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Sunday, February 28, 2010

 

Asthma is a predisposition to chronic inflammation of the lungs in which the airways (bronchi) are reversibly narrowed. Asthma is a long-term disease that can’t be cured. The goal of asthma treatment is to control the disease.

Treatment of asthma can be divided into long-term control and quick-relief medications.

Long-term control medications are taken daily to maintain control of persistent asthma. They primarily serve to control airway inflammation.

The quick-relief medications are taken to achieve prompt reversal of an acute asthma “attack” by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle.

Many asthma medications can be administered orally or by inhalation. Metered-dose inhalers (MDI’s) are the most widely used method, but dry powder inhalers are becoming popular. Nebulizer therapy is reserved for patients who are unable to use MDI’s because of difficulties with coordination.

Common Asthma Symptoms

• Chest Tightness


• Coughing


• Fatigue


• Shortness of Breath


• Wheezing
  

Treatment of Asthma
Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled with proper asthma management.

The first step in asthma management is environmental control. Asthmatics cannot escape the environment, but through some changes, they can control its impact on their health. Listed below are some ways to change the environment in order to lessen the chance of an asthma attack

• Clean the house at least once a week and wear a mask while doing it


• Avoid pets with fur or feathers


• Wash the bedding (sheets, pillow cases, mattress pads) weekly in hot water


• Encase the mattress, pillows and box springs in dust-proof covers


• Replace bedding made of down, kapok or foam rubber with synthetic materials


• Consider replacing upholstered furniture with leather or vinyl


• Consider replacing carpeting with hardwood floors or tile


• Use the air conditioner


• Keep the humidity in the house low

The second step is to monitor lung function. Asthmatics use a peak flow meter to gauge their lung function. Lung function decreases before symptoms of an asthma attack – usually about two to three days prior. If the meter indicates the peak flow is down by 20 percent or more from your usual best effort, an asthma attack is on its way.

The third step in managing asthma involves the use of medications. There are two major groups of medications used in controlling asthma anti-inflammatory (corticosteroids) and bronchodilators.

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Friday, February 26, 2010

 

Suicide is the act of taking one’s own life on purpose. Suicidal behavior can range from thoughts of killing oneself to actually going through with the act.

Mental health experts and advocates nationwide agree that preventing teen suicide is possible but that it requires community wide work and a heavy dose of education.

“What we have to do is teach parents that depression is an illness, and it’s medical, and it can be treated,” said Paula Clayton, medical director for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “If you don’t treat it, it can be fatal.”

“There is a high correlation between mental illness and suicide”

The federal Centers for Disease Control’s most recent statistics show that 33,300 people died by suicide in 2006, with 1,771 of those being children ages 10 to 19. Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 24.

The number of those who die by suicide increases with age. The rate for youths ages 10 to 14 who die by suicide is one per 100,000. That number grows to seven per 100,000 for ages 15 to 19 and nearly doubles to 13 per 100,000 for ages 20 to 24.

“It is important to be honest and direct with your child,” said Mercedes Coleman, director of education for Crisis Support Services of Alameda

For the past 23 years, the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention has been a leading agency working to prevent suicide with an extensive education program, research and advocacy.

“The current economic situation also causes a lot of stress for students, who may be the first generation in America to have a lower standard of living than previous generations.”

A combination of biological, emotional, intellectual and social factors play a part in suicide risk. Factors that may contribute to teenage suicidal risk include:

• Sadness


• Stress


• Poor school performance


• Peer pressure


• Grief


• Learning disabilities


• Illness or physical disabilities


• Desire to be perfect


• Lack of friends


• Questions about sexual identity


• Feelings of being disliked

What can be done to prevent the condition?
Suicide prevention consists of taking a person’s suicide threats seriously. Others should also watch for signs that a person is planning to commit suicide. Steps include:

• Listening carefully to the person at risk


• Offering an open, non-judgmental conversation


• Offering the person a positive solution


• Discussing options for seeking help


• Offering support for the person in finding help and treatment

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Thursday, February 25, 2010

 

Conventional HIV therapies have resulted in fewer deaths and longer life spans. But as people live longer with HIV, there need to be more therapy choices available to them. We all know that eventually, HIV resistance makes therapies less effective. Over time, HIV medication resistance can eliminate all available conventional therapies, leaving the patient without further treatment choices. For this reason, it is important that scientists look past conventional ways to fight the virus. The following information details the work of three research teams not afraid to look outside the box for the next HIV therapy.

For many years, cancer patients have been treated with radioactive substances in hopes of shrinking their cancer and extending their lives. Now nuclear medicine specialists at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine are studying radioactive antibodies and their ability to kill HIV. So far the results have been favorable. In their studies using HIV-infected mice, researchers attached two radioactive isotopes to the antibodies that normally attach to proteins found on the surface of HIV-infected cells.

By attaching only to HIV infected cells, the lethal radiation killed the infected cells while leaving the healthy, functioning CD4 cells unharmed. By killing infected cells, HIV replication is slowed or halted, which in turn may slow the progression from HIV to AIDS. In the case of this study, researchers are now looking for a pharmaceutical sponsor that is interested in taking trials to the next step – developing an FDA-approved therapy against HIV.The “test and treat” program will apply new genetics tests to map how HIV-1C spreads within a community. DNA from a simple blood spot now can be genetically analyzed to pinpoint who infected whom within the village. This should show whether people with new infections band together in “transmission clusters” and thereby provide a clearer focus for future prevention efforts.

By targeting therapy to the most highly infectious it seems possible to significantly reduce the rate of new infections in others, but also in larger population’s potentially whole nations where a common HIV strain is dominant.

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Wednesday, February 24, 2010

 

A chronic disease is a disease that persists over a long period. The symptoms of chronic disease are sometimes less severe than those of the acute phase of the same disease. Chronic disease may be progressive, result in complete or partial disability, or even lead to death. Examples of chronic disease include diabetes mellitus, emphysema, and arthritis.

Four Common Causes of Chronic Disease
Four modifiable health risk behaviors responsible for much of the illness, suffering, and early death related to chronic diseases.

• Lack of physical activity


• Poor nutrition


• Tobacco use


• Excessive alcohol consumption

Chronic Disease is a killer and a leading cause of diminished quality of life among residents in Clark County. Chronic diseases are among the most common and costly of all health conditions, such as

• Cardiovascular Disease


• Cancer


• Diabetes

8 Ways to Prevent Chronic Disease

1. 
   Reduce all of your risk factors for chronic disease. People often think if they quit smoking, they can still be overweight. Or if they reduce their cholesterol, they can be a couch potato. Find out the risk factors for the disease that runs in your family, and chip away at each and every one of them. Every risk factor is related to chronic inflammation, so until you get rid of all of them, you still live with that chief disease-causing culprit.


2. 
   Exercise. Exercise fads are frustrating, because their promoters sell people on the idea that they need to try every new time-consuming, expensive trend that comes along. To prevent chronic disease, find something you love to do, like dancing, walking, or gardening, and do it with a passion.


3. 
   Mind, spirit, and positive attitude. Happy and hopeful people are generally healthier and longer-lived than the perennially depressed, angry, fearful, and pessimistic. To prevent chronic disease, pursue activities and people that lift your spirits!


4. 
   Adequate rest. Many biochemical reactions that occur during rest are necessary for both physical and mental health. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to a shorter lifespan, and is associated with chronic increased inflammation. Between seven and eight hours appears to be best for the majority of adults.


5. 
   Good medical care. Become a more resolute and informed participant in your own health care. Get regular checkups. To prevent chronic disease, find a physician who values preventive medicine.


6. 
   Good macronutrition. Good macronutrition consists of eating the right types and percentages of the nutrients that make up most of our nutritional intake by weight carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Ideally, your range should be 45-65% carbohydrates, 20-35% fats, and 10-35% proteins.


7. 
   Good micronutrition. To prevent chronic disease, make sure you get enough micronutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients (active nutrients found in plants, such as lycopene). A vast body of research clearly points to the need for supplementation for virtually everyone living in the developed world.


8. 
   Healthy environment, good hygiene. Take measures to avoid air pollution outside and inside your home and office and unhealthy water. To prevent chronic disease, keep your body clean, and practice monogamy and safe sex.

posted by emedinfo
@9:40 PM
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Tuesday, February 23, 2010

 

Those are the findings in a recent study on high blood pressure, conducted by the Institute of Medicine. High blood pressure, or hypertension, claims the lives and limits the quality of life for untold millions of Americans every year.

Neglecting high blood pressure is a very costly proposition for the United States. The Centers for Disease Control spent $ 57 million on heart disease and stroke prevention last year, while it cost the health care system at least $ 73 billion. Hypertension is linked to heart attacks, is a leading cause of strokes and kidney failure, and plays a role in blindness and even dementia.

For women, the guidelines don’t focus on heart risk. Instead, the task force recommends certain women should take aspirin regularly if they are 55 to 79 and are in danger of having an ischemic stroke, for reasons that could include high blood pressure and diabetes.

The report said that high blood pressure could be reduced by as much as 22 percent by taking simple steps including reducing salt in the diet, eating more fruits and vegetables.
Healthy lifestyle habits for preventing and controlling high blood pressure.

• Reducing Salt and Sodium in Your Diet.


• Maintaining a Healthy Weight.


• Being Physically Active.


• Limiting Alcohol Intake.


• Quitting Smoking.


• Work in the garden or backyard, or go out dancing or to an aerobics session daily.


• Other things too may help prevent hypertension, like calcium, potassium, fish oils, magnesium and stress management.

posted by emedinfo
@9:14 PM
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Sunday, February 21, 2010

 

Alternative medicine homeopathy, acupuncture, naturopathy, even mind-body medicine has a role in preventing and treating the flu, practitioners say.

Vaccination is the best defense against flu viruses, whether seasonal or the H1N1 pandemic virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Though flu activity has quieted down, viruses are unpredictable and activity can rise and fall throughout the season and it’s not over yet.

Four practitioner’s alternative and complementary therapies about their approaches to preventing and treating the flu.

AcupunctureThis ancient Chinese therapy uses needles inserted at various locations on the body to relieve pain and restore well-being. And it works on flu symptoms, says a licensed acupuncturist and practitioner of Chinese herbal medicine.

“Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can be helpful to build the immune system and assist the body to get rid of pathogens,”

The location of the acupuncture needles he applies called acupuncture points are customized to “suit each individual’s needs,”Using acupuncture and Chinese herbs to strengthen a person’s immune system is “very individual and specific,”

Some people have stronger immune systems than others; these people would require less treatment, but “generally, to build one’s immune system, a course of four weekly treatments initially, followed by regular ‘tune-ups,’ could be quite helpful.”

Treatment for H1N1, as with other flu’s and colds, is highly individualized and would “depend on the symptoms that patient is experiencing at that time, and as the symptoms change, so does the treatment.” But once they’ve tried this treatments, people “do come back” when they’re suffering from flu and cold symptoms.

MeditationLong-term, unrelieved stress can be hazardous to your immune system, says a meditation lecturer and teacher for the Center for Mind Body.

Persistent stress causes high levels of cortisol (often called the stress hormone) to remain in the body instead of returning to normal levels, and that’s bad for the immune system. “Our bodies stop producing immune cells and the ones that we already have don’t function very well,”

A suppressed immune system can’t provide the “functional and plentiful T cells to help us fight off infections like the flu,” And while long-term stress might not cause the flu, it makes people a much easier target for the flu “by wiping out our immune systems” and making them “defenseless against infections.”

How can we de-stress to protect our immune system? “Meditation allows people to access a place in you which is calm and peaceful.”

Studies have shown that 20 minutes (of meditation) two times a day will effectively turn around the effects of stress for 24 hours, people can get a great effect out of a little bit (of meditation) here or there throughout the course of the day.”

NaturopathyNaturopaths receive training in conventional medicine like that of a family doctor. Prescriptions for flu prevention and treatment include common-sense advice like frequent hand washing and proper cough procedures, in addition to eating well (more fresh fruit and veggies, whole grains) and consuming less processed foods (sugar, fast foods, sugary drinks, meat), moderating stress and getting adequate sleep.

As a naturopath, though patients “a variety of natural substances to support one’s immune system based on the individual’s underlying health challenges. This is the foundation in preventing illness and decreasing the severity and length of the illness, should one contract a cold or flu.” “Same approach to health” during the H1N1 outbreak last year.

HomeopathyHomeopathy seeks to stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself by giving very small doses of highly diluted substances, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a branch of the National Institutes of Health. It’s based on the principle of “like cures like,” reports NCCAM: “a disease can be cured by a substance that produces similar symptoms in healthy people.”

Homeopathic practitioners use natural substances in their treatments.
“Best protection is immune and self support (which) begins with a loving relationship with the children, warm beds and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables and good quality protein in the diet and good sleep is very important.” Once the basic requirements of self-care are met, there are other options to consider.

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@9:28 PM
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Thursday, February 18, 2010

 

Personalised blood tests which could track whether cancer treatment is working or if the disease has come back have been developed by US researchers.

The test identifies tumour DNA “rearrangements” which are specific to the individual patient.
In the future, this “genetic fingerprint” could be used to pick out tiny remnants of a tumour, Science Translational Medicine reports. Such techniques are currently very expensive but costs are falling.

The researchers hope that one day the technology could be used to spot cancer recurrence before they would be picked up by scans.

DNA from volunteer patients was scanned for rearrangements of large chunks of genetic information which occur in cancer cells but not normal cells.

Known as personalised analysis of rearranged ends (Pare), the technique was developed using six sets of cancerous and normal tissue samples taken from four patients with bowel cancer and two with breast tumours. They found between four and 15 DNA rearrangements in each of the six samples.

Using blood samples from two of the colorectal cancer patients, they found the test was sensitive enough to detect this marker or “fingerprint” DNA that had been shed by tumours into the bloodstream.

In tests on one patient, after surgery the levels of the marker DNA dropped due to the removal of the main tumour. Then they rose again, suggesting that some cancer remained.

After chemotherapy and another round of surgery levels of the DNA markers fell once more. The test was still picking up signs of the tumour which tallied with a small cancerous lesion in the patient’s liver where the cancer had spread.

Cost to Detect Cancer
Further research is needed to ensure such a test could accurately detect cancer recurrence. One current drawback is the expense with genetic sequencing costing about £3,200 per patient but, say researchers, costs are falling as the technology improves making the approach potentially more feasible.

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@9:33 PM
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Wednesday, February 17, 2010

 

Depression is one of the most common psychological problems, affecting nearly everyone through either personal experience or through depression in a family member. Each year over 17 million American adults experience a period of clinical depression. The cost in human suffering cannot be estimated. Depression can interfere with normal functioning, and frequently causes problems with work, social and family adjustment. It causes pain and suffering not only to those who have a disorder, but also to those who care about them. Serious depression can destroy family life as well as the life of the depressed person.

Impact of Depression

• Causes tremendous emotional pain


• Disrupts the lives of millions of people


• Adversely affects the lives of families and friends


• Reduces work productivity and absenteeism


• Has a significant negative impact on the economy, costing an estimated $ 44 billion a year

Depression treatment tips

• 
  Learn as much as you can about your depression. It’s important to determine whether your depression symptoms are due to an underlying medical condition. If so, that condition will need to be treated first. How severe your depression is also has a role in treatment; the more severe the depression, the more intensive the treatment is likely to be.


• 
  It takes time to find the right treatment. It might take some trial and error to find the treatment and supports that works best for you. For example, it might take a few tries to find a therapist that you click with if you decide to pursue therapy. Or you may try different types of exercise, finally to find that what’s best for you may be a twenty-minute walk after work. Be open to change and a little experimentation.


• 
  Don’t rely on medications alone. It’s hard to escape ads about medication as a treatment for depression. Although medication can be effective for severe depression, studies have shown that therapy can be as effective or even a more effective treatment for many types of depression. Therapy and/or lifestyle changes may be all you need, and they come without the side effects of medication. If you do decide to try medication, remember that medication works best when you pursue therapy as well.


• 
  Get social support. The more you cultivate your social connections, the more protected you are from depression. If you are feeling stuck, don’t hesitate to talk to trusted family members or friends. Asking for help is not a weakness but a sign of strength.


• 
  Treatment takes time and commitment. All of these depression treatments take time, and sometimes it might feel overwhelming or frustratingly slow. That is normal. Recovery has its ups and downs.


• 
  Lifestyle changes that can treat depression. Exercise, Nutrition, Sleep, Social Support, Stress Reduction make changes in your life to help manage and reduce stress. Too much stress exacerbates depression and puts you at risk for future depression.

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@9:32 PM
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Tuesday, February 16, 2010

 

Colon cancer is a common type of cancer. A number of risk factors increase the likelihood of developing colon cancer. A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of developing cancer. Some risk factors can be changed (like diet) but others can not (like having inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]). Some risk factors for colon cancer are:

1. 
   IBD: People who have IBD (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) are at an increased risk of developing cancer.


2. 
   Age: Older people, specifically over the age of 50, are more likely to get colon cancer, but it can occur in younger people, too.


3. Diet: Studies have shown that a diet high in fat and calories and low in fiber can contribute to colon cancer.


4. 
   Being overweight: Maintaining a healthy weight is important to overall health and preventing the development of cancer.


5. 
   Polyps: A colon polyp is a growth on the wall of the colon or rectum. Some polyps in some people can develop into colon cancer. The presence of polyps increases the risk of colon cancer, which is why screening colonoscopies are recommended to check for polyps and to remove any that are there.


6. 
   Personal medical history: A person with a history of colon cancer has an increased likelihood of developing a second colon cancer.


7. 
   Family history: A person whose parent, sibling, or child has had colon cancer is at an increased risk, particularly if the person had cancer at a young age. A genetic syndrome known as HNPCC (hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer) syndrome puts affected people at great risk of developing colon as well as uterine, gastric, urothelial and pancreaticobiliary cancers. Screening is particularly critical in these patients.

Preventing colon cancer
Screening for colon cancer is important for prevention. Most colon cancers develop from benign polyps. Discovering these polyps during a colonoscopy and having them removed may help prevent colon cancer. Ask your doctor how often you need colonoscopies for colon cancer surveillance.

In brief, the following lifestyle choices may help lower the risk of developing colon cancer, and lead to a healthier life.

• Get five servings of vegetables, fruits and whole grains a day for fiber, calcium and folic acid.


• Limit consumption of red meat and saturated fat.


• Exercise five days a week for at least half an hour.


• Quit smoking.


• Avoid alcohol.


• Maintain a healthy weight.

posted by emedinfo
@8:53 PM
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Monday, February 15, 2010

 

Honey isn’t just for sweetening tea anymore. Doctors at the Hunterdon Wound Healing Center are using it as part of their treatment program.

Honey was used as a first aid treatment more than 4,000 years ago in ancient Egypt. Today, doctors are using a medical grade product called Leptospermum honey native to New Zealand and Australia as an effective agent in topical wound care. It is especially useful for treating non-healing diabetic wounds and in cases where antibiotic resistance, such as MRSA, is an issue.

Medical Director of the Hunterdon Wound Healing Center, said, “The medical grade honey helps to decrease bacteria and maintain moisture in the wound to allow it to heal. It also helps to remove tissue that is unhealthy, which can prolong the healing process, and stimulates new tissue growth.”

posted by emedinfo
@8:43 PM
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Sunday, February 14, 2010

 

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by a parasite (plasmodium) which is transmitted from human to human by the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.

Symptoms of Malaria

Malarial attacks present over 4 to 6 hours with shaking chills, high fever, and sweating, and are often associated with fatigue, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, dry cough, muscle or joint pain, and back ache. The attacks may occur every other day or every third day.
Cerebral malaria and death can occur, sometimes within 24 hours, if the infection is caused by plasmodium falciparum.Treatment of Malaria

Medical treatment should be sought immediately. The effectiveness of antimalarial drugs differs with different species of the parasite and with different stages of the parasite’s life cycle. Your physician will determine the treatment plan most appropriate for your individual condition.

Drugs include chloroquine, mefloquine, primaquine, quinine, pyrimethamine-sulfadoxine (Fansidar), and doxycycline. Some plasmodium have developed resistance to certain medications, and therefore, alternative medications will be prescribed

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Thursday, February 11, 2010

 

Are you interested in doing all you can to improve your health and fight off cancer? By making smart food choices, you can protect your health, feel better, and boost your ability fight off disease.

Focus on plant-based foods

• 
  Breakfast: Add fruit and a few seeds or nuts to your whole grain breakfast cereal (oatmeal!).


• 
  Lunch: Eat a big salad filled with your favorite beans and peas or other combo of veggies. Always order lettuce and tomato (plus any other veggies you can!) on your sandwiches. Order whole grain bread for your sandwiches. Have a side of veggies like cut up carrots, sauerkraut or a piece of fruit.


• 
  Snacks: fresh fruit and vegetables. Grab an apple or banana on your way out the door. Raw veggies such as carrots, celery, cucumbers, peppers, etc. are great with a low-fat dip such as hummus. Keep trail mix made with nuts, seeds and a little dried fruit on hand.


• 
  Dinner: Add fresh or frozen veggies to your favorite pasta sauce or rice dish. Top a baked potato with broccoli and yogurt, sauteed veggies, or with salsa. Replace creamy pasta sauces, with sauteed vegetables or tomato sauce made with healthy olive oil.


• 
  Dessert: Choose fruit instead of a richer dessert. Or a single square of dark chocolate.
  

Bulk up on fiber

• Use brown rice instead of white rice


• Substitute whole-grain bread for white bread


• Choose a bran muffin over a croissant or pastry


• Snack on popcorn instead of potato chips


• Eat fresh fruit such as a pear, a banana, or an apple (with the skin)


• Have a baked potato, including the skin, instead of mashed potatoes


• Enjoy fresh carrots, celery, or bell peppers with a hummus or salsa, instead of chips and a sour cream dip


• Use beans instead of ground meat in chili, casseroles, tacos, and even burgers (bean burgers taste great!)

Cut down on meat

• 
  Keep meat to a minimum. Try to keep the total amount of meat in your diet to no more than fifteen percent of your total calories. Ten percent is even better.


• 
  Eat red meat only occasionally. Red meat is high in saturated fat, so eat it sparingly.

posted by emedinfo
@8:47 PM
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Wednesday, February 10, 2010

 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved the drug rosuvastatin (Crestor) for people who have not been diagnosed with heart disease, leaving some preventive cardiologists shaking their heads.

Crestor costs $ 1,500 a year. It comes with side effects, including muscle pain, gastrointestinal disorders, a “confused state” and an increased risk of diabetes. And the FDA’s expanded use of Crestor will encourage dependence on pharmaceutical drugs, critics say.

“Is this the best way to spend money to promote good health?” wondered Northwestern cardiologist.
Instead, “our strongest push should be to encourage healthy lifestyle changes,”

That means focusing on diet and exercise, which the FDA says you should, do while taking Crestor, anyway.

The FDA approval means Crestor can now be marketed to men over age 50 and women over age 60 that have at least one traditional cardiovascular risk factor (smoking, high blood pressure, family history) and high levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a biomarker for inflammation. Elevated CRP is associated with the buildup of cholesterol and other fatty material in the coronary arteries.

Cholesterol medication is designed to lower so-called “bad” cholesterol. And it can play a vital role in certain situations, said Devries. But high levels of CRP “can be treated with weight loss, exercise, and smoking cessation, reduced intake of sugar-boosting carbohydrates and reduced intake of unhealthy fats”.

Moreover, a Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiac problems by more than 70 percent, he said.

“Public health efforts should be focused on developing innovative programs to encourage health lifestyles-changes that have a far broader potential for improving health and at a lower cost than any FDA approval can achieve”

posted by emedinfo
@8:32 PM
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Tuesday, February 9, 2010

 

Foods Healthy Skin

One of the top tips for healthy skin care is to eat healthy foods. Here are some of the best foods for healthy skin.

• Foods containing Omega-3 fatty acids (eg. Tuna, mackerel, herrings and sardines)


• Foods containing Vitamin A or beta-carotene (eg. Sweet potato, carrot, mango and spinach)


• Foods containing zinc (e.g. Beef, peanuts, roasted pumpkin)


• Fresh fruit and vegetables


• Water


• Tea

Skin Care Tips

Protect yourself from the sun
Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when the sun’s rays are the strongest.

Sleep And Skin Rejuvenation
Getting a good night’s sleep is important for healthy skin care. As people sleep, skin rejuvenation takes place and the cells undergo a process of repair. This is important because this is the time when the skin is restored and recovers from any harm it has suffered during the day. To help skin stay healthy, you should ensure you get at least seven (preferably eight) hours of sleep a night.

Hydration
Skin hydration is very important, especially for people with dry skin. Drinking lots of water is one way of keeping skin hydrated. Water also helps brings nutrients to the skin. It is important to avoid dehydrating drinks, like cola, coffee and alcohol.

posted by emedinfo
@8:56 PM
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Monday, February 8, 2010

 

Lung cancer happens when cells in the lung begin to grow out of control and can then invade nearby tissues or spread throughout the body. Large collections of cancer cells are called tumors. More than one in four cancer cases are diagnosed lung and lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths more common among men and women in the United States.

Lung cancer prevention Lung cancer can often be associated with known risk factors for the disease. Many risk factors can be changed, but not all can be avoided.

• 
  Tobacco: Studies show that smoking tobacco products in any form is the major cause of lung cancer. People who stop smoking and never start again lower their risk of developing lung cancer or of having lung cancer recur (come back). Many products, such as nicotine gum, nicotine sprays, nicotine inhalers, nicotine patches, or nicotine lozenges, as well as antidepressant drugs, may be helpful to people trying to quit smoking. Never smoking lowers the risk of dying from lung cancer.
  


• 
  Second-hand tobacco smoke also causes lung cancer. This is smoke that comes from a burning cigarette or other tobacco product, or smoke that is exhaled by smokers. People who inhale second-hand smoke are exposed to the same cancer-causing agents as smokers, although in weaker amounts. Inhaling second-hand smoke is called involuntary or passive smoking.


• 
  Environmental Causes: There are other causes of lung cancer in the environment, but their effect on lung cancer rates is small compared to the effect of cigarette smoking.


• 
  Cancer-causing agents that may be found indoors, especially in the workplace, include asbestos, radon, arsenic, chromium, nickel, tar, and soot. These substances can cause lung cancer in people who have never smoked, and combine with cigarette smoke to further increase lung cancer risk in smokers. Many countries are working to control these cancer-causing agents in the workplace.


• 
  Air pollution may also increase the risk of lung cancer. Studies show that lung cancer rates are higher in cities with higher levels of air pollution.


• 
  Beta Carotene: Studies show that heavy smokers who avoid taking beta carotene supplements may avoid further increasing their risk of lung cancer compared with smokers who do take beta carotene.


• 
  Diet and Physical Activity: Studies show that a diet rich in fruit, and possibly vegetables, may help lower the risk of lung cancer, while heavy alcohol drinking may increase the risk of lung cancer. In addition, studies show that people who are physically active may have a lower risk of lung cancer than those who are not, even after taking cigarette smoking into account.


• 
  Chemoprevention: Chemoprevention is the use of specific natural or man-made drugs to reverse, suppress, or prevent cancer growth. Chemoprevention is an area of active clinical research. It has not yet become standard therapy.

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@8:04 PM
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Sunday, February 7, 2010

 

H1N1 virus is mostly entered through nostrils and mouth/throat. While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps

Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications). This is not a joke. Make it a ritual habit, makes it part of your daily routine. DO NOT BE LAZY!

1. 
   “Hands-off-the- face” approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).


2. 
   Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you do not trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Do not underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.


3. Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.


4. 
   Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (such as citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that they also have Zinc to boost absorption.


5. 
   Drink as much warm liquid as you can (such as teas, soups and broths). Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.

Symptoms of H1N1 Swine Flu
Symptoms of H1N1 swine flu are similar to those of the seasonal flu and include:

• Fever


• Body aches


• Cough


• Sore throat


• Headache


• Fatigue


• Occasionally vomiting and diarrhea

What to Do if You Get Sick
If you are sick with a fever and cough or sore throat, you should contact your health-care provider.

posted by emedinfo
@9:01 PM
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Friday, February 5, 2010

 

While the following brushing and flossing tips may contain useful general guidelines. Lot many tips are followed by all of us to keep our smile in one piece. The former and principal thought that comes into our mind concerning this will be the dental care tips like brushing and flossing. It is true that brushing helps in removing bacteria, which results in tooth decay and gum diseases. In addition to that get the teeth professionally cleaned, at least twice a year for perfect dental care.

Brushing Tips

• 
  Use a soft bristled brush, preferably one with rounded, synthetic bristles. Look for the American Dental Association seal of approval. Replace your toothbrush approximately every two to three months or as soon as the bristles are worn or bent.


• 
  Be sure your brush is the right size (in general, smaller is better than larger).


• 
  Place the bristles at a 45 degree angle to the gum line, and slide the tips of the brush under the gums.


• 
  Gently jiggle the bristles or move it in small circles over the tooth and gums.


• 
  Brush the outside, the inside, and the chewing surfaces of your teeth. For chewing surfaces, use a light back and forth motion.


• 
  For the front teeth, brush the inside surfaces of the upper and lower jaws: Tilt your brush vertically and make several strokes up and down with the front part of the brush over the teeth and gum tissues.


• 
  Brushing your tongue will help freshen your breath. Debris and bacteria can collect on your tongue and cause bad breath.


• Since your toothbrush will only clean one or two teeth at a time, change its position to clean each tooth properly.


• 
  Brush at least once every day, preferably at bedtime. Adding a brush time after breakfast increases your chances of thorough daily plaque removal.


• 
  Take your time: A thorough brushing should take at least 3 minutes.


• 
  Don’t brush your teeth too vigorously, and don’t use a hard bristled toothbrush, since it causes the gums to recede and exposes root surfaces. It also wears down the tooth structure. Both of these conditions can lead to tooth sensitivity.


• 
  A pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste is sufficient.


• 
  Replace your brush when the bristles begin to spread, as a worn out toothbrush will not properly clean your teeth.
  

Flossing Tips

• Wrap about 18 inches of floss around the middle fingers of your hands.


• Hold the floss tightly, using your thumbs and forefingers, and gently guide it between your teeth. Don’t “snap” the floss as this can cut the gums!


• When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel pressure against the tooth.


• 
  Gently scrape the side of the tooth with the floss.


• Repeat this method on all your teeth.


• Move to a clean area of floss after one or two teeth.

posted by emedinfo
@8:50 PM
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Thursday, February 4, 2010

 

Headaches are extremely common: most people have a headache at some time in their life. Most headaches disappear on their own (with a little time) or with the help of mild painkillers.

Experts used to think that the pain of tension headache stemmed from muscle contraction in the face, neck and scalp, perhaps as a result of heightened emotions, tension or stress. But research suggests that there doesn’t appear to be a significant increase in muscle tension in people diagnosed with tension headache.
Changes in brain chemicals
Researchers now suspect that tension headache may result from changes among certain brain chemicals serotonin, endorphins and numerous other chemicals that help nerves communicate. Although it’s not clear why the chemical levels fluctuate, the process is thought to activate pain pathways to the brain and to interfere with the brain’s ability to suppress the pain.
Triggers
It’s likely other factors also contribute to the development of tension headaches. Potential triggers may include:

• Stress


• Depression and anxiety


• Poor posture


• Working in awkward positions or holding one position for a long time


• Jaw clenching

Relief of Headache
The same lifestyle choices that promote good health may reduce the frequency and severity of your tension headaches. Consider the basics:

• 
  Eat healthy foods. Don’t skip meals especially breakfast.


• 
  Exercise regularly. During physical activity, your body releases certain chemicals that block pain signals to your brain. If your doctor agrees, choose any exercise you enjoy. Walking, swimming and cycling are often good choices. But it’s important to start slowly. Exercising too vigorously can trigger some types of headaches.


• 
  Get enough sleep. Wake up and go to bed at the same time every day even on weekends. Relax before you go to bed. If you don’t fall asleep within 15 minutes, get up. Read or do another quiet activity until you become drowsy. Keep in mind that medications that contain caffeine or other stimulants, including some headache medications, may interfere with sleep.


• 
  Avoid excess caffeine. Sometimes caffeine helps curb headaches. In fact, many headache medications contain caffeine. But heavy daily caffeine use more than 600 milligrams of caffeine a day, or about four to seven cups of coffee can cause headaches and irritability.


• 
  Keep stress under control. Rather than looking for ways to squeeze more activities or chores into the day, find a way to leave some things out.

posted by emedinfo
@9:20 PM
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Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world. The good news is that most types of skin cancer are preventable and curable. Prevention strategies and early detection are the key, Such as:

1. It should begin early in life. The damage from ultra violet B occurs early although the cancer may appear years later.


2. Regular use of sun screens and protective clothing.


3. Avoid tanning salons and mid-day sun exposure.
   


4. 
   Early detection -If you have moles that are bothering you or are doing strange things such as changing size, shape, color, or if they bleed constantly, you should consult a doctor. This will lead to simpler treatment, higher cure rates and lower morbidity.
   
   


5. Long-term follow up is important. It helps in detection of recurrence, metastasis and new skin cancers.

Natural therapies

• Antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, and vitamin E can help reduce the risk of cell damage, especially when taken in conjunction with the minerals zinc and selenium


• Essential fatty acids, such as those found in Evening Primrose and Fish Oils, are also essential for the health of the skin

Self-examination
To detect melanomas or other skin cancers, use the A-B-C-D-E skin self-examination guide, adapted by Dermatology:

• 
  A is for asymmetrical shape. Look for moles with irregular shapes, such as two very different-looking halves.


• 
  B is for irregular border. Look for moles with irregular, notched or scalloped borders the characteristics of melanomas.


• 
  C is for changes in color. Look for growths that have many colors or an uneven distribution of color.


• 
  D is for diameter. Look for growths that are larger than about 1/4 inch (about 6 millimeters).


• 
  E is for evolving. Look for changes over time, such as a mole that grows in size or that changes color or shape. Moles may also evolve to develop new signs and symptoms, such as new itchiness or bleeding.

posted by emedinfo
@4:17 AM
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Wednesday, February 3, 2010

 

How healthy is your heart? Young or old, everyone can benefit from taking stock of their dietary habits, especially when it comes to keeping the old ticker in good shape. You probably already know the basics: Fruits and vegetables are great options, as are lean meats and fish. A handful of nuts a day are a smart choice, as are cutting down on refined carbohydrates, Trans fats and high-sodium foods. But what about less well-known, but potentially heart-healthy options, like flaxseed or psyllium fibre? Do these functional foods and supplements offer hope, or just hype?

A Meal “from” and “for” the Heart
Making a lovely dinner for a nice occasion does not require a lot of rich and fatty ingredients. A light white fish takes around 15 minutes to bake and it contains heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids the compounds that have been associated with lower risk for colon and prostate cancers.

No matter which eating plan you follow, the following guidelines are recommended:

• Total fat intake should be less than 30 percent of total calories daily.


• Saturated fatty acid intake should be less than 10 percent of total calories daily.


• Polyunsaturated fatty acid intake should be no more that 10 percent of total calories daily.


• Monounsaturated fatty acids make up the rest of total fat intake, about 10 to 15 percent of total calories daily.


• Cholesterol intake should be no more than 300 milligrams per day.


• Sodium intake should be no more than 3000 milligrams per day.


• Beware of chemicals in your food like caffeine, MSG, and other food additives.

February is heart month, so we’ll be taking a closer look at the influence functional foods and supplements can have on heart health. This week, we’ll focus on different sources of soluble fibre, a type of fibre often recommended for controlling cholesterol levels.

posted by emedinfo
@4:33 AM
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Monday, February 1, 2010

 

What causes burns?
You can get burned by heat, fire, radiation, sunlight, electricity or chemicals. There are 3 degrees of burns:

First-degree burns are red and painful. They swell a little. They turn white when you press on the skin. The skin over the burn may peel off after 1 or 2 days.

Second-degree burns are thicker burns, are very painful and typically produce blisters on the skin. The skin is very red or splotchy, and may be very swollen and usually heal in 2 to 3 weeks.

Third-degree burns cause damage to all layers of the skin. The burned skin looks white or charred. These burns may cause little or no pain because the nerves and tissue in the skin are damaged and usually take a very long time to heal.

How are burns treated?

1. Use cold water or cloths soaked in cold water on burned areas for 15 minutes or until the pain subsides. Do not use ice at all. Doing this could result in frostbite.

2. Cover the area loosely with a dry cloth, such as sterile gauze. Hold it in place by taping only the edges of the gauze. Change the dressing the next day and every 2 days after that.

3. Do not use ointments. Aloe vera can be applied over closed skin 3 to 4 times a day. For a more severe burn less than 3” x 2”, use Second Skin Moisture Pads, etc.

4. Do not break blisters. If they break on their own, apply an antibacterial spray or ointment or treatment prescribed by your doctor. Keep the area loosely covered with a sterile dressing.

5. Prop the burned area higher than the rest of the body, if you can.

posted by emedinfo
@9:53 PM
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