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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Taosuki on December 28, 2004, at 2:02:31
In reply to Re: Light box, posted by Paintmom on December 27, 2004, at 15:46:21
I am really interested in this lightbox thing - I've heard of it and it makes sense to me. I read somewhere that if you surround yourself with ample light first thing in the morning (it had to be within 30 minutes of waking) it helps you to wake up and keep energy throughout the day.
I have experimented at home and it seems that when I do this it really works. I've noticed a difference between the days that I go into the bathroom in the morning and turn on every light source possible, just flooding the room with light while I'm doing the regular morning stuff in there compared to the days that I just brush my teeth in the weak morning light of the window and shuffle around the house without turning the lights on or opening the blinds.
I've never seen a lightbox - what do they look like, where can I find one and how much do they cost and by any chance would insurance cover it?
Posted by Paintmom on December 28, 2004, at 9:59:58
In reply to Re: Light box » Paintmom, posted by Taosuki on December 28, 2004, at 2:02:31
HI
The light box is a great thing. They are special because unlike regular lights ...they give you full spectrum light like the sun...without the harmful rays. I have heard that they have them at costco sometimes...I got mine on line and it was like 100 bucks 4 years ago...I think they are cheaper now...you can look at places like toolsforwellness.com and see if they have any. Research it a little because some are better than others. You can also buy the full spectrum bulbs for around your house...I think even at the HOme Depot. My insurance didn't cover it...but sometimes they might. You have to have a doctor say you need it. There is a Seasonal Affective Disorder association and they have information on light therapy....Columbia Presb hospital was doing studies on it as well...so it is pretty main stream now.
good luck
Paintmom
Posted by katia on December 28, 2004, at 12:12:27
In reply to Re: Light box, posted by Paintmom on December 28, 2004, at 9:59:58
I got mine from Apollolight.com It's the Apollo IV. I got it from the recommendation of my pdoc. It is supposed to be the best in quality. And quality is really what you're after. No use spending money on a cheaper one if it doesn't do half of what this one does. It's up to you to do the research though because this one was $300. You can get it on line. I've heard that the full spectrum lights on lamps don't really work that great. It's only effective with the amount of light and the distance you are from it (like 18 inches). it's a pretty exact science. So even if the light box is on and you move three feet away, the effectiveness drops dramatically.
My philosophy is just buy the best and you won't have to spend time and more money buying box after box that doesn't work or only works half as well. i'm sure there are others out there, but this is one that works for me.
Katia
Posted by Dave001 on December 29, 2004, at 19:49:28
In reply to Re: Light box, posted by katia on December 28, 2004, at 12:12:27
> ...
> You can get it on line. I've heard that the full spectrum lights on lamps don't really work that great. It's only effective with the amount of light and the distance you are from it (like 18 inches). it's a pretty exact science. So even if the light box is on and you move three feet away, the effectiveness drops dramatically.Katia is correct. According to the research, it is the intensity (usually expressed in LUX) of the light that is the important factor. It is not necessary for the light to be "full spectrum." All of the medical grade light boxes use a bright white color temperature, so far as I'm aware.
Posted by katia on December 29, 2004, at 21:14:07
In reply to Re: Light box, posted by Dave001 on December 29, 2004, at 19:49:28
However, I've heard full spectrum is the best - just what I've heard.
Boy, my light box must be a very strong one...I've had to restart it with 5 min. increments due to the nausea and I'm up to a measly 10 min. and the nausea has come back some what!
Maybe 8 min for me a day! But at least I'm not that depressed. It did pull me up some.
Katia
Posted by jujube on December 29, 2004, at 21:17:12
In reply to Re: Light box, posted by katia on December 29, 2004, at 21:14:07
Katia,
I'm glad to hear that the lightbox has been providing you with some relief. That is good news!
Tamara
> However, I've heard full spectrum is the best - just what I've heard.
>
> Boy, my light box must be a very strong one...I've had to restart it with 5 min. increments due to the nausea and I'm up to a measly 10 min. and the nausea has come back some what!
> Maybe 8 min for me a day! But at least I'm not that depressed. It did pull me up some.
> Katia
Posted by katia on December 29, 2004, at 21:28:43
In reply to Re: Light box » katia, posted by jujube on December 29, 2004, at 21:17:12
Hi, I remember you!
yes, it seemed to snap me out of it. I still feel tired some and slightly down, but much better than when the time changed.
I can't remember, do you use one?
Katia> Katia,
>
> I'm glad to hear that the lightbox has been providing you with some relief. That is good news!
>
> Tamara
>
> > However, I've heard full spectrum is the best - just what I've heard.
> >
> > Boy, my light box must be a very strong one...I've had to restart it with 5 min. increments due to the nausea and I'm up to a measly 10 min. and the nausea has come back some what!
> > Maybe 8 min for me a day! But at least I'm not that depressed. It did pull me up some.
> > Katia
>
>
Posted by jujube on December 29, 2004, at 21:43:30
In reply to Re: Light box » jujube, posted by katia on December 29, 2004, at 21:28:43
Hi!
Yes, I have been using a light box for a number of months now. I find it makes a difference, especially sinse the days have gotten much shorter. I didn't use it Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and I noticed a difference in my mood and energy levels.
Hope you can get past the nausea and start to get even more benefits from the light box.
Take care.
Tamara
> Hi, I remember you!
> yes, it seemed to snap me out of it. I still feel tired some and slightly down, but much better than when the time changed.
> I can't remember, do you use one?
> Katia
>
> > Katia,
> >
> > I'm glad to hear that the lightbox has been providing you with some relief. That is good news!
> >
> > Tamara
> >
> > > However, I've heard full spectrum is the best - just what I've heard.
> > >
> > > Boy, my light box must be a very strong one...I've had to restart it with 5 min. increments due to the nausea and I'm up to a measly 10 min. and the nausea has come back some what!
> > > Maybe 8 min for me a day! But at least I'm not that depressed. It did pull me up some.
> > > Katia
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by katia on December 29, 2004, at 21:51:25
In reply to Re: Light box » katia, posted by jujube on December 29, 2004, at 21:43:30
I see you're probably British? Boxing day....
Did you have problems with the nausea?
Katia
Posted by jujube on December 29, 2004, at 21:59:05
In reply to Re: Light box » jujube, posted by katia on December 29, 2004, at 21:51:25
Canadian actually.
I didn't have problems with nausea when I started using the light box. I did experience some eye sensitivities and a mild headache, but both of those were short-lived.
Perhaps you could try taking some ginger capsules or drinking some ginger tea to relieve the nausea so as to allow you to increase your use of the light box and provide further benefits. Ginger is an excellent anti-nauseant. I believe there have even been studies done on its effectiveness.
Tamara
> I see you're probably British? Boxing day....
>
> Did you have problems with the nausea?
> Katia
Posted by katia on December 29, 2004, at 22:04:12
In reply to Re: Light box » katia, posted by jujube on December 29, 2004, at 21:59:05
Of course....Canadian. Lucky you. I wish I'd been born there rather than here in the U.S....
I do know about ginger and went to my Chinese herbalist. He gave me loads of herbs and ginger was included to make a tea. It's not working in regards to the light box and nausea...b/c I had to stop the box when I went to Miami for five days and the nausea subsided AND I was drinking the tea. Now I'm still drinking the tea and using the box and it's coming back. Maybe I"ll try tablets in addition to.
What part of Canada? How old are you? I'm 34.
Katia> Canadian actually.
>
> I didn't have problems with nausea when I started using the light box. I did experience some eye sensitivities and a mild headache, but both of those were short-lived.
>
> Perhaps you could try taking some ginger capsules or drinking some ginger tea to relieve the nausea so as to allow you to increase your use of the light box and provide further benefits. Ginger is an excellent anti-nauseant. I believe there have even been studies done on its effectiveness.
>
> Tamara
>
> > I see you're probably British? Boxing day....
> >
> > Did you have problems with the nausea?
> > Katia
>
>
Posted by jujube on December 29, 2004, at 22:13:22
In reply to Re: Light box » jujube, posted by katia on December 29, 2004, at 22:04:12
That's too bad that the ginger tea didn't help. The capsules might be more concentrated and may be worth a try.
I am in my early 40s, and I live in the province of Ontario. I have also lived in Quebec, British Columbia and, when I was really, really young, New Brunswick for a very short period of time. I like Canada, but there are a lot of nice places to live in the U.S. as well. My family has relatives in Detroit, Michigan, Texas and California. I used to wish I had been born in the U.S. or, at a minimum, has dual citizenship. But, Canada is home, and I have no complaints.
Tamara
> Of course....Canadian. Lucky you. I wish I'd been born there rather than here in the U.S....
>
> I do know about ginger and went to my Chinese herbalist. He gave me loads of herbs and ginger was included to make a tea. It's not working in regards to the light box and nausea...b/c I had to stop the box when I went to Miami for five days and the nausea subsided AND I was drinking the tea. Now I'm still drinking the tea and using the box and it's coming back. Maybe I"ll try tablets in addition to.
> What part of Canada? How old are you? I'm 34.
> Katia
>
> > Canadian actually.
> >
> > I didn't have problems with nausea when I started using the light box. I did experience some eye sensitivities and a mild headache, but both of those were short-lived.
> >
> > Perhaps you could try taking some ginger capsules or drinking some ginger tea to relieve the nausea so as to allow you to increase your use of the light box and provide further benefits. Ginger is an excellent anti-nauseant. I believe there have even been studies done on its effectiveness.
> >
> > Tamara
> >
> > > I see you're probably British? Boxing day....
> > >
> > > Did you have problems with the nausea?
> > > Katia
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by katia on December 29, 2004, at 22:21:23
In reply to Re: Light box » katia, posted by jujube on December 29, 2004, at 22:13:22
I'll try the ginger pills.
Canada just seems more grownup and civilized. The systems especially.
Yes, Cal. is great. that's where I live.Are you on any other meds? I'm on Triletpal 450mg, Paxil 12.5mg, and Seroquel 25mg at night, fish oil, and now just started St. John's Wort and want to phase out the Paxil.
I'm Bipolar II apparently, whatever that means.
Katia
Posted by jujube on December 30, 2004, at 9:51:38
In reply to Re: Light box » jujube, posted by katia on December 29, 2004, at 22:21:23
I am currently taking Anafranil (a TCA AD), Celexa (small dose) and Xanax when needed. I am having a hard time with the Anafranil, and, if things don't improve in the next couple of weeks, will likely be switching it. I don't have Bipolar. I just have depression, anxiety (general and social) and, apparently, adjustment disorder (which I think is just a convoluted way of saying I had a bit of a meltdown).
Good luck with the St. John's Wort. I would be interested to hear how you do on it.
Tamara
> I'll try the ginger pills.
> Canada just seems more grownup and civilized. The systems especially.
> Yes, Cal. is great. that's where I live.
>
> Are you on any other meds? I'm on Triletpal 450mg, Paxil 12.5mg, and Seroquel 25mg at night, fish oil, and now just started St. John's Wort and want to phase out the Paxil.
> I'm Bipolar II apparently, whatever that means.
> Katia
Posted by iris2 on December 30, 2004, at 11:36:54
In reply to Re: Light box » Paintmom, posted by katia on December 27, 2004, at 15:32:57
I've had my light box for years and have not lused it since I first bought it. I do not remember what time of day to use it or for how long. Can you advise me?
Thanks,
irene
Posted by katia on December 30, 2004, at 12:53:05
In reply to Re: Light box » katia, posted by iris2 on December 30, 2004, at 11:36:54
> I've had my light box for years and have not lused it since I first bought it. I do not remember what time of day to use it or for how long. Can you advise me?
>
> Thanks,
>
> ireneHi,
Well, if you're using it for depression, I have read that it's best to use it within an hour of waking. And start with 30 min. and see how you go and most people need less after awhile. I've also read that if you feel a slump during the day, use it again for 5-10 min. in the afternoon to get a lift. You also need to sit approx. 12 inches from it and look occasionly right into the light. THe distance varies depending on the box, but 12 in./ 1 foot is probably ok.
You can read about the use at www.apollolight.comJust curious, why have you not used it before?
Posted by iris2 on December 30, 2004, at 13:15:50
In reply to Re: Light box, posted by katia on December 30, 2004, at 12:53:05
I don't think I thought it helped when sI used it after I bought it so I have not tried it again. I was not as depressed and on medication that was working at the time so this would be very different.
Posted by katia on December 30, 2004, at 13:17:39
In reply to Re: Light box, posted by iris2 on December 30, 2004, at 13:15:50
What kind do you have?
I have the apollo IV and it works. I snapped out of it almost right away.
Posted by iris2 on December 30, 2004, at 13:25:43
In reply to Re: Light box, posted by katia on December 30, 2004, at 13:17:39
I do not remember. It is in a box in my closet. I used to have a pamphlet with it but I have lost it. If I take it out and look at it and it says I will post it.
Thanks,
irene
Posted by barbaracat on December 30, 2004, at 14:32:03
In reply to Re: Light box, posted by katia on December 30, 2004, at 13:17:39
Hi Katia,
That's great news. Just curious, do you get the same kind of depressions in the summer? If so, could it be not getting enough sunlight in the Summer as well? In other words, do you think there's something about the time of year itself or is it lack of sunlight no matter what time of year? Makes me wonder about getting enough Vitamin D.BTW, adding 1 capsule of the Flora full-spectrum SJW did the trick, feels as good as it did before. Chemistry is amazing. - Barbara
> What kind do you have?
> I have the apollo IV and it works. I snapped out of it almost right away.
Posted by katia on December 30, 2004, at 20:15:14
In reply to Re: Light box - Vitamin D? » katia, posted by barbaracat on December 30, 2004, at 14:32:03
Yes, I"m just dysthymic; mild to mod depression in and out throughout the year, but it's ALWAYS worse in the winter time. I'm feeling somewhat "normal" now. So who knows what it is - all of the above of what I'm doing for myself and have been med/herb/oil/diet wise. Maybe I"m finally evening out after 2 1/2 years of med trials and a lifetime of hellish mood swings. We'll see....
Glad to hear you are doing better! Guess what? I went to that place we went to today for an interview and I got the job. At least it's a switch from what I am doing even if it's still in the biz....for now it'll have to do as I'm BROKE!
KatiaI'm not sure if I get Vit. D from this sunbox.
> Hi Katia,
> That's great news. Just curious, do you get the same kind of depressions in the summer? If so, could it be not getting enough sunlight in the Summer as well? In other words, do you think there's something about the time of year itself or is it lack of sunlight no matter what time of year? Makes me wonder about getting enough Vitamin D.
>
> BTW, adding 1 capsule of the Flora full-spectrum SJW did the trick, feels as good as it did before. Chemistry is amazing. - Barbara
>
>
> > What kind do you have?
> > I have the apollo IV and it works. I snapped out of it almost right away.
>
>
Posted by Larry Hoover on December 30, 2004, at 22:18:45
In reply to Re: Light box - Vitamin D?, posted by katia on December 30, 2004, at 20:15:14
> I'm not sure if I get Vit. D from this sunbox.
If the light can't give you a sunburn, then it can't give you vitamin D. All lightboxes are shielded against UV light, so that also blocks vitamin D formation in the skin.
Lar
Posted by barbaracat on December 31, 2004, at 17:39:53
In reply to Re: Light box - Vitamin D?, posted by katia on December 30, 2004, at 20:15:14
Congrats on the job! A new job always provides an interesting diversion. And money is a very good thing. Life is unnecessarily hard without it.
I was doing great until I did a bit too much celebrating last night with the swamp juice. Today, ugggghhh. It really affects my moods, energy, memory (big holes in memory), nauseous, headache, hurt relationships. After tonight's champagne toast I believe it's parting ways for me and that beautiful poison.
I will be calling Theresa now that it's the new year and company and stuff are gone and life is settling down. I believe I'll need some help sticking to this New Year's Resolution and hope she can provide some support. So, here's to a wonderful New Year and out with the old. Barbara
> Yes, I"m just dysthymic; mild to mod depression in and out throughout the year, but it's ALWAYS worse in the winter time. I'm feeling somewhat "normal" now. So who knows what it is - all of the above of what I'm doing for myself and have been med/herb/oil/diet wise. Maybe I"m finally evening out after 2 1/2 years of med trials and a lifetime of hellish mood swings. We'll see....
> Glad to hear you are doing better! Guess what? I went to that place we went to today for an interview and I got the job. At least it's a switch from what I am doing even if it's still in the biz....for now it'll have to do as I'm BROKE!
> Katia
>
> I'm not sure if I get Vit. D from this sunbox.
>
> > Hi Katia,
> > That's great news. Just curious, do you get the same kind of depressions in the summer? If so, could it be not getting enough sunlight in the Summer as well? In other words, do you think there's something about the time of year itself or is it lack of sunlight no matter what time of year? Makes me wonder about getting enough Vitamin D.
> >
> > BTW, adding 1 capsule of the Flora full-spectrum SJW did the trick, feels as good as it did before. Chemistry is amazing. - Barbara
> >
> >
> > > What kind do you have?
> > > I have the apollo IV and it works. I snapped out of it almost right away.
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by Dave001 on December 31, 2004, at 20:59:55
In reply to Re: Light box - Vitamin D? » katia, posted by Larry Hoover on December 30, 2004, at 22:18:45
> > I'm not sure if I get Vit. D from this sunbox.
>
> If the light can't give you a sunburn, then it can't give you vitamin D. All lightboxes are shielded against UV light, so that also blocks vitamin D formation in the skin.
>Why is UV light necessary for a sunburn? Is the skin unable to absorb energy from the spectrum of light with wavelengths below 400 nm?
Posted by Dave001 on December 31, 2004, at 21:24:55
In reply to Re: Light box - Vitamin D?, posted by Dave001 on December 31, 2004, at 20:59:55
> > > I'm not sure if I get Vit. D from this sunbox.
> >
> > If the light can't give you a sunburn, then it can't give you vitamin D. All lightboxes are shielded against UV light, so that also blocks vitamin D formation in the skin.
> >
>
> Why is UV light necessary for a sunburn? Is the skin unable to absorb energy from the spectrum of light with wavelengths below 400 nm?Oops. I meant to say above 400 nm.
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