*****

Did you know that ibuprofen can cause brain fog and constipation?

Or that diuretics can deplete your calcium and magnesium levels causing dizziness and depression?

Learn how to use your drugs wisely.

Whew, that was a fun retrograde wasn't it ;) (wink).

To see next year's retrograde dates, see our retrograde corner on the astrology area of our site.

*****

For Your Body - Drink 8 oz of warm water with a squeeze of fresh lemon upon waking and wait at least 15 minutes to eat or brush your teeth to cleanse and tonify the liver and start your day with more energy.

For Your Teeth - Floss your teeth and rinse with warm sea salt water every once in a while to keep them healthy and open the energy while releasing plaque. This is also good if you have a toothache.

*****

Did you know that anemia can cause fatigue and shortness of breath?

Or that hypothyroidism can have a side effect of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Find out more on helping yourself in our Cross- Reference Guide on Conditions by Organ and Body System.

******

Rich in iron and fiber, high on the "YUM Index".

See our full range of healthy desserts for you and your family this holiday season!

For more on holistic professionals, see the Holistic Directory...

Are you a holistic professional/ business owner interested in listing with us? Now is the time with HALF-OFF all brief listings through the holidays! Find out more!

*****

More patients and doctors are contemplating the benefits of an age-old complementary and alternative medicine practice—spirituality. Interest in adding a spiritual dimension to healthcare may stem from a number of factors. Many patients have long lamented the absence of a personal level of care from their doctors. In addition, the aging US population demands a growing emphasis on end-of-life care. Even doctors are reacting to the increasingly depersonalized medical approach of today, and a growing number of them believe that attending to the spiritual lives of their patients is an important part of the doctor-patient relationship. This changing attitude can be seen in our medical schools: more than 50 US medical schools now offer elective courses in spirituality.

Scientists have been taking a closer look at spirituality as well. A dozen studies by Duke University Medical Center show that certain religious activities seem to improve health. For example, one study found a strong connection between lower blood pressure and prayer, Bible reading, and attending church (note: religious TV and radio shows did not have that affect). A recent study in Kansas City indicated that people may benefit from having others pray for them, even when the prayers are said without their knowledge. The study involved two groups of heart patients. Neither group knew if anyone was praying for them; people unrelated to the study participants said prayers for one group but not the other. At the end of the study, the group that had people praying for them had experienced fewer medical complications. Other research has indicated that practices such as saying repetitive prayers and spending time in meditation may have positive physiological, neurological, and psychological effects. This supports findings that people who have spiritual practices are better able to cope with stress.