May 2025

Hello, and welcome to this month's article! How are things going? According to a recent report from MSN, “In 2025, stress levels in the U.S. are at an all-time high. ... A rapidly changing world is making it harder than ever to find balance. ...”

It’s not easy to simply avoid the stressful conditions that challenge us these days. It’s more important than ever to have a plan to deal with life’s surprises.

And what better way to deal with life’s stresses than your regular massage sessions?

Along with helping to handle stress, massage is a very effective way of hitting the “reset” button and returning balance to your life. This month’s main article shares many of the best benefits your regular massages can offer you.

Also, yet another great reason to drink plenty of water: the promise of a longer, healthier life! Be sure to check out the accompanying article explaining why.

See you soon for your next relaxing massage session!

Massage: The Best Full-body Tune-up!

Have you noticed how many different health benefits massage offers you? How can this one therapy do so much good? The basic reason is that massage helps your body return to a state of balance, known as homeostasis. It helps to keep your body in the Goldilocks zone, where everything is functioning “just right.”

Massage can support your body's homeostatic processes, the mechanisms that maintain a stable internal environment. By promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and improving circulation, massage helps the body return to a balanced state.

Homeostasis— Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment, such as temperature, blood sugar, and blood pressure.

Massage and Relaxation— Massage can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and reduces stress. This can help lower heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormones like cortisol.

Improved Circulation— Massage can improve blood flow, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues, remove waste products, and support immune function.

Muscle Relaxation— Massage can relax tense muscles, which can contribute to a more balanced and comfortable internal environment, as well as improve mobility.

Lymphatic System Stimulation— Massage can stimulate the lymphatic system, which plays a key role in fluid balance and immune function. Improved lymphatic drainage can aid in maintaining homeostasis by helping to regulate fluid levels and remove toxins.

Hormonal Effects— Massage can stimulate the release of endorphins and other feel-good hormones, which can promote a sense of well-being and relaxation. This hormonal balance can positively influence various bodily systems.

Pain Relief— Massage can help relieve pain, which can be a significant factor in disrupting homeostasis.

Return to Equilibrium— By promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and improving circulation, massage can help your body return to a state of homeostasis more quickly. In essence, massage can be a valuable tool for supporting your body's ability to maintain balance and well-being.

Work productivity improves after 30 minutes of fresh air outdoors, research shows
by John Anderer

It won’t take long for you to reap the rewards of spending time in nature, especially if you step outside at work, according to a recent survey of 2,000 employees and 1,000 managers. The research concludes just 29 minutes spent outdoors results in a 45% increase in productivity. Moreover, 63% of surveyed employees say they feel much better “in themselves” after getting some fresh air. ...

Source: studyfinds.org

Here’s the secret to a longer, healthier life: Always stay hydrated!
by Chris Melore

Drinking more water each day could be the secret to aging slower and living longer. A new study has found that people who stay hydrated suffer from fewer chronic illnesses and have longer lifespans than those who don’t get enough fluids.

The findings come from a 30-year review of 11,255 adults, who had their serum sodium levels measured at various points over that period. Serum sodium goes up when a person’s fluid intake goes down. Simply put, if you’re dehydrated, your serum sodium levels increase.

The team from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute found that serum sodium levels at the higher end of the normal range for people showed signs of accelerated biological aging. They were also more likely to develop chronic conditions such as heart and lung disease. Additionally, these individuals were more likely to die at younger ages.

“The results suggest that proper hydration may slow down aging and prolong a disease-free life,” says study author Natalia Dmitrieva, Ph.D., a researcher in the Laboratory of Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), in a media release. ...

How many glasses of water do you need?
Although researchers say their results can’t prove there’s a causal link between hydration and aging, the study still provides good insight that can help people live healthier. ...

The study authors add that fluids include water, juices, and hydration coming from vegetables and fruits with a high water content. Moreover, the National Academies of Medicine recommends that women consume between six and nine cups of fluid per day. For men, the number is eight to 12 cups.

“The goal is to ensure patients are taking in enough fluids, while assessing factors, like medications, that may lead to fluid loss,” says Manfred Boehm, M.D., the director of the Laboratory of Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine. “Doctors may also need to defer to a patient’s current treatment plan, such as limiting fluid intake for heart failure.”

“Decreased body water content is the most common factor that increases serum sodium, which is why the results suggest that staying well hydrated may slow down the aging process and prevent or delay chronic disease,” Dmitrieva concludes.

The study is published in the journal eBioMedicine.

Source: studyfinds.org

My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair
So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world.
— Jack Layton

The content of this article is not designed to replace professional medical advice. If you’re ill, consult a physician.
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