Tendinitis

The tendon is as vital as the muscles and bones that make up the body. This connective tissue mainly consists of collagen attaching the bones onto the muscles for locomotion and stability. Basically, it works to transmit and modulate forces, hence its ability to act like a spring. Although it is tough and fibrous to withstand tension, it can also be torn apart due to lack of elasticity thereby triggering tendinitis to develop. Such a medical condition is characterized by large scale acute injury that normally goes with inflamed tissues. Just like any case of tendinopathy (disease of the tendon), it requires prompt care and treatment.  

In general, tendinitis may arise from injury, overexertion, strain, repetitive motion, and sudden unfamiliar movement. These instances commonly require elastic tendons, enough to sustain the intensity of a certain physical activity. As the elasticity of tissues diminishes along with age, inflamed tendons frequently occur in adults especially at old age. In the same way, tendinitis may also appear as a complication of some other diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, gout, lupus, etc. In effect, treatment involves recovery from the major disease, as well.

Tendinitis appears in many different forms corresponding to the spot of injury. More often than not, it affects the upper body as well as the lower limbs being prone to constant motion. The rotator cuff tendinitis inflicts injury on the shoulders’ tendons that is common to athletes who usually move their arms over the head such as pitchers, swimmers, and tennis players. Moreover, bicipital tendinitis occurs on tissues running in front of the arm up to the shoulders usually caused by overuse of the tissue through time. There is also the Achilles tendinitis inflicted on the strongest and thickest tendon in the body prompted by too much leg exercises in the likes of jogging, jumping, and running. Other forms of this disease include calcific tendinitis, patellar tendinitis, peroneal tendinitis, etc.

There are various signs and symptoms involved in cases of tendinitis. Among others, pain is the most persistent indication of swollen tendons that may intensify gradually or instantly. Most likely, severe pain tends to manifest in the presence of calcium deposits. Another factor may be loss of motion or stiffness in the affected parts of the body, like the shoulders in which the condition may be called adhesive capsulitis. Crepitus described as the crackling sound produced by friction between some body parts may also be observed. Many other signs and symptoms are swelling, tenderness, warmth, and redness.

Inflammation of tendons can be prevented given the right cautions. Moderation in any exercise program is advised to avoid getting the tissues worn out. Regular stretching is also desirable to extend tendon connections to minimize the effects of pulling and traction. Intake of Vitamin C can fortify the tendons to resist common tension. In case the condition can no longer be prevented, there are treatment and remedies available. The body has its own way to facilitate natural recovery that goes along with ample rest. Should the pain be intolerable, corticosteroid injections and pain relievers will surely come handy. Physical therapy can also heal stiff muscles like frozen shoulders condition. If the injury happens to progress into a serious illness, surgery might be needed to fix the tissue problem.

Tae Kwon Do

“The art of the foot and fist,” best describes the martial art also known as Tae Kwon Do. This particular art of combat hails in South Korea back in the 20^th century. In the same period, martial arts schools were founded to teach the local art of foot and fist combat. Later on, Tae Kwon Do became well renowned worldwide. Martial arts masters were deployed in many different countries to share their fighting expertise. No wonder, it was declared as the most popular martial art of the world based on the growing number of practitioners in 1989.

The onset of the 21^st century paved the way for Tae Kwon Do sports. In fact, it was held as an official Olympic event that commenced in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. The sport is further subdivided into two faculties governed by two individual entities known as the World Tae Kwon Do Organization (WTO) and the International Tae Kwon Do Federation (ITF). WTO is concerned in the promotion of Tae Kwon Do as a global sport. On the other hand, ITF works hand in hand with the International Olympic Committee thereby assuming the competitive perspective of the sport.

Tae Kwon Do has been popularized by distinctive kicking techniques. This fact is grounded on the belief that the legs are the most powerful weapons of a fighter. Powerful kicks are even regarded as the most effective means to beat the opponent. Consequently, there are 13 different varieties of kicking styles known as “Chagi.” Basic moves consist of front snap kick (extreme linear kick), side piercing kick (powerful side kick), roundhouse kick (horizontal snap kick), and reverse side kick (true back kick). The list also includes axe kick, crescent kick, hook kick, jump kick, reverse turning kick, etc. Nonetheless, the fighter makes use of front and rear legs to perform all of these power kicks.

Apart from Tae Kwon Do kicks, the sport also takes pride of hand attacks in terms of fighting up close. Most likely, these are executed in a swift manner to prevent defensive attempts coming from the opponent. Common hand positions used in offensive fighting combinations include forefist (knuckle strike), hammer fist (hammer strike), back fist (swing-back strike), and knife hands (chop strike). Some other hand strikes are fingertips, knife hand, palm heel, thumb, elbow strike, and four-knuckle strike. In the same way, the hands may also be used in blocking opponent’s aggression such as single forearm block, low block, rising block, and palm block.

There are also many other fighting techniques in Tae Kwon Do routines. These consist of breaking skills (destruction of inanimate objects), self-defense skills (defense via injury and incapacity), and some other fighting patterns (systematic combinations). Along the sparring process, competitors observe certain sparring stances like attention stance, close stance, back stance, fighting stance, and cat stance. This way, the fighter can optimize offensive and defensive strategies in the match.

Given the extensive set of skills involved in the sport, trainees can get a share of total body workout. Skills training usually employ leg and arm exercises to develop competence on fist and feet combat. The intense physical engagement can also provide sufficient body building activity to keep one’s physique in good shape. Furthermore, the training also entails strict discipline to condition the mind and the spirit. Upon mastery of Tae Kwon Do skills via convergence of mind, body, and spirit, the fighter can surely advance to senior black belt rank. That means the trainee has successfully surpassed the entry-level white belt rank as well as the junior red belt rank.

Reflexology

Reflexology is one of the most remarkable breakthroughs in alternative medicine since ancestry. This health remedy hails from Egypt, which happens to be the home of ancient medical science, back in 2330 BCE. Consequently, the civilization devised the nervous system archetype that is useful in applied reflexology in locating nerve spots on certain parts of the body. Later on, research inquiries were also conducted in Russia and Europe forming the foundation of modern reflexology. Ivan Pavlov also launched his own research work on the matter. The study has been helpful to develop the science of reflex therapy.

Application of natural pressure in vital points of the body is the core faculty of reflexology. Basically, the therapy makes use of inflicting manual pressure by means of thumb, finger, or hand techniques without the need to apply some drop of oil or lotion. Reflex points are found on the ears, feet, and hands that correspond to major glands and organs in the body. Manipulating these reflex regions is believed to provide relief in certain medical conditions. Such a concept is based on the body’s natural healing tendency which is normally hindered by any sort of blockage in some energy fields as well as invisible life forces.

According to the art of reflexology, the body is divided into ten vertical regions. These are distributed on the left and right halves of human anatomy, five on each side. In turn, these are manifested on reflexology charts that indicate basic reflex points. Moreover, there are many illustrative charts that reveal some set of reflex zones on hands and feet. For instance, the feet reflexology chart alone presents an array of reflex points that correspond to 52 internal and external spots ranging from basic sense organs to fundamental ones comprising mainstream physiological systems.

Many different reflexology techniques are employed for healing and recovery. These include pressure, stretching, and some other vital motions. Among others, inflicted pressure happens to be the most common means to reduce and eliminate tension in most reflex spots. Reflexologists make use of fingers and hands in a systematic way to carry out the treatment. Nonetheless, the entire procedure is intended to fall within the comfort zone of the patient to avoid any injurious tendency.

Reflexology treatment is meant to bring body and mind relaxation. That means the patient is not supposed to feel any pain or discomfort along the process.  In case of any unlikely sensation, it is advised to inform the reflexologist right away. Typical sessions can last for 45-60 minutes to ease up the tension in certain reflex points. More often than not, it can heal arthritis, insomnia, digestive disorder, hormonal imbalance, body pain, stress, etc.

Although reflexology has no clear recognition in medical science, the practice is regulated in some countries. As a matter of fact, the Complementary and Natural Health Care Council in United Kingdom maintains a registry of reflexologists for voluntary enlistment. In effect, the council further implements regulatory measures on enlisted practitioners to update knowledge and skills.  

Mineral Makeup

No doubt, looking good means business to men and women, alike. It is ascribed to the fact that physical appearance is held as the basis of personal impression. Besides, grooming also goes along with fine hygiene that is imperative to maintaining total health and fitness. Given the overwhelming demand for beauty and well-being, cosmetic products are considered part and parcel of everybody’s life. Consequently, mineral makeup has been renowned to provide good looks as well as good skin health.

Mineral makeup is consists of natural minerals such as bismuth, mica, oxychloride, talc, titanium dioxide, etc. Most likely, it can either be described as all mineral (more than 1% mineral content) or part mineral (less than 1% mineral content) depending on the concentration of mixture. More often than not, mineral content along with the rest of the ingredients, are printed on the package to satisfy FDA requisites. This way, consumers can check out whether the makeup is compatible to their skin type.

In general, minerals can be harmful onto the skin when applied as macro particles such as zinc and titanium. In turn, they go through meticulous processing only to come up with the pulverized compounds. The elements are reduced into nanoparticles that are safe onto the skin. Ideally, 50+ nanometres particle size cannot penetrate the pores of the skin. Processing may also entail organo silicone coating that forms particle clusters to reach the desired size. Nonetheless, these are strictly for external use thereby the mixture should not infiltrate one’s internal system via damaged skin or upon getting inhaled.

Unlike ordinary cosmetics, mineral makeup brings out unique glow onto the skin. Upon application, it can illuminate the skin whenever light touches the surface. In turn, it gives out the radiant look that can keep the shimmering guise less the greasy feel. As it appears in pulverized form, the mixture also comes lightweight onto the skin without the sensation of putting on a virtual mask. That means anyone can wear the makeup for a long period of time but certainly not during bedtime. Even purely organic makeup is not advised to be worn at sleep. Indeed, the skin should be unleashed from any sort of covering while at rest.

Apart from the glamorous look, mineral makeup also features health benefits. The comedogenic natural compounds do not clog the skin pores.  In the same way, it also contains non-inflammatory properties so as not to worsen any skin condition. No wonder, it is completely skin-friendly with low risk for the development of blackheads, acne, and many other skin diseases. Most if not all products, are also integrated with SPF 15 to protect the skin against harmful UV rays. Some items may also be dashed with Vitamin E that acts as cell antioxidant against free radicals.

Mineral makeup comes in many different cosmetic products. These include loose foundation, finishing powder, metallic eye shadow, mineral blush, etc. Colours should be in perfect tone with the skin to highlight desirable facial features. Each makeup component should also complement each other to achieve fair and fine look. Finally, any mineral makeup is best applied on well-moisturized skin to avoid the powdery finish.

Isotonic Drinks

The term isotonic is derived from the Greek words “iso” (equal) and “tonos” (pressure) which literally means equal pressure. In turn, an isotonic drink is meant to contain the same osmotic pressure as the bloodstream, by means of similar solute content. This way, the body can quickly absorb the fluid without consuming substantial amount of energy. To be able to do this, most of isotonic solutions maintain an osmolarity level of 250-340 mOsm/L that most likely suits the concentration of blood particles. 

An isotonic mixture happens to be perfect for sports drink given the mix of nutrients, vitamin, and minerals dissolved in water. The solution replenishes the body with fluid along with essential particles that are excreted in sweat. Unlike typical sports drinks, it has higher glucose content to provide athletes with enough energy reserve. More often than not, it contains 5-8% of simple sugar ideal to sustain normal level of blood glucose. Regular intake is advised before (300-600 ml), during (150-250 ml), and after (500-1000 ml) high endurance activities.

Apart from sugar, an isotonic drink also contains salt, vitamins, and minerals that are useful to regulate osmotic pressure. Vitamins may include citric acid, folic acid, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, and tocopherols. Minerals are comprised of calcium, sodium, iron, magnesium, potassium, etc. Most of these are usually flushed out of the system during intense body exercises. In the same way, these are significant to regain natural homeostasis for total health and fitness.

A bottle of an isotonic drink is more than a bottle of water. Meaning, it provides more health benefits beyond the body’s need for hydration. Glucose alone is a great source of energy that requires less oxygen along the metabolic process.  Electrolytes in form of salts aid in fluid absorption to combat the effects of dehydration. Vitamins as well as minerals are known as prime body regulators that keep a person radiant and active. For instance, Vitamin C boosts the immune system while Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant. Each component plays an important role for the general upkeep of one’s health

Nonetheless, an isotonic drink is not supposed to replace food consumption. In fact, it only secures modest amount of nutrients compared to regular meals. This is ascribed to the idea that the bottle contains a mixture of water, fruit juice, sugar, and salt that feed the body in the cellular level. Such a beverage can only quench thirst but absolutely not hunger, which can only be satisfied by food. No wonder, it works best along with proper dietary program for holistic nutrition.

Isotonic drinks are available in many different mixtures. The commercial ones are commonly enriched with extra nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to cover the various nutritional needs of the body. There are also home-made variants mainly consist of water, salt, and fruit juice. Aside from the health benefits of fruit, it also adds flavour into the mixture to stimulate the appetite. Luckily, isotonic sports drinks are prepared in various seasons such as orange, lemon, grapes, apple, and many other tropical tangs.