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Most people trust their doctor’s advice, most doctors trust the drugs they prescribe and most drug manufacturers trust the researchers that developed and tested their drugs; but what happens when something goes wrong? In recent decades, we’re seeing more and more cases involving unforeseen consequences and side effects from a number of prescription medications. One of the most recent examples of this is found in a case involving Actos, which is a drug prescribed to control type two diabetes.

Manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Actos is now being investigated for claims that it is linked to the development of bladder cancer in patients taking the drug. The claims against Actos have been so prevalent that the United States Food and Drug Administration have gone so far as to require a warning on the product’s packaging advising of the risk. Sadly, the case against Actos is just one example out of dozens in recent years that have led to drugs causing unintended harm.

So, what does this mean for those taking prescription drugs? It means that, unfortunately, even with the millions and billions of dollars spent on prescription drug research every year, you never know if a drug is going to cause harm. In fact, many people taking Actos did not develop symptoms of bladder cancer right away, and some people had even taken the drug for years before they became ill. This makes it all the more important to be cautious when taking prescription medications, but this is only one part of the equation.

Most people have been told their entire lives that prescription and over-the-counter medications are the only solution to their health problems. We’ve been conditioned to believe that prescription medications are the only choice and that we can either take a prescription, which we know very little about, or we could take nothing at all and simply suffer. However, there is another way.

Natural medications have been used since the dawn of time for all manner of illnesses and most are only a fraction of the cost of prescription medications. Many people choose to turn to natural remedies when they are tired of the harmful, and sometimes painful, side effects that many prescription drugs bring about. The best part of using natural remedies, however, is that you can have peace of mind in knowing exactly what you’re taking. Instead of synthesized chemicals developed in a lab, natural supplements use elements found in nature that work with your body naturally and not against it.

Remember, it is important to trust your physician’s advice, as well as to take any prescriptions that you are given, but it’s also important to discuss natural options with your doctor. You may be surprised to find out that many of your health issues can be resolved quickly and easily by using natural supplements and methods.

If you suffer from allergies, joint pain, headaches or migraines, you probably already know that these ailments can be affected by changes in the weather. Many people have intensified symptoms during weather shifts, as well as during storms, but why? How does the weather actually affect our body?

First, it’s important to distinguish between the weather actually affecting the body and the body reacting to weather conditions. For instance, people that suffer from asthma related to exercise may tend to have attacks more in colder weather. While at first, this may seem like a direct correlation between the body and the weather, it really isn’t. Because fast breathing in cold weather does not offer a chance for air to get warm before entering the lungs, swelling can occur, triggering asthma attacks and reduced breathing capacity. Additionally, thunderstorms can set pollen free into the air, leaving people with allergies to suffer more during the rainy weather.

However, some people actually do experience changes in their body due to the weather, and unfortunately, medical explanations are in short supply. Many people that are predisposed to suffering from migraines find that wet weather, including damp climates, exacerbate symptoms. In addition, people that suffer from joint pain and arthritis tend to feel the effects of their conditions much more during extreme temperature drops and in generally colder weather.

One explanation for the effects of weather on those suffering from migraines and joint pain is barometric pressure. As the pressure around us changes, even slightly, there is a change in the fluid levels in our body. Someone that is already predisposed to joint pain or migraines may have extra pressure placed on the affected area as a result of pressure changes in the atmosphere, thereby causing more pain. Certain parts of the body also contain baro-receptors that are very sensitive to slight changes in barometric pressure in the atmosphere.

Many people that suffer from these ailments are able to seek medical assistance from their primary care physician. There are a variety of drugs available for people suffering from migraines, allergies, joint pain and asthma, and many of these drugs can be used to combat weather related symptoms as well. Additionally, there are a number of natural therapies available to combat the pain associated with seasonal symptoms. In fact, many people turn to natural treatments for their seasonal ailments due lower costs and fewer side effects than traditional prescriptions. If you find yourself suffering more during changes in the weather, it is important to speak with your doctor to discuss treatment options, including natural solutions.

Massage therapy has been used for thousands of years to reduce stress and promote natural health. While many people may carry the misconception that a massage is used just for pleasure, the reality is that massage therapy can be used to fight stress, anxiety, depression, as well as promote blood circulation within the body and the prevention of injuries.

Massages incorporate a lot more than just touching and rubbing. By targeting specific muscles and joints, massages help to loosen areas that may be tight as a result of stress. This promotes relaxation, which can then spread to other areas of the body. For example, headaches are often caused by tension in the head, neck, shoulders and back. By massaging these areas, the muscles begin to relax and blood flow is increased, leading to a reduction in headache pain, as well as pain and tension throughout the entire body.

In addition, injuries, particularly those found in sports, can be helped or prevented by massages. As the body uses energy, muscle breaks down. This muscle then gets built back up, but in between, it can become hypertonic, meaning it is constantly tight. These hypertonic muscles can then lead to injury when used, as they will not contain the flexibility needed to continue working properly. Hypertonic muscles can be torn and stretched, and may lead to irreversible, permanent damage. Massaging hypertonic muscles leads to relaxation and increased blood flow, lessening the chance for future injury.

Massage therapy can also be used to target specific body systems, such as the lymphatic. By massaging points on the body where lymph nodes reside, drainage is promoted, leading to the removal of edemas. Massages can also be used to promote healthy breathing. Sinus massages can assist those that suffer from chronic sinus blockage or inflammation by allowing mucus to drain properly. Some massage therapists also offer pregnancy massages, which are thought to reduce a pregnant woman’s stress levels and assist in the development of their unborn child.

Of course, in addition to massages, there are a number of other natural stress reduction solutions available. Many people use natural stress reduction supplements and sleep aids to avoid the high cost of prescription medications and to avoid the possibility of addiction that some prescriptions carry. As well, many natural stress aids don’t contain the sometimes dangerous side effects of prescription medications, allowing those that use natural stress aids to have peace of mind.