Live Healthy

Tips for a Better Eyesight

2011-07-25T21:01:00.002+07:00

Our eyes are two of our most precious possessions which connect us to the world. They express our deepest feelings and emotions, giving life to the wonderful things we see every day. The eyes are constantly taking in information while they are open, working non-stop to help us view the world.

The health of your vision is ultimately governed by the health of your eye muscles. But as we age, all the wear and tear on the eyes will start to weaken the muscles. Also, in today’s age of video games, computers, and other electronics; we work our eyes a little too much.

In such cases, the most common way people improve their vision is by wearing prescriptive lenses. But better eyesight without glasses is no longer a dream today. Most people are not aware that you can improve eyesight naturally. Take a look at ways to improve eyesight naturally:

1. Have plenty of fish: Eat oily fish like salmon or tuna at least twice a week. Fish is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids which helps to reduce the risk of dry-eye syndrome. You can even have fish oil supplements.

2. Eat raw vegetables: Eat raw vegetables like carrots, broccoli and cucumber as they have Vitamin A which is essential for eye care. You can also drink plenty of fruit and vegetable juice to increase your vitamin A levels. Also, eat spinach as studies have shown that lutein (a nutrient abundant in spinach), may prevent age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

3. Blink Regularly: Blinking is a natural preserver of your better vision. Blinking is your body’s natural way of lubricating your eyes and preventing dry eyes. The more you blink the better it is for your eyes.

4. Avoid Stress: When you are stressed, you will find difficult to focus your eyes on a certain object. In other words, avoiding stress can improve your eyesight.

5. Use sunglasses and goggles: If you are working in an industrial belt or swimming, make sure to wear goggle. While swimming, goggles will protect eyes from chlorine, salt and other chemicals used in the water. Wearing safety goggles in an industrial belt will protect your eyes from the flying dust particles or other flying objects. When you go outside, always use sunglasses to protect your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun as well as from the drying effects of wind.

6. Regularly palm your eyes: Rub your hands together briskly to generate heat. Once warmed, place the palms over your eyes making sure to block all light. Breathe comfortably while palming your eyes. Do this for at least a minute, longer if you have the time available to you.

7. Have a chocolate: The dark variety of chocolate offers flavonoids which are important for the protection of blood vessels in the eyes.

8. Avoid staring: Staring is the most commonly practiced bad habit in regards to poor vision. Avoid sitting for long periods of time watching the T.V. or computer monitor. If your job requires you to work at a computer, stop once in a while (every 30 to 40 minutes) and look around the room at some distant point for 30 seconds.

9. Avoid dry air: Air from hair dryers, car vents, air conditioners and fans can make eyes dry, so avoid situations where air blows into your eyes. When you are in a car, point the air vents away from your face, and when you use a hair dryer, try to keep it away from your face.

10. Eye exercises: The goal of eye exercises is to strengthen the muscles on your eyes. These soothing exercises are a great addition to a healthy vision care routine:

• Squeeze your eye lids together tightly. Open, and blink rapidly several times. Repeat once or twice more.

• Try to move your eyes upwards and then roll the eyes. At first you follow clock rotation. After you make one rotation, reverse the direction

• To counteract the tendency to squint, look up while exhaling with eyes half open.

• Hold a pencil at arms length in front of your nose. Now slowly move the pencil towards your nose while focusing your eyes on the pencil.

11. Relaxation: Better eyesight without glasses also can be gained through eye relaxation. Consciously rest your eye muscles every now and then in order to give sufficient rest to the eye muscles.

It is not an easy task to improve eyesight naturally, at the same time it is not impossible. You can have the eyesight you desire using the above natural techniques. Remember eye care is important and not something that should be ignored even at the slightest discomfort.

Medicines for Dysmenorrhoea

2010-08-11T11:13:00.002+07:00

Belladonna- The congestive type of dysmenorrhoea; pain started before menstrual flow with sensation of heaviness as if everything would protrude from the vulva, relieved by sitting up straight; the pains comes on suddenly and ceases suddenly; the flow is offensive and clotted; the vagina is hot and dry and the pains moves in the horizontal direction in pelvis.

Mag Phos- The pain calling for it are neuralgic and crampy preceding the flow and the greater indication for the use of this remedy is the relief from warmth and aggravation from motion; Uterine engorgements with crampy pains and membranous dysmenorrhoea indicates the remedy.

Pulsatilla- Menstrual flow is dark in color, scanty and delayed; more severe the pain the patient will get more chill; the pains gripes and double the patient up; violent pain with soreness in the region of uterus and ovaries causing patient to bend double; milk in breast during menses in young girls; pain relieved by slowly walking about.

INFO ABOUT DISEASE...................

It is estimated that between 50 and 70 percent of women endure some degree of period pain and cramping. Of those, approximately 10 per cent experience contractions so extreme that they are one-and-a-half times more powerful than labor pains. For some women the pain can be so debilitating that they are forced to take time off work or can only get through their periods by dosing themselves with painkillers.

Symptoms:

Obviously pain is the overriding symptom in dysmenorrhoea, but many women will experience other symptoms, including:
1) Nausea
2) Vomiting
3) Diarrhea/constipation
4) Fainting
5) Light-headedness
6) Feeling dizzy
7) Headaches
8) Exhaustion and lethargy

Types of Dysmenorrhoea:

A] Based on the type of pain:-

1) Congestive dysmenorrhoea- With a constant, low, dull backache.
2) Spasmodic dysmenorrhoea- Cramping pains like contractions.

B] based on the cause of dysmenorrhoea:-

1. Primary dysmenorrhoea. Primary dysmenorrhoea means that there is no specific problem or abnormality causing the pain.
2. Secondary dysmenorrhoea. Secondary dysmenorrhoea means that the pain is caused by a specific condition, such as endometriosis, fibroids or an infection, etc.

Cause:

Throughout the month your womb contracts and relaxes on a regular basis. You will probably be entirely unaware that these contractions are taking place. However, around the time of your period, they become stronger. In order to squeeze out the blood from the lining built up during your menstrual cycle, your womb has to contract. This should, theoretically, be a painless or only mildly painful occurrence, but for some women, the contractions are stronger than they need to be, causing enormous pain. Cramping can also occur and this tends to be connected with heavy periods. The greater the build-up of womb lining, the more violent the contractions needed to get rid of the engorged blood.
Another cause of painful periods can be the excess production and release of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Many of the prostaglandins are actually ‘healthy’, and have a beneficial effect on the body. However, two types of ‘bad’ prostaglandins, known as PGF2 Alpha and PGE2, can be increased in some women. PGF2 Alpha is a vasoconstrictor, which means that it works to reduce the blood flow to the womb muscle, and PGE2 is a highly inflammatory substance that can trigger muscle contractions and increase the sensitivity of your nerve endings to pain.

Dietary Recommendations:

It is very important that you avoid all of those foods that are high in arachidonic acid (AA). Your body produces PGE2 from AA, of which the main sources are dairy products. This means eliminating or at least reducing dairy in any form, including milk, cheese, cottage cheese yoghurt, butter and even dairy ice-cream. AA is also present in red meat and although the saturated fat content of red meat is higher than in white meats, AA is higher in chicken and turkey than in red meat.

Supplements:

Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is needed to help produce ‘good’ prostaglandins, so it is worth taking a good B-complex supplement. This vitamin has been shown significantly to reduce the intensity and duration of period pains.

Vitamin B1
This vitamin is very effective in helping with period pain.

Vitamin B12
Because both vitamins B1 and B6 are helpful with treating period pains, the best approach is to take a vitamin B complex. This will also give you vitamin B12, and it has been found that a combination of fish oil and B12 is actually more effective than just fish oil on its own for relieving dysmenorrhoea.

Vitamin E
Up to 70 per cent of women have found the supplementation of vitamin E to be useful in treating painful periods. The reasons for this effect are unclear, but it may be that vitamin E’s antioxidant properties help with the pain, or control the levels of prostaglandins.
Vitamin C and bioflavonoids
Bioflavonoids are helpful with period pain because they help to relax smooth muscle and reduce inflammation. Bilberry is one of the best bioflavonoids for this, but other bioflavanoids can be helpful. Include berries of any kind (including blackberries, blackcurrants, raspberries and even grapes in your diet).

Magnesium
Magnesium acts as a muscle relaxant and it has been shown to have a beneficial effect on painful periods and lower back pain, so it is worth taking as a supplement. Magnesium also has the ability to lower the ‘bad’ prostaglandins that may be causing the womb to over contract.

Zinc
This mineral is important for eliminating period pains because it is needed for the proper conversion of LA to GLA.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs)
Taking EFAs in supplement form is extremely important in the treatment of painful periods.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

2010-08-11T11:02:00.003+07:00

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability of a man to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for his sexual needs or the needs of his partner. Most men experience this at some point in their lives, usually by age 40, and are not psychologically affected by it.
Some men, however, experience chronic, complete erectile dysfunction (impotence), and others, partial or brief erections. Frequent erectile dysfunction can cause emotional and relationship problems, and often leads to diminished self-esteem.

Physiology of Erection

The physiological process of erection begins in the brain and involves the nervous and vascular systems. Neurotransmitters in the brain (e.g., epinephrine, acetylcholine, nitric oxide) are some of the chemicals that initiate it. Physical or psychological stimulation (arousal) causes nerves to send messages to the vascular system, which results in significant blood flow to the penis. Two arteries in the penis supply blood to erectile tissue and the corpora cavernosa, which become engorged and expand as a result of increased blood flow and pressure.
Because blood must stay in the penis to maintain rigidity, erectile tissue is enclosed by fibrous elastic sheathes (tunicae) that cinch to prevent blood from leaving the penis during erection. When stimulation ends, or following ejaculation, pressure in the penis decreases, blood is released, and the penis resumes its normal shape.

Causes

There are many underlying physical and psychological causes of erectile dysfunction. Reduced blood flows to the penis and nerve damage are the most common physical causes. Underlying conditions associated with erectile dysfunction include the following:

• Vascular disease- Arteriosclerosis causes a reduction in blood flow throughout the body and can lead to impotence. Smoking is perhaps the most significant risk factor for impotence related to arteriosclerosis.

• Diabetes- About 60% of men with diabetes experience impotence.

• Drugs- Over 200 commonly prescribed drugs are known to cause or contribute to impotence, including drugs for high blood pressure, heart medications, antidepressants, tranquilizers, and sedatives. A number of over-the-counter medications also can lead to impotence. Long-term use of alcohol and illicit drugs may affect the vascular and nervous systems and are associated with erectile dysfunction.

• Hormone disorders- Hormone disorders account for fewer than 5% of cases of impotence.

• Neurologic conditions- Spinal cord and brain injuries can cause impotence when they interrupt the transfer of nerve impulses from the brain to the penis.

• Pelvic trauma, surgery, radiation therapy- Trauma to the pelvic region or spinal cord can damage veins and nerves needed for erection. Surgery of the colon, prostate, bladder, or rectum may damage the nerves and blood vessels involved in erection. Prostate and bladder cancer surgery often require removing tissue and nerves surrounding a tumor, which increases the risk for impotence.

• Peyronie's disease- Peyronie's disease is a rare inflammatory condition that causes scarring of erectile tissue. Scarring produces curvature of the penis that can interfere with sexual function and cause painful erections.

• Venous leak- If the veins in the penis cannot prevent blood from leaving the penis during erection, erection cannot be maintained. Venous leak can be a result of injury, disease, or damage to the veins in the penis.

• Psychological conditions- Depression, guilt, worry, stress, and anxiety all contribute to loss of libido and erectile dysfunction.

Management:

Supplements

Supplements given below may provide nutritional support in erectile dysfunction. A physician should be consulted before using any product.

• Bioflavonoids – Take 1000 mg daily.
• Flaxseed meal – Grind 2-4 tablespoons daily. Flaxseed meal is a better choice due to its fiber and vitamin content.
• Inositol hexaniacinate – Take 1000-3000 mg daily to improve circulation and lower cholesterol. Diabetics should not take this supplement.
• Selenium – Take 200 mcg daily.
• Vitamin C – Take 1000 mg 3 times daily with meals.
• Vitamin E – Take 400 IUs daily.
• Zinc – Take 30 mg daily.

Herbal Medicine

These herbs may be used to treat erectile dysfunction:

• Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) – Traditionally used for male impotence.
• Damiana (Turnera diffusa) – Traditionally used as an aphrodisiac and for various sexual disorders.
• Ginkgo biloba – Increases arterial blood flow, which may have a positive effect on male sexual function.
• Muira puama (Ptychopetalum olacoides) – Used for erectile dysfunction and lack of libido.

Exercise daily -

• it increases the level of male hormones
• it increases the level of certain neurohormones, which result in mood elevation
• it increases the peripheral blood circulation

Role of diet in Erectile Dysfunction:

Erectile dysfunction occurs when blood flow into the penis is blocked or severely limited. This results in a constant failure to achieve an erection.
The cause of this circulatory slowdown, or lack of blood flow, is atherosclerosis, a hardening of the arteries. This occurs when cholesterol, originating from the foods we eat, "sticks" to the interior walls of the blood vessels, and creates a hard layer of plaque, thus obstructing healthy circulation.
According to Dr. Neal D. Barnard, M.D., a lifestyle rich in meat and dairy foods , will very likely result in high cholesterol levels, thus causing a blockage, and ultimately ED.

Vegetarians, on the other hand, have an average cholesterol level 23 percent lower than nonvegetarians. Vegans, who in addition to being vegetarians, eat neither dairy nor eggs, have an average cholesterol level of 133, which is 37 percent lower than the general population.

Research conducted by Dean Ornish, M.D., at the University of California, San Francisco, proved that a low-fat vegetarian diet is the best way to begin the cleanup of your arteries.

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has put together an ideal diet comprised of four food groups. These include, fruit, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. This no-cholesterol, low-fat plan supplies all of an average adult's daily nutritional needs, including substantial amounts of fiber.

Treatment

Both partners and men with ED need to try to remember that ED is most often a treatable physical condition. The first step to treatment, however, is trust and a willingness on the part of both partners to discuss the situation with each other, and with a physician.

Sex Therapy

A significant number of men develop impotence from psychological causes that can be overcome. When a physiological cause is treated, subsequent self-esteem problems may continue to impair normal function and performance.

Qualified therapists (e.g., sex counselors, psychotherapists) work with couples to reduce tension, improve sexual communication, and create realistic expectations for sex, all of which can improve erectile function.

Psychological therapy may be effective in conjunction with medical or surgical treatment. Sex therapists emphasize the need for men and their partners to be motivated and willing to adapt to psychological and behavioral modifications, including those that result from medical or surgical treatment.

Medical Treatment

Oral Medication

Oral medications used to treat erectile dysfunction include selective enzyme inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil [Viagra®], vardenafil HCl [Levitra®], tadalafil [Cialis®]) and yohimbine (Yohimbine®, Yocon®).

Selective enzyme inhibitors are available by prescription and may be taken up to once a day to treat ED. They improve partial erections.

Patients taking nitrate drugs (used to treat chest pain) and those taking alpha-blockers (used to treat high blood pressure and benign prostate hyperplasia) should not take selective enzyme inhibitors.

Drug Therapy: Self Injection

Self-injection therapy is one of several available options for treating impotence. It requires that a man or his partner use a tiny needle to inject a small amount of medicine directly into the side of the penis. The injections are relatively painless and create an erection that begins about 5 to 15 minutes after the injection, and lasts from 30 to 120 minutes.

Not all patients respond to this type of treatment. Still, about 70 % of men find that they achieve satisfactory erections with injections.

The drugs typically used for injection therapy include Prostaglandin, Papaverine hydrochloride and Phentolamine

One of the more common risks of injection therapy is prolonged erection or priapism: an erection of more than 4 hours. Priapism only happens in a small percentage of patients but may require a visit to the doctor or emergency room to receive medication to counteract the self-injection medication and relieve the erection. Men need to be aware that any erection that lasts longer than 4 hours needs to be treated by a physician.

Another complication is the possible development of permanent scarring within the penis. Scarring is generally seen in patients who use the drugs too often.

Drug Therapy: Urethral Suppositories (MUSE)

Uretheral Suppositoriers (MUSE) is another drug treatment for impotence. It is based on the finding that the urethra can absorb certain medications into the surrounding tissues, creating an erection. Muse urethral suppositories use prostaglandin E1 (alprostadil), the same medication used in self-injection therapy.

An erection usually begins within 5 to 10 minutes after administering aprefilled muse dosage. The erection lasts approximately 30 to 60 minutes, though this can vary from person to person.

The most common side effects associated with muse are an aching in the penis, testicles, and legs and in the area between the scrotum and the rectum, a warmth or burning sensation in the urethra, redness of the penis due to increased blood flow, and minor urethral bleeding or spotting due to improper administration.

Medical Device Therapy (vacuum devices)

Vacuum devices are simple mechanical tools that allow a man to develop an erection suitable for sexual intercourse.

Vacuum devices work best in men who are able to achieve partial erections on their own. Vacuum devices work by bringing more blood into the penis and then trapping it.

Surgical Treatments

Penile Implants

Penile implants involve surgical insertion of malleable or inflatable rods or tubes into the penis. A semi-rigid prosthesis is a silicon-covered flexible metal rod.
Once inserted, it provides the rigidity necessary for intercourse and can be curved slightly for concealment. It requires the simplest surgical procedure of all the prostheses.

Vascular Reconstructive Surgery

A small percentage of men undergo vascular reconstructive surgery to improve blood flow to the penis. Revascularization involves bypassing blocked veins or arteries by transferring a vein from the leg and attaching it so that it creates a path to the penis that bypasses the area of blockage. Young men with only local arterial blockage are the best candidates for this procedure. It may restore function in 50% to 75% of men.

Venous ligation

Venous ligation is performed to prevent venous leak. Problematic veins are bound (ligated) or removed, which allows an adequate amount of blood to remain in the penis. It may improve function in 40% to 50% of men, but some men may experience problems over the long term.

HOMEOPATHIC Medicines

Agnus Castus: This remedy is suitable to old men who have spent most of their lives in excessive venery. These so called “old sinners” are just as excitable in their sexual passions at 60 as at 18, and yet they are physically impotent. It is also useful in paralytic impotence, where there is loss of both sexual desire and erection, and there is coldness of the sexual organs.

Calcarea Carbonica: When night sweats follow every emission, and when coitus is followed by weakness in mind and body, calcarea is the remedy. It is especially useful in shattering constitutions where the patient sweats from any exertion. The sexual desire is excessive and the nocturnal emissions occur about three in the morning or later. The erections are weak and excitable; there is sensitiveness of the urethra and irritable impotence. There is tendency to cold clammy sweat on the hands after emissions, there is pain in the back and head and trembling of the legs. Great weakness follows all indulgence. Calcarea suits these conditions in young people who grow too rapidly.

Lycopodium- Lycopodium is the remedy for cases which have gone on to complete impotency; the erections are absent or imperfect and the genital organs are cold and shriveled. Exhausting pollutions without erections. Lilienthal termed Lycopodium “the old man’s balm”. It corresponds especially to the impotence of old age where there is great despondency.

In Homeopathy there are good medicines to treat this condition. But for proper treatment a homeopath must look for the psychological reasons behind the condition. A detailed case history is necessary, including the sexual history and mental characteristics etc. Along with the medicine such patients often need psychological counseling if the disease is of psychological origin.

Some other medicines commonly indicated in such conditions are argentum-nit, china, caladium, causticum, conium, gelsimium, graphites, dioscorea, digitalis, eryngium aquaticum, sabal-serr., selenium, sulphur, sarsaparilla, sepia, strychninum, yohibinum, kali-brom, arnica, baryta-carb, nuphar lutea, nux-vomica, phosphorus, picric acid, phosphoric acid, staphysagria, zincum, etc.

Medicines for Acne

2010-08-11T10:58:00.002+07:00

Sulphur- Sulphur is mostly indicated in chronic cases of acne. The skin is rough, hard and unhealthy; acne is associated with comedones; Sulphur patients are usually constipated; skin affections are aggravated from water in sulphur patients.

Kali bromatum- Acne on the face, neck and shoulders; acne in epileptics who have been maltreated by bromides; this medicine is especially indicated for acne simplex and for acne indurata, especially in sensitive and nervous persons. It is also useful in acne cases due to sexual excesses.

Calcarea Sulph- Being the chief blood purifier it is a very useful medicine for acne. It is indicated in all types of acne in the suppurative stage; or in all stages in acne having the tendency to suppurate.

3 medicines for Alcoholism

2010-08-11T10:55:00.001+07:00

Nux Vomica- Nux is the great anti-alcoholic remedy. It corresponds to the tremor, headache, bad taste, and also to the delirium tremens, where every little noise frightens and the person becomes restless. The tremor is marked with irritability, frightful vision and gastric disturbance. It is very effective remedy while the patient is still under the influence of liquor or for any stage of alcoholism.

Sulphuric Acid- This medicine is used in chronic alcoholics whose stomach will not tolerate the slightest amount of food. They cannot drink water unless it will be whisked. They are quick and hasty in everything and have a great and constant craving for brandy. It is also given for sour breath and vomiting of alcoholic dyspepsia.

Spiritus glandium quercus- It is recommended by many Homeopaths as a powerful antidote to the effects of alcohol and in their opinion it will frequently cause a disgust for alcoholic beverages.

3 Medicines for Asthma

2010-08-11T10:52:00.001+07:00

Ipecac- This is very effective remedy for asthma, especially to the spasmodic variety where the symptoms are great weight and anxiety about the chest; sudden wheezing, dysponoea, threatening suffocation aggravated by motion; the cough causes gagging and vomiting. The cough is constant, the chest seems full of phlegm, yet none is expectorated, and the extremities are covered with cold perspiration.

Arsenic Alb- The symptoms of asthma aggravates just after midnight in arsenic patients; the patient is anxious and restless, he cannot lie down for the fear of suffocation. There is anxiety and general sweat, and burning pain and soreness of chest. It is especially the remedy if the disease is chronic and the dyspnoea is dry & habitual. There is thirst for small quantity of water in short intervals. The asthma of arsenic is accompanied by great debility and burning in the chest, and is especially useful in anemic persons.

Natrum Sulph- Its general symptoms are worse on change to damp weather; moist asthma with a great deal of rattling in the chest; looseness of bowels after each attack; the attacks generally comes on 4 or 5 O’clock in the morning with cough with copious greenish expectoration; good medicine for asthma of hay fever; another symptom of natrum sulph which is characteristic is that the patient must sit up and hold the chest with the hands during the attack.

What is Teething

2010-08-11T10:49:00.002+07:00

Teething is when a baby's teeth begin to push through the gums. These teeth begin to appear as early as three months of age in humans, or as late as a year. It can take a few years for the entire first set of teeth to appear, though it is often complete within one or two years. Occasionally an infant will be born with one or more teeth already protruding from the gums, but this is no cause for alarm.

Though the order in which teeth appear during teething differs from person to person, it tends to follow a general pattern. The first teeth to appear are nearly always the central incisors, those two teeth in the center of the mouth on the bottom. The top central and lateral incisors appear next, which are the four central top teeth. Next come the bottom lateral incisors, the two teeth on either side of the bottom central incisors. Then the basic molars, in the back of the jaw. And lastly, the eye teeth, the pointed teeth on the top. Most infants have twenty baby, or milk, teeth in all.

Female infants tend to begin teething at a slightly earlier age than males, but the difference is negligible, usually no more than a few months between siblings who share two parents. During teething, infants may experience a considerable amount of discomfort and pain, which leads to a high level of irritability. Other infants may have virtually no discomfort and make it through the entire teething process without exhibiting any signs of pain whatsoever. Slightly increased temperatures are common when teeth are breaking through the gums, but should not create feverish states, and any surprising shifts in temperature should be looked at by a physician.
While babies are teething they tend to drool a lot, and it is important to wipe the drool clean regularly to make sure no rashes develop. While teething, most infants also like to chew on things to help alleviate the discomfort caused by swollen gums. It is best to have teething toys or aids available to ensure that your favorite socks don't become impromptu teething cloths! Dampening a washcloth and putting it in a freezer for fifteen minutes to half an hour makes a wonderful teething aid, and a number of commercial teething rings which may be partially frozen are also available.

Even before the first teeth appear, brushing should begin. The gums should be brushed softly with water. Once teeth begin appearing, brushing with only water should continue. Even though these teeth will fall out before long, allowing them to decay can cause gaps which will lead to future problems, as permanent teeth squeeze in to try to fill the gaps and leave the mouth an orthodontic nightmare. Once the child is old enough to spit out toothpaste, brushing may begin to incorporate toothpaste as well as water.

While the term teething refers to the process of the teeth breaking through the gums, in the common vernacular it may also be used to describe the tendency on infants and the young of other species to chew on whatever is handy while they are going through the teething process.

3 medicines for Diabetes

2010-08-11T10:44:00.002+07:00

Uranium Nitrate- This remedy is effective in diabetes originating in dyspepsia; It has polyuria, polydypsia, dryness of the mouth and skin; presence of sugar in urine; It lessens the sugar and quantity of urine; Uranium is indicated when the disease is due to assimilative derangements and the symptoms are defective digestion, languor, debility and much sugar in the urine, enormous appetite and thirst; instead of eating well the patient continues to emaciate.

Phosphoric Acid- It corresponds to diabetes of nervous origin; the urine is increased, milky in color and containing much sugar; It suits cases due to grief and anxiety, those who are indifferent and apathetic, poor in mental and physical force; It cures diabetes mellitus in early stages with great debility and bruised feeling in the muscles; there will be loss of appetite, sometimes unquenchable thirst and perhaps the patient will be troubled with boils; When patients passes large quantity of pale colorless urine or where there is much phosphate deposit in the urine it is the remedy.

Lactic Acid- Very effective remedy in the gastro hepatic variety of diabetes. The symptoms are: profuse urination, urine is light yellow in color and saccharine, increased thirst, nausea, debility, voracious appetite, dryness of skin, dry tongue and gastralgia.

How-To Drop Weight and Become Healthier Using These 7 Simple Everyday Life Tips

2010-08-11T10:41:00.001+07:00

by Monty Lee

These days more and more people are getting intellectual instead of physical jobs. Sitting in the office chairs all-day long has become a norm for many of us. Stress, busyness and rush make us forget about regular food and stuff our stomachs with cheeseburgers and sodas, which don't do anything good for our bodies.

As a result of such crazy life rhythm, we rarely find time for exercises, gyms or balanced nutrition. As a matter of fact, it's one of the reasons why there are now more that 60% of U.S citizens that have overweight. However, it is possible to change your lifestyle and lose your weight if you are willing to.

These 7 day-to-day life tips provided below will help you to drop your extra pounds, become more energetic and healthier.

1. Drink More Water
Our bodies need a lot of water. Water removes waste from our organisms and carries various nutrients into all our organs and cells. Your body also loses water by using it for various ways. For this reason you have to replace it and drink water more often than you are used to.
Start your day with a glass of water in the morning. Drink a glass of water before any meal. Take a bottle of water with you when you go to work. Your body needs approximately 3-5 liters of water during one day. So don't hesitate to drink plenty of water wherever and whenever you can.

2. Eat Fruits and Drink Fruit Juices
Eating fruits and juices helps you eliminate toxins from your body. Eating a variety of fruits also helps you get enough fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. That's why you should eat fresh fruits and drink natural fruit juices as often as possible.
Fruit juices from stores are often sweetened. If you want to drink juices, make fresh juices yourself. If you think it takes too much of the time, then look for juices with labels that say "100% fruit juice". These are much healthier for your body as long as they contain much more vitamins.

3. Eat Lots of Vegetables and Vegetable Salads
When it comes to losing extra pounds, vegetables are a great choice. They are natural and contain different vitamins, minerals and tons of other useful chemicals known to provide benefits for your body. Vegetables are low in fat and calories; they help control blood glucose levels, reduce blood cholesterol and reduce the risk of colon and other cancers. All these features also help control your weight effectively.
If you feel that eating vegetables alone isn't great choice for you, then make some salads. Mixing vegetables together gives you even more different vitamins and health benefits. There are tons of tasty, healthy salad recipes on the internet. You can also use you imagination to make some great salads.

4. Eat Only When You Are Hungry
How many times you've been to a party where you saw lots of different and tasty looking meals, which you were offered to try.
Don't eat, because you are offered to. Eat only when you want to.
Many people also like snacking. In between meals or when have nothing to do. Quit snacking. Most snacks contain a lot of fat and calories. Replace your usual snacks with vegetables or fruits. These are healthy to your body and you'll never get fatter, only thinner.

5. Carry Healthy Food with You
Many of us work busy office jobs and don't have time to eat regularly. In this case, bring your own made food with you. Instead of bringing sandwiches with meat, take vegetable salads, carrots, chicken salads. Any low fat food will do. This way, you won't have to wait for a break to fill your stomach. You'll be able to have fixed times when eating food.
It's also important to try to eat about 5 times a day, rather than 3 or 2. Eat in smaller quantities, but more often. This helps you to increase your metabolism.

6. Work out When You Can
Working out in a gym is not only a great way to grow some muscles, but also to drop a few pounds. Exercising helps you burn your calories instead of storing them in your body as fat. Our bodies were made to be active, so exercising slowly and easily can actually help you get more energy and make you feel much better.
At the end of the week, try to lose all the stress and burn your calories in a gym or having some kind of physical activity at home. If you have time, then try to do easy exercises everyday.

7. Don't Lie Down or Sit When You Can Move
Many of us like to watch TV lying on a couch or sitting in a comfortable chair. Of course, when you come home after hard working day, you're tired, and all you can think of, is a couch and a remote in your hand. But such laziness won't help you lose weight. Contrarily, it will make you grow some more pounds.
So don't lie or sit, when you can walk and move. Instead of staring at TV, like a goofy, go ahead and work out in your garden for example, clean your garage, fix your car, go to walk in park or beach. Breathe fresh air and move more often. Not only does it help to reduce stress after work, but also ups your mood and makes you more energetic.

In Conclusion
Remember that all these tips will help you to lose weight, but only if you are determined and are ready to devote some of your time. Don't expect to slim down 4 sizes after eating 5 carrots and drinking orange juice.
Your body, just like many things in this world, needs time. So be patient. And if you will honestly use at least some of these tips, you are going to change your lifestyle, which in the end will lead you to a thinner and healthier body.

Ten Golden Rules of Dieting

2010-08-11T10:36:00.001+07:00

By Scott Haywood

Modifying our diet is one of the keys to losing weight.
But the statistics on diet successes aren't good and only a very small percentage of dieters achieve permanent weight loss.
To help you become one of those that do achieve permanent weight loss from dieting, here are Ten Golden Rules to Dieting that you can trust to help you lose those unwanted inches and pounds.

Rule 1: Never Skip Breakfast
The old saying that 'breakfast is the most important meal of the day' is certainly on the money when it comes to dieting.
Nothing gets our metabolism going faster than breakfast after a good night's sleep.
Sleeping causes our metabolism to slow right down and breakfast kick-starts it again for us.
But always remember that just as important as having breakfast itself, it's also important to choose healthy breakfast options like wholegrain cereals and breads, low-fat dairy products like milk and yogurt, and fruit or fruit juice.

Rule 2: Drink Plenty of Water and Get Plenty of Sleep
Drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep are critically important when we are dieting.
As well as helping to keep us healthy, drinking sufficient amounts of water can help us when dieting because it helps keep us feeling full and stops us from feeling hungry, and when we drink plenty of water we usually drink less soda, coffee and alcohol, all of which can add significant amounts of calories to our daily intake.
New links to the importance of sleep to weight loss are being uncovered all the time.
One case in point was a series of studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association which showed that sleep loss can make weight loss far more difficult than it needs to be.
So to make sure your weight loss doesn't encounter any hidden barriers to success, drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep.

Rule 3: Count your Calories
Do you know how many calories you need to maintain your current weight and do you know how many calories you therefore need to consume in order to lose weight?
Once you know these things, you also need to keep track of how many calories you consume each day so that you can compare them to your target and make any necessary adjustments.
Writing down your calorie consumption after each meal will help you realize how much of an effect the little piece of candy here and the occasional cookie there has on your weight.
Writing down your calorie consumption needn't be hard, most of us eat the same things week in week out so chances are you'll only need to get to know the energy values of a relatively small number of foods and drinks in order to keep track.

Rule 4: Don't try to lose weight quickly
Gaining significant weight usually takes years and so should losing a significant amount of weight.
Our bodies don't like sudden and significant change; in fact it is built to resist it.
This resistance has a scientific name called homeostasis.
When our body heats up to a temperature above its preferred level what happens?
We sweat, which is an automatic response designed to cool us down to the preferred level again. That's homeostasis at work.
When we lose weight too quickly, what happens?
Our body automatically slows down its metabolism, that is, the rate at which we burn energy to survive and function. That's homeostasis at work again.
In addition to keeping our body from fighting against us on the weight loss front, losing weight too quickly doesn't work because early rapid weight loss usually results from losing body fluid and muscle tissue which is not healthy nor helpful in our battle to lose weight.
Rapid and significant weight loss from dieting alone is usually indicative of a very calorie restrictive diet which is also counterproductive because for most of us it is unsustainable.

Rule 5: It's not just what you eat that counts
Weight gain isn't a sign that we have been eating the wrong food; it is a sign that we have been eating too much food.
The great news about this is that we don't need to all start eating lettuce to lose weight; we just may need to cut down a little on the foods we enjoy each day.

Rule 6: Keeping your metabolism up
Muscle and activity keep our metabolism up which is why weight training to build or maintain our muscle mass and aerobic activity like walking, jogging, cycling and swimming are so important to those of us wanting to lose weight
Dieting alone is not the best route to weight loss and to staying in an ideal weight range.
To lose weight safely and keep it off for as long as possible, always combine dieting and exercise.

Rule 7: You won't continue to eat foods you don't like
Most diets fail because they require us to eat plenty of foods we don't actually like.
If we don't like what we're eating we're not going to stick with our diet for more than a week or two.
The key to successful dieting is to reduce the amount we eat and introduce healthier and lower calorie options of the foods we like gradually into our diet over time.

Rule 8: Watch what you drink as well as eat
Almost everything we drink, except water, has calories in it.
Drinks highest in calories are typically sodas, colas and alcoholic drinks.
If we typically drink a lot of any of these high calorie drinks, it may be them and not what we're eating that is causing us to get fat.
This being the case, for many of us simply reducing these drinks or eliminating them altogether from our diet may be all that is necessary for us to lose a significant amount of fat and weight.

Rule 9: Avoid extremes of any kind
Balance is not only the key to a happy, healthy life; it is also the key to a healthy diet and dieting.
Be very weary of any diets that completely cut out some foods or food groups or severely limit some foods or food groups, for example very low or no-carb diets.
Diets that are extreme in one way or another are likely to be very unhealthy at best and very dangerous to our health at worst.
If you're ever considering such a diet, which will probably promise very rapid and significant results, remember what we said about rapid weight loss and how our body is designed to maintain the status quo.

Rule 10: Seek help
If you have a lot of weight to lose, you've got a better chance of success if you get help.
If your weight is affecting your health to such an extent that it is or is becoming life-threatening or is leading to you suffering from weight related diseases like type-2 diabetes, seek medical help from a doctor or professional help from a dietician or another suitably qualified health care professional to lose weight immediately.
Even if your weight isn't directly affecting your health now, it is a great idea to get help in your battle against the bulge from professionals like dieticians, personal trainers, gyms, psychologists (overeating is often caused by emotional factors) or weight loss program providers and other weight loss specialists.
In addition to getting professional help, non-professional help, support and encouragement is also vital in improving your chances of dieting success.
For this type of help turn to friends, family and the support of other people with similar weight related goals, such as those that can be found on weight loss forums.
Good luck with your weight loss and remember that if you keep in mind the ten golden rules of dieting you are sure to be a dieting success story in the making.

LASIK Surgery Benefits

2009-11-19T11:39:00.002+07:00

Laser Vision Correction, also known as LASIK, wavefront LASIK, EPI LASIK, or PRK, can provide freedom for the majority of individuals who wear glasses or contact lenses. Anyone who has worn glasses and then been able to see clearly without them will be quick to tell you about their sense of liberation and how they had wished that they had LASIK earlier.

In America, over 8.1 million LASIK procedures have been performed to correct near-sightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. LASIK is one of the most successful medical procedures and it performed more than any other procedure.

The best candidates for LASIK, including Wavefront LASIK tend to be people who are dissatisfied with their glasses or contact lenses and are motivated to make a change, whether due to professional or lifestyle reasons.

BENEFITS OF LASER VISION CORRECTION

Financial - Saving Money with LASIK

* To save time. In one year, the average contact lens wearer spends nearly 60 hours wetting, soaking, rubbing, cleaning and otherwise maintaining their contacts
* To save money. Over the years, the cost of lenses, solutions and glasses becomes quite substantial, amounting to thousands of dollars
* Increased work productivity and work safety due to clearer vision (i.e. the elimination of glasses fogging up at critical times, constant eye irritation from excessive contact lense wear, or expanded field of vision due to more peripheral vision)
* Enhanced professional abilities and expanded career opportunities — especially in careers where excellent vision is paramount (i.e. police officers, firefighters, pilots, and tradesmen)
* May be able to have corrective lens requirement removed from driver's license

Lifestyle Improvements

* Freedom from the hassles and inconvenience of contacts or glasses
* To wake up in the morning or middle of the night and see the alarm clock
* To have a more natural appearance without glasses
* Increased self confidence—your visual improvement will have psychological benefits if you feel you look and function better without corrective eyewear
* To be able to see while in the shower, putting on makeup, or while shaving
* To be able to unexpectedly stay overnight away from your glasses or contact lenses and supplies
* No more fear over being incapacitated if your glasses or contacts lenses are lost

LASIK for Sporting Activities

* Improved vision for recreational activities, especially water, winter, and contact sports
* To participate in outdoor sports without fear that your glasses will fog or get wet from rain or lenses that will dry out in the wind
* To go swimming, scuba diving, etc. and being able to see
* Expanded field of vision due to more natural peripheral vision
* To have clearer vision without a dependency on glasses or contact lenses
* No more fear of being incapacitated if your glasses or contacts lenses are broken

What is LASIK ?

2009-11-19T11:35:00.002+07:00

LASIK

LASIK, or Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis, is a safe and effective procedure performed in an eye laser center that is suitable not only for treating higher prescriptions but also for patients with moderate to low amounts of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. LASIK has a remarkable success rate, with 96% of patients achieving 20/20 vision or better, according to the American Society of Cataracts and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS)

Here's how LASIK works:

Normally, your eye "sees" by the cornea (front part of the eye) focusing light onto the retina (back part of the eye) to create an image. If the cornea is imperfectly shaped, or the eyeball is longer or shorter than normal, a distorted image is projected onto the retina, resulting in blurry vision. For many years, the only solution to this problem was corrective eyewear. Since the FDA's approval in 1995, LASIK has been the solution for over four million people.

LASIK uses an excimer laser (a cool beam of light) to reshape the cornea in order to decrease or eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses, so that you can see your best AND look your best!

What the LASIK procedure does is remove tiny amounts of tissue from the cornea, changing its shape - and, by so doing, changing the angle at which light enters through it and is projected onto the retina. This involves a two-step process: first, the surgeon exposes the cornea to the laser. This is done by creating a tiny "flap" in the surface layer of the cornea (called the epithelium). Once this is done, the laser gently reshapes the exposed cornea. Each pulse of the laser removes 39-millionths of an inch of tissue, enabling surgeons to achieve remarkable accuracy while maintaining excellent control throughout the procedure. The flap is then replaced, adhering naturally and securely to the eye, and you are on your way to better vision.

Because the surface layer of the cornea is preserved, discomfort following LASIK is minimal and recovery time is quick. Most people are able to resume their normal schedule and even drive home from the eye laser center THE VERY NEXT DAY after the procedure.

Custom LASIK

Custom LASIK, sometimes referred to as Wavefront LASIK, makes use of the latest laser vision technology at the lowest LASIK eye surgery price. This allows for individualized vision correction outcomes that may not be possible with Traditional LASIK, or glasses and contacts lenses. By mapping up to 2,000 data points on the eye, Custom LASIK can address additional vision irregularities (called higher abberations) that may affect sight. The same laser is used in both Traditional and Custom LASIK, however it is the measurement data that is programmed into the laser that makes a procedure Custom LASIK.

Custom LASIK can only treat a certain prescription range, so not everyone will qualify for, or need, Custom LASIK. Custom LASIK is most beneficial for people with hard-to-correct or unusual vision problems. Other benefits of Custom LASIK may include clearer night vision, decreased risk of glare and halos, and a greater chance of achieving 20/20 vision.

It is important to discuss your options with a health care provider to determine which type of LASIK procedure you qualify for and, therefore, receive the best results from the eye laser center.

PRK and LASEK

LASEK and PRK are primarily used for patients who have thin corneas, are at risk of occupational damage to the eye, or are reluctant to have a LASIK flap. PRK and LASEK differ from LASIK due to the way in which the surface of the cornea is treated.

PRK

PRK (Photorefractive keratectomy) is a procedure much like LASIK and can be used to correct most vision disorders such as hyperopia, myopia, or astigmatism. PRK also uses a laser to change the shape of the cornea, allowing light to focus more clearly in the eye and bring vision closer to normal. Unlike LASIK, with PRK, a flap is not created on the surface layer of the cornea. Instead, the surgeon wipes off a very thin layer of the surface layer of the cornea (epithelium). A laser is then used to reshape the curve of the cornea, the same laser that is used for LASIK.

After the procedure a transparent "bandage", similar to a contact lens, is placed over the cornea to promote healing.

The procedure is painless and visual recovery occurs over several days and can often be accompanied by mild discomfort.

It is important to discuss your options with a health care provider to determine which type of LASIK procedure you qualify for and, therefore, receive the best results from the eye laser center.

LASEK

LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis) is a variation on the techniques for both LASIK and PRK. Like LASIK, a flap is made in the cornea, but LASEK differs because a much thinner flap is cut affecting only about as much of the surface layer of the cornea as in PRK. The surgeon would then apply the laser to reshape the cornea. Again, the laser is used in the same way to correct vision as is in LASIK and PRK.

After the procedure a surgeon would replace the thin flap and cover the cornea with a transparent "bandage" contact lens to promote healing, much like PRK. Recovery time for LASEK is quicker than PRK, but longer than LASIK.

It is important to discuss your options with a health care provider to determine which type of LASIK procedure you qualify for and, therefore, receive the best results from the eye laser center.

What Is the H1N1 Virus

2009-11-19T10:44:00.002+07:00

The H1N1 virus is an A-type influenza virus and is the most common cause of flu in humans. In 2006, for example, H1N1 flu types caused around 50% of all cases of influenza. While most strains of the H1N1 virus are relatively harmless, there have been several instances where outbreaks of a more virulent strain of H1N1 have occurred. Such outbreaks have been noted most recently in 1918 and 2009.

Some strains of the H1N1 virus are endemic in humans, while others are endemic in pigs or birds. The latter two are often referred to as swine flu and avian or bird flu. Various strains of the human H1N1 flu virus are known to cause a large percentage of the seasonal flu epidemics that occur in the colder months of each year. In most cases, these seasonal epidemics are not dangerous, except to the very young or very old.

The first incidence of an outbreak of H1N1 pandemic flu occurred in 1918. This A-type influenza outbreak was then referred to as the Spanish flu, but this was not because the virus was known to originate in Spain. Instead, the name stuck because Spain was the only country in Europe which did not suppress news reports of the thousands of men who died from the flu while fighting in World War I. Other countries felt that the news would be too demoralizing.

The 1918 Spanish flu pandemic killed between fifty and one hundred million people over approximately twelve months. It is thought that this strain of the H1N1 virus was particularly virulent because it caused a cytokine storm. This occurs when elevated levels of cytokines generate a feedback loop which causes the immune response to the virus to escalate almost infinitely. In the case of the Spanish flu this resulted in massive migration of immune cells to the lungs, leading to extensive lung damage that was typically fatal.

Young adults were more at risk of dying than children or the elderly during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic. This is thought to be the case because young adults were most capable of mounting a strong immune response, which was more likely to lead to a cytokine storm. The weaker immune systems of the very young and the very old gave them a certain degree of protection.

In 2009, a new outbreak of the H1N1 virus was reported. Initially referred to as swine flu, this new strain of the H1N1 flu virus was confirmed to be a reassortment of genes from four A-type influenza strains. The four strains include one known to be endemic in humans, as well as one strain of avian flu, and two different strains of swine flu. The World Health Organization officially declared the H1N1 outbreak as a pandemic on June 11, 2009, noting that the declaration was due to the rapid spread of the virus and not to the mortality risk.

Infection with the H1N1 flu strain causes expected flu symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, and fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhea, coughing, and runny nose have also been reported. Young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, and diabetes may have an increased risk of serious H1N1 virus symptoms.
The 2009 H1N1 pandemic originated in Mexico, where it is believed that the virus may have circulated among the population for several months before spreading to other countries. Research indicates that this particular H1N1 virus strain had been circulating amongst pigs in North America and Europe for several years prior to its transmission to humans. It is thought that cycling of the virus between various pig populations facilitated the extensive mutation this particular strain has undergone.

All About Green Tea And Polyphenols

2009-11-19T10:38:00.001+07:00

A discovery is said to be an accident meeting a prepared mind, Albert von Szent-Gyorgyi (1893 - 1986)

Or as I like to say… When the student is ready, the teacher shall appear! By the way, have I said how much I passionately enjoy green tea, the personal benefits I have witnessed from green tea and what a fantastic unearthing this ‘ancient medicine’ is for modern western living?

After a good deal of research, I have found that there isn’t any other food or drink in general consumption reported to have the innumerable health benefits that green tea possesses...none!

The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea since ancient times, using it to treat everything from headaches and lethargia to depression. And did you know that green tea has been used as a medicine in China for over 4,000 years… When will we westerners learn?

At present, in both Asia and America, scientific research is providing a more than solid substantiation for the health benefits long associated with drinking green tea. For instance, in 1994 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study demonstrating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent. Conversely, University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. There is also research indicating that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol.

To abridge just a few of the medical conditions in which drinking green tea has proved to be helpful:

impaired immune system function

cardiovascular disease

cancer

rheumatoid arthritis

elevated cholesterol levels

numerous types of infections

muscle wasting diseases

Green tea’s ‘secret’ lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been exceedingly effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. The preceding takes on added importance when you consider that thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the foremost cause of heart attacks and stroke. Quite startling, don’t you think?

For The Record Books…

Correlates are being drawn between the effects of drinking green tea and the "French Paradox." For years, researchers were mystified by the fact that, despite consuming a diet rich in saturated fat, the French have a lower incidence of heart disease than Americans. The answer was found to lie in red wine, which contains resveratrol, a polyphenol that limits the negative effects of smoking and a fatty diet. In a 1997 study, researchers from the University of Kansas concluded that EGCG is twice as powerful as resveratrol, which may explain why the rate of heart disease among Japanese men is significantly low, even though in excess of seventy-five percent are smokers.

So why don't other Chinese teas have similar earth-shaking health benefits? Green, oolong, and black teas all come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. What sets green tea apart is the way it is processed.In particular, green tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized. By contrast, black and oolong tea leaves are processed from fermented leaves, which results in the EGCG being transformed into other compounds that are not nearly as effective in preventing and fighting various conditions and diseases.

Some Additional Benefits…

The latest evidence emerging is that green tea can even help dieters attain success more rapidly an efficiently. In November, 1999, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study at the University of Geneva in Switzerland. Researchers found that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo.

Incidentally, green tea can even help prevent tooth decay! Just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can help prevent food poisoning, it can also kill the bacterium that causes dental plaque. Meanwhile, skin preparations containing green tea - from deodorants to creams - are starting to appear on the market showing positive effects.

The Potential Unsafe Effects?

As of today, the only adverse side effect reported from drinking green tea is mild insomnia due to the fact that it contains caffeine. On the other hand, green tea contains much less caffeine than coffee and most soda: there are approximately thirty to sixty mg. of caffeine in six - eight ounces of tea, compared to over one-hundred mg. in eight ounces of coffee and can you imagine the huge contrast in caffeine content between green tea and these ‘new’ high-tech energy drinks that are currently being consumed by the masses with such ravenous voracity.

Green Tea Polyphenols, What Are They You Ask?

Specifically, tea polyphenols are compounds in tea leaves that are natural plant antioxidants. Antioxidants have been proven to prevent damage caused by free radicals to DNA and other molecules.

How Do They Work?

Green tea polyphenols have corroborated several cancer preventive properties. In addition to antioxidant activity, these compounds may as previously mentioned have shown to reduce abnormal cell growth and inflammation; help the body get rid of cancer-causing agents; and restore communication between different cells in the body.

On Cancer… The Facts

The relationship between green tea consumption and human cancer has been studied in several different populations and at various cancer sites. Some of the studies comparing green tea drinkers to non-green tea drinkers support the claim that green tea-drinking, in fact prevents certain types of cancer. Certain dietary, environmental, and population differences may account for these discrepancies. In animal studies, different tea extracts, tea polyphenol mixtures, purified tea components, and tea infusions as the sole drinking fluid have more consistently been shown to prevent cancer, including cancers of the colon, esophagus, liver, stomach, lung, breast, pancreas, and skin. The purified component, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), prevented colon cancer, but did not prevent cancer of the esophagus in animal models. A polyphenol mixture with EGCG, called Polyphenon E, has also shown cancer preventive properties in animals. Animal studies were inconclusive as to whether EGCG or Polyphenol E caused DNA mutations that might trigger cancer growth. Both EGCG and Polyphenon E are being tested for safety and efficacy in humans.

Slower Prostate Cancer Cell Growth Found From Consumption Of Green And Black Tea

A study at The Experimental Biology 2004, in Washington, D.C., reported as part of the scientific program of the American Society of Nutritional Sciences, anti-tumor effects of green and black tea polyphenols in human tissue. And researchers at the University of California at Los Angeles found and were able to detect tea polyphenols in prostate tissue after a very limited consumption of the tea. More notably, the scientists found that prostate cancer cells grew more slowly when placed in a medium containing blood serum of men who had consumed either green or black tea for five days compared to serum collected before the men began their tea-drinking regimen. Serum from men who drank comparable amounts of diet or regular soda showed no such slowing in cancer cell proliferation.

Consequently, Dr. Susanne Henning, UCLA Center for Human Nutrition, pronounced that the UCLA research team - a combination of nutrition scientists and urologists - focused on the feasible outcome of tea polyphenols on factors named polyamines and the enzymes responsible for the production of polyamines. Elevated levels of polyamines have been connected with malignancy in humans, including prostate cancer, and - since polyamines are current in prostate tissue in high concentration - are considered a logical target for chemoprevention of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is one of the most widespread cancers among males in the United States, and more than a fourth of all those patients with prostate cancer are known to use alternative therapies, including green tea. This study suggests that both black and green tea are promising natural dietary supplements useful for chemoprevention of prostate cancer, according to Dr. Henning. She plans to investigate if this effect can be enhanced by consuming larger amounts of tea polyphenols in the form of green tea extract supplement capsules.

So If It’s That Good, How Much Should I Drink?

Strangely enough, there are as many answers to this question as there are researchers investigating the beneficial properties of green tea and polyphenols. Herbs for Health magazine mentions a Japanese report citing that men who drank ten cups of green tea per day stayed cancer-free for three years longer than men who drank less than three cups a day (there are approximately 240 - 320 mg of polyphenols in three cups of green tea).

Meanwhile, a study by Cleveland's Western Reserve University concluded that drinking four or more cups of green tea per day could help prevent rheumatoid arthritis, or reduce symptoms in individuals already suffering from the disease. And Japanese scientists at the Saitama Cancer Research Institute have discovered that there were fewer recurrences of breast cancer, and the disease spread less quickly, in women with a history of drinking five cups or more of green tea daily.

A University of California study on the cancer-preventative qualities of green tea concluded that you could probably attain the desired level of polyphenols by drinking merely two cups per day. So which is it? I personally don’t buy the hype that those that manufacture and sell green tea products are propagating…moderation is, like with all things probably your best bet! But given all the evidence, it is almost certainly safe to plan on drinking four to five cups of green tea daily. If you're a real aficionado, by all means imbibe more; but whether or not you'll derive added health benefits remains to be determined.

Okay, enough science… Let’s all just relax and have a cup of green tea or if you like your beverages cold like I do, a glass of ‘iced’ green tea.

About the author:
Kurt Lee Hurley, operator of www.kreatefitness.com,whose clients refer to him as the "Secret Weapon" has built over 3,000 weight loss success testimonials and his Provo, Utah Wellness Facility, Synergy Fitness Systems has become known as a "Results Factory" a "Living Laboratory" of Achievement, Enhanced Human Performance and a place to congregate for Empowerment and of course, the Success of attaining Weight Loss RESULTS!

What is the Spanish Flu

2009-11-19T10:34:00.000+07:00

The Spanish flu was a terrible worldwide epidemic that killed between 50-100 million people in an 18 month period throughout 1918 and 1919. This classifies it as a 5 on the Pandemic Severity Index, meaning more than 2% people who were infected died. The Spanish flu resulted in the death of 2.5-5% of the world population at the time it struck, killing more than World War I, which it occurred immediately after. The Spanish flu was in the same category of severity as the Bubonic Plague, which, when it struck as the Black Death, killed about 75 million people, 25-50 million of them in Europe.

The Spanish flu was caused by an unusually severe and deadly Influenza A virus strain of subtype H1N1. In contrast to most influenza outbreaks in history, the Spanish flu struck people down in their prime of life, rather than picking off the old and young. People with weaker immune systems, such as children and middle aged adults, had lower mortality rates, while young adults had the highest mortality rates.

The distribution pattern of deaths has led scientists to argue that the Spanish flu killed because of an excessive immune response, called a cytokine storm. In a cytokine storm, the immune response is so overwhelming that the overabundance of immune cells, such as macrophages, can clog local tissues, causing the buildup of fluids and eventually fatal damage. Cytokine storms are normally rare, and are thought to be caused as a reaction of the immune system to a novel and highly pathogenic invader.

In comparison to a more typical case of the flu, which kills 0.1% of those infected, the Spanish flu killed between 2-20% of sufferers. The primary cause of death was from a secondary infection of the lungs, bacterial pneumonia. The secondary cause of death was from the virus itself, which caused massive hemorrhages and edema in the lungs.

Genetic material from the Spanish flu virus has been recovered from the corpse of a flu victim in Alaskan permafrost, a woman who had collapsed in the wilderness after being struck down by the disease. This genetic material has been used to recreate the virus from scratch and sequence its entire genome, which has been published on the Internet. Some technologists, such as inventor Ray Kurzweil and Sun Microsystems co-founder Bill Joy, have expressed dismay at this development.

7 Things That Other LASIK Surgeons Won’t Tell You By: William Goldstein Thank you for reading my special report “The 7 Things That Oth

2009-08-21T16:12:00.000+07:00

By: William Goldstein

Thank you for reading my special report “The 7 Things That Other LASIK
Surgeons Won’t Tell You”. I think you will find these items interesting, and some of
them may even startle you!

You get what you pay for!
The price for LASIK seems to vary from $399 per eye to over $2000 per eye. Many
patients ask me why I charge $1800 per eye for surgery. Simply put, you get what
you pay for. “Cost cutting” LASIK centers have man methods for reducing costs,
most of which involve the use of inferior or older technology to perform the surgery,
and/or the use of non-physicians to perform the preop and postop care. Check out
the ‘Pricing’ page on my website, www.2020vision.com, and you can see everything
that I include in my global fee. There is a ‘head-to-head’ comparison chart on that
page, too.

Not all surgeons have great results!
Results can be measured several ways, but I think that accuracy is a good measure
of a surgeon’s ability and the statistics back this up. I recently reviewed my
results, and found that the percentage of patients who obtain 20/20 (or better!)
vision in my hands was far superior to the results in the FDA studies.

Why is there a difference? My staff and I have spent many years perfecting the care
of our LASIK patients. The extra time that we take with each patient helps us to
understand their goals for surgery. And (to borrow an old carpenter’s saying)
taking the time to ‘measure twice and cut once’ has always been my standard.

Watch out for the portable or ‘roll on’ laser!
Some surgeons are using a laser that is literally taken off of a truck and placed in
the surgery center once a week or once a month. Studies have shown that this
makes for less accurate surgery. I use a laser that is not mobile. It stays in place in
a room that has air filters and strict humidity controls. Every surgery is performed
under standardized conditions to increase our accuracy, and reduce the need for
reoperations.

All lasers are not created equal!
Even when a surgeon advertises that they are using a modern laser, they may not
have all of the available features installed. The newest generation of lasers, which I
use on all of my patients, combines CustomVue technology, pupil tracking and iris
registration for increased accuracy. This means that a fingerprint of the iris is used
and that the treatment is carried out in the most precise manner. Since the laser
that I use has all of the latest updates in hardware and software, you can be
assured of the best outcomes, with the smallest chance of any problems.

Patients over 40 years of age can reduce their need for reading glasses!
Many patients don’t realize that there is a way for LASIK surgery to improve reading
vision, even in patients who normally don’t wear glasses for distance correction!
This so-called ‘monovision’ approach can be used for most patients.

Only one surgery is needed to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses!
Surgeons often recommend that patients who want to improve both distance and
near vision first have surgery for distance correction. Then they charge extra for
another surgery to reduce the need for reading glasses! I recommend monovision
surgery, so that patients only need one surgery to accomplish their goals.

Not all surgeons have your best interests in mind!
My practice philosophy is simple; treat each patient as if they were a family
member. In this way, I always put my patients’ needs first, and will only perform
surgeries that best fit those individuals.

When I need surgery, I expect my surgeon to take care of me personally. I would
never go to a cost-cutting/cookie cutter surgeon for ANY of my medical care, and
certainly not where my eyes are involved.

I hope you found these “Seven Things” useful in your search for a LASIK surgeon.
And I hope you can understand why the vast majority of my patients are referred
by their family, friends, or their internist or family doctor! My straight-forward
approach to patient care is also the reason that I am known as “The Doctor that
Doctors Trust” in my community.

As always, if you have any questions, you can contact me directly via email at
wgoldstein@2020vision.com. You can email my LASIK coordinator, Michelle right
now at michelle@2020vision.com, or call my office at 586-323-2020 to arrange an
individual educational session with me. Let’s sit down and discuss the surgical
approach that best fits YOUR needs!

Thanks!

Dr. G

Links:

LASIK surgery Michigan-Trust the LASIK surgeon in Michigan, William S. Goldstein. The best in LASIK laser eye surgery in Michigan.

Heart Attack: Are You At Risk?

2009-08-21T15:59:00.000+07:00

by: Ray Kelly

If you’re male and you lead an inactive lifestyle you probably have at least 3 risk factors associated with heart disease.

I know, I know, you feel fine but so do most people before they have a heart attack. Unfortunately, most people find out they have heart disease the day they are admitted in to hospital, and they are the lucky ones!

Ladies, don’t think this is just something for men to worry about (as it has been in the past). Women, as well as men, are more likely to die of heart disease than of any type of cancer.

This is because of our modern lifestyle. We are working longer hours, so we eat fast food, and there’s no time for exercise. To make matters worse, machines are taking the ‘work’ out of work. We are less active and it’s killing us!

So what are the risk factors for heart disease?

Firstly, there are two types of risk factors: those that can be changed, and those that can’t be changed. It’s important to know that you only need to have 3 of these to be at risk. Each extra risk factor that you have increases your chance of having a heart attack substantially.

Risk factors that can’t be changed:

Heredity: You are at greater risk if your parents, grandparents, brothers, or sisters, have heart disease.

Gender: Men are at greater risk than women, though the risk for women increases after menopause.

Age: As you increase in age, so do your chances of having a heart attack. Once you reach 40 you should have regular check-ups.

Risk factors that can be changed:

Smoking: A smoker is twice as likely than a non-smoker to have a heart attack. It not only places extra strain on the heart and lungs but also makes blood cholesterol stickier, making it easier to block arteries.

High Blood Cholesterol: Cholesterol is produced naturally by the body and is essential to our health. The problem comes when we consume too much in our diet.

High Blood Pressure: Just like with high cholesterol there are no early symptoms. The first most people learn they have this is when it’s at a dangerous level.

Physical Inactivity: If you are inactive, you are more likely to have a heart attack. Even a 10 minute walk each day can make all the difference.

Obesity: If you are obese, you are placing your heart under a great deal of strain even at rest.

I might be at risk, what should I do?

If you think you could be at risk, the first thing you should do is visit your doctor. Secondly, you need to modify your lifestyle. Exercise for at least 10 minutes per day (30 minutes is better but anything is better than nothing!). You also need to eat foods that are low in fat. If you smoke you need to give up.

Even if you don’t have many risk factors it’s a good idea to visit your doctor each year. Some risk factors can change within a short period of time and getting on to them early can make all the difference.

About the author:
Ray Kelly is an Exercise Scientist with 15 years experience in the health and fitness industry. Sign up for his free 7 Day Weight Loss Course at http://www.free-online-health.com

High Blood Pressure: 10 Tips That Could Save Your Life!

2009-08-21T15:57:00.001+07:00

by: Ray Kelly

When most people are told they have high blood pressure (or Hypertension) it comes as quite a shock. With many people being diagnosed between the ages of 25-45, it is fast becoming a great concern for both the individual and their young families.

The problem is, it has no early symptoms. You feel good, life’s great. Yes, you may be a little unfit and you could eat better, but generally you feel fine.

If you’re lucky, you’ll get a warning. Some people will have dizzy spells whilst for others the early warning comes as a mild heart attack. If you are one of the lucky ones who get the warning, don’t take it lightly.

Hypertension is part of the collective term ‘Cardiovascular Disease’. Cardiovascular Disease encompasses high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart failure, and stroke. It is the biggest killer in the western world with 696,947 deaths in 2002 in the US alone.

When blood pressure is measured, you get two numbers: the Systolic (top number), and the Diastolic ( bottom number). Of most concern is the diastolic reading. A reading of 80-90 is now considered “pre-hypertension”. This means that you’re not in danger yet but it would be a good idea to start modifying your lifestyle. If your diastolic blood pressure is over 90, then you have high blood pressure and you should get medical advice immediately. Getting on top of it early can make all the difference.

The 10 Tips for Reducing Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure can be reduced significantly and quickly through making minor adjustments to your lifestyle. Until then, these guidelines should be followed:

1. Have regular medical checks, especially if you are over 40, overweight, smoke, or lead an inactive lifestyle.

2. Start an exercise program. Obtain a medical clearance prior to starting.

3. The exercise program must be gradual, regular and aerobic in nature (walking/cycling). Start by walking 5 days per week, for 10-20 minutes. Something as simple as walking 10 minutes per day can reduce blood pressure to the extent where medication is no longer required.

4. Give up smoking (or at least cut down!). Giving up smoking has been proven to be the greatest single factor in improving your health fast.

5. Eliminate salt from your diet. As salt travels through the body it draws fluid out of the blood vessels, which in turn increases blood pressure.

6. Avoid isometric exercises. These are exercises where you exert force against an immovable object (eg, trying to lift something really heavy). You generally hold your breath whilst doing this, and that will make your blood pressure skyrocket.

7. Avoid sudden changes in temperature as this too can increase blood pressure and put extra strain on a weak heart.

8. Never lift anything above the head. It doesn’t matter whether its weights, or a can of baked beans. In fact, I know a person who has to sit down to wash his hair because his blood pressure rises whenever he raises his arms up!

9. Focus on your breathing throughout any lifting or stretching as holding your breath will increase blood pressure.

10. Don’t use pulse rate as a direct measure of exercise intensity if blood pressure medications are being used, as these can decrease pulse rate significantly.

High blood pressure does not have to be a death sentence. Give it the respect it deserves and it just may turn out to be a positive turning point. The start of the new (fit and healthy) you!

About the author:
Ray Kelly has helped over 5000 people achieve their health and fitness goals. Living a healthy lifestyle can be easy. Sign up for Ray's free 7 Day Weight Loss Course at: http://www.free-online-health.com

Top 10 Causes Of Acne

2009-08-21T15:55:00.001+07:00

by: Susan Ferguson

Here’s my top ten list of the causes of acne. I hope that from the list you can identify what might be causing your acne.

HORMONE LEVELS
Your hormone levels fluctuate at different stages of your life, such as puberty and pregnancy.

TOXINS
Acne can occur if your body contains more toxins than the kidneys can remove.

STRESS
If you are under any sort of stress this can give you acne.

SEBUM
Your own oil glands can produces excess of sebum. This can accumulate and cause blocked pores.

FOOD
Food can significantly affect your acneYou should avoid foods that have been processed or refined. You should also reduce your intake of fried foods and foods containing a high level of sugar.

COSMETIC MAKE UP
If your make-up contains comedogenic ingredients this can lead to acne. Such ingredients are usually derived from petroleum. Make-up can also contain dyes than can contribute towards acne.

SMOKING
Yes, smoking can increase your risk of acne. If you need another reason to quit smoking here it is.

SKIN TONERS.
If your skin toner contains acetone or alcohol this will lead to the drying of your skin and this could cause acne.

HARSH CLEANING
Cleaning with soaps that contain chemicals such as detergent and fragrances will cause acne.

THE SUN
Although sun bathing seems to initially improve your acne, it actually dries your skin which leads to more acne.

About the author:
If you would like to know more about acne cures, treatments and products please visit http://www.aboutacnetreatment.com

What You Need To Know About Lung Cancer.

2009-08-21T15:53:00.000+07:00

by: Michael Sanford

Cancer is a disease in which certain body cells don’t function right, divide very fast and produce too much tissue that forms a tumor. A leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women is probably lung cancer. This is the number one cause of cancer deaths surpassing breast cancer as the leading cause of deaths in women. Cancers that begin in the lungs are divided into two major types, the non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer depending on how the cells look under a microscope.

Cigarette smoking is known to be a cause of lung cancer. The risk of developing the disease increases with the number of cigarettes smoked particularly if the person starts to smoke at a young age. The person’s risk of developing lung cancer may be reduced slightly if you smoke filtered and low tar cigarettes, but it is still far greater than that of a non-smoker. Lung cancer has always been more common in men, particularly those over the age of 40, as more men used to smoke than women. Considerably, there are a growing number of women having lung cancer since women have started smoking. About 90% of all lung cancer deaths among women are from smoking. The risk of lung cancer goes down quite quickly if the person stops smoking and after about fifteen years, the person’s chances of developing the disease are similar to that of a non-smoker. Passive smoking or the breathing in other people’s cigarette smoke, slightly increases the risk for lung disease and lung cancer, although the risk is still much less that if you smoke yourself.

Usually, the symptoms of lung cancer do not appear until the disease is in an advanced stage. Some are diagnosed early because they are found as a result of tests for other medical conditions. Screening examinations are done to detect a disease in people without symptoms of the disease. And since lung cancer usually spreads beyond the lungs before causing any symptoms, an effective screening program to detect the cancer early could save many lives. So far there is not screening test that has been shown to prevent the ill person from dying of the cancer. It has been concluded that the tests could not find many lung cancers early enough to improve a person’s chances for a cure. Because of this, lung cancer screening is not a routine practice for the general public or even for people at increased risk like smokers.

Symptoms of lung cancer could be continuing cough or change in a long-standing cough; a chest infection that does not get better; increasing breathlessness; coughing up blood-stained phlegm; a dull ache or a sharp pain when coughing or taking a deep breath; and loss of appetite and loss of weight. If you think you are having any of these above stated symptoms, then it is important to have your condition checked by your doctor even if you know that any of these symptoms may be caused by illness other than cancer.

Treatment for lung cancer could be through surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy which may be used separately or together depending on what your physician requires you to undergo with. Basically, the doctor will plan your treatment, taking into account your general health condition, the type of lung cancer you have and the size of the tumor as well as its stage. There are differences in the treatment for different people depending on their needs. You should not be afraid to ask your doctor and it often helps making a lot of queries about the disease and your condition from your doctor.

About the author:
For more information about lung cancer please goto http://www.cancer-resource-center.com/

Chronic Asthma Information

2009-08-21T15:52:00.000+07:00

by: Allan Wilson

Not everyone with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease suffers from chronic asthma, but many individuals who experience emphysema or chronic bronchitis have asthma-like symptoms. Medical experts continue to debate whether chronic asthma should be classified as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, since asthma can be reversed.

Chronic asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways; the term asthma is derived from an ancient Greek word which means panting. With chronic asthma, the inflammation leads to the narrowing of the airways, which can cause wheezing, breathlessness, and gasping for air.

Studies indicate that chronic asthma involves two stages: the hyper-reactive response and the inflammatory response. The hyper-reactive response in chronic asthma refers to the constriction of the airways in response to inhaled irritants, while the inflammatory stage involves the production of white blood cells in the airways.

During a chronic asthma attack, the muscle tissue in the walls of the bronchi experiences spasms, causing labored breathing. With chronic asthma, coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing occur almost everyday. In order to combat chronic asthma, several medications may be needed.

Some medical experts speculate that the persistent symptoms of chronic asthma indicate a food allergy. As a result, some doctors encourage those suffering from chronic asthma to revise their diets in order to reduce the incidence of flare-ups.

There are some other simple strategies one can follow in order to alleviate symptoms of chronic asthma. These include removing the cause of chronic asthma, treating the symptoms, or altering the host to be more tolerant of the causes.

If you've been diagnosed with chronic asthma, medical experts suggest stopping all smoking and banning cigarette smoke from the house. Chronic asthma patients should also stop the use of volatile chemicals, which may exacerbate one's symptoms. Ending contact with pets can also alleviate chronic asthma.

The aims of any treatment program for chronic asthma should include: avoiding the trigger factors for chronic asthma, eliminating symptoms, restoring normal lung function, reducing the incidence of severe attacks, and minimizing the side-effects of drugs.

Drug therapy for chronic asthma can fall into three categories. Chronic asthma can be attacked with preventors or anti-inflammatories; relievers, which provide acute relief of symptoms; and controllers, which provide a sustained bronchodilator action with a mild anti-inflammatory action.

It should be noted that there are some misconceptions about the treatment of chronic asthma. For instance, antihistamines do not appear to be an effective chronic asthma treatment strategy. Immunosuppressives such as methotrexate are rarely beneficial for chronic asthma, and acupuncture has a negligible effect.

The basic goals of educating those with chronic asthma include an ability to understand the nature of asthma, an understanding of different types of asthma medication, an understanding of prevention strategies, knowing the correct use of inhalers, and recognizing signs of worsening asthma.

Interestingly enough, chronic asthma is often misdiagnosed in the elderly. Also, older people are more susceptible to the side-effects of drugs used to treat chronic asthma. As a result, senior citizens need special prevention strategies for chronic asthma.

About the author:
If you are interested in your health and well being then you will find some great reading at: http://www.findhealtharticles.com

Choosing a Mesothelioma Doctor

2009-08-21T15:51:00.000+07:00

by: Peter Lenkefi

Mesothelioma Cancer is considered, within the medical profession, to be a serious illness. Mesothelioma Doctors are now available to those who are sufferers of Mesothelioma Cancer.

Mesothelioma Doctors are well educated in the cause of Mesothelioma Cancer, diagnosis of Mesothelioma Cancer, the affects of Mesothelioma Cancer and the available treatment for Mesothelioma Cancer.

Therefore, when choosing a Mesothelioma Doctor, ensure that they have expertise, or quality experience in the area of Mesothelioma Cancer. This can be achieved through your general GP’s general enquiries on your behalf, or through conducting your own research.

You might even consider making enquiries with the American Cancer Society, who hold a variety of information about different types of Cancer and where to seek help. When seeking help it is best to research all your available options and then choose the best one for you.

Some of the important information that you might need to tell your Mesothelioma Doctor include, what types of symptoms you are experiencing, how long ago since you were exposure to an Asbestos related substance and for how long where you exposed to the Asbestos related substance.

After you receive and initial consultation from your Mesothelioma Doctor, you may be required to undergo either a Chest CT scan, or a biopsy, depending on which type of Mesothelioma Cancer your Mesothelioma Doctor considers that you have.

Essentially, there are three possible types of Mesothelioma Cancer that you could have. These include, Pleural (Lungs) Mesothelioma Cancer, Peritoneal (abdominal) and Pericardial (heart).

Once your Mesothelioma Cancer doctor has made a definitive diagnosis, he/she will then be able to tell you which type of Mesothelioma Cancer you have, at what stage the Mesothelioma Cancer is, whether it has spread to surrounding organs, or whether it is contained within the original area of the diseases initiation.

Your Mesothelioma doctor will then discuss your treatment options in relation to the type of Mesothelioma Cancer that you have and what stage the Cancer is at. Your Mesothelioma Doctor should explain these options in detail, including any side affects and the recovery period.

Your Mesothelioma Doctor should also explain to you what the results of not undergoing these recommended treatment options could be. Essentially, your Mesothelioma Doctor should give you a detailed explanation of your entire prognosis.

Your prognosis should include details regarding any risks that you may be subjected to, the chances of the Cancer reoccurring following treatment and how long you are expected to survive once treatment has been implemented.

Keep in mind that through ongoing research into Mesothelioma Cancer, treatments are becoming more effective and patients diagnosed with Mesothelioma Cancer, who undergo treatment, are surviving for longer periods of time.

About the author:
Learn more about mesothelioma treatment and asbestos litigation go here: http://www.mesothelioma-treatment-center.com/mesothelioma-doctor.htm

Cause and Solution to Cellulite

2009-08-21T15:49:00.000+07:00

by: soluz dellite

Cellulite is a fatty deposit causing a dimpled or uneven appearance, as around the thighs and buttocks.

Cellulite is popularly known to be difficult to remove by dieting and that often has a dimpled appearance. There is no physiological difference between cellulite and ordinary fat. Cellulite is a normal human variation that can be seen by the other person. It is usually treated as some sort of disease. The term "cellulite" came into being in the year 1973 to refer to the dimpled appearance of the skin that some people have on their buttocks, hips and thighs. This appearance is much more common in women than in men because of differences in the way fat, muscle, and connective tissue are distributed in men and women's skin. Female hormones play a major role in contributing to this fat distribution, cellulite is not treatable by hormone therapy.

Cellulite should always be seen as a normal variation. In fact it can be seen just the way a normal body part is seen. It can be seen just as a dimpled appearance, like some people having thick hair while others have thin hair. Cellulite is a very normal variation.

Cellulite can also be viewed as the dimpling pattern on skin caused by lobules of underlying adipose tissue. Cellulite is not a medical or scientific term but refers only to aesthetics. .

Cellulite does not necessarily emanate from a single cause. many hormonal and genetic factors result in cellulite formation.

Researchers have found the following factors to be the main factors affecting formation of cellulite - incorrect & improper diet, life-style, alcohol, smoking, insufficient water intake, tight clothing, blood pressure, high heels, etc.

Cellulite can be reduced by suitable physical exercise, balanced diet, massage treatments, liposuction or using specific treatments. At-home treatments include a low- fat diet and dietary supplements. Research has proved that so-called cellulite treatments aren't that effective as the claim is made out to be. These products don't come under the purview of FDA, so there isn't any scientific basis to evaluate their effectiveness and make suitable conclusions.

In sum, eating a healthy diet and keeping muscles toned by regular exercise seem like reasonable approaches to keeping the body as taut and smooth as it can be. Patients should be very cautious before trying out surgical procedures, dietary supplements, or
elaborate massage techniques of unproven value. The dont's for cellulite are salt, fatty acids, red meat, full fat dairy products, refined carbohydrates, junk food, etc. On the other hand, the do's list contains more water consumption, fresh vegetables, raw fruits, bottom brushing, etc.

The dry brush massage technique helps keep skin pores open and stimulates circulation in underlying tissues. Bottom brushing can be done in the morning or evening. Take a natural bristle brush, start from your feet and with a long motion work upwards in circular movements. Effects of bottom brushing can be better felt by alternating between hot and cold shower, also called 'skin gymnastics'.

Remember, cellulite is an issue of having too much fat and too little muscle. Right exercise program can produce big changes in your cellulite situation and major improvements in your appearance.

About the author:
soluz dellite is the owner of
Cellulite Aid
which is a premier resource for cellulite information.
for more information, go to http://www.celluliteaid.com

Asthma

2009-08-21T15:47:00.000+07:00

by: John Smith

Is considered to be a respiratory system disease?. This condition causes the person with Asthma to have difficulty breathing in the form of shortness of breath, coughing, the feeling of chest tightness, and sometimes feeling winded.

Asthma attacks the narrowing of the bronchial tubes that can leave the person without enough air to receive the oxygen they need. When these “attacks” occur the person can be left breathless, dizzy, and can cause them to faint.

Many things can bring on an asthma attack such as a burst of cold air, running, odors, mold, and other allergens. These attacks or asthmatic episodes can include breathless, fast breathing, delayed expiration of breath, and a faster heart rate. With severe asthma attacks the person experiences lack of oxygen which can bring on chest pain, fainting, and unconsciousness. In some rare cases with severe attacks their have been incidences of respiratory arrest and even death. Other that during these asthma attacks the person shows no signs of asthma.

The major symptoms of Asthma include shortness of breath, a “wheezing” sound and coughing. During the coughing the mucous will be clear with no sign of green or yellow. Green or yellow mucous shows signs of an infection. Asthma is not an infection, so the mucous will be clear.

In allergic asthma the attacks are brought on by allergens. This type of attack is always brought on by inhaling something like pet dander, mold, dust, or even the pollen from plants and flowers. These allergens bring on a reaction of the airways to the lungs to become swollen and the oxygen that you breathe in can not go through the airways. This can cause coughing, a wheezing sound, and shortness of breath.

In non-allergic asthma is usually brought on by nervousness, tension, a burst of cold air or hot dry air, exercising, smoking, or other inhaled irritants. The symptoms are the same but it is not caused from an allergy.

Asthma is a hereditary condition, but just because one or both of your parents have asthma does not necessarily mean you will also have asthma. Many with no history of asthma also can have this condition. It can be triggered by a cold, exercise, allergies, etc...

Asthma can be treated in two different forms one with and inhaler and one in pill form. Inhalers are considered to be the quick cure. This will relieve the symptoms and the person will be able to breathe normally in just a few minutes. The long term controllers are of course pills. The pills are normally anti-inflammatory medications that can keep control of the inflammation in the airways to the lungs.

There is no way to prevent asthma but you can lead a very normal life by doing as your physician suggests.

About the author:
John Smith is a writer at healthcaredir ( http://www.healthcaredir.com), a news source for the latest in health and medicine.

You Can Avoid Sinusitis

2009-08-21T15:45:00.000+07:00

by: Carla Ballatan

Imagine yourself not being able to appreciate the beauty of a new day…and being cranky enough not to get on well with your workmates’ good-natured conversations…or not being able to join a special friend in a date --- All because of sinusitis!

But, it may only take proper understanding of what sinusitis is and how it is caused to chart up the right nourishment and other healthy exercises for you to end your misery.

There are different degrees of sinusitis, with different causes – acute sinusitis is often caused by viral or bacterial infections of the nose, throat, and upper respiratory tract, or from an underlying dental infection. Chronic sinusitis may be caused by growth inside the nose, injuries to nasal bones, smoking and other irritating fumes and smells. Meanwhile, allergic sinusitis can be caused by hay fever, food allergies or poor eating habits.

By knowing this types of sinusitis, we would also know what medicines we need to take, watch out our food intake and other activities that we could do in order to avoid getting sinusitis.

First and foremost, we need to remember what foods may cause or aggravate our sinus problems. Milk and other dairy products, sugars, fatty foods, lack of green vegetables are mucus-forming foods. You must learn to control intake of these food groups if you are already at the onset of serious sinus infections. Common food allergies like wheat, eggs, citrus, corn, and peanut butter may also cause sinus problems.

Natural nutritional approaches are also entailed. It’s about time to drink plenty of liquids, especially water. A glass of lemon juice and water first thing in the morning may also help thin mucus.

Try Linda Rector Page’s 3-day mucus cleansing liquid diet in Healthy Living. A short water fast or a very light diet – involving fruit and vegetable broth may also apply to you, as per recommendation of Burton Golberg Group in Alternative Medicine.

If you are more used on vitamin/mineral supplements, here are several recommendations for immune system support: Vitamin C: 500 mg every two hours; Bioflavonoids: 1000 mg per day ; Vitamin A: 5,000 IU per day; Beta-carotene: 25,000 IU per day; Vitamin E: 400 IU per day ; Zinc: 30-50mg per day.

Botanical medicines for sinus problems may also be taken like bromelain (250-500mg between meals). Effective herbs to clear sinuses include: comfrey/fenugreek compresses; fenugreek/thyme tea; ephedra tea as bronchodilator; lobelia extract, and horseradish. You may also try purple coneflower, elder flowers and poke root.

For overall immune function Echinacea, goldenseal, germanium and garlic can be helpful, Check out some health food stores that sell these pre-made herbal sinus preparations.

There are other enjoyable ways on relieving sinus problems, like taking a hot sauna for 20 minutes a day. Hot liquids and steaming face and head with eucalyptus may relieve congestion and sinus pressure.

About the author:
For additional medical tips about sinuses and related problems you may log on to http://www.sinusinfectionproblems.com

Understanding the Types of Cholesterol

2009-08-21T15:43:00.001+07:00

by: Mike Lindsey

While most people talk about “cholesterol levels” there is in fact more than one type of cholesterol. In fact, there are several different body functions and several different substances that make up our understanding of “cholesterol.”

As with some fats, cholesterol cannot be dissolved in the blood. Instead, molecules called lipoproteins carry cholesterol to and from cells. Molecules are made from an outer layer of protein and an inner core of both cholesterol and triglycerides, which is another form of fat.

Lipoproteins equip the cholesterol to move around the body. The two main types of lipoproteins are:

1) High Density Lipoproteins (HDL.)

• HDL transports cholesterol from cells back to the liver.

•HDL is either reused or converts to bile acids and disposed. This is known as "good" cholesterol. You want to ensure that your levels of this cholesterol remain high for optimum heart health, since having too low levels of HDL - even when other cholesterol levels are normal - may lead to heart problems. As you work to lower your “bad cholesterol” it is important to also take steps and to keep your HDL levels normal.

• HDL aids to ensure protection from the risk of heart attack and/or stroke. HDL consists of more protein than triglycerides or cholesterol, and aids to remove LDL from your artery walls.

2) Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL.)

•LDL carries approximately 60_70% of cholesterol around the body and are known as “bad" cholesterol.

• Studies show conclusively that high cholesterol leads to much higher risk of heart attack and/or stroke. Other factors involved in this risk are age, gender, smoking, family history of heart disease, and diabetes mellitus.

Obviously, when we speak of having “cholesterol levels” we mean more than one number. To maintain optimum health, you will need to know your levels of both LDL and HDL and will need to work hard to keep both levels in healthy ranges.

About the author:
For more free information on how to lower cholesterol, please visit our site, 30 Days to Lower Cholesterol

Get the Background Information on Osteopenia and Osteoporosis

2009-08-21T15:40:00.001+07:00

by: Pamela Free

A diagnosis of osteopenia means that your bones are getting thinner, weaker, and less dense. It’s time to find an osteopenia treatment or your next stop will be osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis means that your bone density is dangerously weak and there is an increasing possibility of fracture. One out of two women and one in eight men over age 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.

It’s the fractures that are dangerous. Hip fractures are the ones that often lead to death because you need lengthy bed rest to recover. Lying down for long stretches of time will encourage more weakness, strokes and pneumonia.

So it’s not actually the fracture that kills you. But it will immobilize you and,if you survive, you have a much greater chance of having another fracture within a year.
Part of this is the fear factor. When our bones have betrayed us we have less confidence in our movement.

Osteoporosis is called the Silent Killer because it usually doesn’t hurt to have weaker bones. It's not until the doctor orders a bone density test of some kind that you find out you are losing bone. The other way to find out is to measure your height. As your spine loses substance you will get shorter.

Up until recently there was no osteoporosis treatment offered. It was considered a natural effect of aging. Then the drug companies introduced the bi-phosphonate drugs.

Since then, fortunately, other natural solutions were found and they are the subject of my other articles in this series.

Bone Density Tests and What They Reveal

Bone Mineral Density (BMD) tests are used to assess bone density. Results are defined as a T-score, with normal being between 2.5 and minus 1.0, osteopenia between minus 1.0 and minus 2.5, and osteoporosis lower than minus 2.5.

The two most common tests of bone density are DXA at your hip or spine and QUS at your ankle.

Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). This is the most accurate test available, it can detect even a 1 percent change in bone density. It's most often used to measure your bone density at your hip or spine. This test involves a small amount of radiation.

QUS test - instead of radiation, this test estimates bone density using ultrasound measurements. After placing your bare foot on the machine, high-frequency sound waves are transmitted through your heel. It is an inexpensive test, often found in drug stores, and will give you a beginning score to know if you have a problem or not.

Bone density testing is recommended if:

1. You're a woman, age 65 or older

2. You're 60 and at increased risk of osteoporosis

3. You're a postmenopausal woman who has recently fractured a bone

4. You're a younger postmenopausal woman with other risk factors for osteoporosis

The bad thing about the bone density tests is that they test density and not flexibility. When we have too much calcium in our bones they are dense but brittle and we have more fractures. No-one has yet figured out a way to test the flexibility of bone, so the experts don’t say much about it. But that is why the studies can’t prove that taking more calcium actually lowers fracture rate. Read the calcium/magnesium article for more on this topic.

Risk Factors

Your risk of osteoporosis increases if you're a woman and you're white or Asian. Other factors also increase your risk, including:

A history of falls or bone fractures as an adult
Family history of osteoporosis, especially your mother
Smoking
Early onset of menopause
Alcoholism
Low calcium and vitamin D intake
Low body weight or weight loss
Not enough physical activity
Late onset of first period
Caffeine intake
Muscle weakness
Low estrogen levels

How Living Bone Is Created

The way bone-building works is that our bones are living structures with osteoblasts busy building bone, and osteoclasts just as busy tearing down the old so there is room for the new. Up until the age of thirty five or so there is a balance. As we get older that balance is disrupted. Osteoporosis occurs when bone is broken down faster than it is rebuilt. The reason why greater loss occurs after menopause is that our hormones somehow block the breakdown. That is why hormone therapy used to be recommended to help protect against osteoporosis.

Biphosphonate drugs, like Fosamax, are poisons that selectively kill off osteoclasts. So they stop the bones from tearing down the old but they don’t do anything to help build new bone. Your bones may look denser to the testing machines but they are dense with old bone that should have been cleared away. They are brittle, not flexible.

Natural Solutions

Bone changes don’t happen overnight. When you decide on an osteopenia treatment you should wait for one year and then get tested again. If there is no actual change in the numbers, this is still an improvement. If left untended your bones would get weaker every year, so no change at all is better than that. However most of the osteoporosis treatment in the following articles will produce significant improvement in bone over a five year period, or even more if you incorporate them all gradually into your life.

Since they are natural solutions, co-operating with your internal health mechanisms, they will also bring unexpected improvements in other areas, like balance, confidence, muscle strength and enjoyment of life.

About the author:
Pamela Free is a health researcher who loves to discover and
design health solutions. You can find her solutions for
osteopenia and osteoporosis at
http://weightvest4osteoporosis.com

Prevent Diabetes Problems: Keep Your Diabetes Under Control

2009-08-21T15:36:00.001+07:00

by: Jordan Soblick

What are diabetes problems?

Too much glucose (sugar) in the blood for a long time can cause diabetes problems. This high blood glucose (also called blood sugar) can damage many parts of the body, such as the heart, blood vessels, eyes, and kidneys. Heart and blood vessel disease can lead to heart attacks and strokes. You can do a lot to prevent or slow down diabetes problems.

What should my blood glucose numbers be?

Keeping your blood glucose on target will prevent or delay diabetes problems. For most people, target blood glucose levels are:

Before meals > 90 to 130
1 to 2 hours after the start of a meal > Less than 180

Talk with your health care provider about what your blood glucose numbers should be. Print out this chart and record them.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Before meals ______ to ______
1 to 2 hours after the start of a meal Less than______
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

You and your health care provider will agree on when you need to check your blood glucose using a blood glucose meter. You will do the checks yourself. Your health care provider can teach you how to use your meter.

Keep track of your blood glucose checks using the record page . Make copies yourself or ask your health care provider for a blood glucose record book. Your blood glucose check results will help you and your health care provider make a plan for keeping your blood glucose under control. Always bring your record book to your health care appointments so you can talk about reaching your glucose goals.

How can I find out what my average blood glucose is?

Ask your health care provider to do an A1C test. This blood test shows the average amount of glucose in your blood during the past 2 to 3 months. Have this test done at least twice a year. If your A1C result is not as good as it should be, your health care provider will do this test more often to see if it is improving as your treatment changes. Your A1C result plus your blood glucose meter results can show whether your blood glucose is under control.

Aim for a result below 7 percent. If your A1C test result is below 7 percent, then your blood glucose is in a desirable range and your diabetes treatment plan is working. The lower your A1C is, the lower your chance of getting eye, nerve, and kidney damage.

If your test result is more than 8 percent, you need a change in your diabetes plan. Your health care team can help you decide what part of your plan to change. You may need to change your meal plan, your diabetes medicines, or your exercise plan.

What should my blood pressure be?

Normal blood pressure will help prevent damage to your eyes, kidneys, heart, and blood vessels. Blood pressure is written with two numbers separated by a slash. For example: 120/70. The first number should be below 130 and the second number should be below 80. Keep your blood pressure as close to these numbers as you can. If you already have kidney disease, you may want even lower blood pressure to protect your kidneys.

Meal planning, medicines, and exercise can help you reach your blood pressure target.

What should my cholesterol be?

Normal cholesterol levels will help prevent heart disease and stroke, the biggest health problems for people with diabetes. Keeping cholesterol levels under control can also help with blood flow. Have your cholesterol level checked at least once a year. Meal planning, exercise, and medicines can help you reach your cholesterol targets:

Total cholesterol under 200
LDL cholesterol under 100
HDL cholesterol above 40 (men) above 50 (women)
Triglycerides under 150

What does smoking have to do with diabetes problems?

Smoking and diabetes are a dangerous combination. Smoking raises your risk for diabetes problems. If you quit smoking, you'll lower your risk for heart attack, stroke, nerve disease, and kidney disease. Your cholesterol and your blood pressure levels may improve. Your blood circulation will also improve. If you smoke, ask your health care provider for help in quitting.

*******************************************************
For more information regarding Preventing Diabetes Problems
and staying in Good Control please read the Full Story:
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See if you qualify for our VIP Diabetes program:
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********************************************************

About the author:
For more information regarding Preventing Diabetes Problems
and staying in Good Control please read the Full Story:
http://www.lifequalitypharmacy.com/prevent.shtml

Influenza A-H1N1 Virus Evolution

2009-05-20T22:41:00.001+07:00

World experts say there are many factors influencing the epidemiology and evolution of influenza A-H1N1 virus until it reached its current form. Furthermore they also said if this new dangerous strain jumps back to humans, it could cause severe consequences. The Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak in Mexico and the United States which is transmitted from human to human has caused global concern over its potential to spread throughout the world. What is certain is that the cause of this outbreak is not the same as classic influenza viruses that commonly infect humans (seasonal influenza).

Since a long time ago, experts had known that influenza viruses have the capability to trade genetic components from one to the other. It seems the conditions of the current outbreak are very unique because it is caused by a new strain of influenza type A H1N1 virus which is a reassortment of several versions of influenza viruses that commonly infects a range of different species (human, avian, and swine) without any contact history with swine.
Influenza virus evolution is very dependent on swine which acts as a main reservoir for this virus. Swine also plays an important role in the ecology of human influenza viruses. H1N1 and H3N2 influenza viruses are endemic in swine populations worldwide and the disease is considered as the most hazardous respiratory disease in swine.

Epidemiology
The history of influenza A viruses started when an influenza pandemic hit Spain in 1918. Genetic studies indicate the pandemic virus, influenza type A H1N1, was very likely transmitted from swine to human, but other experts say the virus that caused the 1918 pandemic was pure an avian influenza virus that had infected human.
After that, the H1N1 influenza virus started to naturally circulate among swine populations in North America, Europe, Asia, and South America. The virus was stable for at least 60 years without showing any antigenic or genetic change. This virus was then referred to as classic H1N1.
The idea that human influenza viruses could be transmitted to swine was proven to be possible with the isolation of human-like H3N2 viruses from swine in Taiwan in 1970. Several years later, H3N2 viruses also regularly occurred in swine populations in Asia, Europe, North America, South America, and Africa.
Then an avian-like H1N1 virus was found in swine populations in Europe in 1979. This virus had different antigenic and genetic properties from classic H1N1 viruses. All gene segments forming this virus prototype were from avian.
In 1998, H3N2 viruses containing a mixture of gene segments similar to those from human influenza viruses and classic swine viruses were isolated from swine in the United States of America. This finding indicates that gene reassortment of circulating influenza A virus in swine populations in the United States has occurred.

Virus evolution
Signs that influenza A viruses around the world are starting to rapidly evolve and create new variants every year has been seen in the last 10 years. The evolution indicates that swine are mixing vessels for the reassortment of human and avian viral genes.
From tracing H3N2 viruses isolated in 1998 to 1999 in the United States, experts found double reassortant viruses that consisted of human and swine viral genes and triple reassortant viruses that consisted of human, swine, and avian viral genes.
Introduction of H1N1 viruses from avian to swine occurred in the Southeast region of China and since 1993 this virus has been commonly found circulating in swine populations in Southeast Asia along with classic H1N1 viruses. In 2008, double reassortant H3N2 viruses containing human and avian viral genes and triple reassortant H3N2 viruses containing human, swine, and avian viral genes were found.
The development of triple reassortant viruses through genetic drifts has great implications for both humans and animals. Another triple reassortment virus was isolated from swine in the United States in 2006. This virus contained the same human viral genes as those in the human H2N2 isolate which caused the Asian influenza pandemic in 1957.

Transmission to human
Since the 1918 influenza pandemic until now, influenza A virus transmission to human could be said to be quite limited. Infection of H3N2 and H1N1 viruses in human were sporadically detected since 1950. Fifty cases of influenza A zoonoses were recorded in the United States of America (32), Czech Republic (6), Netherlands (4), Russia (3), Switzerland (3), Canada (1), and China - Hong Kong (1).
The current situation reminds experts of the 1976 incident in the United States. At that time, 200 soldiers in the Fort Dix military training center in New Jersey fell ill; 4 people suffered pneumonia and one person died. The virus identified was influenza A-H1N1, a direct descendent of the 1918 flu pandemic virus.
In 2007, a triple reassortant H3N2 virus was isolated from a 7 month old baby in Canada. Since there was no history of contact with swine, the virus was believed to have transmitted from human to human.

New zoonoses
Researchers said the development of influenza A viruses that are dramatically different from previous viruses could become a new zoonosis threat to mankind. Even though there are still many unsolved mysteries regarding the evolution process of influenza viruses, experts predict the tendency of increased transmission from human to human could potentially lead to a future pandemic.
There are a number of factors that accelerate the development of influenza viruses into a new zoonosis. First, swine often have contact with human and poultry, particularly in China, the United States, and Brazil. Second, same virus strains could infect and spread in both human and swine populations, such as the 1918 H1N1 or 1968 H3N2. Third, humans could be infected by viruses from birds, but influenza A viruses from swine are known to spread form human to human, such as in Fort Dix.
Fourth, reassortment of influenza viral genes often occurs in swine. Fifth, swine have receptors for both human and avian viruses on the surface of its cells. Sixth, a triple reassortment virus from swine has been reported to cause disease in two children in Europe.

By TRI SATYA PUTRI NAIPOSPOS (OIE Regional Coordination Unit for Southeast Asia in Bangkok)

Another reason to watch your waist: Bad sperm

2009-05-09T18:04:00.001+07:00

Overweight men more likely to have poor semen quality, researchers say. Too many fatty foods are dangerous not only to men's waistlines, but to their sperm production.

In research presented Wednesday at a meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, scientists found that obese men have worse sperm than normal-weight men.

"There is a very long list of health hazards from being overweight," said Ghiyath Shayeb, the study's lead researcher at the University of Aberdeen. "Now we can add poor semen quality to the list."

But experts aren't sure if that necessarily means obese men face major difficulties having children.

"If you have a man who isn't fantastically fertile with a normal partner who is fertile, her fertility will compensate," said Dr. William Ledger, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Britain's University of Sheffield, who was unconnected to the study.

But if both partners are heavy, Ledger said that could be a problem, since obesity is known to decrease women's fertility.

Shayeb and colleagues analyzed the sperm samples of more than 5,000 men in Scotland, and divided the men into groups according to their Body Mass Index. Men who had an optimal BMI (20 to 25) had higher levels of normal sperm than those who were overweight or obese.

Fat men had a 60 percent higher chance of having a low volume of semen, according to Shayeb's research. They also had a 40 percent higher chance of having some sperm abnormalities.

Fitness linked to fertility

Shayeb and colleagues found that underweight men were just as likely to have the same problems as obese men. "But there were not many underweight men in Scotland," he noted.

The researchers adjusted their analysis to account for other factors that could have affected men's sperm count, like smoking, alcohol intake, history of drug abuse, and age.

"Male fitness and health are clearly linked to a man's fertility," said Neil McClure, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Queen's University in Belfast.

There are several theories about why obese men might have bad sperm. Because fat tissue influences the metabolism of sex hormones, scientists think it might also disrupt sperm production.

It could also be a temperature problem. Sperm is best produced at a temperature two degrees cooler than normal body temperature. But because obese men have more fat, Shayeb said their bodies might be overheated.

Another study presented at the conference concluded that diabetes in men damages their sperm and is linked to male infertility.

Con Mallidis and colleagues at Queen's University in Belfast examined semen samples from nearly 40 men who were being treated for diabetes, but were not overweight. They found significant DNA damage linked to the excess sugar in the body from diabetes.

They found that diabetic men had twice the rate of DNA damage in their sperm as men without diabetes.

For ladies: 16 (sneaky) ways to seduce someone

2009-05-09T17:58:00.001+07:00

Getting a guy to “agree” to sex is like getting a Labrador to “agree” to eat a rib eye. But if you're extra bold, creative, even stealthy—like these women were—he'll never forget it (and neither will you). Below are some tried and tested ways by ladies who managed to seduce males effectively.

“I fed his libido”

“After a dinner party, where my husband and I had been served a special soup that was full of cloves, we went home tipsy and tired. But even exhausted, we only dozed lightly before we woke up, spontaneously got naked and jumped each other. We tried to go back to sleep, but it happened again...and again! We couldn't believe it—it had to be the clove soup. Of course I called my friend for the recipe. A few weeks ago I made the soup, and it worked all over again. Maybe it's the placebo effect, but who cares?”—KRISTEN, 33

“I gave the bartender a special kind of tip”

“Out on a blind date with a nice but otherwise kind of bland guy, I happened to notice that one of the bartenders at the restaurant was incredibly hot. On my way to the ladies' room, he bumped me slightly and coyly said, ‘Please stop running into me.’ I spent the rest of dinner making eyes at him, and after another sangria or two, I excused myself again to go to the bathroom. The bartender came over and said that he'd been waiting for me. I held the bathroom door open and said, ‘Well, come on then.’ He did, and moments later we were making out like bandits. Periodically I would stop the action and say, ‘Wait, I am on a date!’ which would just make us more excited. We exchanged numbers, and I went back to the table to thank my poor, patient date and explain that we just weren't compatible. I went home alone that night, but man, was I ever happy!”—AMY, 29

“I just jumped him!”

“A former boyfriend and I were in a two-month-long sexual dry spell. Desperate, I waited until he was asleep one night, stripped down to absolutely nothing, jumped on top of him, pinned him down with my arms and said, ‘If we don't do it right this second, I'm going to become a nun.’ He was like, game on! It was a little bit humiliating, but hey, it worked.”—CHRISTINA, 26

“I told the most ridiculous lie”

“A friend and I were on a girls' vacation together when two good-looking guys approached us. Making conversation, they asked me what I did for a living, and out of nowhere, I made up a story and said I was the founder of a certain online company. Well, it turns out they were the founders of that company—really, the exact company—and were on vacation celebrating a recent merger. We spent the night talking about how funny it was that I had picked the exact wrong lie! Or maybe it was exactly the right one: I ended up going home with one of the guys.”—ANDREA, 35

“I pulled rank”

“I work the late-night shift at a TV news station. After weeks of flirting with a hot new coworker, I left an anonymous note on his desk saying he was needed in the studio first thing in the morning. When he got there, I was waiting for him in the dark, sitting on top of the anchor's desk, showing the type of cleavage that even the most flexible of human resource managers would deem inappropriate. Now we regularly hook up before everyone comes in for their shifts—let me tell you, it guarantees a very productive day at work.”—JEN, 29

"I played the damsel in distress"

"After an awful fight with my boyfriend, I really wanted to make up, so I asked him if he'd come over and fix my leaky faucet. When he let himself into my apartment, I was waiting for him in a bubble bath. Corny, but all was forgiven!" --Jennifer, 28

"I stood up for my man"

"My college boyfriend Tyler and I were playing pool with a jerk who kept mouthing off about how bad we were. I looked the guy in the eye and said, 'I don't like you, you're an asshole, stop bothering us.' Later that night, in the parking lot, Tyler suddenly kissed me and said, 'That was amazing, the way you told him off. I knew right then.' I said, 'Knew what?' He kissed me again and replied, 'That I'm in love with you.' I'd seduced him without even knowing it!" --Renee, 25

"I had a little sleepover party"

"One weekend this guy Rob and I ended up both being invited to a friend's house. I'd met him only once before but was smitten. When it was time to go to sleep the first night, he insisted that I take the guest bed and he'd take the couch. But while he was washing up, I got settled on the couch. When he saw me there, he exclaimed, 'I said I'd take the couch!' So I said, 'If you're so hell-bent on sleeping on the couch, then why don't you join me?' And he did." --Nancy, 33

Even the smoothest woman can stumble on the way to seductionville. proof: these real-life tales of whipped cream, rashes and repercussions (at least they're laughing now!).

"After my boyfriend and I had hours of exhausting fun with some 'chocolate body fondue,' we fell asleep and forgot about the (open) bottle we left on the pillow. The next day, I woke up and my hair was one big chocolate mess. It would have been funny, but I had a job interview that very morning! I couldn't get the goo out, so needless to say, there was some wicked styling involved." --Christine, 21

"One night I decided to channel my inner seductress and showed up at my boyfriend's house wearing nothing underneath my coat. I didn't own a trench coat (the classic for this scenario), so I subbed in my wool winter jacket. Halfway through my taxi ride to his house, I started itching. By the time I showed up at his door (after accidentally flashing my cab driver--lovely), my entire body was a big, red, blotchy mess!" --Sarah, 30

"On my birthday my boyfriend surprised me with a home-cooked dinner, complete with strawberry shortcake, my favorite. We got a little silly with the whipped cream and moved things to his bedroom where, on a whim, I gave myself a whipped-cream bikini. One step, though, and my bikini 'top' fell to the floor in two distinct splats. He was laughing hysterically, and the seductive mood was, alas, dead. After further research (I couldn't help but wonder how they stay on in the movies), I discovered that film pros use shaving cream instead. Good to know!" --Rachel, 29

A healthy man and his healthy sperm. How to get in the best reproductive shape ever?

2009-05-09T17:54:00.000+07:00

Anything that hurts a man's health hurts his sperm. The good news: preserving your reproductive potential will also keep you healthy.

Protect Your Heart: "What's bad for your heart is bad for your penis," says Columbia's Harry Fisch. Erections depend on arterial flow from the heart, and when that's reduced or blockage occurs, erectile dysfunction (ED) is often close behind. Get an annual physical including heart checkup and cholesterol test once you reach your 30s. If your cholesterol is high, cholesterol-lowering medicine may help.

Stay Active: "If you're trying to have a child in your 30s, 40s, or 50s, getting into the best shape of your life will give you the highest testosterone level possible," says Fisch.

Watch Your Weight: Potbellies and excessive waist size are often telltale signs of heart disease. They also generate heat that can reach the testicles, decreasing the testosterone in sperm. In general, the bigger the belly, the lower the testosterone. Eat a balanced, low-fat diet, and reduce your calorie intake.

Take Antioxidants: Vitamin C or E, since they may help battle free radicals that play a part in breakdown of sperm DNA.

Don't smoke, drink to excess, or abuse drugs. All of these behaviors accelerate DNA breakdown in sperm and put the heart and other organs at risk.

Avoid Hot baths, Jacuzzis, and Hot Tubs: All can reduce sperm counts for three to six months.

Keep Laptops on the Desk: Balancing laptops on the lap raises the scrotum's temperature, say SUNY Stony Brook urologists.

See a Urologist if you are over 40, have toxic exposure, or have tried to conceive for a year. Sperm content and testosterone levels can both be evaluated. ED can be treated. You can also ask your doctor to refer you to a lab that tests DNA fragmentation in sperm.

Have Varicoceles Removed: The urologist should always look for engorgements of the veins in scrotum, which can begin as early as adolescence. Almost 40 percent of infertile men have them. By trapping the blood flow in the scrotum, they can cook and choke the sperm, leading to risk of infertility. This is easily reversible.

Cellulite

2009-02-09T14:41:00.001+07:00

What is cellulite?

The term cellulite refers to the dimpled appearance of the skin that some people have on their hips, thighs, and buttocks. This appearance is much more common in women than in men because of differences in the way fat, muscle, and connective tissue are distributed in men and women's skin. The lumpiness of cellulite is caused by fat deposits that push and distort the connective tissues beneath skin, leading to the characteristic changes in appearance of the skin.

Cellulite is not related to the condition known as cellulitis, which is a spreading bacterial infection of the skin and tissues beneath the skin.

What causes cellulite?

The dimpled appearance of cellulite can be considered to be a normal variant -- one way that many perfectly normal human beings look. Heredity, skin thickness, gender, the amount and distribution of body fat, and age can all influence the extent to which cellulite is present or visible. While cellulite is more common in women than men, men can also be affected. Cellulite occurs in people of all races living all around the globe. Although female hormones may play a role in contributing to this pattern of fat distribution, cellulite is not treatable by hormone therapy.

What are the supposed "treatments" for cellulite?

Most people dislike the appearance of cellulite and prefer to have skin as smooth as they possibly can. Therefore, much has been written about cellulite, and many treatments have been promoted, ranging from dietary changes to cellulite creams and mechanical treatments. Some of these therapies include

1. Methylxanthines: Methylxanthines are a group of chemicals that include aminophylline, caffeine, and theophyilline. These chemicals are present in many cellulite creams and are promoted as treatments for cellulite because of their known ability to break down fat stores. However, skin creams cannot deliver the required concentration of these chemicals for the length of time required for significant fat breakdown. While studies have shown a small reduction in thigh measurements with some of these preparations, they do not promote significant loss of cellulite.

2. Dietary supplements: Several of these products have been marketed and contain a variety of ingredients such as ginkgo biloba, sweet clover, grape-seed bioflavinoids, bladder wrack extract, oil of evening primrose, fish oil, and soy lecithin. These preparations claim to have positive effects on the body such as boosting metabolism, improving circulation, protecting against cell damage, and breaking down fats. Such claims are difficult to evaluate as is the case with similar assertions made on behalf of many supplements and alternative therapies. Concepts such as "metabolism," "circulation," or "cell damage" cannot be easily measured on an objective basis to determine whether or not any improvement has been achieved. Additionally, because these products are sold as dietary supplements and not as drugs, they are not subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are therefore exempt from meeting the scientific standards for both safety and effectiveness that are applied to drugs.

Furthermore, there are no valid clinical studies to support the use of these dietary supplements for the treatment of cellulite. Studies that have been conducted have not demonstrated any value of these supplements. Some dietary supplements that are promoted for the treatment of cellulite may also pose health risks or may interact with certain prescription drugs. For example, the formulation known as Cellasene contains iodine, which many doctors warn may be harmful for those with thyroid and other conditions.

3. Massage treatments: Several machines have been introduced that massage the areas affected by cellulite. These machines use rolling cylinders to gather areas of skin and massage them inside a chamber. One example of massage treatments is Endermologie, which was developed in France and has been used for cellulite treatment since the mid-1990s. This technique uses an electrically powered device that suctions, pulls, and squeezes affected areas. Treatments are expensive and typically last for 30-45 minutes, and 10-12 treatments are typically required before results are noticeable. Endermologie has been approved by the U.S. FDA for temporary reduction in the appearance of cellulite. While a temporary decrease in the appearance of cellulite may occur, the technique appears to redistribute fat rather than permanently alter its configuration under the skin. Regular maintenance treatments are required after the initial effect has been achieved or the appearance of cellulite will return.

4. Laser or light therapy: The FDA has approved two light-therapy devices that combine suction or massage with light therapy for the temporary reduction of the appearance of cellulite. TriActive is a treatment that combines a low-level laser treatment with suction and manipulation of the skin, while VelaSmooth is a treatment combining laser and massage therapy. Like Endermologie, both treatments require multiple treatment sessions and maintenance treatments to keep up the improved appearance. Laser/massage treatments are even more costly than massage treatments; the complete program generally costs thousands of dollars.

5. Mesotherapy: Mesotherapy is a controversial treatment for cellulite that involves injecting drugs or other substances directly into affected tissue. Often, FDA-approved medications are used off-label (meaning that they have been approved for other conditions but not for treatment of this particular condition) in the injections. Herbs and vitamins are often used as well in the injection cocktails. Multiple injections over multiple (typically 10 or more) sessions are administered. Although this procedure is offered by some physicians, most experts feel that this treatment is unproven and risky. A 2005 report in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy stated that: "Patients considering mesotherapy for cellulite must be aware that the substances currently being injected to treat this cosmetically disturbing, but medically benign, condition have not been thoroughly evaluated for safety or efficacy."

6. Collagenase: Collagenase is a naturally-occurring enzyme in the body that breaks down collagen, a component of connective tissue (the tissues that bind our cells together). A small study of 10 women with cellulite conducted in 2006 suggested that injections with this enzyme may be beneficial in improving the appearance of cellulite. The long-term effects of these injections are still unknown, and studies have not yet been carried out to determine the extent and duration of the improvements, if any. The treatment is considered experimental and is not yet routinely available, but research is underway to determine if collagenase injections may become an option for the treatment of cellulite.

7. Cellulite diets: Special "cellulite diets" have been proposed that claim to be effective in treating cellulite. Arguments for these diets claim that the combination of foods in the diet can reduce inflammation and improve circulation in affected areas and diminish cellulite. However, no studies published in the medical literature have supported these claims. Experts note that eating a healthy diet can decrease fluid retention and improve the overall health and appearance of skin, but specific diets designed to target cellulite are unnecessary.

8. Wraps: Many salons offer herbal or other types of body wraps as treatments for cellulite. Like cellulite diets, their effects have not been proven or reported in controlled studies in the medical literature. While wraps may decrease fluid retention and improve the overall appearance of skin, these effects are temporary. It is also not possible to "detoxify" the body by the use of herbal or other wraps.

Mesothelioma

2009-02-09T14:36:00.001+07:00

Malignant mesothelioma is the most serious of all asbestos-related diseases. Although uncommon, mesothelioma is no longer considered rare. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is particulary difficult for doctors to diagnose and one that does not respond well to therapy

The chest cavity, abdominal cavity, and the cavity around the heart are surrounded by a a layer of specialized mesothelial cells. Most other internal organs are also covered by these cells. The tissue formed by these cells is called mesothelium.

A special protective lubricating fluid that allows organs to move around is produced by the mesothelium. This protective fluid helps the lungs to move without resistance inside the chest cavity while breathing. The medical name for the mesothelium of the chest is the pleura and the medical name for the mesothelium of the abdomen is the peritoneum. The mesothelium of the "sac-like" space around the heart is called the pericardium.

A malignant (cancerous) tumor of the mesothelium is called a malignant mesothelioma. As most mesothelial tumors are cancerous, malignant mesothelioma is often simply called mesothelioma. Tumors of the mesothelium can also be benign (noncancerous) but benign mesotheliomas are much more rare.

Mesothelioma was recognized as a tumor of the pleura, peritoneum and pericardium in the late 1700's. However it was not until much later, in 1960, that this particular type of tumor was described in more detail and even more importantly, its association with asbestos exposure was recognized. The first report linking mesothelioma to asbestos exposure was written by J.C.Wagner, and described 32 cases of workers in the "Asbestos Hills" in South Africa. Since than the relationship between mesothelioma and asbestos exposure has been confirmed in studies around the world.

The incidence of mesothelioma in the United States remains very low, with 14 cases occurring per million people per year. Despite these numbers the noticed threefold increase in mesothelioma in males between 1970 and 1984, is directly associated with environmental and occupational exposure to asbestos, mostly in areas of asbestos product plants and shipbuilding facilities.

Although the disease is much more commonly seen in 60-year old men, it has been described in women and early childhood as well. The cause of the disease is not so well understood in these latter two groups, but there is some evidence of possible asbestos exposure for some of these cases as well.

Malignant mesotheliomas are divided into three main types. About 50% to 70% of mesotheliomas are the epithelioid type. This type has the best prognosis (outlook for survival). The other two types are the sarcomatoid type (7%-20%), and the mixed or biphasic type (20%-35%). Treatment options for all three types are the same.

About three-fourths of mesotheliomas start in the chest cavity. They are known as pleural mesothelioma. Another 10% to 20% begin in the abdomen. These are called peritoneal mesothelioma. Pericardial mesothelioma, starts in the cavity around the heart, and is very rare. The covering layer of the testicles is actually an outpouching of peritoneum into the scrotum. Mesotheliomas that affect this covering of the testicles are quite rare.

Glossary of Terms
asbestos : combination of several minerals that separate into long, threadlike fibers. Because they do not burn, do not conduct heat or electricity, and are very resistant to chemicals, these minerals are often used for making fireproof materials, electrical insulation, roofing, filters, etc. benign: doing no harm, good incidence: the frequency with which an event occurs (usually in a group at risk) pericardium: a thin membrane surrounding the heart and the roots of the great blood vessels.

peritoneum : a thin membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and partially covers some of the abdominal organs.

pleura : a thin membrane that covers the lungs (visceral pleura) and lines the chest cavity (parietal pleura) malignant: harmful, dangerous (a malignant tumor is a cancer).

median : middle number in a series of numbers (for example: median survival of 10 months means that for that specific group of patients the survival varied from probably 2 months to 30 months).

mesoderm : the middle layer of cells in an embryo, from which the muscular, skeletal, vascular, connective etc. tissues develop.

mesothelioma : a tumor of the mesothelium, that can be benign (localized) or malignant (diffusely spread), and that is most commonly caused by the ingestion of asbestos particles.

mesothelium : the thin layer of mesodermal epithelial cells that forms the pleura, peritoneum, pericardium.

metastases : the spread of tumor cells from one part of the body to another unrelated part of the body by the way of the bloodstream or lymphatics.

prognosis : prediction of the probable course of the disease in an individual. Prognostic factors are factors associated with prognosis.

TNM staging : assigning a stage to the tumor based on size, local versus disseminated growth, lymph node involvement and presence or absence of distant metastases.

tumor : a mass of tissue, a growth independent of its surrounding structures and having no physiological function or a neoplasm. A tumor can be benign or malignant

Autism

2009-02-09T14:34:00.000+07:00

Autism is a physical condition linked to abnormal biology and chemistry in the brain. The exact causes of these abnormalities remain unknown, but this is a very active area of research. There are probably a combination of factors that lead to autism.

Genetic factors seem to be important. For example, identical twins are much more likely than fraternal twins or siblings to both have autism. Similarly, language abnormalities are more common in relatives of autistic children. Chromosomal abnormalities and other nervous system (neurological) problems are also more common in families with autism.

A number of other possible causes have been suspected, but not proven. They involve:

* Diet
* Digestive tract changes
* Mercury poisoning
* The body's inability to properly use vitamins and minerals
* Vaccine sensitivity

The exact number of children with autism is not known. A report released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that autism and related disorders are more common than previously thought, although it is unclear if this is due to an increasing rate of the illness or an increased ability to diagnose the illness.

Autism affects boys 3 - 4 times more often than girls. Family income, education, and lifestyle do not seem to affect the risk of autism.

Some parents have heard that the MMR vaccine that children receive may cause autism. This theory was based, in part, on two facts. First, the incidence of autism has increased steadily since around the same time the MMR vaccine was introduced. Second, children with the regressive form of autism (a type of autism that develops after a period of normal development) tend to start to show symptoms around the time the MMR vaccine is given. This is likely a coincidence due to the age of children at the time they receive this vaccine.

Several major studies have found NO connection between the vaccine and autism. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention report that there is no proven link between autism and the MMR vaccine, or any other vaccine.

Some doctors believe the increased incidence in autism is due to newer definitions of autism. The term "autism" now includes a wider spectrum of children. For example, a child who is diagnosed with high-functioning autism today may have been thought to simply be odd or strange 30 years ago.

Other pervasive developmental disorders include:

* Asperger syndrome (like autism, but with normal language development)
* Rett syndrome (very different from autism, and only occurs in females)
* Childhood disintegrative disorder (rare condition where a child learns skills, then loses them by age 10)
* Pervasive developmental disorder - not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), also called atypical autism.

Cholesterol Knowledge

2009-01-05T13:48:00.002+07:00

Cholesterol is a lipidic, waxy alcohol found in the cell membranes and transported in the blood plasma of all animals. It is an essential component of mammalian cell membranes where it is required to establish proper membrane permeability and fluidity. Cholesterol is the principal sterol synthesized by animals, but small quantities are synthesized in other eukaryotes, such as plants and fungi. It is almost completely absent among prokaryotes, which include bacteria. Cholesterol is classified as a sterol (a contraction of steroid and alcohol).

Although cholesterol is essential for life, high levels in circulation are associated with atherosclerosis. Cholesterol is synthesized in virtually all cells, and significant amounts of it can be absorbed from the diet.

Function

Cholesterol is required to build and maintain cell membranes; it regulates membrane fluidity over a wide range of temperatures. The liver produces about 1 gram of cholesterol per day, in bile

Cholesterol level

>200mg/dl or less than 5.0 mmol/l Low heart attack risk

200-240mg/dl or 5.2-6.2mmol/l Borderline

>240mg/dl or >6.2mmol/l High risk

High blood cholesterol and triglycerides

The medical term for high blood cholesterol and triglycerides is lipid disorder. Such a disorder occurs when you have too many fatty substances in your blood. These substances include cholesterol and triglycerides.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

High cholesterol and other lipid disorders can be inherited (passed down through families) or associated with:

* Fatty diets

* Disease such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, Cushing syndrome, and kidney failure

* Certain medications, including birth control pills, estrogen, corticosteroids, certain diuretics, and beta-blockers

* Lifestyle factors, including inactivity and regular, excessive alcohol use

If you smoke and also have high cholesterol you have an even greater risk for heart disease.

Lipid disorders are more common in men than women.

Signs and tests

Tests to diagnose a lipid disorder may include:

* Lipoprotein test

* Lipoprotein(a) analysis

* HDL test

* LDL test

Treatment

How you are treated depends on your age, health history, if you smoke, and other risk factors for heart disease, such as:

* Diabetes

* Poorly controlled high blood pressure

* Family history of heart disease

There are steps that everyone can take to improve their cholesterol levels, and help prevent heart disease and heart attack. Here are the most important ones:

* Choose foods low in saturated fat. (See cholesterol for more information.)

* Exercise regularly.

* Lose weight if you are overweight.

* Get routine health checkups and cholesterol screenings.

If lifestyle changes do not help or your cholesterol level remains very high, your doctor may may recommend medication. There are several types of drugs available to help lower blood cholesterol levels, and they work in different ways. Some are better at lowering LDL cholesterol, some are good at lowering triglycerides, while others help raise HDL cholesterol.

The most commonly used drugs for treating high LDL cholesterol are called statins. Other drugs that may be used include bile acid sequestering resins, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, fibrates, and nicotinic acid (niacin).

Expectations (prognosis)

If you are diagnosed with high cholesterol, you will probably need to continue lifestyle changes and drug treatment throughout your life. Periodic monitoring of your cholesterol blood levels is necessary. Reducing high cholesterol levels will slow the progression of atherosclerosis.

Complications

Possible complications of high cholesterol include:

* Atherosclerosis

* Coronary artery disease

* Stroke

* Heart attack or death

Prevention

To help prevent high cholesterol:

* Keep a healthy body weight

* Eat a well-balanced, low-fat diet

Protect your eyes

2009-01-05T13:46:00.002+07:00

Our vision is one of those wonderful gifts most of us take for granted. The only time we even have cause to think about our vision as such is when we think about a blind person who has no vision at all, or our own vision begins to fail us. Being aware of the importance of protecting your vision can help you to avoid problems with it in the future. Your eyes care a part of the body like the skin that you can do things to slow the aging process of using certain precautions that take little time to implement and can make a world of difference later in life.

Eye Care is an important factor in all of our lives. We sometimes take sight for granted but can you imagine not being able to see everyday things normally. Imagine not being able to see your kids, too watch TV, too take a walk and see all of nature is beauties. People with certain eye diseases are not able to enjoy these experiences to their full extent and sometimes not at all.

There are many eye diseases that can be prevented or whose progression can be slowed down with proper precautions and healthy eating. Eating a lot of Vitamins A, E, C, and some Zinc and Selenium can help prevent many diseases including those that affect the eyes. Visit the nutrition page on what foods contain these vitamins and minerals. Certain diseases might be causes by other factors such as obesity, diabetics, exposure to ultraviolet light, smoking, certain medications such as steroids, and many other factors.

It is a good idea to ask your eye care doctor for specific steps you can take. People with obesity or who are diabetic should have more routine checkups since they are more likely to develop certain eye diseases.

Those who are outside most of the day should use protective sunglasses or eyeglasses to prevent heavy exposure to ultraviolet light. People who smoke or take certain medications should ask their doctor if they are more likely to have eye diseases because of family background. These little measures can help your eyes healthy and keep all the emotional, physical, and financial problems that come with eye problems away.

By having a regular check-up and wearing glasses or contact lenses if you need them, you can prevent problems with your eyes in the future.

Headache

2009-01-05T13:45:00.002+07:00

What's a Headache?

Most headaches happen outside the skull, in the nerves, blood vessels, and muscles that cover the head and neck. The muscles or blood vessels can swell, tighten, or go through other changes that stimulate or put pressure on the surrounding nerves. These nerves send a rush of pain messages to the brain, which brings on a headache.

Causes of Headaches

• certain medications (headaches are a potential side effect of some medicines)

• too little sleep or sudden changes in sleep patterns

• skipping meals

• becoming dehydrated

• being under a lot of stress

• having a minor head injury

• using the computer or watching TV for a long time

• menstruation

• experiencing changes in hormone levels

• taking a long trip in a car or bus

• listening to really loud music

• smoking

• smelling strong odors such as perfume, smoke, fumes, or a new car or carpet

• drinking or eating too much caffeine (in soda, coffee, tea, and chocolate)

• consuming certain foods (such as alcohol, cheese, pizza, chocolate, ice cream, fatty or fried food, lunchmeats, hot dogs, yogurt, aspartame, or anything with the seasoning MSG)

In some cases, headaches are caused by certain infections, such as:

• ear infections

• flu

• Lyme disease

• sinus infections

• strep throat

• urinary tract infections

Common Types of Headaches

Tension Headaches

• constant pressure around the front, top, and sides of the head, almost like someone stretched a rubber band around it

• constricting

• dull

• aching

Migraines

• pounding, throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head

• dizziness

• stomachaches

• nausea and/or vomiting

• seeing spots or halos

• sensitivity to light, noise, and/or smells

Call the doctor if headache

• occur once a month or more

• don't go away easily

• are particularly painful

Beware of Obesity!

2009-01-05T13:44:00.002+07:00

Obesity is a condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to such an extent that health may be negatively affected. It is commonly defined as a body mass index (BMI = weight divided by height squared) of 30 kg/m2 or higher. This distinguishes it from being overweight as defined by a BMI of between 25–29.9 kg/m2.

Excessive body weight is associated with various diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus type 2, obstructive sleep apnea, certain types of cancer, and osteoarthritis. As a result, obesity has been found to reduce life expectancy.

The primary treatment for obesity is dieting and physical exercise. If this fails, anti-obesity drugs and (in severe cases) bariatric surgery can be tried.

Obesity arises from too much energy intake compared with a person's basal metabolic rate and level of physical exercise. Excessive caloric intake and a lack of physical activity in genetically susceptible individuals is thought to explain most cases of obesity, with purely genetic, medical, or psychiatric illness contributing to only a limited number of cases. With rates of adult and childhood obesity increasing, authorities view it as a serious public health problem.

Although obesity is often stigmatized in the modern Western world, it has been perceived as a symbol of wealth and fertility at other times in history.

Risk factors

The presence of risk factors and diseases associated with obesity are also used to establish a clinical diagnosis. Coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnea are possible complications that would indicate a need to commence or intensify treatment for obesity. Smoking, high blood pressure, age and family history are other risk factors that, in combination with obesity, may indicate an additional reason for treatment.

Causes

Diet

Most researchers agree that a combination of excessive calorie consumption.

Sedentary lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle plays a significant role in obesity. Obese people are less active than those of normal weight.

Genetics

Like many other medical conditions, obesity is the result of an interplay between genetic and environmental factors

Management of obesity

The main treatment for obesity consists of dieting and physical exercise.

Diets to promote weight loss are generally divided into four categories: low-fat, low-carbohydrate, low-calorie, and very low calorie

With use, muscles consume energy derived from both fat and glycogen. Due to the large size of leg muscles, walking, running, and cycling are the most effective means of exercise to reduce body fat.

What is Ayurveda?

2008-11-06T21:55:00.004+07:00

By Cathy Wong,

Also known as: Ayurvedic medicine

Ayurveda is the traditional medicine of India, which originated there over 5,000 years ago. Ayurveda emphasizes re-establishing balance in the body through diet, lifestyle, exercise, and body cleansing, and on the health of the mind, body, and spirit.

An initial assessment with an Ayurvedic practitioner may last an hour or longer. The practitioner will ask detailed questions about your health, diet and lifestyle. He or she will listen to your pulse. Unlike mainstream medicine, 12 different pulse points are assessed in Ayurveda.

In North America, Ayurveda is considered a form of alternative medicine. Like traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda is a whole medical system, meaning that it is based on theories of health and illness and on methods of preventing and treating health conditions.

How popular is Ayuverda in the United States ?

In the last decade, Ayurveda has been growing in popularity in North America, partly due to the work of Deepak Chopra, M.D., a physician who combines western medicine with Ayurveda.

In 2004, the National Center for Health Statistics and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCAAM) released the results of a survey of 31,000 people in the United States. Four-tenths of one percent of the respondents had used Ayurveda in the past. One-tenth of one percent of respondents had used Ayurveda in the last year.

What does typical Ayuverdic assesment involve?

The Ayurvedic practitioner also examines the tongue; its appearance is believed to provide clues about areas of the body that may be out of balance. The appearance of the skin, lips, nails, and eyes is also observed.

After the assessment, the practitioner will determine an individual's unique balance of doshas, or metabolic types. One dosha is usually predominant and may be imbalanced, usually due to poor diet and unhealthy habits.

The practitioner also determines your prakuti, also called your constitution or essential nature. From there, the practitioner can create an individualized treatment plan, which often includes diet, exercise, herbs, yoga, meditation, and massage. The treatment plan generally focuses on restoring balance to one particular dosha.

What are the doshas ?

According to Ayurveda, everything is composed of five elements: air, water, fire, earth, and space. These elements combine to form the three doshas, vata, kapha, and pitta, or metabolic types. In Ayurveda, doshas account for some of our individual differences.

The vata dosha is a combination of space and air. It controls movement and is responsible for basic body processes such as breathing, cell division and circulation. Vata body areas are the large intestine, pelvis, bones, skin, ears, and thighs. People with vata as their main dosha are believed to be quick-thinking, thin, and fast, and are susceptible to anxiety, dry skin, and constipation.

The kapha dosha represents the elements of water and earth. Kapha is believed to be responsible for strength, immunity, and growth. Kapha body areas are the chest, lungs, and spinal fluid. People with kapha as their main dosha are thought to be calm, have a solid body frame, and are susceptible to diabetes, obesity, sinus congestion, and gallbladder problems.

The pitta dosha combines fire and water. It is thought to control hormones and the digestive system. Pitta body areas are the small intestines, stomach, sweat glands, skin, blood, and eyes. People with pitta as their primary dosha are thought to have a fiery personality, oily skin, and are susceptible to heart disease, stomach ulcers, inflammation, heartburn, and arthritis.

An imbalanced dosha is believed to interrupt the natural flow of prana, or vital energy. The disrupted energy flow is then thought to impair digestion and allow the build up of body waste, or ama, which further impairs energy and digestion.

Quiz: What is your Ayurvedic type?

What might an Ayurvedic treatment plan involve?

Diet: Recommendations are individualized to a person's dosha and the season. Foods can either balance or cause imbalance to each dosha. See a list of foods thought to balance each dosha.
Cleansing and detoxification: This may be done through fasting, enemas, diets, and body treatments.
Herbal medicine: Examples of Ayurvedic herbs are triphala, ashwaghanda, gotu kola, guggul, and boswellia.
Yoga
Meditation
Exercise: Individualized to a person's constitution
Massage: Medicated herbal oils are often used.

How are Ayuverdic practitioners trained ?

In India, there are many undergraduate and postgraduate colleges for Ayurveda, where the training can involve up to five years of study.

Outside of India, some people who have been trained in another health profession (e.g. medical doctor, nurse, naturopathic doctor) study Ayurveda before or after their training. Other practitioners attend Ayurvedic college only.

Currently, there are no national standards for the certification training or licensing Ayurvedic practitioners in the United States or Canada.
Because of its growing popularity, Ayurvedic treatments, particularly at spas and salons, are increasingly being performed by people who have not received formal training in Ayurveda. That's why if you are interested in consulting with an Ayurvedic practitioner, it is important to seek a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner and learn about his training.

Are there any potential concerns with using Ayuverdiv medicine ?

According to NCAAM, in 2004, 14 out of 70 Ayurvedic herbal remedies tested were found to contain lead, mercury, and/or arsenic at potentially harmful levels. All products were manufactured in South Asia.
In the same year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention received 12 reports of lead poisoning linked to the use of Ayurvedic herbal products.
A lack of research exists on the effectiveness, safety, side effects, and potential drug interactions of Ayurvedic herbal products. Although some research has been done, there have generally been problems with the design of the studies.
In North America, the use of traditional Ayurvedic practices, such as emesis, enemas, and blood cleansing, is considered highly controversial and the safety of such practices is unknown.

All Herbal Medicine – Powerful Remedies Derived From Plants

2008-11-06T21:54:00.002+07:00

In Chinese medicine, illnesses are often treated with all herbal medicine, in another words, plant remedies.

With the growing body of research in pharmacological activity of plant constituents, one may think that all herbal medicine is similar to many prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications which are made from plant derivatives.

Differences between Prescriptions Drugs and Herbal Medicine

There are many differences.

Firstly, the complexity of plant materials, that is the herbal formula, in all herbal medicine is far more balanced than Western medicine which is based on isolated active ingredients.

Secondly, the herbs are typically prescribed in combination by the Chinese doctor. The different components of the whole herbal formula, that is the herbal tea recipes, balance each other. The herbs undergo a mutual synergy, resulting in higher efficiency. They are safer and less likely to cause side-effects.

Thirdly, all herbal medicine aims at correcting internal imbalances rather than treating the symptoms alone. They are also designed to promote and speed up the self-healing process.

How to Take Herbs

There are three common ways of taking a herbal formula:

1. Decoction

The vast majority of Chinese formulae are still not available in either tablets or powder, which means they need to be decocted. In addition, herbal formulae that have been decocted are more easily absorbed by the body and take effect faster, which is beneficial when curing acute disorders.

The Chinese medicine clay pot,
uses for decoction of Chinese formulae

The steps in decocting a formula:

• Use a pot made of materials other than iron or bronze for decoction to avoid chemical changes.

• Soak the herbs in water for about 20 minutes in order to soften and moisturize the herbs.

• Preserve the water for soaking the herbs to be re-used for decoction. This will maintain and safeguard the herbs’ potency.

• Keeping the pot covered (to retain the volatile constituents of some herbs) throughout the decoction process, bring the water to a boil then reduce to low heat.

• Allow the herbs to simmer for approximately one hour over low heat.

• Drink the essence while it is warm.

2. Powder

The herbs in formula are easier to transport, ingest and preserve when they are ground into powder.

The steps in taking a powdered formula are:

• Filter the powder to ensure that it is fine enough for consumption.

• Mix the powder thoroughly.

• Put the powder in a cup and pour boiling water into the cup. Stir and drink it warm.

• If the herbs' taste make it difficult to ingest, use empty capsules, available in health food stores, to contain the powdered mix.

3. Tablets and Capsules

Herbal powder is also available in tablet and capsules forms, produced by drug manufacturers who also provide the recommended dosage for each specific medicine.

Tablets and capsules have a two principal advantages:

• Ease of transport and ingestion while being slow in absorption.

• Effective for chronic and deficient diseases.

Herbal Energy Boost: Ginseng and Cordyceps

2008-11-06T21:44:00.002+07:00

By Dr. Maoshing Ni

Who doesn't need an energy boost in this fast-paced world? As we speed along in our technological and intellectual pursuits, life demands that we rapidly adapt to many changes.

The balancing act between home, family, and work causes stress and strain that can usher in the aging process prematurely. Here are two tonic herbs that will nurture and regenerate you for the rest of your years.
Ginseng Restores Failing Energy
For 5,000 years, the roots of this slow-growing plant have been valued in traditional Chinese medicine. The term ginseng refers to several species of the genus Panax, a botanical name meaning "all-heal" in Greek.

The two Panax herbs commonly used are Asian or Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng) and American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). These are not to be confused with Siberian "ginseng" (Eleutherococcus senticosus) which is not actually ginseng at all!
Panax ginseng is the most famous energy-boosting herb. Its popular medicinal uses include increasing physical and mental endurance, decreasing fatigue, and elevating energy.

Unlike coffee, which stimulates the central nervous system, ginseng boosts energy gently. Ginseng is commonly considered an adaptogen - a natural substance that improves the body's resistance to physical and environmental stress, thereby enhancing the immune system.

Some other uses include enhancing physical performance, improving coordination, increasing sexual potency, and reducing cholesterol. There is also strong evidence that ginseng can help the body fight off infection, protect liver and heart health, normalize cholesterol and blood sugar levels, regulate the function of hormones, and improve memory and cognitive functions. People taking ginseng often report overall improvement in well-being.
Available as a powder, capsule, tea, ginseng is generally considered safe, although there are some rare possible side effects, especially at higher doses, including a faster heart rate, nausea, headaches, trouble sleeping, and restlessness. Work with a licensed practitioner of Chinese medicine to customize the right dosage for you.
Cordyceps Cultivates Vitality
Cordyceps is a mushroom with energizing properties that has also been prized in the East for thousands of years. It has received a lot of attention recently since the news came out that record-breaking Chinese Olympic runners used it to greatly enhance their performance.

Cordyceps was in relatively short supply until modern advances in growing techniques made it more widely available to consumers. The same vitality-boosting properties that give athletes the edge to achieve feats of strength and endurance can help you live longer: cordyceps helps increase cellular energy metabolism, boosts adrenal functions to adapt to stress, modulates immune function, increases capillary circulation, and improves oxygen utilization. Codrdyceps is available as capsules or elixers in health food stores, online and in Chinese medicine practitioner's office.
I hope this article helps discover the vitality-enhancing benefits of ginseng and cordyceps! I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.
May you live long, live strong, and live happy!
--Dr. Mao

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To learn more about Dr. Mao and other natural health tips, go to askdrmao.com.

Chlorophyll Can Help Treat Cancer

2008-11-06T21:43:00.002+07:00

by: Ella Andersen

NaturalNews) Chlorophyll is a pigment found in dark green plants that is important for photosynthesis to take place; however, this pigment does more than just facilitate energy production in plants. According to Michael T. Simonich of the Linus Pauling Institute, chlorophyll actually helps fight cancer cell growth and acts as an antioxidant in the body.

Chlorophyll protects against various chemical carcinogens found in fungus-contaminated nuts and grains, the toxic materials created when meat has been overcooked, and carcinogens in the air that result from pollution. It does this by blocking the metabolism of chemicals known as procarcinogens that damage DNA. By preventing DNA from being damaged, cancer growth is inhibited and prevented.
The strength of chlorophyll was demonstrated by applying it in eastern China where fungal contamination of grains and nuts is very common. Because of the contaminated grains and nuts, many Chinese people suffered from liver damage and cancer. After supplementing with chlorophyllin –- the synthetic counter part of chlorophyll –- at 300mg (100mg three times daily), the incidence of liver cancer among that population decreased significantly. Further investigation into the antioxidant, anti-mutagenic properties of chlorophyll by Chinese researchers has begun.

There is little known about the bioavailability of chlorophyll and how it is metabolized. What is known is that it is effective in aiding in cancer treatment and it has potent antioxidant properties. Supplementation of chlorophyll is fairly easy –- all that is needed is a supplement of a substance known as chlorella. Chlorella is green algae, and is a preferable source of chlorophyll than dietary sources because it is a more concentrated supply of chlorophyll. But supplementation isn’t always necessary. Supplementation would be more necessary for the chronically ill. Simple dietary changes that could be made would suffice for those who are not chronically ill, and would provide an adequate amount of chlorophyll to prevent any future complications. There may be more risk with supplementation anyway: even though current data cannot find a toxicity level for chlorophyll, more is not always better.

Great sources of chlorophyll would be dark greens such as spinach, kale, green beans, arugula, leeks and many more dark greens. Furthermore, taking chlorophyll before or at meal-time greatly reduces the carcinogenic effects of food. Since it primarily acts as a blocking agent, chlorophyll is able to block the absorption of the carcinogen by forming a molecular complex too large to be assimilated in the small intestine. In other words, to get the full anti-cancer benefits, eating a salad comprised of spinach, kale, parsley (or a chlorella supplement) and other green-goodies before that well-done steak will help prevent the development of those cancer-causing compounds.

If chlorophyll is consumed after having cancer-causing food items, however, there will be little benefit because the carcinogen has been ingested and assimilated. Therefore, it is important to have your veggie-filled salad before eating anything that may have carcinogenic effects.

About the author

Ella Andersen is a college student who intensely researchs topics on health and nutrition. In college, she is furthering her love of nutrition by pursuing a degree in clinical dietetics.

5 Healthiest Anti-Aging Snacks

2008-11-06T21:42:00.002+07:00

By Dr. Maoshing Ni

Snacking often gets a bad rap, but if you make intelligent choices about what you eat, you can actually benefit your health and longevity. Read on to find out how!

Why Snacks?
Most of us are used to eating three times a day, but it is much healthier to eat smaller meals more frequently -f ive small meals a day, for instance. Eating in this way delivers a steady stream of nutrients, blood sugar, and energy to your body throughout the day and is also much less taxing on the digestive and metabolic systems.

And when you eat more small meals throughout the day, you will most likely avoid the pitfalls of overindulging at your next meal and may actually consume fewer total calories for the day.
Keep healthy "grab-and-go" snacks on hand all the time to avoid the tempting lure of high-calorie snacks. Here are my top five snack choices:

1. Nuts and Seeds Keep You Young
Healthy and appetizing, nuts and seeds are absolutely the best snack of the bunch. Helping yourself to a handful of nuts and seeds every day can improve circulation and muscle tone.

And nuts and seeds are especially full of arginine, an amino acid that helps to combat heart disease, impotence, infertility, and high blood pressure, and it also facilitates the healing process. Additionally, arginine can stimulate the pituitary gland at the base of the brain.

The pituitary releases growth hormones, which begin to decline quickly in humans after age 35. This means that after 35, your hormones start to plunge and you experience some aging symptoms. The skin loses elasticity, the muscle loses mass and strength, the lean body tissue decreases, fertility and virility decrease, and other signs of aging start to set in.

Many nuts and seeds are rich sources of vitamin E, lignants and omega-3 fatty acids, which protect you from heart disease and also from the ravages of aging.
Almonds, pine nuts, sesame seeds, Brazil nuts, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, peanuts, and pistachios: mix them in any combination and enjoy! Keep in mind that there are more nutrients in the raw form than roasted. Make sure that the nuts and seeds are fresh and not old and rancid.

2. An Apple a Day for Heart Health
There are many reasons to eat an apple - or two or three - every day. One study discovered that subjects who ate five apples or more a week had a healthier lung function than those who ate no apples.

And scientists have confirmed that apples also contribute to a healthy heart. Thanks to the fruit's rich pectin content, eating two to three apples per day leads to decreased cholesterol levels. Pectin also helps prevent colon cancer, one of the top causes of death in adults over age sixty.

3. Bring On the Berries
In season again, berries are bursting with antioxidants. The enticing red, purple, and blue skins of berries contain bioflavonoids, antioxidant compounds that reduce free radical damage.

These flavonoids are more potent antioxidants than vitamins C and E, and they also help to reduce inflammation - more effectively even than aspirin!
• Blueberries are your best pick because not only do they have the highest level of antioxidant activity, but they also possess powerful neuroprotective properties that shield brain cells from damage , helping to slow down the age-related onset of memory loss, Alzheimer's, and senility.
• Cherries also contain these beneficial anthocyanin compounds, which stimulate your pancreas to produce insulin. In fact, Chinese researchers have observed that cherries help keep diabetics healthy. These compounds also protect you against cancer, arthritis, and heart disease because they lower cholesterol.
To learn more about the health benefits of berries, click here.

4. Avocado: Packed with Nutrients
Among the many antioxidant nutrients, glutathione is known as the "master antioxidant." This naturally occurring compound, found in avocados (as well as asparagus, walnuts, and fish), is made up of the three amino acids glycine, glutamic acid, and cysteine. Glutathione regulates immune cells, protects against cancer, and assists in detoxifying.

A deficiency in glutathione can play a part in diabetes, liver disease, heart disease, low sperm count, and premature aging. Avocados are also a source of L-cysteine, which helps protect your body from the harmful effects of pollution, chemicals, radiation, alcohol, and smoke. L-cysteine may also help boost immunity, protect you from heart disease, and build muscle. It is also useful for combating inflammation and encouraging healthy hair and nail growth.
Pair your avocado with whole-grain crackers or whole-grain crisp breads for a fiber-rich tasty treat.

5. Apricots for Anti-Aging
One of the staple foods of the famously long-lived centenarians in the Hunza valley of the Himalayas is the apricot. Research has discovered that apricots have the highest levels and widest variety of carotenoids of any food.

Carotenoids are antioxidants that help prevent heart disease, reduce "bad cholesterol" levels, and protect against cancer.
I hope you find the ways to nourish your body with healthy snacks! I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.
May you live long, live strong, and live happy!
-Dr. Mao

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To learn more about Dr. Mao and other natural health tips, go to askdrmao.com.

Spirulina shown to prevent and treat cancers while boosting immune system function

2008-11-06T21:38:00.002+07:00

by: Dani Veracity

Nature can provide you with valuable weapons against cancer, but like all things, it's up to you to use them. Although the Japanese have known about and used spirulina for medicinal purposes for years, this form of microalgae is still not "mainstream" in American diets. Spirulina natively grows in alkaline, warm-water lakes. Demand for this whole food has sparked the cultivation of spirulina for commercial use in specially designed algae farms. As a result of this new distribution, you can buy spirulina supplements in your local health food store. Western medicine is finally taking note of spirulina's anti-cancer benefits, and you owe it to yourself to do the same.

Potent cancer-fighting phytonutrients

Spirulina's blue-green color is more than a pretty facade; it is also the source of much of its cancer-prevention abilities. In Healing with Whole Foods, Paul Pitchford writes, "Important to note in the area of prevention, spirulina is richly supplied with the blue pigment phycocyanin, a biliprotein which has been shown to inhibit cancer-colony formation."

Like tree leaves, spirulina also obtains its color from chlorophyll. According to Alan Keith Tillotson's "One Earth Herbal Sourcebook," the high levels of chlorophyll in spirulina may explain its ability to stop cancer colonies from forming. As Tillotson writes, "Foods and herbs that contain high levels of chlorophyll show pharmacological evidence of cancer prevention, perhaps because pigments in green vegetables (and algae) … bind with and thus stimulate excretion of cancer-causing chemicals." If cancer cells are stopped before they can form colonies, your body's naturally occurring cancer cells won't be able to run amok and develop into symptomatic cancer.

If you're not familiar with the link between cancer and immune system function, you may have been a little confused by the last point. You might be thinking, "Wait a minute. The reason why I don't have cancer cells in me is because I've never been diagnosed with cancer." The truth is, however, we all have cancer cells within us. Cancer cells develop within our bodies all the time, but our immune systems normally fight them before they develop into the disease we know as cancer. In other words, if you are diagnosed as "having cancer," that means only that your immune system didn't kill your body's naturally-occurring cancer cells the way it was designed to. If you'd like to read more about this phenomenon, you can find many articles about it on News Target's cancer page.

Boosting immune system function

This immune system / cancer link explains why spirulina effectively prevents cancer. Spirulina is best known as an immune booster, and this property has medicinal implications far beyond cancer prevention. In A Natural Physician's Healing Therapies, Mark Stengler, ND, writes, "Spirulina stimulates natural killer cells and similar anti-immune components of the immune system that can help fight cancer cells." Furthermore, these spirulina-stimulated killer cells can fight illnesses other than cancer, ranging from the common cold to HIV.

Scientists have been exploring spirulina's ability to treat cancer, although most of the research in this area has been exclusively related to oral cancer. Animal studies repeatedly show that spirulina hinders the growth of oral cancer. Moreover, Indian scientists conducted the first human study of spirulina-based cancer treatment in 1995. "[These scientists] reported a complete regression of pre-cancerous mouth lesions in 45 percent of subjects who were given extracts of spirulina for 12 months," wrote Earl Mindell, RPh, PhD, in Earl Mindell's Secret Remedies.

Consider adding spirulina to your diet, especially if your current diet contains foods high in animal protein, such as meat and cheese. In Healing with Whole Foods, Paul Pitchford writes, "The special form of protein in spirulina benefits those with problems resulting from excessive animal protein, which does not assimilate well and further burdens the body with waste products." If you already have cancer, making a few diet modifications, such as adding spirulina and restricting meat and cheese, can make all the difference in your recovery, according to Patrick Quillin's Beating Cancer with Nutrition and Joseph B. Marion's Anti-Aging Manual. This difference can be the deciding factor between life and death.

[Ed. Note: The top source of U.S.-grown spirulina remains Cyanotech, which grows spirulina in aquaculture farms on the coast of Kona, Hawaii, using pristine deep ocean seawater.]

The experts speak on spirulina and cancer:

More than 100 published scientific references help support the case for the health benefits of spirulina. Some studies demonstrate that spirulina seems to possess anticancer effects and antiviral properties. Also, animal studies show that it is a powerful tonic for the immune system.
A Natural Physician's Healing Therapies by Mark Stengler ND, page 427

A study reported in Nutrition and Cancer (1995) that was conducted among tobacco chewers in India reported a complete regression of pre-cancerous mouth lesions in 45 percent of subjects who were given extracts of spirulina for twelve months. This was the first human study using spirulina as a cancer therapy, and undoubtedly, more studies will follow.
Earl Mindells Secret Remedies by Earl Mindell RPh PhD, page 77

The unsaturated fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and its associated prostaglandin PGEi have been researched extensively in recent years, notably in the area of immunity. Most people are deficient in GLA, but the wealth of GLA applications (listed earlier in the Oils and Fats chapter) is economically obtained by using spirulina, one of the richest sources.
Healing With Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford, page 193

Spirulina's pure protein, which arrives within the context of massive amounts of beta-carotene, chlorophyll, fatty-acid GLA, and other nutrients, is especially helpful to those who are overweight, diabetic, hypoglycemic, or suffering from cancer, arthritis, or other degenerative diseases.
Herbal Medicine Healing Cancer by Donald R Yance Jr, page 164

Spirulina and its extracts have shown to have anticancer activity in animal studies. Spirulina stimulates natural killer cells and similar anti-immune components of the immune system that can help fight cancer cells. Laboratory studies also show that spirulina polysaccharides can work to repair genetic material that has been damaged from toxins or from radiation.
A Natural Physician's Healing Therapies by Mark Stengler ND, page 428

Spirulina is a blue-green alga found naturally in alkaline, warm-water lakes. It is cultivated for commercial use in specially designed algae farms. Spirulina contains concentrations of nutrients unlike any other single grain, herb, or plant. It has the essential fatty acids gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), linoleic and arachidonic acids; is virtually the only vegetarian source of vitamin B12, which is (needed for healthy red blood cells; and contains significant amounts of iron, protein (60 to 70 percent), essential amino acids, the nucleic acids RNA and DNA, and chlorophyll. Spirulina is a naturally digestible food that helps to protect the immune system, reduce blood cholesterol levels, and boost the absorption of necessary minerals. Taking spirulina in supplement form is beneficial while fasting, as it supplies the nutrients needed to cleanse and heal, while also curbing the appetite. If you have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), you may benefit from using this food supplement.
Prescription For Dietary Wellness by Phyllis A Balch, page 33

Spirulina is a blue-green algae rich in beta-carotene and other carotenoids. In research conducted by biologist Padmanabhan Nair of the USDA-ARS Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center in Maryland, a 1-gram spirulina capsule was given daily for a year to 44 tobacco and betel nut chewers in India who had developed precancerous lesions in the mouth (the condition is prevalent in southwestern India). Complete regression of lesions was observed in 20 of 44 (45%) subjects taking the supplement and in only 3 of 43 (7%) taking a placebo (inactive agent). Within 1 year of stopping spirulina, 9 of 20 (45%) complete responders developed recurrent lesions. spirulina was not associated with toxicity.
Reducing Cancer Risk by Richard Harkness Pharm FASCP, page 131

An Oregon State University study in which laboratory animals were exposed to a potent cancer-causing substance found that animals given a chlorophyll supplement prior to exposure developed far fewer tumors than animals who were not given the supplement. The researchers believe that chlorophyll may reduce the risk of developing skin, stomach, colon, and liver cancers. Take a chlorophyll or sea-greens supplement, such as spirulina and blue-green algae, as directed on the product label.
Smart Medicine For Healthier Living by Janet Zand LAc OMD Allan N Spreen MD CNC James B LaValle RPh ND, page 164

Spirulina \spir-u-'le-n3\ Any cyanobacteria in the genus spirulina. A traditional food source in parts of Africa and Mexico, spirulina is an exceptionally rich source of vitamins, minerals, and protein, and one of the few nonanimal sources of vitamin B12. It is now being widely studied for its possible anticancer properties.
Britannica Encyclopedia Volume Two, page 1761

spirulina—The blue-green microalgae spirulina sold in natural food stores in America, have been found to be a rich natural source of proteins, carotenoids, and other micronutrients. Experimental studies in animal models have demonstrated an inhibitory effect of spirulina algae on oral cancers.
Earl Mindells Secret Remedies by Earl Mindell RPh PhD, page 77

Some micro-algae have very favorable nutritional profiles for cancer and immune therapies. spirulina, chlorella, and wild blue-green (Aphanizomenon flos-aquae) provide cellular protection with exceptional amounts of beta carotene (provitamin A) and chlorophyll; dunaliella is the highest known natural source of beta carotene. Chlorella, the alga to emphasize in those with the greatest deficiency, stimulates immunity in the treatment of all degenerative diseases by means of the "Chlorella Growth Factor" (CGF). Spirulina is rich in phycocyanin, a pigment with anti-cancer properties. Spirulina is also the highest plant source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid which strengthens immunity and inhibits excessive cell division. Wild blue-green is good for drying moisture from tissues which support viral, bacterial, and fungal growths. Either of these bitter micro-algae often work well with chlorella or spirulina. (See "Micro-Algae Dosage" and "General Guidelines," pages 197 and 202, for help in selecting the appropriate micro-algae.)
Healing With Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford, page 378 Phycotene complex of Beta-Carotene extracted from spirulina and Dunaliella algaes (in Carotene 7 from Professional Metabolics, and SuperBeta-Carotene from Source Naturals) using 15 other natural Carotenes, vegetable pigments, and other micronutrients for synergistic effect. Beta-Carotene increases Natural Killer cells; detoxifies certain chemicals, counters damage from chemical stress andradiation; Beta-Carotene given with radiation therapy rid tumors in animals. Apollution protector, quenches damaging singlet oxygen, neutralizes free radicals, protects from carcinogenic exposure in polluted air causing the most common U. S. and European male malignancy; protects from the vascular constricting effect of toluene diamine toxic compound TDA; disease fighter slows cancerous chemicals like DMBA, PCB, and Nitrogen Dioxide in brownish smog; helps alcoholism. Prevents kidney, bladder, and gallstones; cystitis, albuminuria(l capsule daily), and maintains alkalinity.
Anti-Aging Manual by Joseph B Marion, page 50

...carotenoids (from spirulina and Dunaliella algae) plus vitamin E and canthaxanthin were injected in animal tumors, with the result being complete regression as mediated by an increase in Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) in macrophages in the tumor region33 ^ in 20 patients with mouth cancer who were given high doses of radiation and chemo, beta-carotene provided significant protection against mouth sores (oral mucositis) induced by medical therapy, although there was no significant difference in survival rates in animals.
Beating Cancer With Nutrition by Patrick Quillin, page 159

Leukoplakia (an often precancerous condition marked by white thickened patches on the mucous membranes of the cheeks, gums, or tongue) is responsive to spirulina, a source of proteins, carotenoids, and other micronutrients (Sankaranarayanan et al. 1995). An inverse relationship between beta-carotene and thyroid carcinoma was observed in both papillary and follicular carcinomas (D'Avanzo et al. 1997). A high dietary intake of beta-carotene appears a protective (though modest) factor for the development of ovarian cancer (Huncharek et al. 2001).
Disease Prevention And Treatment by Life Extension Foundation, page 220

The special form of protein in spirulina benefits those with problems resulting from excessive animal protein, which does not assimilate well and further burdens the body with waste products. Thus, people who have eaten too many animal products and refined foods—typically those who are overweight, diabetic, hypo-glycemic, cancerous, arthritic, or suffering from similar degenerations—often benefit from the relatively pure quality of the protein in spirulina. Of course, spirulina protein is in the context of massive amounts of beta-carotene, chlorophyll, fatty acid GLA, and other nutrients.
Healing With Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford, page 192

Important to note in the area of prevention, spirulina is richly supplied with the blue pigment phycocyanin, a biliprotein which has been shown to inhibit cancer-colony formation. Predominant blue pigmentation in food is rare. The blue color tends to promote astringency, a drawing together. The chemical reality of spirulina's blue color is demonstrated by its effect in the brain. Here phycocyanin helps draw together amino acids for neurotransmitter formation, which increases mental capacity.
Healing With Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford, page 192

Similarly, the nucleic acids and beta-carotene in micro-algae are effective for retarding aging and fortifying immunity. As discussed earlier, those who are deficient and/or cold will usually do better taking spirulina or chlorella and using cereal grass carefully.
Healing With Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford, page 206

The liberal use of spirulina and other chlorophyll foods supplies the liver with immune-enhancing essential fatty acids—particularly the omega-3 and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) variety—that it may have been lacking since birth. Introducing these foods into the diet of those with essential-fatty-acid deficiency, regardless of the person's age, encourages more complete liver function.
Healing With Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford, page 290

Spirulina contains the blue pigment phycocyanin, a biliprotein that has been shown to inhibit cancer colony formation.128
Herbal Medicine Healing Cancer by Donald R Yance Jr, page 164

spirulina activates many of the different immune cells, including macrophages, T-cells, B-cells, and natural killer cells. It also activates the organs involved with immune function such as the spleen, liver, bone marrow, lymph nodes, tonsils, and thymus gland.
A Natural Physician's Healing Therapies by Mark Stengler ND, page 427

It may also help people who have mouth cancer. In one study, tobacco chewers who had a type of mouth disease called oral leukoplakia were given 1 gram a day of spirulina for one year. Nearly half of those who took the supplement showed marked improvement.
A Natural Physician's Healing Therapies by Mark Stengler ND, page 428

As mentioned, spirulina stimulates many components of the immune system. Special extracts of spirulina have also shown potent antiviral activity. One type of spirulina known as spirulina platensis was shown to inhibit the HIV virus (HIV-1) in a test-tube study.
A Natural Physician's Healing Therapies by Mark Stengler ND, page 429

".. In one study, tobacco chewers who had a type of mouth disease called oral leukoplakia were given 1 gram a day of spirulina for one year." Babu M et al., Evaluation of chemopre-vention of orail cancer with spirulina. Nutrition and Cancer 1995; 24(2):197-202.
A Natural Physician's Healing Therapies by Mark Stengler ND, page 524

Though seaweed is just starting to enter the American diet, the Japanese have used this vitamin- and mineral-rich sea vegetable for years. Not only has seaweed been shown to reduce the risk of cancer, help prevent blood clots and lower blood pressure, but Japanese scientists have discovered that it can also help detoxify the blood and maintain energy levels. How? Recent Japanese research on a kind of seaweed called spirulina indicated that it helps regulate blood sugar levels. By taking spirulina, people are able to maintain consistent energy levels. In addition, because spirulina is so high in protein, minerals and essential fatty acids, it is a healthy energy food that is especially useful for people on low-calorie diets. Kelp is another seaweed that is an energy-booster.
Natural Health Secrets by Glenn W Geelhoed MD Jean Barilla MS, page 22

".. Children fed 5 grams of spirulina tablets daily have been shown to make dramatic recoveries.." Evets LB et al., Means to normalize the levels of immunoglobulin E using the food supplement spirulina. Grodenski State Medical University, Russian Federation Committee of Patents and Trade, January 15,1994.
A Natural Physician's Healing Therapies by Mark Stengler ND, page 524

Health Benefits: spirulina lowers cholesterol, suppresses fatty accumulation in the liver, prevents tumor formation, enhances the immune system, and protects kidneys.
New Whole Foods Encyclopedia by Rebecca Wood, page 322

Some nutritional practitioners recommend spirulina therapeutically to lower cholesterol levels and boost immunity. It is sometimes sprinkled on foods as a condiment.
Off The Shelf Natural Health How To Use Herbs And Nutrients To Stay Well By Mark Mayell, page 84

Green-food concentrates are chlorophyll-rich supplements. Most are derived from microalgae (such as spirulina, blue-green algae, or chlorella) or from the young grasses of cereal plants (such as barley, wheat, and alfalfa). They are particularly rich in such nutrients as vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and trace elements. Chlorophyll acts as an antioxidant and may have medicinal benefits against cancer and immune problems.
Off The Shelf Natural Health How To Use Herbs And Nutrients To Stay Well By Mark Mayell, page 229

Spirulina platensis extracts have been demonstrated to enhance macrophage function in cats and to enhance humoral and cell-mediated immune functions in chickens. The mechanism of these effects is unknown.
PDR For Nutritional Supplements by Sheldon Saul Hendle and David Rorvik, page 438

Spirulina has shown some indication of having antiviral effects in preliminary in vitro and animal studies. There is also evidence of a preliminary nature that it might favorably affect some immune functions and have some hepatoprotective capability.
PDR For Nutritional Supplements by Sheldon Saul Hendle and David Rorvik, page 438

Spirulina and some of its constituents have shown an ability to favorably affect various immune functions.
PDR For Nutritional Supplements by Sheldon Saul Hendle and David Rorvik, page 438

Wheat-grass, barley grass, and spirulina, often referred to as green foods, are excellent sources of beta-carotene, chlorophyll, and minerals. They are good for helping to treat all colon disorders, HIV/AIDS, cancer, and virtually every other type of illnesses. Spirulina is high in protein, beta-carotene, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), and nutrients essential for the formation of hormones. It is good for vegetarians because it is one of the few available vegetable sources of vitamin B12, which is lacking in most vegetarians' diets. It is also rich in calcium, iron, RNA, DNA, and trace minerals.
Prescription For Dietary Wellness by Phyllis A Balch, page 100

If you need a mineral supplement, alfalfa is a good choice. It has helped many arthritis sufferers. Alfalfa, wheat-grass, barley, and spirulina, all of which contain chlorophyll, have been found to aid in the healing of intestinal ulcers, gastritis, liver disorders, eczema, hemorrhoids, asthma, high blood pressure, anemia, constipation, body and breath odor, bleeding gums, infections, burns, athlete's foot, and cancer.
Prescription For Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A Balch CNC and James F Balch MD

Spirulina is a naturally digestible food that aids in protecting the immune system, in cholesterol reduction, and in mineral absorption.
Prescription For Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A Balch CNC and James F Balch MD, page 80

Vitamin deficiencies have been associated with oral cancer. Spirulina has been found in several studies to inhibit the growth of oral tumors.
Prescription For Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A Balch CNC and James F Balch MD, page 259

Spirulina—The blue-green microalgae spirulina sold in natural food stores in America, have been found to be a rich natural source of proteins, carotenoids, and other micronutrients. Experimental studies in animal models have demonstrated an inhibitory effect of spirulina algae on oral cancers.
Secret Remedies by Earl Mindell RPh PhD, page 77

Because spirulina is so nutritious, some researchers believe that it can boost immunity. In one study, Japanese investigators found that mice that were fed spirulina had more antibody-producing cells than those deprived of it. And in a study from India, pregnant rats that were fed spirulina gave birth to more pups in one litter than pregnant rats that didn't eat spirulina.
The Complete Book Of Alternative Nutrition by Selene Y Craig, page 232

One study showed that spirulina supplementation resulted in significantly higher iron storage and increased hemoglobin content in the blood of pregnant rats. Foods and herbs that contain high levels of chlorophyll show pharmacological evidence of cancer prevention, perhaps because pigments in green vegetables such as spinach, kale, broccoli, and lettuce bind with and thus stimulate excretion of cancer-causing chemicals. Even more interesting is a report from one researcher that "Given their exclusive dietary origin, . . . chlorophyll metabolites may represent essential nutrients that coordinate cellular metabolism (through nuclear receptors)."
The One Earth Herbal Sourcebook by Alan Keith Tillotson, page 84

What Is Chlorophyll?

2008-11-06T21:37:00.002+07:00

Chlorophyll is a plant pigment that gives most plants their characteristic green colour. They help plants in photosynthesis which is the process by which green plants use sunlight to manufacture carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water. Chlorophyll is capable of converting light energy which can be stored and used by the plants when needed. This process is known as photosynthesis and is the basis for sustaining almost all life on the planet. Since animals and humans obtain their food supply by eating plants, photosynthesis can be said to be the source of our life also.

Why Is Chlorophyll Important For Me? The molecular structure of chlorophyll is similar to that of haemoglobin, which is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout our body. Chlorophyll happens to be central molecule for increasing oxygen availability in our system. It is also vital for the body’s rapid assimilation of amino acids. The way to tell if a vegetable has enough chlorophyll content is by looking at its leaves. Algae is the highest know source of chlorophyll. Dark green veggies like spinach, Spirulina, wheat grass, broccoli and alfa alfa are also very rich in chlorophyll content. These vividly coloured plants not only brighten your plate but also add a lot of nourishment to your diet. They are also a rich source of antioxidants and studies have shown that they go a long way towards preventing liver cancer, skin cancer, colon cancers and rheumatoid arthritis.

How Can I Include The Big C In My Diet?

Eat greens ! This is the easiest way to make sure that you are getting plenty of chlorophyll in your diet. Dark greens like spinach, chard, collard, broccoli, green beans, peas, celery, parsley are some of the chlorophyll rich foods which you should put on your table. You can have them cooked, steamed or raw.

Will Cooking Decrease The Chlorophyll Content In My Veggies?

Prolonged cooking of vegetables does decrease the chlorophyll content in the food. However, studies also show that steaming vegetables like spinach for a few minutes can actually increase the amount of chlorophyll that can be absorbed into our body. So eat raw veggies as much as you can and those that can’t be eaten raw can always be steamed. Don’t over cook the vegetables till they lose their bright green colour and become olive green instead. Then you know that you surely have destroyed all the chlorophyll content in that veggie.

Is Chlorophyll Juice The Way To Go?

Although you can have green vegetable juice any time, you must remember that the juice starts oxidizing immediately. So it is most beneficial when you have it immediately after juicing it. Eating the whole green vegetable also gives you your much needed roughage.

Any Other Benefits?

Chlorophyll or chlorophyllin (a derivative of chlorophyll) supplements are also available in the market. Both have a deodorizing activity which makes them useful for patients who have had a colostomy or ileostomy. A topical ointment of chlorophyllin is used to reduce malodors in wounds and surface ulcers.

7 Super Snacks That Heal

2008-11-06T21:36:00.002+07:00

By David Zinczenko, with Matt Goulding

If some doctors had their way today, Americans would be more medicated than industrial feedlot cattle. But what most people don’t realize is that the first line of defense against stress, fatigue, depression, and so many other maladies is found in supermarket aisles, not in the drug store.

Research shows that the vitamins, minerals, and active compounds specific to certain fruits, vegetables, and even chocolate and red wine have an immediate and lasting impact on your mood, your health, your fitness — even your sex life.

Whether you have a big presentation at work, or the need to burn a few hundred extra calories a day (and who doesn’t want to do that?), why not put food to work for you? Here are seven research-backed quick cures just waiting for you in the fresh produce bins and supermarket shelves.

1. When You're Stressed...
Eat This:
1 Cup of Low-Fat Yogurt or 2 Tbsp of Mixed Nuts

Scientists in Slovakia gave people 3 grams each of two amino acids — lysine and arginine — or a placebo and asked them to deliver a speech. Blood measurements of stress hormones revealed that the amino acid–fortified public speakers were half as anxious during and after the speech as those who took the placebo. Yogurt is one of the best food sources of lysine; nuts pack tons of arginine.

Not That!
A Can of Soda

A study from the American Journal of Public Health found that people who drink 20 ounces of soda daily are three times more likely to be depressed and anxious, compared with those who drink less.

2. When You Want to Increase Your Metabolism...
Drink This:
Green Tea

Catechins, the powerful antioxidants found in green tea, are known to stoke your metabolism, making it burn hotter and torch more calories. A study by Japanese researchers found that participants who consumed 690 milligrams of catechins from green tea daily had significantly lower body-mass indexes and smaller waist measurements than tea-totalers (i.e., they avoid the stuff).

Not That!
Nothing

Skipping meals lets your body's calorie-burning furnace go cold. Spread out snacks throughout the day. Try a cup of yogurt with fresh fruit or almonds between breakfast and lunch, and a hard-boiled egg or hummus with vegetables in the afternoon.

3. When You're Low on Energy...
Eat This:
A Handful of Trail Mix

Raisins provide potassium, which your body uses to convert sugar into energy. Nuts stock your body with magnesium, which boosts metabolism and improves nerve and muscle function. (When magnesium levels are low, your body produces more lactic acid — the same fatigue-byproduct that makes your muscles ache at the end of a workout.)

Not That!
Espresso-Based Drinks

Sure, the caffeine will perk you up, but the spike in blood sugar that follows — with anywhere from 16 grams (latte) to 59 grams (white chocolate mocha) of sugar coursing through your veins — will ultimately launch your own personal energy crisis. Stick to brewed coffee with one packet of sugar, max.

4. When You Need a Brain Boost...
Eat This:
Blueberries

Antioxidants in blueberries help protect the brain from free-radical damage, which could decrease your risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, and improve cognitive processing. Wild blueberries, if you can find them (or grow them!), have even more brain-boosting antioxidants than the cultivated variety.
Not That!
Ice Cream

Sugary foods incite sudden surges of blood glucose that, in the long term, cause sugar highs and lows, and make you as distractable as a toddler in the Disney store. And foods high in saturated fat can clog blood vessels and slow the flow of nutrients and blood to the brain.

5. When You're Under the Weather...
Drink This:
Ginseng Tea, Hot or Iced

In a Canadian study, people who took 400 milligrams of ginseng a day had 25 percent fewer colds than people who popped a placebo. Ginseng helps kill invading viruses by increasing the body's production of key immune cells.
Not That!
Caffeinated Beverages and Energy Drinks

Excessive caffeine messes with your sleep schedule and sabotages key immune agents. And insufficient sleep opens the door to colds, upper respiratory infections, and other ills. What's more, caffeine can dehydrate you, and hydration is vital during illness: Fluids not only transport nutrients to the problem zones, but also carry away toxins.

6. When You Need to Wake Up and Go...
Eat This:
Eggs and Whole-Wheat Toast

Eggs are a great source of protein, and having them for breakfast sets you up for a perfect day of eating. Saint Louis University researchers found that people who eat eggs for breakfast consume 264 fewer calories the rest of the day than those who eat bagels and cream cheese.
Not That!
Bagel and Cream Cheese

At 500 calories and 20 grams of fat, this deli disaster is one of the worst ways to start your day. Sixty grams of fast-burning carbohydrates will cause a dip in energy and a spike in hunger, long before lunchtime. The same goes for croissants, danish, donuts, and pancakes.

7. When You Want to Get ''In the Mood''...
Eat This:
Dark Chocolate

The cocoa in chocolate contains stimulants that increase your body's sensitivity. Chocolate also contains phenylethylamine, a chemical that can give you a slight natural high. And Italian researchers found that women who often eat chocolate have a higher sex drive than those who don't. Make sure your chocolate has at least 60 percent cacao.
Not That!
The Third Glass of Wine

The alcohol in wine affects your prefrontal cortex, which can decrease inhibition and up your sexual appetite. But only for the first glass or two. Beyond that, the toxic affects of alcohol in your system take over and are as likely to make you sleepy as they are to make you sexy. The more pouring, the more snoring.
For even more delicious food fixes that can help burn calories, dampen stress, and give you a rush of natural energy, check out these incredible picks. And to make sure you know all the best and worst foods for a better sex life, check out this indispensable list!

Heal Your Headache Naturally

2008-11-06T21:23:00.002+07:00

By Dr. Maoshing Ni

What do you do when you have a headache this big? Before reaching for a pill that dulls the pain without addressing the problem, look to the cause. The causes of headaches are many, but the root cause can almost always be traced back to lifestyle. Read on to find out how to stop a headache in its tracks!

Common Causes of Headaches
Something in your life is creating an adverse environment that causes a headache. For instance, most people are familiar with the occasional headache that comes from a cold, staying up too late, or drinking too much. Other common culprits include sinus problems, muscle tension, eyestrain, stress, jaw clenching, a virus, allergies, poor eating habits, and a muscle injury in the neck and back. Some women may experience headaches due to a hormonal imbalance.

The Food Factor
What we eat on a regular basis affects the energy flow in our body. Proper eating habits can help maintain a good flow of energy and blood to the head, preventing headaches. Eat frequent smaller meals and choose wholesome foods, with no preservatives, additives, or artificial compounds.

For headache relief, eat more: whole grains, fiber-rich foods, green leafy vegetables, parsley, chrysanthemum flowers, mint, green tea, onions, ginger, pearl barley, carrots, prunes, buckwheat, peach kernels, and almonds.

Stay away from: alcohol, chocolate, MSG, nitrates, sulfites, sugar, salt, caffeine, and oily, greasy, or fried foods. Consider that caffeine, because it affects your blood vessels, can provide instant relief from a migraine headache. But be cautioned that regular use will make you dependent, meaning when you don't have it, the withdrawal will give you a painful headache! Do not eat late at night, while on the run, or under stress. Spicy, stimulating foods, and heavy starchy foods should also be avoided.
Remedies for Relief
Here are some remedies and suggestions to help you tame the pain:

• Make fresh carrot juice. Drink a glass of carrot juice every 4 hours until your headache subsides.

• Prepare a compress. Put 5 drops of lavender essential oil in 1 cup of warm water. Soak a towel in the water and then wring it dry. Place it on your forehead and/or upper neck as a compress during a headache.

• Try making this herbal tea: Boil 2 tablespoons each of chrysanthemum flowers, cassia seeds, and mint in 4 cups of water for 15 minutes. Drink 3 cups a day until the headache subsides. These herbs will help clear the sinuses and reduce head pressure. Other herbs that may prevent or temporarily relieve headaches include feverfew, peppermint, wintergreen, chamomile, and passionflower.

• Regularly stretch your neck and back muscles and pay attention to proper posture and ergonomic positioning during work and play to avoid tension headaches.

• Nip your headache in the bud before it starts with a gentle walk. Taking a walk in fresh air will help stimulate blood flow and increase the flow of oxygen to the head. So when you feel a headache coming on, step outdoors and go for a 10-minute walk, breathing deeply and vigorously.

• Headaches can typically be prevented by relaxation and stress-releasing techniques like meditation and tai chi. Practice these daily to maintain a healthy lifestyle, free from headaches. And please note that vigorous exercise during a headache episode is not recommended because it can worsen the condition.
Take note: When you experience severe, debilitating headaches that don't respond to over the counter medication, or wake up in the middle of the night with excruciating head pain, visit your physician or the emergency room immediately.
I hope this article finds you free from future headaches! I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.

May you live long, live strong, and live happy!
--Dr. Mao

To learn more about Dr. Mao and other natural health tips, go to askdrmao.com.

The Importance Of Looking For The Right Drug Rehab Programs

2008-11-06T21:17:00.002+07:00

By Terje Brooks Ellingsen

There are many different kinds of alcohol and drug rehab programs. A few of them you'll find at large hospitals or clinics and are in many cases attached to the hospitals' psychiatric units, whilst others are integrated into stand-alone or private mental treatment or psychiatric institutions. There are also a lot of institutions where drug or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation are their speciality, thus offering treatment only to patients with alcohol or drug addiction problems.

The first thing you have to ask yourself which of these types of drug rehab programs make you the most comfortable and then make a decision. Some people find the security in the medical establishment they find at a full service hospital will provide the best care. Others have the complete opposite view. They have an essential fear of hospitals and medical environments. If this is the way you feel, you might want to choose one of the low-key private alcohol or drug rehab programs.

An important consideration when choosing among drug or alcohol rehab programs is whether you are dually-diagnosed. Dual-diagnosis means that you suffer from a mental disorder in addition to your drug or alcohol addiction problem. If this is the case for you, then you should strongly consider those drug or alcoholism rehab centers that are connected with psychiatric hospitals or clinics. This alternative will give you the additional help that you need to manage both your psychological difficulties and your drug or alcohol addiction problem.

All drug or alcoholism rehab programs provide a safe and secure place for you to fight your drug addiction problem. However, different alcohol or drug rehab programs follow different treatment modalities. Some programs, particularly but not limited to those attached to full service hospitals may follow a medical model. You will be given medications to relieve the physical symptoms of detoxification. You may also be prescribed a drug alternative for example methadone.
as methadone.

Natural alcohol or drug rehab programs are also becoming extremely popular. These alternative programs uses private facilities and natural products to encourage healing from drug problems. The treatment Includes herbal medicines, natural breathing and meditation exercises as well as similar options. The natural or alternative technique is becoming more popular for its lack of using other drugs to treat drug problems.

Most alcohol or drug rehab programs of today fall between the two extremes. Medical and psychiatric supervision are standard, yet many drug or alcohol addiction specialists are reluctant to prescribe medication unless required. Guided imagery techniques and other mind-based strategies are commonly taught in drug or alcoholism rehab programs across the board. Recognizing the natural connection between mind and body, many alcohol or drug rehab centers have nutritionists and other specialists on staff. You will work together with a range of professionals and peer counselors who can help you address difficulties in many areas of your life that may have contributed to your drug addiction.

Selecting an alcohol or drug rehab institution is not an everyday task and can be pretty tough. Addiction is an emergent though delicate issue that is difficult to handle the right way no matter how much you want to help yourself or a person you love. It is crucial to ally yourself with a good and sober relative or friend that you trust and go around and check out a few facilities. You will then see which alternatives are available for you so that you can choose the alcohol or drug rehab program that is best for you.

T. Brooks Ellingsen is a publisher of articles about alcoholism addiction treatments. You can go to alcoholism treatment for more.

Terje Brooks Ellingsen

How to Choose Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment

2008-11-06T21:16:00.002+07:00

By Brian Walker

In today's world, the effects of alcohol and drug addiction on the individual are great and the cumulative effects on our society are staggering. It has been estimated that each year almost half a million people in the United States die from illness, injuries, or homicides related to alcohol or drug addiction.

Alcohol and drug addiction can be cured through counseling and medication, and by combining these two methods with sustained therapy a patient can often get better recovery results. Currently there are many alcohol and drug addiction treatment programs available, but it is important to know that no single treatment approach is appropriate for everyone. If someone is dependent on drugs or alcohol and needs addiction treatment, it's important to spend time to find the best treatment program for the patient.

Not all treatment programs are the same. There are many factors that need to be considered. Alcohol and drug rehab programs can differ significantly in options, philosophies, staff skills and qualifications, and cost. Below are some questions you should ask when selecting a treatment program:

1. Qualification: Is this program run by licensed, state-accredited professionals? What is their success rate?

2. Treatment details: What different alcohol and drug addiction treatment programs are available? What's their philosophy on alcohol and drug addiction? How long will it take to complete the treatment program? Does this program offer medication as part of the treatment? Do they offer ongoing assessment of the patient's treatment plan? Do they provide ongoing monitoring of possible relapse? Do they offer long-term aftercare support? To what degree is the patient's family involved in the treatment process?

3. Facilities: Is their treatment facility well-run, organized and clean?

4. Costs: How much will their addiction treatment cost? Do they accept the patient's insurance? If not, is there any payment plan or other means to support the patient?
Although selecting a treatment program can be time-consuming and seemingly intimidating, but it's important to realize that choosing the most appropriate alcohol and drug addiction rehab program can greatly increase the chances of successful recovery.

To find more addiction recovery resources, advices and tips, please visit http://www.recoveryhelper.org.

Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance

2008-11-05T17:31:00.002+07:00

By Debbie Rocker

Weight loss is an important component to an overall fitness and health program. Weight maintenance is the companion piece, and it is a much tougher part.
Whether you are training for a marathon, planning a wedding, or putting a fitness program in place, it is helpful to lie out the various elements and focus on each one individually.

When we talk about fitness in general, it can be hard to grasp the overall idea, and then it becomes difficult to implement the various components - like eating well, getting enough rest, and exercising. On the other hand, when we look at just one or two key components the task becomes more easily defined and the execution becomes more efficient. So let’s look at weight loss, and weight maintenance, and how to achieve them both.

Weight loss can be looked at as a short-term goal. Let’s say you outline a plan for 6 weeks, or 6 months, depending on how much weight you have to lose and how rigorous your plan. You may be able to stick to a particular weight loss regime for 6 weeks that would be impossible to maintain over years, so plan accordingly.

Weight maintenance is absolutely critical to your fitness plan and without it your weight loss achievement will soon disappear. You must set up an exercise and eating program (and goals) that are realistic for the long haul.
Here’s how:

Diet
I have found that though most people know what they should eat, their choices don’t reflect what they know to be healthy food selections. That is because most of us eat unconsciously. To eat heath-fully we must eat consciously. So I recommend recording (write it down) everything you eat and drink – everything - for a week.

At the end of the week look over all that you have consumed and ask yourself why you think you ate what you did (convenience, habit), and what you would like, and be willing, to change. Then, write down a food plan for each day, the day before, so that you can plan, shop, and prepare food (if necessary) ahead of time.

This exercise will provide you with awareness and control, and with that you can make choices rather than eat out of habit. And, this is important, when you eat something that was not on your “plan,” don’t look at that as a failure, it’s just a bump along the way to a healthier lifestyle.

If you accept the positive and negative aspects of your program, you will be able to stay on the road rather than starting over anytime you hit a glitch. Keep moving forward and realize that going for the long haul means accepting even the unplanned as part of the plan. It’s life, unwanted and unexpected things happen, but you can still stay focused on your long-term goal of maintaining a healthy weight.

To help ensure your long-term goals, invite others to travel the road with you. Find someone that you can discuss your program with and talk about your victories and setbacks with productively. Remember, there are no failures, just temporary setbacks – these are inherent in any long-term plan.
Exercise
I am a huge proponent of walking for weight loss and weight maintenance. Walking is both aerobic and weight bearing, which makes it a very effective exercise. Walking is the safest and easiest way to lose weight and keep it off.

More people maintain weight loss through walking than any other exercise because it is so easily available (do it anywhere, no gym membership necessary), so inexpensive (all you need is a decent pair of walking/running shoes), and anyone can do it (you certainly don’t need a trainer, or a lot of experience). And because so many people love to walk, it’s easy to set up a supportive network of walking buddies.

Many people wonder, is walking enough? Yes it is, and there are tools to help you make your walking workout time super efficient and effective. For example: vary your walking terrain and time by walking in the hills on one day for 30 minutes, and on flat terrain on another day for 60 minutes. You can increase the intensity of your walk, too, by doing intervals of fast walking periods (walk one minute extremely fast) followed by slower periods of recovery.

On top of that, there are weighted vests, walking poles and more. The bottom line is: walking, done right, is enough. Walk with purpose, walk like you mean it, and walk consistently.
Remember, your instinct and desire to lose weight quickly is common and understandable. But ultimately you’ll have to embrace an eating and exercise plan that is sustainable within the scope of your lifestyle.

And hey, I am all for changing your lifestyle to include more exercise and putting a greater effort into eating well. But be realistic, make changes little by little so that they don’t fall away after a few weeks and take your well-earned weight loss with them.

Peace and Happy Trails -
Debbie Rocker

Stop Smoking Easily - No Longer a Frustrating Pipedream!

2008-11-05T16:01:00.002+07:00

Author: Bill Burridge

“Smoking Causes Lung Cancer, Heart Disease, Emphysema, and may complicate Pregnancy.”

“Smoking can cause a slow and painful death.”

Despite statutory warnings as dramatic as this in the US and the UK, there are still plenty of us who just can’t seem to give up on the habit, no matter how hard we try. Finding a way to stop smoking easily has, until recently, been about as challenging and elusive as the search for the holy grail.

Smoking always starts out as a curiosity quencher. After “trying it out” the first time, the second and third times come quickly, heralding the start of a regular routine that is very costly in more ways than one.

The seriousness of the effects of smoking would, one could reason, be enough to see people giving up in their droves. Everyone knows by now that smoking is clearly linked to diseases like lung, mouth and throat cancer, heart disease and premature tooth decay, to name but a few. Nonetheless, most of us who smoke continue to persist with a habit that we tacitly acknowledge is an insidious killer, not to mention unpleasant and potentially dangerous for those around us.

Why?

Whereas getting into the routine is child’s play, getting out of it, or quitting smoking, can be hellishly difficult and enormously stressful. Many people will find that to stop smoking is every bit as tough as giving up any other form of substance abuse such as alcohol, marijuana, prescription and other drugs.

To complicate matters, withdrawal symptoms are common after quitting. Mood swings, sleeplessness, cramping of the muscles, cravings and coughing are good examples. These nasty effects are often laid at the door of the substance called nicotine (or lack of it) that is known to cause addiction. But the truth is that cigarettes have been found to contain thousands of chemicals, many of which may be toxic and/or addictive.

And to add a final insult to the injury, those who successfully stop smoking often find themselves ballooning in weight as they distract themselves from their erstwhile habit with frequent snacks and various other ‘munchies’. These extra ‘treats’ and the cost of the various pills, patches and gums that many use to assist the process, often wipe out the financial gains from quitting.

But in all the gloom, there is some great news for those of us – and our loved ones – who long to ‘ditch the weed’. There are programs on the market today that can help people to stop smoking easily and quickly, without the use of supplements and nicotine replacement aids while sidestepping all the hated withdrawal symptoms and avoiding weight gain. It sounds almost too good to be true but the truth is that these programs have remarkably high success rates.

The secret to success lies within each and every one of us. As it is proving to be the case in so many areas of our lives nowadays, our very own personal belief system and our frame of reference for what we think is possible and not possible holds the key to making dramatic and lasting changes.

And, slowly but steadily, smokers are coming to realize that the search for a magic pill, patch or drug is not the answer. The only approach that really does bear fruit in the honorable quest to stop smoking easily is (with a little help) to look within.

Bio Box

One of the programs that has taken this new approach to conquering smoking addiction and has proven to be extremely reliable and successful, can be found at this address:

http://www.stopsmokingeasily.biz

About the Author:

Bill is the owner and founder of New Insights Africa, a company dedicated to the empowerment and personal development of others.
Bill's recently acquired entrepreneurial spirit is backed with an MBA and 27 years of wide-ranging corporate experience.

How to Stop Smoking

2008-11-05T15:56:00.002+07:00

Author: Chiva-Som International Health Resort

Chinn Neo - a previous guest at Chiva-Som - is very happy. “[Ken Rosen] treated my husband Robert Lau for his nicotine addiction,” she says. “And after having smoked for the past 20 years, he has stopped! This is AMAZING!!”

Chinn not only now has a healthier husband, she also has no unpleasant smoke odours hanging around the house. True: nicotine is incredibly addictive. But with the help of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), you too can stop smoking.

Ken Rosen is Chiva-Som’s Practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine. “At Chiva-Som,” he says, “we offer a complimentary half-hour stop-smoking treatment that follows the NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocol. “The treatment consists of four or five needles placed painlessly at specific points in each ear. After three to ten half-hour sessions, most people quit, and many report back a year later saying they remain smoke free.”

But how does it work? Ken explains: “The ear is a nexus of energy in the body. During the treatment, the body’s nervous energy tries to push the needles out and tunes into itself for healing. When the needles come into equilibrium with the body and mind, the nervous system has been reset in a very profound way. Sort of like restarting a computer.”

Another method to stop smoking is offered by renowned therapist Paul Emery. He uses a powerful combination of EFT and other psychological techniques, NLP for instance. “I can often reduce cigarette cravings in a matter of minutes,” he says. “And I provide guests with a quick tool to use if they need to reduce future cravings or stress.” EFT is based on 5,000 year-old Chinese principles. “It’s a psychological version of acupuncture, but without needles,” Paul reveals. “Instead, I tap specific meridian points. The treatment helps guests to quit smoking physically and psychologically, breaking links with associated activities such coffee breaks and meals.”
TCM and EFT can be used for any addiction, including drugs, food, and work stress. They both have a deeply relaxing effect on the whole person, complementing other therapies at Chiva-Som.

About the Author:

Chiva-Som is a luxury health resort, combining international standards with Thai hospitality to deliver personal wellness programmes in a non regimented way. Everything we do focuses on a holistic approach to health that incorporates mind, body and spirit.

Chiva-Som provides the support to guide everyone on a path to greater health and vitality.
Please contact Health and Wellness reception to book an appointment with Ken Rosen by E-mail: reservation@chivasom.com Phone: +66 0 32536536 Fax: +66 0 32511154 or visit our website: www.chivasom.com.

Men Sex Health Problem

2008-11-05T15:51:00.003+07:00

Author: jeniferhobson

Men sex health problem beginning for year’s men has supposed that sexual dysfunction is a usual part of rising older. Luckily, current medicine and varying attitudes have debunked this myth.

As men and their consulting room become more at ease talking about men sex health problem and fresh treatment are developed, there is no cause why men cannot stay sexually active well into their 70s and further than.

Men sex health problem definition -Sexual problems in men contain:

- An incapability to obtain or keep up an erection satisfactory for sexual intercourse

- A be short of of interest in sex

- Premature ejaculation

- Delayed or self-conscious ejaculation

Men sex health problem causes - Impotence also referred to as an erectile dysfunction is the term used to explain men who cannot obtain or keep up an erection during 75% of attempts to have sexual intercourse. Men who experience an infrequent incapability to have an erection and then have no problems during later sexual encounters do not have ED but still may look for out ED cures as a means of bolstering sexual self-confidence.

Limited blood flow - something that limits blood flow to the penis can reason impotence. The most ordinary circumstances that limit blood flow contain cigarette smoking, normal male aging, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, alcoholism, drug abuse and depression. In extra a lot of usually prescribed medications interrupt usual male sexual function.

Men sex health problem Psychological causes -Depression, presentation anxiety and require of focus are ordinary causes of psychogenic impotence.

1. Depression - Loss of libido and lack of attention in sexual activity are ordinary symptoms of depression. Impotence is, in itself, a miserable experience for any man. A lot of men choose to accept a refuse in sexual function as a natural result of aging. Because of disgrace or discomfiture, they do not talk about this problem with their healthcare contributor. This is unlucky because it is now likely to assess the reason(s) of sexual problems, and a lot of options are obtainable for erectile dysfunction treatment.

2. Presentation anxiety- Performance anxiety may build up in men who abruptly experience one or more erectile failures during attempt intercourse. The focus of the sexual act shifts from a sensual occurrence to one filled with anxiety. During following attempts at intercourse, the incapability to acquire and keep up an erection becomes the focus of the sexual experience.

3. Be short of of sensate focus -Be short of of sensate focus refers to the refuse in the significance of healthy sexual function for men in their middle age. Sexual intercourse an exhilarating and thrilling preoccupation of youth can lose a number of of its freshness. As a guy mature, his wellbeing and concern make bigger. Additional factors for his attention, still during sexual intercourse. If, in the midst of sexual intimacy, he find himself elsewhere with concerns about money or business matters, his brain will drift and he will lose his sexual focus as well as his aptitude to think on the sensual experience, both of which are required to keep up his erection.

About the Author:

Diagnosis and Treatment of Scabies - Men's Health

2008-11-05T15:47:00.002+07:00

Author: Jyoti

Scabies is an infectious skin disease which is caused by mites. Scabies mites lay eggs, reproduce and grow on the skins of human (mostly men). These mites can cause severe itching, skin rashes and lots more damages to the skin. Sometimes itching extends up to several years as they rapidly spread on other parts of the skin. That is why; scabies is also termed as “Seven-year itch”

Scabies symptoms are pretty similar to eczema, psoriasis, insect bite and other skin irritations. Therefore it gets difficult to diagnose scabies.

Diagnosis of Scabies

Mites make burrows on the skin and can be detected. Doctor will put mineral oil (few drops) onto any burrow and scratch out little portion of the affected skin. One can see mites, their feces and eggs through microscopes.

In some cases, mite burrows are not easy to identify. In that case, apply blue black ink on the skin. While applying ink, you will notice that ink is clotted at some portion and rest is blotted away. The clotted portions are the burrows made by mites. In addition, after applying ink, burrows attain their original color.

Another method of diagnosis is wood’s light. In this method, a particular antibiotic solution is put on the skin and later skin surface is wiped. The solution’s specific light wavelength makes burrows visible to the doctor.

Skin rashes and high itchiness are also scabies’s characteristics.

Treatment of Scabies

Scabies is a rampant disease but not incurable. There are loads of effective medical treatments for scabies available. Scabies can be treated with medical lotion, solutions, creams, medicines and others. Even self care at home can be advantageous.

However, prevention is the best treatment of scabies. Try to avoid contact with the affected person. Don’t share cloths, bed sheets or intercourse with the affected person. Stay clean and hygienic as much possible.

If someone is suffering from scabies, regularly change his underclothes, bed sheets, etc. Clean their clothing in boiled water. Also, treat the person having contacts, sexual contacts etc with the affected person, preventing him from the infection.

If you want to know the detailed information on diagnosis and treatment of scabies, log on to fuelthemind.com. Fuelthemind is the largest online men’s health guide and serves the most credible information on men’s diseases. Also, you can find here tips, suggestions, experts’ comments and lots more.

About the Author:

Get complete information on diagnosis and treatment of scabies, visit online men’s health guide to brose more on common health diseases in men.

What is Neuromuscular Therapy?

2008-11-05T15:41:00.002+07:00

Author: Greg Merriman

Neuromuscular Therapy is a form of Physical Therapy. It is drug-free and predominantly hands on non-invasive manual medicine that focuses on the effective treatment of pain and changes in sensations treating not only the musculoskeletal systems but also with a unique focus on treating fascia and myofascial trigger points.

Neuromuscular Physical Therapy offers a unique holistic (whole body) approach to health care. Neuromuscular Physical Therapists do not simply concentrate on treating the problem area, but use various manual soft tissue manipulation techniques to bring balance to all the systems of the body, through neuromuscular and fascial interventions in an effort to provide a foundation that encourages a return to or maintenance of good health and wellbeing.

The philosophy of European Neuromuscular Physical Therapy is what sets it apart from other complementary medical disciplines. The key principles are based on all parts of the body functioning together in an integrated manner. If one part of the body is restricted or experiencing pain, then the rest of the body must adapt and compensate for this, eventually leading to inflammation, pain, stiffness and other health conditions. Neuromuscular Physical Therapy takes account of the dynamic contractile ability of human fascia and the formation, etiology and treatment of Myofascial Trigger Points.

Neuromuscular Physical Therapy is the ideal complement to primary health care professionals and General Practitioners (i.e Medical Doctors) work. Treatment of pain and injury is one aspect of Neuromuscular Physical Therapy, however, a preventative role is also evident as when the body is free of restrictions in movement, Neuromuscular Physical Therapy treatment assists the body with pain minimisation, reduced stress and greater mobility providing the body with the opportunity to heal itself thereby avoiding knock-on negative effects.

Exercise and Nutrition expert John Sharkey MSc is the director and founder of European Neuromuscular Physical Therapy. Neuromuscular Therapy is also established in North America (i.e American Version) but differs significantly from the European style. There are several training centres in Ireland offering professional training in Neuromuscular Physical Therapy up to Higher Diploma level. With the best ones, students enjoy the fact that they have access to some of the world's leading authorities in the area including eminent lecturers such as Leon Chaitow and Judith DeLany.

So what can students learn during such a course:

There are CCME course as an advanced Complementary Medical Educational (CME) programme involving Sports Massage and Soft Tissue Manipulation techniques including:

• Primary and Advanced Anatomy & Physiology
• Exercise Physiology
• Neuro Physiology
• Cadaver Studies
• Myology
• Soft Tissue Release
• Muscle Energy Techniques
• Trigger Point Techniques
• Neuromuscular Techniques
• Positional and Myofascial Release

What is most important, is that graduates can start a successful career in physical therapy provided they meet general requirements.
In addition to following a strict code of ethics, all licensed Neuromuscular and Physical Therapists must be a member of a recognised professional body such as the Association of Neuromuscular Therapists. Membership of this Association allows a therapists patients to benefit from health insurance payments.

The combination of continuing education and professional status will offer the reassurance which the public demand before a course of treatment commences. Patients will be able to verify the professional status of therapists using an on-line licensing register.

About the Author:
This article was written by National Training Centre - http://www.ntc.ie - providing Fitness Courses Dublin, Pilates Courses, Sports Massage Courses, Personal Trainer Certification.

Before You Undergo Hair Restoration Surgery

2008-11-05T15:23:00.004+07:00

Author: Legacy Hair Center

For years, you have endured raised eyebrows and scrutinizing stares when people see your balding head. You may have resorted to wearing all sorts of ball caps or scarves, just to keep people from noticing your progressive loss of hair. The stuff you bought from the infomercial didn’t grow any hair either, and your confidence is shattered.

Today, things will change. You have finally decided to consider a hair restoration procedure as a solution to your hair loss problem. The decision to undergo hair restoration is a life-changing one. You must think over your options carefully. Also, you need be guided by a hair loss specialist who has the expertise and experience to help you make the right decision. Ultimately, this will determine your level of satisfaction after the procedure.

Here are the questions you should ask before undergoing hair restoration surgery:

Are your expectations realistic?

While the techniques of hair transplantation are nearing perfection, you should realize that hair transplantation is not for everybody. You don't actually grow new hair when you undergo the procedure. Instead, hair from healthy regions of your scalp (the donor site) is transplanted to your scalp's balding areas (the recipient site). You have to wait 2 months for the transplanted hair to grow normally, and 6 months for it to look natural.

Hence, the amount and quality of your remaining hair and your age will determine the results that you may expect from the surgery. An honest hair specialist will take the time to explain this to you, and not just push you into getting the transplant. Otherwise, you might end up paying for a procedure, whose results you are unhappy with.

Is your hair specialist an expert in the field?

"Any physician even with basic training can successfully transplant hair and make it grow," says Legacy Hair Center CEO Ronnie Talent. "But to make it aesthetically pleasing, and undetectable requires artistry only those with advanced training can attain."

In contrast to emergencies such as a ruptured appendix or a broken bone, you have the luxury of time to choose the doctor who will perform your hair transplant. Do not hesitate to ask for your hair specialist's qualifications. You should be aware that non-surgeons and even non-doctors may legally perform the procedure. However, only the finest of hands and in-depth knowledge of facial aesthetics will give you the outstanding results you need.

Are you getting your money's worth?

Hair restoration and hair replacement centers employ various strategies to market their services nationwide. Some use full-scale TV and magazine advertisements, while others rely on word of mouth. As such, the cost of hair transplantation varies considerably with each center. Your decision to pick one hair loss center over the other should not be influenced by price alone. There are cheap hair loss options out there, but will you be satisfied with the results? You may be able to save money now, but then regret the decision later when you decide to have an unsatisfactory hair transplant corrected.

“Much of the work we do is corrective” Talent claims.” Many doctors make the hairline too dramatic, and don’t use common sense. A 45 year old man will not look normal with a 17 year old’s hairline.”

By working well with your trusted hair specialist, you can expect hair transplantation to bring back the vitality that you have once lost. It's time to throw away your scarves and ball caps. Today is the beginning of the rest of your life.

About the Author:

The Legacy">http://www.legacyhaircenter.com/\">Legacy Hair Center specializes in the latest hair restoration and hair replacement options for both men and women. You don't have to suffer from hair loss. Visit the center in Charlotte, North Carolina and be among the thousands of people that Legacy has helped reach their hair">http://www.legacyhaircenter.com/\">hair restoration goals.

Causes of Hair Loss Among Women

2008-11-05T15:20:00.002+07:00

Author: Lara Lee

There are lots of people all over the world who are suffering from hair loss especially women have great percentage among all. No one has ever tried to know reasons for hair loss and people normally don't bother to search reasons for hair loss. There are number of reasons for hair loss in men and women but among women hair loss is very common because of the following reasons.

Genetics:

One of the major causes of hair loss is genetics Research has shown that if any of parents has hair loss disease then it will likely to transfer to next generation. Such women have to take extra care to their hair otherwise, they can be bald. This happens by the actions of pair of enzymes called aromatase and 5-a reductase.

Menopause:

With the passage of time, estrogen level decreases in a woman and it is not produced in the same when she was younger and the result is hair loss. Hormonal imbalance because of menstrual cycle is also another reason for hair loss.

Medication:

There are certain medicines that cause hair loss among women and these medicines include diabetes medications, chemotherapy, antidepressants, auto immune disorders and scalp yeast infections. These all medications contain some elements that weaken the roots of hair and ultimately cause hair loss among women. Such medicines should be avoided. Every medicine should be consulted in advance with your doctor if you have hair loss problem with you.

Anxiety and Frustration:

Stress cannot be avoided and has become a part of our life. The best remedy is to stay relax and cool. Indulge is such hobbies that keep you fresh and nourishing.

These all factors are great contributors in hair loss and you can overcome them to some extent but cannot control them at all. There are many available treatments for hair loss but if you cannot eliminate these factors then you cannot find any permanent solution to get rid of hair loss.
You should take healthy diet, make yourself relax, avoid such medications which have elements to weaken your hair and take proper medicine if you have got this hair loss in inheritance.

Types of Hepatitis, Symptoms of Major Types of Hepatitis

2008-11-05T15:15:00.002+07:00

Author: peterhutch

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, which can be caused by viruses, medications, or toxic agents.

Hepatitis known as an inflammation of the liver , is a gastroenterological disease. Hepatitis is generally categorized as a viral or non-viral hepatitis. Viral hepatitis can be considered "rapid" a position that comes on frequently with severe symptoms and for a short time or "chronic" a position that comes on slowly, may or may not have symptoms for a long time.

Viral infections are the cause of most acute Hepatitis. Hepatitis comes in 7 not so delicious flavours: Hepatitis A, B, C, D - Agent (which requires the presence of the hepatitis B virus to form), Hepatitis E, F, and G. None of these are very yummy, and should be avoided at all costs.

When most people refer to hepatitis, they are probably talking about viral hepatitis, which is classified into several types. Hepatitis A, which is very common in underdeveloped countries, is acquired from water or food sources. This type of hepatitis is usually mild and may sometimes be discovered only by blood testing. Hepatitis A never leads to chronic liver disease.

Hepatitis A is a highly infectious disease caused by Enterovirus referred to as Hepatitis A Virus(HAV) and the incubation period for this disease is about 2 - 8 weeks and the disease is called Short Incubation Hepatitis. The virus replicates in the liver of the host.

With hepatitis B, the liver also swells. Hepatitis B can be a serious infection that can cause liver damage, which may result in cancer. Some people are not able to get rid of the virus, which makes the infection chronic, or life long. Blood banks test all donated blood for hepatitis B, greatly reducing the risk for getting the virus from blood transfusions or blood products.

Hepatitis C is also passed on through contaminated blood and is similar to hepatitis B, but it is caused by a different type of virus. Infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the number-one reason for liver transplant in the U.S. Unlike hepatitis A and B, there is no vaccine to prevent hepatitis C.

Two other hepatitis viruses are known, hepatitis D and E. The D agent, an RNA passenger virus, cannot proliferate without the presence of hepatitis B virus, because its genome lacks certain essential genes. Hepatitis E produces a picture quite similar to hepatitis A, although it can take a fulminant course in some patients, particularly pregnant women; it is more prevalent in the Indian subcontinent. Hepatitis D is caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV). It occurs only in people who have hepatitis B. Hepatitis E is caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV), which can be found in the stool (bowel movements) of infected people. It is uncommon in the United States but is a risk to international travelers.

About the Author:

Read about Natural Supplements, Herbal Remedies. Also read about Kidney Stones Treatment and Rencare

A Brief Description of the Rdi® Program

2008-11-05T14:57:00.003+07:00

Author: Nicole Beurkens, M.Ed

I often get questions from parents interested in knowing how my colleagues and I approach the treatment of autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. I thought it would be helpful to start answering those inquiries in this format, as some of you may have similar questions. Here I will address:

What is the Relationship Development Intervention (RDI)® Program?

When beginning to understand RDI®, it is helpful to set aside any previous information you have about treatment programs. My rationale for this suggestion stems from the fact that it is difficult to fit a new concept into something we have already established in our minds. RDI® is a unique and different model, and I encourage you to explore the information outside the boundaries of what you currently conceptualize as “treatment.”

The RDI® Program is based on a large body of research from the fields of human development, neurology, and neurodevelopmental disorders (including autism). Dr. Steven Gutstein and Dr. Rachelle Sheely, the founders of RDI®, have spent years studying and organizing the research literature in those areas to develop a comprehensive, research-based approach to neurodevelopmental disabilities that is based on what we know about how humans develop. By incorporating an understanding of how the brain functions, the typical sequence of development from birth through the lifespan, and the neurological and developmental problems that occur in autism and other related disabilities, they have been able to design an approach that addresses the core deficits of these disorders in ways that promote more typical pathways of development. Because it is based on the most current research in these areas, the RDI® model evolves over time as research sheds new light on our understanding of these issues. This is critical, because it means that RDI® as a treatment approach remains on the cutting edge of what we know about these disorders.

RDI® is about restoring the guided participation relationship between parent and child in order to promote the development of thinking and relating. Guided participation describes the relationship that is established between parent and child early in infancy and continues throughout childhood and adolescence. The basic essence of guided participation is that the parent is in a continual role of guiding the child to learn about and understand themselves, others, and the world around them. The child is in the role of soaking up the parental guidance, thereby learning to think, communicate, and relate to others. RDI® helps parents learn how to establish a solid guided participation relationship with their child, which is the foundation from which all future learning and development occurs. This begins with a thorough assessment of the parent-child relationship in order to determine where breakdowns are occurring in the guided participation relationship. A plan is developed to strengthen the relationship, and give parents the tools to repair breakdowns that occur.

Once the guided participation relationship is well established between parents and child, the focus turns to the child’s specific developmental deficits. RDI® utilizes a comprehensive set of developmentally sequenced objectives that represent all aspects of human development from birth through adolescence. The objectives encompass areas of development such as abstract thinking, self-awareness, communication, behavioral and emotional regulation, friendships, problem solving, collaboration, academic learning, and many others. A thorough assessment process identifies the developmental gaps for each particular child, and a plan is developed for addressing the objectives for each specific area that requires attention. This often entails going back to early developmental stages in order to address core issues that are impeding a child’s ability to function.

The RDI® approach focuses on remediation of deficits, rather than compensating for them. This means that we tackle the underlying deficits that prevent individuals from thinking, communicating, and relating in meaningful ways. [For more information on the concept of remediation, refer to our article “What is Remediation?” by following the link in the author’s resource box.] Another way to think about this is that we are focused on developing dynamic intelligence, which includes the thought processes and abilities needed to engage with the constantly changing world in which we live. We address the obstacles to development so that they no longer create barriers for the individual and family. This stands in stark contrast to treatment approaches that focus on acquisition of rote skills, academic learning, and other areas that correlate to the strengths of people on the spectrum but fail to impact their deficits.

RDI® Program Certified Consultants are the professionals trained to guide families through the remediation process of RDI®. Consultants conduct periodic assessments to determine starting points, measure progress, and identify obstacles along the way. They also work closely with parents by providing education, strategies, and feedback as the guided participation relationship is developed and child objectives are addressed. Just as the child is in a guided participation role with parents, the parents are in a guided participation role with their consultant. The goal of the consultant is to help parents reclaim their role as the most important guide in the child’s life, and to assist them in developing the skills and mindset necessary to make the most of moments with their child throughout the day. RDI® does not comprise a specific set of activities, done in a specific place, and for a specific amount of time. It is a way of life that permeates every interaction with the child, and typically with other family members as well. Parents learn how to approach their child and provide opportunities for thinking, communicating, and relating in ways that promote optimal growth and development.

There is much more to say about RDI® as a treatment approach, but the purpose of this article is to give you a basic overview. You now have an initial framework for understanding the main elements of RDI® and the innovative approach to treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders it provides. Perhaps the most concise way to summarize RDI® is to say it is a research-based, parent led program to correct the core problems that create obstacles in the lives of individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. Parents interested in this approach are encouraged to contact an RDI® Program Certified Consultant to get more information and discuss specific family needs.

Professional Teeth Whitening Options

2008-11-05T14:52:00.003+07:00

Author: Patricia Woloch

One of the quickest and easiest ways to enhance your smile is through tooth whitening. Visit any drugstore or supermarket and you’ll see a wide variety of whitening kits, strips, toothpastes and mouthwashes that promise you a white smile. While some of these products may provide some degree of success, much more dramatic results can be achieved through professional teeth whitening options.

Professional cosmetic dentists can offer patients two different methods of teeth whitening: in-office or take home kits. In most cases, both options are highly effective and provide patients with dazzling smiles.

In-office teeth whitening

There are many different types of in-office whitening systems used by cosmetic dentists today to bleach teeth. Three of the most popular are Zoom!®, Rembrandt® and BriteSmile®. These systems each utilize their own proprietary form of tooth whitening gel that is carefully applied to the teeth, avoiding all contact with the gums and lips. When combined with activating light technology, the gels penetrate the teeth discolorations and whiten the teeth.

Each of these systems provides a quick, easy, and safe way to achieve a brighter, whiter smile. Depending on the patient and the system used, in-office teeth whitening systems can whiten teeth up to 10 shades brighter. The results are immediate and long-lasting.

At-home teeth whitening

A more affordable alternative to in-office teeth whitening, at-home systems professionally fitted by cosmetic dentists also provide excellent whitening results. The dentist will make a mold of the patient’s teeth so custom-made whitening trays can be created in a laboratory. Once the trays are prepared, the patient will begin to squeeze a small amount of professional-strength whitening gel into the trays and wear them each night for the dentist-recommended amount of time. Patients generally begin to see a dramatic change in their teeth appearance in about 2-3 weeks.

Costs of professional teeth whitening

The cost of professional teeth whitening depends greatly on the patient’s expectations as well as the system and technology used by your cosmetic dentist. It has been estimated that the costs of these options can be:

· In-office whitening: $300-$2,000

· Customized at-home trays and whitening gel: $100-$800

Causes of Mesothelioma

2008-11-05T14:22:00.003+07:00

Author: Patricia Woloch

Between 70% to 80% of all cases of mesothelioma involve patients who have a history of exposure to asbestos at work. Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by inhaling or ingesting asbestos particles, and usually presents as a pleural mesothelioma, or a mass located in the membranes that line the lungs. About 20% of mesothelioma patients have peritoneal mesothelioma, which is located in the lining of the abdomen that encases several abdominal organs.

The mesothelia are membranes that encase the lungs, the heart, or most organs in the abdomen. They consist of two layers, the parietal layer that lines the chest cavity, or the abdominal cavity, and the visceral layer that lines the individual organs. The mesothelia produce a serous fluid between their layers that provide a layer of lubrication on which they glide, allowing the organs within to move freely.

Mesothelioma is a tumor, or mass, that grows in response to many years of irritation and inflammation caused by asbestos fibers that lodge in a mesothilial layer of either the lung or peritoneum. It begins in just one layer of the mesothilia, and usually in the pleura, on one side of the chest. This slow-growing cancer can take up to 50 years to manifest as mesothelioma and produce enough symptoms that the affected person seeks medical help.

Smoking and Mesothelioma

While smoking does not appear to increase the risk of getting mesothelioma, nor does it cause mesothelioma, it significantly increases the risk of getting lung cancer. Lung cancer is a cancer located within the lung tissue, specifically in the lung’s airways. Asbestos has not been shown to cause cancer within the lung tissue. Its sharp, rigid strands move through the soft lung tissue to the pleura, where they become trapped. Asbestos particles that lodge in the lung tissue can cause another serious disease, asbestosis. Asbestosis causes fibrotic changes to the lung that stiffens the lung tissue. The presence of fibrotic lung disease further restricts breathing capacity.

While smoking does not cause mesothelioma, when combined with asbestos exposure it significantly increases the risk of getting lung cancer. The increased risk is not just additive, but synergistic. These terms mean that the risk of getting lung cancer from this combination is more than the sum of the individual risks added together.

Evidence shows that if you have been exposed to asbestos, especially in the work place, you can significantly reduce your risk of getting lung cancer if you quit smoking.

Treatment of mesothelioma varies by stage ranging from surgery, radiation and clinical trial in Stage I, to draining the excess fluid from the chest or abdomen, palliative surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a clinical trial of a combination of these treatments.

Preventing Beauty From Aging

2008-11-05T14:20:00.002+07:00

Author: Jerzy George

What would you do if you knew that it was possible to prevent your skin from aging? Would you want to find out how to keep your skin young and healthy?

The secret about aging skin is that there isn’t really any secret at all. Confused? You see, skin can be difficult to manage, but it can also be rather easy to tame if you know how. While nobody can stop the hands of time completely, there are some things that you can do to slow those hands down.

There are lots of things in the world that work against your skin. Free radicals float around in the air causing the aging process to speed up; sun damage can harm your skin; and lack of water can really impact your skin. The good news is that these things are avoidable...but how?

Well, begin by realizing why your skin goes through the aging process to begin with. As you age, the collagen within your skin begins to melt away. Since collagen acts like a glue that holds your skin, muscles, and tissue together, when it starts to dissipate your skin starts to sag.

Then, consider those things that cause you to age...sun and water. Take the time to purchase a great sunblock product, and be sure to drink eight glasses of water per day. Next, think about the things that you can do to slow down the aging process...there are actually quite a lot of them.

Aside from staying out of the sun and drinking water, it is very important that you choose the right skin care products. Your skin care products should be all natural, free of heavy chemicals, and proven effective. While it may seem tough to find such products, they do exist.

Collagen all natural products incorporate everything that you need in order to keep your skin healthy. These products contain the collagen that your skin needs; they have the natural ingredients that are right for your skin; and they don’t contain any harsh chemicals...but they can’t work alone.

You must maintain a healthy lifestyle in order for these skin care products to work. What does it mean to live a healthy lifestyle? Eat foods that are high in nutrients and vitamins; try not to drink too much caffeine or alcohol; and stay away from any form of cigarette smoke (including second hand smoke).

Living a healthy lifestyle combined with skin care products such as Collagen can actually slow down those ticking hands. There’s nothing you can do about the aging process, but you can fight the signs of aging with a strong hand that’s armed with the right weapons.

Those of us that neglect our skin often look tired and old...even when we’re not. You don’t have to be one of these people. Instead, take the time to care for your body. The more that you care for your body, the better off your skin will look in return, and isn’t that the most important thing of all?

Natural Treatment for Constipation

2008-11-05T14:17:00.002+07:00

Author: Johnsmith

The most important thing that one must remember is that the remedies should not be used continuously for a long period of time. These remedies should be used for two to four days but not longer than two weeks and must be used only to clear constipation. The treatment may take a couple of weeks to help your system function properly. Many herbal combinations or herbal mixtures are available that can help improve the function of the colon and getting the bowels regularized.

Some dialogues on nutritional changes are very important as these can go a long way in take care of constipation. In some cases, constipation is an effect of not having sufficient fibre and water in our diet. Consequently it is suggested that you continue your diet that is rich in fibre. Don't forget to drink plenty of water. Fiber and water are part of natural remedies to help you keep away from constipation.
Constipation home remedy treatment by using Bael Fruit has proven to be beneficial in treating constipation. Bael fruit is known to be the best of any laxative for treating constipation. Take it in its original form right before dinner. Sixty grams of the fruit is the best dosage for an adult.

Papaya is also good source of fiber. It contains papain, an enzyme that helps digest proteins. Concentrated amounts can especially be found in unripe papaya. This enzyme helps prevent the accumulation of mucoprotein (partially digested protein) in the body and lymphatic system. Thus, the unripe papaya is considered to have more healing powers for constipation than the ripe one.

Take at least 2 glasses of warm water in the morning and go for a small walk; this would help in relieving constipation.Keep in mind that most remedies should be used only for a short time, two to four days and not longer than 2 weeks. They should only be used for the time needed to clear your constipation. This might be just 4 or 5 times or sometimes it may take several weeks. There are some herbal combinations that can be used for longer duration. These combinations can improve your colon's health and get your bowels moving again.

Eat more green leafy vegetables, whole grains and fruits. Many pregnant women swear by eating a few pieces of prunes or a serving of old-fashioned oatmeal every day. Prune or apple juice can also be effective. Sauerkraut Drink an 8 ounce glass of warm sauerkraut juice followed immediately by an 8 ounce glass of grapefruit juice(unsweetened).

Relieving tension at home is a remedy for constipation as well. Relaxation can loosen your bowels. When someone is frightened or tense their mouth dries up and their heart beat increases. Slow down and take it easy. This also causes the bowels to contract as well. A relaxing tape, a good book, a funny movie with a good friend – these are some home remedies that can cure or prevent constipation, and are good for our overall mental, emotional and physical well being as well. Laughing is especially helpful, as it massages the intestines and this helps digestion.

Looking for the Best Acne Scar Treatment?

2008-11-05T14:11:00.002+07:00

Author: Eileen Childs

There are a number of treatments out there to battle acne scars. While none of them really give instant results, they can significantly decrease scarring or eliminate them over time, depending on the severity. The idea behind acne scar treatments is that new cells will replace old damaged cells. There are some topical scar treatments that start this process through the creation of healthy skin cells. There are many over the treatements, but it is best to consult a doctor if you are looking for a deep acne scar product. Determining the best acne scar treatment varies from person to person depending on a lot of factors, including the severity of the scar, allergic reactions to treatment, availability of funds and their own body's response to the treatment.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is an intensive exfoliating procedure in which a patient's skin is frozen and then removed using a high-powered rotating brush. This procedure can be very painful and requires anesthesia. The skin is also extremely agitated by the intensity of this procedure and can take several months to heal.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion, similar to Dermabrasion is an exfoliating technique, but it is much gentler and less invasive. In this procedure, the goal is to remove the superficial layer of skin called the epidermis. This procedure works well with more recent or superficial scars.

Chemical therapy

Chemical peels are acidic solutions that are applied to the skin. The solution acts on the outermost skin layers, causing them to disintegrate and peel away to reveal the underlying skin. Chemical peels vary from mild to deep penetration, depending on the severity of your acne.

Both microdermabrasion and chemical peels can be done at home, your local salon or a doctor's office. Over the counter products tend to be milder than what are available in a doctor's office and may prove helpful for less severe scarring.

Laser therapy

There are basically two types of laser therapies used in acne scar therapy. This includes ablative (resurfacing) and non-ablative.

Ablative lasers burn away scar tissue, causing dermal collagen to tighten and reduce the scar's visibility. This can be fairly invasive and can take months to heal. The non-ablative repairs without injuring the epidermis. This type of therapy is becoming more popular and has been referred to as the "lunchtime" form of acne laser therapy.

Surgical therapy

Deep rolling scars caused by acne can be treated with subcision. This process works by separating the skin tissue from the scar tissue allowing blood to pool underneath. This allows the deep rolling scars to level off with the rest of the skin. This can then be followed up with other treatments like resurfacing, microdermabrasion or chemical peels.

As you can see there are many different choices available when it comes to acne scar removal. If you have mild or recent scarring, you can try an over the counter product to see if it will work for you, but you should consult a physician, if your scarring is severe to determine what other options are available to you.

10 Questions to Ask Before You Travel Abroad for Medical or Dental Treatment

2008-11-05T12:28:00.001+07:00

Being well informed is the cornerstone of being able to make a good decision. Before you travel abroad to visit a dentist, doctor or cosmetic surgeon you should satisfy yourself that you are 100% happy to be treated by this person at their facility. Here are ten questions that will help you become an informed patient.

What are your qualifications and specialisations?
You should take the time to check that your dentist, doctor or surgeon is fully qualified and currently registered to practice in their local country. To do this, contact the local medical or dental council. If you are receiving specialist treatments, look for a further qualification in that area of specialisation. For further peace of mind, check if the person in question has been licensed to practice in your own local country.

With my medical history, am I suitable for this procedure?
To minimise the risk of unnecessary complications, you should disclose any possible medical reasons that might make you unsuitable for treatment. That could be something as simple as being a smoker, which might disqualify you from receiving dental implants. Your prospective practitioner should be asking these questions anyway, but if they don’t you should volunteer the information and ask about the implications.

What are the normal treatment and recovery times recommended?
One commonly voiced concern amongst local dentists and doctors when talking about patients seeking treatment abroad is that they compress too much treatment into too short a space of time. If you are getting complicated treatment done abroad, ask your overseas clinic what their recommended time between treatments is, what their recommended recovery times are, and if they differ significantly from what is suggested at home, ask them why that is.

What happens if something goes wrong?
The biggest fear that people have when looking for treatment abroad is that something will go wrong, either while they are still abroad or, worse still, once they return home. You need to know before you travel what procedures the clinic has in place for dealing with everything from pulled stitches to post operative infections. In the worst case scenario, what will they do if the procedure fails completely? Do they offer guarantees, refunds, or free remedial treatment? If you have returned home before the problem arises, will they pay for you to return? Be satisfied that you can live with the answers they give.

What other options do I have?
Often times you will have heard of a procedure from a magazine or a television programme that seems like it might be something you’d be interested in having done. Even if you are suitable for the procedure, ask about alternatives. There may be a newer procedure, or a less risky procedure or a cheaper procedure that you would be even more interested in, but if you don’t ask you may never be offered them.

How much is it going to cost?
If you are travelling abroad without having received a pre-consultation at home, any prices you have been quoted are likely list prices for a given procedure. You need to ask if there are any extra costs that are likely to arise: x-rays, anaesthetic, prescriptions, etc. The last thing you want to have happen is to get to your clinic and find out that the treatment you thought was going to cost €3,000 is actually going to cost €5,000 when everything is included. It is not unreasonable if you do have a local pre-consultation to ask for a fixed price guarantee. You might also want to enquire about possible payment methods.

Where is the treatment going to take place?
You will want to know in advance what type of facility you are going to be treated in. Is it a small clinic located in an office building, is it a larger purpose built clinic, or is it a hospital? There are implications involved in each case, but you will need to be satisfied that you are happy to be treated in whichever facility your prospective doctor, dentist or surgeon is located in.

What is your success rate?
Some procedures, such as dental implants, have a failure rate that is measurable. You should ask how many times your practitioner has performed the specific treatment you are interested in, and what the long term success rate of his or her use of this treatment is.

Can I speak to some previous patients?
One of the best ways you can get honest answers about treatment in a specific clinic is to talk to someone who has done it already. Ask the clinic to put you in touch with someone in your country who has had the same procedure performed. If they can’t or won’t, try and find someone yourself by searching online. People who are very happy or very unhappy often blog about the treatment they received.

What brand of implant do you use?
In order to accurately compare the price at home to the price abroad you really need to compare like with like, and that means asking what brand name of implant, crown, or veneer that the dentist is going to use is. The same applies for any cosmetic implants or fillers, and similarly there are a wide range of laser eye treatments available under the umbrella terms LASEK or LASIK. Know exactly what it is that you are buying or you might end up unhappy with the results.

How Do I Have Weight Loss Surgery Overseas?

2008-11-05T12:25:00.003+07:00

Author: John Dunn

Weight loss surgery is one of the few surgeries that isn't covered by US insurance plans. This makes it difficult for overweight people to find insurance coverage for their weight loss surgery and to avoid the exorbitant cost of the procedure. Enter the world of medical tourism, where a person can have weight loss surgery in an exotic locale overseas and will pay a fraction of the costs of the same procedure in the West.

How do I sign up?

Basically, you get in contact with MedPath or another medical tourism site and locate an exotic locale like India, Costa Rica and Thailand, where the surgery can be performed inexpensively and with internationally renowned surgeons who have done hundreds of weight loss surgeries in the past. You'll make your flight arrangements and travel overseas.

There, you'll meet with your personal attendant who will get you from the airport to the luxury hotel where you'll have a five star hotel room at a grand hotel. Your assistant will arrange all of your doctor's appointments and your surgery, leaving you to just enjoy the location and perhaps get some sightseeing in. You will have an appointment to meet your doctor and will discuss with him or her how the surgery will go. Tests may need to be run to make sure you're healthy enough for surgery and you may need to have a meeting with a qualified nutritionist to discuss what nutrition is like after weight loss surgery.

The surgery is done exactly as it is done in the United States and the surgeons are internationally accredited, having done many such surgeries in the past. The hospital is state of the art and the hospital room is like a five star hotel. You feel like a king or queen as you go through the process of weight loss surgery.

On the day of your surgery, your personal attendant will retrieve you from the hotel and will take you to the state of the art surgery suite. You'll have the procedure and wake up with a crack staff of nurses taking care of you. You'll go to your hospital room and will recover in opulence. You're allowed to have friends or relatives to come with you and to be with you after the procedure. Immediately, you'll begin working with the nutritionist on eating small bites of food. When you're ready, you'll go back to your hotel and begin preparations to go home.

http://www.medpathgroup.com/bariatric_gastric_bypass_surgery.php

Tips When Choosing a Country for Cosmetic Surgery

2008-11-05T11:31:00.003+07:00

Author: Octavio Herrera Guardiola

In the past two decades, there has been a complete turnaround in the number of people globally who seek and undergo cosmetic surgery.

The fact that more people aim to alter, modify and improve physical and aesthetic appearance is very obvious and is simply uncontested. However, there has been a drastic change in the cosmetic surgery sector. Globally, many people go abroad to undergo different cosmetic procedures.

While in the past, cosmetic and plastic surgery were usually preferred to be conducted at developed and sophisticated facilities in the United States and in other first-world countries, nowadays, the emergence of medical tourism has made going to other countries a viable and reasonable option. Despite the fact that quality of such medical procedures has not deteriorated in developed countries, many people now prefer to 'be done' elsewhere.

The dominating trend in the sector for global cosmetic surgery is governed by affordability. Prices abroad of common and special aesthetic surgical procedures, like liposuction, breast augmentation, face lift, tummy-tuck, rhinoplasty and laser hair removal, are drastically lesser compared to costs of having such procedures done in the US or in UK, for example. Further, aggressive marketing strategies implemented by offshore plastic surgeons and their clinics are persuading more people to fly to other countries for any cosmetic operations.

Medical tourism is providing more people chances to finally take the cosmetic surgery procedure they need and want. The growing marketplace abroad for such medical procedures is further lowering consumers' expenses. As for safety, much to rave about is the fact that most plastic surgeons and professional staff in clinics abroad have also received medical education and training in Europe or in the US. Almost all are also striving to secure international accreditation and certification to assure potential patients of their safety, reliability and standard quality of services.

When choosing a country for plastic surgery, it is important to focus on overall safety. Many countries, especially in the third world, are offering the lowest costs. Do your research and determine the safety and satisfaction rate in such clinics. If you have colleagues or friends who have undergone cosmetic surgery abroad, you might ask them advices or recommendations. While it is your goal to save on costs, remember not to miss on making sure your overall safety is not compromised. Here are some additional guidelines.

Choose cosmetic clinics in nations near your home country. Patients in the American continents could travel to Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama and Brazil. The Asia Pacific region has the most aggressive and less costly plastic surgery offerings in Thailand, the Philippines, China, India and Malaysia. In Europe, Turkey, Ukraine and Malta have good, reputable and very cheap cosmetic surgery clinics.

Plan well and ahead of schedule. In the United States and UK, it may take months before cosmetic surgery procedures push through, despite high costs. In other countries, scheduling can be finalized within just days. Just make sure you do not travel during peak tourist seasons to avoid travel hassles. Allot a few days for recovery after the face surgery, tummy-tuck, breast augmentation or rhinoplasty. Traveling by air after surgical procedures is not advised as doing so may lead to pulmonary embolisms or blood-clot formations. Take several days to rest, relax and recover.

Many medical travel tours even offer vacation packages. After your surgical operation, there will be several additional days of vacation at beaches and tourist sites, included in package deals. Just be careful not to enjoy too much as it may cause bleeding and infection to the wound. Just relax and enjoy your getaway.
Do a simple research about the overall security and consumer protection legislations in the country of your choice. Is the country notorious for not imposing laws that guarantee patients' and consumers' overall safety and protection? If the country could not offer safety blankets to its citizens, at least when it comes to cosmetic surgery procedures, do not expect it to extend such provisions to traveling patients and medical tourists.