Timely Therapy

Acne

2011-10-18T23:03:00.000-07:00

Description

A chronic inflammatory skin condition common in adolescence, but can occasionally occur throughout life. It is characterized by skin eruptions on the face, chest and back.

Frequent signs and symptoms

Blackheads (black spots the size of a pinhead).
Whiteheads (white spots similar to blackheads).
Pustules (small pus-filled lesions).
Redness and inflammation around eruptions.
If acne is severe, cysts (larger, fi rm swelling in the skin), and abscesses (swollen, infl amed, tender area of infection containing pus) may appear.

Causes

Oil glands in the skin become plugged for unknown reasons, but sex hormone changes during adolescence play a role. When oil backs up, the gland becomes infected by bacteria normally present on the skin.

Risk increases with

Stress
Oily skin
Endocrine disorders
Use of drugs, such as cortisone, male hormones, some oral contraceptives
Family history of acne

Expected Outcome

Most cases respond well to treatment. Despite good treatment, acne will fl are up from time to time.

Possible complications

Poor self-image and psychological distress.
Facial scars or pitting of the skin.

General Measures

Wash face with a mild soap once or twice a day and after exercising. Clean skin gently; don’t scrub. An antibacterial soap may help. Rinse soap off completely.
Shampoo hair daily, especially if it is oily. Don’t let hair hang over the face. Use dandruff-preventing shampoo if needed.
Avoid oil-based cosmetics. Use non-comedogenic products.
Don’t squeeze, scratch, pick, or rub the skin. Acne heals better without damage to the skin. Removal of comedones (blackheads) may be done by your health care provider.
Use nonprescription acne products on your skin.
See your health care provider if home treatments are not helping or acne is more severe. A skin exam will be done and treatment options will be discussed.
Treatment will depend on the severity of the acne, any infection or infl ammation, and if you are a female who may become pregnant. Treatment may include drugs (both for topical use or taken by mouth).
Cosmetic surgery (dermabrasion) may be recommended to remove scars after acne heals.
Removal or drainage of a cyst may be needed.

Medication

Use nonprescription creams or lotions products to treat the acne. These may contain benzyl peroxide, sulfur, salicylic acid or resorcinol.
Antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial infection.
For more severe cases, topical or oral retinoids (a form of vitamin A), hormone drugs, or stronger acne drugs may be prescribed. Some drugs may increase your sensitivity to sunlight and increase the risk of sunburn.
Caution: If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, tell your health care provider before using acne drugs.

Diet

Foods have not been proven to cause acne.

Seven steps for a good night's sleep

2010-12-25T20:18:00.000-08:00

A good or normal sleep consists of five stages. From first to fourth stages the sleep gets progressively deeper. In the fifth stage which is called REM (rapid eye movement) body eases into the deepest slumber. These stages come and go in the cycles through out the sleep. But it is in deepest stage that our brain is most out of touch with conscious reality.

It is this stage experts believes most crucial for feeling refreshed and rested throughout the day. If you are frequently disturbed in your sleep you might not be able to reap its full benefits.

Whilst occasional tossing and turning may not be harmful, habitual poor sleepers may have to face serious consequences. Difficulty in concentrating, irritability and feeling lack of energy during the day may be the result of poor night's sleep. Fatigue makes one more prone to car accidents and to miss work at school or office. It will also affect our personality and mood. What you think and do have a great impact on your sleep. Here are some unexpected factors that can spoil your night's rest.

1. Establish a sleep schedule.

Our body's internal time keeper depends very much on predictability. Getting up at same time everyday, without cheating on weekends is probably the most important step towards establishing a good sleep schedule. Regular exposure to light in the morning sets the brain's alarm clock. This exposure can be enhanced by taking a walk in the garden as soon as you wake up or having your breakfast in a well lit room. The exposure does not only tell you the time to wake up but also tells you the time to get drowsy again.

2. Limit bedroom activities.

Reading, watching TV, planning tomorrow's work schedule, problem solving with your spouse may encourage wakefulness for some people, especially for those who the leisure is a rare luxury. But for some people this sort of activities may help to wind down. However if your rest is poor you are advised to use your bedroom only for sleep.

3. Separate sleep from wakefulness.

When you persistently find yourself awake for a long time you are soon in for a troubled sleep. If you worry too much and if the bed time is when your mind wanders, carve 30 minutes of worry time out of your day.

Write down your worries and a plan of action. When you find yourself worrying over and over again during your problems at your bed time, convince yourself that you've already worked out that one. If you find yourself in a fuzzy headed daze between sleep and wakefulness for more than 15 minutes get up but avoid doing any thing interesting or stimulating.

4. Watch a quiet nature programme or read some thing dull.

Go back to sleep only when you feel actually sleepy. Also do not go to bed simply because you do not get much sleep because of insomnia. This will only results in longer period of lousy sleep.

5. Retire only when you feel sleepy, and rise earlier.

You may not be getting as much rest as your body needs. But you know you will sleep soundly. And lose your apprehension about it.

6. Regulate your body heat.

Even a small variation in body temperature affects our biological rhythm greatly. Sleep generally takes place in the cooling phase of the body temperature normally peaks in temperatures parallel exposures to light and darkness. But if your body 's thermostat is following it's own independent schedule chances are your sleep is disturbed.

Exercise is a good way to control body temperature. An aerobic exercise lasting 20 minutes or more about five hours before bed time may be helpful . However vigorous exercise two to three hours before bed time can keep you awake. Try a hot water bath well before bed time.

7. Skip caffeine-in and after mid afternoon.

The caffeine consumed from three cups of coffee can have stimulating effect upto eight hours later. Some don't realise how much they are affected by caffeine.

Those who boast they can drink coffee just before the bed time and sleep well do not actually sleep as good as they think, when they are tested in the lab. Researches say other caffinated drinks such as tea, cola etc, can bring down the quality of your rest.

Cirrhosis and alcoholism

2010-12-25T00:57:00.000-08:00

Cirrhosis is relatively common disease especially among alcoholics. Unlike with the case of kidneys where it is possible to live when one kidney fails we have only one liver and when that liver fails, the patient has to face life threatening complications as the liver is responsible for performing numerous vital functions. When the liver fails no other organ does its work.

Cirrhosis is a irreversible change that takes place in the liver due to various causes. In Cirrhosis liver cells are destroyed and replaced by fibrous tissues. These tissues gradually contract so that the liver decreases in size. However before this irrevocable stage is reached there is a stage where further deterioration can be prevented by taking necessary precautions.

What causes Cirrhosis?

Most common cause of Cirrhosis is consumption of excessive amounts of alcohol. Different people have varying capacities of consuming alcohol without harming themselves. The fact that one person remains unaffected by regular consumption of alcohol over a long period of time is no guarantee that another person's body will behave in the similar way.

However no doubt at the vast majority of people consuming unlimited amount of alcohol will end up with liver diseases. Most such people do not take an adequate diet as their hunger is satisfied by the empty calories provided by alcohol.

There is a mistaken belief that wine and beer are less harmful than 'strong' drinks such as arrack or whisky. A person consuming larger quantities of wine or beer ends up doing similar harm to himself as a person taking lesser amount from stronger drink. Although a small drink at irregular interval may not be harmful it should be emphasized that alcohol is not at all essential for a healthy life or normal social activities.

The popular propaganda that alcohol is good for high blood pressure is also misleading. Therefore it is wiser to advice a person who has never taken alcohol to get his blood pressure checked rather than persuading him to take a small drink of alcohol even occasionally.

There are few patients including females who do not take alcohol but still develop Cirrhosis. Viral hepatitis B and C are the likely causes. The common hepatitis A never causes a permanent damage to the liver. Patients are not likely to give a history of having had hepatitis in the past. For this purpose there are several blood tests available to identify the virus in the blood. It has been also found out there is an increased tendency of developing liver cancers in these patients.

Other rare causes are hereditary diseases where the metabolism of copper and iron is disturbed. And there are few more rare causes.

How to recognise Cirrhosis.

Patient develops swelling of ankles followed by distension of the abdomen due to the accumulation of fluid. Complaints of discomfort in upper abdomen and feeling of general ill health, lethargy, weakness, tiring out easily and unexplained weight loss are early features. Some develop low grade fever which may be associated with other complications of alcohol. Symptoms can be explained on the basis of disturbed liver functions. Insomnia, numbness and tingling feeling in feet occur due to the affects or alcohol on the nervous system. With time the patient become jaundiced (yellowing of palm nails and skin)

Other complications associated with Cirrhosis.

Burning abdominal pain are associated with gastro-enteritis. With fibrosis tissues described earlier blood circulation through the liver get disturbed. This lead to blood vessels inside the stomach to distend (similar to the varicose veins in legs.) These blood vessels rupture easily giving rise to the blood vomiting and passage of blood in faeces which are the most frightening symptoms of Cirrhosis. Many bleed to death.

Gastric ulcer is another source of bleeding in cirrhotic patients. Repeated vomiting after alcohol lead to tearing of lining at the lower end of oesophagus or the gullet (tube that carries food from mouth to stomach). Bleeding may occur from such tears. Bleeding from varicose veins in the stomach may be stopped by tying them up or by injecting drugs that closes them or by combination of both.

These are done through an endoscope. Very occasionally the bleeding may stop spontaneously only to recur later. As the liver is responsible for the manufacturing proteins, required for the clotting of blood when the liver is diseased bleeding will be exaggerated due to the poor clotting of blood. The liver removes toxins or poisons (naturally occurring ) which if allowed to build up could be life threatening. This process known as detoxification, fails when the liver is diseased. When the liver damage is extensive hepatic or liver coma results due to the accumulation of toxins in blood.

This can be precipitated by extensive consumption of protein, continued intake of alcohol, constipation bleeding etc. Certain drugs used to get rid of body swelling and to induce sleep are known to cause coma. It is essential such things are avoided to prevent coma.

Another vital function the liver is removing bile products (by products of red blood cell breaking down) and excreting them into intestine. When this function is impaired patient develops the condition is known as Jaundice. The liver breaks down almost all hormones. When this function is weakened hormones accumulated in the blood resulting swelling of the body, enlargement of male breasts, shrinking of testes etc.

The message to the reader.

As always prevention is better than cure. In the case of Cirrhosis no cure is available apart from liver transplant, which is of course beyond most people, and was carried out few times only in developed countries. Avoiding alcohol is no doubt is the best possible way of preventing Cirrhosis. Even after the onset of disease abstention is known to delay the complications associated with the disease.

Apart from that an average healthy diet with adequate proteins, vitamins may have a favourable impact on the outcome. Drugs are available for the relief of body swellings, loss of appetite and other undesirable symptoms. But these things are all temporary measures. Thus Cirrhosis though common and taken for granted by many, especially by alcoholics, is a serious disease and causes death in matter of few years. Thus taking alcohol is a way of committing suicide slowly but surely.

Matters of the Heart and Hypochondriacs

2010-12-23T20:14:00.000-08:00

"His heart rules his head" is a commonly used phrase usually to imply that a person has more kindness than intelligence. But in literal sense the heart rules the head in all of us. It also rules the other parts of the body as it provides nourishment and keeps the vital organs alive.

The relationship between the emotions and the body is no new discovery and hence the saying "a sound mind in a sound body." The reaction of the heart to emotional disturbances is obvious to everyone of us.

You are aware of the strong beating of your heart during moments of fear. This is due to the stimulation of part of the nervous system called sympathetic nerves which secretes a chemical called catecholamines which in turn cause palpitations by accelerating the heart rate and raising blood pressure.

In popular belief, the heart is supposed to be the seat of the soul, the fountain of life and the seat of emotions. Hence popular phrases and figures of speech such as "heart and soul." Therefore the heart as a part of body image enters into symptomatology of many neurotic conditions. So it is not surprising that serious alarm and anxiety is caused when a doctor raises the slightest doubt regarding the integrity of a person's heart.

Medical men therefore, should be extremely careful when they pass a verdict on a patient's heart. Once a person has been told that he has a heart ailment any suggestion that the heart is normal even by another more qualified physician will be rejected by some patients.

In view of the key position the heart occupies in our body, the heart may be profoundly influenced by psychological and psychiatric states. There is one disorder that is apparently psychogenic in its origin which continues to disable many young men and women called "irritable heart" (also called effort syndrome, soldiers' heart, Da Costas' syndrome and neurocirculatory asthenia) first described by Da Costa in 1871. In this disorder, the people who are affected are very young males and females usually between the ages of 16 and 25. These patients complain of palpitations, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, sharp left sided chest pain, sweating of palms, headache, dizziness and fainting attacks.

When these healthy young men and women are examined one is unable to find evidence of heart disease. Electrocardiograms, X-rays and other cardiac investigations are normal. Recently we came across a young athlete who had all the above features of cardiac neurosis. Extensive investigations showed no evidence of any heart disease. The patients would not believe that he has no heart disease although four senior physicians and many other doctors who saw him previously had reassured him that he has a normal heart. Recently he was seen by an eminent cardiologist in U.K. who confirmed the diagnosis of cardiac neurosis.

The disease is emotional in origin and fear is the emotion involved. Certain proportion of patients become physical invalids if it continues long enough. Fear of heart disease and sudden death take the patient from doctor to doctor, from specialist to specialist until the patient gets referred to an understanding psychiatrist, with psychotherapy majority of patients get cured.

Personality disorders are not uncommon after heart ailments. In one of these personality disorders the patient seems to lose capacity for doing things for himself and requires help from others even in ordinary matters. He clings on to his relations like a helpless child. This ultimately become a nuisance to the other members of his family.

Others use the heart ailment as an emotional device for the domination of others. This type of aggressive behaviour is often a nuisance to patients' relations. In contrast to above in compulsive type of personality disorder the patient meticulously follows all the precautions and medical advice to the letter. The observance of these rituals often intrudes into the lives of other members of his family that this becomes a source of distress. The heart patient with personality disorder thinks he has no psychiatric condition. It is the patient's close relations who complain of the change in behaviour of the patient.

There is another category of heart patients who refuse to believe that they have heart disease. The neglect to observe the precautions and often neglect treatment. They become physically overactive. A patient few days after a heart attack may swim far out in the sea to show that he is not afraid of his heart ailment. These patients if not given correct treatment may get a relapse and often end in premature death. These patients are the chronically elated type or hypomanic type as opposed to depressed type.

In other cases, the cardiac neurosis is due the parents over-protection of the child who has been found to have a "heart murmur" by the family doctor. Over-protection of a child by the parents leads to mischief in later life as patients subconsciously use this idea of a "weak heart" to avoid unpleasant tasks and justifies his idleness.

We sometimes come across teenagers with cardiac neurosis who have not been sent to school because they have been found to have a heart murmur by the family doctor. When these children with heart murmurs are investigated we find that some of them have normal hearts.

It is known that anxious doctors and nurses have anxious patients. About two decades ago coronary thrombosis patients were given three months bed rest and a good number of them were cardiac invalids at the time of their discharge from hospital; as a result majority never returned to their previous jobs. Now it is known that prolonged bed-rest is harmful to "heart attack" patients.

With early mobilisation, less anxious attendants and better communication, nowadays we rarely see cardiac invalidism. Majority of coronary patients who are admitted to the cardiology unit leave hospital at the end of one week and majority resume their previous jobs in about twelve weeks.

Over the years doctors have been guilty of great sins in creating cardiac neurotics.

Till the days of Mackenzie who was a famous physician, many a boy was kept in bed for months on account of sinus arrythmia (normal variation in pulse with respiration), and on account of innocent heart murmurs. Today the brunt of cardiac neurosis fall on suffers of high blood pressure and coronary thrombosis.

Unless properly investigated by a cardiac physician any pain in the chest, palpitations and cardiac murmur etc., should be disregarded as unimportant and to lead a normal life. Otherwise as mentioned earlier the patient may suffer from cardiac neurosis and may become a nervous wreck for the lifetime. Such a patient is called a hypochondriac.

An alternate way to stay fit

2010-12-23T02:57:00.000-08:00

The two million dollar questions of the century are "What is the easiest was to lose stomach fat, and "what's a good dieting plan?" There is not a soul in this country who does not want a flatter stomach or a toned body. Well, maybe a few. But the majority of us want both, big time!

A good way to stay fit is to be on the move all the time. That doesn't mean you have to go to a gym and work out everyday. Of course if you have the time and the money well then do so by all means. If you are a housewife, when you are doing the household chores, make an effort to do a great job and not do it for the sake of doing it. For an example let's say you have to clean the house up, then stretch when you swipe the cobwebs off the corners of the ceiling, sweep with regular strokes, working your arms and torso. Polishing, waxing, washing the linen by hand etc.

Our parents and grandparents had much less ailments than we do now. There are so many people who have put on weight simply because they don't get enough exercise, like before but their diet is not controlled in any way. Hence the accumulation of fat and toxins, paving the way for illnesses. These are things that one could easily avoid.

Number one you have to be motivated, and have a definite plan, number two is to put that plan into action. It is your body, and your life if you take care of it not only you, even your loved ones will appreciate it.

The fat stored in your stomach and thigh area can be reduced considerably if you start walking not just a slow stroll but a faster stride, at a comfortable pace, which you can increase the speed once your body has got accustomed to it. That's one way to lose weight easily. Jogging and swimming are also a few good options

Everyone is taking of yoga these days. Yoga is a form of meditation and excellent way to lose weight as well, the breathing, are stretching, exercises are in no way strenuous, when the exercises are performed correctly it will go a long way, to perfect your posture as well. As it is a discipline once you get used to it you'd find that your mind as well as your body will be benefited greatly, you will not be stressed out like before, you will be able to think clearly and act rationally in a crisis situation. It's a sensible way to get fit and stay that way. And the best part is that once you've done your yoga exercises you'd feel more refreshed and at peace as opposed to high impact aerobic exercises.

The best way to control a bulging stomach is to hold it in, that way the lower abdomen area will not expand an protrude, and once you keep doing this for sometime you will regain control over these muscles and you won't have to hold the stomach in as it will stay that way on it's own. Once the body is toned you should keep exercising it'd be so much easier to maintain it than to start all over again. Think about it would you rather have a healthy diet now or have to spend thousands of rupees later on, for hospital bills?

Massaging away-accumulated cellulite and toxins is also a very good way of getting rid of fat. This is done by using an essential oil mixed with a base oil, which is kneaded into the skin. When it is absorbed into the skin through the correct technique, the accumulated fat dissolves, then the client has to wait for 15 minutes or so in the sauna, for the fat to drain out, and the toxins to flush out leaving her refreshed.

I feel that women in general once they get married and have babies they tend to neglect themselves, giving various excuses. That should not be so they must make an effort to look good, and stay fit. I personally feel that for these therapeutic massages to be affective and to show results one must at least go for ten sessions. I must also mention that all my clients are ladies and they are so pleased with the results they keep coming back! For them this is a perfect opportunity to relax unwind and regain their lost energies. I use Cinnamon oil, to improve blood circulation, Eucalyptus, and tea tree oil for arthritis patients, lavender and peppermint for relaxation, and lemon for weight reduction.

As the pounds come off, so does the circumference of your stomach shrink. Use a tape measure before you start and compare before and after. That should be enough to motivate you to a lifetime of healthy living. Healthy living also means that you have to stick to a healthy diet, you can eat anything you like but in moderation, and not be excessive.

But it is advisable to cut down on starch and sweets. Cut out all fatty foods such as fried items, whole milk and cheese, (use low fat or fat free), processed foods (bakery goods, cured meats, cookies, crackers etc.) and nuts. Eat lots of vegetables and fruit. Always opt for natural fruit juices and not for fizzy aerated water. Avoid saccharine sweet drinks. If there is a choice between eating whole fruit instead of drinking fruit juice, as it is more satisfying, do so as it will fill you up more and contains more essential vitamins and fiber.

Drink eight glasses of water a day. It will help you eat less and flush out the toxins in your system, but drink water in small quantities so that you won't be uncomfortable after two pints of water.

Last of all I must thank god for giving me the strength and energy to do my work, and have a positive approach to life.

Coconut milk and oil can lower cholesterol

2010-12-22T02:40:00.000-08:00

It is common knowledge that coconut milk is obtained from coconut kernel using coconut gratings and water. Coconut kernel, coconut milk and coconut oil are used is most Africa, Asian and South American cuisine.

Indians use coconut kernel, coconut gratings and coconut milk in the preparation of various foods such as curries including Kiri Hodi Pol Sambol, Pol - Pittu, Watalappan, Pol - toffee, Bibikkan, coconut biscuits, coconut pudding etc.

Coconut milk which is prepared from coconut kernel contains proteins and fibre consisting mainly of galactomannas, fats, vitamins and minerals. As such effects of coconut milk on blood lipids are those of coconut kernel.

Nutritional value of coconut kernel

Forty five grammes of coconut kernel (a piece of kernel 2" X 2 "X1/2") contains 15.07g of fat, 0.64g of polyunsaturated fat, 13.36g of saturated fat, 6.85g of carbohydrate, 1.5g of protein, 1.92 of crude fibre, 1.48mg of vitamin C, 0.03mg of thiamine, 0.01mg of riboflavin, 0.24mg of nicotinic acid, 0.02mg of vitamin B 6, 11.88mg of folic acid, 6.30mg of calcium, 1.09mg of iron and 0.50mg of zinc.

People in Lakshadeveep islands in India who consume large amounts of coconut oil and coconut kernel suffer from very lower incidence of heart attacks compared to rest of the world. (P K Thampan, Facts and fallacies about coconut oil)

The incidence of cardiovascular disease among Nicobar islands in India is very low in spite of the fact that their staple food comprise mainly raw coconut and coconut products (P.K. Thampan, 1994, Coconut Palm and its products, Pub,. By Greenvilla Pu. House, Cohin, 19, Kerala).

In conclusion, coconut oil has no hypercholesterolemic properties when consumed as a part of normal mixed diet because coconut oil is a neutral oil. The consumption of coconut oil along with coconut kernel produces a cholesterol lowering effect. According to research done in Sri Lanka, consumption of coconut oil with coconut kernel causes elevation of HLD cholesterol (good cholesterol) and a reduction of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol). Epidemiological studies done in India show that incidence of heart attacks is very low in populations that consume coconut oil and coconut kernel.

The importance of Orthodontics

2010-12-21T02:38:00.000-08:00

Born with a deformed jaw or jut ting out teeth is a common occurrence in most children these days. To many the deformity is a problem that has an impact on them for the rest of their lives. Even though the deformity is not considered to be a disease by many leading orthodontists in the field it is nevertheless a traumatic experience for the patient concerned.

Orthodontics is a special field in the dental profession. A qualified dentist having completed his postgraduate studies is known as a consultant or orthodontist. A child or adult suffering from malocclusion of teeth, cleft lips, palates and other facial deformities is first referred to an orthodontist. If the problem of the patient is not serious he or she is referred to a dentist, while the more serious cases are handled by the orthodontists.

For many a deformed jaw or protruding teeth is a defect from birth. While some parents take the child to a doctor at an early stage others pay less attention to the problem. For those who grow up with the deformity, it is a burden they carry on their shoulders everyday of their lives. This deformity is found in an equal number of males and females. However according to orthodontists it is the female who suffers the most in such situations.

In society a female is more concerned about her appearance than a male is. Even in cases of marriage males look for a pretty girl and not one with a deformed face. For males the deformity is not taken seriously as society treats them differently. For females their deformity becomes a traumatic experience when going for an interview, sitting for an exam or even working in an office.

What sugar does to the body

2010-12-19T23:07:00.000-08:00

* Frequent high-energy snacks release high glucose into the blood stream.

* This stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin for unhealthily long periods.

* When insulin is present for a long time, it flicks a metabolic switch in the liver.

* This stimulates the liver to produce triglycerides into the blood stream.

* Body tissues become insulin resistant.

* Circulating fats are converted to bad cholesterol.

* Bad cholesterol raises the risk of developing heart disease.

* Our fatty cells, bombarded with extra calories to store in the form of triglycerides and glucose, succumb to insulin resistance.

* Overloaded fat cells flood the blood with fatty acids, which start killing the insulin-secreting pancreatic cells.

* Insulin levels plummet. Glucose accumulates in the blood and a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes is made.

* If you fail to change your diet, the destruction of insulin-secreting cells continues apace.

* Eventually, daily injections of insulin are needed to stay alive.

Six ways to know vitamin deficiency

2010-12-18T19:31:00.000-08:00

For most people, malnutrition means television images of emaciated Third World figures. But malnutrition doesn't just occur from an acute lack of calories that can kill within weeks. It is also caused by a chronic depletion of `micro-nutrients' such as vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and dietary fibre.

There may be no obvious short-term effects, but these deficiencies can leave a legacy of lasting ill health and lead to premature death. Various activities or conditions can either increase our requirements for these vitamins and minerals or reduce the body's ability to absorb them from food. So are you at risk?

Dieters should be aware that when food intake is reduced, the intake of micro-nutrients is also reduced. Yet the body's requirements for certain vitamins and minerals may actually increase during periods of weight loss. Vegans and vegetarians should plan their diet carefully and are particularly at risk of deficiency in Vitamins D and B12.

Drinking and smoking can lead to malnutrition. Each cigarette uses up large amounts of Vitamin C and other anti-oxidants which is one reason why smokers are more vulnerable to heart disease and cancer. Too much alcohol depletes the body of B vitamins, zinc, magnesium and calcium.

Women are especially prone to nutrient deficiency. Oral contraceptives are though to increase the need for folic acid, Vitamins B and C and zinc, Pregnancy and breast feeding increase the need for B complex vitamins, folic acid, Vitamins A, D and probably E and minerals such as iron, calcium and magnesium. Post-menopausal women need more calcium, magnesium and other minerals to save their bones as well as Vitamins A, D, C, B, E and K. Other vegetable-derived compounds are important, too.

General lifestyle factors can also cause depletion of essential vitamins and minerals. Sun-worshipers use up anti-oxidants. Taking Vitamins A, C and E and increasing carotenoid and flavonoid intake better protects skin against the aging effects of ultra-violet radiation.

Accidents, illness and surgery all increase the need for vitamins and minerals, including calcium, zinc and magnesium as well as vitamins A, B, C and E.

Even keep-fitness fanatics could be malnourished. Heavy exercise burns more oxygen and, therefore, increases the requirements for anti-oxidants. Large quantities of zinc and other minerals can be lost through perspiration and need to be replaced.

7 Breast problems during pregnancy and lactation

2010-11-30T17:18:00.000-08:00

Diagnosis of new breast pathology is usually difficult because of the physiologic changes associated with pregnancy and lactation. The following are the most common breast problems during pregnancy and lactation:

1. Breast infections:

Infection of the breast varies in severity from cellulitis to mastitis to breast abscess. Staphylococcus aureus is the main pathogen. The most common period of infection is the first month after delivery, especially in inexperienced young mothers. The treatment of breast infections includes emptying of the breast because milk is an excellent culture media, antibiotics in cases of cellulites and mastitis in addition to aspiration or surgical drainage if localized pus collection is proven with the help of ultrasound examination. A biopsy of the abscess should be done to exclude carcinoma.

2. Galactoceles:

These are simple cysts filled with milk. The probable cause is ductal obstruction. Symptoms include a tender
mass that located peripherally in the breast. The diagnosis and cure can be achieved with needle aspiration.

3. Fibroadenomas and hamartomas:

The physiologic hormonal changes during pregnancy cause increase in size of these benign tumors. The
growth out of blood supply and consequent infarct may be accompanied with pain and the mammograms can
reveal calcifications as remnants of infarct in these benign tumors.

4. Specific benign tumors to the puerperium:

Single or multiple nodular lactational hyperplasia and lactating adenomas are benign focal lesions with
clinical presentation and appearance similar to fibroadenoma.

5. Nipple discharge:

In the second or third trimester occasionally bloody nipple discharge can appear due to the physiologic proliferative changes of pregnancy. The normal proliferative changes present can mislead the cytological examination. It is important to observe and reassure the patient and further studies are only needed if the problem persists more than two months.

6. Breast infarcts:

This can cause a palpable, tender mass that cannot be distinguished from malignant disease of the breast. Biopsy may be needed.

7. Breast cancer:

The diagnosis of breast cancers in women during pregnancy occurs approximately in 1-2% of cases with increasing tendency due to deferring childbirth to older ages.

Because the evaluation of mass lesions becomes much more difficult as pregnancy progresses, a baseline breast exam at the time of the first obstetrical visit is crucial. Mammography can give misleading information because of the increased breast mass, density, and vascularity. The usage of ultrasound is useful to differentiate between cystic and solid lesions.

These difficulties in diagnosis can cause delay in detection of breast cancer during pregnancy, so over 75% of pregnant women diagnosed with breast cancer have nodal metastases.

Pregnancy is not a contraindication for biopsy using a cutting needle or open biopsy technique if suitable precautions were undertaken to avoid hemorrhage and hematoma formation.

The treatment of breast cancer is complex and needs a multidisciplinary team approach. The principle of treatment is to allow the pregnancy to proceed to term and treat the cancer, but there are some exceptions. Because radiotherapy is not feasible, the modified radical mastectomy is the generally accepted treatment. Staging studies and chemotherapy must be made selectively after weighing all factors.

Current recommendations regarding pregnancy and lactation after treatment of breast cancer are to allow pregnancy to proceed if the patient is clinically free of disease. Because of the physiologic changes associated with pregnancy and lactation, recognition, diagnosis and treatment of breast pathologies is usually difficult. A baseline breast exam is essential at the time of the first obstetrical visit.

This Christmas Eat Smart, Party Smart - 5 Tricks

2010-11-28T06:47:00.000-08:00

It’s party season! But don’t let a few parties sabotage your efforts to maintain without gaining. Celebrate the themes of balance, joy and good cheer with these five strategies.

1. Enjoy the joy

Enjoy the company first, the food second.
When you arrive at a party, relax and wait 30 minutes before eating.
Remember your intention to reunite with good friends and family, share laughter and cheer, and celebrate the season.

2. Keep your appetite in check

Do not skip meals and “starve” yourself during the day before a party, or you’ll likely end up overeating.
Drink plenty of water, and eat light, regularly-spaced meals during the day.
Have a piece of fresh fruit or low fat cheese before going to a party. Don’t arrive hungry.

3. Look twice, eat once

Take a second look at all the food options before you make a selection. Survey the entire buffet
table and decide which dishes you desire the most.
Make a pact with a friend or family member who is also attending the party to only take one plate of
food. Place only small amounts of food on your plate.
Choose your indulgences wisely and savor them. There are too many opportunities to eat great food during the holiday season to settle for food that is so-so.
Balance your indulgences with fruits and veggies.
If you’re asked to contribute food to a potluck meal, be sure to take a healthy choice. Or, if you are in
charge of the menu, plan healthfully.

4. Choose your beverages wisely

If you choose to drink alcohol, limit your intake to one or two drinks and sip them slowly. One alcoholic beverage contains between 150 to 450 calories. Alcohol calories are more likely to be stored around your waist (i.e., the dangerous abdominal weight gain or apple shape) and may also reduce your self-control over your food intake.
Use calorie-free mixers such as club soda, diet tonic water and diet soda pop.
Beware of calories in punch. The combination of ingredients, such as soda pop, fruit juice, fruit- flavored beverages, ice cream or sherbet results in a high calorie concoction. Substitute diet soda pop, reduced calorie juices and sugar-free fruit flavored drink mixes in your favorite punch recipes.
Look for hot beverages at parties. They take longer to drink and are often more satisfying.

5. Maintain perspective

One day of overindulging or not exercising won’t cause you to gain weight. It takes days of excessive
eating and under-activity to gain weight.
Enjoy your indulgences, but try to be reasonable. Stop eating when you feel full, no matter how delicious it tastes. Learn how to truly eat and enjoy, rather than overeat and regret.
Return to a place of balance the following day… without guilt.

Eat this, fight diabetes

2010-11-27T05:21:00.000-08:00

About 24 million Americans are believed to have diabetes, and nearly 6 million don’t know it. Another 57 million are thought to have prediabetes, a condition that boosts risks for diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. What quick tricks can you try to avoid prediabetes and the real thing—or help treat either condition? Scientists have hit on three new techniques.

1—Get more vitamin C – A European study found that people with the most vitamin C in their bodies had the lowest incidence of diabetes, although the link isn’t clear. Fruits and veggies like oranges, strawberries, and broccoli are the best source of C.

2—Sprinkle on the spice—Researchers from the University of Georgia tested 24 common herbs and spices and discovered that their antioxidants could prevent inflammation associated with diabetes. Cloves and cinnamon both got high rankings.

3—Eat some brown rice—A compound that helps the rice grow reduces nerve and blood vessel damage from diabetes, according to Medical College of Georgia experts. Soak the dry rice in water overnight, which awakens the compound.

5 Simple Tricks to lower the pressure

2010-11-26T05:26:00.000-08:00

Confused about blood pressure? Don’t be. The numbers reveal the force of the flow of blood in the arteries when the heart beats and rests. High blood pressure damages those arteries, making them thick and stiff, which constricts blood flow to organs. Two numbers measure the pressure: a top, or systolic, figure and a bottom, or diastolic, figures. The systolic number is the beating force, and diastolic number is the resting force. Here’s a quick look at how the numbers stack up.

High: 140 over 90 (or higher)
At risk: anything between 120 over 80 and 140 over 90. This is classified as prehypertension, which about 37 million Americans are thought to have.
Normal: less than 120 over 80.

THESE STEPS CAN HELP – WHETHER YOU’RE HEALTHY OR ALREADY ON BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICATION.

Many diet and lifestyle changes can improve your blood pressure. Some are tried and true, and others are new and delicious!

1- Get moving. At least a half-hour of aerobic activity every day – like biking, walking, or using a treadmill helps strengthen your heart, making it work more efficiently, which means less pressure on your arteries. Plus, exercise is crucial for another reason: It helps you watch your weight, a key to blood pressure control. University of South Carolina researchers found that even tiny increases in body mass index (BMI) lead to big jumps in hypertension risks.

2- Eat your minerals. You probably know about going easy on the salt, but don’t do the same with potassium or magnesium. A recent research review in the Journal of Clinical Hypertension found that upping potassium and magnesium intake by eating more fruits and veggies can help lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure by two to six points, especially when you also lay off the salt. Acorn squash, bananas, and dates are a few great sources of potassium. And spinach is high in magnesium.

3- Feed a chocolate craving. A regular-size dark chocolate bar (about 1.5 ounces) or a cup of hot cocoa every day can reduce blood pressure by about three points, a new study by Yale University researchers says. Antioxidants in chocolate are thought to be the key, although the link isn’t certain.

4- Listen, and let go. Just 30 minutes of classical music every day combined with slow abdominal breathing may lower mild high blood pressure by up to four points, according to a study presented at a recent American Society of Hypertension annual meeting. Also, transcendental meditation may have as much of an impact for people with hypertension as taking a second medicine, a University of Kentucky research review shows.

5- Open a cabernet. And have one glass. A study out of Harvard found that a little alcohol can lower women’s risk of high blood pressure. But any more than one drink a day ups risks for a number of health problems, including breast cancer.

The Importance of Water

2010-11-25T02:35:00.000-08:00

Water is one of the most important nutrients required by the human body. In fact, 50-70% of our bodies are made up of water.

Water plays a number of important roles within our bodies. Some of these include:-

Transportation of nutrients
Removal of waste products
Maintenance of regular body temperature throughout different environmental conditions
Maintenance of a healthy bowel, in conjunction with fibre and exercise

Most of us understand that we have a requirement of carbohydrate for energy and a low fat diet for weight control, but tend to forget about one of the most vital dietary requirements.....water!

Perhaps this is because we tend to forget to drink regularly unless we are thirsty, and unfortunately by this time, we are actually starting to dehydrate. It is quite common for most of us to have a poor level of water intake and instead, rely on caffeine containing diet drinks and coffee. Drinks containing caffeine actually deplete our bodies of fluids as the caffeine acts as a diuretic, as also does alcohol. In light of this, we should minimise intake of both caffeine and alcohol containing products.

We lose water from our bodies in several ways. We excrete it in urine, faeces, sweat and in the air we exhale from our lungs. With exercise, the amount of sweat excreted increases dramatically as can the amount of small water droplets in the air we exhale.

In most cases, drinking sufficient fluids prevents the body from dehydrating. The symptoms from dehydration can include:-

Tiredness and lethargy
Decreased performance
Cramping
Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting

Every individual's fluid needs, as with energy requirements, is specific to the individual. To avoid dehydration, experts recommend that an average person should consume around 2 litres or 8 glasses of fluid every day, with at least half of this to be in the form of water. Specifically to people who work out, will require more fluids per day due to the loss through exercise and sweat. It is worth understanding that highly concentrated drinks, such as soft drinks, cordials and flavoured mineral waters, take longer to leave the stomach and are also higher in kilojoules.

To monitor and estimate what fluids have been lost, you can weigh yourself prior to a class or performance and then immediately after (prior to rehydrating). The difference in weight should indicate the amount of fluid lost in that given time. For example, if you lose 1kg of weight during a performance, then you should replace this loss with 1 litre of fluids.

To maintain hydration, it is advisable to 'sip' small amounts of fluid often. The reason for this is that large volumes of fluid can leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable.

In summary fluids, and in particular water, play an extremely important role in the maintenance of our bodies. We should start to try and understand the ramifications of our energy output in relation to our fluid intake. Specifically, we should encourage and be encouraged to rehydrate before, during and after training sessions or performances, to keep our bodies operating at their peak!

Water and Your Body

2010-11-25T02:26:00.000-08:00

The basis of all life on our planet owns in some way owes, major or minor part of their existence to water, thus water being the source of life. The usage of water in the day to day functions of the human body is a complex reaction of different organs between the body using water in different ways to carry out their function. If the body does not receive the required amount of water the body functions become impaired.

The body consists of more than 75 trillion cells, each capable of growth, metabolism, response to stimuli, and reproduction. There are many different elements common to all cells, without water the body cannot function. Many people do not give their body the required amount of water to function at full capacity, and therefore, suffer undue stress(for example, headache, muscle stress, and dehydration which stop you reaching full potential in what you are doing at training because of the symptoms). A lot of bad vision, tiredness, and light headiness can be corrected by the right amount of water being consumed at the correct times. Too much water after a lot of work can produce the opposite effect to what the person is seeking. This is called Hypotonic Hydration (or water intoxication).

The fluid in the body can account for up to 70 percent of body's weight or as low as 45 percent, depending on the age, fitness level, body fat content, and sex. Fluids in the body are stored in three main areas. These are the intracellular fluid compartment (ICF), the extracellular fluid compartment (ECF), and the plasma (the fluid part of the blood). The ICF holds about 66 percent of the fluid in the body, the rest is in the ECF and plasma. The passage of fluids from one part of the body to other is controlled by the balance of minerals in the fluids, and also in the cells. This is referred to as the Electrolyte balance.

The Electrolyte balance in the body also refers to the amount of ions (contained in the minerals) in the body, some of these being positive, and some negative. The passing of ions from one fluid compartment to the other causes the movement of water. This process is called Osmosis. Osmosis in the cells of the body is conducted via the cells membrane. Water will pass though the cell membrane freely, however, it is the amount of ions in the different cellular compartments that controls how the water in the body is balanced. Thus, the more ions on one side of a membrane, the more the water will pass though to that side of the membrane. The rate at which the fluid can pass is depended on the amount of ions contained in the body fluid compartment. The minerals provide ions used for neuromuscular excitability, secretory activity and many other cellular activities. The main electrolytes in the body are sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. There are other minerals in the electrolyte balance but their role is not as major as the four listed above.

The level of sodium in the body in maintained and regulated by the kidneys. The kidneys are the heart of the process centre for the distribution of water in the body. It is almost like a water purification system removing waste from the blood plasma and the ICF and ECF. Thewaste products are then made into urine. The kidney processes the entire amount of water in the body every hour. This is why a punch or kick to the kidneys can have such a unpleasanteffect on the body. A bruised kidney cannot function fully and the rest of the body will suffer due to the water not being processed at the right rate.

The average loss of fluid from the body is two to three litres a day. This can become as high as six to seven litres when undertaking exercise. The output of fluid from inside the body is from the lungs, skin, faeces and urine. After the loss of fluid increases to around two percent, the hypothalamus (the part of the brain that regulates the involuntary nervous system, the centre for emotional response and behaviour, body temperature, food intake, water balance and thirst, sleep-wake cycles, and the production and secretion of releasing hormones) gives the signal for the sensation of thirst. When the sodium level in the blood becomes high the receptors in the hypothalamus are stimulated ( dry throat feeling) and thirst messages are sent to the brain to initiate action to quench this thirst. The hypothalamus also sends a message to the kidneys to make the concentration of urine higher, thus reducing the fluid lost.

Hydrate Your Body For a Healthy Lifestyle

2010-11-25T01:06:00.000-08:00

The amount of water intake for each person should vary with the type of life style they lead (an average intake would be 2-7 litres a day). Many people exercise to the point at which the body gives the signs that dehydration has already set in , and in many cases the effects can not be changed by the sudden intake of water or one of the many sports drinks available today. Fluid intake can not be started as an idea as every person has different requirements. It should then be taken into consideration that once you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated (lost of about one percent of body fluid). As this percentage is increased up to five percent, the effects on the body are very dramatic, including blurred vision, muscle pain and cramps, headaches , nausea, dizziness and unconsciousness ( loss of 12 percent of body fluid will result in death in most cases). These symptoms can occur in cold weather as well as hot.

Once you are well hydrated it is a wise notion to maintain fluid intake. If you will be exercising for up to an hour, an intake of approximately 125ml every 20-30 minutes should be enough to stay hydrated. For longer periods, an intake of 125-25Oml (depending on how you feel) every 15-20 minutes, starting as soon as possible after the commencement of your exercise should suffice. After a training period a good intake of fluids will restock your body.

Beer is not recommended as a good fluid replacement due to the fact that it draws more fluid into the inside your body cells from other parts of the body and takes a lot longer for the fluid to be put in the system. The use of small amounts of electrolytes in fluids can help with intake of fluid into the body. The larger the amount of minerals in a drink the harder it is to digest taking more energy and time. Some people will find that only precise regulation of fluid intake will stop the stress of dehydration on their body.

At a standard training session drinking an extra litre of water during the day and 100ml 15minutes before training should be a good start. After the first 40 to50 minutes another 100 to 150 ml should be consumed and the same again after 80 to 95 minutes. When training is finished a good intake of water (as much as you feel is necessary) should stop many people from becoming dehydrated.

Before anyone starts to train or prepare for any exercise they should take into account the time of day at which the event is going to take place, the weather conditions, and the length of time and amount of energy that will be needed to achieve their goals. Any undue stress on the body can be stopped by hydrating the body before physical exercise is undertaken. Hydration for a special event can take place up to a week before the event. This is done by increasing the intake of water by about 33 percent of normal intake (water or other fluids). By doing this, the levels of fluid in the body are increased by a substantial amount.

During times of sickness dehydration becomes a major problem if fluid intake is not maintained. There is a larger loss of fluid due to fever, running nose, and the feeling of not wanting to eat and drink. Therefore, when you are looking after someone or yourself small amounts of water, administered frequently, is a good way to speed up recovery. Therefore, a well balanced intake is extremely important when trying to maintain a healthy life style.

EYE DONATION AND EYE BANKING

2010-11-21T02:00:00.000-08:00

Persons of any age can donate eyes. Any previous eye surgery is not a contra-indication for eye donation, only the corneas should be healthy. The whole globe need not be removed. Only cornea retrieval is now being practiced widely. There is no external disfigurement of the face of the deceased. Cornea retrieval has to be done within 6 hours of death, so information to the nearest eye bank (or eye donation centre) should be given immediately after death.

Magnitude of corneal blindness in India

About 2.5 million Indians have corneal blindness. 1.5 million of these are children less than 12 years of age.
More than 25,000 new cases are added annually.
20,000 corneas are retrieved annually.
Backlog of bilateral corneal blindness is 2 lacs.
8-9 million deaths occur annually.
1.8-2% eye donations are required.

High priority recipients – Due to paucity of donor tissue, it is essential to identify patients needing early corneal transplantation.

· Bilateral corneal blindness.

· One eye having untreatable blindness and one having vision less than 6/60 due to corneal scarring.

· Children even with unilateral blindness.

· Impending perforation of corneal ulcer.

· Intolerably painful eye as in bullous keratopathy.

Contraindications for procurement of donor cornea:

l Any condition in the donor, which is potentially hazardous to the recipient or eye bank personnel ,e.g.

· Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or HIV seropositivity

· Rabies

· Active viral hepatitis

· Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

· Leukemia (blast form)

· Lymphoma and lymphosarcoma

· Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis

· Progressive multifocalleukoencephalopathy

· Reye's syndrome

· Congenital rubella

· Active septicemia including endocarditis

· Acquired immunodeficiency high risk behavioral features including homosexuals, intravenous drug abusers, prostitutes and hemophilics

Intrinsic eye disease-

· retinoblastoma,

· active inflammatory disease (conjunctivitis, iritis, uveitis, vitreitis, retinitis)

· congenital abnormalities (keratoconus, keratoglobus)

· central opacities and pterygium.

Regulatory laws for eye banking -

Procurement of eyes for therapeutic use is legal in almost all countries of the world including India. Laws regarding eye donation have been laid down in several countries which have helped to enhance the number of eye donations:

1. ‘Required request law’ - Legal system employs an opt-in option wherein an affirmative consent has to be documented.

2. ‘Presumed consent law -the consent of all individuals dying, is presumed unless specifically barred by the individual.

(These are yet to be implemented in India.)

The central government of India has enacted a legislation in 1994 (Human organ transplant act – HOTA),which streamlines the guidelines for organ donation.

Preservation techniques for donor eyes -

A corneal storage system for keratoplasty has two main general objectives: (1) to maintain the endothelial viability and integrity and (2) to increase the duration of storage of the donor corneas.

In terms of the duration of storage of the donor material, the period of preservation has been arbitrarily classified as (a) short-term storage (b) intermediate-term storage (c) long-term storage and (d) very long-term storage.

Short-Term Storage –( Most popular techniques in our country.)
For storing donor materials for a few days, two techniques are used: Moist-chamber storage and M-K medium storage.

1. Moist-Chamber Storage – Whole globe has to be retrieved.

The whole donor eye is kept in a sterile jar with moist atmosphere at 4°C.
The moist-chamber storage technique is the simplest and the least expensive of all the storage techniques. The limitation is that the transplant must be done within 24 hours of eyeball retrieval.

2. M-K Medium Storage -

Historically, this is the first successful method for storing excised cornea (corneoscleral button) in a chemically defined tissue culture medium at 4°C.

M-K medium, described by McCarey and Kaufman, is a mixture of tissue culture medium (T-C 199) and dextran (5%, 40,000 molecular weight). As a colloidal osmotic agent, dextran prevents excessive stromal swelling of the excised corneas in the liquid medium. Besides dextran, the medium includes other additives, such as, HEPES (hydroxyethylpiperazine-N-ethane-sulphonic acid) as buffer, penicillin and a combination of gentamicin and polymyxin as antibiotics. Since the medium uses HEPES, phenol red (phenol-sulfonphthalein) as pH indicator is not included. According to McCarey and Kaufman, the M-K medium has been found to increase the corneal storage time to approximately 96 hours.

Intermediate-Term Corneal Storage

The development of the intermediate-term corneal storage medium has facilitated a better maintenance of the donor cornea for periods, for which, the moist chamber and the M-K medium methods are both inadequate.
The addition of chondroitin sulfate has been a key development in the genesis of intermediate-term corneal storage media. It probably acts as an antioxidant and free-radical scavenger to protect cell membranes. It may also act as a cation-exchange resin regulating cation fluxes across cell membranes through the formation of chelation complexes.

Several corneal storage media containing chondroitin sulfate have been developed for clinical use in the United States of America and Europe. They are K-Sol (Cilco, Huntington, West Virginia), Chondroitin Sulfate Storage Medium (CSM), Dexsol, Optisol (Chiron Ophthalmics Inc. Irvine, California), and Likorol (Opsia Pharma, France). However, K-Sol and CSM are no longer commercially available. It has been demonstrated that Optisol as compared to Dexsol, K-Sol and MK medium, can preserve the corneal endothelium better yielding a thinner cornea upto two weeks

Long-Term Corneal Storage

(Organ Culture of the Cornea) – The organ culture method of corneal storage has evoked interest in researchers of several places in countries including Denmark, the Netherlands,France, UK and Australia. By this method, adequate endothelial cell function of human corneas stored at 34°C can be maintained for at least five weeks. Clinically, when the average storage time is 25 days, 80 percent of the transplanted corneas remains clear.

Very Long-Term Corneal Storage

(Cryopreservation of the Cornea)

Although corneal cryopreservation is still an experimental procedure, yet continual interest in this field has been shown in various countries. It is possible that in future an ideal method for corneal cryopreservation will be developed using different cooling rates, transfer temperatures and cryoprotectants.

Limbal stem cell culture and transplantation –an ocular surface replacement using ex vivo expanded, cultured limbal stem cells seeded on a matrix derived from amniotic membrane can be done. This bioengineered graft is gaining recognition to manage difficult ocular surface disease.

This novel technique documents that presumed corneal epithelial stem cells can be harvested safely from donor eyes, expanded successfully in vitro, and grown on denuded amniotic membrane. The resultant composite cultured tissue can be transplanted.

Advancements in eye banking over the last 25 years have improved the quality of life of several hundred thousand corneal blind persons in this country. More efforts must be made in the future to eliminate corneal blindness internationally. A measure of the success of eye banking is the fact that corneal transplant surgery is now scheduled as an elective procedure. This is due in part to the establishment of comprehensive medical standards by the EBAA and EBAI, the accreditation of eye banks, and the training and certification of eye bank personnel. The battle to control corneal blindness still goes on. A tremendous effort is required to overpower this preventable and treatable condition. We all must pledge our own eyes and also go out of our

way to get the noble deed of eye donation carried out

upon the sad demise of a neighbours, friends, relatives or patient.

The Warm-up...How?

2010-11-20T01:27:00.000-08:00

A warm-up is necessary no matter how warm the environment.

• Gentle jogging, marching, skipping or similar rhythmical activity.

• Exercises of a steady rhythmical nature involving other joints of the body, such as gentle knee bends, arm swings, sways, trunk rotation, step ball change. None of these should reach end of range of movement so muscles and joints are not overstretched. Incorporating arm movements at this stage will increase the effects of the warm-up.

• Gentle stretches to the large muscle groups, holding each stretch for 10-15 seconds. An increase in flexibility through stretching may reduce the incidence of muscle and tendon injuries. You might want to stretch your quads, hamstrings, inside-thigh and calf muscles at this time.

• Balance exercises, such as standing on one leg, then being able to control bending and straightening the supporting leg and rising on to demi-pointe.

The Warm-up...Why?

2010-11-20T01:24:00.000-08:00

Whilst some injuries are unavoidable, many are the result of your body not being prepared for what you are asking it to do. There is an unwritten law among both elite athletes and casual exercisers that a warm-up before exercising is an important part of injury prevention.

The body needs to be thoroughly warmed up before any set exercises take place if they are to be carried out as successfully and safely as possible. Although putting on an extra layer of clothing or turning up the heating in the studio may mean the performer feels warm, this does not have the same effects on the body.

A good warm-up is a group of exercises performed immediately before an activity that provides the body with a period of adjustment from rest to exercise. It is designed to improve performance and reduce the chance of injury by preparing the dancer mentally as well as physically.

A warm-up should have the following beneficial effects

• To make the muscles more stretchy. This allows greater movement at the joints and reduces the risk of injury. Muscle elasticity depends on how much blood is running through it, so cold muscles with little blood in them are more likely to become injured or damaged. Think of muscle being like a blob of Blu-tack. When Blu-tack is cold you can stretch it so far and then it will snap. But when Blu-tack is warm you can stretch and stretch it and it feels gooey. So it is with your muscles - it is simply the warm blood rushing through the muscle that warms it up on the way past and makes the muscle fibres more elastic. It's a bit like the hot water in the radiator heating up the whole of a room.

• To make your breathing faster and deeper. This allows more oxygen to be breathed in and more carbon dioxide to be breathed out. If you have warmed up well you will feel less 'out of breath' in the exercise that follows than if you try it from 'cold'.

• To make your heart best faster and stronger. This delivers more oxygen and glucose to the muscles. Oxygen and glucose are used as fuel to make energy, and then the muscles use this energy to create movement.

• To increase the internal body temperature. Capillaries in the skin will dilate (open up) and so you will look more pink, or even red. You will also start sweating as the intensity of the exercise increases. The reason you sweat is to lose heat so that your body does not become dangerously hot inside.

• To allow your nerve fibres to work more efficiently. Messages carried down from the brain go to muscles, so these muscles will react faster and in a more co-ordinated way. Messages carried up to the brain tell it about what is happening in the muscles and joints. The brain can then react by telling the muscles to work in a certain way, and so many potential mistakes and injuries are avoided.

• To allow time to focus.This means the performer can concentrate on the exercise to follow, and if you are less distracted then you are less likely to have an accident.

• To increase the range of movement available at joints.This is due to an increase in the elasticity of the tendons, muscles, ligaments and other connective tissues. So, for example, you may find that your kicks are higher after a warm-up than before.

• To redistribute blood to where it is needed. Blood is diverted away from some areas of the body (e.g. gut) and into other areas (e.g. muscles and skin). This happens suddenly when we have a sudden shock, such as nearly hitting a car when riding a bicycle, or nearly slipping over on icy ground. After these, our legs tend to shake and feel wobbly, and we often feel 'sick' in our stomach. But if these same changes happen more slowly (as in a warm-up) then this is not a problem.

Technologies That Amplify And Provide Sound

2010-11-15T20:50:00.000-08:00

1. Hearing Aids

There are dozens of kinds of hearing aids; they can be worn behind the ear, in the ear, or on the body, or they can be incorporated into eyeglass frames.

Can be worn in one ear (monaural) or both ears (binaural)

Picks up sound, magnifies its energy, and delivers this louder sound to the user’s middle ear.

Hearing aids make sounds louder, but not necessarily clearer.

Children who hear sounds with distortion (alteration) will still experience distortion with hearing aid.

Even the most powerful hearing aids generally cannot enable children with severe and profound hearing losses to hear speech sounds beyond a distance of a few feet.

In all cases, the wearer of the hearing aid, not the aid itself, does most of the work in interpreting conversation.

The earlier the child can be fitted with an appropriate hearing aid, the more effectively he will learn to use hearing for communication and awareness.

To derive the maximum benefit from a hearing aid, a child should wear it throughout the day. Residual hearing cannot be effectively developed if the aid is removed or turned off outside the classroom.

Hearing aids offer minimal benefit in noisy and “echoing” classrooms.

2. Assistive Listening Devices

Group assistive listening devices can solve the problems caused by distance, noise, and “echo” in the classroom.

A radio link is established between the teacher and the children with hearing loss, with the teacher wearing a small microphone transmitter (near the lips) and each child wearing a receiver that doubles as a personal hearing aid.

An FM radio frequency is usually employed, and wires are not required, so teacher and students can move freely around the classroom. The teacher does not have to be 6 inches away from the child’s ear at all times.

3. Cochlear Implants

Cochlear implant bypasses damaged hair cells and stimulates the auditory nerve directly.

Four basic parts:

Ø External microphone – picks up sound from the environment

Ø External speech processor – selects and arranges sounds picked up by the microphone

Ø Transmitter and receiver/stimulator – receives signals from the speech processor and converts them into electrical impulses

Ø Electrode – collect the impulses from the stimulator and send them directly to the brain via the auditory nerve

Does not restore or create normal hearing. However, it gives a deaf person a useful auditory understanding of the environment and helps him or her to understand speech.

When coupled with intensive post-implantation therapy, cochlear implant can help young children acquire speech, language, developmental, and social skills.

Those with cochlear implant have significant improvements in speech perceptions, speech production, and language skills compared to peers without cochlear implants.

Earlier implantation seems to yield better outcomes.

Issues Surrounding The Cochlear Implant:

Ø The cost may be prohibitive for many individuals ($30,000)
Ø Extensive auditory training therapy is required, especially for the very young.
Ø Attitude of the individual may be a determining factor.

Advantages Of The Cochlear Implant:
Ø Can restore a lot of residual hearing to help the individual communicate more effectively.
Ø Can enhance the language development of young children.
Ø Can enable the individual to function more independently in life.
Ø Can make a major impact of the child’s educational placement.

Supports and Technologies that Supplement or Replace Sound

1. Interpreters

An interpreter signs the speech of a teacher or other speaker for a person who is deaf.

The role of the educational interpreter (also called as educational transliterator) made it possible for many students with hearing loss to enroll in and successfully complete postsecondary programs.

The duties of a school interpreter may include:

Ø Tutoring

Ø Assisting regular and special education teachers

Ø Keeping records

Ø Supervising students with hearing loss

2. Speech-to-Text Translation

This technology is used to increase deaf students’ access during live presentations, such as public or classroom lectures.

This technology is known as the computer-aided speech-to-text translation.

A trained “captionist” types the teacher’s lecture and other students’ comments into a laptop computer using a shorthand code. Special software translates the code (e.g. typing “kfe” produces “coffee”), and the text is instantly displayed on a screen or a student’s personal laptop computer monitor.

This is not done “word to word”…but the translation is kept as close as possible to the original.

This technology allows students to keep a hard copy of the lecture. They can also print the hard copy for study as notes.

3. Television Captioning

Captioned TV programs – printed text appears at the bottom of the TV screen, similar to watching a film with subtitles.

Research found that deaf students comprehended more of scripts (captions) that were accompanied by video that they did by reading the scripts alone. Visual stimuli provide essential information deaf viewers can use to improve their comprehension. This can also advance and enhance their reading skills.

4. Text Telephones

Sending immediate messages over conventional telephone lines in “typed” or “digital” form.

Text Telephones (TT) enable the user to send message over telephone lines to anyone else who has a TT.

5. Alerting Devices

Special devices to alert the deaf to certain sounds or events in the environment. Sound-sensitive switch being attached to…

Ø A flashing light

Ø A vibrator

Also the use of “hearing-ear dogs”…that alert a deaf person to important sounds in the environment.

Five Steps To Positive Body Image

2010-11-11T20:34:00.000-08:00

It happens often that even though we are experts in a field, we hesitate to put our thoughts forward. We attribute it to stage fright, or sometimes just to the fact that we are introverts or some such thing. Often we do not understand the root cause, which might be as simple as an inability to be comfortable with our own body. We may see ourselves as too fat or too thin, or maybe worried how we will appear on stage. This can be easily remedied with a few tips - now again, this is not going to work for all, but may help you to overcome some components of an otherwise easy problem to solve.

One list cannot automatically tell you how to turn negative body thoughts into positive body image, but it can help you think about new ways of looking more healthfully and happily at yourself and your body. The more you do that, the more likely you are to feel good about who you are and the body you naturally have.

1. Enjoy Your Body -

Just think of all the things your body does for you! You can walk, Run, Jump, even dance (I am awkward at that)! Every day, you dream, you laugh, and each day your body takes you closer to your dreams, your desires. Without your body, could you experience the pleasures of sex, of food, of feeling the soft texture of the skin of your spouse/girlfriend/boyfriend? Appreciate all that your body can do.

2. List 10 things you like about yourself -

This needn't be about your body. Just the fact that you have these 10 things working for you, will get you into a positive frame of mind, and achieve greater things. Things that you like about yourself maybe anything - from the way you care for your family, to the fact that you may have a lot of patience. These things are often overlooked when we see only our deficiencies. After you make this list, read it often, and add new points as you become aware of more good things!

3. Beauty is a state of mind, not a state of your body -

Trust me, this cliche is really true. When you feel good about yourself and who you are, you carry yourself with a sense of confidence, self-acceptance, and openness that makes you beautiful regardless of whether you physically look like a supermodel. All the adverts with slim models, are just an eyewash. They represent only about 20% of the population.

4. You are a unique package -

You may have some deformity of one body part. Does that make you incomplete in any way? Look at yourself as a whole person. When you see yourself in a mirror or in your mind, choose not to focus on specific body parts. See yourself as you want others to see you -- as a whole person.

5. Get Positive Surround-sound

It is easier to feel good about yourself and your body when you are around others who are supportive and who recognize the importance of liking yourself just as you naturally are. Does your mother like you any less because you are not the perfect child as projected by the world? Does it not make you feel good, when despite your many shortcomings she appreciates every little thing you do and even encourages you? Positive friends are like your mother, they will appreciate you for what you are and will not worry about your shortcomings. So Surround yourself with positive people.

America’s Latest Threat: New Drug Resistant Strain of E.coli, ST131

2010-10-23T10:53:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is newer, stronger, more virulent, and worst of all, drug resistant! This new strain of E.coli, ST131, is currently causing a major public health threat in the United States.

Escherichia coli, commonly found in the human intestinal tract (normal flora of the gut) and the lower intestine of other warm - blooded organisms, is a rod-shaped gram-negative bacterium. Most strains are harmless; however, there are some that can cause severe sickness, food poisoning, pneumonia and urinary tract infections.

It is said that ST131 is currently resistant to floroquinones, one of the strongest broad-spectrum antibiotics, and cephalosporin, which fights bacterial infections.

"If this strain gains one additional resistance gene, it will become almost untreatable and will be a true superbug, which is a very concerning scenario," said Dr. James Johnson of the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis, which led the study.

Until now, the most common source of E.coli infections has been due to 0157:H7, another virulent strain. An estimate of around 70,000 infections each year by E.coli 0157 has been given by The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, yet this estimate is very volatile as many patients never get tested.

Currently, scientists are trying to identify the sources of ST131 and its means of transmission. Once these doubts have been cleared, only then can we move on to preventing or slowing down this potential “superbug.”

Garlic and Cancer Prevention

2010-02-19T04:05:00.000-08:00

Garlic is the edible bulb from a plant in the lily family and classified as member of the Allium genus. A host of studies provide compelling evidence that garlic and its organic allyl sulfur components are effective inhibitors of the cancer process. These studies reveal that the benefits

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of garlic are not limited to a specific species, to a particular tissue, or to a specific carcinogen. 0f 37 observational studies in humans using garlic and related allyl sulfur components, 28 studies showed some cancer preventive effect. The evidence is particularly strong for a link between garlic and prevention of prostate and stomach cancers. However, all of the available information comes from observational studies comparing cancer incidence in populations who consume or do not consume garlic (epidemiologic studies), animal models, or observations with cells in culture.

These findings have not yet been verified by clinical trials in humans.

Although health benefits of garlic are frequently reported, excessive intake can have harmful effects. Studies have reported symptoms including garlic odor on breath and skin, occasional allergic reactions, stomach disorders and diarrhea, decrease in serum protein and calcium levels, association with bronchial asthma, and contact dermatitis, and possible associations with production of sperm in males. Garlic preparations vary in concentration and in the number of active compounds they contain. Thus, quality control is an important consideration when foods such as garlic are considered for use as a cancer-fighting agent.

Several compounds are involved in garlic's possible anticancer effects. Garlic contains allyl sulfur and other compounds that slow or prevent the growth of tumor cells. Allyl sulfur compounds, which occur naturally in garlic and onions, make cells vulnerable to the stress created by products of cell division. Because cancer cells divide very quickly, they generate more stressors than most normal cells. Thus, cancer cells are damaged by the presence of allyl sufur compounds to a much greater extent than normal cells.

The chemistry of garlic is complicated. As a result, the quality of garlic products depends on the manufacturing process. Peeling garlic and processing garlic into oil or powder can increase the number and variety of active compounds. Peeling garlic releases an enzyme called allinase and starts a series of chemical reactions that produce diallyl disulfide (DADS). DADS are also formed when raw garlic is cut or crushed. However, if garlic is cooked immediately after peeling, the allinase is inactivated and the cancer-fighting benefit of DADS is lost. Scientists recommend waiting 15 minutes between peeling and cooking garlic to allow the allinase reaction to occur.
Processing garlic into powder or garlic oil releases other cancer-fighting agents. The inconsistent results of garlic research may be due, at least in part, to problems standardizing all of the active compounds within garlic preparations. Some of the garlic compounds currently under investigation are: allin (responsible for the typical garlic odor), alline (odorless compound), ajoene (naturally occurring disulfide), diallyl sulfide (DAS), diallyl disulfide (DADS), diallyl trisulfide (DAT), S-allylcysteine (SAC), organosulfur compounds and allyl sulfur compounds.

A study conducted at the School of Chinese Medicine also shows that a crude extract of garlic induces a caspase -3 gene expression that leads to apoptosis (cell death) of human colon cancer cells.

Ginger - Not just a spice

2010-02-17T07:45:00.000-08:00

Ginger is used worldwide as a cooking spice, condiment and herbal remedy. The Chinese have used ginger for at least 2500 years as a digestive aid and anti nausea remedy and to treat bleeding disorders and rheumatism. It was also used to treat baldness, toothache, snakebite, and respiratory conditions.In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), ginger is considered a pungent, dry, warming, yang herb to be used for ailments triggered by cold, damp weather. Ginger is used extensively in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India, to block excessive clotting, reduce cholesterol and fight arthritis. In Malaysia and Indonesia, ginger soup is given to new mothers for 30 days after their delivery to help warm them and to sweat out impurities. In Arabian medicine, ginger is considered an aphrodisiac.

Ginger’s medicinal components are derived from the rhizome or root of the plant Z. officinale. Its pungent properties also contribute to its pharmacologic activities. Ginger contains cardiotonic compounds known as gingerols, volatile oils, and other compounds, such as (6)-, (8)-, and (9,10)- shogaol, (6)- and (10)- dehydrogingerdione, (6)- and (10)-gingerdione, zingerone, and zingibain.

Some of the clinically established therapeutic uses of ginger are discussed below.

Post operative nausea and vomiting:

The effect of powdered ginger root was compared with metoclopramide (an anti-emetic agent often used prior to anesthesia) and placebo. In a clinical trial the incidence of prospective nausea and vomiting was measured in 120 women presenting for elective laparoscopic gynaecological surgery on a day stay basis. The incidence of nausea and vomiting was similar in patients given metoclopramide and ginger (27% and 21%) and less than those who received placebo (41%). The requirement for postoperative anti emetics was lower in those patients receiving ginger. The requirements for postoperative analgesia, recovery time and time till discharge were the same in all groups. There was no difference, in the incidence of possible side effects such as sedation, abnormal movement, itch and visual disturbance between the three groups.

Zingiber officinale is an effective and promising prophylactic antiemetic, which may be especially useful for day case surgery.

Effects on platelet aggregation:

In 20 healthy young male volunteers, ginger supplementation (5 gms daily) significantly inhibited the platelet aggregation induced by ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and epinephrine . In human volunteers who took a huge (10 gram) one-time dose of dried ginger, there was a marked inhibition of platelet aggregability. This translates into the utility of Ginger in preventing excess clot formation.

Motion sickness:

Ginger’s efficacy against motion sickness was tested in 80 healthy naval cadets who were unaccustomed to sailing in heavy seas. The cadets took either 1 g of powdered ginger rhizome or 1g of placebo while sailing in heavy seas and maintained scorecards noting their symptoms every hour for the next four hours. In the 48 sailors who reported symptoms of seasickness, ginger appeared to reduce the severity of sea sickness (measured as score 0-9) rather than reducing the number of subjects who reported symptoms.

Knee osteoarthritis:

A 6-week trial with 261 subjects which used 255 mg per day of a patented ginger extract, (EV. EXT 77) reported effectiveness similar in magnitude to that reported with NSAIDs. Apart from the above mentioned indications, ginger is also used in variety of conditions with varying success.

It is known to have cardiotonic, antilipemic, carminative, antiulcer, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory effects, antibacterial, antineoplastic and antioxidant properties. However the therapeutic effects of ginger in normal dietary doses are not known. Further studies and larger trials on the therapeutic uses of ginger are warranted.

How to warm up correctly?

2010-02-08T03:45:00.000-08:00

A warm-up is necessary no matter how warm the environment. All the benefits can be obtained by a warm-up routine that should include the following features in this order:

Gentle jogging, marching, skipping or similar rhythmical activity.

Exercises of a steady rhythmical nature involving other joints of the body, such as gentle knee bends, arm swings, sways, trunk rotation, step ball change. None of these should reach end of range of movement so muscles and joints are not overstretched. Incorporating arm movements at this stage will increase the effects of the warm-up.

Gentle stretches to the large muscle groups, holding each stretch for 10-15 seconds. An increase in flexibility through stretching may reduce the incidence of muscle and tendon injuries. You might want to stretch your quads, hamstrings, inside-thigh and calf muscles at this time.

Balance exercises, such as standing on one leg, then being able to control bending and straightening the supporting leg and rising on to demi-pointe.

How long a warm-up takes will depend on your age and fitness level. A young child would be exhausted if they had to jump around for more than a couple of minutes, but a teenage student might need to take 10-15 minutes to be fully warmed.

Interestingly, the fitter you are and the more often you train, the longer your warm-up needs to be to have the same effects.

The steps in the warm-up should be not overstretch you and should not include sudden changes in direction, complicated leaps or turns. Keep the steps simple and repetitive and leave the technical bits to the class when the body is warmed up and better able to cope with them. At the end of the warm-up you should feel warm, relaxed and ready for action. If not, you have either done too much, or not enough!

Cool-down

Cool-down at the end of class is also beneficial. After working hard in class, it allows the body to gradually wind down towards a resting state rather than suddenly stopping.

Your body will return to its pre-exercise state more quickly if you perform light exercise during the recovery period than just stop.

It should allow you to relax physically and mentally, and will help to prevent muscle soreness and injury.

8 Healthy reasons to Warm up before excercise

2010-02-08T03:38:00.000-08:00

Whilst some injuries are unavoidable, many are the result of your body not being prepared for what you are asking it to do. There is an unwritten law among both elite athletes and casual exercisers that a warm-up before exercising is an important part of injury prevention. The body needs to be thoroughly warmed up before any set exercises take place if they are to be carried out as successfully and safely as possible.

A good warm-up is a group of exercises performed immediately before an activity that provides the body with a period of adjustment from rest to exercise. It is designed to improve performance and reduce the chance of injury by preparing the dancer mentally as well as physically.

A warm-up should have the following beneficial effects

To make the muscles more stretchy. This allows greater movement at the joints and reduces the risk of injury. Muscle elasticity depends on how much blood is running through it, so cold muscles with little blood in them are more likely to become injured or damaged. Think of muscle being like a blob of Blu-tack. When Blu-tack is cold you can stretch it so far and then it will snap. But when Blu-tack is warm you can stretch and stretch it and it feels gooey. So it is with your muscles - it is simply the warm blood rushing through the muscle that warms it up on the way past and makes the muscle fibres more elastic. It's a bit like the hot water in the radiator heating up the whole of a room.

To make your breathing faster and deeper. This allows more oxygen to be breathed in and more carbon dioxide to be breathed out. If you have warmed up well you will feel less 'out of breath' in the exercise that follows than if you try it from 'cold'.

To make your heart best faster and stronger. This delivers more oxygen and glucose to the muscles. Oxygen and glucose are used as fuel to make energy, and then the muscles use this energy to create movement.

To increase the internal body temperature. Capillaries in the skin will dilate (open up) and so you will look more pink, or even red. You will also start sweating as the intensity of the exercise increases. The reason you sweat is to lose heat so that your body does not become dangerously hot inside.

To allow your nerve fibres to work more efficiently. Messages carried down from the brain go to muscles, so these muscles will react faster and in a more coordinated way. Messages carried up to the brain tell it about what is happening in the muscles and joints. The brain can then react by telling the muscles to work in a certain way, and so many potential mistakes and injuries are avoided.

To allow time to focus.This means we can concentrate on the exercise to follow, and if you are less distracted then you are less likely to have an accident.

To increase the range of movement available at joints.This is due to an increase in the elasticity of the tendons, muscles, ligaments and other connective tissues. So, for example, you may find that your kicks are higher after a warm-up than before.

To redistribute blood to where it is needed. Blood is diverted away from some areas of the body (e.g. gut) and into other areas (e.g. muscles and skin). This happens suddenly when we have a sudden shock, such as nearly hitting a car when riding a bicycle, or nearly slipping over on icy ground. After these, our legs tend to shake and feel wobbly, and we often feel 'sick' in our stomach. But if these same changes happen more slowly (as in a warm-up) then this is not a problem.

Diabetes Prevention List

2010-01-29T07:46:00.000-08:00

Do you have a history of diabetes in your family or are you yourself perhaps borderline diabetic?

If you face an increased risk of developing type 2 Diabetes, there are two things you can do right away to decrease your risk-eat your broccoli and drink your orange juice. According to researchers , vitamin C-rich products, such as broccoli and orange juice, are part of a growing list of things people can do to reduce their diabetes risk, in addition to losing weight and staying physically fit.

The American Diabetes Association estimates that medical expenditures associated with diabetes totaled $116 billion in 2007. This includes $27 billion for diabetes care, $58 billion for chronic diabetes-related complications and $31 billion for excess medical costs.

The best thing we can do is not to become obese, especially heavy around the belly, which correlates more directly than any other factor with type 2 diabetes.

But that is only the beginning. In fact, one of the most encouraging developments in recent years is the growing list of things we can do to reduce our diabetes risk.

For starters, we should avoid drinking sugar-sweetened beverages-colas and even fruit-flavored drinks, typically the products sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup.

Investigators are finding that people who drink lots of colas or sweetened fruit drinks have a higher risk of developing type-2 diabetes over a period of years. Even so, in the case of sweetened beverages, there are two notable exceptions; orange juice and grape fruit juice. In fact, researchers have discovered that one of these beverages in particular-orange juice-may have entirely the opposite effect, by reducing one’s diabetes risks rather than adding to them.

Other Vitamin C-rich products also should be considered, namely fruits, vegetables, and especially where vegetables are concerned broccoli.

RUN FOR YOUR LIFE

2010-01-28T22:13:00.000-08:00

Simply put, by adopting a running program, you could add years to your life and perhaps quality too. The Findings are based on a study by the Stanford University School of Medicine, which tracked 500 older runners over a 20 year period. The findings revealed that older runners have fewer disabilities, longer life spans and only half the risk of early death as non-runners.

This is an important lesson that often is lost among many, if not most of us. When we think of aging, we are apt to equate it with cancer and other chronic diseases. But aging and disease don’t necessarily go hand in hand.

One other basic reality of human life many of us tend to overlook is that we are natural born runners. In other words, we humans were programmed from an early stage of our development to run. Fitness experts stress that we are creatures of mobility.

So, will strenuous physical activity help us live to be 150? No. But by helping us ward off many chronic diseases associated with obesity and sedentary lifestyles, strenuous exercise may secure an excellent quality of life all the way up to age 90 and possibly even to 100.

What ever regimen you choose to adopt, just remember that the federal guidelines for exercise are only minimal recommendations. All of us can do much more in terms of exercise to keep ourselves healthier and possibly even to extend the length of our lives.

Simply put, we should be running for our lives!!

A lottery You always win!

2010-01-28T06:55:00.000-08:00

Many people buy lottery tickets. I’m not sure what the odds are but I don’t think they are too good. What if I told you that a $50.00 dollar investment and a small commitment of your time might increase your chance of not just living longer, but living longer with a higher quality of life than those who chose a more sedentary lifestyle.

The $50.00 investment I mention is the purchase of a good pair of walking shoes and the time commitment of 20 minutes a day. Walking is the cheapest and probably one of the best effective measures you can take to prevent chronic disease.

There is a mountain of research findings showing that the most physically active people tend to face the lowest incidents of chronic disease, including heart disease, hypertension, type-2 diabetes and even some types of cancer.

Even more acute problems, such as infections, often can be prevented through frequent exercise, such as walking, and finds that moderate exercise has been shown to boost the immune system. On the other hand, sedentary living is a major risk factor for several chronic diseases. Federal health experts currently recommend at least a 30-minute daily walk at least five times a week.

The idea is to walk as much as you can whenever you can, some people especially those pressed for time may want to break daily walks into smaller 10 and 15 minute increments scattered throughout the day. This comparatively minor investment in walking shoes could pay huge dividends over the long haul.

The upfront payment’ $50.00 for walking shoes and 30 minutes of your time is a lot cheaper than the steep medical costs you may pay later on after developing hypertension or diabetes through lack of exercise.

Over time, this walking program could be expanded into a full-fledged jogging program, which is more efficient in burning calories and exercising the heart, although you should consult a physician first. Walking and jogging are not the only option.

Other effective options may include TV exercise programs, a fitness DVD or even some of the new video games that require exercise to play. Other options include exercise bicycles or elliptical trainers, which often can be bought comparatively cheaply off the internet, at a yard sale or through classified ads.

Even developing a morning calisthenics program-push-ups, crunches, jumping jacks, and knee bends can be effective.

The important thing to remember is that there are a number of inexpensive and effective ways to stay fit.

Exercise is no guarantee you’re not going to get sick, but, in the end, it’s going to reduce your chances of developing chronic disease and acute illness, which, in turn, may make the lack of health insurance somewhat easier to bear.

Sickle cell anemia

2009-12-18T09:45:00.000-08:00

Sickle cell anemia is a hereditary disorder that occurs when a person inherits two abnormal genes (one from each parent) that cause their red blood cells to change shape. Instead of being flexible and round, these cells are more rigid and curved. The shape is similar to a crescent moon.

Normal red blood cells are shaped like doughnuts with the centers partially scooped out and are soft and flexible.

Unlike normal red blood cells that last about 4 months in the bloodstream, fragile sickle cells break down after only about 10 to 20 days, which usually causes anemia.

Signs and Symptoms
Teens with sickle cell anemia may develop jaundice, a condition that results from the high rate of red blood cell breakdown. Jaundice can cause the skin and the whites of a person's eyes to develop a yellowish tint.

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What Do Doctors Do?
To diagnose sickle cell anemia, doctors use a blood test called hemoglobin electrophoresis

There is no cure for sickle cell anemia, and it is possible for some people to die from the disease

Doctors can provide treatments that help prevent complications from the disease. Kids and teens who have sickle cell disease often take penicillin or other antibiotics to help fight infections.

What Can You Do to Stay Well?
With the right precautions, teens with sickle cell disease can do most of the stuff other teens do. To stay as healthy as possible, people with sickle cell anemia should take these steps:

· Eat a balanced, healthy diet.

Take vitamins, including folic acid supplements

· Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

· Avoid extreme cold or heat.

Exercise regularly, but in moderation

Tuberculosis?

2009-12-15T08:08:00.000-08:00

What is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and can affect any organ in the body but it is mainly affect the lungs.
When this microorganism reached the lungs by inhalation, one out of ten persons will be affected with active TB.

In the normal cases the immune system will prevent activation of this disease. While it will be activated due to any disease that affect the immune system (such as AIDS).

Transmission

Tuberculosis transmitted by inhalation of the causative microorganism, for that reason endemic and crowd areas should be avoided.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of tuberculosis is persistent cough with yellowish green sputum. Other symptoms include weight loss, fever and chest pain.

Treatment

To treat tuberculosis the patient must completely follow the instruction about the time of administrating the medications and the duration of the therapy which is range between six months and two years.

If the patient shows poor compliance, the microorganism will develop a resistant against these medications and the disease will need more complicated treatment.

Ten Ways to Tip the Scales in Your Favor

2009-12-15T05:16:00.000-08:00

Tis that special time of year once again…the holiday season. We feast at Thanksgiving and share the pleasures of Hanukkah, Christmas or Kwanzaa. We ﬁll our weekends with football parties and joyous celebrations with friends and family; We enjoy a wide array of fabulous foods and drinks that we may only get once a year - But unfortunately, many of us also ﬁnd the season ﬁlled with stress, overindulgence and anxiety.

Research shows that many Americans gain at least one to three pounds during the time between Thanksgiving and the New Year. A few pounds might not seem like much, but research shows that we never lose it. One pound becomes two, which becomes three, and before we know it, we’ve accumulated a significant amount of ‘holiday weight gain’ over the years. And with that extra weight comes the associated health burdens. That’s why it’s important to lighten up your holiday season and maintain rather than gain.

While the holiday season brings joy to our lives, the change in seasons, the added pressures of balancing work and home and preparing for special celebrations has its share of challenges. Consider these 10 general suggestions for getting started with a cheerful, healthful holiday season.

1. Be realistic.

Just as trying to lose weight during the holidays may be unrealistic, so are many other expectations we set for ourselves during this time of year. Give yourself a break and know that whatever you do is more than “good enough.”

2. Set boundaries.

Healthy boundaries are key to balance and moderation. Setting boundaries on shopping, spending, eating and drinking can help you avoid some of the stressors of the season.

3. Move your body… every day.

During the holidays, daily physical activity is especially important for weight management and stress management. In fact, research shows that people who slightly increase their physical activity between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day are more successful in maintaining their weight.

4. Eat small and regular meals.

Skipping meals to save calories may sound like a good idea. However, research has proven time and time again that meal skipping is a poor strategy for weight management. Eating smaller, regularly timed meals will keep you feeling light and energized.

5. Take a break.

Give yourself the gift of down-time for at least 15 minutes each day. Read a book, take a bath, have a cup of tea, practice deep breathing, or simply close your eyes and rest. Slowing yourself down will slow everything down.

6. Drink water.

Staying hydrated is essential to maintaining a high level of energy. Beat your energy slumps with a tall glass of ice water or a sparkling soda water with a twist.

7. Sleep.

With shopping trips, school plays and work parties, the holidays are a ticket to sleep deprivation. The National Sleep Foundation reminds us that adequate sleep, at least seven hours per night, will make the holidays merrier for everyone in your family.

8. Savor your food.

Parties, celebrations and fantastic food are hallmarks of the season. While it’s not necessary to be overly concerned about calories and fat, taking time to truly savor your favorite foods will result in more enjoyment and fewer calories. There are many opportunities to eat during the holiday season. Make them worthwhile.

9. Laugh often.

GETTING STARTED

Humor is emotional medicine. In an instant, a bout of laughter will improve your mood, boost your immune system and reduce your blood pressure, among other benefits. Laughter is a key ingredient to balance, enjoyment and good health.

10. Seek support.

Create a network of people you can turn to when you need support. If you find yourself feeling excessively stressed, overwhelmed or blue, seek support from your employee assistance program or a local mental health professional.

In addition to these suggestions, consider other ideas you can do to help you enjoy the holiday season, while remaining balanced, joyful and in good cheer. List them here and let others know!!

Avoid Unwanted Holiday Weight Gain

2009-11-29T07:50:00.000-08:00

There’s no problem gaining weight during this time of year. We seem to eat more and are less active as we spend more time indoors. Below are a few tips by which hopefully we can avoid the season's after effects:

Try drinking a glass of water before meals.
Eat low fat cheese and margarine, and increase your fruit and vegetable intake.

Another way is to burn more or at least as many calories as you take in. Loosely translated, get off the couch, get outside and get active.

Go split some firewood. Walk around the block…several times. Put down that leaf blower and pick up a rake to deal with those final piles of leaves.
Try and keep up with your kids (or grandkids) on their new Christmas toys.

There are several indoor exercise activities that people can do to burn extra calories. A 135-140 lb. person can burn the following calories with 30 minutes of these activities.

Dancing (77 calories),
Housework (126)
Mopping (119)
Scrubbing Floors and or Stair Climbing (200).

Outdoor activities are:

Biking (175 calories),
Jogging (250 calories),
Hiking (217) and
Walking (150).

Cancer Facts

2009-11-28T09:09:00.000-08:00

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In recent years, a number of significant advances in our knowledge of cancer have changed our outlook. Now we can think not only of long disease-free survivals but also preventing cancer. The significant advances in knowledge have changed the gloomy outlook of cancer. It was the realisation that 60 to 90 per cent of all cancers are determined by environmental factors. This means that if we can pinpoint the agent or agents in the environment, which leads to cancer, we can then either completely remove it from the environment or at least reduce exposure to it. In other words there is a possibility that the majority of human cancers are preventable.
The gap between the start of cancer and when it is clinically noticeable or gives rise to symptoms is in the range of fifteen to thirty years. Cancer is an insidious, slow growing disease, which for many years in its earlier stages does not affect the health of the individual. If the disease can be detected during the course of these years it can be effectively and more easily treated. It can thus be prevented from becoming a serious condition. With increasingly better understanding of the basic cellular mechanisms involved in cancer, specific methods of treatment for different forms of cancer are being discovered.

It is unlikely that there ever will be single magic cure for all forms of cancer, but gradually a more effective method of treatment is being found for different cancers. Individuals with some form of cancers, if the treatment is planned well, can look forward to a meaningful complaint-free survival for many years, where previously the life expectancy was counted in months. Over the years, data collected on the frequency of various cancers have shown that, some of them change with a passage of time, and this change can be linked to some change in the environment or social practices.

An interesting example of this is the sharp increase in the incidence of cancer of the mouth and throat in the community in which the habit of taking pan, betel leaf, with tobacco is very high. As the number of pan and tobacco chewers in the population goes down, the incidence of cancer of the mouth and throat also goes down. Similar is the experience with the habit of cigarette smoking; with its increase there is steep increase in lung cancer cases.

So far all efforts made to discontinue such habits have failed. On the contrary the habit of cigarette smoking is on increase. The most difficult and the most vital part of any cancer control programme is translation of research findings into practice, especially where they involve change in well-established social customs, business practices or personal habits. Many improvements in early detection of cancer have been made recently, and intense work is going on to discover even better methods. The greatest success to date in this area is of course that of carcinoma cervix, a fairly common cancer in this part of the world. With the help of yearly cytological examination of the high-risk women, most of the carcinoma cervix cases can be detected while still restricted to the superficial layer of the cervix.

A minor surgical operation is all that is required to remove the disease layer. In countries where this programme has been in operation for a number of years, there has been a drastic fall in the number of women dying of carcinoma cervix. Persuading the healthy to have regular check-ups for cancer will go a long way in reducing cancer-related suffering and death.

Once cancer has spread far enough to cause symptoms, treatment becomes more difficult and the chances of improvement decrease. Even in this stage, the earlier the person comes for treatment, the better are the chances of improvement. Ignoring the complaints or tying unproven remedies makes it worse. Treatment at this stage of disease is prolonged, and extensive and also expensive.

Cancer is a disease of which we should take note of its seriousness, but not by ignoring it or running away from it, but by systematically planning ways and means of combating it. With the knowledge presently available there are some cancers, which can be prevented from occurring, which is called primary prevention, and others, which can be detected early, and so treated successfully called secondary prevention. For those cancers, which so far as we do not know how to prevent or detect early are concerned, there are newer methods of treating them.

Fluoride and Bottled Water

2009-11-12T02:41:00.000-08:00

An official statement of the American Dental Association says, "There are no scientific studies to indicate an increase in the tooth decay rate because more people are drinking bottled water, Nonetheless, the ADA wants people to be aware that if they drink bottled water as their primary source of water they could be missing the decay preventive effects of optimally fluoridated water available from their community water source.

Although there there is no standard for a minimum daily dietary requirement of fluoride, the recommended level of water fluoridation for those who favor the process is from 0.7 to 1.2 milligrams per liter. Experts agree that there essentially is no such thing as a fluoride-free diet, but addressed the question of whether or not using fluoridated toothpaste would be enough for someone who consumed no dietary fluoride.

Drinking fluoridated water is more effective than using toothpastes or mouth rinses that contain fluoride. Fluoride from toothpaste is only on the teeth for a short time, whereas consumption of fluoridated water allows fluoride to continually be delivered to the teeth through the blood-stream and saliva. Fluoride can therefore also be incorporated into teeth as they form in childhood.

Therefore, it’s important that parents buying bottled water for their family determine how much fluoride is
present in the water,

Mesothelioma: The Compensation Myth

2009-03-29T22:35:00.000-07:00

It is common to hear stories of the “Compensation Culture” or claims that such and such a country is becoming “Risk Averse” as a result of people claiming compensation.

In the USA awards often include “punitive damages” which are effectively a fine. It is these that occasionally lead to very large payments, but even in the USA these are almost unheard of for workers claims against their employer. In fact many American workers are unable to claim damages against their employer because of laws which prevent them doing so, or because of legal restrictions on the amount that can be claimed. Most recently the US Congress agreed a law restricting the amount of compensation that could be claimed by asbestos victims who are dying from mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a rare tumour arising from the pleura or peritoneum it is particularly related to crocidolite exposure which may not necessarily be prolonged, as non-occupational or “neighbourhood” cases have occurred in those living near asbestos mines or factor.

It is essential to have your claim for compensation handled by a solicitor who specialises in Mesothelioma claims. When looking for more information relating to Mesothelioma law firm, I came across this great site - mesothelioma lawyer. This site contains in depth knowledge regarding the causes and treatment of Mesothelioma , as well as on the laws which can protect the victims of mesothelioma.

To Quote directly from the site:

This site is dedicated to providing important information to asbestos disease & mesothelioma patients and their families, so that they will be able to make educated decisions about how to proceed in terms of filing a claim.
You may have only ONE CHANCE to do it right, so make sure that you have all of the information about mesothelioma that you need before you do anything else

Five basic steps to avoid Osteoporosis

2009-01-28T05:36:00.000-08:00

A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Good sources of calcium include low fat dairy products, dark green leafy vegetables, almonds, and calcium fortified foods such as orange juice, cereals, and breads. If you do not get enough calcium each day from food, a calcium supplement may be needed. Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium absorption and in bone health. Many people get enough Vitamin D naturally through diet and sunlight, however some individuals may require a small dose supplement to ensure a daily intake of Vitamin D.

Weight-bearing exercise. Like muscle, bone is living tissue that responds to exercise by becoming stronger. Examples of weight-bearing exercise include walking, hiking, jogging, stair-climbing, weight training, tennis, and dancing.

A healthy lifestyle with no smoking or excessive alcohol intake. Smoking is bad for your bones as well as for your heart and lungs. Women who smoke have lower levels of estrogen and often go through menopause earlier. Smokers also may absorb less calcium from their diets. Regular consumption of 2 to 3 ounces a day of alcohol may be damaging to the skeleton, even in young men and women. Those who drink heavily are more prone to bone loss and fractures, both because of poor nutrition as well as increased risk of falling.

Talking to your healthcare professional about bone health, bone density testing, and medications. Be aware of current medications you are taking such as glucocorticoids, antiseizure drugs, and GnRH analogs can cause bone loss. Talk with your physician to see if you are a candidate for bone density testing and/or preventive medication.

Protect yourself from falls. Remove things you can trip over from stairs and places where you walk. Remove small rugs and avoid using step stools. In bathrooms, use non-slip mats and have grab bars put in the bathtub/shower and next to the toilet. Wear shoes that give good support and have non-slip soles. Also, have your vision checked regularly. You could need glasses or currently be wearing the wrong prescription. The optometrist will also check your eyes for glaucoma or cataracts that can limit your vision.

What is Osteoporosis?

2009-01-28T05:34:00.000-08:00

Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility and an increased susceptibility to fractures, especially of the hip, spine and wrist, although any bone can be affected.

Osteoporosis is often called the “silent disease” because bone loss occurs without symptoms. People may not realize they have osteoporosis until their bones become so weak that a sudden strain, bump or fall causes a fracture or a vertebra to collapse. Collapsed vertebrae may initially be felt or seen in the form of severe back pain, loss of height, or spinal deformities such as kyphosis or stooped posture.

What are the conditions that may cause osteoporosis?

Certain people are more likely to develop osteoporosis than others. Risk factors include:

Personal history of fracture after age 50
History of fracture in a primary relative
Current low bone mass
Being female
Being thin and/or having a small frame
Advanced age
A family history of osteoporosis
Estrogen deficiency as a result of menopause, especially early or surgically induced
Abnormal absence of menstrual periods
Anorexia nervosa
Low lifetime calcium intake
Vitamin D deficiency
Use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids and anticonvulsants
Presence of certain chronic medical conditions
Low testosterone levels in men
An inactive lifestyle
Current cigarette smoking
Excessive use of alcohol
Being Caucasian or Asian, although African Americans and Hispanic Americans are at significant risk as well

An Exhaustive Aromatic Herbs List

2009-01-09T01:40:00.000-08:00

If you haven’t found an exhaustive aromatic herbs list before then you are at the right place. Most of them are perennial and their benefits are numerous. A number of the aromatic herbs are scarce and hard to come by, hence having a list is very important. They include:

Chives- It belongs to the onion and garlic family and its origin can be easily traced from Europe. The plant has a bulb shape with thin leaves. The leaves are hollow, cylindrical and dark green with the flowers bearing a purple minute appearance. It can be used raw or frozen in trays of ice after chopping. In vinegars, it is used to add a light flavor of onions. The leaves can be snipped to create a soup that is sprinkled over already cooked fish to give it an additional flavor.

Sage- It has hairy leaves that are grayish green in color. It majorly grows in the Mediterranean Region. The oil of sage is used for cooking and for toning the skin as a prime medicinal role.

Oregano- It is hairy with squared stems. It is majorly used in pizzas and as oil for medicinal purposes.

Lavender- It belongs to the mint family and has lance shaped flowers. It is used in lotions, air conditioners and in skin oils for medicinal purposes.

A General Aromatic Herbs List

If at all you stay close to these plants, then most of your medical problems will soon stand solved. Have this aromatic herbs list because it will definitely assist you:

Aloe- The gel of aloe is rubbed on the skin to keep it supple and fresh.

Basil- It is a culinary herb and a bath ingredient. A sprig thereof can be spread in the car during road trips to refresh up your senses and keep you alert.

Chamonile- It can be used to heal both plants and human beings. It is simply added to a bath in order to relieve aching muscles or an irritated skin. It has a pleasant apple like aroma

Cilantro- It is popularly known as the coriander leaves or Chinese parsley. It has a powerful flavor used in different forms of cuisine.

Dill- It has been used since time immemorial back in Rome not only for healing purposes but also as a flavor for culinary dishes and a powerful decoration for the home.

Eucalyptus- It is used to make the eucalyptus essential oil that is significant in providing solutions to respiratory problems, wounds, the skin and other inflammatory ailments.

Foxglove- It is used as an ingestion herb. It provides a powerful cure to ailing hearts.

Garlic- This herb is used to maintain the cardiovascular system and to cushion against any heart problems. Lately, researchers are also using it to detect for cholesterol management.

Hyssop- This herb is often used as a flavor in green salads. It has also been used as an antiseptic and a cleansing agent. It also adds beauty to the garden as it is hardly attacked by pests.

Italian Parsley- This herb is used to add some flavor to stews, salads, vegetables and soups. It is also rich in Vitamins A and C which are essential for proper growth and eyesight.

Marjoram- This is an ancient Greek herb that has been used as an antiseptic, a minor antioxidant. It is a powerful flavor enhancer and commonly used in culinary dishes.

Mints- This herb assists in digestion, respiratory disorders, nausea and headache, sterility and other functions.

Mugwort- This herb is used during bath to relieve pain and aching muscles.

Rosemary- It has numerous uses. This beautiful needle-like shrub has a pleasant scent that adds flavor to food and vinegar. It is also used to rinse hair.

St John’s Wort- This herb uniquely cures nervous complaints. However, care should be taken because it can be toxic.

Wormwood- This herb is used in pets to repel fleas and in human beings to cure arthritis, bruises, rheumatism and sprains.

Yarrow- It exists in several forms and has commonly been used as a love charm because of its aroma and beauty.

Benefits of Keeping an Aromatic Herbs List

This is just but a comparatively exhaustive aromatic herbs list. It is important to keep this list somewhere because it will surely assist you. Since all artificial drugs are drawn from the natural herbs, it would be an added advantage if you get them first hand.

The ailments that these herbs cure may not be properly exhausted within the same list. Medical researchers and practitioners are currently conducting research on different areas and these herbs have been significantly used.

Keep a constant eye on the web for any arising uses of these and many other herbs. Who doesn’t want to live a healthy life? Let us take proper care for our health.

Eyes: The Jewels in our Crown

2008-12-09T07:01:00.000-08:00

Our eyes are priceless jewels given to us for free. Don't take them for granted. Awareness, protection and prevention are the keys to healthy eyes which can be affected by a host of problems. Birth defects like congenital cataract, squint, drooping eyelids and blockage of the tear duct are not uncommon and can be surgically corrected.

Delay due to social misconceptions can leave the infant with a permanent defect. Most children visit their eye specialist for blurred vision which can be corrected with suitable spectacles or contact lenses. Sitting abnormally close to the TV, looking through 'chinky' eyes, headache, mistakes at school are some of the signs that should alert parents. I must emphasise that sitting close to the TV is not the cause for the child needing glasses. It is because the child sees the TV blurred from the normal distance that he/she sits close so as to get a clear picture.

Contact lense users should always keep a spectacle pair handy. Never wear lenses if your eyes are red or uncomfortable. Patients above 18 can resort to laser correction, LASIK, to get rid of their error.

With rising pollution, allergies are very common and can be treated symptomatically. Infections like conjunctivitis and sties are usually minor. Viral conjunctivitis may affect the cornea and cause blurring. Macular dystrophy, in which the central retina degenerates, is a congenital disorder which is unfortunately irreversible.

Diabetic retinopathy is a major cause of irreversible visual loss, and its incidence is alarming. All diabetics should check their retina at least once a year, no excuses.

Do not wait for visual symptoms to appear and then run to your doctor. It may be too late. A patient can have normal vision in spite of severe diabetic retinopathy, which he is unaware of. Bleeding in the eye can cause blindness overnight.

Cataract surgery, phacoemulsification with foldable implants, is the most common eye surgery performed with excellent results.

The timing of surgery depends on the patients' needs. Nobody waits for the cataract to 'ripen' and the patient to go totally blind and then operate. The longer one waits, the harder the cataract becomes and the higher the risk of complications during phacoemulsification.

Macular degeneration, a scourge affecting the elderly and robbing them of their reading vision is largely irreversible in spite of some newer treatments emerging. Early symptoms include distortion, inability to recognise faces.

Floaters and flashes may signal a retinal problem. One should immediately rule out a retinal tear (which can be sealed with a short laser procedure) or a retinal detachment which will require major eye surgery.

Glaucoma is usually a silent disease in which the intraocular pressure damages the optic nerve. It can be controlled medically. Few patients may require surgery.

Eye trauma may range from minor (foreign body, abrasion) to sight threatening (perforation, bleeding, detachment).Protect your eyes at work and at play. Computer use will not damage your vision but can make your eyes chronically irritable.

If you have an eye problem do not self medicate or ask your chemist for some drops. Consult your eye specialist. The gift of sight is invaluable. It will help if we realise this before we lose it.

Health Plans in the USA

2008-10-01T05:57:00.000-07:00

India is one of the countries having the highest proportion of private health care expenditure in the world. Health insurance coverage in India is very limited, particularly among those who work outside the formal sector. Health insurance in both Government and private sectors (ESIS, CGHS, Mediclaim and other private health insurance schemes) covers a less than 10 per cent of the population.

The same is not true about the Schemes in U.S.A. There are a large number of Health insurance schemes and one such scheme in the State of California is the kaiser health insurance plans scheme. Kaiser Permanente medical centers are present throughout California and is the nation’s largest not-for-profit health plan. The Website at http://www.go2healthplans.com/ provides very good information on the various kaiser medical insurance plans available under this scheme. This website is one among a few select websites which allow for online enrollment to their health insurance schemes in a simple 1-2-3 format.

You can also compare between the various other insurance plans at this site.

Diet Pills: The Miraculous Weight Loss Formula?

2008-09-11T18:57:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW THAT?

The US population spends approximately 50 billion dollars per year on weight loss including low calorie foods and beverages.
That is 50 times the money spent by the United Nations for Hunger and Famine Relief
95% of the people gains back all their weight within the time it took to lose it.
One out of every 3 Americans is on a diet
40 million dollars a year is spent on advertising for over-the-counter diet pills
70 percent of young girls start dieting by the age of 10.

If you have ever considered losing weight, you have probably heard of the various kinds of diet pills available. Diet pills claim to "melt away the fat." They sound like the perfect solution to shed a few pounds, but research tells a different story. Diet pills became popular in 1996. The most common ingredients were Redux and fenfluramin/phentermine, which posed as appetite suppressants. The pills seemed to suck up the fat, and people were losing anywhere between 25-50 pounds in months. The FDA no longer approves the use of Redux or fen/phen, but new ingredients have made diet pills just as popular. An herb called ephedra is currently the most common substance in diet pills. Ephedra is still available for over the counter distribution, but the FDA is researching the side effects. Many cases of heart diseases and strokes have been linked to the herb. The use of diet pills is not recommended, but the advice does not stop many Americans. Diet pills are dangerous and should not be taken. The pills should be avoided because they do not provide a safe or effective way to lose weight, cause heart valve disease and other complications, and are used as a replacement for physical activity.

Christine Haller, M.D., a medical toxicologist, was interviewed about herbal weight loss for an article in Health magazine. The article notes, "In Haller's opinion, the risk far outweighs the potential benefit. When people ask her if they should try ephedra, she responds with a question of her own: 'Do you want to lose 10 pounds that badly?’.

Another reason to avoid diet pills is because they are used as a replacement for physical activity. Many people use diet pills as their last resort because nothing else has allowed them to lose weight. Popping a pill in one's mouth sounds so much easier than working out at the gym. However, research indicates that physical activity is essential to good health in many other ways than maintaining weight. A Report of the Surgeon General in 1996 states that regular physical activity improves your health and well-being by improving health related quality of life, reducing the risk of dying prematurely, promoting psychological well-being, decreasing feelings of depression and anxiety, helping to build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints, helping with weight management, assisting in increasing HDL cholesterol and decreasing the risk of colon cancer, lowering blood pressure in people with hypertension, reducing the risk of developing high blood pressure, aiding in the control and prevention of diabetes, and decreasing the risk of dying from coronary heart disease.

As little as 30 minutes of physical activity every day can lead to all of the above benefits. Weight loss is only one of the many benefits of physical activity. There are many other important benefits that only come with consistent exercise. When people take diet pills they usually have little or no exercise in their lives, which means that they don't get any of the other benefits of physical activity. Diet pills users often see rapid weight loss without exercising, so they quit exercising at all. The dieters don't realize how important exercising is for other body functions. The pill users are so excited to lose weight that they don't notice the negative affects diet pills have on their body. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to many health complications, so it is important to stay active and benefit form physical activity. If diet pills are not the source of weight loss, more individuals will incorporate daily exercise into their lives.

The Tale of Two Drinkers

2008-01-25T22:47:00.000-08:00

Is a glass of wine good for health? Or is it better to abstain? A discussion on the Goan drinking habit elicited this information. "People have no knowledge of wine", says a manager of a restaurant. "I can tell you," says he, "that although the market is flooded with different companies proclaiming the benefits of wine over spirits, the local people are not comfortable with the idea of having wine. They still prefer to have their usual shot of spirit or abstain."

Does wine have any health benefits? I decided to do a check on health benefits of wine. History has recognised the healthful properties of wine for thousands of years. Hippocrates recommended wines to purge fever, and disinfect wounds, around 450 BC. A French doctor wrote the earliest known printed book on wine around 1410 AD.

Most of the pathogens that threaten humans are inhibited or killed by the acids and alcohols in wine. Because of this wine was considered to be a safer drink than much of the available water up until the 18th century.

Wine is considered to be a mild natural tranquilliser, serving to reduce anxiety and tension. As part of a normal diet, wine provides the body with energy, with substances that aid digestion, and with small amounts of minerals and vitamins. It can also stimulate the appetite. In addition, wine serves to restore nutritional balance, relieve tension, sedate and act as a mild euphoric agent to the convalescent and especially the aged. If you do not believe me, read on:

Now we all know that the French love their wine. In 1991 the television news magazine "60 Minutes" reported the phenomenon that has come to be known as the French Paradox. Typically, the diet of people in Southern France includes a very high proportion of cheese, butter, eggs, organic meats, and other fatty and cholesterol-laden foods. This diet would seem to promote heart disease but the rate there was discovered to be much lower than in America. Hence, popular thinking of wine as medicine rather than toxin began to return.

Moderate consumption of red wine on a regular basis may be a preventative against coronary disease and some forms of cancer. The chemical components thought to be responsible are catechins also known as flavonoid. Catechins are believed to function as anti-oxidants preventing molecules known as "free-radicals" from doing cellular damage. One particular form of flavonoid, called oligomeric procyanidin, recently proved to prevent hardening of the arteries.
A Harvard study on factors that influence aging, reported in the May 8, 2003, issue of the journal Nature, has shown that resveratrol in wine extends the life span of yeast cells by 80 per cent.

Wine might even preserve cognitive function in the elderly. Several European studies have shown the effects of regular light to moderate alcohol consumption may include the prevention or postponement of Alzheimer, Parkinson and other forms of dementia. Could wine be the original brain food?

The Harvard School of Public Health conducted a 14-year study of over 100,000 women, aged 25 to 42. The health study required participants to complete a questionnaire every two years, detailing lifestyle choices and diagnoses of any medical conditions. The subjects were categorised into three levels of alcohol consumption. After factoring in such variables as family histories of diabetes and smoking habits, the study found that women who drank regularly and moderately (one or two drinks per day, a total of 15 to 30 grams of alcohol) had a 58 per cent lower likelihood of developing diabetes. But those who drank spirits and consumed more than 30 grams per day had a 150 per cent higher risk to develop diabetes than even non-drinkers.
The keys to the beneficial aspects of wine drinking are regularity and moderation. However, overindulgence can be considerably more harmful than total abstinence. Now even in terms of regularity and moderation there lies a tale. Studies in England and Denmark found the occurrence of coronary disease to be much higher in heavy or binge drinkers and (surprise!) even higher in abstainers. It is very important to note that Europeans generally drink wine and water with their meals, while Americans drink milk, iced tea, soft drinks, or coffee.

So just like the apple - a glass of wine a day, will help keep the doctor away.

Fixed Dental Bridge

2007-10-18T23:16:00.000-07:00

When the tooth or teeth are lost and not replaced, your teeth can drift from their proper position. This drifting can cause many undesirable consequences such as jaw pain and headaches from malocclusion (a bad bite alignment).

Drifting of teeth can make certain areas more susceptible to decay. Problems with the supporting structures of your teeth (gum and bone) can arise from the shifting of teeth as they try to fill a vacant area. In order to prevent the drifting of teeth, a fixed bridge may be recommended.

This will return your masticatory (chewing) system to a full complement of teeth. The teeth can then support each other and function beautifully together.

The teeth

(1) on either side of the space
(2) are prepared , as shown, to accept the bridge. A laboratory then fabricates the bridge
(3) very precisely. At a subsequent visit, the bridge is cemented into place over the prepared teeth (4).

Bridges can be fabricated from a variety of materials including gold, other metals and porcelain.

Suture Care

2006-10-19T22:43:00.000-07:00

IN ORDER FOR YOUR WOUND TO HEAL PROPERLY, THE FOLLOWING ARE IMPORTANT:

Keep the wound clean and dry (even when bathing) for the first 24 hours. Avoid swimming or soaking the wound until stitches are removed or 2 weeks if absorbable suture material was used.
After 24 hours, remove the dressing and cleanse the wound gently with soap and water. Redress as directed by your provider.
For wounds on the scalp, the hair may be washed gently after 48 hours.
Protect area from trauma.
Exposure to sunlight or tanning within the first 6 months can cause permanent discoloration of the wound. This can be prevented by limiting sun exposure, covering the scar, or using sunscreen SPF 30 or greater in the area during this time.
If you have steristrips instead of sutures, leave the steristrips on as long as possible. If they curl on the ends, trim the ends with scissors.

Notify the health care provider :

If you have signs of infection such as:
• Redness
• Swelling
• Increasing pain
• Discharge or drainage particularly if the drainage has a foul
odor
• Fever
• Red streaking from the wound

OR
• If you notice opening of the wound
• Sutures fall out before the scheduled time for removal

Permanent Side Effects From Laser Hair Removal

2006-01-04T02:00:00.000-08:00

Laser hair removal is an in-depth procedure that involves penetrating heat energy below the surface of the skin. For this reason, it is important to understand the possibility of permanent side effects before you even begin treating.

Since laser hair removal is a medical cosmetic procedure, there is a possibility for long-term side effects if the treatment is not administered correctly, or if specific guidelines are not followed. One of the biggest risks in laser hair removal that could cause permanent damage is sun exposure. When you begin your laser hair removal treatment, your technician will educate you on the need to protect yourself from sun exposure for up to 30 days before your treatment. The reason for this is that when your skin is exposed to the sun, whether you are tanning, gardening, or have spent a day at the park, there is a layer of melanin that accumulates below the surface. This is your skin's response to the sun, which it uses to change the color to a tan or burn to protect the outer layer of the skin from potential sun damage.

For this reason, it is highly important to wear an SPF every time that you are in the sun, and if you plan on having a laser hair removal treatment, it is also necessary to have no sun exposure or continuous sun exposure. The reason for this is that your level of sun exposure will create melanin underneath the surface of the skin. If you have no sun exposure, there is no cause for alarm. However, if you have continuous sun exposure, that means that the melanin underneath the surface of the skin is consistent, so the laser settings can be adjusted accordingly. The real problems begin when a patient has had one or two times of unprotected sun exposure within 30 days, meaning that there are undetected layers of melanin below the surface of the skin. The reason that this is such a risk is because the laser hair removal technician will not be able to determine the actual color of the skin based on the melanin content since it is below the surface. This means that the laser settings could potentially be too high, risking burning or blistering the patient.

This leads us to the reason behind permanent side effects in laser hair removal. If you have unprotected sun exposure that you do not reveal to your laser hair removal technician, you could potentially burn or blister based on the laser hair removal settings. Often times, the mildest form of blistering that you will see is a crust, which looks like a scab that forms on the surface of the skin. This is something that will subside within a few days, but it is still necessary to bring it to the attention of your laser hair removal professional. If you have a deeper burn or blister, that is also something that needs to be treated right away. If a crust or blister is not treated, it can lead to dark cells on the surface of the skin, also known as hyperpigmentation.

Your laser hair removal center can recommend a form of treatment to you, which can often include a bleaching cream that is safe for the skin, like hydroquinone, to be administered to the area after it has healed completely. This is the best way to attempt to lighten permanently darkened areas so that they return to their normal color. Hyperpigmentation due to blistering is also something that is incredibly common for darker skin types and ethnic skin tones.

If you have a darker skin tone and are undergoing laser hair removal, you need to make sure to communicate well with your laser hair removal specialist as to whether or not the treatment is painful. Darker skin tones have a high melanin content, so the laser hair removal settings need to be watched very carefully. If you start feeling heat or extreme pain, it could lead to blistering because of the amount of heat energy going into your skin. If a blister does occur, it will also have to be treated with a lightening cream product after it has healed completely to bring the skin back to its normal color.

The bottom line is that it is important to take precautions and stick to the guidelines for your laser hair removal treatment. This is the best way to prevent severe scarring, blistering, and burning, which can often happen due to sun exposure or improper treatment.

The Temporary Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal: What To Expect From Your Treatment

2005-12-21T02:38:00.000-08:00

Whether you are embarking upon your first or fifth laser hair removal treatment, it's important to understand the potential side effects that could occur. The truth is that there are many temporary side effects possible, even if you have not previously experienced them in your past treatments.
Some of the temporary side effects from laser hair removal treatment include:

Pain
Swelling
Folliculitis
Redness
Hyperpigmentation
Blistering

Many of these side effects can be avoided by sticking to the precautionary measures advised by your laser hair removal specialist, and also by using a trained technician to administer your laser procedure. The truth of the matter is that if your laser hair removal technician is not highly qualified, then you are more likely to experience temporary side effects, like blistering and hyperpigmentation.

One more thing to keep in mind is the fact that you must adhere to all of the guidelines before treating your skin. As an example, it is not advised to tan or have sun exposure up to 30 days before your laser hair removal treatment. If you forget or provide false information, then you are likely to blister or experience hyperpigmentation because your skin has too much melanin below the surface.

As a basic overview, pain is a very common side effect of laser hair removal. Many specialists will allow you to use a topical numbing agent after your first treatment to prevent excessive pain in the skin. If you are undergoing your first treatment, it is not recommended to use a topical numbing agent because your laser hair removal technician needs to know how your skin reacts to plan further treatments and laser settings. If you are undergoing your first treatment and the pain is severe, you can ask your laser hair removal technician to stop, and you can make an appointment for another treatment using a topical numbing agent to reduce the pain. You can also expect your skin to be sore to the touch for up to 48 hours after your laser treatment, but after that, the pain will subside.

If you experience swelling after your laser hair removal treatment, that is actually normal. The laser is penetrating heat energy below the surface of your skin, and if you have highly sensitive skin, then it is common for it to swell. This is also true in more delicate areas, like your upper lip, bikini area, and other areas of your facial skin. That is precisely why it is not advised for you to schedule your laser hair removal before any type of special event, like a wedding, vacation, or any time that you will be taking pictures. The odds are that you may swell after your laser hair removal as a temporary side effect, so make sure to treat well in advance of any special occasions.

Folliculitis is also another common side effect that is only temporary. It involves the swelling of the follicles, and it will look like red bumps on the skin. This is actually a good side effect because it shows that your treatment is working. You may experience severe folliculitis on your bikini area, or any other area that has very dense hair. If you have coarse hair on your face as a woman, or if you are a man treating your beard area with laser hair removal, then you can count on having severe folliculitis because it will take more laser energy to kill the hair at the root in denser areas. The folliculitis will subside within a few days, but it is important to keep track of how long you have folliculitis so that you can tell your laser hair removal technician upon your next treatment in case it was an extreme reaction. Likewise, redness is another very common side effect that will subside within a few days. This is especially true in sensitive areas.

However, if you experience blistering or hyperpigmentation, it is important to call your laser hair removal center right away to alert them of any reaction that you may have had. Blistering can often occur if you have had sun exposure, or if an improper technique was used in the laser hair removal. If the blisters are not treated properly, they can lead to hyperpigmentation, which is dark areas on the surface of the skin caused by outside damage.

As a rule of thumb, if you have a concern about any side effects from your laser hair removal treatment, make sure to contact your laser hair removal center right away so that you can receive the best care and preventative treatment!

Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis - Vincent's angina

2005-10-19T22:26:00.000-07:00

SYMPTOMS

Ulcerated areas on the gums that bleed easily.
Sore area on the gum line at the base of the teeth.
The gums between the teeth become blunted with possible swelling.
Painful and burning sensations on the gums.

CAUSES
A combination of:

Bacteria commonly found in the mouth that are allowed to collect between the teeth and gums.
Severe stress and/or change in daily routine.
Poor diet.
Insufficient sleep.

TREATMENT

Debridement of the gums with a special instrument by the dentist.
When it is warranted by a dentist, antibiotic therapy may be initiated for a 7 to 10 day duration.
Warm salt water rinses 3 to 6 times per day.
Brushing the teeth with peroxyl and baking soda mixture.
Well balanced diet supplemented with Vitamins B and C.
Adequate sleep and frequent relaxation techniques throughout the day.

PREVENTION

Every 24 hours you must maintain good oral health by flossing and brushing ONCE thoroughly.
Maintain well balanced meals with supplements of the water soluble Vitamins, especially Vitamins B and C.
Attempt to do some lifestyle changes in the area of reduced stress.
Get adequate sleep daily.

NOTE: Also known as TRENCH MOUTH, ANUG, or VINCENT’S INFECTION.

9 important steps to help children cope with disaster

2004-10-19T22:22:00.000-07:00

1. Reassure the children they will not be left alone and you are there to protect them.
2. Be aware of changes in a child’s behavior but also know that some children may not outwardly show distress.
3. Keep to routines as much as possible, naps, meals, etc.
4. Avoid allowing children to watch or listen to news coverage.
5. Give simple but truthful answers to questions and make sure children understand your answers.
6. Give children opportunities to express their feelings through activities such as play acting, drawing, storytelling, paining, etc
7. Be especially supportive of the children’s feelings and need to be close. Give lots of hugs, smiles and kind words.
8. Reassure children that they are not responsible for the disaster.
9. If possible take a moment away from the children and make sure you address your own fears and anxieties by talking with other adults.

Alcohol-based Hand Rubs (liquid, gel or foam hand sanitizers) in the Child Care Setting

2003-10-19T22:33:00.000-07:00

The use of alcohol-based had-rub products does not substitute for hand washing in the group care setting. Hand washing is required to remove visible soil. Alcohol-based hand rubs should be limited to instanes in which no sink is available. These products require an alcohol content of 60% or greater to be effective at killing germs. They are highly flammable.

■ Limit use of alcohol-based hand rubs to areas of the child care facility that are inaccessible to children, e.g., in a kitchen that is off-limits to children or in the maintenance equipment area. These products should not be accessible to children.

■ Discourage alcohol-based hand rubs for hand hygiene in child use areas. If used, it should be limited to situations where there is no visible soil on the hands, where sinks are not available, and where the use and control of containers of the chemical sanitizer can ensure that no child can have independent use of the container or dispenser.

■ Be sure that hand hygiene using alcohol-based hand rubs conform to the manufacturer’s instructions. The procedure for using alcohol-based rubs should include:

— Applying the required volume of the product to the palm of one hand and rubbing hands together, covering all surfaces of the hands and fingers until the hands are dry. The required volume should keep the hand surfaces wet for at least 15 seconds or longer if so indicated by the manufacturer.
— Checking the dispenser systems for hand hygiene rubs on a regular schedule to be sure they deliver the required volume of the product and that they do not become clogged or malfunction in some other way.
— Storing supplies of alcohol-based hand rubs in cabinets or areas approved for flammable materials.

■ Contact with Body Fluids: Follow Standard Precautions for Child Care whenever contact with body fluids occurs.

■ Staff Training: Educate all personnel about hand hygiene and the importance of appropriate hand hygiene practices to their health and the health of the children.

■ Monitoring and Evaluation: Monitor hand hygiene with unannounced and regular direct observation. When hand rubs are used, check how much of the product is being used to be sure the appropriate amounts get used up as a way to verify the staff who are authorized to use this method of hand hygiene are continuing to use the material as they should.

College Frehmen and the "Dorm Disease"

2003-10-12T05:23:00.000-07:00

High school graduates have more in common with newborn babies than one would think. Although departing the proverbial family nest, incoming college freshmen need vaccinations, too.

Meningococcal meningitis, the bacteriuin-induced inflammation of the lining ofthe brain, primarily affects first-year college students who live in dormitories. While health experts do not fully understand why this demographic is more susceptible than others, they have long believed that living in close quarters provides the most logical explanation.

For reasons that are not completely understood, young adults are susceptible to being infected as they go away to school and live in dormitories. The culprit, a bacterium called Neisseria meningitidis, is transmitted person-to-person and settles in its hosts’ nasal passages, where it can reside for days and even weeks at a time. The organism either remains in a hannless state or enters into the bloodstream and gains access to the brain where it causes infection. People whose immune systems have no prior exposure to the bacterium are the most susceptible to infection.

Out of approximately 3,500 cases of meningococcal meningitis each year in the United States, up to 10 percent of patients die within a few days to weeks of contraction. Even those who survive infection may suffer from serious neurological repercussions like permanent hearing damage.

Detection of bacterial meningitis can be tricky because of its non-specitlc symptoms, which may include tever, headache, malaise,nausea and vomiting. Photophobia, the fear of bright light, a stiff neck and a runny nose may also occur.

Although physicians are not always diligent about vaccinating graduating high school students, a growing number of colleges are treating incoming freshmen as soon as they set foot on campus. Getting vaccinated is a benefit to reduce the small but nonetheless real risk of getting this disease, which can be devastating.

Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome

2002-10-19T22:09:00.000-07:00

Infant deaths that:

Occur suddenly and unexpectedly
Have no obvious manner and cause of death prior to investigation
Excludes deaths with an obvious cause, such as, motor vehicle accidents

Potential Risk Factors:

Smoking during pregnancy and in the home- Keep a Tobacco free Environment
Babies sleeping on their stomach- Sleep Babies on their Back
Too many clothes on baby- Cuddle not Bundle the child
Over-Cluttered cribs (too many sheets, blankets, toys, etc…)- Baby sleeps alone

Sleeping Environment:

Co-Sleeping- Do not let children sleep with any person or animal
Bassinette or crib next to the bed is best

Breastfeeding- “Breast is Best”

Breastfeeding has many benefits for mother and babies.
Breastfeeding helps to keep babies healthy and well
Do not sleep with baby after breastfeeding