Beauty, Health and Fitness

Heartburn Acid Reflux Diet Recommendations

2006-10-02T22:56:00.000-07:00

An acid reflux diet typically restricts the intake of certain foods that are known to increase stomach acid. Some people even claim that there are foods that “cure” the syndrome.

You can currently find for sale acid reflux diet books, alongside other popular diets and cookbooks. One author states that apples “cured” his acid reflux. He is now selling a report in which he details “three natural remedies” for acid reflux.

These are supposed to be foods that cured his acid reflux. He does admit, however, that they may not work for everyone. In our opinion, it may be more effective in the long run to design your own acid reflux diet, using a food and symptoms diary to record what foods seem to trigger symptoms.

Natural remedies for acid reflux include changing the foods you commonly eat and even when you eat, how much you eat, and in what circumstances you eat. Such changes, believe it or not, may be effective for reducing symptoms of acid reflux.

Most doctors and other healthcare professionals recommend that in order to control symptoms, an acid reflux diet should exclude certain foods that are known to increase stomach acid. Tomatoes and citrus fruits, for example, are highly acidic. So is chocolate. And fried or fatty foods can also increase stomach acid and worsen symptoms.

You may think that an acid reflux diet must be bland, but while some spices trigger symptoms, some commonly used cooking herbs are considered natural remedies for acid reflux.

Changing from garlic and chili powder to ginger, fennel seed and turmeric may help. Ginger, fennel seed and turmeric were used in traditional medicine to treat indigestion and heartburn. Modern herbalists have combined some of these “herbs for heartburn” to create natural remedies for acid reflux.

In addition to following an acid reflux diet that limits highly acidic foods, experts say that eating less than three hours before bedtime increases the likelihood that you will have nighttime symptoms.

This is because lying down after eating allows gravity to work against you and makes it easier for stomach acid to creep up into the esophagus. Knowing this, some companies sell wedge-type pillows calling them natural remedies for acid reflux, but some doctors who specialize in treating the syndrome maintain that these pillows may actually worsen symptoms by “folding” the stomach.

These doctors recommend raising the head of the bed (with blocks, for example) 6 inches higher than the foot of the bed, so that gravity can still help keep acid in your stomach, without “folding” and creating extra pressure on the stomach.

If it isn’t what you eat or when you eat, it could be how much you eat. An effective acid reflux diet plan may include several small meals every few hours throughout the day, rather than one or two large meals. The more food that is in the stomach, the more likely that acid will reflux.

Another one of the often suggested natural remedies for acid reflux is simply losing some weight. Extra pounds put extra pressure on the stomach and more acid creeps up. At night, this can lead to sleep disturbances, coughing, snoring and even sleep apnea.

Following an acid reflux diet plan that is low in fatty and fried foods and calls for meals every couple of hours is not only one of the effective natural remedies for acid reflux, but it could help you lose weight since it primes the metabolism.

Doctors typically recommend antacids or proton pump inhibitors, at least for short-term use, to prevent or neutralize stomach acid. There are a number of herbal and botanical products that may do the some thing.

For example, mangosteen juice (a health drink), taken before meals, effectively dilutes stomach acid and may be considered one of the natural remedies for acid reflux. An acid reflux diet alone may not be enough. If not treated, acid reflux can lead to damage of the esophageal lining, which can lead to esophageal cancer.

Components of the mangosteen have been shown to reduce inflammation and actually prevent the formation of cancerous tumors in laboratory studies. Tell your doctor about which acid reflux diet and what natural remedies for acid reflux you are using and get regular check-ups, even if your symptoms seem to be under control.

by Mike Leuthen

Weight Gain Between Pregnancies Raises Health Risks

2006-09-30T05:45:00.000-07:00

Doctors have long advised women that are overweight and plan to become pregnant to lose their weight because a number of studies has been conducted and shows that there is a link between obesity and pregnancy complications, such as pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure or hypertension), gestational diabetes and stillbirth.

But recent study, as published in the British medical journal, The Lancet, found that an increase in body mass index or BMI between your first and second pregnancies also may increase the risks of above pregnancy complications.

The results showed that weight gain between first and second pregnancies was associated with an increased risk of all these overweight and obesity-related adverse outcomes. A gain of one to two BMI units increased the risk of gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension or large-for-gestational age birth an average of 20 to 40 percent. A gain of three or more BMI units showed a 63 percent greater chance of stillbirth compared to a gain of less than one BMI unit and also a greater effect on all other complications. Additionally, the researchers found that the risk of adverse outcomes increased even in women who were not overweight, but who gained a modest amount of weight between pregnancies. For example, if a woman who was 5 ft., 5 in., tall and weighed 139 lbs. (giving her a BMI of 23, not considered overweight) gained 6.6 lbs. (1 BMI unit) between her first and second pregnancies, her average risk of gestational diabetes would increase by more than 30 percent. If she gained 12.2 pounds (2 BMI units), her risk would increase 100 percent. The risk would continue to climb if she gained more weight and became obese.

So, it turns out that even only a relatively modest increase in weight between pregnancies would lead to serious illness. And of course the only key to prevent the risks is that women of normal weight should avoid gaining weight between their pregnancies, while obese and overweight women is highly recommended to lose weight if they have a plan on getting pregnant.

Source

Acid Reflux May Cause Esophageal Cancer

2006-09-30T00:24:00.000-07:00

New research has proven that there is a connection between acid reflux and esophageal cancer and Barrett's esophagus.

Mayo Clinic's gastroenterologists, G. Richard Locke III, M.D., and Yvonne Romero, M.D., say that only five percent of individulas who experience acid reflux will develop Barett's esophagus and once it is diagnosed, the patients will have a 30- to 125-fold increased risk of developing esophageal cancer.

Barrett's esophagus is a condition which damage to the cells that line the esophagus and causes these cells to become abnormal. The damage is mostly caused by chronic acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or inflamed esophagus.

Acid reflux is a common and one of the most frequent causes of indigestion.

If you have Barrett's esophagus symptoms, such as heartburn pain at night, blood in the stools, swallowing problems and vomiting, please visit your doctor and tell him or her your symptoms before it get worse.

LASEK or LASIK is Better to Correct Your Vision?

2006-09-23T04:32:00.000-07:00

LASIK surgery is a very popular eye surgery among people who wear contact lenses or glasses. LASIK eye surgery has been proved to successfully correct common vision problems (myopia or nearsightedness, hyperopia or farsightedness, astigmatism and a combination thereof) in most of LASIK patients.

Studies on LASIK outcomes reported that at least 90% of LASIK patients achieve 20/40 or better visual acuity after LASIK surgery. This means that only 1% or less of LASIK patients that experience complications after the surgery and even most of the complications are treatable with enhancement surgery.

LASEK is a relatively new eye surgery, developed for patients that will not do very well with LASIK. The condition is probably because they have too thin or too flat of cornea. LASEK is an abbreviation of Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis. It is basically a variation of PRK (Photo Refractive Keratectomy). PRK is an eye surgery that has existed before LASIK eye surgery.

Studies show that LASEK procedure may helps in reducing risk of LASIK complications that usually occur when cutting the corneal flap during the LASIK surgery - not ideal in thickness and diameter.

The Procedure of LASEK Eye Surgery

The procedure of LASEK eye surgery consists of three steps:
1. There is no hinged corneal flap created with microkeratome blade or laser as in LASIK surgery. Instead, a finer blade called trephine and an alcohol solution is used to loosen the edges of epithelium. Then, the surgeon used a tiny hoe to gently lift the edge of epithelium and hold it back out of the way.

2. Excimer laser is used to remove the underlying corneal tissue.

3. The last step is to place back the epithelial flap into its original position by using a kind of spatula.

What you can expect from LASEK is almost similar to what you can expect from LASIK, only with some differences. The epithelial flap heals in about a day, but you will have to wear a bandage contact lens for about four days. Eye irritation is something that is avoidable for a day or two. The time for LASEK patients to recover good vision is often longer than LASIK patient, but of course it may vary from one person to another. Usually, it takes four to seven days.

Lina Lee is a successful webmaster and publisher of LASIKWeb.info, a website that provides complete guide and infomation about LASIK Surgery and Custom LASIK.

Cured Meats Reduce Your Lung Function

2006-09-04T13:52:00.000-07:00

Cured meats, hmm... delicious! But don't eat cured meats in large portions. Recent study shows that people who consume large amounts of cured meats have about 3% reduction in lung function compared to those who never eat cured meats.

The study conducted by Graham Barr at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, U.S. surveyed more than 7500 people - 20% of them never ate cured meats, while another 20% were regular consumers of cured meats at least 14 times a month.

During the study, participants breathed into a machine that is used to measure lung function and test on how quickly they could blow out air. Participants who were regular consumers of cured meats blew out 115 milliliters of air less per second than those who never ate cured meats. A healthy person usually is able to expel about 2.5 litres to 3.0 litres of air from lungs per second.

According to Graham Barr, a link between processed meats and cancer has been found on previous studies and this is the first study to show an affect on lung function in humans.

The nitrogen-containing compounds that food producers use to cure meats may become reactive in the body and attack proteins that give lungs their elasticity. A 3% drop in lung function may not be noticed by average person, but it is a significant and noticeable reduction for those with lung disease.

However, more researches need to be done and this preliminary analysis should not stop you from eating cured meats, just watch out your portion, please!

FDA to Ban Skin Lightening Products

2006-09-04T13:16:00.000-07:00

FDA is going to ban several counter skin lightening products that contain hydroquinone because studies on rodents has shown that hydroquinone, a kind of bleaching agent that may cause cancer. While the actual risk of hydroquinone is still unknown, FDA said the products should be restricted to prescription use under medical supervision. Before hydroquinone, another skin bleaching drug, ammoniated mercury, has been declared unsafe in 1990.

The fact that hydroquinone links to a disfiguring condition called ochronosis has been widely documented since 1975 in black women and men in South Africa, Britain and the U.S. The ochronosis is a condition marked by the darkening and thickening of the skin and appearance of tiny dome-shaped and grayish-brown spots.

Skin lighteners are usually used to treat skin problems such as freckles, blemishes, sun spots or age spots. While in some countries skin lighteners are not very popular, in other countries skin lighteners have been over used to gain a whiter complexion. Hydroquinone has been banned in some European countries, Australia and Japan.

FDA has published the proposed rule on August 29th, 2006 in the Federal Register and will accept public comments through December 26th, 2006. It has not confirmed when the rule will become permanent.

Do Not Store Watermelon in the Fridge

2006-08-01T02:24:00.000-07:00

DO NOT store watermelon in the fridge, if you want more of its nutritious value because storing watermelon at the room temperature may double the carotene levels and increase the lycopene levels up to 20%.

Researchers from the USDA Agricultural Research Service, Lane, Oklahoma, USA made a research by storing uncut watermelons in different types for two weeks at 70, 55 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit and found out that melons at room temperature had 11% - 40% higher of carotenoid levels that those stored at low temperatures, which showed much lower or no increase in carotenoid levels.

However, the increase in watermelons' benefits only apply to uncut watermelon. If you cut one and want to store it, of course you should store it in fridge. But if you want to store an uncut melon, better put it at room temperature. If you have left the watermelon for a few days at room temperature, it is then OK to place it in the fridge to cool it down before you eat it. Cooling it does not reverse the process, it only slows it down or stops it.

Source

Eye Test to Detect Alzheimer's

2006-08-01T01:52:00.000-07:00

After a trial in mice, US scientists hope that early stage of dementia could be detected with a simple eye test in the near future. Dr Lee Goldstein from Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston who led the test, uses a non-invasive laser to check the lens of the eye for deposits of beta-amyloid - the protein found in the brains of those with Alzheimer's disease.

Dr Goldstein and his team envisage the test could be used to detect the disease at its earliest stages as well as to track disease progression and monitor how people respond to Alzheimer's treatments.

Currently there is no simple test to make a diagnosis of dementia and it can only be confirmed with certainty by looking at someone's brain in a post-mortem examination.

The scientists believe the technology, known as quasi-elastic light scattering, may detect the very earliest stages of amyloid deposits in the lens, even when they appear completely clear to the naked eye.

The eye test method to detect early stage of dementia will be developed further before introduced to public. If it has the same accuracy with current test used to detect dementia, of course the eye test will be a better alternative for patients, since it will be much cheaper.

Source

15 Tips to Live Longer

2006-07-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

Why can a man live longer than the others? Is it because that he gets better food supply, better medical care, better hygiene or any number of other factors? It's not totally clear to scientists how they all add up, but it's clear that your lifestyle plays important role on your longevity. Dr. David Fein, medical director at the Princeton Longevity Center, a clinic in Princeton, N.J., said that, "There's a saying that genetics load the gun, but it's the environment that pulls the trigger. You can have the gene for a certain disease, but it doesn't mean you're going to get it."

"Those low on adult conscientiousness died sooner," Friedman concluded. Conscientiousness does not mean looking both ways before crossing the street, it means looking both ways when the light turns green so you don't accidentally run down a slow-moving pedestrian. Beyond that, a conscientious person's long-living qualities probably have to do with the fact that they are predisposed to constructively reacting to emotional and social situations, and are more likely to create work and living environments that promote good health.

Here are the 15 tips for you to live longer:

Don't oversleep and don't undersleep
Be optimistic
Have more sex
Get a pet
Get a VAP
Be rich
Stop smoking
Chill out
Eat your antioxidants
Marry well
Exercise
Laugh a little
Lose weight
Manage stress
Meditate

Source

Elke Von Freudenberg Makeup Tutorials

2006-07-27T03:08:00.000-07:00

Celebrity Makeup Artist in Los Angeles and New York, Elke Von Freudenberg got together with Coutorture to create a set of makeup tutorials to help you improve your makeup skills and achieve the perfect look everyday.

Here's the Step 1 - Primer video:

and here are the links to next steps of Elke Von Freudenberg Makeup Tutorials:
Step 2 - Foundation

Step 3 - Concealer

Step 4 - Remove Oil

Step 5 - Powder

Step 6 - Blush

Step 7 - Bronzer

No Sweat Workout

2006-07-27T02:28:00.000-07:00

It's great when you're able to do exercise without having to leave your seat, isn't it? Woman's Day will show you step-by-step how to trengthen and sculpt your whole body without ever leaving your beach or lawn chair with these easy-does-it moves; in the No-Sweat Workout slideshow.

Actually it's not as easy as you think (and it will actually sweat you also), but the exercise is good to build your chest, abs, arms and legs muscles.

Try it and get the fabulous look at the end of summer!

Dermagenetics DNA UltraCustom Face Cream to Banish Wrinkles FOREVER!!

2006-07-27T01:06:00.000-07:00

The Hollywood is going DNA crazy recently. It's the Dermagenetics DNA UltraCustom face cream, the object behind the craze that claims to be able to banish your face wrinkles F-O-R-E-V-E-R! No surgeries, lasers, or any injections needed. It's face cream product that is especially made to suit your skin conditions, based on DNA testing, so, it's unique and personalised.

The DNA testing idea behind the product is that every human has unique DNA and general face creams in the market have wrong ingredient proportions. If the creams we are using on our face are not suited to our genetic requirements, skin is unable to metabolise the ingredients and they are left to build up as unwanted toxins in the skin.

Every Dermagenetics clients are sent a kit, which includes two cotton swabs and a return envelope. Clients are asked to rub the swab along the inner cheek ten to 12 times before leaving it to dry and sending it back to Dermagenetics for testing. From these skin cells, experts measure the client's genetic propensity for collagen breakdown; photo-ageing; wrinkling; skin ageing; their skin's ability to tolerate environmental pollutants and their overall skin health. Then, clients will receive a tailor-made night cream with client's name on it, containing various minerals, enzymes, herbal extracts and acids specifically balanced to suit them within two weeks of taking the test.

The company also have the DNA studies on their record so that follow-up courses of creams can be bought without the need for further tests.

John Souzais, the spokesman for Dermagenetics said,

'Everyone is so used to going after the ingredient of the week, but the problem is they don't know if their skin is capable of metabolising that ingredient. The only way you can know is if you have a genetic test. There are no secret ingredients in our skin-care and, in fact, we basically use the same ingredients as other companies.

'The difference is that we re-proportion the ingredients to precisely suit the individual's requirements.

'Every few months, major cosmetics houses single out a new active ingredient and make it fashionable.

'Most people have no idea what these ingredients even do but they are encouraged to buy them because their favourite movie star looks great in the billboard campaigns.

'We've proved in two different studies that our active ingredients can regulate genetic functioning to give optimal balance to the skin.

'We analyse your genes and find out which ones are disadvantaged and give those genes what they would need to make them function if they were perfect.'

Are you the one who are also following Goldie Hawn, Meg Ryan and Teri Hatcher to in effort of banishing wrinkles? If yes, get ready to spend £135 (about $255) for DNA test and £125 (about $235) for a bottle that lasts six to eight weeks.

Dermagenetics official website: www.dermagenetics.com

Source

Pomegranate Juice to Slow Prostate Cancer Progress

2006-07-27T00:23:00.000-07:00

Study shows that drinking pomegranate juice may benefit men to slow the progress of prostate cancer.

Pomegranates contain a cocktail of chemicals which minimise cell damage, and potentially kill off cancer cells.

The study, by the University of California in Los Angeles, appears in the journal Clinical Cancer Research.

Previous research had indicated that pomegranate juice could have a beneficial effect on prostate cancer in tests on mice.

But the latest study has shown that humans can potentially benefit too.

The presence of prostate cancer cells is monitored by measuring levels of a chemical they produce called prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The average doubling time of the PSA is about 15 months, but in patients who drank pomegranate juice this increased to an average of 54 months. This will help to delay the therapies such as hormone treatment or chemotherapy, both of which bring with them harmful side effects.

Besides the ability to slow prostate cancer progress, pomegranate juice may also protect human body from the damage by particles called free radicals because the anti-inflammatory effects and high levels of anti-oxidants in it.

Source

Lose Weight by Eating for Your Blood Type – Fad or Fact?

2006-07-01T00:09:00.000-07:00

Several years ago, a very interesting new idea with regard to weight loss became all the rage: eating for your blood type. This concept answered the age-old question of why not all eating plans work for all people. That much seems undeniable - people are very different with regard to the types of food that works for them, as well as the type of exercise program. A weight loss regime that works for one person won't necessarily work for someone else - that much we know.

Some experts started to link this to blood type. There are four main blood types, and according to this way of thinking, each type represents a body type. If you eat the food that is right for your type, you will lose weight effortlessly. Conversely, most weight problems are the result of eating the food that's wrong for your type. As well, there are types of exercise that are suitable for some types and not for others.

Though mainstream science ridiculed this idea, thousands of people followed the eating plan for their blood type and many had excellent results. This is the theory: the different blood types evolved at different times in human history, and even nowadays people with those types have traits that are specific to humans at that stage of evolution. This may sound confusing, but it's clearer with an example: According to this theory, 'o' type blood, because it's the simplest type, evolved first. At that time in human history, people had not yet developed agriculture. They were primarily hunters, and ate meat and greens; they ate no wheat, and no dairy, because those foods developed later on with the advent of farming. Humans at that time in history also exercised vigorously.

So, if you have 'O' type blood, your body is similar to this early human physiology. If you eat a lot of carbohydrates and don't exercise vigorously, you will have weight problems and other health problems, because you are not eating and exercising in the way that is right for your blood type and body type. To lose weight and be healthy, if have 'o' type blood, you have to eat plenty of red meat and vegetables, and very little wheat or dairy. You should also have a strenuous physical activity, like running or weight lifting, that you practice several times a week.

But if you are a type 'A' or 'B', for example, that advice would be all wrong for you. These types developed somewhat later, after agriculture was established, so these individuals can and should eat more fruits, vegetables, and grains. People with 'AB' type blood are lucky; their type evolved last, after humans had incorporated all types of food into their diet. So 'AB's can basically eat anything - within reason - and not gain weight.

Over the past six or seven years, many people have followed this plan and lost a lot of weight. There are a few problems with it, though. First of all, as mentioned before, there is no hard scientific evidence that shows that people with different blood types are physiologically different. It's an appealing idea, but it can't be proven as yet. Also, some of the blood type diets (particularly the diet for type 'O') are very restrictive. In fact, the type 'o' diet is rather like Atkins at its most restrictive, and some nutritionists feel that this might lead to problems with high cholesterol in the long run. On the other hand, proponents of the diet argue that type 'O' people are precisely those who can afford to eat a lot of meat without negatively affecting their cholesterol level. If someone with a different blood type ate in this way, it might be a problem, but not for 'O's'. And it is certainly true that some people develop or don't develop cholesterol problems seemingly regardless to their dietary intake.

If the theory has no basis, though, how would we explain the weight loss that so many people have experienced? It may be simpler than you think, actually. Any one of the four blood type eating plans, if followed correctly, would have you eating healthier, more natural food. Some, like the 'O' diet, are also quite restrictive. It seems likely that these diets make you lose weight in and of themselves, regardless of what blood type you are!

Weight Loss Secret: Thinking Thin

2006-06-30T23:59:00.000-07:00

Your struggle with weight might have begun while you were a child, as you attempted to find out just how many cookies you could eat at one sitting. Or it might have occurred shortly after you arrived on a college campus for the first time. Those late nights of studying might have led to late-night binging sessions. Or you might have gained weight after the birth of your first child, and have been unable to shed the weight ever since. No matter what the cause, weight gain is a serious matter. It can affect your energy level, your stamina, and your overall health. Obesity has been linked to a number of diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Once you determine that you are overweight, you have to make a commitment to bring your weight under control. This can be a daunting venture. You have turned overeating into a habit, and reversing that habit can be difficult. In essence, you have taught yourself to “think like a fat person.” In order to reverse this trend, you need to learn to think like a thin person.

What exactly does this mean? To begin with, it means that you must throw away your preconceived ideas about food and eating. Eating might have become a social event for you. As a result, you’ll need to learn to be sociable without food. This is similar to the struggle that alcoholics face when they must learn to socialize without beer or liquor. Just because this is hard lesson to learn doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.

Thinking like a thin person also means that you need to develop new coping strategies. You might be viewing food as your friend, the one you turn to when things are not going your way. You may even be eating in secret because you’re ashamed at how much you’re eating. You need to realize that your public persona needs to be the same as your private persona—and your diet should match both.

A number of thin people exercise without even noticing it. Activity has become a normal part of their day. The same thing needs to be true of you. You need to exercise as much as possible. It should ultimately become second nature for you. It should not be a chore—it should be a fun part of your week. Take an inventory of your preferences. Whether you like tennis or bowling, badminton or running, choose the activity that best represents your style. Then exercise diligently—preferably six times a week. This will speed up your metabolism so that you will burn fat more quickly. Also, you need to overcome any fear you have of exercising. As an overweight person, you might find exercise frustrating—and you might fear what other people will think of you as they watch you exercising. You need to realize that chances are no one cares about your exercise routine. Don’t let fear get in the way of your progress.

Thinking thin also means controlling portion sizes. This can be difficult, especially when eating out. However, the key to effective weight loss often lies in limiting your food intake, and that begins with portion control. You might try putting your dinner on a smaller plate in order to ensure that your portion sizes are not too large.

You have to realize that thinking as a thin person does not happen overnight. You have had years to develop your thought patterns and changing them can be a challenge. The important thing to remember is to take one day at a time and keep in mind that your weight loss will not happen instantaneously. It will take months of hard work to reach your ideal weight. However, the good news is that once you get into the habit of thinking thin, it’s a trait you can carry with you for life. The difference between a fat person and a thin person is not just a matter of the body, but of the mind as well. Once you realize that, you will be well on your way to accomplishing your weight loss goals, both your immediate goals and your future goals.

Weights on children's toys 'can boost their fitness'

2006-06-30T23:34:00.000-07:00

ADDING weights to children's toys may help them improve their fitness during playtime, according to new research in the US.

The study included five boys and five girls, who were an average of seven-and-a-half years old and were randomly assigned to carry either large, cardboard toy blocks that weighed less than a quarter of a pound or blocks that weighed about 3.4 pounds.

The children picked up the blocks and carried them over approximately 26 feet. Days later, the children were assigned to the opposite type of toy block and repeated the activity.

Overall, after an average of ten minutes of carrying weighted blocks, the children experienced greater increases in heart rate, oxygen uptake and energy expenditure than they did after carrying the lighter blocks, findings indicate.

"This study provides one intervention to the current trend of declining fitness in America's youth," Dr John C. Ozmun, of Indiana State University said. "This will not be the answer to childhood obesity, but it could make a positive contribution."

Source

'Light' Cigarettes Don't Help Smokers

2006-06-30T23:28:00.000-07:00

Smoking low-tar and low-nicotine — or "light" — cigarettes may actually make it harder for smokers to kick the habit.

A new study shows that people who smoke light cigarettes are more than 50 percent less likely to quit smoking than those who smoke regular cigarettes.

"Even though smokers may hope to reduce their health risks by smoking lights, the results suggest they are doing just the opposite because they are significantly reducing their chances of quitting. Moreover, as they get older their chances of quitting become more and more diminished," says researcher Hilary D. Tindle, M.D., MPH, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, in a news release. Tindle conducted the research while at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston.

Source

How to Get Rid of Acne: A Step-By-Step Tutorial

2006-06-22T07:45:00.000-07:00

To get rid of acne, you have to understand what causes it in the first place. All in all, the formation of acne pimples a pretty complicated process that even scientists and dermatologists don't fully understand. What is known though, can be summed up in a fairly simple manner ? Acne bacteria (p. acnes) get trapped inside a pore (hair follicle). The bacteria then feed upon the sebum (oil) trapped inside the pore, and multiply, causing an infection. The body spots this infection, and tries to protect itself from it, leading to inflammation, which makes for a huge, red, inflamed "spot".

Using this basic information, we can come up with three to-the-point ways to combat acne.

1.) Kill the bacteria. If there's no bacteria to cause an infection, then there will be no acne.

2.) Reduce the oil on the surface of the skin. Since oil can clog pores, and gives "fuel" for the bacteria to thrive off of, less oil means less acne.

3.) Stop the pore from getting clogged in the first place. If you can keep dead skin cells from clogging up a pore, you'll reduce the number of spots.

With that said, we'll move on to the basic regimen.

Step 1 ? Washing your Face

In this step, we will be trying to accomplish two goals ? Removing excess oil from the surface of the skin, and killing the bacteria on the skin.

To do this, we will need a gentle, non-comedogenic, non-irritating antibacterial cleanser. These are few and far between, and I have only found one cleanser that can do the job: Noxzema "Triple Clean" Cleanser. This is a gentle cleanser that contains an antibacterial ingredient called "triclosan".

First of all, splash your face once or twice with warm water. Then, squeeze about a dime sized amount of the cleanser into your hands. Work into a rich lather, and then apply to the face, being extra careful to be gentle. There is no need to scrub or rub it hard, as this will NOT help with acne, it will only make it worse. With that said, very gently, using no pressure at all, and only the tips of your fingers, rub it onto your skin for one minute straight. This is to make sure that all of the bacteria are killed off. Then rinse the cleanser from your face, and gently pat the skin dry with a clean towel.

Step 2 ? Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl Peroxide is a very common over-the-counter acne treatment product. BP works by creating an oxygen rich environment within the skin, interrupting the metabolic process of the p. acnes bacteria, causing it to die off. It is also antiinflammatory, helping to reduce redness.

Avoid anything that is 10% BP, unless it won't be staying on your skin for long. Go for 5%, or better yet, 2.5%. The two products I recommend are Neutrogena's "on-the-spot" acne treatment cream, and Stridex's BP pads. Both contain 2.5% benzoyl peroxide.

No matter which product you choose, apply it gently to your skin after cleansing.

Step 3 ? Salicylic Acid

Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid ? meaning it is an exfoliant, and will help your skin to shed dead skin cells faster. This prevents the dead skin cells from forming a clog inside pores, trapping bacteria and leading to a pimple.

The salicylic acid product I recommend is Clean & Clear's "advantage" acne spot treatment. It is a sort of gel, that contains 2% salicylic acid. It goes on smooth, is invisible once it has dried, and stays on all day to provide protection against acne.

After the benzoyl peroxide has dried, gently apply the salicylic acid. I use about a quarter sized amount for my face, but if your skin isn't "used to it" yet, start with less.

And that's it! You're now protecting your skin from three major causes of acne, and hopefully your skin will begin to clear up!

This regimen is meant to be done twice per day ? once in the morning, and again at night. Since both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are irritating to the skin at first, don't jump right in. Your skin has to get used to the products before you can use them to their fullest extent. Be patient, and at first, only apply benzoyl peroxide, and only apply it once per day. Then work up to twice per day. Once your skin is used to that, add in the salicylic acid slowly. Eventually, you should be using quite a bit of both products. Definitely remember to wear a sunscreen if you'll be venturing out into the sun.

by Ryan Bauer - Acne Elimination: Acne Information

Your Subconscious Plays a Huge Part in Ending Binge Eating

2006-05-03T04:33:00.000-07:00

If you had the ability to design your life the exact way that you wanted to, would you? If you could create every detail of your life, how would that be? What if I told you that you have this incredible power within you? What if I told you that you could co-create your life to your exact specifications? Would you want to?

Whether you realize it or not, your subconscious mind picks up on all of your positive or negative statements that you say or think about yourself. Think of your subconscious as a sponge. It soaks up tons and tons of information, some of which you are not even aware of. Everything that you come into contact with in your daily life gets absorbed into your subconscious and will stay there forever, as you are not able to filter through what gets to your subconscious mind.

You may think questions to yourself such as, “Why am I so fat?” and your subconscious focuses on the fat part. It doesn’t hear the rest of the statement. It focuses on fat and that is what becomes programmed into your mind. Subconsciously you will keep feeding that part of your mind with the word fat being the focus.

This is why it is so important that when people use affirmations to end their battle with binge eating disorder they are careful of what they say and think. By filling your subconscious mind with negative statements about yourself, you will get what you don’t want, even though that is not your intention. The subconscious mind accepts any and all information because it does not know any better. This is also why affirmations work so well: Your subconscious cannot distinguish what is real and what is not real. You must use this to your advantage and when you find yourself thinking a negative thought, it is imperative that you counteract that statement with a positive one immediately.

The main purpose of reprogramming your subconscious mind with affirmations is so you can change your current reality. What is it that you want in your life? What do you wish to attract in your life? How do you see your future in terms of binge eating? How bad do you want to stop binge eating? Since your subconscious mind makes up about 90% of your whole mind, can you imagine what can happen to your life by incorporating affirmations daily? Your dreams can start to become your reality. Binge Eating can start to become a thing of your past.

Affirmations can help with all areas of your life including: your fears, anxiety, personal development, and improvement with yourself. By adding affirmations to your life, your self-esteem and confidence will grow more than you can ever imagine… Or can you?

Right now you may be at the lowest point ever because you binge. You are not happy in your life and wish to change. You want a happy ending, but are unsure of how to get there. Even though there are obstacles in overcoming binge eating disorder, don’t let that discourage you. Don’t focus on how long it may take. Take each day and live for that day. Focus on not bingeing that day and start positive affirmations. Remember that ending binge eating will come with the help of subconscious change. Notice what will happen to your life and welcome the new you with open arms!

by Kristin Gerstley.
She is a former binge eater that now has a healthy relationship with food. She is also the owner of http://www.endbingeeating.com which is a site that helps people overcome Binge Eating Disorder. She publishes a free newsletter offering tips on how to stop binge eating and regain control of your life.

Can Diet Help to Cure Arthritis? Or Can It Make It Worse?

2006-05-03T03:55:00.000-07:00

The medical profession mostly rejects the idea that there is any connection between diet and arthritis (with the exception of gout), but many naturopaths and holistic practitioners disagree.

There are many factors to consider with regards to arthritic diets and nutritional healing, and no hard and fast rules can be applied. For example, some people are allergic to certain foods, and these allergies can indeed worsen some types of arthritis.

Eating foods that contain sodium nitrate or tartrazine can worsen the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis, while ingesting foods containing a substance called hydrazine can contribute to systemic lupus erythematosus, an arthritic condition connected to lupus, Eating black walnuts can cause flare-ups in people with a rare type of arthritis called Behcet's Disease.

These are just a couple of examples of foods which could negatively impact on people with certain types of arthritis so as you can see the whole topic can get very complicated!

The term arthritis covers over 100 different diseases and conditions. Since it would be impossible to cover all of them in one article such as this, we will look at the most common condition: osteoarthritis and tackle rheumatoid arthritis and gout in future articles.

Osteoarthritis is mainly a disease of wear and tear. However there is one thing to avoid. Don’t take large doses of Vitamin A, since there is some evidence that it contributes to cartilage deterioration. Cartilage deterioration is the main cause of osteoarthritis.

There are holistic healers who will swear that a good diet can alleviate many of the painful symptoms. A diet high in fish is recommended as it contain high levels of Omega 3 which helps reduce inflammation and also has many other health benefits.

However if you live in an area where the sea has a high concentration of mercury, fish oil capsules are a better bet. Buy a known brand name to ensure maximum bio-availibility.

Including vegetables and sufficient low fat protein in the diet ensures optimal health and avoids weight gain which puts a heavy strain on arthritic joints

Some osteoarthritis sufferers benefit from the food supplements glucosamine and chondroitin in relieving symptoms of pain and stiffness. As above buy a reputable brand.

The National Institute of Health is currently studying glucosamine and chondroitin, so more should soon be known about the effectiveness of these products for osteoarthritis. People taking blood-thinners should be careful taking chondroitin as it can increase the blood-thinning and cause excessive bleeding.. Seek medical advice first.

by Wendy Owen

Art of Cosmetic Nose Surgery - Rhinoplasty

2006-04-11T02:01:00.000-07:00

Cosmetic Nose Surgery should be performed by a surgeon only with very talented aesthetic abilities and preferably a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. In addition, the Rhinoplasty procedure should be performed with minimal surgical trauma to the nose, no external incisions, match and blend all facial features, look very natural and unoperated, cause minimal pain and discomfort to the patient, and be performed under the highest standards of safety.

Cosmetic nose surgery can dramatically change the size, shape and appearance of a nose. The Surgeons objective is to create a natural-looking nose that fits with other facial features. He/She creates this nose by recontouring the nasal profile, reshaping the nasal tip, and changing the angle between the nose and the upper lip. Concurrently, breathing problems can also be corrected during this surgical procedure.

The Rhinoplasty Surgeon is able to reshape your nose through small incisions made inside of your nose so that they will not be visible. Should any incisions need to be made outside the nose, the surgeon will make sure that they are well hidden and inconspicuous.

After the Rhinoplasty procedure, patients are send home with or without packing of the nose. Dr. Clavin does not send patients home with packing of the nose, even when septal work is being done, however their are physicians that do use packing and that is their own personal choice. Dr. Clavin has found using his technique that packing is not helpful and patients are more comfortable post-operatively.

The "new" approach to cosmetic nose surgery, that being an "open rhinoplasty" should only be reserved for very special cases of revision rhinoplasty, since it can cause extensive swelling and trauma to the nose.

by Harold Clavin, M.D., F.A.C.S. - Cosmetic Nose Surgery

Anemia Treatment

2006-04-03T10:27:00.000-07:00

The treatment for anemia depends on the type and cause.

Iron deficiency anemia is treated with iron (ferrous sulphate) supplements, initially taken three times a day. If nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea or constipation occur, the medication may be taken with a little bit of food. Treatment should be continued for three to six months in order for the body to fully replenish its iron supply. As long as excessive bleeding is not present and there are no other complicating factors, the anemia will be corrected within a few weeks. However, if the iron deficiency is caused by blood loss that is not due to menstruation, the source of bleeding must be found and stopped. This may require surgery.
Pernicious anemia, or vitamin B-12 deficiency, is treated by a life-long course of intramuscular injections of B-12. Persons with this type of anemia receive a shot of B-12 several times a week when first diagnosed. The treatment may continue for life, with one shot about four times a year.
Folic acid deficiency anemia can be corrected by taking folic acid supplements once a day.
Hereditary hemolytic anemias, such as thalassemia is treated by first eliminating any existing infections and avoiding medications that suppress the body's immune system. These medications may attack red blood cells. In addition, persons with these types of anemia may require regular blood transfusions.
Sickle cell anemia patients may be given oxygen, oral and intravenous fluids and pain-killing drugs to reduce pain and prevent complications. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed as well. Sufferers will need blood transfusions when the anemia becomes severe or if misshapen hemoglobinIron-containing pigment of the red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. needs to be replaced. In some cases, a bone marrowThe soft tissue occupying the cavities of many bones, including the breastbone. Marrow is of two types: red and yellow. Red marrow is found in spongy bones, yellow is found in the cavities of the long bones. transplant may be effective. Adult patients may be treated with the cancer drug hydroxyurea (brand names Droxia, Hydrea).
Sometimes rare aplastic anemias and autoimmune hemolytic anemias will respond to steroids. Failure to respond to steroids may require removal of the spleenA dark red, oval organ in the upper left abdominal quadrant posterior. The spleen removes old red blood cells from circulation.A dark red, oval organ in the upper left abdominal quadrant posterior. The spleen removes old red blood cells from circulation. which can become enlarged with defective red blood cells. Aplastic anemias may require blood transfusions and medications to fight infections.

Mediterranean Diet to Fight Heart Disease

2006-03-26T23:41:00.000-08:00

Recent study has once again confirmed that people who follow Mediterranean Diet will live longer than any Europeans. A Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil and low in red meat can combat inflammation that silently simmers away for years inside blood vessels, lowering the risk of a heart attack, a new study suggests.

The Mediterranean diet is not a specific diet plan or diet program but a collection of eating habits that are traditionally followed by the people of the Mediterranean region. There are at least 16 countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea and food habits vary between these countries according to culture, ethnic background and religion. Some common characteristics of Mediterranean dietary pattern are as follows:

A high consumption of fruits, vegetables, potatoes, beans, nuts, seeds, bread and other cereals
Olive oil used for cooking and dressings
Moderate amounts of fish but little meat
Low to moderate amounts of full fat cheese and yogurt
Moderate consumption of wine, usually with meals
Reliance on local, seasonal, fresh produce
An active lifestyle

Many people have questioned whether previous benefits attributed to the Mediterranean diet were actually due to other lifestyle factors -- such as increased exercise -- in people following this diet. But the study clearly shows that this heart-healthy effect was independent of any other lifestyle factors, including exercise, says Demosthenes Panagiotakos, PhD, lecturer in the department of nutrition and dietetics at Harokopian University of Athens in Greece.

Panagiotakos, who presented the findings at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2003, says that previous studies have suggested that sticking to a Mediterranean diet -- which also emphasizes grains, fish, vegetables, and fruit -- may cut the risk of heart disease by up to 30%.

However, it is not fully understood how the Mediterranean diet exerts its protective effect, he says.

"Some have suggested it lowers blood pressure; others speculate it reduces cholesterol levels. Still others say it is not the diet itself but other characteristics of people who follow the diet, such as a healthy lifestyle."

Don’t Fall For These Weight Loss Gimmicks!

2006-03-21T00:22:00.000-08:00

Have you heard about the new weight loss patch? You wear it behind your ear, and it speeds up your metabolism and helps you control your appetite. It sounds pretty reasonable, doesn’t it? After all, if someone had told you five years ago that you could quit smoking by sticking a circle of fabric on your skin would you have believed them?

Unfortunately, this one isn’t true. According to Dr. Michael Myers, who maintains the popular web site weight.com, it’s just another of the hoaxes that clever promoters are using to bilk you out of your money. Weight loss is a gold mine, and unscrupulous operators will use any gimmick to convince you that their product is the magic cure that will melt away your pounds without any effort on your part.

Here are a few of the current weight loss gimmicks and the truth about them.

The Diet Patch

Transdermal delivery of medication is a reality, and there are certain medications that are absorbed readily through the skin. However, the most common active ingredient used in diet patches on the market is ‘fucus vesiculosus’, a seaweed that is a major source of iodine. Iodine was once a recommended treatment for obesity, because it helps promote healthy thyroid function. It was abandoned because of side effects and the untoward effects when treatment with iodine ceases. In other words, it’s an outdated medication being revived for delivery in a new way.

Wash your fat away with slimming soap!

The claim is that this is an ancient Chinese soap that contains a unique blend of ingredients derived from seaweed which will ‘emulsify’ the fat. Further, it comes in several different versions, including one that is specifically meant to give you ‘beautiful thighs’. In all truth, the ingredients sound like they’d do a lovely job of softening and toning your skin, but there’s not an ounce of research quoted anywhere that can be checked for the results. Until I see the proof, I’ll just figure that any weight loss resulted from vigorous scrubbing - not the ingredients!

Magnetic Weight Loss… earrings

Yes, earrings. According to the press, it’s another ancient Chinese Secret that has to do with balancing the magnetism in the body. By wearing a magnet near the ear, you can suppress hunger, increase metabolism, speed up the healing process and reduce pain. Again, though there’s mention of ’studies’, none are cited, and I couldn’t find any in any medical journals. It won’t kill you, at least, and the earrings are pretty, but I wouldn’t put much stock in their weight loss properties.

All of these new weight loss discoveries should be filed in the “Yeah right” file, right next to sauna wraps, copper bracelets, and electro-slimming belts. If it sounds too good to be true, remember, it probably is. The only gimmick to weight loss is to eat less and move more!

5 Easy Tips to Beat Stress

2006-03-20T23:07:00.000-08:00

If you wanna be stress free, try below 5 easy tips to beat stress:

1. Don't Skip Meals - When you're hungry your blood-sugar level drops causing strain on your adrenal glands and nervous system and giving you light headedness, cravings, anxiety and stress.

2. Reduce Your Intake Of Processed Foods - This includes saturated fat, sugar, salt, caffeine and alcohol. Processed carbohydrates turn into sugar in your body, which depletes stress-beating B vitamins.

3. Go For A 5 Minute Walk Everyday - Any exercise, especially aerobic, causes your body to produce endorphins which are soothing hormones that calm the nervous system and reduces stress.

4. Relax For 5 Minutes Everyday - Take time out each day to do some yoga or relax. The simple act of relaxing your mind, relaxing your body and concentrating on your breathing can produce a positive mental attitude to help you through a stressful day.

5. Get Enough Sleep And Go To Bed At A Reasonable Hour - Your body needs at least 8 hours sleep. Many of us get less sleep than we need which depletes our adrenal glands. These glands are repaired and restored while we sleep.

Rembember:
Do it! - Give someone you love a big hug to boost your health. It's a significant source of stress relief and comfort.

Ditch it! - The search for a perfect body. Strive for a healthy body that give you energy rather than getting stressed trying to fit into a size 8 bikini.

Types of Diabetes and Diabetes Management

2006-03-20T21:51:00.000-08:00

Types of Diabetes

There are four different types of diabetes:
1. Type-1
Only 5-10% of the people who have diabetes have type-1 diabetes. The partially understood causes are as follows:

The insulin producing cells in the pancreas cease to make insulin. This frequently occurs soon after a viral or bacterial infection.
The onset is usually in people under age 35 but can occur at any age. This type of diabetes has a dramatic onset with symptoms of sudden weight loss, extreme fatigue, hunger thirst, frequent urination, and at times coma. People with type -1 diabetes require insulin injections for the rest of their lives.

2. Type-2
Ninety to ninety-five percent of the people with diabetes have type-2 diabetes. It has a very slow onset of 10 to 30 years. Often there are no symptoms due to the blood sugar not being high enough to cause symptoms. The body continues to produce some insulin but not enough and the insulin produced is sluggish. Insulin resistance, or the body not using the insulin effectively, is the main problem of type-2 diabetes.

3. Gestational diabetes (GDM)
GMD appears while a woman is pregnant. This is partly because pregnancy hormones interfere with the action of insulin and partly because when an individual has a tendency for diabetes, pregnancy puts more of a demand upon the body. All pregnant women need to be tested to see if they are at risk of developing GDM. Treatment for GDM consists of diet, exercise, managing stress, monitoring blood sugar levels, and perhaps insulin.

4. Other
Some types of diabetes can be caused by certain medications or situations where the pancreas is damaged.

Diabetes Management

Diabetes can be managed successfully by eating well, exercising, and managing stress. Although diabetes cannot be cured, keep in mind the "M's" of control:

Monitor blood sugars
Meal plan balance and timing
Manage stress
Move the body (activity and exercise)
Medications when needed (including insulin)

It is important to observe the following guidelines:

Maintain the prescribed diet as outlined by a physician and dietitian
Maintain an exercise program
Check blood sugar faithfully, especially when ill
Check urine for ketones when blood sugar is 250 mg/dl or higher
Always take the prescribed amount of medication, unless your physician instructs otherwise
Seek medical care when ill or for treatment of any infection

Acne Skin Care - How To Clear Up Those Embarrasing Blemishes

2006-03-12T07:37:00.000-08:00

People of all races and ages get acne. It is most common in adolescents and young adults. Around 85 percent of people between the ages of 12 and 24 develop the disorder. For most people, acne tends to diminish by the time they reach their thirties; however, some people in their forties and fifties continue to have this skin problem. Nearly 17 million people in the United States have acne, making it the most common skin disease.

I remember when I used to get acne myself. Was that annoying. And it sure ruined my social life, that's for sure. There is nothing more embarrasing than going out in public with acne all over your face. You know people are staring at you. You know they don’t want to get near you because of those ugly marks on your face. I think they think it’s contagious, which is not true at all. It’s a good way to lose friends quickly.

So, how did I get rid of my acne? Well, before you can clear up your skin, you should know exactly who the enemy is and what you’re up against. Here’s a summary for you and some real honest to goodness solutions. It worked for me and it will work for you too.

What is Acne?

Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skin's oil glands (sebaceous glands), which leads to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples or zits. Acne lesions usually occur on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders.

Although heredity may be a cause of this problem, it is more associated with hormonal levels and how you care for your skin (e.g. rubbing your skin too much will cause it). Chocolate and greasy foods are often blamed, but foods seem to have little effect on the development and course of acne in most people. In addition, dirty skin does not cause acne and neither does stress.

How Is Acne Treated?

You can buy over the counter medicine (OTC), see your family doctor, or a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Over-the-counter(OTC) Medicines

Benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulfur are the most common topical OTC medicines used to treat acne. Topical OTC medications are available in many forms, such as gel, lotion, cream, soap, or pad.

Prescription Topical Medicines

Several types of prescription topical medicines include benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin, adapalene, and azelaic acid. Some people develop side effects from using prescription topical medicines including stinging, burning, redness, peeling, scaling, or discoloration of the skin.

Prescription Oral Medicines

Oral antibiotics are thought to help control acne by curbing the growth of bacteria and reducing inflammation. Examples are clindamycin, erythromycin, sulfur, or isotretinoin. Some people experience side effects when taking these antibiotics, such as an increased tendency to sunburn, upset stomach, dizziness or lightheadedness, changes in skin color, and dry skin.

Other treatments

There are lazer treatments for rare serious cases and there are safe and natural herbal medications that work like over the counter medications, but often with less side effects.

How Should People With Acne Care for Their Skin?

Clean Skin Gently with a mild cleanser 3 or 4 times a day.
Avoid Frequent Handling of the Skin.
Shave Carefully.
Avoid a Sunburn or Suntan.
Use Non-Oily Cosmetics.

In summary, there are many treatments out there for acne skin problems. Talk to your doctor if you’re unsure what to do. Try some of the suggestions mentioned here. In no time at all, you’ll look better, feel better, and you’ll be back out there enjoying your social life, your friends, and your family much more.

by Ken Black - Skin Care Information & Product Reviews

A Guide to Testosterone Cream

2006-03-12T07:05:00.000-08:00

Have you ever imagined that one day if you were suffering from low levels of testosterone you could just rub on some testosterone cream, which then becomes absorbed through your skin boosting your levels of this vital hormone?

Testosterone therapy using cream is a mixed bag. Though very effective as a form of testosterone replacement, there are possible testosterone cream negative side effects. Other remedies exist such as patches, injections, oral androgens, and the implantation of time release pellets under the skin that might serve better.

The testosterone cream negative side effects fall into three classes. Some are well known. Another class happens occasionally and a third category of t negative side effects occurs only rarely. The negative consequences that happen from testosterone cream for women are often different than those for men.

The first class of side effects can occur from testosterone cream for women and for men. These negative side effects can include masculinizing effects such as increased hair growth, deepening of the voice, weight gain and acne. In men, prostrate problems can develop and difficulty in urinating can occur. Enlarged, swollen or tender breasts can result from using testosterone cream for women. Irritation of the skin is another commonly encountered side effect occurring where the testosterone cream is applied.

The use of too much testosterone cream can express itself as the blood level rises to a toxic level.

The second class of testosterone cream negative side effects contains those that occur less often but are also a consideration. These consequences of using testosterone cream include depression, anxiety, and possible mood disorders. High blood pressure can result from using testosterone cream as well as gastrointestinal problems and headaches.

Additional testosterone cream side effects include actually reducing sex drive rather than enhancing it. Often changes in cholesterol levels from the use of testosterone cream are detected.

Menstrual irregularities and enlargement of the clitoris can result from testosterone cream for women.

The use of this topical gel can be continued in some of these cases under the supervision of a doctor.

Men who have prostrate problems should not use the cream. A fear of initiating prostate disease, or even prostate cancer in some cases, exists as a concern among the medical community.

Using testosterone cream for women in pregnant women or mothers who nurse their babies should not be performed. The testosterone can pass from the mother to the baby.

Likewise, people using testosterone cream with a history of liver disease, kidney disorders, cardiac problems or known hypersensitivity to testosterone should not use it. The testosterone cream negative side effects in these cases should be obvious.

The rare effects from using testosterone cream for women and men include liver complications. These cream negative side effects can manifest themselves as yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain, unusual bleeding, abnormal bruising or severe fatigue.

Prolonged erections in men also occur. Breathing disturbances, including those associated with sleep, can result from using testosterone cream for women and men. Nausea or vomiting can also occur from the use of testosterone cream. Swelling of the ankles and changes in skin color are other rare possible negative side effects.

Allergic reactions are testosterone cream negative side effects that might result in difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives.

In any case, if these serious symptoms from using testosterone cream for women and men emerge seek emergency care immediately. Although unlikely, these offshoots of using testosterone cream are dangerous enough to warrant immediate attention.

The use of testosterone cream for testosterone replacement therapy has the advantage of being convenient and effective. However, the testosterone cream negative side effects from using testosterone cream for women and men may outweigh the advantages for some.

This article is not intended to scare anyone using or considering using testosterone cream. By and large, many of the cream products are very safe and many people won't experience any discernible side effects.

Talk to your doctor carefully about the cream and other testosterone replacement therapies.

Learn more about testosterone cream and other testosterone boosting therapies at http://www.testosterone-booster-guide.com

Do Celebrities Know Something About Preventing Cancer That You Don't?

2006-03-08T22:19:00.000-08:00

Did you know that in industrialized countries, one in four people die of cancer? Did you also know that when we burn petroleum products, like fuel, diesel fuel and paraffin candles, it puts cancer causing toxins in the air? Coincidence?

For years, people have talked about safe replacements for petroleum. Way back in 1900, Dr. Rudolf Diesel demonstrated the first diesel engine that could run on vegetable oil at the World Exhibition in Paris. Of course, it wasn't available to consumers back then.

Thanks to our farmers, today we have a solution to the petroleum problem. Soya Beans and natural vegetable oils are replacing old products that poisoned the air we breathe.

Willie Nelson Runs His Tour Buses On Vegetable Oil! Seriously. It's actually called biodiesel and it's made with soy. It healthier, and smells a little like popcorn. Willie believes in the biodiesel solution so strongly that he owns a Biodiesel Fuel company. He just opened a Biodiesel Gas Station in San Diego last week.

Soy Beans Are Replacing Paraffin Candles, too! Soy beans are also used to produce Soy Wax, a safe, biodegradable, environmentally friendly alternative to using toxin-producing paraffin candles. Paraffin candles put toxins and carcinogens (cancer causing agents) in your home. Soy candles don't.

Alicia Silverstone hadn't burned a candle for six years - until she discovered soy candles. Sharon Stone, Charlize Theron, Will Smith and Renee Zellweger like them, too.

But beware, not all Soy candles are created equal. You see, pure soy wax is very soft, so some candle makers take a quick shortcut and add paraffin to make the candles harder. Kind of defeats the point, don't you think? But, as long as there is some soy in their candles, they can still call them "soy candles."

100% pure Soy candles burn cleanly and safely. And, because they have a lower melting point, they burn 50% longer... so you get all the pleasures of candles in your home without the toxins and carcinogens.

by Peter G Browne

Soak Stress Away in a Sauna

2006-03-08T22:04:00.000-08:00

Just like everyone knows how it feels to be happy or sad, everyone knows how it feels to be stressed. People encounter and experience stress at home, at work, at school - anywhere opportunities to react to internal or external stimulation exist.

That stimulation can come from an argument with a spouse, a conflict with a co-worker, an assignment from a teacher, bad news from a doctor, and so on. And the stimulation doesn't have to be negative; people often become stressed when they start new jobs or enter into promising new relationships. Even an experience so commonly desired as hitting the jackpot in a lottery or at a casino can cause stress.

A little stress can be a good thing. Stress during a job interview can help you stay on your toes to answer the tough questions. Stress on a date can help ensure the person you're trying to impress sees you at your best behavior. Stress is, after all, the body's way of rising to a challenge and preparing to meet a tough situation with focus, strength, stamina and/or heightened alertness. Working properly, stress can enhance a person's ability to perform under pressure.

Working improperly, however, stress can have devastating effects on the human body.

When you are stressed, your brain signals your adrenal glands to produce more of the hormones adrenaline and cortisol and release them into your bloodstream. These hormones speed up heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, and metabolism. In moderate amounts, these hormones are not harmful, but cortisol is secreted excessively in response to chronic stress. In these larger amounts, cortisol is extremely toxic.

According to Dr. Al Sears, founder and director of The Wellness Research Foundation, "Cortisol actually kills and disables your brain cells. Over your lifespan, cortisol ruins your brain's biochemical integrity. Chronic exposure to cortisol causes the mental haziness, forgetfulness and confusion that is associated with aging."

People under stress may also be at greater risk of developing coronary heart disease. Stress causes arteries to constrict and blood to become stickier, increasing the likelihood of an artery-clogging blood clot. As well, people who regularly experience sudden increases in blood pressure caused by stress may develop injuries in the inner lining of their blood vessels over time.

Studies suggest that chronic stress may increase a person's chances for having strokes, developing infections, experiencing flare ups of multiple sclerosis, and suffering gastrointestinal problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease and peptic ulcers. Chronic stress has also been associated with the development of insulin resistance, a primary factor in diabetes. And ask anyone who has ever suffered from headaches, insomnia, sexual dysfunction or skin disorders if they think stress was at least partly to blame for their woes, and then form your own conclusions about how truly damaging stress can be to one's health and well being.

If you believe you have a serious condition that has been caused or worsened by certain stressors in your life, you should discuss your concerns with a physician. If, however, you would like to improve the quality of your life by learning how to better cope with the irritating moments of stress in your life, numerous options exist. Perhaps your first focus should be on discovering the tremendous benefits of relaxation.

Relaxation lowers blood pressure, respiration and pulse rates, releases muscle tension, and eases emotional strains. In their quests for greater relaxation, some people choose massage therapy while others opt for biofeedback. Some folks rely on meditation, and others perform deep breathing exercises. Many people use a combination of different methods and aids.

One such aid that has been revered for many years as an effective stress-buster is the home sauna.

The list of health benefits associated with proper sauna bathing seems endless. Studies indicate that soaking in a hot sauna can help increase cardiovascular strength, improve lung function, reduce and remove body toxins, cleanse and beautify skin, relieve headaches, and strengthen the body's immune system. Sauna bathing can also increase blood circulation, relaxing aching, tired or tight muscles by providing them with more oxygen.

If you're looking for a healthy way to alleviate the stress in your life, why not consider buying a home sauna? Residential saunas come in many different styles and sizes - from pre-cut Finnish sauna kits to portable barrel saunas and far infrared heat therapy rooms. With such a multitude of options available, you're sure to find the personal sauna that's perfect for you.

With all the damage that stress can cause your mind and body, right now is the best time to learn how to relax, and inside a hot sauna room, away from all your life's demands and distractions, may just be the best place to do it.

by Pertti Olavi Jalasjaa

Who Gets Parkinson's Disease?

2006-03-03T00:08:00.000-08:00

Parkinson's Disease affects generally elder adults, among about 90% of the known cases are diagnosed in people over the age of 60. Within that population, there is a small amount of variance, with the danger increasing from age 60 through age 75, and then going down sharply. Currently, Parkinson's Disease is known to affect about 3% of the population over the age of 65. With present statistics and the probable aging of the population, authorities think that that percentage will double in the next 40 years.

When those with mild symptoms of Parkinsons (symptoms of Parkinson's Disease that may be caused by other things, or could develop into Parkinson's Disease), those numbers increase dramatically. 15% of those between the ages of 60 and 74 have been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Between the ages of 75 and 84, that percentage rises to almost 30%.

However, when you look at it in terms of inception of symptoms, the picture changes. Fewer than 10% of new cases of Parkinson's disease are diagnosed in younger adults - under age 40. The majority of new diagnoses of Parkinson's disease are made between the ages of 60 and 75. After age 85, the danger of developing Parkinson's Disease then seems to fall off dramatically.

What are the factors that effect diagnoses?

Gender

Men appear to be at greater risk of developing Parkinson's Disease than women. Men have to deal with about double the risk of developing Parkinson's Disease as women in any age group. Scientists think that estrogens may play a function in protecting the body from the chemical changes that occur in Parkinson's Disease. This is further borne out by two facts - women who've had hysterectomies have a somewhat higher rate of Parkinson's Disease, and women who've had estrogen replacement therapy have a lower rate of Parkinson's Disease than other women their age.

Parkinson's Disease seems to growth more quickly in men than women according to one study, and another found a difference in the way that symptoms present. Men are more prone to rigidity and tremor, and women more at danger from gait disturbance and shuffling.

Ethnicity

Caucasians have a higher danger of developing Parkinson's Disease than either African Americans or Asian Americans. People of European descent appear most prone to usual Parkinson's Disease, but some studies hint at that non-Caucasians may be more at risk for a particular type of non-typical Parkinsonis that causes a disturbance in judgment.

Heredity

In a small percentage of cases, family history may play a part in the inception of Parkinson's Disease. People who have parents or brothers and sisters who had young-onset Parkinson's Disease, in which symptoms develop before the age of 40, are more probable to develop Parkinson's Disease than others their age. When Parkinson's Disease was diagnosed at older ages, family history looks like it's to play no part.

Cigarette Smokers

Oddly, cigarette smokers appear to have a diminished incidence of Parkinson's Disease, which has led researchers to explore the probability that nicotine may give some protection from the fluctuations caused by Parkinson's Disease. They are quick to point out that the other health problems associated with cigarette smoking are far too significant to think cigarette smoking as a way to avoid getting Parkinson's Disease.

Coffee Drinkers

Caffeine also seems to have a protective result against Parkinson's Disease. A study of Japanese-American men suggested that those who commonly drank coffee ran a lesser risk of developing Parkinson's Disease than other men their age. The more coffee they consumed, the lower the risk.

by Roger Overanout

Milk Allergies in Children

2006-03-02T23:55:00.000-08:00

If you think you are doing yourself and your infant a favor by feeding them formula, think again! Medical experts are starting to come out and speak out against dairy for infants. Babies need mother’s milk not cow’s milk! After all, you are raising a baby, not a calf. The following excerpts support the truth that cow’s milk is unfit for human consumption.

In the Townsend Medical Letter dated May 1995, Julie Klotter, M.D. writes:

"In reality, cow's milk, especially processed cow's milk, has been linked to a variety of health problems, including: mucous production, hemoglobin loss, childhood diabetes, heart disease, atherosclerosis, arthritis, kidney stones, mood swings, depression, irritability, ALLERGIES."

And Nathaniel Mead, M.D. wrote in Natural Health in July 1994:

"At least 50% of all children in the United States are allergic to cow's milk, many undiagnosed. Dairy products are the leading cause of food allergy, often revealed by diarrhea, constipation, and fatigue. Many cases of asthma and sinus infections are reported to be relieved and even eliminated by cutting out dairy."

In August 1994 in the report, "A Prospective Study of Humoral Immune Response to Cow Milk Antigens in the First Year of Life" in Pediatric-Allergy-Immunology, the following statement is written:

"Formula-fed babies, at the age of three months, were secreting low levels of serum antibodies to bovine proteins contained in their formula."

In the same periodical in the same month, the article titled "Epidemiological and Immunological Aspects of Cow's Milk Protein ALLERGY and Intolerance in Infancy” states:

"Most formula fed infants developed symptoms of ALLERGIC rejection to cow milk proteins before one month of age. About 50-70% experienced rashes or other skin symptoms, 50-60 percent gastrointestinal symptoms, and 20-30 percent respiratory symptoms. The recommended therapy is to avoid cow's milk."

So, by eliminating dairy products in the diet of an infant can prevent many allergies for these children. Dairy at a young age could be the trigger for allergies later in life. Humans are not meant to digest cow’s milk and these studies bear that out.

by Dean Novosat
http://www.dairytruth.com and http://www.fastinglife.com

Mitral Valve Prolapse: Usually Harmless

2006-03-02T23:53:00.000-08:00

One in ten Americans suffers from mitral valve prolapse and the vast majority have no symptoms and will never know that they have it.

Valves are located in your heart to keep blood from backing up. With aging, some of these valves can stretch and to close completely, so they allow a small amount of blood to leak backwards. This is usually harmless, but can be associated with an irregular heart beat or chest pain caused by a stretching of the muscles that hold the valves in place. Patients with mitral valve prolapse usually do not seek out medical help unless a doctor hears a murmur or click in the heart (85 percent), the patient suffers from chest pain (31 percent) or palpitations (40 percent), suddenly passes out (40 percent), feels excessively tired (22 percent) or is short of breath (10.5 percent). Mitral valve prolapse is hereditary for one patient in five.

When germs get into the bloodstream, they can stick to the rough edges of prolapsed mitral valves and cause an infection, so doctors recommend that people who have this condition take antibiotics whenever germs can enter their bloodstreams, such as during dental or other surgical procedures or when they have a cold. The vast majority of people with mitral valve prolapse do not need any treatment, but those who are bothered by irregular heart beats or chest pain are often given beta blockers, such as propranolol to control symptoms.

by Gabe Mirkin

Autism: How Do You Communicate With a Non-Verbal Child?

2006-03-02T23:44:00.000-08:00

I am a teacher and recently, I assisted to one of these workshops meant to improve the quality of your teaching methods. I also am the mother of two young autistic children. My oldest is a 5 years old boy, which is considered to be non-verbal as he may not have used more than six words in his life. “Mama” was said for the first time about a year ago when he was 41/2 years old. I can’t describe to you how precious this magic moment was. I still enjoy it every time he pronounces it.

Sometimes, teachers need to be taught a few things!

During this workshop, we were studying the multiple ways that a person learns new information. Some are visual and learn using diagrams, drawings, pictures, etc. Others are using manipulative to understand new concepts. There are eight types of learning styles. One of them is called: “verbal”. This type of processing is done orally and using written material such as books, essays, etc. One of the statements that was made was that: “The more people express themselves orally, the more easily they will be able to express themselves and show their knowledge through their writing skills.”

It burned me inside. That is when I shared both my feelings and my experience concerning my son with my colleagues. It opened a new door for me when I realized that the question that popped up in people’s mind really was: “Autism: How do you communicate with a non-verbal child?”

That is when I decided to share some information related to my experience as a parent of a non-verbal child who is affected by the Autism Spectrum disorder.

A bit of personal history of my non-verbal son

My son is considered non-verbal since his vocabulary contains approximately six words which are mainly used when frustration sets in, especially when his message is not understood by the person he is communication with, at the time. Physically, he is able to speak as he is able to pronounce words but for an unknown reason, he is not communicating with others this way.

Doctors have explained that he has 50% chances of becoming verbal one day as in several cases; non-verbal children affected by Autism will start speaking between the ages of 5 to 8 years old. Some children even began speaking as late as 13 years old.

When he does speak without being influenced by frustration, his words are said in such a faint tone of voice that they are often difficult to understand or heard, if at all. As a parent, you sometimes think that you have heard him speak but being unsure you tend to believe that you heard things that you want to hear without reflecting reality. Sometimes, it may be the case but you will never know it for sure.

Communication with a non-verbal child

So, how do we communicate with our son? Well, we are using a variety of techniques. For example, in certain cases we use concrete objects that we either show him or the other way around. If he wants a sandwich, he will bring the container of jam to us. If he wants the remote control, he will take us to the shelf, take our hand and point it towards it. If you ask him to choose between several options, we will observe his reaction towards each one of them. If he gets excited, his body language will display his affirmative response by jumping up and down, some hand flapping accompanied by a huge smile. When the answer is negative, he will become upset, push away the item, turn away from it and sometimes he will even cry.

What are other ways that we use for communication purposes? Well, we use a bit of sign language, the PECS, objects and observe a lot of his reactions and the clues that he gives us such as: his body language, his tone of voice, his sounds, the expression on his face as well as the gestures that he makes us do such as putting our hands on his head with pressure to communicate that he has a headache. Another thing that we keep an eye on is his routine and the slightest changes that may be responsible for his sudden distress.

Lack of information can lead to harsh and judgmental comments

Today, I went to the hair salon. The hairdresser told me that earlier, she cut the hair of an autistic child. She said that she thought he was “normal” until she was told that he was affected by ASD. Then, she said that as all children with ASD, he was “a bit behind mentally”. I was so disgusted, hurt and angry that I even considered leaving but being in the process of a haircut, I did not want to leave with half of it completed.

I explained to her that it was a misconception that all people with ASD were affected by mental developmental delay. I also explained that during my workshop, I was told that someone who is non-verbal cannot communicate which meant, according to them that they were automatically affected by intellectual difficulties. I explained that not being verbal does not mean that someone cannot communicate efficiently their thoughts and knowledge.

Knowledge is present in a non-verbal child

As a parent, I often feel hurt and frustrated about the misconceptions that people have about Autism. At school, my son has been evaluated differently but he still surprises the school staff that work with him by his knowledge. Since he is using the computer efficiently, maybe he can use it later in life to communicate with us if he remains non-verbal.

Autism is often misunderstood

Often, people do not understand the frustration level of a non-verbal person. Well, imagine that you visit a country where you are unable to communicate with people in their own language. Wouldn’t you feel frustrated after a while? Now, imagine how it would feel to live like this every day!

If people ask you in the future: “How do you communicate with a non-verbal child?” You will be able not only to answer their question but also to enlighten them by sharing some insightful information as Autism is often unknown, even by the Educational system.

by Sylvie Leochko
If you wish to learn more information about Autism, I invite you to visit the following sites: http://autism-spectrum-disorder.com, http://autism-spectrum.blogspot.com and http://autism.findoutnow.org.

Diabetes Relief And Prevention Through Exercise

2006-03-01T08:39:00.000-08:00

Diabetes is something that can be treated and even prevented very effectively with exercise. Most people are aware of the many other benefits of exercise but the one that could have the greatest impact on the health-care system is the prevention and relief of this health problem.

Diabetes comes in two main types. These are type I and type II.

Type I occurs when your pancreas is producing too little insulin or in some cases not producing any at all. If you already have type I you of course have the daily task of injecting insulin into your body in order to control your glucose levels.

This is not an enjoyable thing to do. If you currently do not have type I diabetes then learn to prevent it through exercise and healthy living. The alternative may be daily injections for the rest of your life.

The second main type of diabetes is known as Type II. Many people also refer to it as adult onset diabetes.

If you are suffering from the symptoms of Type II it's due to you pancreas not being able to make enough insulin to control glucose levels. It can also occur when your cells do not respond properly to insulin.

This is commonly known as insulin resistance.

One of the most effective ways of dealing with insulin resistance is through exercise and good nutritional habits. A large number of people with this type of diabetes are over-weight.

Therefore, weight control is a must. If you are not active, over-eat and become obese, you have a very high risk of being afflicted with type II. In most cases, simply adding in exercise, including both weight training and cardiovascular exercise, along with good eating habits is enough to prevent type II diabetes.

Only in rare cases will this not work, and medication is needed.

With type II diabetes there are a number of other health problems that can then occur, including; high cholesterol, obesity, and hypertension. Exercise has a very positive effect on Type II for improving insulin sensitivity.

Ninety percent of all people with this health problem actually have type II, and exercise will help your body to process glucose at a quicker rate, lowering any high blood sugar symptoms you may have.

The intensity of your exercise session also plays a role. A more intense exercise program will help your body to utilize glucose quicker. However, high intensity does not mean faster. There is a difference.

Obviously before beginning any type of exercise program, regardless of what type of diabetes you have, you should check with your doctor. There are many differences between exercise for different types of diabetes that you need to be aware of before starting.

There can be certain dangers resulting from injecting insulin just before you begin to exercise. One situation that can occur is the risk of hypoglycemia or insulin shock during the exercise session.

Here are some general rules to keep in mind when exercising if you are type I: allow for enough rest between weight training sets to avoid high blood pressure symptoms; avoid lifting heavy weights or going to failure on each set; when doing cardio, avoid high impact exercises such as running outside; always ensure that you have carbohydrates in your system before you start and a supply of them nearby as well.

You may begin to feel shaky, disoriented, hungry, anxious or become irritable if you allow your blood sugar levels to get too low. Having a carbohydrate snack or drink nearby will help prevent these symptoms very quickly.

Blood glucose analyzers are very effective tools to use when exercising. You can test your blood sugar to ensure it's not at a level below 80 - 100 mg/dl range and not above 250 mg/dl.

During your post-exercise recovery period, around three to five hours after you complete your exercise session, so-called diabetic diets can be beneficial. Diabetic diets should consist of a good amount of carbohydrates to prevent hypoglycemia.

Exercise has its greatest impact on people with type II diabetes because of its positive effects on insulin sensitivity. Proper exercise and sound nutritional habits work considerably well for type II diabetics.

Consistency is critical in the prevention of type II diabetes. You can't expect to exercise now and then, and prevent it. You need to make exercise part of your life if it's going to be effective.

by Patrick Mckeeman

Unclogged Pores: What’s New in the Treatment of Acne

2006-02-23T22:48:00.000-08:00

(ARA) - Who hasn’t suffered an embarrassing breakout at a socially sensitive time? Affecting nearly 85 percent of all people at some point in their lives, acne is the most common skin disorder in the United States.

While it is a well-known rite of passage for adolescents and young adults, some people in their 30s and 40s continue to suffer from this skin problem. There is no cure for acne. However, new treatments target the cause of acne and help patients keep their skin healthy and clear.

“Patients, regardless of age, today have more choices than ever before to treat acne,” said dermatologist Wendy E. Roberts, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Loma Linda University Medical Center in Loma Linda, Calif. “Since what works for one person may not work for another, it’s advantageous for patients to work with a dermatologist who can create an effective individualized treatment plan.”

A recent American Academy of Dermatology poll shows that while people are starting to learn the truth about what causes acne, there are still some areas of confusion. Although 53 percent understand that acne is not caused by poor hygiene, myths still exist about the role of diet and stress. Sixty-two percent of respondents still believe that acne is caused by stress, while half continue to believe acne is caused by diet.

In fact, acne is caused by three major factors: overproduction of oil by enlarged oil glands in the skin, blockage of the hair follicles that release the oil, and growth of bacteria called P. acnes within the hair follicles. Research has led to many new acne therapies and changes in existing treatment options.

Topical and Systemic Therapy

Depending on the type and severity, acne can be treated with oral or topical antibiotics, or topical retinoids. “These treatments are a cornerstone of therapy and can achieve good results in patients, even those with moderate to severe inflammatory acne,” said Dr. Roberts. Since some topical ingredients can stain or bleach, Dr. Roberts recommends applying the treatment before going to bed and using white towels when washing to avoid staining clothes or colored towels.

In some patients, the effectiveness of topical retinoids can be enhanced when combined with oral treatments. These combination therapies allow all the factors causing acne to be targeted, making the treatment plan more successful. “Combination therapies should be discussed with a dermatologist who can recommend the most effective treatment after evaluating important factors such as the type and degree of acne, the patient’s skin characteristics and environmental factors,” noted Dr. Roberts.

Cosmetic Procedures

Combination therapies using oral and topical antibiotics or topical retinoids, in conjunction with a chemical peel, also have been found effective in managing acne. Chemical peel solutions with glycolic acid or salicylic acid are applied to the skin to exfoliate and help unblock the pores, open the blackheads and whiteheads, and stimulate new skin growth. This helps the skin absorb topical medications and also may treat blemishes which result from breakouts.

Similar to chemical peeling, microdermabrasion results in superficial exfoliation of the skin. “Chemical peels and microdermabrasion are minimally invasive, produce almost no discomfort and involve almost no recovery or down-time for the patient,” stated Dr. Roberts. “These procedures are best used in combination with other acne treatments. And because these procedures help smooth the skin’s surface, they can help diminish scars created by acne.”

Laser and Light-based Therapies

New laser and light treatments can specifically target two of the factors that cause acne. Lasers use heat to damage the oil glands, while photodynamic therapy, a light-based treatment, uses the combination of a medication on the skin that is then treated with a light to target the oil glands and P. acnes bacteria. Both these therapies reduce the overproduction of oil, which helps diminish, and in some cases completely remove, acne.

“These therapies cause minimal pain and discomfort to the patient,” said Dr. Roberts. “Lasers also promote collagen formation and renewal, which regenerates new skin and also can be used to treat acne scarring.”

“To help prevent acne scars, do not pop, squeeze or pick at acne, and seek treatment early for acne that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medications,” advised Dr. Roberts. “There are many treatments available today and a dermatologist can guide a patient to the most effective treatment for his or her type of acne.”

For more information about acne and skin care, visit the Academy’s Web site at www.aad.org or contact the Academy toll-free at (888) 462-DERM (3376).

Courtesy of ARA Content

Glaucoma Takes Sight Without Warning

2006-02-23T22:40:00.000-08:00

(ARA) - What has the power to steal your eyesight without warning, affects an estimated 4 million Americans and has no cure? Glaucoma.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that presents no obvious symptoms in its victims in the early stages, but can eventually lead to total blindness. It is estimated that half of the people affected by glaucoma may not know they have it.

Glaucoma is often a very misunderstood disease. In spite of the lack of a cure, it responds well to treatment if detected early.

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve is responsible for carrying images from the eye to the brain, creating the ability to see. With glaucoma, that nerve is damaged, causing irreversible vision loss.

There are typically no symptoms or early warning signs. Glaucoma is painless and causes gradual vision loss. Early on, glaucoma can cause a subtle loss of contrast between objects and their backgrounds. For example, not being able to distinguish the curb from the sidewalk.

How can I prevent glaucoma?

The truth is: Glaucoma isn’t preventable and cannot be cured. Nevertheless, it can be controlled in most patients. American Optometric Association (AOA) doctors of optometry urge Americans, especially those over the age of 60, to get an annual comprehensive eye exam. A doctor of optometry can not only evaluate the functional status of the eyes and visual system, but can also detect certain chronic and systemic diseases such as glaucoma and diabetes.

With a disease like glaucoma, where there are typically no early symptoms, an annual eye exam is essential in helping sustain your overall eye health. If diagnosed and treated early, glaucoma is manageable. A doctor of optometry can help patients maintain their quality of life.

Who is at risk for glaucoma?

Everyone is at risk for glaucoma, but certain groups run higher risks than others. These include:

African-Americans: Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness among African-Americans. It is six to eight times more common in African-Americans than in Caucasians.
People over 60: Glaucoma is much more common among older adults. People over the age of 60 are six times more likely to get glaucoma than those under 60.
Family members: The most common type of glaucoma, known as primary open angle glaucoma, is hereditary. If members of your immediate family have that type of glaucoma, you are at a much higher risk than the rest of the population. Family history increases a person’s risk of glaucoma by four to nine times.
Eye injury: Injury to the eye may cause secondary open angle glaucoma. This type of glaucoma can occur immediately after an injury or years later. Blunt injuries that bruise the eye (called blunt trauma) or injuries that penetrate the eye can damage the eye’s drainage system, leading to traumatic glaucoma. The most common cause of secondary open angle glaucoma is a sports-related injury such as baseball or boxing.

Other risk factors

In addition to the above groups of people and categories of risk and injury associated with glaucoma, other risk factors that make people more prone to the disease include:

High myopia (nearsightedness)
Diabetes
Hypertension

What can you do to reduce your risk?

The most helpful advice concerning glaucoma is to keep in mind the importance of early detection through annual eye examinations from your doctor of optometry.

Medicare patients at high risk for glaucoma can receive dilated eye examinations as a benefit of Medicare coverage. The 2006 Medicare Fee Schedule expands the definition of an eligible beneficiary under the glaucoma screening benefit to include Hispanic Americans age 65 and over effective Jan. 1, 2006. Currently eligible beneficiaries are individuals with diabetes mellitus, individuals with a family history of glaucoma and African-Americans age 50 and over. The AOA provides a Glaucoma/Diabetes Hotline program which matches patients with participating optometrists in their area. For more information about the AOA Glaucoma/Diabetes Hotline, please call (800) 262-3947.

Courtesy of ARA Content

The Skinny on Male Eating Disorders: Increasing Numbers Raise Awareness

2006-02-23T22:35:00.000-08:00

(ARA) - The prevalence of male eating disorders has become alarmingly more apparent in recent years, leaving medical and psychological establishments attempting to pinpoint just what has led to this escalation. On the heels of a University of Toronto study in 2000 suggesting that one out of every six people who qualified for a full or partial diagnosis of anorexia was male, researchers assembled their line of usual suspects to account for the significant departure from the one in ten frequently reported.

In the face of such studies, implications that damaging effects of cultural and media pressures that glorify thinness and endorse narrow definitions of beauty have surfaced. “Research has shown that the media play an impressive role in shaping, instead of merely reflecting, conceptions of the ideal body,” says Dr. Lou Rappaport, eating disorders expert and associate dean of the school of psychology and behavioral science at Argosy University/San Francisco Bay Area in Point Richmond, Calif. “I think marketing of a certain body image and clothing is part and parcel of eating disorders.”

Similar to women who have been compelled to uphold images of twig-thin models for years, men are more likely today to be swayed with depictions of thickly-packed muscular torsos, visible ripples of abs, and narrow waists. Experts point out that these pictures only reinforce the perception that “normal” bodies are not culturally-acceptable. “We live in a world in which men wear designer underwear,” Dr. Rappaport adds. “Images matter. I can’t say that they don’t, and men are not immune to their effects.”

While the bulk of media messages advancing an unnatural slenderness or muscle composition may be counterproductive to a positive self-image, it is not the proverbial silver bullet. Dr. Rappaport warns that the media cannot be viewed as the sole cause of male eating disorders. “There are also too many variables. For example, organized sports in elementary and middle school, such as boys needing to be below a certain weight to play on a football team, are also a part of this. The Greeks and Romans went down this road of glorification of the body. They are gone, and we seem to have learned little from that lesson.”

So what other factors are contributing to the upswing of male-eating disorder cases reported in studies? For one, more professions today, such as male actors or athletes, demand body types that promote unhealthy weight loss and excessive exercise. Research reveals that incidents of eating disorders are particularly common among those whose weight is critical to their job prospects.

Analysis of eating-disorder sufferers often has yielded four prominent factors thought to provoke the onset of the affliction: genetics, low self-esteem, trauma, and cultural influences. However, given that most of the studies and research focused largely on females, some in the field were skeptical that low confidence and cultural pressure could influence male eating habits. After all, it seemed difficult to absorb – with today’s popular culture flush with macho male archetypes and caricatures – that the relentless marketing of the “ideal body” might affect men in a similar manner as women.

It also looks as if health professionals are gradually becoming more adept at recognizing male eating disorders, inevitably leading to higher numbers of reported cases. In the past, men were often identified as suffering from depression with associated appetite changes rather than diagnosed with an eating disorder. Furthermore, mounting sentiment among researchers suggest that there has been an increase in the number of men seeking medical and psychological attention. Traditionally, men have been reluctant to pursue treatment, perhaps in response to the effeminate stereotype that surrounds the disorders.

But as the myth of the eating disorder as a “women’s disease” becomes discredited and education develops to incorporate a male perspective, more men appear ready to accept their problem instead of denying or covering it up. Experts contend that male eating disorders may have been as common throughout the past quarter century as the University of Toronto study indicates they are at present. Only now, they suggest, the medical community is better equipped to take notice.

Courtesy of ARA Content

EDITOR’S NOTE: Argosy University/San Francisco Bay Area is one of 13 Argosy University (www.argosyu.edu) campuses and four extension sites across the nation offering undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate degrees in the disciplines of business, education, health sciences, and psychology and behavioral sciences. Argosy University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA) (30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602, 1.312.263.0456, www.ncahlc.org).

The parent company of Argosy University, Education Management Corporation (www.edmc.com), is among the largest providers of private post-secondary education in North America, based on student enrollment and revenue. Student enrollment exceeded 66,000 as of fall 2004. EDMC has 71 primary campus locations in 24 states and two Canadian provinces. EDMC's education institutions offer a broad range of academic programs concentrated in the media arts, design, fashion, culinary arts, behavioral sciences, health sciences, education, information technology, legal studies, and business fields, culminating in the award of associate's through doctoral degrees. EDMC has provided career-oriented education for over 40 years.

Cancer sufferer loses drug fight

2006-02-16T23:07:00.000-08:00

A woman has lost her High Court battle to force her local health authority to pay for breast cancer treatment with the potentially life-saving drug Herceptin.

Mr Justice Bean said that he could not deem the policy adopted by Swindon primary care trust, Ann Marie Rogers's local National Health Service trust, of refusing to fund treatment in the absence of "exceptional circumstances" as irrational and, therefore, unlawful.

He also said the mother-of-three had failed to show Swindon PCT's stance breached guidelines from Patricia Hewitt, health secretary. "Despite my sympathy with Mrs Rogers's plight, I must dismiss the claim for judicial review," he said.

Yesterday's decision is the first time an English court has ruled on the lawfulness of a primary care trust policy that refuses to fund treatment in the absence of "exceptional circumstances" and could have widespread implications for hundreds of other women in a position similar to Mrs Rogers. But Mr Justice Bean did give Mrs Rogers, 54, permission to appeal against his decision, and also ordered that temporary funding of her treatment, which has been allowed while the legal battle was under way, should be continued until the end of March.

FDA defines whole-grain food

2006-02-16T23:03:00.000-08:00

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a new draft definition Wednesday of whole-grain foods, designed to help consumers make healthier eating choices.

FDA is intended to clear up confusion about which food products actually contain whole grains and which do not -- but make that claim.

To qualify as “whole grain” under the proposed definition, the food product would need to contain the three principal parts of the fruit of the grain -- the starchy inner endosperm, the germ at the heart of the kernel, and the fiber-filled outer bran shell -- in the same relative proportions as they exist naturally, the FDA said.

Whole grains are a key source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber, the Whole Grains Council explains.

Extra calcium for women takes some clinical knocks

2006-02-16T22:48:00.000-08:00

A large, seven-year study of healthy women over the age of 50 found no broad benefit from calcium and vitamin D supplements in preventing broken bones, despite widespread endorsement by doctors for the supplements.

The study, whose results were being reported Thursday in the New England Journal of Medicine, also found no evidence that the supplements prevented colorectal cancer, and it found an increased risk of kidney stones.

The study's leaders said there were hints of benefits for some subgroups in the study. But the supplements' only positive effect in the overall study population - 36,282 normal, healthy women ages 50 to 79 - was a 1 percent increase in bone density at the hip.

Vaccinate Your Children – Not!

2006-02-06T22:59:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, one of the leading stories on the news was a plea for everyone in the US to have their children vaccinated. This brazen attempt to instill fear, and cause mothers to rush their children out to get flu shots, greatly angered me.

The advocates of the flu vaccine have never proven that anyone is really helped by their products. They have never proven that giving your child a flu shot will prevent or protect them from getting the flu.

It is however a fact that many have died after taking the flu vaccines.

The proponents of vaccinations offer a lot of rhetoric. But their entire philosophy is built on disproven theory.

Remember this; “You cannot be poisoned into health”.

The idea of gaining immunity from the flu virus is appealing and something to be desired. The truth is that it is nothing but wishful thinking. It has no basis in truth.

Yes some people die who get the flu. They die from the treatments for the flu, not the flu itself. The poisons used to fight the flu are what are dangerous. No amount of additional poison, called vaccine, can make you immune from the additional poison given as treatment for flu symptoms.

The flu is a self-limiting healing crisis, instituted by the body, to rid itself of toxic poisons. Any attempt to stop the symptoms is very risky. All the body needs during the flu is rest, temperature maintenance, clean air, and pure water.

If I have a cold or flu, I don’t fight it. I rest, drink enough water to prevent dehydration, stay warm, and wait. In 24 to 72 hours all symptoms are gone. If I do anything else the symptoms can linger on for many days, and often get worse.

I am not prescribing a form of treatment. I am only informing you about the truth. If you believe and make use of this information you are prescribing for your self, which is your right.

Charles Snyder is a health minister and teacher of Natural Hygiene. He ministers to people all over the world, teaching them how to get well and stay well without drugs or surgery.

He has many resources available on his website including the Health Seekers Yearbook by Victoria Bidwell, and the book on Vaccinations by Michael Dye.

Before you consider vaccinating your children or getting vaccinated yourself you should read "Vaccinations" by Michael Dye. This book is a well doccumented, eye opener.

http://www.arthritis-back-knee-pain-free-health-restored.com/books.html

Chuck's Health by Design course is available free on his website.

He is the author of the book Six Months to Live, a fiction adventure story that incorporates what he teaches on health into an exciting story based on real people, set into a fictional setting.

You can contact Chuck through his website.

http://www.arthritis-back-knee-pain-free-health-restored.com/books.html

The Mediterranean Diet - What Is It?

2006-02-06T22:51:00.000-08:00

It has been found that people living in Mediterranean Countries such as Southern France, Spain and Italy live longer than people in other parts of the world. Why is this?

It’s what they eat and how the Mediterranean’s cook their food that makes all the difference.

From Mediterranean Country to Mediterranean Country, the way the food is cooked may differ so although the flavours are varied, the foods used are the same.

What is the Mediterranean Diet?

The diet is mainly foods that come from plants; grains, vegetables especially green leafy vegetables, fruits, beans legumes, nuts, and olive oil. So the foods that are common in the Mediterranean Countries are olives, grapes, wheat and what can be made from these foodstuffs. Added advantages of these foods are their nutritional value; they provide antioxidants, fibre, vitamins and minerals.

The Mediterranean Diet can help people avoid what is called the ‘Diseases of Affluence.’ These diseases are common in Westernised, industrialised nations and include Heart Disease, Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes and some Cancers.

Isn’t Olive Oil A Fat And Fats Are Bad For Us?

Yes olive oil is a fat, but it’s a good fat. The body needs good fat.

· Good Fat is monounsaturated or polyunsaturated.
· Bad Fats are saturated fats.

FATS are found in Meat and Dairy Products and some Vegetable Oils.

The body needs a certain amount of fat to be sure everything is working properly. But there are two kinds of fat that we get from our food.

SATURATED FAT causes the fat to settle on the inside walls of the Arteries. The FAT in the Arteries is called Cholesterol. It’s the Cholesterol that makes the Blood Vessels narrow so the blood is unable to pass through properly. The heart then has to pump harder to allow the blood to pass round the body, the result can be the heart is weakened, so causing Heart Failure, High Blood Pressure and Strokes.

BAD FAT is called LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein).

If you can cut ALL the BAD FAT out of your diet, you will be doing yourself and your body a big favour.

But whatever you do, don’t mistakenly leave out the GOOD FAT from your diet. Because the UNSATURATED FAT has been found to actually liquefy the Cholesterol and pass it out of the body by natural means.

The GOOD FAT is called HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) this GOOD FAT can be found in Plants and Animal Products. Therefore if you eat more fruit and vegetables you will be on the right path to living a healthy lifestyle.

Ancel Keys aged 96 believes his long life is due to the Mediterranean Diet. As a young scientist 50 years ago, he found that people in countries where fresh fruits and vegetables are in abundance and olive oil flows freely, Southern Italy, Southern France, Greece and parts of North Africa and the Middle East, Heart Disease is rare.

Three Tips for Eating The Mediterranean Diet

Fill your plate with fresh fruit and vegetables they are low in calories and fats and full of much needed nutrients.
When buying bread go for flour made from whole grains.
For dessert choose fruits.

So besides preventing heart disease etc eating the Mediterranean Diet way; as an added bonus, you might even lose weight.

by Eva Moffat

Diabetes and Tai Chi Therapy

2006-02-03T02:05:00.000-08:00

I was quite surprised when I began searching for research on Tai Chi’s benefits for diabetes . . . it was very difficult to come by. Because on its face, Tai Chi seems to possibly offer many benefits to someone with diabetes. Tai Chi is known to stimulate microcirculation in practitioners, and is a highly effective stress management technique, and very gently burns a significant amount of calories. In fact, Tai Chi may actually help the body find homeostatic chemical levels. For example, in a study on sex hormones Tai Chi was found to have a “balancing effect” on the hormonal chemistry of participants, lowering the abnormally high estrogen levels in older men, while raising the abnormally low estrogen levels in older women.

These findings in other research led me to believe that there had probably been substantial research done on Tai Chi & Qigong’s benefits for those with diabetes, given that these findings in other studies at least initially suggest Tai Chi & Qigong may offer much to the diabetes patient. But, as I said, it doesn’t appear there is much out there in terms of “tai chi & qigong as an adjunct diabetes therapy,” at least from Western institutions.

However, a couple of Chinese medical institutions studies had very exciting results. A Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology study found that blood sugar could be lowered successfully by doing QiGong exercises. 42.9 percent of patients in the study were able to take less medicine while having more staple foods. Also, a Nanjing University study found that Tai Chi exercise helped to regulate metabolic disorder of type 2 diabetes mellitus with geriatric obesity by regulating the nervous-endocrine system in the body. So, why isn’t there more Western medical research on this?

Unfortunately, less than one half of one percent of NIH funding goes to research all alternative or “complimentary” health techniques. Meaning that yoga, meditation, herbology, homeopathy, etc. etc. all share that tiny, tiny slice of the NIH funding pie. Until the NIH provides adequate attention / funding for Tai Chi & Qigong (Chi Kung) research, many of the benefits people with various maladies have enjoyed from Tai Chi & Qigong will not be enjoyed by the millions of others with such conditions. Because physicians will lack the knowledge necessary to inform their patients of Tai Chi & Qigong as a possible viable therapeutic option, until adequate research is done.

Never the less, you might ask your doctor to do some research on this for you. But, for now, let’s look at current recommendations for diabetes therapy, and then compare Tai Chi benefits systematically to see if it might be a good therapeutic match for diabetes. As always, I remind everyone not to self-treat. These articles are meant to stimulate a dialogue between you and your physician, and your physician and medical research institutions to lobby on your behalf to get powerful natural health therapies like Tai Chi fully researched so that you have the maximum possible options for your health protocol.

In an article posted on Post Graduate Medicine Online, Dr.s Adam B. Mayerson, MD; Silvio E. Inzucchi, MD, state that “Diet, exercise, and the attainment of ideal body weight are the central components of any therapeutic [type 2 diabetes] regimen . . .”. Tai Chi is proven to be an effective exercise that not only provides cardiovascular benefit (roughly equal to moderate impact aerobics), but surprisingly given Tai Chi’s gentle low impact nature, burns a significant number of calories, in fact more than surfing, and nearly as much as downhill skiing. To achieve such caloric burning benefits, and cardiovascular benefits, with such a gentle exercise as Tai Chi may be important to those with diabetes.

The health site Top5plus5.com’s information on diabetes explained that the type of exercise a patient practices is crucial to their well being, stating “Patients with active diabetic retinopathy should not participate in exercises involving straining or heavy lifting since these activities can provoke eye damage. Patients should also be aware that nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels can lead to a loss of sensation in the feet, with a subsequent increased risk of blistering and ulceration. Patients with progressive heart damage from high blood sugar should be warned about the risk of sudden heart failure and death.” Tai Chi may offer promise regarding heart health so important to diabetes sufferers. On the 9th of October, 2004, BBC News - Saturday, reported “Tai Chi 'can treat heart failure.” The British Heart Foundation said the study was "excellent news" and Tai Chi could be adopted into treatment programmes in the UK in the future.” news.bbc.

Again, one should never self-treat, and should always approach all possible therapies in conjunction with their physician. Our articles at World Tai Chi & Qigong Day are meant to stimulate discussion between you and your physician, and hopefully between your physician and health institutions. Our hope is that this will lead to a more realistic apportionment of medical research funding towards Tai Chi & Qigong (Chi Kung), and other natural health therapies. One caution is, we hope that researchers will approach Tai Chi & Qigong with a desire to find out “why it helps many people” rather than with an agenda to prove that it doesn’t work. The way that studies are done is just as important as if studies are done.

Our vision for the future is that physicians too, will begin to discover for themselves what Tai Chi and Qigong health technologies have to offer on a personal level as Tai Chi is increasingly offered through medical universities to aspiring nurses and physicians. The future of healthcare should not be a war between alternative therapies and standard therapies, but an expansion of standard therapies to include whatever works best for the patients. Many in the medical field are great advocates of such a vision, and World Tai Chi & Qigong Day celebrates their efforts.

Living With COPD

2006-02-03T01:56:00.000-08:00

A patient diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) usually goes into a state of shock and despair, as the disease has no cure. However, the good news is COPD is not the end of the world. A person can still lead a reasonably happy life after being diagnosed with COPD. All it takes is to be willing to make some sacrifices and adapt to a new lifestyle.

To control COPD, a person has to give up smoking immediately, as it’s the main cause of COPD. There are many methods that help smokers and start a whole new life. If COPD is caused by smoking, smoking cessation is the only way to check the rapid progression of the disease.

Naturally, once a patient is diagnosed with COPD life can be stressful. Stress can raise havoc on a COPD patient, and they need to know how to cope. Learning what causes stress and how to live with it is essential. Joining a support group or speaking to your family and friends is another way of keeping the stress in check.

For a patient affected with COPD, lots of calories are burnt doing simple activities such as breathing. It is important to conserve energy by doing your day-to-day activities smartly to save energy. Planning your work in advance, maintaining an easy schedule and avoiding difficult physical tasks are the keys to conserve energy. Controlled breathing techniques such as pursed-lip and diaphragmatic breathing can also help.

Eating habits will also change. Take a rest before you eat and eat small, nutritious meals at short intervals, instead of three big meals a day. Take your time while eating and breathe evenly while chewing. Exercising regularly, after consulting your doctor, will also help in keeping the COPD in check. If you are traveling, always keep your medicines with you. If you are using equipments like compressors or oxygen therapy cylinders, it is advisable to carry portable devices. If you are traveling long distances, consult your physician and take the necessary precautions.

Remember, COPD is not the end of your life. It’s just a beginning of another life -- life where your activities and tasks may be controlled, but your capacity to enjoy life will remain the same!

by Elizabeth Morgan
COPD provides detailed information about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD and life expectancy, COPD medication, COPD stages and more. COPD is the sister site of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension Attorney.

Dealing With Diurnal Enuresis

2006-02-03T01:42:00.000-08:00

Diurnal enuresis is a type of incontinence that affects young children during their waking hours. The condition cannot be diagnosed unless the child is over five years old and is younger than sixteen. Diurnal enuresis is a very distressing condition for both the child and the parents.

There can be several reasons why a child develops diurnal enuresis. The first thing that needs to be medically established is whether the child has contracted a urinary infection. This involves the child providing a urine sample for testing. The doctor will also discuss family history, including toilet-training; bowel habits; and the regularity and nature of urinary stream.

As well as a urine infection, diurnal enuresis can also be caused by a brain hormone, known as antidiuretic hormone, not working properly. The presence of this hormone determines how much water can be held in the body. If the child has too little of this hormone being released into their body, their bladder may not be able to cope with the level of urine being stored.

Other things to consider if your child has developed diurnal enuresis is whether they have an overactive bladder - this is more common in girls and it can be a sign of infection. Quite often young children can become so caught up in an activity that they don't want to stop to go to the toilet. They then leave it too late and this can result in their bladder overflowing before they make it to the toilet.

Discovering with your doctor what it is causing your child's diurnal enuresis and working out how to help you and your child cope in this situation is crucial. It may be that a medical treatment isn't necessary and many children do grow out of the condition. But whatever the treatment your child needs you. There is an estimated 75% chance of a child with diurnal enuresis having a parent or sibling who has previously had the same condition. If it also happened to you, share the information with your child so that they know they are not the only one.

There are many things you can do to help your child with diurnal enuresis. The most important thing is reassurance. Tell your child, and remind them often, that it isn't their fault. Never allow their siblings to tease them. Recognise the warning signs: the child may start fidgeting or holding themselves in the perineal area. Encourage the child to go to the toilet and never punish them if they have an 'accident'.

It is important to know that whatever is causing your child to have diurnal enuresis, it is not the child's fault. The child isn't being lazy or naughty - it is a condition that they have no control over. While emotional stress does not cause diurnal enuresis, a result of having diurnal enuresis can lead to the child having emotional stress and losing self-esteem. Avoid this happening to your child.

Copyright © Jared Winston, 2006. All Rights Reserved.

Learn more about enuresis and more importantly how to control this embarrassing and uncomfortable condition once and for all at Bedwetting Relief.com =>http://www.bedwettingrelief.com

The Sweet Smell of a Perfume Allergy

2006-01-31T08:22:00.000-08:00

Ah….the sweet, smell of perfume! Today’s market is flooded with hundreds and hundreds of different fragrances ranging from floral to woodsy. Most women love the smell of perfume, wearing it even when going to the grocery store. The problem is that perfume allergy for some women, is anything but nice.

Keep in mind that a perfume allergy is not limited to the woman who wears it. For some people, men and women, just being around someone wearing perfume can have a devastating effect. Even regular household cleansers, air fresheners, fabric softener, scented candles, potpourri, hair spray, and shampoo can produce the same reaction. Although the smell of perfume might trigger a headache or rash, the more severe problem is a full-blown asthma attack.

Having a perfume allergy is not something new. Unfortunately, many people are affected by the smell of perfume, especially when in a confined space. For instance, individuals working in an office environment might not have a choice but to be around someone wearing perfume. In this case, the only real solution is to request those individuals to stop wearing perfume to work (some may) or to ask if your desk can be seated in a different area. The problem is that not all companies are accommodating, meaning a new job must be found.

The good news is that because a perfume allergy can produce such a serious reaction as asthma or an anaphylactic shock, you will find a number of products now on the market that are fragrance free. Many of these items are found in organic stores although traditional grocery stores are now trying to cater to all customers. Because you cannot control who does and does not wear perfume, you have to take steps to protect yourself if you have a perfume allergy. This might include letting a job interview know, wearing a mask, or perhaps taking medication.

If you notice that you have symptoms of itchy eyes, runny nose, wheezing, or coughing when wearing perfume or being around other people that do then chances are you are having a reaction. Interestingly, many people have a perfume allergy but blame it on other things, never even considering that fragrance could be the problem. Sometimes, even doctors miss a perfume allergy simply because they are more accustomed to treating seasonal allergies, pet allergies, and other forms of allergy.

In addition, remember that while you might be allergic to some perfumes, it is possible that not all fragrances will create a reaction. The reason is that performs are made up of varying chemicals so while one chemical may trigger a reaction, other chemicals might not. Therefore, it is important that you pay attention to your surroundings, taking note if you can pinpoint these symptoms specific to fragrance.

by Grant Segall

Vitiligo Disorder White Patches & Theories

2006-01-31T08:14:00.000-08:00

White patches on the skin, premature graying of the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, and beard, and sometimes a loss of color inside the mouth—these are some of the distinct signs of vitiligo. Some people might mistake it as a disease brought about by too much sun exposure. While signs of this disease commonly appear in the sun-exposed areas of the body, the cause of vitiligo is generally unknown. Doctors and researchers have formulated several theories....

One would be that people develop antibodies (produced by the immune system, these are protective proteins which fight infectious agents including bacteria and viruses) which destroy melanocytes (special skin cells that produce melanin) in their own bodies; two, that melanocytes destroy themselves; and three, that a particular event, such as sunburn or emotional distress, triggers these distress—all of which have no scientific backing yet. Another theory says that is hereditary, making children whose parents are affected, prone to the disorder.

This disorder affects 40 to 50 million of the world’s population, excluding no race or sex type. Majority of the people affected by vitiligo usually develop it before turning 40. Given the shady causes of vitiligo, doctors make it a point to find out about important factors in an affected person’s medical history—family history, a rash or a skin trauma two to three months before depigmentation began, stress, physical illness, and / or premature graying of the scalp. While a scientific breakthrough is yet to be done determining the cause of vitiligo, several preventive measures have been developed over the years.

by Jason Herbert - Vitiligo Support

Walking for Weight Loss and Fitness - Pedometer Basics

2006-01-23T00:33:00.000-08:00

A pedometer is a neat little gadget that will help you track how much walking you have done in a day. It can be a helpful tool in getting into and sticking with an exercise schedule. Let’s take a look at how you can use a pedometer to get into shape.

Why should I walk? Walking is one of the easiest forms of exercise to get into. You don’t need any special equipment, just a pair of comfortable shoes. There are no new techniques to learn, since you already know how to walk. Walking is a very low impact activity, that doesn’t put much stress on your joints. You can start out at any pace that is comfortable to you and walk for as long as you’d like. Over time you will gradually increase the intensity of your walking workout by walking for longer periods of time, increasing the speed as well as the incline you walk at.

What should I keep in mind when purchasing a pedometer? You can spend anywhere from $10 - $100 and more for a pedometer. A basic model will work just fine, as long as it tracks your steps accurately. Basic models may only give you the number of steps you walked, while more advanced models will also calculate the distance walked, calories burnt and usually also keep track of several days worth of walking. Some even come with some tracking software you can use on your computer. It will be up to you to decide how many bells and whistles you would like on your pedometer.

How do I wear the pedometer properly? There are two ways to wear a pedometer that have been working well for me and have given me very accurate results. The first is to wear the pedometer on your belt or directly on your waistband right over your front pocket. The pedometer should be in line with your foot. The second option is to clip the pedometer to the top of your shoe. On the side, right below my ankle is the most comfortable position for me. Some people also get good results by carrying the pedometer in their back pocket or clipping it to their waistband on their side. Try something that seems comfortable to you and walk 100 steps. If your count and the pedometers count are within 5 steps of each other, you’re in good shape.

How do I get started? Establish a base figure of how many steps a day you take right now on average. To do this, wear your pedometer each day for a week and record your daily steps. Calculate your daily average by adding up all the steps you walked for the week and dividing the number by 7. Now that you have a base figure to start with, let’s see how you can increase the steps you take each day.

How should I increase my steps? Increase the amount of steps you take by adding 1000 – 2000 extra steps per week until you reach 10,000 steps if you are trying to stay fit and healthy or 12,000 if you are trying to loose weight. 2000 extra steps may seem like a lot at first glance, but you can spread them out over the course of the day. Park a little further away while running errands or when you go to work. Take a quick stroll during your lunch break or walk around the block with your spouse in the evening. Chase your kids around the yard. Once you get started, you will find all sorts of creative ways to get a few more steps in here and there.

Now what? Once you have worked your way up to your target steps, stick with it. Of course there will be days when you can’t walk 10,000 steps, but do your best to average 10,000 a day during the week. If you didn’t walk much during the week, go for a hike on the weekend. Pretty soon walking will become a habit for you and you will miss your daily walk when you can’t work it in.

by Susanne Myers - Walking for Weight Loss

Herpes and Pregnancy

2006-01-23T00:06:00.000-08:00

Herpes, both oral and genital, are highly communicable diseases caused by the two strains of the Herpes Simplex Virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Genital herpes is transmitted sexually and is rarely transmitted from a pregnant mother to her unborn child, but could prove fatal for the unborn infant if it is transmitted.

It is possible, though unlikely that someone can transmit the virus through the placenta during pregnancy. If this happens, chances of the baby being born with a defect or a miscarriage increase.

The transmission also depends upon the stage of pregnancy in which the primary episode of herpes sets in. If the women had primary genital herpes during the first trimester, then there are less chances of the baby being infected. This is because it usually takes the body three to four weeks to buildup antibodies against the virus.

So if herpes happens at the onset of pregnancy, the body gets enough time to build up the immune system. As a result, these antibodies are also passed onto the baby. Generally, mothers can have a normal vaginal delivery.

But this is not so if the woman gets the infection in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. If the blood tests confirm that the women has never had herpes before the experts will recommend a caesarian delivery. This is because at these stages, the body does not get enough time to build up the immune system and the chances of transmission are extremely high.

It is easier to prevent herpes than it is to cure it. The highest risk to an infant comes from an infected mother who contracts HSV-1 or 2 during pregnancy and the best way to avoid this is by preventing this situation. Since Genital Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease, steps should be taken to ensure that you don’t transmit herpes during this crucial time.

by Kent Pinkerton
Herpes provides detailed information about herpes, herpes symptoms and more. Herpes is affiliated with Impotence Treatments.

You may also want to read Oral Herpes.

Oral Herpes

2006-01-22T23:53:00.000-08:00

Herpes, both oral and genital, is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus. While oral Herpes is caused by HSV-1, genital Herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the HSV-2 virus.

The common symptoms for both oral and genital herpes include the appearance of sores on the body. These sores appear on different parts of the body. In case of genital herpes, they appear on the genital area. In oral herpes, they appear on or in the mouth.

Most people infected with oral herpes are not even aware of the fact that they have the disease. This is because people usually don’t associate these blisters or soars with herpes. These soars usually last for a few weeks and then gradually dry out.

Oral herpes is an infectious disease that can spread by touching, kissing, or sexual contact. It is prominent amongst children because they pass on the disease to the non-infected children also.

Herpes can also be passed from adults to children through a simple good night kiss. Oral herpes is usually not frightening and can be controlled by treatment and preventive measures, but for a person with an impaired nervous system, it can prove to be fatal.

People can take some precautions to prevent further spread of herpes. Frequent and washing and avoiding touching infected areas are two good ideas. Also, remember that you need to take precautions with infants because their nervous systems may not be able to cope with the pressure of the disease. Adults with babies should avoid cuddling or touching them till the symptoms subside.

Oral herpes can be painful if people don’t take the necessary preventive measures. One measure is to take anti-viral tablets. Generally, herpes recurrence will not happen if you take medication. The other thing is people should try to remain stress free because higher stress levels prolong the disease.

by Kent Pinkerton
Herpes provides detailed information about herpes, herpes symptoms and more. Herpes is affiliated with Impotence Treatments.

Breast Cancer Treatment Reduced From Six Weeks To Five Days

2006-01-16T23:12:00.000-08:00

A new therapy to treat breast cancer reduces the radiation time from six weeks to five days. This is very useful for the patients as it is less convenient. Doctors can point the radiation source at the tumor killing the cancer cells.

The study compares the usefulness of the new therapy over the conventional six-week treatment. They are also in the process of analyzing the suitable subjects for this therapy.

But the Canadians are working on a new therapy for breast cancer, which reduces the treatment time to just 24 hours.

This can be possible by implanting radiation seeds permanently in the patient’s breast thereby facilitating the destruction of cancer cells. This method helps the patient o continue with their normal routine.

This new method of treatment of breast cancer is called partial-breast radiation therapy.

But experts have their reservations and tell the patients who opt or the new therapy to enroll them in the study wherein they are testing the feasibility of the new approach.

But Dr. Norman Coleman working at the national cancer institute questions the researchers the effectiveness of the new therapy as this can work well in few patients and only very few patients are followed to ensure that this is therapy works better than the conventional one.

Fizzy drinks 'boost memory'

2006-01-16T22:48:00.000-08:00

Fizzy drinks, the scourge of healthy diet campaigners, can improve your memory, according to experts today.

Consuming the equivalent of two cans of soft drink can boost memory retention by a fifth and combat dementia in older people, found neuroscientists from Glasgow Caledonian University.

Psychology lecturer Dr Leigh Riby, who led the research, said people studying for exams could benefit from increasing the amount of sugar in their diet.

He focused on an area of the brain known as the hippocampus, which creates new memories but declines with the onset of dementia.

Dr Riby used a series of memory tests and brain- imaging techniques to assess how volunteers responded after guzzling sugary drinks.

He found the hippocampus lit up with activity after participants had a sweetened drink and they were able to recall 17 per cent more than without a drink.

But you should be aware that prolonged over-use of sugar will cause harm for many different reasons.

News source

Drug firms eye fat profits from new obesity pills

2006-01-16T22:36:00.000-08:00

A marijuana joint might seem an odd starting point in the search for weight-loss secrets.

Yet a compound switching off the same brain circuits that make people hungry when they smoke cannabis looks set to become the world's first blockbuster anti-obesity medicine, with sales tipped by analysts to top $3 billion a year.

Sanofi-Aventis SA's Acomplia, or rimonabant, which could be approved by U.S. regulators as early as next month, is the first of a new wave of treatments that may spell fat profits for some pharmaceutical companies.

Another two experimental drugs from Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc and Alizyme Plc, with different mechanisms of action, have also produced promising clinical results in recent weeks, prompting some investors to start laying big bets on weight-loss medicine.

It is a risky area, however.

Slimming pills have had a checkered history, due to modest effectiveness and adverse side effects -- most notoriously with the diet drug combination "fen-phen," which was linked to heart-valve problems and has cost Wyeth more than $21 billion in provisions related to patient claims.

But past upsets have not deterred drug manufacturers from investing heavily in a new generation of possible winners.

Exercise May Reduce Risk of Alzheimer's Disease

2006-01-16T22:23:00.000-08:00

Raymond was one of 1,700 volunteers in a study that showed exercise also may be good for mental conditioning as well.

In a study published in the latest issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine, volunteers 65 years and older were given a battery of memory tests and questioned about their weekly exercise habits.

After six years, researchers detected a remarkable pattern. Seniors who were physically active at least three time a week were 38 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, which causes a slow, irreversible decline in brain function.

"It says the decline the brain experiences late in life is not inevitable. It can be affected by things like habitual exercise," said lead study author Dr. Eric Larson of the Group Health Coopertive in Seattle.

In the study, "exercise" was anything from simple aerobics to walking or hiking to 15 minutes of stretching.

Researchers emphasize that this study is not proof that exercise reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease, but they say the results are consistent with several previous studies.

The theory is that exercise not only increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain — it may also reduce the telltale "plaque" in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Source

Xinhua also has a report on benefit of exercise to reduce dementia risk: Regular exercise helps delay dementia

Haldi and Gobhi can keep prostate cancer at bay

2006-01-16T22:16:00.000-08:00

Adding haldi to your vegetables while cooking is not only good for enhancing its taste, but also very effective at the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer, say researchers.

The scientists tested turmeric, also known as curcumin, along with phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), a naturally occurring substance particularly abundant in a group of vegetables that includes watercress, cabbage, winter cress, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower, kohlrabi and turnips.

The team from the Rutgers' Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy noted that in contrast to the high incidence of prostate cancer in the United States, the incidence of the disease was very low in India, which has been attributed to the dietary consumption of large amounts of plant-based foods rich in phytochemicals, i.e. nonnutritive plant chemicals that have protective or disease-preventive properties.

For the purposes of their study, researchers used mice bred so that their immune systems would not reject foreign biological material, and injected the mice with cells from human prostate cancer cell lines to grow tumors against which the compounds could be tested.

Source

FDA warns 2 Brazilian diet pills contain amphetamines

2006-01-16T22:10:00.000-08:00

The Food and Drug Administration warned consumers Friday not to use two brands of popular Brazilian diet pills imported and distributed by Miami firms because they "could lead to serious side effects or injury."

The agency said dieters should avoid Emagrece Sim and Herbathin, expensive over-the-counter pills that "contain several active ingredients, including controlled substances, found in prescription drugs," the FDA said in a press release.

As The Herald had previously reported, the FDA confirmed on Friday the pills contain a type of amphetamine as well as tranquilizers (the generic for Librium) and antidepressants (generic Prozac).

All three drug types require a prescription in the United States, and amphetamines are classified as a controlled substance because they have addictive qualities.

"Wow, I got goose bumps," said Thomas Moore, a Baptist Health human resources staffer when he heard the news. The Miami Herald reported three months ago about problems with the pills after Moore said three women failed pre-employment hospital drug tests after taking the nonprescription Brazilian pills. "It's really appropriate the FDA acted."

The FDA said the two brands of pills are made in Brazil by Fitoterapicos and Phytotherm Sim, which may be two names for the same company.

Source

Smoking In Pregnancy May Cause Finger, Toe Defects

2006-01-16T20:48:00.000-08:00

If pregnant smokers need another reason to quit, a new study may have found it. The habit, researchers say, may raise the risk of having a baby with extra, missing or webbed fingers and toes.

Using information from a national database on U.S. births, researchers found that babies born to women who smoked during pregnancy were 31 percent more likely to have such birth anomalies as babies of non-smokers. And the more a woman smoked, the greater the risk.

Li-Xing Man and Dr. Benjamin Chang of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia conducted the study, which is the largest one to date on smoking and birth defects of the fingers and toes. They report the findings in the medical journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

It's estimated that about 1 in 600 infants are born with an extra finger or toe -- an anomaly known as polydactyly. Webbed fingers or toes, called syndactyly, are less common, occurring in one in every 2,000 to 2,500 births. Adactyly refers to the absence of fingers or toes.

While it's well known that prenatal smoking can have serious consequences such as miscarriage, premature delivery and low birth weight, studies have yielded conflicting results on whether smoking can cause birth defects of the fingers and toes.

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Caloric restriction keeps heart young

2006-01-16T20:36:00.000-08:00

Eating a nutritionally balanced diet with the amount of calories reduced by 30 percent can significantly slow the aging process in the heart, according to a new study scheduled to appear in the Jan. 17 issue of the American College of Cardiology.

The study showed the hearts of those whose caloric intake was restricted functioned like the hearts of much younger people.

Dr. Luigi Fontana, of Washington University in St. Louis, and colleagues, examined 25 people who were voluntarily using a diet with 1,400 to 2,000 calories per day for an average of six years. The study compared their heart function with age- and gender-matched individuals who ate a typical Western diet with 2,000 to 3,000 calories per day.

Ultrasound scans showed the hearts of those on a calorie-restricted diet seemed more elastic compared with the control and they were able to relax between beats, which is commonly found in younger people. Also, those on the calorie-restricted diet had one-third of the body fat found in those who ate the Western diet.

Cardiac function is on the decline as people age. As people get older, the heart pumps less blood in the diastolic phase. This prompts the atrium to work harder to pump a sufficient amount of blood into the ventricle in a second phase.

"This decline in diastolic function is a marker of primary aging," Fontana said.

Continue reading: Caloric restriction keeps heart young.

Dental Implants are the Closest Replacement to a Natural Tooth

2006-01-13T00:58:00.000-08:00

Dental implants provide you with a way to replace any missing teeth that you may have. If you are one of the many people who feel ashamed of their smile because of gaps or missing teeth, then dental implants can provide you with a tooth replacement that looks and feels like a natural tooth.

Cosmetic dentists like Dr. O’Neil in Miami, Florida, use dental implants to replace missing teeth, support bridges, support dentures, and eliminate the need for removable partial dentures. If you have good overall dental health and bone structure, dental implants are an excellent option for replacing one or several teeth.

A dental implant is the artificial root of a tooth that a replacement tooth or bridge is attached to. A dental implant provides the secure, durable feeling that your natural teeth have and allows you to bite and chew like normal.

Bridges require crowns to placed on either side of the gap so that the replacement tooth can be anchored. A dental implant is attached only to the replacement tooth that is holds. This means that there is no need to have any natural tooth structure removed to fit a crown; the dental implant is secure without any support.

Partial dentures are tooth replacements that can be removed. These do not offer the security that a dental implant provides. A dental implant is a permanent replacement that looks and feels like your natural teeth, so there is no extra maintenance or change in biting habits that is normally associated with partial dentures.

Finally, dental implants can provide a secure way to attach your full dentures to your gums. With other dentures, adhesives are used to keep the dentures attached to your gums. With dental implant supports, dentures are held securely against the gums, allowing you to retain as much biting and chewing ability as possible.

“Dental implants provide you with the closest replacement to natural teeth, preserve the bone in the jaw, and remove the need for having natural tooth structure removed. If you need to have a tooth replaced, dental implants are the best option for you,” says Dr. O’Neil.

Please click here for more information about dental implants and cosmetic dentistry in Miami, Florida.

Are You Salt Sensitive?

2006-01-12T23:30:00.000-08:00

The human body needs salt in order to function. How much salt is enough? The American Heart Association recommends 2,3000 milligrams of salt a day for healthy adults. That's ONE TEASPOON of salt. People who are extremely salt sensitive should eat less.

Many Americans are eating way too much salt and putting their health at risk. If you're overweight, have cardiovascular disease, or high blood pressure you should cut back on salt. A 2001 Indiana University School of Medicine study, "Salt Sensitivity, Pulse Pressure, and Death in Normal and Hypertensive Humans," details the health risks associated with salt sensitivity.

The results of the 25-year study were announced in a February 2001 NIH News Release. In the release Dr. Myron Weinberger, Director of Indiana University's Hypertension Research Center, is quoted as saying, "Salt sensitivity increases the risk of death, whether or not a person has high blood pressure."

Weinberger thinks this finding has implication for all Americans. Older Americans, African Americans, and those who come from salt sensitive families are more apt to become salt sensitive. Salt sensitive people are more apt to develop high blood pressure as they age, according to Weinberger, and he describes America as a "salt abundant" environment.

How do you live in this environment?

The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services says you check every food label for sodium. Remember, this number is for one serving. Make sure you check the serving size because this is where food processors may cheat. Let's use canned sauerkraut as an example.

The sauerkraut contains 175 milligrams of salt per serving. When you look at the serving size, however, it's a mere two tablespoons. If you eat two servings of saurkraut (about half a cup) you're eating 700 milligrams of salt. Add a salty hot dog, a salty bun, and salty condiments and you've probably eaten a teaspoon of salt.

The NIH also wants you to look at the Percent Daily Value number. This number tells you if the product is high or low in salt. You should choose food products with the lowest percentage and salt free products. Be on the lookout for foods that contain surprise salt - soda pop, seasoned pepper, lemon pepper, and others.

Since there's no test for salt sensitivity you'll have to devise your own. Start by watching for symptoms: swollen hands, knees, and feet, bulging leg and ankle veins, droopy eyelids, "chipmunk cheeks" (puffy, swollen cheeks), shortness of breath, and weight gain. Some salt sensitive people also get headaches.

Keep a salt diary for two weeks. Record every meal and snack in your diary and their salt contents. Compare your salt intake with medical symptoms. Report any symptoms of salt sensitivity to your physician. Your physician will be able to determine if you have high blood pressure. If your blood pressure is going up or you have high blood pressure your physician may prescribe a diuretic.

The best thing you can do for yourself is to take the salt shaker off the table and eat a low salt diet. The American Heart Association has posted tips for reducing sodium on its Website. Here are the tips and comments about them.

Cook without salt. This is really hard if you're making soup, but you may balance the lack of salt with flavorful ingredients, such as mushrooms.
Substitute spices and herbs for salt. Fresh herbs are best, though dry herbs will work. Citrus juice and zest also add flavor to foods.
Buy low fat milk, cheese and yogurt. Cheese contains lots of salt, so use small amounts in your recipes. You want just enough to taste the cheese, not be overpowered by it.
Choose unsalted nuts and seeds for snacks. Better yet, keep carrot sticks, celery sticks, jicima sticks, and cut up fruit on hand for snacking.
Avoid salty seasonings: bullion, soy sauce, steak sauce, Worstershire sauce, meat tenderizers, and MSG. You'll find salt free soup stock on store shelves, but check the fat content before you buy these products.

You may also limit restaurant meals, which are usually high in salt. Many of these meals are made with processed foods. An article on Mayo Clinic's Website, "Processed Foods: Why So Salty?" tells why these foods are salty. Food processors use salt to enhance flavor, increase sweetness (like sprinkling salt on melon), decrease the dryness in foods, and mask metallic and chemical aftertastes.

It's okay to eat out occasionally, but don't make it a habit. Being salt sensitive doesn't mean you eat alfalfa the rest of your life. On the contrary, you may eat delicious meals. All it takes is careful planning and shopping. You may want to subscribe to "Salt Free Life" magazine. To learn more about the magazine call 1-877-2588 or go to http://saltfreelife.com.

Salt sensitivity is serious business, so make it your business to eat less salt and get regular checkups. After a while you won't miss the salt and you'll taste the true flavors of food. Bon appetit!

Copyright 2006 by Harriet Hodgson

Fitness for Life with The Alexander Technique

2006-01-12T23:17:00.000-08:00

To achieve a high level of fitness for life sounds like hard work - and not just from a the physical point of view. Many fail to maintain fitness because, and let's be honest, exercise routines can be boring! Where is the fun in doing the same exercises week in week out. Yes there are many who do stick to their regimes, but why devote so much time to something that doesn't really engage you? Do you remember how much fun a trip to the park was with your friends, a bat and a ball? How much exercise did you get in one afternoon playing a few games?

You may have heard of The Alexander Technique as a method to improve your health by correcting your posture, but it has far more to offer. Learning this highly practical technique can add a new dimension to training giving you a totally new attitude to fitness and physical activity and increasing your chances of staying with a fitness program.

Whether interested in developing total fitness or just looking for relief from the all too common aches and pains, a subtle change in attitude and approach will help you get more from your body. Learning The Alexander Technique helps you develop a better understanding of your body, how it works, how it moves and how to make movement easier so you can do more with less effort. Achieving a high level of fitness for life is within your reach when you know how to use your body correctly. It is ironic that people frequently injure themselves doing activities they believe should be keeping them fit and healthy!

Why does this happen? It is a sad fact that many adults have lost the art of natural movement. We unknowingly develop poor habits that puts excessive stress on joints and muscles. The more you move poorly the better you will get at doing it in this way. End result - injury! I was alarmed when I started learning The Alexander Technique aged twenty-six at just how badly I moved, especially when I considered myself fit and well-informed about my body following years of martial arts, swimming and running!

The term ‘fitness’ generally relates to how far or fast you can run or how well you can perform physical tasks. Yet we should recognise that fitness is important for maintaining health and functionality. Yet fitness is about more than physical abilities - its about being able to do what you want, when you want and to do it well. The right mental attitude and approach are essential for performing at your peak. Of course, you still need to have the body that can meet your demands so you must work on both your physical and mental skills. The good news is that they can be worked on together.

How well do you know your body? If you are looking to maintain fitness for life you are going to be asking a lot from your body, but just how good is your body knowledge? Many are surprised at how their knowledge and understanding of their body differs from your true physical structure when taking Alexander lessons. How you move is based on your concept of how it works. If there are discrepancies between concept and reality this will effect your movement. Again if your objective is to maintain fitness this will have implications.

That's the bad news, now for the good. Learning The Alexander Technique will not only help you identify where you may be making movement harder, its practical techniques will give you the means to eradicate them altogether. Movement becomes a whole lot easier when you take the habitual brake off!

It also helps to develop your ability to focus which can take you into The Zone a place where athletes achieve peak performance with little perceived effort. This is where learning The Alexander Technique will deliver real lasting benefits to help you achieve fitness for life. With a new understanding of your body you can approach physical activity and exercise better informed about what works for you. Injury need not be something you need to suffer in order to maintain fitness.

Sports training and exercise should not be viewed as purely a way to physical fitness. With the right approach promoted by The Alexander Technique your training becomes a way to self-improvement beyond physical ability. Fitness now means more than just putting on your tracksuit and going for a run - it can be another path to self-fulfilment and development. Exercise need never be boring or routine again!

by Roy Palmer

Doctors warn against using cough syrups

2006-01-09T21:36:00.000-08:00

Doctors are warning that a commonly-used remedy --cough syrups -- may not work.

The American College of Chest Physicians has reviewed dozens of studies of cough syrups and concluded "(there's) little efficacy in patients with coughs due to upper respiratory infections. Their long-term effectiveness has not been established."

The dose of drugs in over-the-counter cough syrups are generally too low to be effective or contain combinations of drugs that have never been proven to treat coughs, said Dr. Richard Irwin, chairman of a cough guidelines committee for the American College of Chest Physicians.

"Some of the products contain medications that have no chance of working at all," Irwin said.

About 40 per cent of adult Canadians use cough medicine annually, Gerry Harrington of the Non Prescription Drug Manufacturers of Canada told CTV.ca. Canadians spend about $100 million annually on these medicines.

Coughs are classified as either acute (lasting less than three weeks) or chronic (lasting three to eight weeks or longer). Acute coughs are usually caused by the common cold while chronic coughs are caused by post-nasal drip syndrome, asthma or gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The ACCP has issued guidelines on managing coughs, in the January issue of their journal Chest.

These guidelines discourage use of newer, non-sedating antihistamines.

Study Questions Prostate Cancer Screening

2006-01-09T21:16:00.000-08:00

Two widely used tests for prostate cancer failed to save lives in a new study, adding to the debate over whether men should be screened for the disease.

The study was small _ only 1,002 men _ and will not be the final word on the issue. But it may hint at what lies ahead when the results of two large studies of prostate cancer screening appear in a few years.

The researchers looked at two screening tests that are performed millions of times a year in the United States: a blood test that measures prostate specific antigen, or PSA, and a digital rectal exam, the rubber-glove test in which a doctor feels for abnormalities in the prostate through the rectal wall.

Study co-author Dr. John Concato, a clinical epidemiologist at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System, said that for now, doctors should tell men that screening tests for prostate cancer are not perfect, and men should decide for themselves whether to get screened.

Read the full report here.

Vegetables to Cut Blood Pressure

2006-01-09T21:09:00.000-08:00

A vegetable-rich diet can help to reduce blood pressure, researchers say.

A team led by Imperial College London, which studied 4,680 people aged 40-59, said it was not clear why eating more vegetable protein had such an effect.

But amino acids - the building blocks of protein - or vegetable components, like magnesium, may be key, they said.

However, they found no strong evidence that high meat consumption is linked to high blood pressure. The study features in Archives of Internal Medicine.

Some types of amino acid have been shown to influence blood pressure, for instance arginine has been shown to dilate the blood vessels.

Different forms of amino acids are found in meat and vegetarian matter.

Healthy lifestyle

Writing in the journal, the researchers, led by Professor Paul Elliott, said more research was needed to pin down exactly why vegetables helped lower blood pressure.

High blood pressure is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Thalomid Slows Blood Cancer

2006-01-09T21:02:00.000-08:00

Blood specialist Celgene said Monday its final-stage trials of Thalomid show the drug significantly delayed progression of a common blood cancer by nearly a year.

The company's phase III trial was stopped by an external monitoring committee after analysis showed multiple myelomas in patients taking Thalomid, and the steroid dexamethasone took about three times as long to progress as those in patients taking dexamethasone alone.

Patients who weren’t taking Thalomid were then given the opportunity to start.

"We also met our secondary endpoint, to increase progression-free survival," Celgene president and COO Sol J. Barer told an audience at the JPMorgan Annual Healthcare conference in San Francisco.

Multiple myeloma is an incurable blood cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many malignant immunoglobulin-producing white blood cells. About 50,000 people in the United States alone have the disease, and about 16,000 new cases are diagnosed annually.

Source

Tomatoes may protect against lung cancer

2006-01-09T20:53:00.000-08:00

Tomatoes may help protect smokers against lung disease, new research on mice suggests.

Japanese scientists found that mixing tomato juice into the animals' drinking water completely prevented them suffering emphysema triggered by tobacco smoke.

Emphysema is predominantly a smokers' condition which prevents the lungs working properly, resulting in breathlessness and wheezing.

Together with chronic bronchitis it is one of the chief causes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, which kills about 28,000 people each year in the UK.

Emphysema damages the elastic supporting structure of the lungs, leading to the breakdown and collapse of airways.

Read the full story here.

Coffee: A future female Viagra?

2006-01-09T20:40:00.000-08:00

Could something as simple as caffeine be the answer to women's prayers for female version of Viagra? May be!

Going by a research study by Fay Guarraci, an assistance professor of psychology at south-western university, and Stacey Benson, a 2005 graduate, it sure could be a female Viagra.

The study titled 'coffee, tea and me: moderate doses of caffeine effect on sexual behaviour in female rats,' is the first of its kind and examines the interaction between caffeine and sex in females.

Guarraci and Benson gave 108 female rats a moderate dose of caffeine before a mating test to determine if the caffeine had any effect on female mating behaviour.

The study published in a forthcoming issue of pharmacology, biochemistry and behaviour found that administration of caffeine shortened the amount of time it took the females to return to the males after receiving an ejaculation, suggesting that the females were more motivated to be with the male rats.

While it is tempting to speculate that caffeine exposure could also effect sexual motivation in other female mammals such as humans, Guarraci cautioned that may not be the case since most humans consume moderate doses of caffeine on a daily basis.

Source

School to trial fish-oil therapy

2006-01-09T20:32:00.000-08:00

Thousands of families could be helped by a ground-breaking trial starting in Norfolk today measuring the effect of fish-oil supplements on youngsters with autism, dyslexia and Asperger Syndrome.

A group of 38 boys aged 10 to 16 at Eaton Hall Special School in Norwich will begin taking the eye q omega 3 fish oil supplements daily for the next six months.

The official trial - the first in the country involving children with special needs - could have far-reaching implications in the treatment of the conditions for thousands of youngsters and their families.

Drugs such as Ritalin, prescribed to those with attention deficit disorder and ADHD, often have side-effects such as loss of appetite and insomnia. The trial will look at whether omega fish oils can reduce those symptoms and enable the youngsters to return to mainstream education.

Lianne Quantrill, project co-ordinator at the school, said it was the first detailed look at children with special needs and it could help improve their concentration levels and mood.

“There is already mounting evidence to suggest benefits from taking omega 3 fish oils, particularly for those with behavioural problems who may already have fatty acid deficiencies,” she said.

“The results of the trial could well go on to effect national attitudes towards the link between dietary supplements and this kind of behaviour.

Source

Breast Cancer Fatigue Often Lingers

2006-01-09T20:25:00.000-08:00

Years after treatment for breast cancer, many women still face fatigue, especially those with depression or other health problems, a new study shows.

The study, published in Cancer, included 763 women who were disease-free survivors and had been treated for early breast cancer.

Nearly a third of the women (34%) reported fatigue 5 to 10 years after diagnosis. More than one in five had also noted fatigue in an earlier survey.

Fatigue was most common in women with low incomes, depression, and conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and arthritis, the study shows.

Survivors who report fatigue should be carefully screened for depression, write the researchers. They included Julienne Bower, PhD, of the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA).

Viral Infections at Birth Linked to Brain Damage, Study Shows

2006-01-07T02:42:00.000-08:00

Exposure to viral infections such as herpes shortly before and after birth are associated with brain damage and cerebral palsy, according to a study published in tomorrow's issue of the British Medical Journal.

Infections with some herpes viruses double the risk of cerebral palsy, said Catherine Gibson, a research fellow at the Women's and Children's Hospital in Adelaide, Australia. Gibson compared 443 babies with cerebral palsy to 883 without.

"Herpes group B nucleic acids were found more often in neonatal blood spots of babies who were diagnosed subsequently to have cerebral palsy," Gibson said.

Cerebral palsy are brain injuries acquired during birth that lead to limited motor, speech and learning skills. Babies who are premature or prone to infections are also more likely to suffer brain damage, Gibson said.

Source

Vitamin D 'makes stronger babies'

2006-01-07T01:44:00.000-08:00

Giving pregnant women vitamin D could mean their babies grow stronger bones in later life, a study suggests.

A study of 198 mothers indicated the children of those who lacked the vitamin, crucial for calcium absorption, had weaker bones at nine.

Those who took supplements or were exposed to more sunlight, which helps the body grow its own vitamin D, had children with greater bone densities.

The research from Southampton General Hospital is published in the Lancet.

Professor Cyrus Cooper, who led the team, said the findings provided evidence that maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy influenced the bone growth of offspring and their risk of osteoporosis in later life.

He told the BBC News it was the vitamin deficiency of the mother carrying the child, rather than the baby in early life, which affected the child's bone strength later.

"This is completely new - no one has ever looked at the mother's vitamin D levels before."

Vitamin D is crucial for the absorption of calcium which is in itself key in the formation of healthy bones.

The team from the Medical Research Council's Epidemiological Resource Centre at Southampton General Hospital measured the levels of vitamin D in women's blood in late pregnancy as well as studying calcium levels in the babies' cord blood.

Magnet therapies 'have no effect'

2006-01-07T01:26:00.000-08:00

Magnet therapies which are claimed to cure conditions ranging from back pain to cancer have no proven benefits, according to a team of US researchers.

Sales of the so-called therapeutic devices, which are worn in bracelets, insoles, and wrist and knee bands, top $1 billion worldwide, they said.

But a major review showed no benefits, a British Medical Journal report said.

The team also warned self-treatment with magnets risked leaving underlying medical conditions untreated.

Professor Leonard Finegold of Drexel University in Philadelphia and Professor Bruce Flamm of the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in California said turning to magnetic therapies could also cause "financial harm".

Debbie Shimadry, director of World of Magnets, said use of magnets was not a cure, but a treatment that was very effective for relief of symptoms of joint-related disorders.

She said: "It is important to have the right type of magnet of the right strength, placed in the right area.

"Magnetic bracelets worn around the wrist are not going to allievate pain all over the body - they need to be placed directly over the area of injury for the right length of time."

Bleeding Disorder Patients Warned

2006-01-07T01:18:00.000-08:00

A small number of patients with a bleeding disorder have experienced a potentially life-threatening loss of red blood cells, the FDA and the manufacturer and distributor of a medicine that treats the disorder warned Friday.

Patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura, or ITP, should immediately alert their doctors if they experience back pain, shaking or chills, fever, discolored urine or decreased urine output, sudden weight gain, fluid retention, swelling or shortness of breath, Baxter Healthcare Corp. and Cangene Corp. said.

The rare but sometime severe or fatal symptoms have been observed in ITP patients, the companies wrote in a letter to doctors last month. Reports of the most severe reactions occurred in patients treated with WinRho SDF, a medicine made and distributed by the two companies. Most reported adverse reactions within four hours of treatment, the companies said. The Food and Drug Administration released the letter Friday.

Source

Rotavirus vaccines cut infant deaths

2006-01-06T23:26:00.000-08:00

Two new experimental vaccines have been shown to be effective to prevent severe childhood diarrhea caused by rotaviruses, US studies showed on Wednesday.

According to new studies in the New England Journal of Medicine, the vaccines, Rotateq and Rotarix, by drug-makers Merck and GlaxoSmithKline showed "an impressive efficacy profile".

"After a long period of waiting, the time for a rotavirus vaccine may have finally arrived," said Roger Glass and Umesh Parashar of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States.

As well as many deaths, rotavirus causes about two million hospital visits for diarrhoea and vomiting each year. In the US alone, the virus hits 2.7 million children under 5 years of age each year, 70,000 of which end up hospitalised.

Rotateq, a Merck product, is a live pentavalent human-bovine reassortant rotavirus vaccine that demonstrated 98% efficacy against severe disease.

Rotarix, a GlaxoSmithKline product, is an attenuated G1P(8) vaccine that was 85% effective against severe disease.

Neither vaccine has been licensed in the United States, although Rotarix was approved last summer in Mexico.

Image and News source

Abdominal Chemotherapy Extends Lives of Ovarian Cancer Patients

2006-01-06T23:21:00.000-08:00

For women with advanced ovarian cancer, adding doses of chemotherapy delivered directly into the abdomen can help them survive up to 12 months longer, according to a study published today in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Traditionally, women received only tumor-removal surgery followed by intravenous chemotherapy, but the study's results should change that, said Dr. Harrison G. Ball, chief of gynecologic oncology at the UMass Memorial Medical Center in Boston. His hospital participated in the study that consisted of 429 women and was supported by the National Cancer Institute.

The study included women with advanced ovarian cancer who had first undergone successful surgical removal of cancer cells. Following the surgery, the women underwent either traditional IV-only treatment or a combined treatment of IV and abdominal chemotherapy, known as IP, which is delivered through an intraperitoneal catheter that is surgically inserted into the abdomen.

"In our trial, women who received part of their chemotherapy via an IP route had a median survival time of 16 months longer than women who received only IV chemotherapy," said Dr. Deborah Armstrong in a press release from the NCI. She is the lead author of the study and a medical oncologist at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center in Baltimore.

New Recommendations for Cancer Patients

As a result, the NCI is changing its recommendations to state that women with advanced ovarian cancer who undergo effective surgery should receive a combination of IV and IP chemotherapy.

To achieve "effective" surgical results, Ball recommends that women recently diagnosed with the disease seek out gynecologic oncologists, who are the most skilled at surgically removing ovarian cancer cells.

Source

Obstetric Complications Associated With Later Eating Disorder

2006-01-06T22:20:00.000-08:00

Perinatal complications for the mother or baby may increase the risk of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa for children during their teens, reported investigators here.

If the mother was anemic during pregnancy, had diabetes, or placental infarction, the child has an increased risk of anorexia nervosa, reported Angela Favaro, M.D., Ph.D., and colleagues at the University of Padua in a retrospective study in the Jan 2 issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry.

Children with neonatal heart problems, hyperthermia, tremors, or hyporeactivity also stand a significantly better chance of developing anorexia several years on, they added.

The development of bulimia nervosa was associated with placental infarction, neonatal hyporeactivity, early difficulties with eating, shorter than average birth length, and low birth weight.

"Obstetric complications might have more than one role in the etiopathogenesis of eating disorders," Dr. Favaro and colleagues wrote. "First, they may cause hypoxic-induced damage to the brain that impairs the neurodevelopment of the fetus, and second, the adequacy of nutrition during pregnancy and in the immediate postnatal period seems to influence the nutritional status of the adult and appetite programming throughout life."

Faulty Breast Stem Cells May Cause Tumors

2006-01-06T20:41:00.000-08:00

Defects in a newly identified breast stem cell that drives the formation of breast tissue may lead to tumors, according to an Australian study with mice.

Under normal circumstances, this breast stem cell will produce healthy tissue. But genetic errors in the stem cell, perhaps combined with family predisposition and external factors, could cause the stem cell to produce tumor cells, the researchers said.

This finding may explain cancer recurrence in some women whose breast cancer cells were believed eliminated by chemotherapy. An errant stem cell is more resistant to chemotherapy because it divides more slowly than cancer cells. While chemotherapy may destroy the majority of cancer cells, a defective breast stem cell may survive and begin producing cancer cells months or years after a woman has been treated for breast cancer, said the researchers from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute.

Source

Marijuana now legal for chronically ill

2006-01-06T20:20:00.000-08:00

The Rhode Island House of Representative voted 59-13 to legalize marijuana for medical purposes and stated that it's not criminal when someone use marijuana under doctor's recommendation to relieve their symptoms.

Overriding the governor’s veto, the Rhode Island House of Representatives voted 59-13 yesterday to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes.

Gov. Donald Carcieri vetoed the original bill, sponsored by Rep. Thomas Slater (D-Providence), last year, but the Senate overrode the veto before it broke for its summer recess. The House saved the override vote for yesterday.

The law, with a sunset clause in June 2007, allows a patient with a doctor’s prescription to grow or otherwise obtain at one time up to 12 marijuana plants or 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana. In addition, the patient can select two caregivers who can also legally grow and handle the same amount of marijuana. Patients and their caregivers must gain approval from the state Department of Health and register with the department – a measure supporters say will prevent abuse of the system.

Rhode Island follows 10 other states that have similar programs.

“Ten states have realized it makes no sense to criminalize someone for following their doctor’s recommendations and relieving their symptoms,” Slater told the House. “This will allow patients with specified conditions to use marijuana within their doctor’s recommendation.”

Source

Meditation: Why Meditation And How Does It Help

2006-01-05T22:27:00.000-08:00

The stressful lives we lead today take their toll on our health. Mental stress and physical fatigue drain us of our positive energy leaving us depleted physically, mentally and emotionally. Considered to be part of alternative medicine, meditation is fast gaining popularity amongst conventional medical practitioners as well. Patients are increasingly being advised to meditate for sometime in the day, which is believed to have a positive effect along with the allopathic medicines prescribed for a number of medical conditions.

What is meditation? Meditation is a technique that helps us focus and calms the mind resulting in relaxed and restful state of physical and mental being. Meditation is generally focused on one constant thing, usually your breath. Meditation is an effective tool to gain mind control, self-awareness and understanding that eventually lead to inner calm and peacefulness. For people practice meditation, it can lead to profound experiences of self-realization and transcendental awareness and knowledge. A proven alternative therapy, meditation is a known stress reliever.

Meditation is beneficial not only psychologically but is known to have positive effects on various health conditions ranging from blood pressure, insomnia to even depression. There are different techniques of meditation that people follow today. These are a product of diverse cultures and peoples around the world. The power of meditation has been harnessed to alleviate pain, suffering and promote healing for centuries in different cultures and religions, in some or the other form.

Types of meditation There are various types of meditation that originate from various parts of the world. Prayer is possibly the most common one, the others are Transcendental Meditation, mindfulness meditation, Zen meditation, Buddhist Meditation and Taoist Meditation.

The body under meditation Scientific experimentation and research has found out how the human body reacts under profound meditation. It has been found that the meditation process counteracted the effects of the sympathetic nervous system - the one that wants to fight or flee. Whereas the sympathetic system dilates the pupils and gets the heart rate, respiration and blood pressure up, the parasympathetic system, activated when we meditate, does just the opposite.

Muscle tension decreases, blood pressure drops, and for some extraordinary practitioners, even temperature and basal metabolism rates drop during a prolonged meditation. Oxygen needs of the body are reduced when you are in a highly relaxed state, and brain waves change from the busy beta waves to the blissful alpha waves.

Meditation Techniques There are two major approaches to meditation, which are Concentrative Meditation and Mindfulness Meditation. These can be explained as follows:

1. Concentrative Meditation The approach to still the mind is to focus the attention on the breath, image or sound (mantra). This gives way to greater awareness and clarity. In its most basic form concentrative meditation requires you to sit quietly and focus your attention on your breath. Practitioners of yoga and meditation believe that there is a direct correlation between one's state of mind and one's breath. For e.g. when a person is anxious, frightened, agitated or distracted, the breath will tend to be shallow, rapid and irregular. On the other hand, when the mind is calm, focused and composed, the breath tends to be slow, deep and regular.

2. Mindfulness Meditation In this type of meditation, the mind is aware of all that is happening around you. You just observe the sounds, feelings, sensations, images, thoughts, smells etc without getting involved in them or thing about them. The person is just like a spectator who is witnessing everything but one who does not react or get involved with thoughts, memories, feelings, worries or images. This helps to gain a more calm, clear and non-reactive state of mind.

Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which have information on home based natural cures and remedies for some of the most common illnesses as well as methods of meditation.

Benefits of Coral Calcium

2006-01-05T22:01:00.000-08:00

The benefits of coral calcium are many, which is the main reason why coral calcium supplements are widely used by people around the world. First, it is important to understand that there are two distinct types of coral calcium being sold on the market today: land-mined coral calcium and marine coral calcium. Fossilized land coral has lost much of its power through the years of wear and tear by the environment.

On the flip side, seabed coral is very similar in composition to the human skeleton, which therefore makes it more powerful and more easily assimilated into the human body. Seabed coral is harvested in a completely ecologically safe manner, and live coral reefs are not damaged or destroyed in the process. Small organisms that feed off of marine coral force seabed coral particles to fall to the ocean floor, where it is then harvested. These particles are sometimes referred to as coral sand.

Understanding the Major Health Benefits of Coral Calcium

There have been numerous studies conducted on the benefits of coral calcium. Fortunately, these studies have demonstrated that there are some valid facts supporting the use of coral calcium supplements for illness and disease prevention. Clinical trials have suggested that coral calcium may actually be able to reverse or halt cancerous tumors or cell growth in patients. This is fantastic news for patients who are weary of undergoing harsh chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

Studies have also suggested that taking coral calcium on a regular basis may be able to help deter the onset of heart disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, arthritis, cancer, lupus, gout, Alzheimer's, and diabetes, to name a few degenerative diseases. When you buy coral calcium, you are taking a proactive stance against illness and disease. When studies have demonstrated again and again the benefits of coral calcium, it seems silly not to take heed.

by Robert Paris

Hair Fall - A Common Thing In Everyone's Life

2006-01-05T21:42:00.000-08:00

Hair, a sign of beauty and care has always been very important in everyone's life. Be it male or a female it needs to be taken care very diligently. To avoid hair fall there are different remedies which can be used and some very age-old concoction of herbs which would be very beneficial for everyone.

Men tend to loose more hair with comparison to women due to the presence of estrogen and other factors. It is very important that your hair has been take care with all the effort of applying hair oil for a superfluous hair.

Some of the other reasons for having hair fall are due to the non-existence of nutrition in your food. Even applying oil to your hair is form of nutrition and has to be done on daily basis and if not, at least thrice a week as you wash your hair.

Over exposure to sun on your hair is not good. One should wear caps or any other protective cloth to avoid that. Tension of work, home and other mentally challenging problems are also cause of major hair fall. The affect of some of the strong and attacking diseases like pneumonia can also lead to loss of hair.

Having experiments done on your hair can cause hair fall like perming which can cause lot of hair loss due to the twisting and turning of your hair. Ironing can also cause lot of problems like changing ones hair structure and also causing lot of hair fall which is very disastrous. Coloring your hair has also been one of the major problems in causing your hair loss.

Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of sites related to hair and skin care which have information on hair care tips, skin care tips, tips to avoid hair fall and other remedies.

Treating strep throat the old way isn't working anymore

2006-01-04T06:46:00.000-08:00

When it comes to treating strep throat, older types of antibiotics are increasingly less likely to kill the germ that causes millions of sore throats, fevers and missed school days for children each year.

Yet recent studies show that as many as 90 percent of children treated for strep still get amoxicillin or penicillin rather than newer antibiotics known as cephalosporins.

One study presented at a recent scientific meeting on antimicrobials found that taking the newer drugs even for a few days is more effective against strep than the traditional 10-day course of the older antibiotics.

Pediatricians at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that 25 percent of children treated for strep with penicillin ended up back in the doctor's office within three weeks of treatment.

Children treated with amoxicillin returned 18 percent of the time. But repeat visits fell to 14 percent for youngsters who got older-generation cephalosporins, and to just 7 percent for newer types of the drugs, such as cefpodoxme and cefdinir, which can typically be given for just four or five days.

The study reviewed treatment of 11,426 children. The research was an expanded version of another study that looked at the experience of about 7,000 children.

"Most doctors are shocked to learn of the high failure rates of the older medications," said Dr. Michael Pichichero, a professor of microbiology and immunology at Rochester and co-author of the study.

"The paradigm for treating strep sore throats has been changing slowly, and endorsing the use of cephalosporins as a first-time treatment is something that needs to be seriously considered," Pichichero said.

Treatment guidelines for strep issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Heart Association and the World Health Organization all call for penicillin or amoxicillin as first drugs of choice, despite evidence that resistance to those drugs may be on the rise.

Source

Coffee may lower breast cancer risk for some women

2006-01-04T06:29:00.000-08:00

Women with BRCA1 gene mutations, which confer a high risk of developing breast cancer, might decrease their risk by drinking a lot of coffee, according to a multicenter team of investigators.

Dr. Steven A. Narod, of the University of Toronto, Ontario, and colleagues examined the association between coffee consumption and the risk of breast cancer among 1690 high-risk women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.

The study included women from 40 clinical centers in four countries. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the average lifetime coffee consumption.

The likelihood of developing breast cancer among BRCA mutation carriers who drank 1 to 3 cups of coffee daily, 4 to 5 cups, or 6 or more cups was reduced by 10 percent, 25 percent and 69 percent, respectively, compared to those who drank no coffee, according to the report in the International Journal of Cancer.

Source

Related articles:

Study links obesity to kidney failure

2006-01-04T06:19:00.000-08:00

Researchers have found yet another reason for people to watch their weight: kidney failure.

A University of California at San Francisco study released on Monday found a strong relationship between obesity and end-stage renal disease, or kidney failure.

"There are more and more people with kidney failure, but it hasn't been appreciated much that kidney failure can be a consequence of obesity," said Dr. Chi-yuan Hsu, an assistant professor of medicine and lead author of the study.

Even moderately overweight people had a higher risk of kidney failure than people whose weight was in a normal, healthy range, he said. And for the morbidly obese, the risk was more than 700 percent greater, Hsu said.

When the kidneys fail, and cannot process waste and excess fluid, the patient requires dialysis or transplantation.

News Source

Detox diets are a waste of time and money, say scientists

2006-01-04T06:02:00.000-08:00

NEW year detox products that purport to rid the body of harmful chemicals accumulated through seasonal over-indulgence are a waste of time and money, leading scientists said yesterday.

Most of the pills, juices, teas and oils that are sold for their detoxifying effects on the body have no scientific foundation for their claims, according to toxicologists and dieticians.

They will not influence the rate at which the body rids itself of toxins, and any beneficial effects would be matched at much lower cost by drinking plenty of tap water, eating fruit and vegetables and getting a few early nights.

The entire market for detox products, which is worth tens of millions of pounds a year, rests on myths about the human body that are hitting consumers in the wallet, the experts’ report has found.

“Whether or not people believe the biblical story of the Virgin birth, there are plenty of other popular myths that are swallowed with religious fervour over Christmas,” said Martin Wiseman, Visiting Professor of Human Nutrition at the University of Southampton. “Among these is the idea that in some way the body accumulates noxious chemicals during everyday life, and that they need to be expunged by some mysterious process of detoxification, often once a year after Christmas excess. The detox fad — or fads, as there are many methods — is an example of the capacity of people to believe in (and pay for) magic despite the lack of any sound evidence.”

John Hoskins, an independent environmental toxicologist, said: “On detox, the Romans got it right: Mundus vult decipi — the world wants to be deceived — better translated as ‘there’s a sucker born every minute’. The only thing that loses weight on a detox diet is your wallet.”

The criticism of the detox industry has emerged from an inquiry into public perceptions of chemicals and toxicity by a working party of 11 scientists. The full report, Making Sense of Chemical Stories, will be published later this month by the charity Sense About Science.

Statins' Benefit Only To Heart

2006-01-04T05:50:00.000-08:00

Statins are good for the heart, but the popular cholesterol-lowering drugs - including Lipitor, Zocor and Pravachol - do not appear to prevent cancer, pharmacists at the University of Connecticut report in today's issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The researchers at the UConn School of Pharmacy reviewed 26 heart disease studies involving more than 73,000 subjects to determine whether statins helped prevent cancer.

They found that no type of cancer was affected by statin use and that no type of statin reduced cancer risk, said C. Michael White, associate professor of pharmacy at UConn.

"If there was anything there, we would have seen it in these clinical trials," White said.

But some scientists argue that more investigation is needed. A few recent studies suggested statins' effects might help combat cancer.

One theory has been that statins reduce inflammation; another suggests that by stopping the formation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, known as "bad" cholesterol, statins set off a chain reaction that offers additional protective benefits against cancer.

The potential therapeutic value of statins was one of the hot topics of the 2005 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, said Dr. Carolyn Runowicz, director of the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center at the UConn Health Center and president of the American Cancer Society.

Cold Sore Remedy - Mint Tea

2006-01-03T09:28:00.000-08:00

A cold sore remedy proven very effective, as well as pleasant to use, is mint tea. Many times I've seen a cold sore completely healed in as little as 7 days using the mint tea cold sore remedy described in this article.

As with any cold sore remedy I write about, I'm offering this cold sore remedy to you for information purposes only. It's a cold sore remedy that has worked well for many others.

In no way is this cold sore remedy presented as medical advice. Nothing takes the place of a one-on-one relationship with a health professional.

Keep in mind also - the best cold sore remedy is one that's applied topically. A cold sore is primarily an external problem and is easily treated this way. You may hear of a variety of vitamins or prescription medications that are useful as an internal cold sore remedy. These do sometimes help. But, the simple and direct approach will always give you the very best results.

This is true with a cold sore or any other problem in life.

Mint is a very powerful cold sore remedy because it has strong anti-viral properties. Mint also has a very soothing effect, which has made it a favorite with many folks who've written me.

But first, let's look at the "universal" cold sore remedy - ice.

Ice has been used as a cold sore remedy for centuries. Today ice is readily available anywhere at any time. Even a cold can of soda works as a cold sore remedy, when held to the sore.

The replication process of the herpes virus creates the cold sore. Ice, when applied to an emerging cold sore, discourages the herpes virus from replicating. The herpes virus hates cold. Applying ice or any cold object will stall the herpes virus from creating that hideous sore. And sometimes even send the herpes virus back into hibernation.

As a cold sore remedy, combining the ice method with mint is many times more effective.

Mint is very easy to find. The form we use is mint tea bags. These are available anywhere you find herbal teas. If the mint is combined with other herbs, that will work fine also. Just make sure the mint is primary. Mint can also be easily grown in a window pot if you want to try it fresh. I'll talk about a special cold sore remedy using fresh mint in just a moment.

This is how we turn mint tea into a very effective cold sore remedy.

Taking 20 oz. of bottled water and 5 tea bags (about one tea bag per 4 oz. of water), we make a strong batch of mint tea. Then freeze the wet tea bags.

Using the frozen tea bags in place of ice, we hold the tea bag on the cold sore area for about 10 minutes at a time. About 3 times per hour works well.

With this frozen mint cold sore remedy, you get the comforting and healing effects of ice. Plus, as the bag melts, you are applying a very strong anti-viral medication. This will kill thousands of herpes viruses.

Additionally, you can supercharge this cold sore remedy by sipping the tea. Also, apply the mint tea liquid to the sore with a cotton ball or paper towel. Now you have an internal as well as an external cold sore remedy.

This is also a perfect cold sore remedy for those rare people who get a cold sore inside the mouth. It works well for canker sores too. As a cold sore remedy, or for canker sores, you can use the tea as mouthwash. Swish it around for a minute or so, then swallow it for the internal benefits.

A variation of this cold sore remedy, we've used successfully, is to freeze the tea liquid. This works best for us using an ice cube tray that makes smaller ice cubes. This is a little messier as the cube melts. If you use fresh grown or bulk mint, then you won't have the tea bags to freeze. In that case, this may be one way to use your mint as a cold sore remedy.

One final note on using mint as a cold sore remedy.

Using this cold sore remedy, you may not want to, or can't, sit and hold the ice or frozen tea bags to your lip. If you're on the go, here's a very convenient and powerful way to use mint as a cold sore remedy.

You can quickly make an excellent cold sore remedy by crushing fresh mint leaves into a paste. If you don't wish to grow your own, mint is often available fresh or dried at your local health food store. With dried mint, add some water to reconstitute it and it will make a fine paste too. As you make the paste, mix in a little baking soda. This raises the pH level, which the herpes virus also hates.

Now you have a cold sore remedy you can use when traveling or at work. And, if made with fresh mint, the mint will be even stronger than in the dried tea form because you aren't heating it.

I hope you, as so many others have, find this to be an excellent, cheap and powerful cold sore remedy.

by Denny Bodoh

A Heart Attack Isn't As Much Fun As You Might Think

2006-01-03T09:20:00.000-08:00

I've never had a heart attack... but I came a little too close for comfort. I remember it like it was yesterday although it was 15 years ago. It was a pleasant early fall morning as my wife Bernie and I embarked on the drive to Modesto for a "routine" treadmill test.

Upon arrival at Valley Heart Center the proficient nurses wired me up to the cardiac monitors. After what seemed an eternity (about 3 minutes) of huffing and puffing on the treadmill the technician stopped the instrument of torture, unhooked me and guided me to a chair for a very welcome rest.

A few minutes later a nurse said, "The doctor would like to see you now." and ushered me into the cardiologist's office. As I sat down he was staring at my chart with a deep frown on his face. "I don't like what I see here", he said, "You are a walking time bomb. You need to go to the hospital immediately."

Two days later Dr. Hugh Tobin, a highly skilled heart surgeon, sawed open my chest and stitched in bypasses to six clogged arteries. That got my attention.

I know that some of you are surprised that a banker actually had a heart. Six bypasses isn't a record but it's not bad for a 59 year old with normal cholesterol and blood pressure and no weight problem.

What actually causes a heart attack? The problem isn't actually the heart but the clogging of the arteries that provide oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle.

The common belief is that eating too much cholesterol and fat causes this clogging.

Cholesterol has received a bum rap-in fact it is so vital that you'd have to eat about twenty eggs to absorb what your body makes every day. Here are the key risks.

Inflammation and oxidation.
Low HDL cholesterol. This is the good cholesterol. Low risk is between 45-54.
Exercise improves HDL's and lowers LDL's. The ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol is more important than total cholesterol.
Lp(a) cholesterol. Many researchers say this is the "baddest" cholesterol but doctors rarely check it.
High homocysteine. This is very dangerous and can injure the arteries and accelerate clogging. Fortunately it can be lowered easily with folic acid and vitamins B12 and B6.

How to keep your arteries clear.

Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit. They are full of antioxidants and fiber, which reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol and improve heart health.
Try to have beans 4-5 times per week. High levels of legume consumption significantly reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Eat cold-water fish twice each week. It is high in essential omega 3 fats.
Reduce the oxidation damage of fat and cholesterol in the arteries with a high quality natural vitamin supplement. A "one-a-day" vitamin doesn't cut it. Centrum Silver has only 45 mg E and 60 mg C. You need 400 mg vitamin E and 500-1000 mg vitamin C. I strongly recommend that you also take CoQ10 and Omega 3 oil supplements.
Exercise (surprise) 3-4 times per week. Work hard.

Follow these simple basics and you'll prevent up to 80% of heart and other serious diseases.

The cardiologist looked up from the treadmill report and grimly stated, "You are a walking time bomb. You need to go to the hospital immediately." Two days later a heart surgeon sawed open Gene Millen's chest and stitched in bypasses to six clogged arteries.

"A six way heart bypass isn't a record" said Gene, "but it's not bad for a skinny 59 year old with normal cholesterol and blood pressure. The villains and heroes in the heart attack melodrama may surprise you as they have me."

Gene Millen reviews new research on heart attack risks that are more dangerous than high cholesterol... and how natural supplements and heart vitamins can send them packing! Check out The Heart Health website at http://www.heart-health-for-life.com

Bone marrow drive planned to help Iditarod champion with leukemia

2006-01-02T08:55:00.000-08:00

Susan Butcher sounds every bit like the tough competitor she is — even when she is asked about her strategy for beating leukemia. After all, this is the same woman who four times won the 1,100-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the longest sled dog race in the world.

"Now my goal is to try and stay alive and fight leukemia," she said from her hospital room in Seattle. "No questions asked, that's what I am going to do."

Butcher, 51, knows she can't fight leukemia alone. She was hoping that thousands of Alaskans would come forward today for a blood drive so she — or someone else — can receive a lifesaving bone marrow transplant.

While her doctors have not talked specifics with her about finding a match, it could be 1 in 20,000 to 1 in 50,000, according to the Blood Bank of Alaska.

With about 50 cases of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) diagnosed in Alaska each year, Butcher is hoping the drive helps somebody — maybe even one of the several other Alaskans with leukemia on her floor at Seattle's Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

If not that, she hopes the drive will help Native Alaskans by registering more potential donors for them. The best bone marrow matches are found in people with similar genetic backgrounds.

High protein diet 'under attack'

2006-01-02T08:16:00.000-08:00

The benefits of high-protein diets have again been questioned.

The Total Wellbeing Diet, similar to the Atkins diet, advises eating around twice the daily amount of protein in a typical Western diet.

But an editorial in the magazine Nature suggests the diet only helps a small number of people.

However the scientists from Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization who wrote the book, stand by their work.

The book has become a best-seller, selling half a million copies in Australia since May.

It went on sale in the UK in September, and is due to be launched in the US next year.

The diet recommends around 30 to 35% of a person's daily energy intake should come from protein, compared to 15% in the typical Western diet.

To do this, Manny Noakes and Peter Clifton who devised the eating plan, recommend eating more meat and fish at lunch and dinner.

It differs from Atkins because followers are allowed to eat small amounts of carbohydrates and encouraged to stock up on fruit and vegetables.

Source

Alzheimer's and Obesity Linked

2006-01-02T07:47:00.000-08:00

There's another reason for you to not stay in overweight condition. After proved that obesity may lead to heart disease and diabetes, now researchers at Farber Institute for Neurosciences at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia and Edith Cowan University in Joondalup, Western Australia, report that obesity can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

They found a strong correlation between body mass index and high levels of beta-amyloid, the sticky protein substance that builds up in the Alzheimer's brain and is thought to play a major role in destroying nerve cells and in cognitive and behavioral problems associated with the disease.

"We looked at the levels of beta-amyloid and found a relationship between obesity and circulating amyloid," said Sam E. Gandy, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Farber Institute for Neurosciences. "That's almost certainly why the risk for Alzheimer's is increased."

"Heightened levels of amyloid in the blood vessels and the brain indicate the start of the Alzheimer's process," Gandy said. The scientists reported their findings in this month's Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.

Source

Alcohol to Protect Older Women from Diabetes

2006-01-02T05:09:00.000-08:00

It is reported by Dutch researchers that moderate drinking of alcohol may cut the risk of diabetes type 2 or non-insulin-dependent diabetes in older women.

Although an association between alcohol use and reduced diabetes risk has been observed previously, much exploration of this topic has centered on men and few studies have involved older women, Dr. Michiel L. Bots of University Medical Center Utrecht and colleagues note in the journal Diabetes Care.

Because diabetes increases with age and most type 2 diabetic patients are women, they investigated the relationship between alcohol and diabetes onset in older women. The team examined data from a cohort of more than 16,300 women aged 49 to 70 years who were diabetes-free at enrollment and were followed for an average of 6.2 years.

During this period, 760 women were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Compared with abstainers, women consuming moderate amounts of alcohol (5 to 30 grams per week) were much less likely to develop diabetes. Ten grams of alcohol constitutes one standard drink. There was no association with type of drink. Lifetime alcohol consumption was associated with type 2 diabetes in a U-shaped fashion — in that it was increased in abstainers and excessive drinkers in comparison with those with moderate consumption.

Source

Art Therapy for Cancer Patients

2006-01-02T04:58:00.000-08:00

Recent study conducted by Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago found that art therapy can reduce pain and anxiety. Moreover, it can also help relieve tiredness.

The study, published this week in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, reveals cancer patients may see multiple benefits from on-hour art therapy sessions.

Researchers enrolled 50 patients being treated for cancer in the study. Patients were asked to fill out surveys and answer questions on symptoms of pain, tiredness, nausea, depression, anxiety, drowsiness, lack of appetite, well being, and shortness of breath.

Each patient was allowed to decide what kind of art they would do during the sessions. If a patient could not use their hands or didn't want to use the art materials, researchers offered the option of directing someone else to do the art or arranging photographic images into a book.

Investigators found eight of the nine symptoms surveyed improved as a result of the art therapy sessions. Nausea was the only symptom that was not affected.

According to researchers, the results indicate that a complementary therapy, like art therapy, can improve quality of life, reduce symptoms, and help reduce stress for patients dealing with a difficult treatment. They say art therapy could be a viable alternative for patients not comfortable with conventional psychotherapy or find verbal expression difficult.

Source

Colon Cleansers Can Harm

2006-01-01T09:24:00.000-08:00

Colon cleansers are foods and laxatives that loosen your stool and make you go to the bathroom. The latest research shows that regular use of laxatives or colon cleansers can harm you by blocking the absorption of healthful nutrients from your colon into your bloodstream.

The bebeficial bacteria in your colon convert undigested starches into short chain fatty acids that heal ulcers, prevent colon cancer and other cancers, reduce the pain of arthritis, prevent the arterial damage of arteriosclerosis, lower cholesterol, and even lower high blood pressure.

100 years ago, Ilya Metchnikoff noticed that people who lived in the mountains of Hungary appeared to live to a very old age. They didn't live longer, but they had such a hard life that they looked much older than they were. Metchnikoff knew that they ate yogurt every day and that yogurt is loaded with lactobacilli, bacteria that can grow in your intestinal tract.

He felt that these good bacteria displaced bad bacteria that normally live in your intestines and secrete toxins that shorten your life. His theory of autointoxication is that food that is not absorbed in the upper intestinal tract passes to your colon, where bad bacteria ferment it to form poisons that are absorbed into your bloodstream to shorten your life and even cause cancer.

At the same time in Battle Creek, Michigan, John Harvey Kellogg, of cereal fame, was preaching the same thing. He claimed that undigested food passes to the colon where bacteria break it down to form toxic products that pass into your bloodstream to shorten your life. He prescribed colonics to wash out the undigested foods so the toxic products do not get into your bloodstream.

Of course, this is nonsense. There are two absorption systems in your body. First the food that you eat passes into your stomach and upper intestines, where secretions from your liver, stomach, intestines and pancreas break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins into their building blocks, which are absorbed into your bloodstream to keep your body healthy. The food that is not broken down into basic sugars, amino acids, fatty acids and glycerol cannot be absorbed so it passes to your colon. So far, researchers have identified more than 500 different types of bacteria that grow naturally in your colon. Almost all are harmless and some break down these unabsorbed carbohydrates to short chain fatty acids that are necessary for your health. It is these chemicals absorbed from your colon that prevent and reduce inflamation that aggravates arthritis, and certain cancers, and other fatty acids lower cholesterol and help prevent heart attacks.

Using colon cleansers or laxatives reduces the absorption of these beneficial short chain fatty acids, and you lose basic nutrients. People who recommend colonics and laxatives claim that they remove stool that gets stuck and rots in your colon. This also is ridiculous. Undigested waste products stick together by a physical process called surface tension. Stool behind never passes stool ahead, without first picking up the stool and binding to it as it passes to the outside. Colonics and laxatives not only have not been shown to help you, they can harm you be depriving you of certain nutrients that are necessary for health.

by Dr. Gabe Mirkin, M.D.

The Root Causes of Adult Enuresis

2006-01-01T09:17:00.000-08:00

Adult enuresis (involuntary passing of urine during the night) affects many millions of people throughout the developed world. There are various different conditions that can lead to the onset of adult enuresis, but the most common are either a physical trauma (such as a road accident or accident at work), or a deep sleep disorder such as sleep apnea. This article outlines the causes of adult enuresis as well as examining some of the most common treatment methods.

Adult enuresis can be a very embarrassing and discomforting experience, and often leads to feelings of shame or loss of control in the person experiencing it. Sufferers of adult enuresis may try to hide their symptoms, and this can have an effect on their emotional state and their ability to form a lasting relationship, as they try to conceal their symptoms and may not, for example, wish to share a bed with another adult.

Physical shocks or traumas that have led to the onset of adult enuresis are often the most easily treatable, as the doctors or medical staff treating the other symptoms of the trauma are often able to address the physical cause. Sleep disorder related adult enuresis is harder to treat, and in some cases may it may even be incurable.

Sleep disorder related adult enuresis may be linked to other symptoms such as night terrors and sweats, or sleep walking. The root cause of the issue is that the adult experiencing the bed wetting is sleeping so deeply that they are unable to control the muscle that would normally prevent them from passing urine during the night, and do not respond to the normal mental triggers that wake most adults when their bladder is full during the night.

However, recognition of the fact that adult enuresis is linked to a sleep disorder and is not the result of emotional or mental problems can often provide a ray of hope for sufferers. The fact that adult enuresis has a tangible cause and can thus be addressed and treated means they are not doomed to suffer in silence.

For friends of relatives of people suffering from adult enuresis, the first thing to do is to encourage them to talk about their problem. Feelings of shame or dirtiness can prevent sufferers seeking medical help from their doctor or professional institutions such as sleep disorder clinics. Their problems must be treated sensitively but the sufferer should be gently persuaded that positive action can only come from speaking about their problems.

The first stage of medical treatment for adult enuresis is normally an assessment of the sufferers' physical and mental condition, including the possibility that they may have an inherited sleep disorder. This means that the treatment centre will conduct a physical exam as well as asking questions about any changes in the sufferers' lifestyle and their family history.

This assessment allows an individual treatment process to be tailored to the needs of the individual. Treatment can include medication, a program to alter the sufferer's sleep pattern, and exercises to strengthen the bladder control muscles. This exercise is necessary as the adult enuresis can lead to weakening of the bladder muscles due to the fact that they are not used nightly as they are in adults not experiencing the symptoms of enuresis.

Adult enuresis can be a debilitating condition as feelings of shame and interrupted or irregular sleep cycles can affect the sufferers' emotional state. However, it does not need to be a permanent condition and the friends and family of people suffering the condition should ensure they treat them with sensitivity and give them the support they need.

Copyright © Jared Winston, 2005. All Rights Reserved.
Learn more about nocturnal enuresis and more importantly how to control this embarrassing and uncomfortable condition once and for all at Bedwetting Relief.com. http://www.bedwettingrelief.com

Alzheimer's May Be Another Form of Diabetes

2005-12-30T10:27:00.000-08:00

A study from Brown University Medical School shows that Alzheimer’s disease may be another form of diabetes, and all the recommendations for avoiding diabetes may also protect your memory (Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, November 2005.)

Like the pancreas, the brain produces insulin. Professor Suzanne M. de la Monte showed that brain levels of insulin and insulin receptors fall during the early stages of Alzheimer's and continue to drop progressively as the disease progresses. Other features of Alzheimer's, such as cell death and tangles in the brain, could be caused by abnormalities in insulin functions. Furthermore, lack of insulin lowers brain levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is seen regularly in Alzheimer's disease.

This would explain why every factor known to increase risk for heart attacks also increases risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Anything that increases your chances of developing a stroke or a heart attack also increases your chances of developing Alzheimer's disease. So the risk factors for Alzheimer's disease include smoking, being overweight, not exercising, eating a high-fat diet, taking in too many calories, or having high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol levels. Dietary risk factors include not eating enough vegetables; lack of omega-3 fatty acids; and eating too much meat.

Even though these studies on insulin and Alzheimer's are preliminary, it is a good idea to reduce susceptibility to developing diabetes by markedly reducing your intake of sugar and flour; increasing your intake of fruits, vegetable, whole grains, beans, and nuts; avoiding weight gain and exercising regularly.

by Gabe Mirkin, M.D.

How Acid Reflux Can Worsen Your Asthma

2005-12-30T10:17:00.000-08:00

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that is characterized by difficulty in breathing, wheezing, and mucus accumulation. People with asthma have extra sensitive or hyper-responsive airways. During an asthma attack, the airways become irritated and react by narrowing and constructing, causing increased resistance to airflow, and obstructing the flow of the air passages to and from the lungs.

Some research indicates that the symptoms of asthma may get worse when you have heartburn or acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when your undigested stomach content moves back up into your esophagus.

Acid reflux can cause painful heartburn which you can relieve with antacid medicines or natural remedies. Antacids simply neutralize your stomach's acid, which reduces the burning sensation in your esophagus tube. It is best to use natural remedies first because neutralising stomach acid is a temporary method and only serves to suppress the cause of acid reflux.

For acid reflux, it is best to use digestive enzymes. Take a good digestive enzyme with every meal you eat. The next step would be to learn how to eat so you don't get acid reflux or heartburn.

Acid reflux happens mostly in people who are older and overweight. But sometimes it can happen in children and in all types of people.

In some studies, researchers have injected acid into the esophageus of people with asthma, and it had a significant impact on their asthma and increased their asthma symptoms.

These is also evidence to suggest that people who have asthma get acid reflux more often than people without asthma. This is probably because of the big pressure changes in the chest during breathing in people with asthma. These high pressures could force liquid to travel the wrong way up the esophagus.

In these cases, asthma sufferers seem to lose out twice: they suffer from asthma and they may suffer from acid reflux more often than non asthma sufferers.

However, this is not the whole story. If acid reflux really was an important cause of asthma worsening, then treatments against acid reflux should make the asthma better, however, this is generally not the case.

In the meantime, if you have asthma and you also have acid reflux, it could just be that careful treatment of your reflux will make your breathing better.

If your asthma is bad and no-one knows why, some doctors would check whether you have or had acid reflux by conducting tests to measure the acidity in your stomach. If the result showed a tendency for acid reflux, then your doctor should help you eliminate this condition.

Using a doctor who uses natural methods to treat acid reflux is the best way to go. Using drugs to eliminate acid reflux when you are already taking drugs for asthma is asking for addition health problems in the future. Drugs do not cure acid reflux and cause Theis condition to worsen. It is best to use natural remedies and diet to eliminate acid reflux and heartburn.

by Rudy Silva

Osteoporosis: Exercise; Watch the Alcohol

2005-12-28T08:46:00.000-08:00

If they live long enough, almost every woman and most men will suffer from osteoporosis. Women who break their hips from osteoporosis must have a hip replacement immediately. Otherwise, they have a 20 percent chance of dying from complications within a year. A study from Australia shows that running strengthens the leg bones of both older and younger women (Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, October 2005.) However, the research shows that bones used in an exercise are the only bones that are strengthened by that activity. So running strengthens leg bones, rowing strengthens arms and back, and lifting weights strengthen bones that are used for each lift.

Bones are not static. Certain cells called osteoblasts constantly bring calcium into bones to make them stronger and osteoclasts take calcium from bones. Exercise increases the rate that osteoblasts strengthen bones. Inactivity slows osteoblastic activity to weaken bones. So any exercise that places force on a bone will strengthen that bone.

The person most likely to suffer from osteoporosis has pale skin, is very thin and drinks a lot of alcohol. Pale people often do not get enough sunlight to meet their needs for the bone-strengthening vitamin D; skinny people often miss essential nutrients necessary for bone health; and heavy drinking inhibits new bone from forming (Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, December, 2005). So far, most studies show that people can take up to two drinks a day without harming their health. A drink is five ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or two thirds of a shot glass of hard alcohol. However, exceeding that amount can hasten the onset of osteoporosis, in which the slightest trauma can break bones and they will heal much more slowly than normal.

by Gabe Mirkin, M.D.

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Detoxification By Using Juice Diet Therapy

2005-12-28T06:44:00.000-08:00

Nature cure depends for effectiveness on elimination of the toxic substances causing the condition, whereas the more dramatic results of the orthodox physician are more concerned with the suppression of the symptoms.

For conditions which have appeared to become serious, self-diagnosis can lead to errors. There is really no substitute for the objective opinion of a trained and experienced practitioner, but the great advantage of raw juice diet is that it is not normally made less effective when combined with other treatments.

An elimination of the toxic substances in the tissues begins with the therapy. The strength of this activity can develop and grow so that the wastes that have accumulated are first of all loosened and then mobilized. They are absorbed again by the blood-stream and afterwards excreted.

This often causes an aggravation of the symptoms, or sometimes colds or boils or digestive upsets. In the young and vigorous this healing crisis may take place in the first six weeks of treatment; older or weaker people, especially when a chronic illness is present, often have no crisis at all. Or when they do, it may be delayed for many months and be quite mild as the toxic material is disposed of slowly.

Today advertising encourages the mother to use baby milks so that the natural protection and immunity which is the child's birthright and comes from breast feeding is denied. As a distinguished British pediatrician said: 'I simply cannot see why all normal mothers do not breast feed, for not only is the mixture just right, it is more healthy, free of charge, at the correct temperature, there when you need it and beautifully packed".

Nature is complete and whole - we must extract the whole of the juice from the fruit or vegetable in the same way as we should use the whole of the grain in our cooking. So natural cures necessitate moving away from the sophisticated and refined, partially synthetic foods that are everywhere about us, back to those living cells which are composed of the same organic building blocks as comprise all living things. If you think this may not make for an exciting cuisine, I am glad to say that you are mistaken, for imaginatively prepared pure foods can be both complex and sublime.

by Kevin Pederson
Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which have information on home based natural cures and methods of detoxification by use of juice therapy.