The purpose of a massage
after a major event is simply to aid the
athlete to recover from the activity. This
is achieved by reducing post-exercise
soreness, re-establishing full range of
motion and enhancing blood flow to tight
muscles. The length of recovery time from
strenuous competition can be dramatically
reduced with a good post-event massage.
Studies have found that correctly applied
massage in the first two hours after
activity can be critical for reducing the
effect of delayed onset muscle soreness
(1). Although they could not detect any
change in measured physiological variables,
post-event massage did lower the intensity
of delayed onset muscle soreness. Post-
event massage can also be employed after
(heavy) training sessions as well as
competition.

The primary goal of post-event massage is
very similar to that of pre-event massage
(2), namely promotion of circulation and to
lengthen tight muscles. However, the
difference is that the muscles are now in a
state of congestion and fatigue following
maximal effort and performance. Therefore
the objective is to increase the athlete’s
rate of recovery by decreasing soreness and
fatigue, speeding up the removal of
metabolic by-products and relieving the
increased tone of the muscles. Please note
that the delayed onset muscle soreness is
not caused by lactic acid build-up as is
commonly espoused. Current research
suggests that the delayed soreness may be
caused by – microtrauma of the muscle
fibres – a micro-tearing of the fascia -
the pain-ischemia-pain cycle resulting from
overuse, oedema and inflammation or – a
combination of all of these.

A post-event massage is typically administered for around 10 to
15 minutes. Even 5 minutes on the legs after a City to Surf type
event is beneficial. It is certainly not a full-body massage. For
example, a typical post-event leg routine might consist of:

- compressive effleurage to calm the nervous system
- compression for spreading muscle fibres and also
enhancing blood flow
- petrissage for easing muscle tension and
- compressive effleurage as a finishing stroke to soothe.
Depending upon the circumstances, the therapist may
consider that some gentle therapeutic stretching may be
appropriate.

When performing post-event massage, the massage therapist
is much more likely to encounter athletes that require
first aid. During the massage the therapist should watch
for cuts, scrapes, blisters, bruises and mild strains and
sprains. However, it should be noted that, depending on
the training of the therapist, providing first aid is
generally not within the scope of practice for massage
therapy. When a sports massage therapist suspects that an
athlete has a problem, they should seek the help of a
qualified medical staff member at the event.

Although most athletes carry out a warm-down routine after
training sessions, they often fail to do so after
competition because of exhaustion, elation or even
disappointment. An effective post-event massage can help
an athlete feel better immediately following a competition.
Along with a big psychological lift, it can allow the
athlete to recover mor quickly. Almost all athletes look
forward to seeing massage therapists at an event because
they know that they will enjoy a well-deserved post-event
massage.

(1) “Massage decreases intensity of delayed soreness”. J.E.
Hilbert, G.A. Sforzo and T. Swensen. British Journal of
Sports Medicine 2003. Issue 37. pp72-75.
(2) “Sports Massage – Pre-Event”. R. Lane.
http://www.innerwestmassage.com.au/sports_massage_pre_event.
php

About the Author:

Richard Lane is a qualified remedial and sports massage
therapist, with a mobile massage practice in Sydney’s Inner
West (www.innerwestmassage.com.au). Health fund rebates.
ATMS 13020. Phone 0421 410057

According to the American
Academy of Dermatology, each year 10 to 50
million Americans develop an allergic rash
after contact with Poison Oak, Poison Ivy
and Poison Sumac Plants. The invisible oily
resin called urushiol causes the ill
effects of these poisonous plants.

Poison ivy, oak, or sumac is found in every
state except Alaska and Hawaii. These
plants are important to the eco-systems
where they thrive. The small, white or
bluish berries found on the ivies feed a
number of birds and small animals. The
irritants found in urushiol oil do not
effect most animals and the tangles from
the plants serve as shelter.

This oily resin can stay on pets, shoes,
hiking boots, clothes, toys, garden tools,
lawn mowers and anything else that has made
contact. In fact, the oil stays active on
any surface, including dead plants, for up
to 5 years.

Symptoms

After making contact, the reaction (called
dermatitis) may include a rash followed by
bumps and blisters that itch. Scratching
does not spread the outbreak but may cause
infection because it allows bacteria from
dirt on the hands to enter the skin.
Symptoms can last ten days to several weeks
to heal.

Mild Symptoms

* Severe redness
* Signs of infection, such as pus
* Rash in mouth, eyes, or genital area
* Rash on a large portion of your body or face
* Mild symptoms can be treated with simple and natural home
remedies. See below.

Severe Symptoms

* Swelling of the throat, tongue, or lips
* Difficulty breathing or swallowing
* Weakness or dizziness
* Bluish lips and/or mouth
* Unconsciousness
* Severe Symptoms need immediate emergency medical care.

Caution

NEVER burn poison ivy. Burning these poisonous plants puts
the urushiol resin in the air and can get in your lungs and
possibly your neighbor’s lungs. If you get poison ivy in
your lungs, you will need to go to the hospital.

Pet Alert

The only threat to resin on our pets is if it is rubbed off
onto other things or people. If your pet merely has the
bumps and is itching, you can not catch it from them.

Treatment

Because urushiol is a oily resin and not a water based
fluid, it will not evaporate and it can linger for several
years.

Use mild soap and cold or cool water to wash off the resin.
Do not use hot water because it opens your skin pores and
thus absorb more of the oil.

You may want to apply rubbing alcohol to the affected
area(s) with cotton balls, and then rinse again with cold
water. You can apply calamine lotion, a zinc oxide
ointment, or baking soda paste (3-tsp. soda to 1-tsp.
water) to the affected area(s), or soak in an oatmeal bath,
to relieve the symptoms somewhat.

Generally, the best treatment is time — the rash and
itching should go away on its own in one to two weeks. Try
to keep your hands away from your eyes, mouth, and face,
and scratch as little as possible, as this will irritate
the rash further and may introduce infection.

This article is for general information only and not
intended for or to replace any medical advice. Always check
with your doctor for treatment of any health condition.

About the Author:

Wayne McDonald is a health care professional and public
speaker for safe natural treatments of annoying and
burdensome health challenges. Learn more at

http://www.OurFamilysHealth.com/poison-oak

Many people suffer from herpes. Share your experiences or read those of others.

Visit the Forum on Herpes

Cold Sores – A Pandemic?
Cold sores virus infects an
incredible 89% of the world population, the
World Health Organization (W.H.O.)
estimates.

YES – and 67% of those infected with the
cold sores virus will have at least one
cold sore event in the next 12 months.

And 47.5% of those folks will have multiple
cold sores episodes during that period.

Cold sores are one of our most contagious
viruses – and one of our oldest. Even in
ancient Rome, an epidemic of cold sores
caused Emperor Tiberius to outlaw kissing
in public ceremonies.

As a global epidemic, or “pandemic”, there
is no better example than cold sores.

NO – cold sores, unlike bird flu, aren’t
life threatening. But, let’s be frank, cold
sores are hideous – and they’re painful. On
top of that, cold sores cause flu like
symptoms such as fever and swollen lymph
glands in a lot of people.

Cold sores last 3 to 4 weeks on average – a
long time for you to be socially sidelined!
They shout “I HAVE HERPES” to the entire
world.

And cold sores cost us money in lost days
at work and constant purchase of medications.
Always hoping to finally find something
– ANYTHING – to stop our cold sores curse.

Check out these little known facts about cold sores – and
what you can do right now to get rid of your cold sores
problem.

Cold sores are caused by the reproductive cycle of a herpes
virus. There are currently 8 known human herpes viruses.
Of these, only 2 are a major cause of cold sores.

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV1) is responsible for about
80% of facial cold sores – and about 20% of genital herpes
lesions. Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV2) causes about
20% of cold sores and 80% of genital herpes blisters.

HSV1 is most often referred to as the “cold sores virus”,
“fever blister virus” and “oral herpes” – and some others
that I can’t mention in a public article.

Cold sores virus may be latent (asleep) for weeks or years
in the nerve ganglia near the back of the jaw close to the
brain stem.

More specifically, the cold sores virus hides inside your
cells – making it very difficult for your body defenses to
locate and deal with them.

When your body’s defenses weaken, due to physical or
emotional stress, the cold sores virus leaves these cells,
travel down the nerve fibers, like a super-highway to the
lip or nose surface – to create cold sores.

There are 8 cold sore stages. The first is the latent
inactive stage. The next 7 cold sore stages are the ACTIVE
stages. From the first tingle to the last red spot, your
cold sores are extremely contagious.

Cold sores are most often spread by physical contact – but
can even be transmitted by coughing or sneezing during the
active stages of your cold sores.

Medical science is working around-the-clock to find a cure
for common cold sores. They’ve had a few minor
breakthroughs that may lead to some real solutions in the
next couple of years.

Basically medical scientists are approaching the cold sores
virus on 2 levels.

1. A VACCINE preventing you from actually contracting the
cold sores virus in the first place. One such vaccine is
currently being moved into human testing. Downside is – it
only works on people who have never been exposed to cold
sores virus. Since nearly everyone on the planet has been
exposed, it seems of very little value even if approved.
But it’s an encouraging move forward.

2. AN ANTI-VIRAL to kill the cold sore virus already in our
body. This is difficult since it has to find and kill the
virus without damaging the nerve cells they are hiding in.
The prescription anti-viral medications scientists have
come up with so far have not worked very well at all – at
least on cold sores virus.

Acyclovir, for example, is an anti-viral that’s being
promoted as a cold sores wonder drug. In real life
studies, however, a course of acyclovir only reduced cold
sores by 2 days. And it only worked for 47.8% in the
trials. No big deal here.

Acyclovir topical cream came in even worse – no noticeable
help at all. Medical scientists agree and have publicly
stated that the actives in acyclovir don’t get through the
skin to the infection. Don’t waste your money on this.

COLD SORES NATURAL SCIENCE TO THE RESCUE!

Did you know – medical knowledge has more than doubled in
the past 5 years alone? Worldwide internet communication
has made it possible.

More important – natural home remedies, such as effective
cold sores treatments, are coming in from all corners of
the globe.

In fact, many doctors are now advising their patients to
check out these natural remedies for cold sores.

Data studies have shown these natural remedies to reduce
suffering time of cold sores by an incredible 79% – plus
actually PREVENTING future cold sores from happening
altogether (they don’t kill the cold sores virus – but they
do keep it inactive indefinitely).

If you’re a cold sores victim, your best choice – fact is,
your ONLY choice today – is to buy and apply one of these
excellent natural remedies.

There are several solidly proven remedies for you to look
into on this site or other sites – and the best news is
they’re available right now for your cold sores.

About the Author:

Denny Bodoh is a newspaper publisher and has been a health
and nutrition writer for 33 years. To learn more about
cold sores, fever blisters and oral herpes visit his
popular web site at:
http://www.be-cold-sore-free.com

Visit the Forum on Herpes

Let’s look at the 8 distinct cold sore
stages, and what you can do now to lessen
the severity, discomfort and length of your
cold sore event.

Usually 3 to 4 weeks is the average life-
span of a cold sore. Much depends on your
health and choice of treatments for each of
your cold sore stages.

COLD SORE STAGES: #1 – LATENT – Here the
cold sore herpes simplex virus is hiding in
the nerve ganglia near the back of the jaw
on the same side as your cold sore usually
appears. The cold sore virus may “sleep”
for weeks or years without incident. Your
body’s defense “soldiers” keep them in
check. When there is stress in another part
of your body, your defenses may drop at
this location. Then the cold sore virus can
escape and travel to the surface to
reproduce – beginning the active cold sore
stages.

COLD SORE STAGES: # 2 – PRODROME – The cold
sore virus reproductive cycle begins here.
The cold sore virus travels down your nerve
fibers to the surface. This movement causes
your cold sore target area to itch or
tingle. You may notice a burning or dryness
sensation. This stage could last a few
hours to a few days before entering the
more intense cold sore stages.

COLD SORE STAGES: # 3 – INFLAMMATION Your
cold sore virus has now arrived at the
surface and begins it’s reproductive cycle
by entering the cells at the end of the
nerve. This causes a lot of swelling and
redness at the cold sore site as your cells
react to being invaded by the herpes cold
sore virus .

COLD SORE STAGES: # 4 – PRE-SORE – Cold
sores at this stage are defined by the
appearance of cold sore vesicles. A full
blown cold sore is not one big blister but
a grouping of small blisters called
vesicles. You will notice these vesicles as
tiny, hard pimples or red bumps that are
painfully sensitive to the touch.

COLD SORE STAGES: # 5 – OPEN SORE – Your
most painful and contagious of the cold
sore stages. All the vesicles break open
and merge to create one big open, weeping
sore. Depending on the severity, you may
develop a fever and swollen lymph glands
under the jaw.

The weeping fluid is teaming with newly
born cold sore viruses. Touching this
fluid, you could easily spread the cold
sore virus to another part of your own body
or to someone else – either by direct touch
or shared objects such as hand towels,
telephones, and faucets.

COLD SORE STAGES: # 6 – CRUSTING – A cold
sore will develop a yellowish crust or scab
as it begins to finally start the healing
process. Your cold sore is still painful at
this stage. More painful, however, is the
constant cracking of your cold sore scab
when you move or stretch your lips, as in
smiling.

COLD SORE STAGES: # 7- HEALING – Cold
sores, once scabbed over, begin healing
from the inside out. As new skin forms
under the crust, you will experience
continued itching, irritation and some
pain. Your cold sore virus is now
retreating back to the nerve ganglia area
where it will sleep until the next
opportunity.

COLD SORE STAGES: # 8 – POST SCAB – Cold
sores at this stage no longer have a
visible cold sore scab and your skin has
totally healed. Under your new skin,
healing is still taking place as the
destroyed cells are regenerated. This
produces a red spot that may linger for
another 2 to 14 days – depending on your
personal healing speed. You are still
contagious until this red spot disappears.
This waiting is the most frustrating of the
cold sore stages.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW -

Cold sore over-the-counter medications,
experts agree, are primarily comfort
treatments for the cold sore stages. Some
contain numbing agents that greatly reduce
your pain. Some cold sore medications
contain an anti-bacterial to prevent
secondary infections. None of these cold
sore medications have been shown to
actually shorten the life-span of any of
your cold sore stages.

Medical science has been working feverishly
on a cure for the herpes virus but have
not, as yet, had any real success in
developing an effective cold sore remedy.
Prescription anti-virals, both the oral
versions and the topical salves, have been
a dismal failure for the most part.
Vaccines are being tested but are 3-4 years
out yet. New breakthroughs could be just
around the corner however.

But you don’t need to wait!

More and more doctors now agree. There are
times when natural science just seems to be
the best choice. Often our ONLY choice.
This is certainly true – right now – for
herpes cold sores.

Data studies have shown natural science
remedies can reduce the cold sore events by
as much as 79%.

Yes! And, in fact, actually prevent your
cold sores from taking place altogether.

The great news – these remedies are
available to you today.

If you are a cold sore victim, you would be
well advised to look into these powerful
natural remedies without delay for
shortening or preventing your cold sores.

About the Author:

Denny Bodoh is a newspaper publisher and 33
year veteran research writer on alternative
health and nutrition. If you would like to
know more about herpes and cold sores, and
what you can do about them, visit his
popular site at: http://www.be-cold-sore-free.com

Although many people believe that eczema
and dermatitis are separate conditions,
they are actually one and the same. The
most common form of this skin condition is
atopic eczema. Depending on what study you
read, there are between 18 and 34 million
people that exhibit symptoms of eczema.
Atopic eczema is often genetic and can be
associated with a family history of
environmental sensitivities and allergic
conditions like asthma or hay fever.

What are the symptoms?

One of the most common symptoms associated
with eczema is extreme itchiness. Speaking
from experience, once you start scratching
it is hard to stop. You can rub your skin
raw trying to get rid of the unbearable
itch. Other common symptoms include:

Rash on the legs, arms, hands and neck
(most common but other areas can be
involved) General dry skin even when eczema
is not active Blisters with oozing and
scabbing Redness and inflammation around
the blisters What causes eczema?

There tends to be a general consensus that
eczema is caused by a combination of
genetic and environmental factors. If a
person has atopic eczema there will usually
be another family member with an atopic
condition, such as eczema, asthma or hay
fever. Many environmental factors are
associated with a flare-up and may include
the following:

· Wool clothing that scratches and rubs
against the skin

· Taking long hot showers or frequent baths

· Activities that involve dust and soil
contact

· Extremes in temperature (both hot and
cold)

· Contact with chemicals such as bug spray,
paint thinner, air fresheners and even
certain scented toilet paper

· Scented soaps, detergents and perfume

In addition to the above-mentioned factors,
stress and diet can play a role in
activating an eczema flare up.

Stress

Staying calm and keeping a positive mental
attitude can be an excellent way to keep
eczema flare-ups to a minimum. Personal and
work related stresses are potent triggers
for eczema. Feelings of anger and
frustration can also increase the chances
of a flare-up. My personal battles with
eczema have been at there worst during
periods of increased stress at work.

Diet Certain foods have been known to
provoke the onset of eczema. Foods on this
list include peanuts, milk and milk
products, soy, fish, eggs and wheat. It’s
not a bad idea to keep a journal of what
you eat and write down the effects it has
on your body. The journal will help you
identify and avoid foods that provoke an
eczema attack.

Is there a cure for Eczema?

There is no complete cure for eczema.
However, there are a variety of natural
treatments and routines that can be
followed to help reduce eczema flare-ups.
Treatments are very individual and work
better on some people than others. If these
tips don’t offer some relief then it is
best to consult your healthcare
professional. Various natural healing
experts recommend the following for
controlling eczema:

GLA – Evening primrose oil is a great
source of the essential fatty acid known as
GLA (gamma-linolenic acid). GLA is hard to
come by in the diet so it is best to get
thru supplementation. Typical dosage is
between 3 and 6 grams daily, taken with
food. Studies for Primrose oil have been
mixed but some patients do claim that the
oil has helped to reduce symptoms of
eczema.

Herbs – There are a variety of herbs that
have had some success in treating eczema.
These include burdock root, red clover,
goldenrod, roman chamomile, German
chamomile and yarrow. A great recipe that
can be applied to the affected area (2x a
day) is the following:

German chamomile 12 drops

Goldenrod 6 drops

Tagetes 6 drops

Dilute this solution in the following:

Almond oil 2 tablespoons

Jojoba oil 25 drops

Evening primrose oil 10 drops

This natural remedy has offered excellent
results for numerous people with eczema.
For your first application, treat a small
area to insure that your skin is not overly
sensitive to the oils.

Ice- placing an ice pack on the aggravated
areas can offer a natural way to relieve
itching. A good ice pack can be made from a
solution of 50% water and 50% rubbing
alcohol. The alcohol will prevent the
solution from hardening and allows you to
mold the pack to the contours of your body.

Moisturize – It is very important to
moisturize every day with a hypoallergenic
moisturizer free of perfume. I have found
sweet almond oil and apricot kernel oil to
be excellent moisturizers. Make sure to
apply immediately after every bath or
shower. When drying, make sure to pat your
skin dry and do not rub.

Relax – As I have already mentioned, stress
has been shown to have an active role in
many an eczema flare-up. It is important to
involve yourself in regular stress reducing
activities. This can include daily
meditation, yoga, walking or a few minutes
of deep breathing exercises. Pick an
activity you will enjoy and that you can do
consistently.

Conclusion

Remember that eczema is a chronic condition
that is most likely the result of your
inherited genetics. Learning your flare up
triggers and making the appropriate
lifestyle changes is of prime importance in
controlling eczema. Keeping a regular
journal will go a long way in helping to
identify your trigger foods and activities.
I would encourage you to learn as much as
possible about your condition. This will
give you a sense of control and empowerment
while helping you in your self-management
of this chronic condition. Successful
management of eczema can be achieved
provided you commit yourself to the
process. I wish you well!

About the Author:

Mike Brooks has been a life long follower
and proponent of the fitness lifestyle.
Through his avid research, Mr. Brooks has
come to the realization that being healthy
is a choice and encompasses not only proper
diet but also a fitness regimen that
includes the mind, body and soul. Mike
Brooks is the publisher and editor-in-chief
for the health information site
http://www.Ultimatehealthreport.com.