What is best type of ice therapy to use? The easiest is a plastic bag filled with ice and water. But this can be a messy method that does not conform to joints. Some people use a bag of frozen peas. Better -- but not reusable. Plus frozen peas defrost quickly, leaving a soggy mush. A more reliable ice therapy is a commercial cold pack. There are many available with each brand having its own range of features.

If you have decided to decrease your use of pain medication and want a reliable method of ice therapy, look for a commercial cold pack with following benefits: - Stays cold for 1 to 2 hours. This allows you to have several icing sessions without wasting time returning it to freezer. - Molds flexibly to help you ice rounded areas of body such as knees and elbows. - Can be reused many times, which saves you money and offers peace of mind that your ice therapy will be there when you need it. - Melts like ice. A cold pack that lasts a long time will numb your pain and protect your skin against frostbite better than one that lasts only 30 minutes. Short-lasting ice packs deliver a hard hit of cold with a dramatic drop in temperature, which can hurt your skin. - Is non-toxic (free of chemicals and dyes) and latex-free to keep you safe from poisoning and skin irritation. - Has a versatile cover to protect your skin from too much cold. - Easy to use on any part of body, again saving you money because there is no need to buy different ice pack sizes or covers to fit different body parts.

Next time you feel a knee twinge or your lower back pain is acting up, reach for an ice pack instead of pain medication. It may save your life!

Ruling from FDA: http://www.fda.gov/

For more information on using ice therapy: http://www.snowpackusa.com/BeInformed.html/

*Special Note: if you have problems with circulation or diabetes, you should consult with your doctor before applying ice therapy.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical treatment or consultation. Always consult with your physician in event of a serious injury.

Gelotology

It’s study of humor and its effects on human body. Researchers are asking question, *Is laughter good medicine?* You know from your own experience that laughter breaks stress and tension. Evidence suggests that laughter enhances function of your immune system and stimulates pleasure centers in brain.

You always have choice about whether to laugh or cry. Ann remembered that as she completed an interview for job of her dreams. She bought a new suit that made her feel like she already had job. It wasn’t until she left group interview that she discovered toilet paper stuck in waist of her skirt streaming behind her like a tail. After an initial rush of embarrassment she laughed.

Prayer

We are a deeply religious nation, and many of my patients use prayer as a source of strength and comfort. Can prayer promote healing? Growing evidence from well-respected clinical studies suggests it can, although not enough evidence for medical community to conclude that prayer is good for health.

What kind of evidence would you need to use prayer as part of your health regimen? Interestingly, you would consider same factors whether you’re re-considering Vioxx or Naproxen (recently found to cause heart problems) or Aryuvedic remedies (recently found to be associated with toxic levels of heavy metals). What are desired benefits, and what are risks?

What harm could prayer do? We doctors get concerned when patients forgo conventional therapy that has proven benefit for therapies like prayer or shark cartilage that do not have proven value. Consider using mind-body therapies such as prayer together with proven medical treatment. Now, shark cartilage is another matter - and simply not proven at all.

Gratitude and giving

Some interesting, if preliminary, studies suggest that expression of gratitude and act of giving increase brain serotonin levels, same chemical change antidepressant medication helps. That might support your own experience of feeling better as you reach out to tsunami victims or express gratitude for health and safety of those you love and extraordinary richness of your life.

You have power to carry out your New Year’s resolutions, whether it’s achieving greater physical, financial or spiritual health. Who knows-maybe one day with greater understanding of mind-body connection, you doctor may prescribe power of your mind to help you get there.

Copyright 2005 Vicki Rackner MD