Rokok dan Perempuan

Laporan WHO menyebutkan bahwa jumlah perokok meningkat 2.1% per tahun di negara berkembang, sedangkan di negara maju angka ini menurun sekitar 1.1% per tahun. Penelitian di Jakarta menunjukkan 64.8% laki-laki dan 9.8% perempuan dengan usia di atas 13 tahun adalah perokok.

Rokok dan perempuan? Hal ini telah mencakup semua permasalahan tentang gender, femininitas, kesehatan janin, kanker payudara, kanker rahim, penampilan diri, gengsi, gaya hidup, dan juga sampai kode etik. Masih tabunya perempuan merokok adalah sebuah problematika klasik. Dua hal penting masalah perempuan dengan rokok ialah dimulai dengan masalah kesehatan dan diakhiri dengan masalah ketidaketisan.

Dalam masalah kesehatan, banyak berita yang memaparkan tentang berbagai penyakit akibat kebiasaan merokok. Diantaranya batuk kering, kanker paru-paru, kanker mulut, dan sebagainya. Merokok juga menimbulkan perasaan takut, gemetar, bimbang, resah, melemahkan akal, mengurangi nafsu makan, menguningkan wajah dan gigi, menyempitkan pernapasan, menjadikan manusia malas dan lemah, dan lain-lain.

Setiap kali kita menyalakan rokok, maka denyut jantung bertambah, kemampuan jantung membawa oksigen berkurang, HDL turun, dan menyebabkan pengaktifan platelet (sel-sel penggumpal darah). Orang seringkali tidak mau berhenti merokok karena alasan takut gemuk karena ngemil sebagai pengganti rokok membuat berat badan bertambah. Namun, mereka tidak menyadari bahwa risiko penyakit jantung akibat merokok setara dengan 100 pon kelebihan berat badan.

Setiap orang yang merokok, baik laki-laki atau perempuan, pastinya mereka mengetahui dampak dan bahaya dari merokok. Tapi, mengapa orang-orang tersebut masih tetap mempertahankan kebiasaan buruknya? Itu kembali lagi kepada masing-masing individu. Setiap individu mempunyai pilihan dan hidup adalah pilihan. Para perempuan perokok sudah memilih merokok sebagai gaya hidup mereka dengan segala bahaya dan risiko yang akan ditanggungnya sendiri.

Pengganti Makan Bagi Penyandang Diabetes Melitus

Anjuran makan untuk penyandang diabetes hampir sama dengan anjuran makan orang sehat yaitu makanan seimbang, sesuai dengan kebutuhan gizi. Bedanya pada penyandang diabetes: ditekankan pada perlunya makan teratur dalam hal jenis dan jumlah makanan serta waktu makan.

Bagaimana cara makan yang teratur
Untuk itu perlu diketahui:

• Kebutuhan energi/kalori sehari anda
• Kebutuhan bahan makanan sehari anda
• Daftar bahan makanan penukar dan cara penggunaannya
  Dietisien akan membantu anda dalam hal tersebut di atas.

Kendala makan teratur

Kadang-kadang dikeluhkan bahwa makan teratur sulit dilakukan pada keadaan tertentu seperti pada saat:

• Sibuk, tidak sempat keluar makan
• Dalam perjalanan, dimana sukar mencari rumah makan
• Dalam keadaan sakit seperti flu, sakit tenggorokan dimana nafsu makan menurun

Keadaan di atas dapat mengakibatkan terlambat makan. Terlambat makan pada penyandang diabetes dapat mengakibatkan hipoglikemia (glukosa darah terlalu rendah) yang dapat berbahaya. Hipoglikemia terutama terjadi pada seseorang yang telah minum obat penurun glukosa darah atau menggunakan insulin dan makan tidak teratur.

Bagaimana mengatasi kendala makan teratur
Penyandang diabetes yang tidak bisa makan makanan seimbang biasa karena suatu sebab seperti sibuk, tidak tersedianya makanan biasa atau karena sakit, tidak tersedianya makanan biasa atau karena sakit, dapat menggantikan makanan mereka dengan pengganti makan (meal replacement).

Apakah itu "pengganti makan" (Meal Replacement)
Pengganti makan adalah makanan cair yang susunan zat gizinya dibuat seperti makanan seimbang untuk diabetes, contohnya: Diabetasol.

Bagaimana pengggunaan "Pengganti Makan"
Anda dapat menggantikan makan pagi, makan siang atau malam seperti daftar terlampir pada saat tidak bisa makan makanan seimbang biasa karena tidak ada nafsu makan atau tidak tersedianya makanan biasa.

Diabetes Pada Anak-Anak

Selama ini, diabetes mellitus (DM) identik dengan penyakit keturunan dan hanya menyerang mereka yang telah berusia lanjut. Namun kenyataannya, DM dapat menyerang siapa saja, tak kenal usia maupun status ekonomi. Perubahan gaya hidup adalah salah satu faktor yang menyebabkan tingginya risiko DM saat ini.

Diabetes terdiri dari dua jenis, yaitu diabetes mellitus tipe 1 (DM tipe 1) dan diabetes mellitus tipe 2 (DM tipe 2). Seseorang dikatakan menderita DM 1 (Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus), jika tubuhnya memerlukan pasokan insulin dari luar sepenuhnya karena sel-sel pankreas tidak mampu memproduksi hormon insulin. DM tipe 1 disebabkan oleh faktor genetis dan juga faktor pencetus lainnya. DM tipe 1 muncul tiba-tiba pada masa anak-anak (di bawah usia 20 tahun), dengan gejala berat badan menurun tanpa sebab yang jelas, mudah lelah, sering buang air kecil, dan sering merasa lapar atau haus.

Sedangkan DM tipe 2, disebut juga Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, terjadi jika pasokan insulin di pankreas tidak mencukupi sehingga mengakibatkan terjadinya gangguan pengiriman glukosa ke seluruh sel tubuh, namun penderitanya tidak tergantung speenuhnya pada pasokan insulin dari luar. Sekitar 90% kasus diabetes adalah DM tipe 2. Umumnya DM tipe 2 tidak disertai dengan gejala yang spesifik, sehingga banyak penderita yang tidak menyadarinya. Selama ini, banyak yang menganggap bahwa DM tipe 2 hanya diderita oleh mereka yang berusia lanjut, padahal kini terbukti DM tipe 2 dapat menyerang kalangan remaja, bahkan anak-anak.

Berat badan berlebih dan perubahan gaya hidup memang menjadi faktor penyebab terjadinya DM. Penelitian menunjukkan bahwa empat dari lima penderita DM tipe 2 ternyata mengalami obesitas. Perlu diketahui, sekitar 80% remaja yang obesitas cenderung akan menjadi dewasa yang obesitas pula. Sedangkan pada anak-anak yang menderita obesitas, sekitar 30-40% nya akan menjadi orang dewasa yang juga obesitas, akibatnya diabetes pun akan semakin mudah menyerang.

Berikut ini beberapa saran agar anak-anak terhindar dari obesitas yang bisa menyebabkan diabetes:

• Menetapkan menu 4 sehat 5 sempurna dengan pilihan menu bervariasi agar si anak tidak bosan
• Memberikan bekal sekolah yang sehat pada anak
• Memberi pengetahun nutrisi pada anak (seperti fast food) sehingga mereka mau menghindari makanan tersebut
• Mengajarkan olahraga secara rutin
• Menyediakan camilan yang bergizi
• Membiasakan pola makan yang teratur, yaitu tiga kali makan besar (pagi, siang, dan malam) serta makan kecil atau camilan di antara waktu tersebut

Rematik menyerang segala usia

Rematik (Rheumatoid Arthitis / RA) dapat menimpa siapa saja tidak memandang usia, termasuk balita. Rematik merupakan penyakit sendi dan tulang yang menyebabkan rasa kaku, nyeri, pembengkakan pada sendi sehingga pergerakkan menjadi terbatas, atau bahkan tidak dapat digerakkan sama sekali. Jika Anda mengalami gejala seperti di atas, segera periksakan diri Anda ke dokter. Jika tidak, anggota tubuh tidak dapat berfungsi dengan normal. Persendian akan benjol-benjol, tidak dapat digerakkan, sampai tidak dapat berjalan.

Terdapat ratusan jenis rematik, beberapa di antaranya osteoarthritis (OA), rheumathoid arthritis (RA), arthritis gout (pirai), dan perkapuran.

Osteoarthitis merupakan penyakit sendi degeneratif, yaitu penyakit yang mengakibatkan kerusakan tulang sendi. Osteoarthitis memiliki perkembangan yang sangat lambat. Biasanya sendi yang terkena adalah sendi tangan, sendi kaki, sendi-sendi besar yang menanggung berat badan tubuh (seperti sendi tulang belakang, sendi lutut, sendi panggul). Penyakit ini biasanya terjadi karena faktor usia, dan mayoritas penderitanya adalah wanita berusia di atas 50 tahun. Disebabkan pula karena faktor keturunan (genetic), kegemukan, cedera akibat olahraga atau beraktivitas. Namun penyebab secara spesifik belum diketahui. Osteoarthitis memiliki gejala nyeri sendi yang khas. Rasa nyeri akan semakin bertambah seiring dengan saat menopang badan saat beraktivitas atau melakukan gerakan, dan membaik jika diistirahatkan. Sendi yang kaku dapat timbul setelah beristirahat dalam waktu yang lama. Misalnya saja terlalu lama duduk di kursi, atau setelah bangun tidur. Bahkan disertai dengan suara gemeretak atau kemretek pada sendi yang sakit. Dan juga salah satu sendi secara perlahan membesar (umumnya bagian lutut dan tangan).

Rheumathoid arthritis merupakan penyakit otoimun. Bila terkena rheumathoid arthritis, secara simetris persendian akan mengalami peradangan, sehingga terjadi pembengkakan, nyeri, dan seringkali menyebabkan kerusakan pada bagian dalam sendi. Rheumathoid arthritis ini dapat muncul pada berbagai usia, bahkan sedini balita. Penyebab rheumathoid arthritisbelum diketahiu cesara pasti. Beberapa gejalanya, kaku pada persendian dan sekitarnya pada pagi hari, dan berlangsung selama lebih dari 1 jam. Pembengkakan terjadi pada 3 sendi secara bersamaan, contohnya saja sendi-sendi jari tangan, sendi kaki, pergelangan tangan dan kaki, siku, pinggul, bahkan lutut. Peradangan juga dapat terjadi pada kedua belah sisi, disertai dengan timbulnya benjolan di bawah kulit. Dapat juga terjadi perubahan bentuk sendi (yang dikenal dengan deformitas) sebagai akibat kerusakan rawan sendi dan erosi tulang di sekitar sendi. Gejala ini disertai demam, lemah, dan berkurangnya nafsu makan. Rheumathoid arthritis kerap menyerang anak-anak, mulai dari usia 3 tahunan. Penyebabnya adalah gangguan makan di pencernaan.

Arthritis pirai sejenis asam urat, dan hanya jenis ini yang termasuk dalam kategori rematik. (karena umumnya asam urat dianggap sebagai rematik). Arthritis pirai disebabkan tingginya kadar asam urat dalam darah. Arthritis pirai sering ditandai dengan serangan nyeri sendi berulang-ulang dan secara tiba-tiba. Peradangan sendi nya bersifat menahun (kronis) dan sendi dapat bengkok akibat dari serangan yang terjadi berulang kali. Lokasi sendi yang terkena adalah pangkal ibu jari kaki, pergelangan kaki, lutut, siku, pergelangan tangan. Atau jari tangan.

Saat rematik menyerang, rasa nyerinya menyebabkan Anda tidak dapat beraktivitas. Namun banyak orang menganggap remeh dan membeli obat secara sembarangan. Mereka baru akan ke dokter ketika rasa nyeri tidak tertahankan, atau telah terjadi perubahan bentuk pada sendi. Obat yang dijual bebas hanya merupakan sebagian kecil penanggulangan rematik. Penggunaan obat tanpa pengawasan dari dokter dapat memiliki beberapa efek samping, seperti gangguan pencernaan (mual, muntah, nyeri lambung, diare, sakit kepala, ruam pada kulit, kerusakan hati).

Penderita harus beristirahat, proteksi sendi, fisioterapi, menjalani pembedahan, dan psikoterapi, menjaga berat badan agar selalu ideal, olahraga (jalan kaki, berenang, dll). Hindari olahraga yang terlalu membebani lutut, seperti bulutangkis, tennis, bela diri, basket, dll.

Air dingin atau suhu dingin akan menyebabkan kapsul sendi mengerut. Oleh karena itu, mandi malam, uadara dingin, terlalu sering mandi, dan berada di ruangan ber-AC, akan menambah rasa nyeri pada penderita rematik. Mandilah dengan menggunakan air hangat sehingga rasa nyeri dapat diredam.

Anggapan bahwa rematik disebabkan oleh asam urat adalah tidak sepenuhnya benar, karena hanya arthritis gout (pirai) yang disebabkan okleh kenaikan kadar asam urat dalam darah. Sedangkan rematik lainnya tidak. Selain itu tidak semua rematik berkaitan dengan makanan (dalam hal ini, jeroan) yang dikonsumsi si penderita. Hanya arthritis gout yang berkaitan dengan jeroan.

Effect of FIR Energy

Since FIR are able to hatch the eggs of insects, sea turtles, chickens and other animals, causing them to develop blood vessels, nerves, skeleton, skin and feathers, it may similarly cause changes to the human body. Our bodies are made up of cells, and the most important ingredient in cells is water. Water makes up 65% to 70% of mass of the human body. The cells in the body in turn forms the various tissues and organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, digestive organs, blood vessels, nerves, bones and skin. Just as FIR are able to cause the albumin and egg yolk to develop into various organs, it is able to activate, revitalise,nreactivate, develop and strengthen the various organs in our bodies when it is absorbed.

In the various organs of the human body, the circulatory system plays an important role, especially the micro-circulatory system. It is the basis of sustenance of life, because if it deteriorates, death is likely to follow. When there are problems with the micro-circulatory system, various ailments will occur. Bio FIR vibrating at a frequency similar to that emiting from the human body is able to penetrate into the body, activate the cells and reactivate as well as strengthen the micro-circulatory systems. It regulates the blood flow and releases the blood in blood vessels, which have been blocked due to blood clots and at the same time reactivates the vital energy in the body. That is why we say that FIR is able to regulate the blood circulatory systems of the body, especially that of the micro-circulatory system.
The various activities of the Human body depends on the supply of nutrients. Nutrients ingested into our bodies, provide us energy and help sustain our lives. At the same time, waste matters which are produced after the nutrients have been absorbed, have to be removed from the body. This process is known as metabolism. The metabolic rate of each individual is an indicator of his/her health. If we wish to have a healthy life, we must maintain a good and strong metabolic rate. FIR is able to improve blood flow and continuously uplift the metabolic rate of the body. As the transport of the nutrients in the body depends on blood flow, the removal of metabolic waste matters from the various activities in the body is also dependent on the circulatory system. When the circulatory system is improved under the influence of FIR, it will naturally improve our metabolism. As such, the second benefit that FIR provides for the human body is the elevation of metabolism thus improving energy levels.
Its third benefit is elevation of the immunity of our bodies against diseases. This is part of the effects of the improvement in the micro-circulatory system and metabolism of the body. It helps to slow down the ageing process, increase resistance against diseases and increases longevity.

The Benefits Of Biofir ceramic Health Products
Today, with the continuous advancement in science and technology, we have further understood the effects of FIR and through research, we have discovered that bio-ceramics can be used in the manufacture of various health products. This has been great leap forward by modern science and technology and such products are hi-tech products.

Bio-ceramics is the raw material, which is capable of emitting large amounts of FIR, under specific conditions and influence of the temperature of the human body and due to its unique molecular structure, it continuously emits FIR of a specific range of wavelength (4 -16 microns). This is exactly the type of FIR with the right wave length range required by the Human body. It is this type of FIR that activates the various biological functions of the human body.

This type of FIR, does not cause any harmful effects to the human body. FIR health products produce two different effects on the human body.

The first effect is that of strengthening the body and upkeeping health, thus preventing diseases. The other effect is its effect on the human body which is capable of treating various common ailments. This form of therapy is based upon strengthening the resistance of the human body against diseases, thus reducing suffering and accelerating recuperation. Its is a form of supportive therapy based on health-keeping principles. It is different from chemotherapy and surgery. It is common for doctors in various hospitals to use FIR as a form of physiotherapy. Its second effect is in the treatment of common ailments.

We encounter various ailments in our daily lives, FIR health products are able to provide supportive therapy for such ailments.

Far Infra Red Health Fact

"Are you expecting me to believe that a spectrum of sunlight can cause healing for pains in joints and muscles, as well as lower cholesterol and slow down aging? It seems a little far-fetched to me." I held back harsher criticism only out of respect for my colleague as our conversation continued. He seemed undaunted by my skepticism. "Out of nine of my patients with chronic knee problems, in the eight that I applied the FAR Infrared knee wraps on, I have seen a dramatic improvement, three of whom are completely pain free. How would you explain that? Another patient who suffers from extreme intestinal dysbiosis has recovered, and several of my elderly patients with spinal problems have reported improvement in range of motion and relief from pain using a FAR Infrared waistwrap. I myself have tried it. My shoulder doesn't hurt when I apply compresses of the same material, even after a long day at work. My family and friends have noticed a change in my energy levels, as well as my personality. I feel ten years younger!"

"Listen, I know you're excited, and it sounds impressive, but is this just a new gimmick? Are you sure it's not all working because you want it to work?" Understandably, I have to qualify information that comes to me. At this point in my career, I am getting accustomed to these calls. It seems that the medical field itself is going through a transition, and the doctors I associate with are increasingly more interested in non-traditional methods, as long as the treatments work. Many of my patients also often enlighten me on alternative perspectives on health. Over the years, I have witnessed the limits of my expertise in chemical and surgical procedures and medications for certain conditions. Therefore, although I am still a sound supporter of allopathic medicine in the treatment of contagious diseases, I am perpetually intrigued to find new ways to expand my abilities to help my patients.

Still, his claims did seem a little too incredible to be true, and I immediately shelved it in my mind under "U" for unbelievable. Yet, my investigative mind spurred me to embark on a search for more quantifiable research on far-infrared light and negative ions, both of which were key factors in the effectiveness of the wraps being used. The following is a limited report on my findings:

Light Medicine of the future?
Light medicine has been a topic well documented since the early 1900's. Even as far back as 1870, Dr. Pleasanton, a researcher in the United States, published research showing the relationship between light frequency and the rate of growth of cells and tissues, as well as their rate of cell division.1 Specific wavelengths affect our metabolism and our aging process, according to "enlightened" scientists. Dr. Harry Riley Spitler, M.D., O.D., proved in his book that light plays an important role in regulating the autonomous nervous system, as well, pointing out how certain spectrums of light are crucial to our daily wellbeing, emotionally and physically.2

Previously, I was only familiar with laser light treatments used to tone and rejuvenate skin, reducing lines and improving blemishes. I am more interested at present in the beneficial effects of the application of specific spectrums of natural light for overall health. One study presented by Dr. Zane Kime, M.D., stated that sunlight is a leading factor in strengthening the body's resistance to infectious diseases, increasing the oxygen capacity of the blood, and improving stress tolerance. Laboratory experiments supporting his study show that exposure to sunlight increases lymphocytes and neutrophils, and reduces the frequency of colds and respiratory infections.3

Dr. Richard Wurtman, Professor of Endocrinology at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, stated that wavelengths of light are almost as important as vitamins and minerals to the body's proper functioning.4 Without proper nutrients or oxygen, our body suffers. How much so also does our health suffer considering our modern life, with our severe lack of natural light?

What is the Healthiest Spectrum of Light?
Unfortunately, the wavelength of light that is the most beneficial to the body is often the one we are exposed to the least, due to pollution and everyday lifestyle. The spectrum of light that appears to be most resonant with cell tissues seems to lie within the far infrared spectrum. Studies suggest that far infrared light stimulates the production of cell tissue and rapidly promotes the regeneration of skin and blood tissue in areas exposed to it.5 This could also prove to be especially helpful in the recovery of wounds and following surgery in preventing the formation of scar tissue.

One of the first pioneers in the field was Dr. Neils Finsen, who was curing lesions and variola using red and infrared rays. More recent research performed by Tiina Karu, M.D., of the Laser Technology Center in Russia, holds that this spectrum of light speeds up cellular metabolic processes, like stimulating the activity of mitochondria, and triggering enzyme activity as well as the healing, regeneration, and normalization of damaged cell tissue. Obviously, although we can receive this light from spending time in the sun, excessive exposure to certain rays, such as Ultraviolet Rays (UV) in sunlight can be damaging to our system. I see it in my patients who have spent years baking on the beaches.

The first research on isolating, or mimicking far infrared light was done through NASA decades ago. Recently, several scientists in Japan extended this technology, and designed a way to create fibers to be worn on the body that emit wavelengths the same as natural far infrared light from the sun, yet much more concentrated. The material itself was formed primarily out of several minerals with piezoelectric qualities, such as tourmaline and serpentine. The raw materials were highly costly, so the technology was not popularly used.

A breakthrough in 1994 caused the production of the "FAR Infrared" wraps that my associate had been using with great results. A textile engineer discovered how to mix the piezoelectric substances with a mineral oxide without minimizing the beneficial effects that the substance had on the body. A separate discovery was made in which the fibers themselves could be minimized in size (quite possibly one of the smallest diameter fibers created to date, being several times thinner than human hair). This maximized the amount of surface area, thus amplifying the amount of energy within a limited area of material. Therefore, even a thin, wearable wrap could be easily worn undistinguished under clothes, and comfortably worn. These FAR Infrared wraps were created for use on the following areas: Waist wraps, for digestive region and backaches, knee wraps, elbow wraps and wrist wraps for use on areas prone to joint and muscle injuries, and ankle wraps, which have been reported to be beneficial for foot problems as well as swelling or poor circulation. The manufacturers even created a blanket and mattress to generate the far infrared benefits to the entire body while sleeping, or relaxing.

I have found several studies that suggest the benefits of using far infrared light on injuries: The American Journal of Geriatrics has published a study in which elderly patients experienced an improvement of pain and disability from degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee. A fully randomized, partially double-blind trial resulted in a pain reduction of more than 50% within the group using the therapy, whereas there was no significant improvement in the placebo group. Studies done with Magnetic Resonance Imaging suggest a more rapid recovery from muscle fatigue, as you can see in the images.

Fig. 1. After 30 minutes exercise;
dark parts indicate muscle
fatigue (due to build-up of lactic acid)

Fig. 2. Instead of the usual 2-3 hours,
the FAR Infrared products help
muscles recover within 20 minutes only

Based on my colleague's recommendation, and my curiosity, I have tried some of the products personally, and have found benefits on physical ailments, as well as emotional and athletic benefits. At this point, I had decided to look further into the explanation behind the miracle benefits.

Staying healthy and youthful - beyond exercise and nutrition
Dr. Zane Kime, M.D., in his book "Sunlight"6 holds up the findings that sunlight exposure is similar to physical exercise in its effects on the body, as it improves the balance of blood pressure, blood sugar, and an increase in oxygen in the cells, muscle strength, vitality and mental stability. Natural spectrums of light found in sunlight, for example, are essential for bone growth as well as preventing osteoporosis, regulating hormonal functions as well as immune functions. It has occurred to me that light may be a great help to patients who cannot exercise, because of health reasons, age, or lifestyle inhibitions.

The Anti-Aging Factor
As we age, we all experience a shift in our hormones, and researchers now feel this change is responsible for many of the maladies we associate with aging, such as menopause, sleeplessness, fatigue, arteriosclerosis, and others. In his research in Pennsylvania at the Thomas Jefferson Medical School, Dr. George Brainard has stated that light affects the hormonal balance of the body, in levels of melatonin, prolactin, cortisone, testosterone, TS4, LH, FSH, T3, and thyroid hormones. John Ott, a modern pioneer in this subject, attributes these affects to a process similar to the photosynthesis process in plants. In this process, light is converted by the body into electrochemical impulses that are sent to the pineal and pituitary glands, which send the hormones through the body's central nervous system to all the cells of the body. The hormones affected through this process and the functioning of these glands are the growth hormone, thyroid hormone(TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), prolactin, oxytoxin, melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH), and anti-diuretic hormone. Therefore, light is essential to the functioning of our entire endocrine system.7 As hormone replacement has mixed results at times, it is possible that in the future, doctors will prescribe light for therapy, in forms such as the FAR Infrared wraps.

Common problems associated with lifestyle and aging, such as hypertension and osteoporosis, headaches and digestive problems, are attributed by some scientists to be the result of excess acidity in our system. The American Medical Journal found that in patients with bone loss, alkalizing their system caused a decrease in bone loss. Their conclusion was that our typical American diet is acid-producing.8 The acids deposited in our blood are often stored by the body in forms of cholesterol, fatty acid, uric acid, and other villains that cause havoc in our system.9 Sang Whang, the author of "Reverse Aging" claims that these excess acids can be eliminated with the use of far infrared products, along with consuming certain alkaline minerals and foods.10 The far infrared resonance heats up the internal temperature of the body, increasing circulation, thus enabling the blood to melt out the acidic toxins that have been deposited for years in one's arteries. A study done on carotid artery buildup showed an increase in blood flow within the artery after two nights of the subject sleeping on the FAR Infrared mattress, for an average of 10 hours a night.11 As a doctor, I cannot recommend the wraps, as they are not FDA approved in this country as therapies for these particular maladies. However, if I were personally a sufferer of hypertension, or chronic arthritis, or any systemic problem, I would use the FAR Infrared mattress or wraps for my own health.

Negative Ions
The other element contained within the FAR Infrared technology that I investigated was the negative ions that were claimed to increase with the use of it. Nature's "life enhancing particles", negative ions, are molecules with an extra electron, discovered in 1899 by two scientists named Elster and Geitel. Mice live longer in certain cases when exposed to negative ions. They have been linked to killing germs, and preventing infections. Dr. Igho Hart Kornblueh, a physician, found that patients recovered 57% faster from surgery when exposed to large doses of negative ions. It has also been found that negative ions seem to help with allergies, migraines, and sinus problems.12

Although negative ions are plentiful in nature (occurring at almost twice the amount near the ocean or waterfalls as normal), our environment is sadly lacking these energetic boosters. Dr. William Rea, Chief of surgery at Brookhaven Medical Center in Texas, states that "Most houses don't breathe like they used to". Steel and concrete absorb most of the available negative ions in the atmosphere, and plastics have a positive static charge, so that the amount of negative ions that we receive is extremely minimal.

Emotional problems? Blame it on the ions, or the lack of them. The opposite of negative ions, positive ions, are particles with a missing electron. In certain courts, the issue of winds that bring in positive ions has been used as an excuse for erratic and criminal behavior. On the contrary, negative ions promote alpha brain waves, creating a calming effect. Dr. Albert P. Krueger, an American scientist well respected for his extensive work with ions, discovered that negative ions affect the rate at which serotonin is oxidized in the bloodstream. Serotonin is secreted by the pineal glands and intestines, and affects sleep, mood, nerve-impulses, blood-clotting, and contraction of smooth muscles. It is most popularly associated with feelings of security, peace, and satisfaction. Negative ions have been shown to reduce neurosis and anxiety.13 This may explain why so many people sing in the shower, or why one can't seem to fully wake up without one. When the water falls in the shower, it creates negative ions. Negative ions are also found plentifully around waterfalls and oceans. Vasil'yev, a Russian ion pioneer, showed in the 1970's that ions act on the endings of pulmonary afferent nerve fibers, and alter the functional state of the central nervous system, and through it, the peripheral organs.

The FAR Infrared material that I research also was shown to increase the rate of negative ions. This should be a relief for all of us who don't live or work at waterfalls or on the ocean shore. The people that I interviewed seemed to notice the calming effect of wearing the wraps, although they weren't told of this effect prior to wearing them.

As I approach my upper years, I am elated to use technology such as this to enhance my daily life, and increase my chances of living healthy long past my 90th birthday. I hope that you have the same opportunity.