1 Jan

The Safety of Full Body Scanners in Prisons

One of the prime factors that correctional facilities must address in their security techniques is safety, and security checks must be safe, both for inmates and security staff.

While full body scanners have alleviated most of the safety concerns associated with physical pat downs and body cavity searches, there is still the question of radiation exposure, and whether body scanners are actually safe.

A Concern For Radiation Safety

Although x-ray technology has been approved for non-medical use in functions such as body scanning since 1993 and the technology has improved greatly over the decades, the concern over radiation safety and how much radiation is too much has been there since the start.

According to the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP), a dose of 1 mSv or less annually, including up to 250 uSV delivered from security body scanning equipment, is considered safe.

These are important numbers for facilities performing multiple scans on the same inmates and visitors, as the yearly dosage can add up quicker than it would for the average individual.

Full Body Scanners Much Safe

Research on the use of full body scanners reveals that the dosage delivered by modern scanners is minimal, meaning there is little safety risk even to those undergoing multiple scans throughout the period of one year.

This safety dose of up to 250 uSv equates to roughly 1,000 body scans per year at an average radiation dose from body scanning equipment while staying well within the safety margin.

Add to this the fact that as body scanning technology continues to improve and radiation doses per scan continue to get smaller, the safety margin is evident.

Many body scanners already deliver much lower than the average dosage and studies have demonstrated safety even up to as many as 5,000 scans annually when each scan delivers .05 uSv.

Consider Using Full Body Scanners

Considering the ongoing development of better, safer, and more efficient full body scanners and how today’s scanning technology works well within NCRP safety recommendations, it is safe to say that modern body scanning is not harmful to those moving through them, even multiple times.

As long as prison facilities utilize the best equipment to scan for contraband and it is used within the NCRP guidelines, safety is not a concern.

Combined with the other ways that body scanners promote inmate and staff safety by removing most needs for actual, physical contact, it is easy to see how full body scanners are the best choice today for security scanning.

1 Jan

Massage Therapy and How it Helps Our Bodies

Massage is a treatment that can restore and maintain good health through the manipulation of soft tissues.

Massage is also related to holistic therapy, choice of food, drink, work, and leisure.

Besides to so many different disciplines, it is not surprising that massage therapy can satisfy each individual.

As a relaxing and enjoyable activity, massage regenerates the mind and body as well as enhances awareness, restores the clarity of thought and creativity of spirit.

Benefits of massage therapy:

  • Better mobility
  • Inner peace and greater self-confidence
  • Improves immunity
  • Eliminates or alleviates allergy symptoms
  • Improves general health and athletic performance
  • Gets rid of depression, stress, tension, and fatigue
  • Mitigates headache, insomnia, digestive problems
  • Massage therapy slows down and stops the degeneration of the spine
  • Helps to lose weight, strengthen joints, relax muscles, stretch the tendons
  • Increases the general elasticity of the body
  • Slows down the aging process
  • Makes intervertebral discs healthier
  • Massage is completely safe and natural.

So massage has a beneficial effect on the muscular system, bones, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, digestive system, skin, genitourinary system, reproductive system.

The healing power of massage can enhance if you add meditation and visualization exercises and the usage of crystals and essential oils amplifies the positive power of massage therapy.

In problems with muscles, joints, and other parts of the body, strong manipulative massage therapy techniques bring the best results.

The healing power is in the activation of tissues, where toxins accumulated in muscles and joints are released.

Pressure Points in the Massage

Acupressure points are not magic buttons that heal health problems; however, if used frequently and carefully, they can establish a balance of body and mind, so the problems arise less frequently and of reduced intensity.

Points on the top of the head and back of the body:

  • GV20 acupuncture point - poor memory and concentration, headaches, mild depression. It relaxes the mind and calms the mind
  • GV16 - colds, headaches, sore throat, nosebleeds
  • GB20 - neck stiffness, headaches caused by stress, insomnia, hypertension. Use in combination with GV16, to cold symptoms have resolved
  • B10 - stress, tension, nervousness, insomnia. Increases awareness, calms the mind, relaxes the body, relieves cold symptoms and flu
  • GB21 - tension and fatigue in the area of #8203; #8203; the shoulders and neck, stiffness shoulders. Relaxes thoughts, reduce nervousness, stress, anger, and irritability
  • B13 - breathing problems, detoxification
  • B23, B47 - reduces pain in the lower back, establishes balance in the energy of the kidneys and digestive system
  • TH4 - reduces pain in the wrists
  • LI4 - headaches, mild depression, general types of pain
  • K3 - against water retention in the body, swollen feet, sleep problems. Protects the immune system. The very useful and safe pressure point for massage in pregnant women facilitates labor pains
  • B60 - pain in the lower back and joints, rheumatic pains

Acupressure points on the face and front of the body:

  • GV25 - depression, weakened immune system. A pure mind calms fears, relaxes the body
  • B2, GV24.5 - eye and sinus problems, headaches, and others facial pain
  • B1 - nosebleeds, tired and sore eyes
  • LI20 - colds that include the head area, blockages nose
  • ST - sinuses, tired and dry eyes
  • GV26 - dizziness, fainting, convulsions
  • K27 - sore throat, cough, hiccups, nervousness. Establishes balance in kidney function
  • L1 - asthma, breathing problems. Stabilizes emotions relieves states of confusion, clears thoughts
  • CV17 - mild depression, sadness
  • CV12 - emotional problems, stress, digestive problems

The effect of massage is based on the mechanical stimulation of receptors, during which various reactions of tissues and organs occur.

Besides this, massage has a direct mechanical effect on the tissue.

Under the influence of massage, the swelling of lymphatic and venous blood increases, active hyperemia of arterioles and capillaries occurs, which increases local metabolism and elimination of decomposition, harmful metabolic products, resorption of swelling.

It has an antispasmodic, analgesic effect, increases the secretory activity of sebaceous and sweat glands, which leads to a decrease in fatigue, improvement of contact ability, and generally relaxing, sedative effect.

Modern massage connects with Chinese therapy is very effective.

In modern practice, massage is used not only for therapeutic but also for prophylactic purposes such as relaxation and sports.

1 Jan

How Swedish Massage Helps Our Bodies

Many people try to reduce their stress through massage therapy - and few massage therapies are as well known and famous as the Swedish form of massage.

The massage, first introduced as a form of massage almost three centuries ago, is known for its original massage therapy and its ability to be quickly learned by new massage therapists.

What is Swedish Massage?

Swedish massage includes a variety of techniques for relaxing muscles by applying pressure on deeper muscles and bones.

The massage uses five specific massage strokes to heal and rejuvenate tired, injured, and even damaged muscles.

Its ability to improve oxygen absorption in the human body, increase blood flow, accelerate recovery in damaged muscle tissue, and accelerate the body's ability to eliminate toxin so.

Still, some of the claims in this area mainly affect what it does.

What Are The Types of Strokes?

This massage involves five types of strokes:

  • Effleurage - The use of agile movements with the palms, thumbs, or fingers. Effleurage can cause a feeling of muscle damage; however, the purpose of the operation is to connect one part of the body to another.

  • Tapotement - Involves several movements such as cupping, chopping, quacking, or hacking and is probably the second most common movement when we think of massage. It can be quite noisy, so it is very long and usually not done at the end of the session because it helps the client sleep.

  • Petrissage - A kind of massage therapy consisting of scooping movement that affects the surface muscles and fascia. The fascia is the connective tissue that covers the entire body. Sometimes it closes or locks and needs to be fixed. It helps to relax and unwind the manipulated muscles and helps them gain energy. This method of massage uses the sides of the hands.

  • Vibration - The vibration is done by moving the hand's heel and sometimes the fingertips through the skin to relax the muscles in the concentrated area.

  • Friction - This movement tries to generate heat to relax the muscles. The palms are rubbed tightly together or on the person's skin who is being massaged to create heat due to friction. This method can be treated as a warmer of the body muscles for a deeper massage.

Some Benefits Of Swedish Massage Therapy

Over the year, what have proven to be some of the benefits of Swedish massage therapy?

1. Improves Relaxation - The most main benefit of massage is the increased relaxation that you will surely appreciate. This is a boom for busy professionals who are stressed for long hours. If you consider this treatment, you will have a good remedy for sore throat and shoulder stiffness. This massage thereapy has huge benefits for the health of the active generation.

2. Stress Relief - The increase in the demand for life today has led to stress that damages our health every day. As soon as we realized, the situation was created, and our physical and mental health was affected. Even so, massage therapy works wonders to help you fight stress and anxiety. It cleanses your mind, producing good hormones in the body, which reduces stress and improves well-being.

3. Improves Flexibility - Swedish massage therapy significantly promotes rejuvenation, youth, and well-being. If you do this massage for only an hour, you will notice its positive body movement effects. It works wonders for swelling of the arms or legs and makes people feel better.

Swedish massage improves one's well-being; however, there are some tips to follow to get the most out of it.

For example, you should drink at least eight water glasses immediately after a massage therapy treatment to eliminate the lactic acid that is released immediately after treatment.

In addition, you should be hydrated for the next 24 to 48 hours to help your body get rid of toxins quickly.

This alternative treatment has many benefits when a licensed Swedish massage therapist treats you.

1 Jan

Curious About Hot Stone Massage Therapy? Here Are Its 5 Benefits!

There are a lot of ways to relax, de-stress, and energize.

You can go on a vacation leave from work and spend time with family and friends, you can visit the park with your pets, or you can do some yoga session with your pals.

But if you prefer to do something truly relaxing, calming, and energizing, booking for a hot stone massage therapy might be the best option for you.

A massage therapy that combines the art of Swedish massage and the unique and satisfying effect of heated stones will surely relieve your stress and refuel your energy.

What Is Hot Stone Massage Therapy?

Whenever you see video clips or images portraying a massage therapist carefully putting smooth, heated stones on the back of a person lying peacefully on a spa bed, then that is what hot stone massage therapy is all about.

Hot stone massage therapists are trained to use and place heated basalt river stones on trigger points and other specific points of the body and they can even hold and use the stones while doing Swedish massage techniques like kneading, stroking, and rolling.

Five benefits of hot stone massage therapy

There are five great benefits that you will discover from hot stone massage therapy:

  1. Alleviate Anxiety And Relieve Stress - All massage therapies, including hot stone massage therapy, are found to be very effective in relieving stress and anxiety. The use of heated stones even adds to the relaxation and calming effect that significantly induces positive vibes and energy. After a long week at work, a hot stone massage therapy might work its magic on you.
  2. Reduce Muscle Pain And Tension - Since heat has been used to manage muscle pain and tension for a very long time now, hot stone massage therapy is also very effective in doing such. How does it work? The heat applied on the body part will increase the blood flow in that area and reduce muscle tension and pain.
  3. Promote Sleep - Research found that massage therapy can replace sleeping pills in people who have difficulty in sleeping. Hot stone massage therapy, when done particularly on the back, can help in promoting sleep and relaxation. Once you get a good sleep, you will automatically feel better and energized when you wake up.
  4. Improve Immunity - When you undergo a massage therapy, it can lower your arginine-vasopressin, the hormone which regulates water retention and blood pressure. This will lead to having your immunity boosted, which can help you ward off diseases and sicknesses.
  5. Aid In Managing Cancer Symptoms - Cancer symptoms such as depression, nausea, anxiety, stress, fatigue, and pain are found to be managed well through massage therapies like hot stone massage therapy.
1 Jan

Trigger Point Massage Therapy – Learn Its Many Benefits!

Trigger point massage therapy, also called neuromuscular therapy or myofascial trigger point therapy, is a manual form of therapy that aims at releasing and detecting trigger points.

It mainly targets the muscles.

Trigger points are hyperirritable muscle spots mostly with palpable taut bands or knots in the muscle tissue.

On compression, the trigger points are painful and often relay tenderness and pain to other body areas.

The affected muscle is in most instances ischemic which causes the whole muscle to be weak, painful, too tight, and becomes fatigued easily.

The trigger points are usually caused by overstressing the muscle, sustained chills, and muscle fiber trauma.

What Does Trigger Point Massage Therapy Do?

Trigger point massage therapy targets directly the trigger point and the adjacent muscles.

The therapist keenly identifies the trigger point and may use whole-body vibration, friction strokes, compressions, or stretches which is suitable to make the trigger point melt away.

There is a significant or complete alleviation of pain once the trigger point is released.

Trigger point massage therapy can be used in managing headaches, frozen shoulder, osteoarthritis, temporomandibular joint pain, migraines, back pain, whiplash, tinnitus, carpal tunnel syndrome, sports injuries, hip pain among others.

Benefits Of Trigger Point Massage Therapy

There are many benefits to be received from trigger point massage therapy.

  • Improves Body Posture - Tight muscles negatively affect the posture through slouching. Trigger point therapy may be used to relieve muscle tightness and alleviates pain which in turn gives the normal human posture.
  • Improves Flexibility - Trigger point massage therapy stretches your connective tissue and thus improving the body's flexibility.
  • Increases Range Of Motion - Muscle weakness and pain majorly causes reduced flexibility and decreased range of motion. Release of muscle tension from a trigger point increases the range of motion and improved flexibility.
  • Promotes Hormone ProductionTrigger point massage therapy also helps with lymph drainage.
  • Alleviates Pain - It alleviates all kinds of pain. Before pharmacological pain management is given, muscle tension release should be done on the main trigger points.
  • Improves Muscle Circulation - Through tissue stimulation, there is improved blood flow. This reduces the ischemic-related pain.
  • Reduces Stress - Trigger point massage therapy frees your mind from emotions and difficult situations. It also reduces headaches and migraines by relaxing the tight muscles associated with migraines and tension headaches.

Trigger point massage therapy is used to relax the inflamed muscles which is often applicable to the those involved in sports.

Overextension of muscles may result in soreness and these massages help curb the soreness and hasten the recovery time.

In Summary

Trigger point massage therapy is rejuvenating.

At the end of the massage, one feels connected, revitalized, balanced, and energized to keep going.

Trigger point massage therapy gets rid of the body's distractions and stimulates the brain cells thus enhancing a healthy mental and physical connection.

1 Jan

Why Choose a Computerized Sewing Machine

Many people tend to resist new technology, especially artists when it comes to the way that they complete their work. Those who construct clothing may be very attached to their tried and true method of sewing, but there are many benefits to some of the new technology available. If you are still unsure about why you should choose computerized sewing machines, check out some of the things they can do.

The main attraction for these amazing machines is the memory. This type of machine can remember a specific type of stitch or pattern and replicate it automatically. This means that if someone starts a project and needs to finish it later, they do not need to remember exactly the motions they were going through. Their sewing machine can remember it for them and get them back on track for the next session. Sewing Machines
These machines even make it easier to find patterns for projects. Many of them are PC compatible so users can download patterns from the Internet and put them right into their smart sewing machine. This means no more trips to the store for a last minute pattern and no more navigating complicated directions. With a computer is driven sewing machine, it is easy to download and get to work.
In addition to basic sewing, theses wonders can be used to complete complicated embroidery projects. With a system of sensors and a motorized work area, all anyone needs to do is move the work area and adjust the needle assembly to change the stitching style. For someone who already knows how to sew, this can expand the types of projects they can complete with their sewing machine. Embroidery Machine
Of course, there is always something to be said for doing things the old-fashioned way. It can be very relaxing to sit outside and mend clothing with a traditional needle and thread. However, for big sewing projects and intricate details, there are a variety of reasons why you should choose a computerized sewing machine. Sewing Machine

1 Jan

Maintain Your Sewing Machine With These Simple Tips

You love your sewing machine but maintaining it is not always the easiest thing to do. It just does not seem to be the easiest thing to do if you do not plan the way to maintain your machine and it could have bad effects too. The question to be answered here is the different ways you can clean it without making it be too much of an effort. Here is a simple guide to help you clean it on a regular basis and to help you keep it forever new.

Always keep your sewing machine manual around so that you can do a quick check on the tools that came with it. Screwdrivers, a mini brush, and some lubricant oil would be a must when you are cleaning this. Needless to say, always keep your machine powered off. It might sound cliche, but it is always better to be as safe as possible. The stitching machine oil can be found at hardware stores, and a can of compressed air would be helpful too. High Speed Sewing and Quilting Machine

The first thing you have to clean from the Usha sewing machine is the throat plate. Remove the screws and the plate before using the miniature brush. You could use the compressed air can too, but the brush would just give you a better feel to cleaning the machine.

Once you are done with this, you can get to oil the machine without much trouble. You can raise the presser foot to get the tensed springs loose. Once this is done, remove the throat place and bobbin case. You can clean the discs using the compressed air and remove any excess thread that is present. This is the best way to ensure that no moisture is added to your machine and remains perfect for daily usage. Move the nozzle of the can away from the machine to at least 4 inches.

Using light lubricant or oil for the machine would help the functioning much better. Wipe the entire exterior of the machine and clean it with a clean, soft cloth. Putting the presser foot and the fresh needle is a tough task. Now, before you even start to put in a new project, check the needle and stitch a few lines so that you get the groove back on. It is also a must so that any excess oil you may have added in the machine gets wiped out on the cloth - preferably not a cloth you are too fond of. Sewing Machine Supplies

The biggest issue with maintaining a sewing machine is the worry of rust. Always keep the machine in a dry place so that there is no chance of moisture playing spoilsport. It could spoil the machine and cause serious damage. Some of the best equipment like Usha stitching machines are equipped with a complete manual to give you a clear understanding of maintenance and what you have to do to keep your machine going on for long. With the right care and treatment, you would be able to keep your machine strong for years.

Many of us use our stitching equipment very often in the day and a gentle round of cleaning after each day would keep most serious damage and maintenance away. It is extremely easy to keep clean if done on a regular basis and would not incur big payments at the service store. Try to not keep the machine without running thread, and a general round of oil now and then would help in the overall functioning of the machine. It is quite simple once you plan it as a monthly activity. Cover Stitch machines