healthbriefs
Never Too Old to Quit E
ven smokers 60 and over can live longer if they quit, accord- ing to a 2012 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Three experts from the German Cancer Research Center, in Hei- delberg, analyzed 17 studies from the United States, Australia, China, England, France, Japan and Spain that followed groups of between 863 and 877,243 people for periods ranging from three to 50 years. Findings showed that the longer a person had been classified as a former, rather than current, smoker, the more their
risk of premature death decreased. The researchers also observed that current smok- ers showed the highest absolute mortality rates in all the studies. Dr. Tai Hing Lam, of the University of Hong Kong, observes that for people in their 60s, quitting was linked to a 21 percent decrease in the risk of premature death. The risk was reduced by 27 percent for those in their 70s and by 24 percent for individuals in their 80s. Lam added that the World Health Organization’s statis- tic that one out of every two smokers will die from their habit should be printed on all cigarette packages, “…so that all smokers know they are betting their lives on the toss of a coin.”
Healing Environments for Cancer Healing
by Susan Combs Bauer T
ake a deep breath in…blow out…relax…and imagine this: You are nestled in a comfy hammock with pleasant wind caressing your body. You embrace the greenness of the shade trees above you, and the colors of the flowering plants bring you a joyous smile. What a blissful feeling, which is such a beneficial ele- ment in the process of healing cancer. Many hospitals are now incorporating healing gardens as part of their recom- mended prescriptions for wellness. These gardens are a true gift, and studies show immense value for patients as well as their families and professional caretakers. After patients return to their homes it is important to extend the benefits of the healing garden. These nourishing gardens may be as simple as a comfortable chair under a peaceful tree or listening to the sound of trickling water. Creating an outdoor healing environment for a loved one, or yourself, may be the ideal activity to inspire positive thought and well-being. It also provides an opportunity to feel more in control over the healing process. These happy outdoor spaces may be a place to meditate, rest, relax or take part in caring for your private garden. Introducing elements such as touch, pattern, color, sound and scent help to awaken the senses and may help to stimulate receptors for overall healing. It’s very healing to integrate soothing sounds into your personal healing envi- ronment. Sound dramatically influences our rhythmic energy, moods and cellular functioning. The sounds of wind chimes, bells, fountains or even Mozart are all effective ways to simulate therapeutic healing in your garden.”
Susan Combs Bauer, landscape architect and president of BauerCombs & As- sociates, Inc. specializes in healing gardens for people with cancer, Alzheim- er’s, Parkinson’s and autism. For more information, call 505-216-0775 or visit
BauerCombs.com. See resource guide listing page 30.
natural awakenings August 2013 11
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32