has been reported to the Sheriff’s office, so they’re watching too. Mountain bikers have been very cooperative when sharing the tails with equestrians and hikers, and we thank you for that. Visit our site for current schedule, newsletter and events: www.mvtrails.org
Hope to meet you at our monthly meeting, last Tuesday of the month or on a work day. Check our newsletter on the website for our meeting location and trail work days. Did you know we have our very own multi-class Meadow Vista horse show, including Trail Trials, --- and it’s coming up.
Save Money on Central Heating & AC
By Joe Mumford, Joe Mumford Plumbing & Heating Co.
Air conditioners are responsible for the major part of most people's electric bills during the summer months and heaters are responsible for a large part of the utility bills during the winter. There are several simple things you can do to cut back on our bills.
• Maintain Your System - With the proper maintenance your air conditioning and heating equipment will work more economically and be dependable for years to come.
• Get a Tune Up - To keep your central air conditioner and heater working to its fullest potential occasionally you need a tune up If you skip your regular maintenance, you will cost yourself money and be inconvenienced in the long run. For maximum performance and long life have a professional perform needed maintenance on your air conditioner in the spring and your furnace or heat pump in the fall.
• Have Freon leaks repaired - Leaks in your system will lower its efficiency and will only get worse with time. Freon is not a fuel source it is only a cooling medium and it should only need to be replaced if there is a leak.
• Get a Programmable Thermostat -This will allow you to set your unit to a more efficient temperature while you are gone and raise the temperature when you arrive home. Many experts agree that 78°F is a good starting point. Every degree below 78°F that you set your thermostat for AC will increase your energy usage by around 8 percent.
• Properly Seal your Ducts - Have your ductwork checked to see if it needs any repairs or if it needs to be replaced. Also return grilles and grills in each room should be evaluated to see if they are properly sized.
• Repair Air Leaks - Have a professional examine your air conditioning unit to see if air is leaking. The average home leaks 30 percent of air that the AC and heating unit is putting out. This is wasted energy that can be easily recouped.
Air conditioners are responsible for the major part of most people's electric bills during the summer months and heaters are responsible for a large part of the utility bills during the winter. There are several simple things you can do to cut back on our bills.
• Maintain Your System - With the proper maintenance your air conditioning and heating equipment will work more economically and be dependable for years to come.
• Get a Tune Up - To keep your central air conditioner and heater working to its fullest potential occasionally you need a tune up If you skip your regular maintenance, you will cost yourself money and be inconvenienced in the long run. For maximum performance and long life have a professional perform needed maintenance on your air conditioner in the spring and your furnace or heat pump in the fall.
• Have Freon leaks repaired - Leaks in your system will lower its efficiency and will only get worse with time. Freon is not a fuel source it is only a cooling medium and it should only need to be replaced if there is a leak.
• Get a Programmable Thermostat -This will allow you to set your unit to a more efficient temperature while you are gone and raise the temperature when you arrive home. Many experts agree that 78°F is a good starting point. Every degree below 78°F that you set your thermostat for AC will increase your energy usage by around 8 percent.
• Properly Seal your Ducts - Have your ductwork checked to see if it needs any repairs or if it needs to be replaced. Also return grilles and grills in each room should be evaluated to see if they are properly sized.
• Repair Air Leaks - Have a professional examine your air conditioning unit to see if air is leaking. The average home leaks 30 percent of air that the AC and heating unit is putting out. This is wasted energy that can be easily recouped.
Four Corner Flossing
By Dr. Scott Thompson, DDS, Winning With Smiles
Cavity free kids and keeping it simple. Kids who enjoy going to the dentist and consistently belong to the "No Cavity Club." That's what we parents want, right?
After age 3 about 90% of the cavities are in 4 locations. Between the molars in the 4 corners of the mouth. If I could get parents to spend 10 seconds each evening flossing these 4 spots, it would nearly eliminate all the cavities I have to fix. And I do mean 10 seconds!
Here is how I did it. At story time each evening the kids brought a book and I brought some floss. Each in turn would lay on the couch with head in my lap, mouth open and looking up at me. It is an easy view of upper and lower teeth and I am not chasing a bobble-head. Zig zag the floss between the molars so it does not snap as it goes past the tight spot. Snap it back out. Four corners and you are finished. After a couple nights practice you will discover this takes about 10 seconds, really! A hug or tickle and a question about the book they brought might make it 30 seconds.
Once parents have done this they are astonished how easy it is and elect to use their fingers rather than flimsy flossers (which I find are often ineffective due to their flexibility). Those spots are so easy to reach, you don't even have to do a big wind of floss on your fingers. Just grab it with your hands.
Some parents do this when the kids are lying in bed being "tucked in." Others do it on the bathroom floor after the bath. You can even use that towel to papoose them if they are the wiggly type.
Even though my kids took over their own tooth brushing at 6, I kept responsibility for flossing the important molar spots till they were 9. Since that is where the cavities happen, I wanted to be sure their hand skills were adequate before I turned it over to them. Once cavities start, it is a lifetime maintenance nuisance. So far, 3 kids in their early 20s and no cavities. They know flossing is the most important oral health measure.
Cavity free kids and keeping it simple. Kids who enjoy going to the dentist and consistently belong to the "No Cavity Club." That's what we parents want, right?
After age 3 about 90% of the cavities are in 4 locations. Between the molars in the 4 corners of the mouth. If I could get parents to spend 10 seconds each evening flossing these 4 spots, it would nearly eliminate all the cavities I have to fix. And I do mean 10 seconds!
Here is how I did it. At story time each evening the kids brought a book and I brought some floss. Each in turn would lay on the couch with head in my lap, mouth open and looking up at me. It is an easy view of upper and lower teeth and I am not chasing a bobble-head. Zig zag the floss between the molars so it does not snap as it goes past the tight spot. Snap it back out. Four corners and you are finished. After a couple nights practice you will discover this takes about 10 seconds, really! A hug or tickle and a question about the book they brought might make it 30 seconds.
Once parents have done this they are astonished how easy it is and elect to use their fingers rather than flimsy flossers (which I find are often ineffective due to their flexibility). Those spots are so easy to reach, you don't even have to do a big wind of floss on your fingers. Just grab it with your hands.
Some parents do this when the kids are lying in bed being "tucked in." Others do it on the bathroom floor after the bath. You can even use that towel to papoose them if they are the wiggly type.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)