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Articles from Roberta Mittman | Selfgrowth.com
- Lessons from Relapse - by Submitted on Nov 20, 2011 from Roberta MittmanYou may be familiar with the six stages within the process of breaking addictions and other unhealthful habits. You may even be able to name them: Pre-contemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, Action, Maintenance, and Termination. Today, let's get down to some practical advice for putting it ...
Views: 1099 - What's Eating You? Know Your Stealth Stressors - by Submitted on Oct 17, 2011 from Roberta MittmanTraffic jam? Stress. Family disagreements? Stress. New boss making waves? Stress, big time. A decadent wedge of cheesecake and a little relaxation before the TV to put the mind at ease over it all...what? MORE stress? Yes, indeed. We're very aware that high-pressure, high-emotion ...
Views: 1127 - Got Stress? Think Beyond Blaming the Boss - by Submitted on Oct 17, 2011 from Roberta MittmanStress, a cascade of physical reactions to an overload of the hormone cortisol, can wreak all manner of damage on the human body. Your best defense? Understanding what causes it (and there are many triggers) so you can take steps to prevent those negative effects. Perhaps the most well-known ...
Views: 1067 - Taking Control of Stress: Environment and Position - by Submitted on Oct 17, 2011 from Roberta MittmanIn one form or another, stress is all around us every day. (I know some of you right now are saying "No kidding! I live and breathe stress!") But what is stress, and what triggers it? Answer those questions, and you're on your way to regaining control over it. Physiologically, stress is the ...
Views: 973 - 14 Natural Ways to Get "Back" to Pain-free Living - by Submitted on Aug 23, 2011 from Roberta Mittman"Oh, my back is killing me!" Sound familiar? While top nutrition and being careful to avoid further strain and injury are excellent starting points for treating back pain, serious or persistent discomfort may need more attention. If you are one of the numerous souls suffering from back ...
Views: 1236(1 vote) - What? You Threw Out Your Back Again?! - by Submitted on Aug 23, 2011 from Roberta MittmanFact: Approximately 8 out of 10 people have experienced back pain at some point in their lives. Wow. With that many sufferers among us, it's no surprise that I often hear complaints of back trouble as an acupuncturist and alternative practitioner in my New York wellness center. "Throwing ...
Views: 1008(1 vote) - Let Pain Roll Off Your Back Using...Your Stomach? - by Submitted on Aug 23, 2011 from Roberta MittmanYou've heard the wisdom a thousand times: "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." There's a lot of truth in that saying. Fuel your body with a balanced, nutritious diet, and you're likely to avoid many a painful, inconvenient health concern. So it may come as no surprise that, like so many ...
Views: 1069(2 votes) - Healthy Snack Foods: That's Not an Oxymoron - by Submitted on Jul 18, 2011 from Roberta MittmanDo a little clever searching, and you'll find plenty of information on specific ingredients to add to your recipes for an extra boost of energy and nutrients. Likewise, it's not too hard to find recipes or even whole menus composed of nutrient-rich, healthful choices. That's all fine for ...
Views: 984 - 6 Power Foods to Put Your Summer Energy on High - by Submitted on Aug 08, 2011 from Roberta MittmanAre you more active in the summer? Do you need a boost of energy to get you through the day? I've got just the menu additions you need. The summer superfoods below are so easy to use that once you've tried them, you just might want to keep them on your grocery list all year long. Many are ...
Views: 3338(1 vote) - 3 Healthy Ways to Enjoy Chocolate (Really!) - by Submitted on Jul 18, 2011 from Roberta MittmanIf my observations at coffee shops, airports, and checkout counters are accurate, many of us are wild about the flavor of chocolate. And yes, I'm one of them. If you are too, I have great news: You do not--do not!--have to swear off your favorite treat to remain committed to healthful eating. ...
Views: 1031 - Honor Where You Are: The Foundation of a Healthy Mindset - by Submitted on Jun 26, 2011 from Roberta Mittman"Honor where you are." Chances are you've heard this guideline for wellness before. It's a concept common to eastern modalities such as yoga and is evidenced in western psychology as well. But what exactly does it mean? Honoring where you are is about embracing the moment and what you ...
Views: 948(1 vote) - What Not to Say: 4 Attitude Statements that Sink Personal Wellness - by Submitted on Jun 26, 2011 from Roberta MittmanAs owner and practitioner of a fully-booked alternative wellness center in New York City, and as a weight and energy mentor for individuals across the country, I have the privilege of working with many people every week. Together with each patient, I use a combination of eastern and western ...
Views: 1446(2 votes) - 3 Changes in Routine to Help You Stay Young - by Submitted on Jun 26, 2011 from Roberta Mittman"You look like sisters" was a comment I heard many times last week from fellow guests at the fabulous vacation spot that I visited with my daughter. After a beautiful week of me- and us-time, I returned recharged, more toned, and ready for the summer season. I am also glowing from all those ...
Views: 1310(1 vote) - 4 overlooked causes of that pain in your neck - by Submitted on May 21, 2011 from Roberta MittmanNeck pain is one of the most frequent reasons people give for coming in to my office. Persistent neck pain, if left unaddressed, is a problem that not only decreases productivity at work but cripples quality of life after-hours. The causes of neck pain are many. Among my first ...
Views: 1343(1 vote) - 3 ways to keep work from being a pain in your neck - by Submitted on May 21, 2011 from Roberta MittmanIt's probably no secret to you that bad computer habits can lead to neck pain. But when it comes to the workaday world, the truth is, computer usage is not the only pain in the neck. Even people who don't spend a lot of time with computers end up with neck stiffness and strain at the end of a ...
Views: 1985 - 3 reasons your computer might be a literal pain in your neck - by Submitted on May 21, 2011 from Roberta MittmanThere isn't a day that passes when someone doesn't come into my office seeking solutions to neck pain. As an acupuncturist, I can attest that complaints about neck pain are among the most frequent reasons people seek help. It's not only that the pain is so sharp or persistent. The greater ...
Views: 1921 - The 3Rs: A remedy for adult "Facebook depression" - by Submitted on Apr 23, 2011 from Roberta MittmanThere can be no question that Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and any number of other social networking sites come with benefits. With countless users worldwide, and more joining daily, it's clear social media is a force to be reckoned with. But are you getting more than you bargained for? ...
Views: 1370 - Are you suffering from "Facebook Depression"? - by Submitted on Apr 23, 2011 from Roberta Mittman"Jane Doe wants to be your friend on Facebook." Well, that wasn't the actual name, but it was the message that greeted me in my inbox this morning. I don't remember who Jane is. Hmmm... Did I ever have an actual conversation with Jane, or did she find me online? Did she fill out a detox ...
Views: 904 - Could "an apple a day" be making you miserable? - by Submitted on Apr 19, 2011 from Roberta MittmanAh, spring. The grass is greening up, the pear and cherry trees are blooming, everything looks fresh and vibrant...except your head. You're feeling cranky and irritated by all the sneezing and that puffy, stuffy sensation that won't go away. Many spring allergies are caused by trees which ...
Views: 987 - Finding true success: 2 more tips to motivate you to move - by Submitted on Mar 11, 2011 from Roberta MittmanWe all have a hard time getting ourselves into the exercise mindset sometimes. (Yes, I admit, there are days I'm so busy I'm tempted to skip it, too.) And when life gets complicated, it's even easier to think of reasons we just "can't" afford to take time out for exercise. If you're in a ...
Views: 894 - Are you spinning your wheels? 3 tips to motivate you to move - by Submitted on Mar 11, 2011 from Roberta MittmanStuck. Frustrated. Guilty. Restless. Lethargic. Sedentary. Disappointed. These are some of the words many of us use to describe how we feel when we are in a rut and don't take action--or don't even want to--although we know we should. And one area that all too often suffers is exercising for ...
Views: 1177 - 5 Fabulous Boosters: Supplements to Support Immunity - by Submitted on Mar 11, 2011 from Roberta Mittman"I'll have what she's having!" Remember that famous order from "When Harry Met Sally"? Yes, I know nutritional supplements are not exactly what Meg Ryan's fellow diner was thinking of--wink--when she said "I'll have what she's having." Still, I think of that line and smile when my patients ...
Views: 956 - Wake Up and Smell the...? 3 More Alternatives to the Morning Cuppa - by Submitted on Feb 13, 2011 from Roberta MittmanStruggling with coffee dependence? Let's face it, old habits die hard. Many of us can trace our fondness for the aroma of coffee in the morning all the way back to childhood since our parents were hooked, too! When you get past the nostalgia, there's a bigger picture to consider. Coffee has ...
Views: 1296(2 votes) - Wake Up and Smell the...? 4 Coffee Alternatives - by Submitted on Feb 13, 2011 from Roberta MittmanThe aroma of freshly brewed coffee signals the start of the day in many households. But too often, coffee consumption doesn't end with the cup in the morning. Drinking coffee--and all the caffeine it provides--is an American pastime and a popular social activity. Look around. Everywhere you see ...
Views: 1029(1 vote) - 3 Steps toward "Going Green" - by Submitted on Feb 13, 2011 from Roberta MittmanEverywhere you look these days, "green" is catching on! And no wonder. Green principles in action mean more conscientious, responsible, and healthful living. What does it mean to "go green"? The goal of "going green" is to minimize harm to the Earth by maintaining its natural ecological ...
Views: 1067(2 votes) - SAD and the 3Rs - by Submitted on Jan 14, 2011 from Roberta MittmanMaybe you already know some of the symptoms and triggers of seasonal affective disorder ("SAD"). Maybe you recognize that your own winter-season negativity and inertia are, in fact, evidence that this condition is at work in you. That's good! The only way to begin aleviating SAD is to first ...
Views: 663(1 vote) - 9 Ways to Stop Feeling SAD: Defeating the winter blues - by Submitted on Jan 14, 2011 from Roberta MittmanWhen you hear "January," do you think of days cut short, clouds, and gloomy skies? Do you miss the excitement of the recent holidays and instead feel a little down, with flagging energy? Or perhaps this time of year, you kick yourself for having a hard time completing simple daily tasks. These ...
Views: 1594(2 votes) - Are you the "feeling invincible" type? - by Submitted on Dec 06, 2010 from Roberta MittmanAre you a healthy, fit individual who takes steps to stay that way? Or do you take your good health for granted? If you ever imagine that you'll live forever in the same body, feeling exactly the same way you do now, those rose-colored glasses may not be a good thing. You may be entertaining the ...
Views: 712 - Are you the "If it's not broken..." type? - by Submitted on Dec 06, 2010 from Roberta MittmanAll too often I hear, "If it's not broken, why fix it?" When you're referring to an old refrigerator or an outdated computer, it's a valid decision to avoid investing more time and repair than the item is worth. Maybe you'll be able to squeak by until it breaks down. Then, at that time, you can ...
Views: 573 - The gift that keeps on giving - by Submitted on Dec 06, 2010 from Roberta MittmanHow about a little holiday pop quiz? I'm thinking of a gift that has these qualities: It doesn't have to cost a dime, yet is priceless; you may not recognize that you already possess it until you, or someone close to you, loses it. What is it? Drum roll, please. It's your health. Good ...
Views: 873 - Achieving Wellness through Positive Body Image - by Submitted on Nov 10, 2010 from Roberta MittmanIf you're ready to start on a journey to renewed mental and physical wellness, these questions are a great road map. Curious where this leads? Grab a paper and pen, and let's begin. Question 1: What do you hate most about your body? a) List the body part(s) that you wish you could ...
Views: 1244(2 votes) - 3 More Questions to Stop Body-Bashing - by Submitted on Nov 10, 2010 from Roberta MittmanHanging on to a negative body image can limit our chance of success in weight loss as well as health and life in general. Here are three questions that, if you answer honestly, can help you blast past old, worn out, self-sabotaging ideas about your body. Are you over-enrolled in celebrity ...
Views: 1375(2 votes) - 2 Key Questions to Stop Body-Bashing - by Submitted on Oct 20, 2010 from Roberta MittmanWhen new patients come into my office, I consult with them at great length about what makes them unique, including their medical, emotional, nutritional, physical, immune, and allergic history. When the conversation turns to weight and self-image, it's as if a cloud has overtaken an otherwise ...
Views: 1821(5 votes) - 3 More Dangers of Being "Normal" - by Submitted on Oct 20, 2010 from Roberta MittmanWhen was the last time you found a piece of clothing marked "One-size-fits-all" that truly was a comfortable, flattering fit, the right color, the right fabric, and the right level of warmth for anyone who wore it? Right, me either. One-size-fits-all doesn't often work for clothing. And it ...
Views: 1354 - 2 Top Dangers of Being "Normal" - by Submitted on Oct 20, 2010 from Roberta MittmanMy washing machine always gets a chuckle out of me (good thing when you're doing lots of laundry, right?). Take a look at the dial. There's a setting for "normal." Apparently the manufacturer assumes that we, as intelligent consumers, identify, understand, and collectively agree that a certain ...
Views: 1212 - Healthy Eating: Use Your Intuition - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2010 from Roberta MittmanWho said you must lose weight to be healthy? They were dead wrong. It's time to realize that you must get healthy in order to lose weight, not the reverse. The diet mentality doesn't work, often using recommendations that are boring, restrictive, and unsatisfying, if not downright unhealthy. And ...
Views: 1154 - Healthy Eating: Throw OUT the Diets - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2010 from Roberta MittmanI'm excited about my new way of looking at eating. I've decided to totally eliminate the concept of "bad" foods. I refuse to feel guilty if and when I splurge. And so far I've resisted the impulse to buy every tabloid that highlights a new fad diet modeled by a svelte, bikini-clad starlet. I ...
Views: 1165 - 3 Basic Questions about Acupuncture - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2010 from Roberta MittmanSticking needles in someone to relieve problems? Really? A technique with more than 3,000 years of success behind it, acupuncture is gaining such acceptance worldwide that even Western doctors have begun to realize how powerful its application can be. 1) What exactly is acupuncture, and ...
Views: 1640(1 vote) - Stress and the 3Rs - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2010 from Roberta MittmanThe fight-or-flight reaction is one way the body physically reacts to emotional stimuli. It's an entirely natural reaction that, in the wild, can literally mean the difference between surviving or falling victim to any number of threats. When your body reacts with fight-or-flight too often, ...
Views: 744 - Taking Control of Stress - by Submitted on Jul 14, 2010 from Roberta MittmanEver think that pain, discomfort, and other symptoms all feel worse when you're stressed? You're not alone...and you're right on the money! In fact, various studies have shown that anxiety, stress, and other emotional conditions can actually decrease the body's immunity and leave us open to ...
Views: 687 - The Sun's Good-Health Gift: Vitamin D - by Submitted on Jul 12, 2010 from Roberta MittmanIt's true that overexposure to the sun can lead to skin damage. But there's a flip side to that story: Not all sun exposure is excessive. Yes, you CAN have your sun and go burn-free, too. In fact, you should make a point of including a little sunshine in your routine every day. According to ...
Views: 865 - Sun, Skin, SPF, and Sunscreen: 12 Must-Knows - by Submitted on Jul 09, 2010 from Roberta MittmanSummer is well underway already. Particularly at this time of year, the sun--and both the damage and the benefits it can offer--is intense. Are you taking good care of your skin? Here are twelve must-know facts and guidelines about the sun and your health. The difference between the rays: In ...
Views: 762 - 2 Tips for Renewing Your Thinking - by Submitted on Jun 15, 2010 from Roberta MittmanVacations are all about "R and R," rest and relaxation. During my recent vacation, though, I learned they can also give us another "r"--renewal that lasts even after returning home. The fresh thinking I gained from this trip is too good not to pass along. Here are two great ideas I picked up ...
Views: 647 - I've Got a Headache THIS Big… - by Submitted on Jun 09, 2010 from Roberta MittmanIf you're a headache sufferer, you know that there are times when it's virtually impossible to look, feel, think, and live your best. Debilitating headaches can cripple your personal as well as professional life, often resulting in postponing activities, deadlines, and daily tasks for hours or ...
Views: 1685 - Headaches? Don't Sleep Late On Sunday! - by Submitted on Jun 04, 2010 from Roberta MittmanIf you think a taste of chocolate, a glass of wine, and sleeping late on weekends are harmless vices, think again. Those innocent indulgences are just a few of the most common triggers of headaches. But don't give up hope just yet. It's possible you may be able to enjoy your favorite things ...
Views: 3463(2 votes) - Sleep: Do You Dream? - by Submitted on May 31, 2010 from Roberta MittmanDo you dream? Good question, especially if you are wondering about the quality and quantity of your sleep. A "yes" answer is what we're looking for. Remember the four stages of sleep? Phase One is the preparation stage during which your brainwaves and blood pressure slow and muscles relax. ...
Views: 873 - 3 Ways to Avoid a Personal Energy Crisis - by Submitted on May 28, 2010 from Roberta MittmanPatients tell me a lack of energy makes the day feel long, difficult, and unproductive. Does this pattern sound familiar? First, lack of energy leads to a loss of sharpness in focus and memory. Then, especially in the late afternoon when blood sugar gets low, less than optimal mindset and mood ...
Views: 1309(4 votes) - Sleep: Go to Your Room! - by Submitted on May 28, 2010 from Roberta MittmanSleep is a key component to health. Getting under 8 hours of sleep can lead to illness, obesity, and poor overall daytime performance. Feeling trapped in a cycle of daily fatigue and nighttime wakefulness? Applying the 3Rs will give you some solutions from the integrative, holistic ...
Views: 1237(3 votes) - Sleep: Why We Should (and Why We Don't) - by Submitted on May 28, 2010 from Roberta MittmanWhat's so important about getting those zzzzzz's? Think about the last time you woke up after a really good night's sleep. Remember how energized and refreshed you felt? Your body's natural daily cycles of expansion, activity, and growth are taxing. Periods of nightly restorative rest and repair ...
Views: 986(3 votes) - Find the Right Fuel: Food, Acid Reflux, and IBS - by Submitted on May 28, 2010 from Roberta MittmanSo you've read my previous article about which foods are most likely to cause or aggravate your symptoms of acid reflux and IBS. You know the mechanics of your body's engine, your digestive system. And you know there are things you can do to take an active role in how your engine works. But ...
Views: 1232(2 votes)