Health Care Blog

Accurate self assessment when wanting to Gain weight

2007-09-12T23:51:00.000-07:00

Accurate self assessment is a very important part of achieving your weight gain goals. For example if you were to miscalculate your Body fat percentage at 15% and it actually was closer to 10% then you will most likely not have an accurate time line to diet by. One of the most important things to achieving your weight gaining goals that you will ever learn is that gaining weight is a recipe or a scientific formula and you need to know how long to leave the cake in the oven. You can gain weight, as much as you desire, and figure out to the week that you will achieve your goal.

Once you understand that weight gain is the simplest thing in the world you instantly take control of your destiny. Want to know the secret, OK here it is. Its simple math combined with intense discipline. I’ve seen so many guys train there asses off, they spent tens of thousands of dollars on drugs and supplements not to mention food, just to look as scrawny as they were previously by the time the spring rolls around. They had a plan but no time line and with out clearly defined goals and rigged deadlines you'll never realize your potential! If you don't know where your going it's a pretty safe bet you'll never get there.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis- a Herculean Task?

2007-08-29T21:17:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma is the cancer of mesothelium, the covering of the internal organs of the body. The mesothelioma diagnosis is in fact not that easy. The reason is that there are no symptoms that are specific only to mesothelioma. The mesothelioma symptoms are similar to the ones that are noticed in many disease conditions, which make mesothelioma diagnosis difficult.

The doctor must start with the history of the patients. In case the exposure to the asbestos was recorded at the time of history taking, then there is a good chance for the presence of mesothelioma. Physical examination will be performed after history taking. This will be followed by lung function test and x- ray of the chest.

Other commonly used diagnostic procedures for Mesothelioma include CT scan , MRI scan, biopsy test, thoracoscopy, and laparoscopy. Once Mesothelioma is diagnosed, immediately treatment procedures should be started ASAP to contain the spread of the disease.

Aromatherapy Guide

2007-08-29T21:07:00.000-07:00

Let me introduce you to my favorite aromatherapy website, AromatherapyPoint.com. It has simple appearance, easy to navigate pages but the main advantage of it is that it includes all the basics for an Aromatherapy newbie who want to benefit from the healing properties of the Aromatherapy Essential Oils and improve his wellbeing. Not only it provides accurate information about the essential oils, base oils and hydrosols that are used in Aromatherapy sessions, but it contains many valuable time-tested Aromatherapy remedies and instructions for use. Visit the site and have a look at the remarkable article about the History of Aromatherapy. Do you know that Aromatherapy dates back at least at 4000 years BC, although the term was first used in 1920?

Vitamins and your Body

2007-03-21T21:32:00.000-07:00

Vitamins are the most important compounds which help in the proper metabolism in the body. Some of the types and the functions of vitamins are:

Vitamin A

Uses: Vitamin A is necessary for normal eyesight, body tissues, growth and bone formation, and resistance to infection.

Sources: Liver, fish liver oils, whole or fortified milk, eggs, carrots and dark-green leafy vegetables, like kale.

Signs of Deficiency: Poor night vision or night blindness, loss of appetite, increased susceptibility to infection, and changes in the skin and teeth.

Vitamin B-1

Uses: Vitamin B-1 (thiamin) is useful for the normal functioning of all body cells, nerves cells. It also helps to break down carbohydrates, protein, and fat for energy.

Sources: Green peas, brewer's yeast, organ meats, lean cuts of pork, dried beans and peas, oranges, wheat germ, breads and cereals whole grain, peanuts, oysters.

Signs of Deficiency: Fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, gastrointestinal problems, nausea and weakness. Signs of a severe deficiency include mental confusion, muscular weakness, paralysis, heart problems and loss of reflexes.

Vitamin B-2

Uses: Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin) is necessary for the normal release of energy from carbohydrate, protein and fat in food. It's also important for normal production and regulation of certain hormones, and formation of red blood cells.

Sources: Dairy products, meat, poultry, fish, enriched and fortified grains, cereals and bakery products, and green vegetables such as broccoli, turnip greens, asparagus and spinach.

Signs of Deficiency: Soreness of the mouth, lips and tongue, burning and itching of the eyes, loss of vision, sensitivity to light.

Vitamin B-3

Uses: Vitamin B-3 (Niacin) is essential for the release of energy from carbohydrates, synthesis of fats and formation of red blood cells.

Sources: Meat, poultry, fish, enriched cereals and grains, and nuts.

Signs of Deficiency: Weakness, loss of appetite, indigestion, skin inflammation, and lethargy. A severe deficiency results in the disease pellagra, which causes scaly skin, swollen tongue, tremors and damage to the central nervous system.

Vitamin B-6

Uses: Vitamin B-6 helps to break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It plays a key role in the processing of amino acids and maintenance of the nervous system.

Sources: Chicken, fish, kidney, liver, pork, eggs, unmilled rice, soy beans, oats, whole-wheat products, peanuts and walnuts.

Signs of Deficiency: Depression, vomiting, increased susceptibility to disease and infection, skin and nerve inflammation, anemia, nausea and lethargy.

Vitamin B-12

Uses: Vitamin B-6 helps to break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It plays a key role in the processing of amino acids and maintenance of the nervous system.

Sources: Meat, poultry, fish, milk, dairy products and eggs.

Signs of Deficiency: Anemia and neurological problems.

Vitamin C

Uses: Vitamin C is necessary for the formation of collagen protein, which gives structure to bones, cartilage, muscles and blood vessels, and contributes to the proper maintenance of capillaries, bones and teeth. Vitamin C promotes the healing of wounds, bone fractures, bruises, hemorrhages and bleeding gums.

Sources: Green and red peppers, collard greens, broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, potatoes, strawberries, oranges and other citrus fruits.

Signs of Deficiency: Bleeding gums, nose bleeds and wounds that heal slower than normal. Other signs include damage to blood vessels, swollen, tender joints and aching bones, general weakness, loss of appetite and dry, scaly skin. Severe deficiency leads to scurvy a disease which is characterized by anemia, tooth loss and bleeding under the skin.

Vitamin D

Uses: Vitamin D is essential in the formation and maintenance of bones and teeth by regulation of calcium and phosphorus. It also aids in the maintenance of a healthy nerve and muscle system.

Sources: Sunlight, fortified milk and margarine, eggs and butter.

Signs of Deficiency: A prolonged lack of this nutrient results in changes in the bones of children and adults. Severe deficiency causes rickets disease.

Vitamin E

Uses: As an antioxidant, Vitamin E stabilizes cell membranes and protects tissues that are found throughout the body.

Sources: Vegetable oils, margarine, nuts, wheat germ and green leafy vegetables.

Signs of Deficiency: Anemia in infants and nerve damage in adults.

Vitamin K

Uses: The main function of Vitamin K is to regulate blood clotting.

Sources: Sunlight, fortified milk and margarine, eggs and butter.

Signs of Deficiency: Vitamin K deficiency is very rare. But certain medications that affect vitamin K absorption may lead to abnormal blood clotting.

Biotin

Uses: Biotin is used by the body to manufacture and break down fats, amino acids, and carbohydrates.

Sources: Liver, egg yolk, soy flour, cereals and yeast.

Signs of Deficiency: Skin inflammation, depression, conjunctivitis, hair loss, elevated blood levels of cholesterol, anemia, loss of appetite, tingling and numbness in the hands and feet, nausea, lethargy, muscle pain, and enlargement of the liver.

Folic acid

Uses: Folic acid is essential for the normal growth and maintenance of all cells. It's main function is to maintain the cells' genetic code.

Sources: Folic acid is found in many foods, but fifty percent of it is destroyed during cooking, food processing and storage. Especially rich sources include liver, yeast, leafy green vegetables and legumes.

Signs of Deficiency: Anemia, poor growth, digestive disorders, malnutrition, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weakness, irritability, sore tongue, headaches, heart palpitations and behavioral disorders.

Pantothenic Acid

Uses: Pantothenic Acid is a B-complex vitamin required for the breakdown of fats, carbohydrates, and protein for energy. It also functions in the production of fats, cholesterol, bile, vitamin D, red blood cells, and some hormones and neurotransmitters.

Sources: Pantothenic Acid is found in many foods, but it is most abundant in meat, poultry, fish, whole grain cereals and legumes.

Signs of Deficiency: Fatigue, heart and digestive problems, respiratory infections, skin inflammation and lack of coordination may develop under severe conditions.

Diabetes: A Deadly Problem

2007-02-26T20:44:00.000-08:00

When we eat, our body normally turns food into glucose, and a hormone called insulin helps the glucose get into body cells. In diabetes, however, too much glucose stays in the blood. As a result, two problems occur: body cells become starved for energy, and, over time, the high glucose levels can damage the nerves, eyes, kidneys, heart and blood vessels.

There are two main kinds of diabetes:

1.) Noninsulin-dependent diabetes (type II diabetes): The most common form of diabetes, accounting for 90 to 95 percent of all cases. People with this condition either don't produce enough insulin to control glucose levels or their cells simply do not respond to the insulin.

2.) Insulin-dependent diabetes (type I diabetes): It is much less common but more severe. This condition is caused by damage to the pancreas, an organ near the stomach that contains beta cells, which produce insulin. Without insulin-producing beta cells, glucose builds up in the blood.

Researchers think diabetes is caused by a combination of genes and also by lifestyle. Some of the factors put many people at risk like: Obesity, Inactivity, A family history of diabetes, Belonging to certain ethnic groups (genetic susceptibility to Type 2 diabetes is higher among blacks, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, Asians and Pacific Islanders), Developing gestational diabetes during a pregnancy or giving birth to an infant that weighs nine pounds or more.

Treatment of diabetes

1.) Eating a healthy diet
2.) Exercise
3.) Glucose Testing
4.) Drugs: Rezulin, Rezulin--Avandia and Actos (for type- II diabetes), other pills like sulfonylureas, Prandin
5.) Insulin Speeds:

a. Fast-acting (regular) insulin. Regular insulin reaches the bloodstream in only 30 minutes. It reaches its peak action in two to three hours.

b. Intermediate-acting (NPH or lente) insulin. Lente insulin takes two to four hours to reach the bloodstream. And reaches peak action in four to 12 hours.

c. Long-acting (ultralente) insulin. Ultralente insulin reaches the bloodstream in six to 10 hours, and lasts in the blood 18 to 20 hours (it doesn't have peak action).

All About Cholesterol

2007-02-22T01:47:00.000-08:00

Cholesterol is a a lipid, a soft, fat-like substance or a component of cell membranes, is found in all body tissues, and is converted into various hormones. Cholesterol comes from two sources: it's produced by the body, mainly in the liver. And it's found in food, especially animal products such as meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products and eggs.

Like other nutrients, cholesterol has to travel to the body's cells through the blood. However, since it is not water soluble, the substance must be transported to organs by special carriers called lipoproteins. There are several kinds of lipoproteins, but low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL cholesterol is a bad one because it can form plaque (a thick, hard deposit) that restricts the flow of blood through the arteries and can result in a heart attack or stroke. On the other hand (HDL) is good cholesterol because it not only carries cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it's removed from the body, but it sweeps away the cholesterol dumped by LDL.

Preventive measures

1.) If you are a healthy adult over 20, test your blood cholesterol levels at least once every five years.
2.) Eat no more than 300 milligrams of cholesterol a day. One egg yolk has about 213 milligrams of cholesterol. Egg whites, on the other hand, have no cholesterol or fat and are a great source of protein. You can substitute two egg whites for each egg yolk in many recipes that call for eggs.
3.) Limit your total fat intake to less than 30 percent of calories, with less than 10 percent coming from saturated fats. You can accomplish this by:
4.) Choosing more fruits, vegetables and whole grains instead of fatty meats and bakery goods.
5.) Eating fish, poultry without skin and lean meats instead of fatty ones.
6.) Consuming low-fat or skim milk dairy products instead of whole milk dairy products.
7.) Exercise regularly it will also help you to decrease the level of cholesterol in your body.

Antioxidants

2007-02-19T21:26:00.000-08:00

To understand the importance of antioxidants, it is first necessary to understand oxidation. The oxidation process causes metal to rust, fruit to turn brown and oils to go rancid. Inside the body, oxidations severely damage the cells and allow diseases to get a foothold. Free Radicals which are destructive oxygen byproducts, , are produced both in our bodies and in the environment due to factors like cigarette smoke and polluted air. Antioxidants seem to deactivate free radicals, and therefore protect cells from damage and so the body from diseases.

Antioxidant vitamins (including beta carotene which is the building block for vitamin A), and vitamins C and E may also help prevent some of the adverse effects of smoking, and they may help prevent the buildup of low density lipoprotein (LDL), known as bad cholesterol, in artery walls. In addition, antioxidant vitamins, especially vitamins C and E, appear to play an important role in protecting the body against cancer. They seem to block the formation of chemical carcinogens in the stomach, protect DNA and fats in the blood from damage, and enhance the function of the immune system. So experts recommend eating a balanced diet that includes at least five to six servings of fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants each and every day. Antioxidant nutrients can be obtained by taking supplements too. So we can take the balanced diet consists of antioxidants everyday in a week:

Monday:
Lemon Blackberry Parfait, Shrimp Artichoke Salad and more yummy menu choices.

Tuesday:
Artichoke, Goat Cheese & Potato Omelets, Glazed Plums and other power packed snacks.

Wednesday:
Black Bean Burgers and Plum and Pecan Salad are just a few of the delicious items on today's menu.

Thursday:
Verry Berry Smoothies and a scrumptous Three-Apple Salad top off Thursday's list.

Friday:
Thank Goodness it's Friday, with Pecan Crusted Snapper and a Red Berry Wine Sauce.

Asthma: A Chronic Illness

2007-02-09T23:47:00.000-08:00

Asthma is a drastic disease. It can affect a person in any age. Asthma is an allergic inflammation of the lungs. It can be caused by air pollutants, pollens, molds, dust, chemicals, foods or even changes in temperature. These causative agents produce allergens, which are then absorbed into the blood stream causing the B cells or white blood cells to produce billions of molecules of the antibody IgE. These IgE molecules are in the bloodstream and then they combines with the mast cells, which are used for lining the blood vessels or basophils, which are a type of white blood cell.

Mast cells and basophils both contain histamine and serotonin, and the antibody IgE causes the mast cells and basophils to remove the histamine and serotonin into the blood stream. In addition to this, the production of a group of fatty acids called lucotrienes or Lt's are the primary cause of asthma symptoms. Lt's are formed by the combination or action of two enzymes, phospholipase A2 and lipxygenase. When you experience an asthma attack, the walls of the lungs become inflamed and the mucus membranes fill with fluid and thick, sticky mucus making it difficult to breathe.

Symptoms:

1.) Common asthma symptoms are a scratchy throat, coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and a tight feeling in the chest.
2.) An asthma attack can be mild, moderate or severe and lasting for a few minutes, hours, or even several days.
3.) Extreme difficulty in breathing, talking and walking,
4.) Your fingernails or lips are turning blue,
5.) Chest feels tight and your ribs are pulled inward as you breathe,
6.) Nostrils are flaring when you breath

From 1982 to 1994 the annual death rate from asthma rose 75% and is continuing to rise. Doctors and researchers agree that the single most important thing that parents can do to prevent their child from developing asthma in the first place is to eliminate or significantly reduce dust mite allergens in the home. Dust mite allergens are known to play a major role in asthma development. Researchers have determined that other important allergens also need to be eliminated from the home are cats, certain types of mold, dogs, cockroaches and tobacco smoke. Long term use of steroid drugs is not recommended by doctors and has serious side effects. Making these preventative environmental changes is a much more viable, healthy and preferable alternative.

How to Loose Fat

2007-02-02T07:53:00.000-08:00

Weight training is helpful to reduce your fat by increasing your muscle mass and more muscle means more calories burned (faster metabolism). It also helps to give your skin a more tone, tight appearance, lowers your blood pressure, strengthens your bones, improves your agility, increases your flexibility, strengthens your immune system and gives you more energy and a brighter outlook on life. For women, lower body fat and cellulite are very common problems. In this area there is very little circulation of blood. In other words, the lack of blood vessel activity in those areas make it very difficult for the body to move that fat into the bloodstream where it can be used as fuel by the body. The only non-surgical way to remove the cellulite is to simply go on a long-term fat loss program.

Men have a similar common fat storage area around their stomach and waist. Women do tend to lose fat at a slower rate than men. Women simply store fat more efficiently than men because it is needed during and after pregnancy. The most difficulty arises to lose fat usually at centers around the waist, belly and lower back areas for men, and the upper thigh and buttocks, area for women. These areas are comprised of mostly brown adipose tissue (fat). This type of fat is difficult to lose because of the low blood circulation in these areas hinder the fat mobilization. Many thermogenic agents like ephedrine and blood thinning supplements like aspirin help to improve fat loss - they increase blood circulation into these hard to reach areas and mobilize the stubborn fat. The only way to decrease the amount of fat in certain key areas is by lowering your total body fat levels. As you lose fat, it will come off all over your body, not just in specific areas. If you follow a complete diet and weight training program for at least 12 weeks, you will begin to see psychological and physiological changes occurring with your body. You can expect lower body fat, increased muscle mass, increased metabolism, increased sense of well-being, more energy, lower blood cholesterol level, decreased risk of heart disease, and most important, increased self-confidence.

Your fat loss program should include the following:
1.) A calorie restrictive diet, which requires you to eat no less than 10x and no more than 15x your LEAN bodyweight in calories.
2.) Regular cardiovascular activity for at least 30-45 minutes 3-4 times per week.
3.) Weight training.
4.) Your diet should include the supplements like vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Your diet should include the adequate dietary fat, including high amounts of Essential Fatty Acids like Omega-6 and Omega-3.

You Should Be Self Confident

2007-01-26T09:49:00.000-08:00

You are lacking self-confidence when you feel anxious about mingling at a party wondering if anyone will talk to you or if you will say anything engaging. You repeatedly check your appearance in the mirror. Perhaps, you failed at something you worked on and feel inadequate.

Due to lack of confidence a person can’t be able to get success that he wants. And he always thinks that he is going to be defeated. So how do you generate confidence and keep it going? It requires a leap of faith in yourself believing that if you work hard, are persistent, and connect with positive people, you will reap the rewards. Otherwise you will always stay behind in the race of life.

Here are some steps to boost your self confidence. By applying these steps you can get victory in the race of life:

Write down your goals, objectives and then specify them. You know that its human nature that he thinks effectively only when he writes.
Express yourself that who you are by letting your inner self out.
Dress the way you want and put on less make-up. Wear what is comfortable and makes you feel good.
Close your eyes and think only about success. Believe that things will work out. See yourself successfully completing. Rehearse the steps in your mind, so that you become proficient. So that you will become more proficient by doing less effort.
Don’t think about the bullies in your mind who provide the reasons why you can’t, or shouldn’t do the thing. If you will think these types of things you will ultimately fail.
Always think positive because you know that nothing is impossible to a willing mind.
Find friends who will serve as your coach to inspire you to victory. You need a nurturing environment to grow. Imagine a sports team whose coach told them they were no good and would lose. Ultimately the team would lose.
Be a responsible person that If you fail in anything, you shouldn’t blame anyone else because then you give away your power. Learn from your mistakes. Victims are helpless. Don’t let anger control you and defeat you.
You don’t have to excel at everything. Find the something you do well and build on it. Let that something be your identifying success.
Become so strong inside that you do not have to demonstrate your power. It is a part of you, readily observable in your stance with shoulders back, heart open and head erect.

Underground Crops Helps in Digestion

2006-12-23T19:31:00.000-08:00

Red beets and beet greens

Red beets and their green tops are the root crops. If you have a problem with constipation, red beets and their green tops should be a regular part of your diet. Red beets and green beets contain significant amounts of fibre that is useful to remove the waste materials from your body either through urine or feacal matter. Red beets contain large amounts of potassium and magnesium, while beet greens are an excellent source of beta-carotene, iron, and calcium. All of these nutrients are directly or indirectly essential for your digestive tract lining and the smooth muscle fibres that create the waves of contractions that produce bowel movements.

Steaming is the cooking method for red beets and beet greens. Cut the greens off right where their roots meet the red beet heads. Give the greens a good wash with cold water. Peel the skin off the red beets, slice them into 1/4 slice, and place them in a steamer for about 8-10 minutes or until they start to become slightly tender. At this point, place the beet greens right on top of the red beet slices, place the lid back on the steamer, and allow it to run for another 5-7 minutes or until the beet greens have softened up to a texture that you enjoy. The greens and red beet slices can be served with a bowl of brown rice or quinoa, along with some avocado slices. You should limit your consumption of beet greens to a couple of servings per week, as they contain an acidic substance that can weaken your enamel if eaten too often.

Yukon gold potatoes and sweet potatoes

If prepared and eaten with their skins Yukon gold potatoes and sweet potatoes are an excellent source of dietary fibre. They also provide complex carbohydrates, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and manganese.Yukon gold potatoes and sweet potatoes are also used in the treatment of peptic ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and some stages of inflammatory bowel disease. A simple soup made by blending steamed Yukon gold potatoes or sweet potatoes along with freshly pressed celery juice or vegetable broth are known to be very essential to various ulcers in GI tracts. Also many doctors recommend Yukon gold potatoes and sweet potatoes for inflammatory lesions in the digestive tract.

Soybean: Forget Blood Clotting

2006-12-04T07:04:00.000-08:00

Due to presence of Isoflavones in soy products we can get rid of blood clotting. The Isoflavones helps to reduce the amount of blood platelets and decrease the risk of blood clots formation. However Isoflavones are not useful for cardiovascular diseases, but they can successfully fight against clots which can bring severe health problems and even death. Blood clots helps in the healing of a wound and preventing it from bleeding. But, clots accumulated in the blood vessels can lead to serious health disorders such as pulmonary emboli or leading to an individual's death by stroke or heart attack. This is due to the fact that the clots blocks the arteries or veins and restrict blood flow to the brain or heart.

According to research performed in chile the study on 29 post-menopausal women who were divided randomly into two groups – some were treated with a supplement of isoflavones, while others received a placebo. The trial lasted for 3 months, during which scientists took blood samples and analyzed them. They concluded that the women which were supplemented with isoflavones having less risk of blood clots and thrombosis. Also risk of the platelet TxA2 receptor which cause thrombotic cardiovascular disease was also decreased after 3 months of isoflavones supplementation. Therefore, reducing the amount of platelets in the blood leads to a decreased number of blood clots forming in the blood vessels. This means that related health problems, such as strokes, are less likely to occur. The researchers from Chile have also concluded that phytoestrogen-rich foods are having beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system.

Excessive fish intake is harmful for expecting ladies

2006-11-25T10:14:00.000-08:00

We all know that the fish contains many nutrients and is highly recommended by the doctors due to its high omega-3 content. But some recent studies showed that excessive fish intake during pregnancy may be harmful for expecting ladies. Doctors advise the women not to eat the fish more than twice a week because fish contains mercury, which may damage the baby's brain and lead to premature birth. According to the Food Standards Agency (FDA), women should not consume too much marlin, swordfish or shark, which are very rich in mercury and other pollutants.

We know that the fish is both useful and it is harmful also. It is useful as it contains unsaturated fatty acids and protein and it is harmful as it contains contaminants such as methyl mercury. A recent study carried out by researchers concluded that women carrying a baby who ate on a regular basis oily fish had high levels of mercury in their bodies.So women carrying a child should not eat too much of oily fish at the time of pregnancy rather they can eat moderate amount of fish. They can eat only two fish meals a week and if they want to increase the levels of proteins and omega-3 essential fatty acids to take oil fish supplements. Also for vitamin A women should take supplements that contain adequate amount of vitamin A, because excess of everything is bad.

What is common cold?

2006-11-18T23:36:00.000-08:00

The symptoms of common cold are sneezing, scratchy throat, runny nose. Common colds are most prevalent among children. Children are suffered with common cold problem six to ten times a year. Adults having average about two to four colds a year. Women of age 20 to 30 years, have more colds than men, possibly because of their closer contact with children. On average, individuals older than 60 have fewer than one cold a year. The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) estimates that, in 1994 around 66 million cases of the common cold was occurred in the United States.

More than 200 different viruses are known to cause the symptoms of the common cold. Rhinoviruses causes an estimated 30 to 35 percent of all adult colds, and are most active in early fall, spring and summer. Others, such as parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial virus, Coronaviruses, adenoviruses, coxsackieviruses, echoviruses, orthomyxoviruses, paramyxoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus and enteroviruses can cause up to 10 to 15 percent of adult colds. The causes of 30 to 50 percent of adult colds, presumed to be viral, remain unidentified. The most common cold-causing viruses survive better when humidity is low (the colder months of the year). Beginning in late August or early September, the incidence of colds increases slowly for a few weeks and remains high until March or April, when it declines.

Symptoms of the common cold usually begin two to three days after infection and often include nasal discharge, obstruction of nasal breathing, swelling of the sinus membranes, sneezing, sore throat, cough, and headache. Fever can reach up to 102o F in infants and young children. Virus-infected cells in the nose send out signals that recruit specialized white blood cells to the site of the infection. In turn, these cells emit a range of immune system chemicals such as kinins. These chemicals probably lead to the symptoms of the common cold by causing swelling and inflammation of the nasal membranes, leakage of proteins and fluid from capillaries and lymph vessels, and the increased production of mucus. Hand washing is the most effective way to keep from getting rhinovirus colds. Not touching the nose or eyes is another. If possible, one should avoid close, prolonged exposure to persons who have colds. Only symptomatic treatment is available for the common cold like bed rest, plenty of fluids, gargling with warm salt water, petroleum jelly for a raw nose, and aspirin or acetaminophen to relieve headache or fever.

Cirrhosis: a chronic disease

2006-11-16T09:09:00.000-08:00

Cirrhosis refers to a chronic liver disease in which normal liver cells are damaged and replaced by scar tissue. This scar tissue interferes with the flow of blood through the liver. It also handicaps all the functions of the liver. There are a number of conditions that can lead to cirrhosis like excessive intake of alcohol, chronic vial hepatitis (B, C, and D), primary biliary cirrhosis- an autoimmune disease in women, primary sclerosing cholangitis, hemochromatosis- abnormal accumulation of iron in the liver, wilson’s disease- abnormal accumulation of copper in the liver, alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency - inherited absence of a specific enzyme in the liver, Glycogen storage diseases - inability to properly utilize sugars, autoimmune hepatitis - progressive inflammation of the liver, Prolonged exposure to environmental toxins, Some forms of heart disease (cardiac cirrhosis), Schistosomiasis (parasitic infection).

Cirrhosis always leads to the symptoms like Loss of appetite, Nausea and vomiting, Weight loss ,Enlargement of the liver, Jaundice - yellow discoloration of the whites of the eyes and skin occurs because bile pigment can no longer be removed by the liver, Itching - due to the retention of bile products in the skin, Ascites - abdominal swelling due to an accumulation of fluid caused by the obstruction of blood flow through the liver, Vomiting of blood - frequently occurs from swollen, ruptured varices (veins that burst) in the lower end of the esophagus due to the increased pressure in these vessels caused by scar tissue formation, Increased sensitivity to drugs - due to the inability of the liver to inactivate them.

Treatment

In alcoholic cirrhosis: Abstention from alcohol; an adequate, wholesome diet
In cirrhosis caused by primary biliary cirrhosis: ursodeoxycholic acid is recommended
In cirrhosis caused by viral hepatitis: Medication to improve immune responses to viral infection is an approved approach
In certain types of cirrhosis caused by autoimmune hepatitis: Corticosteroids alone or with azathioprine may be an effective treatment
In cirrhotic patients with jaundice: Supplemental fat soluble vitamins may be helpful
Wilson’s disease: Removal of excess copper by drugs that deplete the body’s copper
Hemochromatosis: Removal of excess iron by phlebotomy (removal of one pint of blood per week)
Most types of cirrhosis: Liver transplantation with replacement of the diseases organ when advances liver failure occurs

How to protect skin from sun light?

2006-11-14T08:37:00.000-08:00

Due to continued or direct exposure to sunlight skin begins to be damaged, whether sunburn occurs or not. This skin damage leads to skin cancer and some other effects can also be their like wrinkling, premature aging and leathery appearance of the skin. Researchers also suggest that excessive exposure to UV radiation may interfere with the body's immune system. Sunburn occurs due to the shorter ultraviolet wavelengths, known as ultraviolet B (UVB). The longer wavelengths, known as ultraviolet A (UVA), however, can penetrate the skin and damage connective tissue also. It is important to have some precautions from both UVA and UVB.
The following information on sunscreens, tanning products, and sun safety is intended to help consumers make informed decisions about sun protection and tanning.

Sunscreens

Sunscreens play an important role to reduce the harmful effects of the sun light. These sunscreens can help by limiting sun exposure. FDA regulates sunscreens as Over-the-Counter Drug (OTC) drugs. Sunscreens which are labeled with SPF (Sun protection Factor) numbers should only be purchased. The higher the SPF number, the more sunburn protection the product provides. The higher the SPF number, the more is the sunburn protection.

Tanning Accelerators and Tanning pills

Tanning accelerators enhance the tanning by stimulating and increasing melanin formation. FDA has concluded that these "tanning accelerators" are actually unapproved drugs. Tanning pills contain large doses of canthaxanthin. When a person ingests canthaxanthin in large quantities, the substance is deposited in various parts of the body, including the skin, where it imparts a color ranging from orange to brownish. Tanning pills have been associated with side effects, particularly a condition called "canthaxanthin retinopathy," the formation of yellow deposits in the retina of the eye.

Precautions

Cover all the exposed areas with tightly woven clothing and wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your head and face. Protect your children's skin also because the researchers suggests that if severe blistering sunburns occurs in childhood then their will be double the risk of skin cancer later in life. Sun’s rays are the strongest from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m, especially during the late spring and summer. Reflected glare from water and snow also can increase your exposure to UV radiation. Also protect your eyes from the sun because too much UV radiation can damage the cornea and lead to cataracts. Also clouding of the lens of the eyes can cause blindness. So it is advised to wear the dark glasses to get rid of U.V. radiation. Check the label when choosing sunglasses in order to make sure that they provide protection against UV radiation.

Cocaine Energy Drink

2006-11-10T08:28:00.000-08:00

Caffeine - Stimulates your brain & central Circulatory System. Caffeine will enter into the blood stream in a short time (10-15 minutes).The effects of Caffeine last for about 3-4 hours.
Guarana - Is a type of seed from South America. It naturally contains caffeine. Used as a source of extreme energy.
Taurine - an abundant amino acid found naturally in the body. It can enhance glucose and amino acid transport to the muscles and helps regulate the nervous system. No one is positive exactly of the benefits, but it has been shown to detoxify & cleanse the system.
Dextrose -Iis a simple sugar that is about 20% less sweet compared to cane sugar. It is derived entirely from corn, is low-cost, and contains no fructose or lactose. Some nutrition websites suggest Dextrose is a great additive to your regular creatine monohydrate for post-workout.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)- Is required for our bodies immune system. Helps produce white blood cells and t-cells. Also a very potent anti oxidant that helps fight off infections, colds, and sickness as well as protect the skin.

Cocaine Energy Drink Review

The Bacterium Called Neisseria Gonorrhoea

2006-11-10T08:23:00.000-08:00

Gonorrhea (also known as the clap) is one of the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) which also happens to be highly contagious as well. In the US alone, .35 million cases regarding gonorrhea is reported annually. The bacterium called Neisseria gonorrhoea (also known as gonococcus) is responsible for the disease. The symptoms for the girls are a burning sensation during urination, a yellowish green vaginal discharge or a vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods.

In case of the men, they can experience a yellowish white discharge oozing out of the tip of the penis along with the burning sensation while urinating as symptoms. Some people (both men and women) do not have any symptoms at all. Usually the symptoms are visible within 2-7 days after someone has been exposed to gonorrhea.Chetan Bhawani is a medical and dental consultant and gives regularly Helpful Health Tips and provides health Information.

Benefit of Creatine

2006-11-10T08:20:00.000-08:00

Creatine can add 5 – 10 pound of muscle to your body and increase your strength by more than 10% in a matter of few week. Creatine is a great supplement for bodybuilder. However, as you muscle becomes saturated with creatine, they will stop their own creatine production. It is suggest that you stop taking creatine for a month after every three month. After that one month period, you body will start producing creatine at the normal rate.

Taking time off from creatine won’t decrease you strength. When you start taking it again, you’ll get another boost in size and strength. The second boost might not be as big as the first one. However, those small boosts add up after times.Take 3 – 5 gram of creatine with your pre/post workout shake. Do it for three month and stop taking it for a month. You will get the boost from time to time.

Importance of water in human body

2006-11-07T09:07:00.000-08:00

All of us know that how much important the water is in our life. All the activities which a person does in everyday life routine are either one way or the other way related with water. We know that around 75% of the earth is water in the form of oceans, lakes, rivers, glaciers etc. Our body is made up mostly of water. Approximately 85% of our brain, 80% of our blood and 70% of our muscle is water. Every cell in our body needs water to live. So we can understand the importance of water. Water helps to remove the dangerous toxins that our body takes in from the air, the food and the chemicals we use on our skin and hair. Water also provides cushion for our body joints. Water carries oxygen and nutrients into all our cells. Water also helps to regulate our body temperature.

We need water to keep your metabolism working properly. We have to maintain certain level of water in our body if we don’t do so then this will result dehydration. Therefore it is easy to see why it is very important to drink six to eight glasses of water a day. If we do not have enough water then our blood pressure can fall to dangerously low levels. Blood clots may form. Our normal kidney function is impaired. You may get terrible constipation. Some other signals of having low water level are constipation, terribly dry skin, and increased incidence of urinary tract infections and reoccurring headaches. A popular way to reduce fever is to take a bath in cool water. This helps bring down our entire body temperature, thus reducing fever. This process is called hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy is the use of hot or cold water to alleviate or relieve problems. These therapies include steam inhalation, cold compresses, hot baths, showers, steam baths, and whirlpools. The use of hot water helps to stimulate the immune system. It also increases our body’s circulation. After having hard workout people just take a steam bath or relax in a whirlpool. Cold water is used to reduce inflammation. When you are having sprain in your ankle, you use an ice pack to reduce the swelling. A cold water sitz bath is used to treat constipation, irregular vaginal discharge, hemorrhoids. Some treatments using alternating hot and cold water are to relieve upper respiratory problems, congestions, foot infections, and headaches.

Secret of good health: Balanced diet

2006-11-03T09:50:00.000-08:00

Health is wealth and everyone knows it. For good health you have need a balanced diet. Balanced diet contains carbohydrates, proteins, fibers, vitamins, minerals and all other nutrients in right proportions. Food is the common denominator for all living things. A person can do anything good or bad for getting food. Food affects physical, psychological, spiritual or social aspects of an individual. A hungry man can’t be happy when his tummy is empty. You have to eat the right things, in the right portions at the right time. But the religious philosophers have numerous customs, beliefs and rituals which involve food. Like during the Eucharist, Christians commemorate the last supper of Christ while most religions have fasting periods like the Ramadan for Muslims.

Our lack of mutual understanding might well originate from the fact that we have lost touch with the happy table, which, in remote times would be equivalent to the bonfire where everyone would provide security and warmth to each other around food. The unequal distribution of food on the planet is one of the most unfortunate contradictions, which highlights the profound shortcomings of humanity. Around 850 million people suffer from chronic malnourishment and billions are affected by malnutrition around the world, even in industrialized countries. On a lower scale, people who can afford it make great waste of food. Ask from a poor person who only gets very little food after doing a lot of handwork, and sometimes he go to bed hungry. Empty tummy is equal to empty economy. If we want to increase the world’s economy people should be able to eat properly.

Women are more depressed?

2006-11-01T09:09:00.000-08:00

Most of people live their life very nicely, or for them life is pretty bumpy. But few people wake up filled with joy every single day. But, there is a difference between a situational time such as a death, divorce, or illness when it is appropriate to feel miserable. There are many theories that try to explain why people get depressed. But, according to these theories, women have a higher incidence of diagnosed depression than do men. Women also appear to be younger when depression strikes, to have more frequent and longer lasting bouts. They also respond less successfully to treatment. Men tend to react to life's issues with more addictions, alcoholism and other dysfunctional behavior.

Why do Women get more depressed? A lot of books have been written on this topic but no one knows reality. But according to artifact theory in fact men and women get equally depressed but that men find it less acceptable to express their emotions, so that it appears that women get more depressed than men. But according to other theories women's hormones fluctuate more than men’s' and that the root cause is biological. Some mental health researchers believe that a woman feel more helpless and out of control in our society and also the lower self esteem leaves them feeling helpless, hopeless and depressed. Women also tend to blame themselves for perceived failures more often do men. Whatever the reasons, women and men often go through times when they are so depressed, they simply cannot function. In the rest of this series, we will explore, sign-posts, impact on relationships and cures. Many other well-known individuals have come forth with their own stories about their depression.

Vegetables are good for mental health

2006-10-30T08:56:00.000-08:00

Vegetables are main part of everyone’s diet. Regular vegetables intake helps elderly people fight memory loss and other related problems which are naturally occurring as the age is increasing by slowing down the rate of mental and cognitive decline. A recent study carried out by researchers of one of the Chicago University showed that old people should eat about 3 servings of vegetables daily in order to prevent the decline of their cognitive function and also to prevent their mental health.

According to this research the people who consume vegetables on a regularly are 40% more likely to keep from cognitive decline as compared to people who consumed less than one serving of vegetables a day. People who ate at least 2.8 servings of vegetables a day have their rate of cognitive change slow by about 40 per cent. The study was conducted on 3718 elderly individuals and results showed that vegetables are extremely beneficial when it comes to preventing mental abilities and these can also preventing memory loss and related health disorders.

Green leafy vegetables were found to work best against mental and memory problems, while yellow vegetables occupied the second-best place. On the other hand, legumes such as peanuts or lentils proved to have weak abilities of slowing down cognitive decline. But the most unexpected result of the research was that fruits regular consumption was found to have little or no effect when it came to preventing mental problems. This arise a number of questions in our mind. It may be due to the fact that the vegetables containing high amounts of vitamin E that lowers the risk of cognitive decline. Vegetables are also typically consumed with added fats such as salad dressings, and fats increase the absorption of vitamin E.

Cancer: It’s Scaring

2006-10-29T00:17:00.000-07:00

After spending $39 billion on research at the National Cancer Institute on the "war on cancer," plus over $1 trillion on therapy at hospitals around the country, Americans have experienced a 13 percent increase in cancer incidence and a seven percent increase in deaths caused by cancer. Breast cancer kills about 45,000 women each year. Even with early detection and proper conventional treatment, a "cured" breast cancer patient will lose an average 19 years of lifespan. Since 1950, overall cancer incidence has increased 44 percent, with breast cancer and male colon cancer up 60 percent, and prostate cancer up 100 percent.

Fifty percent of all cancer patients die within five years of diagnosis. More than 2.5 million Americans are currently being treated for cancer, and 1.3 million more Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in 1999. The incidence of children's cancers climbed 28 percent from 1950 through 1987; much of which experts believe is due to the toxic effects of environmental pollutants. In 1998, experts estimated 45 percent of males and 39 percent of females living in America will develop cancer in their lifetime. Dr. Bruce Ames and his colleagues at the University of California at Berkeley have shown that each of the 60 trillion cells in the human body is bombarded by an average of 1,000 to 10,000 hits on DNA each day. It result 400-600 cells turn cancerous daily.

Importance of Health Education for Children

2006-10-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

The child has more capacity to assimilate education. He is like clay that can be molded in any shape. Habits and behavior adopted in childhood remains unchanged even in adulthood. It is health education that helps the child to attain healthy habits and attitudes. No health programmed can be implemented without the help of a school. Hence whatever steps are taken in school regarding health have direct bearing on the community. Whatever happens in a community has its effects on the school. It is expected that the school students, whatever they learn about health in the school do inform or discuss with their parents or other family members. Hence health knowledge multiplies through school and parents also get educated.

Many physical defects develop during childhood such as those involving hearing, sight, posture, nutrition etc.; can be prevented at by intelligent health behavior, developed through health education. Health cannot be achieved merely by taking one or two pills everyday not by observing a few restrictions. It can be achieved only by understanding what health is, or what it depends and then applying this knowledge in every-day life. The care of the body regarding food, cleanliness, exercise, rest and protection against disease, are essential for the preservation of sound health. Life is for living. Without health, life is deprived of not only much of its usefulness but also its joys and pleasures. This is possible only through health education which develops a healthy and scientific attitude towards health.

Objectives of Health Education
1.) Optimum development of the individual with special reference to physical and emotional development.
2.) Betterment of the human relationships, particularly from the stand point of health.
3.) Application of health facts and principles in respect of economic efficiency in the production and consumption of goods and services.
4.) Civic responsibility especially in respect to health.