Natural Health Solutions

By Susan Donaldson James

When sex researcher Rachel K. Jones published a report that suggests the much-maligned withdrawal method of birth control was nearly as effective as condoms in preventing pregnancy, she was showered with criticism.

And it wasn't evangelicals who had taken virginity pledges who pulled out the big guns. Read more

Updated on February 23, 2009

With a baby on the way, I thought that it would be prudent to apply for a life insurance policy. After doing some research, I decided to go with a term life insurance policy with a well known company in Canada. During the application process, I discovered that this particular company offers four different rates for their policies, called N1, N2, N3, and N4. Each person is assigned one of these rates based on the results of a nurse's visit, during which time questions are asked about medical history and current lifestyle, blood pressure and pulse rate are checked, and blood and urine samples are taken. I was told that the vast majority of people are put into the most expensive category, N4, while a small percentage of people in especially good health with low to no risk factors for disease are put into a less expensive category, with N1 being the least expensive. Read more

In early 2009, I injured my lower back to a point where I had no choice but to rest in bed for almost two whole days. Thankfully, I experienced a quick, full recovery. While I was lying around reading through a stack of my favorite biographies, it occurred to me that I ought to set up my office in a way where I don't have to sit for long stretches whenever I have to do some computer work.

I've worked with a number of clients over the years who have resorted to standing at their work desks, as standing puts less overall stress on the spine and paraspinal structures than sitting. Standing is especially helpful to people who have disc-related pain in the lower back region. Read more

If you have what some people call a balky back - one that seems to get tight and sore on a regular basis without any apparent cause - you might benefit from adopting the following simple habit that can significantly improve the strength of your lower back and core: Read more