Best Health News - heart disease

The Modern EKG Machine

root — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 06:08:45 +0200

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Perhaps one of the most useful 20th century technologies for the diagnosis of heart disease is the electrocardiogram (EKG) machine. Although much more bulky and heavy than the modern EKG machines in use today, the first device was built at the turn of the century and was considered a big advancement in medicine. Unlike its bulky ancestors, the modern EKG machine is lightweight and portable; most clinics have them on rolling tables that can be easily transported from room to room. The use of electrodes for an EKG reading is a relatively new procedure. In the beginning phases of EKG technology, patients were required to place their hands and feet into sodium chloride baths, a semiconducting method for the faint tense impulses found in the heart. Later, electrical wires were old to transmit heart signals to the machine; eventually the electrodes we use now replaced these wires. If you look at photographs from the late 1800s, the patients look as though they are strapped into an electric chair. Modern methods have made the procedure much much simple, safe, comfortable and accurate. Today many patients lie on an examination table, although some doctors prefer the electrodes to be attached while the patient is performing moderate exercise. Some patients may be asked to ride a stationary bike or walk on a treadmill. Exercising while attached to the EKG machine may often give the technician or your doctor a finer understanding of your heart-function pattern during physical strain. The electrodes are attached to the EKG machine through cables that produce a graph of your heart’s pattern. Typically 10 to 12 electrodes are attached to the diligent and lead to the EKG machine. The electrodes pick up electric impulses that are emitted through various points on the body. The EKG machine converts the impulses into readable waves. The waves are then amplified and displayed on a digital screen for the technician to monitor. While monitoring heart activity, the EKG machine continuously prints the patterns onto a graph that can later be understood by the attending technician or your physician.

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators

root — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 05:38:45 +0200

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While many people might be most familiar with the foreign defibrillators seen on TV, in emergency rooms or at fair events, there are similar devices that, although less obvious in their use, serve the similar purpose of restoring proper heart rhythms and thus averting attainable death by cardiac arrest or heart attack. They are called implantable cardioverter defibrillators but are often referred to as pacemakers. An implantable cardioverter defibrillator is a device designed for individuals with certain forms of heart disease of defects that put them at recurring risk of continuous ventricular fibrillation, or cardiac arrest. The device is established either within the chest itself, or more commonly today within the blood vessels thus eliminating the need for dangerous yawning chest surgery. Once inside the body, an implantable defibrillator, or ICD, uses leads positioned near the heart to deliver electronic pulses or shocks when the device senses a cardiac rhythm that is out of sync. This arrhythmia or fibrillation can lead to cardiac arrest by tight blood flow to the heart. The device can also, if necessary, stimulate a conformable pace or beat if the heart is unable to do so on its own. Internal defibrillators are only used in cases where a patient has shown consistent, recurring risk of cardiac arrest or attack do to fibrillation. As with any fast-growing surgery, an ICD is not to be taken lightly, but they have been extraordinarily effective in preventing sudden deaths among patients who elect to have them implanted. If you are wondering if you are a candidate for an ICD, contact your day-to-day medical practitioner or heart specialist. Only they can determine whether you are in need of an internal defibrillator, but if you have been saved to be at recurring risk for rhythm problems such as ventricular tachycardia (when the heart beats at a dangerously hurrying pace) or ventricular fibrillation (when the heartbeat is both hurrying and irregular), an ICD may be a viable option. Patients who have ICDs implanted often say that the delivery of pacing therapy by the device is a painless experience. Most do not experience discomfort or pain, while some may feel a mild fluttering in the chest. If cardioversion therapy is needed, a moderate shock is sent that is said to resemble a thump in the chest. The defibrillator shock, sent to resolve cardiac fibrillation or irregular pacing, is the heaviest jolt and is often said to resemble a swift kick in the chest. There may be some discomfort but the sensation typically only lasts a hardly a moments. Once you have an internal defibrillator implanted, certain lifestyle adjustments will be necessary. Like aft any surgery, your doctor will advise you to limit some strenuous or stressful activities for a certain period of time. But in most cases, you can return to a normal routine after a hardly a short weeks. Though, patients will need to be awake of any machines capable of interfering with the ICD’s operation. Devices with strong attractable fields are of particular concern. Though doctors will always be hopeful to avoid major invasive surgery much as the implantation of an ICD, implantable cardioverter defibrillators have allowed thousands of heart patients to live out long and productive lives despite a continual cardiac condition or disease. Recent advances have made the device smaller, more effective and often unnoticeable to both the patient and the public. Consult your physician for much information about whether an ICD is right for you.

You Can Stop Smoking

root — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 02:38:45 +0200

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The facts are clear. There is nothing worse you could do to adversely affect your health. Smoking is the guiding cause of preventable death. Women are three times more possible to develop lung cancer past men. Cancer has now replaced heart disease as the number one killer of Americans old 85 and younger. 1/3 of all cancer deaths are cognate to smoking. Although there has been a huge decrease in the number of smokers between 1965 and 2000, 22% of American adults still continue to smoke. The good news is that surveys have shown that 70% of active smokers want to quit. When you quit smoking the benefits are immediate. Blood cells that transport carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke begin to transport healthy oxygen. Even though quitting doesn't completely eliminate the risk of nonindustrial lung cancer, the risk of lung cancer starts to decline. One year after quitting smoky your chances of having a heart attack drops by half. The risk of lung cancer continues to decline and drop dramatically five to ten years after quitting. So we know that quitting is essential to enjoying a long and wholesome life. The question is how do you pick the word-perfect way to stop smoking for you? The first thing you need to know is that most smokers quit unsuccessfully several times before they quit for good. You will most likely not be successful your first time around - but you must nonmoving try! Each time you attempt to quit you come closer to finally quitting for good. There are many organizations available to help you take control of your health and quit smoking. Most smokers find a greater success rate in groups. Organizations much as SmokEnders have community supported seminars and will come to the workplace to counsel smokers. SmokEnders is a gradual stop smoking program that says it's success is based on treating the physical and the mental aspects of smoking. They offer unlimited toll-free phone counseling. Some people prefer to try to stop cutting turkey. They stop smoking completely with little or no reduction in the number of cigarettes they smoke beforehand. As with any smoker who quits, those who quit cold turkey will experience the withdrawal symptoms of irritability, increased appetite and restlessness. For someone trying to stop smoking cold turkey help can be obtained using medications much as Zyban which lessens withdrawal symptoms. Zyban can only be obtained with a prescription. Some smokers obtain relief from smoking withdrawal with a nicotine replacement commonly celebrated as a nicotine patch. Patches are used for up to eight weeks. Nicotine patches are available over the counter. It is suggested that you talk to your doctor before difficult any over the counter nicotine replacement therapy. The American Cancer Society and American Lung Association have released information available. The national government also has free information for smokers available at http://www.smokefree.gov

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Gastric Bypass Surgery - Is It Right For You?

root — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 08:08:45 +0200

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When we hear all the success stories of the gastric bypass, it sounds so easy. One pricey operation and the pounds just fly off! Right? Not quite. Gastric bypass surgery is only advised to those who are morbidly obese – this is someone with a body mass index greater past 40 and men and women between 80-100 pounds their perfect body weight. The gastric bypass is also sometimes recommended to patients troubled obesity along with other conditions such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes. If the surgeon is happy the health benefits outweigh the possible broadside effects of gastric bypass surgery then it maybe recommended. If you're currently obese and suffering no else conditions, I would personally think about big lifestyle changes, some in diet and exercise. I know it's a tough, long-life haul but with the word-perfect support it's possible to lose over 1lb/week safely and effectively. That's over 60 pounds of weight loss in 6 months. You must considering the risks involved in the gastric bypass surgery, because even with the surgery you will still be required to follow a inflexible diet that you certainly aren't going to like at first. Try to be objective about all forms of weight loss and weight up your options. There are many success stories out there on the gastric bypass and its beneficial to many people but please always remain yawning to the basics of weight loss.

Exercise For Any Size

root — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 04:38:45 +0200

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Do you feel that you can barely do any activity at all? That you cannot exercise, play sports, or become much fit? If you are a very queen-size person, you can still be physically active. Very queen-size people face special challenges in trying to be active. You may not be able to bend or move in the same way that other people can. It may be touchy to find clothes and equipment for exercising. You may feel self-conscious being physically active around other people. Facing these challenges is hard—but it can be done! The information in this booklet may help you start being more active and healthier—no matter what your size! Why should I be active? =================== Being physically active may help you live longer and protect you from: * diabetes * heart disease and stroke * high blood pressure * osteoporosis (a disease leading to weak bones that may break easily) If you have any of these health problems, being physically active may help control or improve your symptoms. Regular carnal activity helps you feel finer because it: * lowers your stress and boosts your mood * increases your strength * helps control blood pressure and blood sugar * helps build healthy bones, muscles, and joints * helps your heart and lungs work better * improves your self-esteem. Being physically proactive can be big fun! How do I get started? ================= To start being more active and keep at it: * Start slowly. Your body needs time to get used to your radical activity. * Warm up. Warm-ups get your body ready for action. Shrug your shoulders, tap your toes, swing your arms, or march in place. You should spend a few minutes warm up for any physical activity—even walking. Walk more slowly for the first few minutes. * cold down. Slow down little by little. If you have been walking fast, walk slowly or stretch for a few minutes to cool down. Cooling behind may protect your heart, relax your muscles, and keep you from getting hurt. * Set goals. Set short-term and long-term goals. A short-term goal may be to walk 5 minutes on at least 3 days for 1 week. It may not seem like a lot, but any activity is better than none. A long-term goal may be to walk 30 minutes on most days of the week by the end of 6 months. * Get support. Get a family member or friend to be physically active with you. It may be much fun, and your buddy can cheer you on. * Track progress. Keep a journal of your physical activity. You may not feel like you are making progress but when you look back at where you started, you may be pleasantly surprised! • Have fun! Try different activities to find the ones you really enjoy.. What physical activities can a very large person do? Most very large people can do some or all of the physical activities in this article. You do not need specific skills or a lot of equipment. You can do: * Weight-bearing activities, like close and golfing, which involve lifting or pushing your own body weight. * Non-weight-bearing activities, like tearful and water workouts, which put less stress on your joints because you do not have to lift or push your own weight. If your feet or joints hurt when you stand, non-weight-bearing activities may be best for you. * Lifestyle activities, like gardening, which do not have to be planned. Physical activity does not have to be hard or boring to be good for you. Anything that gets you moving around—even for only a few minutes a day—is a healthy start to getting more fit. Chances are your health care provider will be delighted with your decision to start an activity program. It is unlikely that you will need a complete medical exam before you go out for a short walk! Gentle physical activity is healthy. You do not have to push yourself to benefit from physical activity. Thirty minutes of gentle carnal activity (like walking) can be just as healthy as 15 minutes of intense physical activity (like fast dancing). Walking (weightbearing) The walking that you do during the day (like doing chores around the house or in the yard) can help you be much fit. But regular, steady close that makes you breathe heavier can help you to be healthier. It will give your heart and lungs—as well as your leg muscles—a good workout. If you are not active now, start slowly. Try to walk 5 minutes a day for the first week. Walk 8 minutes the next week. Stay at 8–minute walks until you feel comfortable. Then increase your walks to 11 minutes. Slowly lengthen each walk by 3 minutes—or walk faster. Tips for walking: * Wear comfortable walking shoes with a lot of support. If you walk often, you may need to buy new shoes every 6 to 8 months. * Wear garments that prevent intrinsical thigh chafing, such as tights or spandex shorts. * Make close fun. Walk with a friend or pet. Walk in places you enjoy, like a park or shopping mall. Dancing (weight-bearing or non-weight-bearing) Dancing may help: * tone your muscles * improve your flexibility * make your heart stronger * make your lungs work better. You can dance in a health club, in a nightclub, or at home. To dance at home, antimonopoly move your body to many lively music! Dancing on your feet is a weight-bearing activity. Dancing while seated lets you move your arms and legs to music while taking the weight off your feet. This may be a good choice if you can't stand on your feet very long. Water Workouts (non-weight-bearing) Exercising in water helps you feel: - Flexible. You can bend and move your body in water in ways you cannot on land. - Strong. Working against the water will help your body get stronger. - At less risk of injury. Water makes your body float. This keeps your joints from being pounded or jarred and helps prevent sore muscles and injury. - Refreshed. You can keep cooler in water—even when you are employed hard. You do not need to know how to swim to work out in water—you can do shallow-water or deep-water exercises without swimming. For shallow-water exercise, the water even should be between your waist and your chest. If the water is too shallow, it will be hard to move your arms underwater. If the water is deeper than chest height, it will be touchy to keep your feet moving the pool bottom. For deep-water exercise, most of your body is underwater. This means that your whole body will get a good workout. For safety and comfort, wear a foam belt or life jacket. Many swim centers offer classes in water workouts. Check with the pools in your area to find the best water workout for you. Weight Training (weight-bearing or non-weight-bearing) Weight training builds strong muscles and bones. Getting stronger can also help prepare you for other kinds of physical activity. You can weight train at home or at a fitness center. You do not need benches or bars to begin weight training at home. You can use a pair of hand weights or flat two soup cans. Make sure you know the correct posture and that your movements are slow and controlled. Before you buy a domestic gym, check its weight rating (the number of pounds it can support) to make predictable it is safe for your size. If you want to join a fitness center where you can use weights, shop around for one where you feel at ease. Weight training rule of thumb. If you cannot lift a weight 6 times in a row, the weight you are lifting is too heavy. If you can easily lift a weight 15 times in a row, your weight is too light. Bicycling (non-weight-bearing) You can bicycle indoors on a stationary bike, or outdoors on a roadworthy bike. Biking does not stress any one part of the body—your weight is spread between your arms, back, and hips. You may want to use a unerect bike. On this type of bike, you sit low to the ground with your legs reaching forward to the pedals. This may feel better than sitting upright. The seat on a recumbent bike is also wider than the seat on an upright bike. For biking outdoors, you may want to try a mountain bike. These bikes have wider tires and are heavy. You can also buy a larger seat to put on your bike. Make predictable the bike you buy has a weight rating at least as high as your personal weight.. Stretching (weight-bearing or non-weight-bearing) Stretching may help you: * be much flexible * feel more relaxed * improve your blood flow * keep your muscles from getting tight after doing other physical activities. You do not have to set aside a special time or place to stretch. At home or at work, stand up, push your arms toward the ceiling, and stretch. Stretch slowly and single enough to feel tightness—not until you feel pain. Hold the stretch, without bouncing, for about 30 seconds. Do not long cold muscles. Yoga and tai chi are types of stretching. They help you breathe deeply, relax, and get rid of stress. Your local fitness center may offer yoga, tai chi, or other stretching classes. You may want to start with "gentle" classes, like those aimed at seniors. Questions to ask when choosing a fitness center. —Can the treadmills or benches support people who are large? —Do the fitness staff know how to work with people of larger sizes? —Can I take time to see how I like the center before I sign up? —Is the aim to have fun and get healthy—not to lose weight? Lifestyle Activities Lifestyle carnal activities do not have to be planned. You can make small changes to make your day more physically active and improve your health. For example, * Take 2- to 3-minute walking breaks at work a few times a day. * Put absent the TV remote control—get up to change the channel. * March in place during TV commercials. * Sit in a rocking chair and push off the floor with your feet. * Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Doing chores like lawn mowing, leaf raking, gardening, and housework may also improve your health. Stop your activity word-perfect away if you: * have pain, tightness, or pressure in your chest or left neck, shoulder, or arm * feel sick or sick * break out in a cutting sweat * have muscle cramps * feel pain in your joints, feet, ankles, or legs. You could hurt yourself if you ignore the pain. Ask your health care provider what to do if you have any of these symptoms. Slow behind if you feel out of breath. You should be competent to talk during your activity, without gasping for breath. Drink lots of water before, during, and aft physical activity (even water workouts) to replace the water you lose by sweating. Do not do touchy exercise for 2 hours aft a big meal (but attractive a walk is OK). If you eat small meals, you can be physically active much often. Wear the right clothes: * Wear lightweight, loose-fitting superior so you can move easily. * Wear clothes made of fabrics that absorb sweat and remove it from your skin. * Never wear rubber or elastic suits. Plastic suits could hold the sweat on your skin and make your body overheat. * Women should wear a good support bra. * Wear positive athletic shoes for weight-bearing activities. * Wear a knit hat to keep you warm when you are physically active outdoors in cold weather. Wear a tightly woven, wide-brimmed hat in hot weather to help keep you cool and protect you from the sun. * Wear sunscreen when you are physically proactive outdoors. Healthy, fit bodies come in all sizes. Whatever your sized or shape, get physically proactive now and keep moving for a healthier life! Applaud yourself! If you can do only a few or no of these activities, it's OK. Remember to appreciate what you can do, even if you think it's a small amount. Just moving any part of your body—even for a short-stalked time—can make you healthier. Safety Tips Drink plenty of water. Water helps every cell and organ in your body work. It cushions your joints, helps keep you regular, and keeps your body cool. Appreciate Yourself! If you cannot do an activity, don't be hard on yourself. Feel good about what you can do. Be proud of pushing yourself up out of a chair or walking a short distance. Pat yourself on the rearmost for trying even if you can't do it the early time. It may be easier the next time!

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Nuts To You... Just One Way to a Healthy Heart

root — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 04:38:45 +0200

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Nuts are readily available and provide a highly nutritious food. In addition to protein, carbohydrate, and fat, nuts contain galore other important nutrients: fiber, vitamin E, folic acid, potassium, and magnesium. Although on some food charts you may see insane listed in the same food category as diary products, eggs, and red meat because of the fat content, new information calls into question this designation. While nuts do contain a high proportion of fat, tree nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, hazel nuts, Brazil nuts, and macadamia are actually low in saturated fat. Most of the fat comes in the form of monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which are considered to be unobjectionable forms of fat that actually "reduce" the incidence of heart and vascular disease. single large studies have examined the relationship between the risk of heart disease and intake of omega-3 fatty acids from plant sources. In the Seventh Day Adventist Health Study researchers saved that those who reported eating nuts more than four times per week had a 50% lower risk of heart disease than those who rarely ate nuts. The Nurses' Health Study found that heart disease risk was reduced by 35% in those who ate nuts compared with those who rarely ate nuts. An addition study saved that the risk of type 2 diabetes went down by nearly 1/3 in women who consumed 1/4 cup of insane five times per week compared to those that did not eat nuts at all. One recent study looked at almonds in particular. They examined the effects on LDL ["bad"] cholesterol values. Each person served as his own control and they were each on cardinal different "diets": almonds representing about 1/4 their entire daily calorie intake, OR a "handful" of almonds per day, OR a muffin [containing about the similar number of calories as a "full dose" of almonds]. The LDL cholesterol went down about 10% when the subjects took a "full dose" of almonds, went down about 5% with intake of a "handful" of almonds, and did not go down at all with eating a muffin. In those with the higher "dose" of almonds, the "ratio" of bad to good cholesterol [LDL/HDL ratio] went down by 12%. The American Heart Association (AHA) recognizes nuts [including almonds, walnuts, pecans, peanuts, macadamia, and pistachios] may help to lower your blood cholesterol and may be a very healthy "snack". However, they also warn that they are a source of calories and should not be used to great excess in those with calorie restricted diets and that you should avoid nuts with added oils or added salt. The AHA recommends eating an overall balanced diet that is high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and includes low-fat [or non-fat] diary products, fish and lean meats. If you add nuts to your diet, just be sure that you don't inadvertently add considerable whole calories - despite the benefits of nuts, maintaining an perfect body weight is more important. Weight is often a uncomplicated lesson in physics - what comes in either stays [as increased pounds] or is old up for energy and metabolism [which is increased by a regular exercise program]. Dr. John Rumberger's experince in the field is extensive, and includes achieving his doctorate in 1976 (Bio-Engineering/ Fluid Dynamics/ Applied Mathematics) from Ohio State University Columbus, Ohio, with a dissertation on, A Non-Linear Model of Coronary Artery Blood Flow. He then continued his education into medicine, in 1978 he became a M.D. graduating from the School of Medicine at the University of Miami, Florida. Since then, he has pioneered how the medical field views the process of blood flow finished the heart. From my appointment as professor at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, to Medical Director at the HealthWISE Wellness Diagnostic Center in Ohio. He has just completed his book The WAY Diet available on amazon.com or direct through the publisher at http://www.emptycanoe.com

Childhood Obesity

root — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 17:08:45 +0200

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Along with the increase of obesity in adult, childhood obesity is on the rise. Around 15.5 percent of adolescents in the United States, aged 12 to 19 are obese. flat more alarming, about 15.3 percent of children ages 6 to 11 are obese. These children are developing Type II Diabetes and high blood pressure at an early age. They are placing themselves at increased risk for heart disease and else obesity-related diseases. Their weight also makes them the target of bullies and children who insult and taunt them about their weight. This can ruin their self-esteem and put them at risk for depression. Today’s children make up the digital generation. They’ve been surrounded by computers their entire life and are not as physically active as children of past generations were. Instead of going outside and playing, they tend to hang dead indoors, watching TV and playing computer and video games. Along with lack of physical activity comes the convenience of hurrying food. There are fast food restaurants virtually around every corner, and they have easy access to snack foods full of saturated fats and sugars. In addition, obese parents are much likely to have obese children. The reason for this is two-fold. First, obese parents probably pass down their poor habits to their children. Second, genetics plays a role in obesity. It’s important for parents to be role models to their children and emphasize the importance of physical activity and healthy eating. Parents can create healthy environments for their children by doing regular physical activities, such as biking, swimming, or walking together. They should encourage their children to participate in sports, dance, martial arts, and etcetera. This allows children to develop an appreciation of physical activity and enjoy exercising. When it comes to eating, parents need to implement diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole-grains. They can make eating enjoyable and healthy by preparing food together and eating together as a family. Fast-food should be limited and diffident for special occasions. Way too often, we reward ourselves for a job well done with food. Look for other ways to reward your children for doing a great job, much as a special shopping trip or a day with antimonopoly mom or dad. Article by

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Exercise for a Healthy Heart

root — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 13:38:45 +0200

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Do you exercise every day? If you want to live a long, healthy life, maybe you should. A recent study by Timothy Wessel, a physician at the University of Florida, indicates one of the strongest risk factors for developing heart disease is inactivity – flat more so than being overweight. During the four-year study of 906 women, Dr. Wessel documented those who were moderately active were less likely to develop heart disease than sedentary women, no matter how more they weighed. The study concluded: “These results suggest that fitness may be more consequential than overweight or obesity for cardiovascular risk in women.” In January, the updated U.S. Dietary Guidelines strongly urged that everyone should take part in “at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity carnal activity” on most days, preceding whatever activities they do at home or work. To free weight or to avoid gaining weight as we age, 60 minutes of daily moderate to vigorous exercise is recommended. And those who have already wasted weight and are attempting to keep weight off need 60 to 90 minutes of regular exercise. A study of 9,611 adults by the University of Michigan Health System, found that people in their 50s and 60s who participated in daily exercise were 35 percent less possible to die within the close eight years than their unreactive couch potato counter parts. Convinced that it’s time to add exercise to your day? The Basics -- Make Exercise a Life Priority: - If you’re not use to exercising, check with your doctor before beginning any strenuous fitness routine. - Start slow. If 30 minutes of exercise is too much, start with 15 minutes and add a few minutes each day. - If you don’t have time for 60 minutes of exercise, break it up into two 30-minute sessions throughout the day. - Schedule a circumstantial time to exercise everyday – then keep to your schedule! - Take part in more screaming activities that can improve your heart health, such as: running, dancing, swimming, cycling, and climbing stairs. - Find exercise that you enjoy. You will be much likely to continue and improve your daily performance if you look forward to a popular activity. - Wear proper clothing and footwear. This has two functions. Clothing and shoes that are suited to your activity will enhance performance and offer the right kind of support for your body and feet. They will also place you in a better frame of mind for exercise. When you wear your favorite running outfit and slide into your special moving shoes, your mind says “it’s time to get out the door and put my feet in motion!” - Add everyday activities to increase your overall fitness level, such as gardening, housework, walking to the store, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and raking leaves. - Always drink lots of water. - If you feel discomfort or pain after an activity, use ice therapy immediately to reduce swelling and numb pain. Always have a cold pack in your freezer, ready and waiting. Most aches and pains attributed to exercise respond well to icing and will melt away within 24 hours after applying ice for several 20-minute sessions. Using cold therapy reduces behind time, getting you back on schedule fast. (If the pain does not lessen within 48 hours after using ice therapy, is intense or becomes worse, see your doctor.) Exercise every day…take care of your heart…live long! Disclaimer: This information is not conscious as a substitute for nonrecreational medical treatment or consultation. Always consult with your physician in the event of a serious injury. About the Author: