FIBROMYALGIA PAIN RELIEF

Try Gentle Water-Based Workouts

Whether or not you're a water lover, you'll want to at least try water exercises. Numerous studies report that this form of low-impact exercise -- especially when done in warmwater -- can help reduce pain, stiffness, fatigue, and depression in many people with fibromyalgia. And you don't have to endure the back-and-forth monotony of swimming laps if that's not for you. There are a variety of fun, get-wet workouts to choose from -- including music-based aqua aerobics, underwater walking or jogging, strength training, stretching, and water-based relaxation therapies like yoga, tai chi, and Watsu. Heck, some spas and fitness centers even offer pool-based Zumba, hip hop, and country-western line dancing. (Real Age, 4/30/12)

EXERCISE AND THE BRAIN

Why would exercise build brainpower in ways that thinking might not? The brain, like all muscles and organs, is a tissue, and its function declines with underuse and age. Beginning in our late 20s, most of us will lose about 1 percent annually of the volume of the hippocampus, a key portion of the brain related to memory and certain types of learning.

Exercise though seems to slow or reverse the brain’s physical decay, much as it does with muscles. Although scientists thought until recently that humans were born with a certain number of brain cells and would never generate more, they now know better. In the 1990s, using a technique that marks newborn cells, researchers determined during autopsies that adult human brains contained quite a few new neurons. Fresh cells were especially prevalent in the hippocampus, indicating that neurogenesis — or the creation of new brain cells — was primarily occurring there. Even more heartening, scientists found that exercise jump-starts neurogenesis. Mice and rats that ran for a few weeks generally had about twice as many new neurons in their hippocampi as sedentary animals. Their brains, like other muscles, were bulking up. (NYTimes)

THINK POSITIVE, DO POSITIVE!

Thought for the day:

When I discover a way to positively improve my life, I implement the idea and maintain it until it becomes a habit.

SAMPLE AQUA EXERCISES -- JUST ADD WATER!!

Sample exercises highlighted by Melanie and me at the Braemar pool. Worth watching and doing regularly!! http://encino.patch.com/articles/how-to-tone-your-body-in-the-pool

  

Restorative Aqua, Tai Chi and more at Encino Therapy Pool!

Restorative Aqua, Aqua Tai Chi, and more at Encino Therapy Pool! 

Warm Water Pool at Providence Outpatient Therapy Clinic in Encino, CA

Aqua Flex'n Stretch now offers Restorative Aqua, Aqua Tai Chi, and Aqua Toning Classe at this wonderful warm water pool (90+ degrees, lift also). All instructors are certified by the Arthritis Foundation.  Perfect for post-surgery (with medical release), Arthritis, Fibromyalgia , Parkinson's, as well as exercise enthusiasts and anyone who wants to live longer by following an exercise program. Call 818-383-4400 to learn more! 

BE YOUR OWN BEST FRIEND

Great thought for every day from Brook Noel,
"Today, each time you have a thought directed toward yourself, ask-- is this a thought I would share with a friend in the same situation? If the answer is no, replace it with the type of kindness and encouragement you would show a friend. When we learn to be a better friend to ourselves, we in turn become a better friend to others.

Your affirmation:
I treat myself with kindness, respect and encouragement just as I would my best friend."