Eradicating a common bacterium after stomach cancer surgery may reduce the risk that the cancer will recur, a new study reports. The germ, Helicobacter pylori, is also a cause of peptic ulcer.
Japanese researchers studied 544 patients with early stomach cancer. After their operations, half received an H. pylori eradication regimen, while the others received standard care. The patients were followed with periodic examinations over three years to see how many would develop recurrences.
The researchers, writing in the Aug. 2 issue of The Lancet, found that 24 in the untreated group and 9 in the treated group developed new lesions. After controlling for location and type of tumor, sex, age and other factors, the researchers concluded that eradication of H. pylori reduced the risk for recurrence by about 65 percent.
Dr. Nicholas J. Talley, the chairman of the department of medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Florida who wrote a commentary accompanying the study, said that at least in some people, eradication of the germ even before disease occurs might be a good idea.
“We have more and more evidence that eliminating H. pylori will prevent this cancer,” he said in a telephone interview. “There are some tradeoffs, but it seems reasonable in high-risk populations to get rid of this bug.”
Monday, August 11, 2008
Beyond PTEN: Alternate Genes Linked To Breast, Thyroid And Kidney Cancer Predisposition
ScienceDaily (Aug. 9, 2008) — A new discovery may lead to more effective screening and treatment for patients with a difficult to recognize syndrome characterized by tumor-like growths and a high risk of developing specific cancers.
The research, published by Cell Press in the August 7 issue of the American Journal of Human Genetics, is the first in over thirteen years to identify an alternate susceptibility gene for Cowden syndrome (CS) and related disorders.
Mutations of the common tumor suppressor PTEN are associated with most cases of CS, a poorly recognized, inherited cancer syndrome that causes benign and malignant breast, thyroid and uterine tumors. However, about 15% of CS patients do not exhibit PTEN mutations and the cause for the disorder in these patients is unknown. Further, many patients present with a poorly understood CS-like syndromes that do not meet the diagnostic guidelines for CS. "Other susceptibility genes for CS and CS-like phenotypes must exist," says lead study author Dr. Charis Eng, the Hardis Chair and Director of the Genomic Medicine Institute at the Cleveland Clinic.
Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) is a mitochondrial enzyme that is responsible for energy production and is therefore vital to all organs and organisms. Mutations in both copies of the SDH genes cause a rare devastating brain and heart condition resulting in death in infancy and childhood. Surprisingly, mutations in one of the pair of genes for various forms of SDH (referred to as SDHx) have been linked to a group of rare tumors called paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas. Dr. Eng noticed, however, that 1-5% of individuals with these rare tumors also had thyroid cancers similar to those observed in CS and CS-like patients. "We hypothesized that SDHx might represent susceptibility genes, other than PTEN, for CS/CS-like syndromes," explains Dr. Eng.
Dr. Eng and colleagues screened samples from CS/CS-like individuals that did not possess PTEN mutations for mitochondrial dysfunction. They identified a subset of patients with CS or CS-like syndrome that had various SDH mutations that were unrelated to PTEN mutations. Compared with PTEN mutation positive CS/CS-like individuals, those with SDH mutations exhibited a consistently increased risk for breast, thyroid and kidney cancers. Interestingly, in the absence of PTEN alteration, CS/CS-like-related SDH mutations exhibited perturbations of cellular signaling pathways similar to those seen in PTEN dysfunction.
"Our data have important implications for both patient care and genetic counseling. I would like to see others independently repeat our observations. Nonetheless, clinicians should consider SDH testing for PTEN mutation-negative CS/CS-like individuals, especially if these individuals have a strong personal history and/or family history of breast, thyroid or kidney cancer. In fact, patients with SDHx mutation should be more rigorously screened for these cancers compared to those with PTEN mutations," concludes Dr. Eng.
The researchers include Ying Ni, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH; Kevin M. Zbuk, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH; Tammy Sadler, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH; Attila Patocs, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH; Glenn Lobo, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH; Emily Edelman, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH; Petra Platzer, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH; Mohammed S. Orloff, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH; Kristin A. Waite, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH; and Charis Eng, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, CASE Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH.
The research, published by Cell Press in the August 7 issue of the American Journal of Human Genetics, is the first in over thirteen years to identify an alternate susceptibility gene for Cowden syndrome (CS) and related disorders.
Mutations of the common tumor suppressor PTEN are associated with most cases of CS, a poorly recognized, inherited cancer syndrome that causes benign and malignant breast, thyroid and uterine tumors. However, about 15% of CS patients do not exhibit PTEN mutations and the cause for the disorder in these patients is unknown. Further, many patients present with a poorly understood CS-like syndromes that do not meet the diagnostic guidelines for CS. "Other susceptibility genes for CS and CS-like phenotypes must exist," says lead study author Dr. Charis Eng, the Hardis Chair and Director of the Genomic Medicine Institute at the Cleveland Clinic.
Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) is a mitochondrial enzyme that is responsible for energy production and is therefore vital to all organs and organisms. Mutations in both copies of the SDH genes cause a rare devastating brain and heart condition resulting in death in infancy and childhood. Surprisingly, mutations in one of the pair of genes for various forms of SDH (referred to as SDHx) have been linked to a group of rare tumors called paragangliomas and pheochromocytomas. Dr. Eng noticed, however, that 1-5% of individuals with these rare tumors also had thyroid cancers similar to those observed in CS and CS-like patients. "We hypothesized that SDHx might represent susceptibility genes, other than PTEN, for CS/CS-like syndromes," explains Dr. Eng.
Dr. Eng and colleagues screened samples from CS/CS-like individuals that did not possess PTEN mutations for mitochondrial dysfunction. They identified a subset of patients with CS or CS-like syndrome that had various SDH mutations that were unrelated to PTEN mutations. Compared with PTEN mutation positive CS/CS-like individuals, those with SDH mutations exhibited a consistently increased risk for breast, thyroid and kidney cancers. Interestingly, in the absence of PTEN alteration, CS/CS-like-related SDH mutations exhibited perturbations of cellular signaling pathways similar to those seen in PTEN dysfunction.
"Our data have important implications for both patient care and genetic counseling. I would like to see others independently repeat our observations. Nonetheless, clinicians should consider SDH testing for PTEN mutation-negative CS/CS-like individuals, especially if these individuals have a strong personal history and/or family history of breast, thyroid or kidney cancer. In fact, patients with SDHx mutation should be more rigorously screened for these cancers compared to those with PTEN mutations," concludes Dr. Eng.
The researchers include Ying Ni, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH; Kevin M. Zbuk, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH; Tammy Sadler, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH; Attila Patocs, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH; Glenn Lobo, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH; Emily Edelman, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH; Petra Platzer, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH; Mohammed S. Orloff, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH; Kristin A. Waite, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH; and Charis Eng, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, CASE Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH.
REHAB FOR STERN SIDEKICK
Howard Stern's sidekick is finally in rehab. Artie Lange, who's long overindulged with drugs and drink, was scheduled to attend close pal Bob Saget's Comedy Central roast on Sunday night, but never made it to LA. Instead, he checked himself into an intensive outpatient rehab program. A source said Lange "felt awful for not being there for Bob, but needed to make his health a priority." Lange also canceled his stand-up shows this weekend, but plans to return to his regular gig on Stern's Sirius radio show when it returns from hiatus. Lange's rep, Lewis Kay, confirmed the news. Meanwhile, teen star Shia LaBeouf may also be headed to rehab. LaBeouf broke his hand in a car accident last week and while it was not his fault, he was charged with DUI, his second arrest since November. Rehab can lead to reduced charges. "Judges like to see it," said a source. His rep would only say, "Right now, we're focusing on Shia's hand."
Rehab centre to close
A NORTH Somerset drug and alcohol treatment centre is set to close, with the loss of 48 jobs.
Barley Wood, in Wrington, will shut its doors after the charity that runs the centre went into an administration.
Alcohol Drug Addiction Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) made 13 workers redundant in July and the rest of the staff will leave when the centre shuts this month.
One employee, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "The workers are very upset and angry at the way it has been handled.
"In these days of high drug dependency it is amazing that the centre is closing and I believe it is down to poor management."
Ian Carr, of Grant Thornton LLP, has been appointed the administrator.
He said: "We are assisting each of the employees through the redundancy process."
Councillor Deborah Yamanaka said: "It's a shame as I know they did a good job and society does need facilities like Barley Wood.
Barley Wood, in Wrington, will shut its doors after the charity that runs the centre went into an administration.
Alcohol Drug Addiction Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT) made 13 workers redundant in July and the rest of the staff will leave when the centre shuts this month.
One employee, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "The workers are very upset and angry at the way it has been handled.
"In these days of high drug dependency it is amazing that the centre is closing and I believe it is down to poor management."
Ian Carr, of Grant Thornton LLP, has been appointed the administrator.
He said: "We are assisting each of the employees through the redundancy process."
Councillor Deborah Yamanaka said: "It's a shame as I know they did a good job and society does need facilities like Barley Wood.
Singer is hitting high note in rehab
By CHRISTIAN RED
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER
Monday, August 11th 2008, 5:32 PM
Mindy McCready is eager to finish her rehab stint at a Hunt, Texas treatment center so she can see her young son and resume her career comeback, according to the country singer's father, Tim McCready.
"She sounded really good," Tim McCready told the Daily News Monday. "She's all in the process. She's excited to get out and come back to Fort Myers (Fla.)."
Tim McCready said he spoke with his daughter this past weekend from La Hacienda, located 75 miles northwest of San Antonio. He did not know how long McCready - the long-time paramour of pitcher Roger Clemens - would remain at the facility. On its Web site, La Hacienda is described as a treatment center for "alcoholism and other chemical dependencies." The 32-year-old McCready began rehab July 23 after sources said she suffered a nervous breakdown in mid-July.
McCready was dragged into the Justice Department's perjury investigation of Clemens after the Daily News first reported that she had a 15-year, on-again, off-again romance with the former Yankee pitcher. The one-time ace testified before Congress in February, denying under oath that he ever used
performance-enhancing drugs, as charged by Clemens' former trainer Brian McNamee.
McCready was grilled by FBI agents in late May, according to sources familiar with the Clemens probe. She has spent 2008 attempting to revive her career, with a new album, documentary and reality show in the works.
But McCready has been beset by personal setbacks, including a June probation violation, where she falsified community service records. Last year, she spent six months in a Williamson County (Tenn.) jail for violating probation, after she allegedly struck her mother. She pleaded guilty to prescription drug fraud in 2004. McCready's two-year-old son Zander lives with McCready's mother Gayle Inge in North Fort Myers.
Clemens, meanwhile, is pressing forward with a defamation suit he filed against McNamee in January. The seven-time Cy Young Award winner's attorney Rusty Hardin last week responded to McNamee's motion to dismiss the suit, refusing to back down. McCready could be called as a witness in the case or in a countersuit filed by McNamee.
Sources close to McCready told the News that the singer had been making plans to appear on celebrity therapist Dr. Phil McGraw's talk show, but a spokeswoman for the program said there are no plans to have McCready as a guest.
The singer's debut album "Ten Thousand Angels" went platinum in the mid-1990s. Tim McCready said that he did not know if McCready's current projects would be pushed back while she is seeking treatment. Her newest album was scheduled for release this year, although she already offered a free song -- "I'm Still Here" -- to fans back in May.
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER
Monday, August 11th 2008, 5:32 PM
Mindy McCready is eager to finish her rehab stint at a Hunt, Texas treatment center so she can see her young son and resume her career comeback, according to the country singer's father, Tim McCready.
"She sounded really good," Tim McCready told the Daily News Monday. "She's all in the process. She's excited to get out and come back to Fort Myers (Fla.)."
Tim McCready said he spoke with his daughter this past weekend from La Hacienda, located 75 miles northwest of San Antonio. He did not know how long McCready - the long-time paramour of pitcher Roger Clemens - would remain at the facility. On its Web site, La Hacienda is described as a treatment center for "alcoholism and other chemical dependencies." The 32-year-old McCready began rehab July 23 after sources said she suffered a nervous breakdown in mid-July.
McCready was dragged into the Justice Department's perjury investigation of Clemens after the Daily News first reported that she had a 15-year, on-again, off-again romance with the former Yankee pitcher. The one-time ace testified before Congress in February, denying under oath that he ever used
performance-enhancing drugs, as charged by Clemens' former trainer Brian McNamee.
McCready was grilled by FBI agents in late May, according to sources familiar with the Clemens probe. She has spent 2008 attempting to revive her career, with a new album, documentary and reality show in the works.
But McCready has been beset by personal setbacks, including a June probation violation, where she falsified community service records. Last year, she spent six months in a Williamson County (Tenn.) jail for violating probation, after she allegedly struck her mother. She pleaded guilty to prescription drug fraud in 2004. McCready's two-year-old son Zander lives with McCready's mother Gayle Inge in North Fort Myers.
Clemens, meanwhile, is pressing forward with a defamation suit he filed against McNamee in January. The seven-time Cy Young Award winner's attorney Rusty Hardin last week responded to McNamee's motion to dismiss the suit, refusing to back down. McCready could be called as a witness in the case or in a countersuit filed by McNamee.
Sources close to McCready told the News that the singer had been making plans to appear on celebrity therapist Dr. Phil McGraw's talk show, but a spokeswoman for the program said there are no plans to have McCready as a guest.
The singer's debut album "Ten Thousand Angels" went platinum in the mid-1990s. Tim McCready said that he did not know if McCready's current projects would be pushed back while she is seeking treatment. Her newest album was scheduled for release this year, although she already offered a free song -- "I'm Still Here" -- to fans back in May.
How you can get the most from healthy fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are among the healthiest of all foods, and the great variety of these foods at the local grocery store makes it easier than every to enjoy great meals and snacks anytime the mood strikes you.
The latest food guidelines recommend that adults eat from five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables every day. While that may seem like a lot, it is an important goal to strive for, and a very reachable one.
A serving of a fruit or vegetable is equal to:
- 1 medium sized vegetable or fruit (such as an apple, orange or banana)
- 2 small fruits (such as kiwi fruit or plums)
- ? cup of fresh, frozen or canned fruits or vegetables
- ? cup of 100% fruit juice
- ? cup of dried fruit
- 1 cup of green salad
Eating a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables is a great way to start a healthier lifestyle. Diets high in fruits and vegetables have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke and even some kinds of cancer. Diets high in fruits and vegetables are also important in maintaining a healthy weight.
Since different varieties of fruits and vegetables contain different types and levels of nutrients, it is important to each a good variety of fruits and vegetables. Eating a good combination of yellow, orange, red and green fruits and vegetables is a great way to ensure adequate levels of nutrition.
Fruits and vegetables are also an important source of fiber. One way to maximize the amount of fiber you get from fruits and vegetables is to eat the entire fruit and vegetable including the edible peel. Eating fruits and vegetables whole, instead of simply drinking fruit juice, is the best way to enjoy the fiber these foods have to offer. Orange juice may be very healthy, but it does not contain the same amount of fiber as a whole orange.
Getting sufficient fiber in the diet offers a great many health benefits, including aiding in digestion, lowering levels of cholesterol in the blood, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke, and reducing the chances of some forms of cancer. In addition, fiber is though to play an important role in controlling levels of blood sugar in diabetics. Fiber also helps dieters feel full while limiting the number of calories you consume.
Many people wonder if canned and frozen fruits and vegetables are as healthy and nutritious as the fresh varieties. The simple answer to this question is yes. Canned and frozen fruits and vegetables contain just as many vitamins and minerals as their fresh counterparts, so it is fine to replace fresh fruits and vegetables with canned and frozen varieties when fresh ones are not available.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are often less expensive, however, especially when they are in season. In addition, local farmers markets and produce stands are often great sources of the freshest, most delicious fruits and vegetables at some excellent prices.
How vegetables and fruits are prepared is just as important as how they are chosen. It is important to rinse fresh fruit and vegetables thoroughly under clean running water. This step is important in order to remove any dirt, pesticide residue or bacterial contamination. The outermost leaves of lettuce and cabbage should be removed, and the outside of root vegetables like carrots and potatoes should be removed, especially if you plan to consume the skins of those vegetables. Vegetables and fruits should be washed right before they are used in order to keep them as fresh as possible.
The best ways to cook vegetables in order to maintain their freshness are to boil, microwave or steam the veggies until they are tender and crisp. It is best to use as little water as possible when cooking vegetables. That is because overcooking can destroy some of the valuable vitamins and minerals the vegetables contain.
About the author:
Zaak O"Conan discovers and presents useful information on how to enhance and/or repair your life, body and relationships. You"ll find his other articles on eating better and other ways how to improve your life at http://your-health-center.com
The latest food guidelines recommend that adults eat from five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables every day. While that may seem like a lot, it is an important goal to strive for, and a very reachable one.
A serving of a fruit or vegetable is equal to:
- 1 medium sized vegetable or fruit (such as an apple, orange or banana)
- 2 small fruits (such as kiwi fruit or plums)
- ? cup of fresh, frozen or canned fruits or vegetables
- ? cup of 100% fruit juice
- ? cup of dried fruit
- 1 cup of green salad
Eating a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables is a great way to start a healthier lifestyle. Diets high in fruits and vegetables have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke and even some kinds of cancer. Diets high in fruits and vegetables are also important in maintaining a healthy weight.
Since different varieties of fruits and vegetables contain different types and levels of nutrients, it is important to each a good variety of fruits and vegetables. Eating a good combination of yellow, orange, red and green fruits and vegetables is a great way to ensure adequate levels of nutrition.
Fruits and vegetables are also an important source of fiber. One way to maximize the amount of fiber you get from fruits and vegetables is to eat the entire fruit and vegetable including the edible peel. Eating fruits and vegetables whole, instead of simply drinking fruit juice, is the best way to enjoy the fiber these foods have to offer. Orange juice may be very healthy, but it does not contain the same amount of fiber as a whole orange.
Getting sufficient fiber in the diet offers a great many health benefits, including aiding in digestion, lowering levels of cholesterol in the blood, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke, and reducing the chances of some forms of cancer. In addition, fiber is though to play an important role in controlling levels of blood sugar in diabetics. Fiber also helps dieters feel full while limiting the number of calories you consume.
Many people wonder if canned and frozen fruits and vegetables are as healthy and nutritious as the fresh varieties. The simple answer to this question is yes. Canned and frozen fruits and vegetables contain just as many vitamins and minerals as their fresh counterparts, so it is fine to replace fresh fruits and vegetables with canned and frozen varieties when fresh ones are not available.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are often less expensive, however, especially when they are in season. In addition, local farmers markets and produce stands are often great sources of the freshest, most delicious fruits and vegetables at some excellent prices.
How vegetables and fruits are prepared is just as important as how they are chosen. It is important to rinse fresh fruit and vegetables thoroughly under clean running water. This step is important in order to remove any dirt, pesticide residue or bacterial contamination. The outermost leaves of lettuce and cabbage should be removed, and the outside of root vegetables like carrots and potatoes should be removed, especially if you plan to consume the skins of those vegetables. Vegetables and fruits should be washed right before they are used in order to keep them as fresh as possible.
The best ways to cook vegetables in order to maintain their freshness are to boil, microwave or steam the veggies until they are tender and crisp. It is best to use as little water as possible when cooking vegetables. That is because overcooking can destroy some of the valuable vitamins and minerals the vegetables contain.
About the author:
Zaak O"Conan discovers and presents useful information on how to enhance and/or repair your life, body and relationships. You"ll find his other articles on eating better and other ways how to improve your life at http://your-health-center.com
How To Stretch for Health
By the time you finish reading this article I'm sure you will find time to stretch every day. The lack of flexibility in people is now seen to be the major cause of general health problems and sports injury and is also being linked to everything from stress, back pain, and even osteoarthritis.
It also means that nagging injuries, especially around your joints take longer to heal.
The latest studies show that up to 60 percent of the general population with bad backs and knees have tight hamstrings and hips and the main cause of this is a lack of flexibility.
Active-Isolated Stretching (AI)
Olympians have been employing Active-Isolated Stretching (AI) now for about 10 years, but it has only recently been brought to the public?s attention.
I have used this technique on my clients for quite a while now with great success, while adding renewed life and spring to tired out muscles. AI stretching prevents injury, as conventional stretching can cause real harm such as muscle pulls and tears.
AI stretching does what stretching is supposed to do; it transports oxygen to sore muscles and quickly removes toxins so recovery is faster. It also works as a deep massage technique because it activates muscle fibres during the actual stretch.
How to Stretch
Before stretching, dress in loose clothing and try and acquire a five-foot length of rope and tie a loop in the end. The purpose of this is to loop the end of rope around the exercising appendage to squeeze the last couple of inches of stretch from the exercise.
Find a comfortable place to stretch either on your bed, a carpeted floor or on a mat.
Isolate the muscle or group you want to stretch then contract the muscle opposite. This causes the isolated muscle or group to relax straight away and when it does it is ready to stretch.
Gently and quickly stretch the isolated muscle until it can?t be stretched any further; now give yourself a gentle pull with your hands or rope. Go as far as you can and then hold the stretch for no more than 2 seconds then release, do this for a total of 5 repetitions on the isolated muscle or group.
The reason for just a 2-second stretch is because when a muscle realizes that it is being forced into a stretch it contracts to protect itself from being overstretched.
If you can beat this contraction you?ll be well on the way to a greater Range of Motion.
Remember to hold for no more than 2 seconds, release, return to the normal position and repeat for the five repetitions. Try not to have any hesitations between stretches and make it as fluid as possible. Try to stretch every day if possible, remember to:
- Work one target muscle at a time.
- Contract the muscle that is opposite the targeted muscle, which will relax in preparation of its stretch.
- Stretch it gently and quickly.
- Release it before it realizes that it has been stretched and goes into its protective contraction.
Below are two exercises that can be done straight away even while you are at work to stretch that tension and stress from of your body.
- Lie down on the floor with your buttocks against a wall and your legs straight up the wall. Slowly flex your toes towards your knees, hold for two seconds and repeat five times. This will loosen up your lower back and stretch your hamstrings and hips giving instant relief for tired backs.
This exercise can be done while at the office anytime you start to feel that stress and tension building up.
- Sitting in a chair and putting one leg out straight, flex your toes towards your knee, now lean towards that foot, stretching your hands towards it and letting your head and shoulders follow, hold for two seconds and repeat five times. This will create a stretch right across your lower back and neck.
A flexible body is:
- More efficient
- More easily trained for strength and endurance
- Enjoys more range of motion
- Stays balanced more easily and is less prone to injury
- Recovers from workouts more quickly, and feels better.
Your goal? To start utilizing these exercises every day and say goodbye to your stress and tension.
About the author:
Gary Matthews is the author of the popular fitness eBooks Maximum Weight Loss and Maximum Weight Gain. Please visit http://www.maximumfitness.comright now for your "free" weight loss or muscle building e-courses.
It also means that nagging injuries, especially around your joints take longer to heal.
The latest studies show that up to 60 percent of the general population with bad backs and knees have tight hamstrings and hips and the main cause of this is a lack of flexibility.
Active-Isolated Stretching (AI)
Olympians have been employing Active-Isolated Stretching (AI) now for about 10 years, but it has only recently been brought to the public?s attention.
I have used this technique on my clients for quite a while now with great success, while adding renewed life and spring to tired out muscles. AI stretching prevents injury, as conventional stretching can cause real harm such as muscle pulls and tears.
AI stretching does what stretching is supposed to do; it transports oxygen to sore muscles and quickly removes toxins so recovery is faster. It also works as a deep massage technique because it activates muscle fibres during the actual stretch.
How to Stretch
Before stretching, dress in loose clothing and try and acquire a five-foot length of rope and tie a loop in the end. The purpose of this is to loop the end of rope around the exercising appendage to squeeze the last couple of inches of stretch from the exercise.
Find a comfortable place to stretch either on your bed, a carpeted floor or on a mat.
Isolate the muscle or group you want to stretch then contract the muscle opposite. This causes the isolated muscle or group to relax straight away and when it does it is ready to stretch.
Gently and quickly stretch the isolated muscle until it can?t be stretched any further; now give yourself a gentle pull with your hands or rope. Go as far as you can and then hold the stretch for no more than 2 seconds then release, do this for a total of 5 repetitions on the isolated muscle or group.
The reason for just a 2-second stretch is because when a muscle realizes that it is being forced into a stretch it contracts to protect itself from being overstretched.
If you can beat this contraction you?ll be well on the way to a greater Range of Motion.
Remember to hold for no more than 2 seconds, release, return to the normal position and repeat for the five repetitions. Try not to have any hesitations between stretches and make it as fluid as possible. Try to stretch every day if possible, remember to:
- Work one target muscle at a time.
- Contract the muscle that is opposite the targeted muscle, which will relax in preparation of its stretch.
- Stretch it gently and quickly.
- Release it before it realizes that it has been stretched and goes into its protective contraction.
Below are two exercises that can be done straight away even while you are at work to stretch that tension and stress from of your body.
- Lie down on the floor with your buttocks against a wall and your legs straight up the wall. Slowly flex your toes towards your knees, hold for two seconds and repeat five times. This will loosen up your lower back and stretch your hamstrings and hips giving instant relief for tired backs.
This exercise can be done while at the office anytime you start to feel that stress and tension building up.
- Sitting in a chair and putting one leg out straight, flex your toes towards your knee, now lean towards that foot, stretching your hands towards it and letting your head and shoulders follow, hold for two seconds and repeat five times. This will create a stretch right across your lower back and neck.
A flexible body is:
- More efficient
- More easily trained for strength and endurance
- Enjoys more range of motion
- Stays balanced more easily and is less prone to injury
- Recovers from workouts more quickly, and feels better.
Your goal? To start utilizing these exercises every day and say goodbye to your stress and tension.
About the author:
Gary Matthews is the author of the popular fitness eBooks Maximum Weight Loss and Maximum Weight Gain. Please visit http://www.maximumfitness.comright now for your "free" weight loss or muscle building e-courses.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)