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November 2008 [Volume 7, Issue 11]
To Your Health is brought to you by:
In this issue of To Your Health:
Have You Gotten a Massage Lately?
According to a survey sponsored by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), more Americans are stressed this year than a year ago, and they're more likely to turn to massage as a means to alleviate that stress. Survey results showed that 36 percent of Americans said they received a massage for stress and relaxation in the past five years. Last year, only 22 percent said they received a massage for those reasons over the same five-year period.
But of course, massage isn't just for stress relief and relaxation, something more people are realizing every day. Here are a few more survey findings that emphasize how Americans are recognizing the value of massage as a true health benefit:
- Among those who've had a massage in the past five years, 41 percent of those 55-64 and 44 percent of those over age 64 received their last massage for medical/health reasons.
- Younger Americans, ages 18-24, were the next group most likely to seek massage for health reasons; 34 percent reported having a massage for medical/health reasons.
- Twenty-three percent of those in the 25-34 age group reported getting a massage in the past five years for medical/health reasons.
- 57 percent of people who talked to their doctor about massage said their doctor strongly recommended or encouraged them to get a massage.
- Among young adults (18-24), nearly 70 percent said their doctor strongly recommended massage.
- Sixty percent of Americans would like to see massage covered by their health insurance plan.
To learn more about the benefits of massage, visit www.massagetoday.com.
Alzheimer's is the sixth most common cause of death in the U.S. As brain cells progressively fail, sufferers experience problems with memory, thinking and behavior. These symptoms can complicate one's work, hobbies and social life. While there currently is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, several risk factors have been identified, including age, family history and genetics. Not much you can do about any of that, right? Fortunately, researchers have identified several modifiable risk factors, such as heart health and healthy aging, which may help prevent the disease.
For example, a new study suggests exercise improves cognition in adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease. According to the study, adults (50 years and older) who are physically active are less likely to experience cognitive decline than inactive adults. Researchers are not clear yet as to why exercise acts as a guard from memory loss; however, they speculate it may be related to "improved cerebral vascular function and neurovascular integrity associated with exercise." The adults, who mainly walked as their form of physical activity, also may have benefited cognitively through exposure to a stimulating environment. Adults with severe cognitive impairment such as dementia, psychiatric disorders or sensory loss were not included in the study.
An estimated 5 million Americans currently suffer from Alzheimer's. Don't be a statistic – if you're already exercising regularly, keep it up. If not, start exercising today and do what you can to maintain sound mind and body, no matter your age.
Question: Does massage interfere with medication? For example, does it move the medication through the system faster, which could reduce its effects?
Answer: While massage is extremely safe in general, some research has shown that massage around insulin injection increases the absorption rate of the insulin, while other research shows massage can cause a delay in the absorption of other types of medication when massaging around the injection site. Because of the side effects of certain medications, always tell your therapist when you're taking them. For instance, if you are taking anti-inflammatory drugs, you shouldn't get friction massage because pain perception can be altered and the repair process of the body's tissues impaired.
It is also helpful to tell your therapist which medications you may be taking because a poor reaction to a massage may actually be a side effect of the medication(s). You also may experience side effects that are a danger sign, and your therapist will then be able to stop the massage and take appropriate action.
Rajam Roose ("Ask a Massage Therapist" forum moderator)
Note: Information provided in this Q&A section is drawn from the "Ask a Massage Therapist" online forum, in which massage therapists field questions relative to the massage profession. Readers are encouraged to post their questions at www.massagetoday.com/ask/. Answers should not be misconstrued as a diagnosis, prognosis or treatment recommendation and do not in any way constitute the practice of massage therapy or any other health care profession. Readers should consult their own health care providers for medical advice.
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