Summer provides an [...] No related posts.]]> Summer is already upon us! For many people, summer means fun in the sun. The kids are out of school, adults are going on vacations and it’s time for outdoor activities like riding bikes and hosting barbecues and much more. Staying healthy during the summer requires more than just eating the right foods.

Summer provides an excellent opportunity for everyone to get outside, increase their activity, and avoid a year-round sedentary lifestyle. But summer also holds risks such as heat, skin cancer and even tetanus. No matter what summertime activity you choose to participate in - fun and games with family or friends at the park, a cool and refreshing swim, or a backyard barbecue - the hot and humid days can take a toll on you and your family. It may be tempting to let your guard down on vacation, but you can have fun and stay healthy away from home and take your healthy lifestyle with you. As your family plans quality time together, incorporate your regular healthy habits into your summer - or take advantage of the time to start new ones.

“For some of us, the beginning of the summer is a better time for introspection and thoughtful change. We are motivated to plan something new when children get a break from school, many families take vacations and we all seem to enjoy life at the more leisurely pace that summer brings,” Dr. Joan Lang, chairwoman of the department of psychiatry at Saint Louis University School of Medicine noted.

Take advantage of the summer weather to enjoy walks or light exercise, such as gardening. It may improve your balance, build muscle mass, lower blood pressure, improve cardiac health, and provide other health benefits both emotional and physical. Whether it’s gardening or exercising, ease into it and gradually build your endurance. Watch the heat and your fluid intake, and you can enjoy summer in good health. There is much that you can do that will help you and your family stay cool and healthy during the upcoming hot winter months. Now is the time to get ready for a healthy and safe summer that can help reduce the risks of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes and also allergies, eye injuries, immune system function and more and this summer is a great opportunity for everyone to think about simple ways to start being more active, eating better and creating a healthy lifestyle that can last a lifetime.

Summer Infections and Conditions

There are many infections that are more common in the summer and can cause symptoms. Among the viruses that can commonly cause infections in the summer include enteroviruses, parainfluenza, and poliovirus. It is also important to keep in mind that different parts of the world have different seasonal patterns for when infections occur. So, if you are from the United States and you visit another area of the world on your summer vacation,’ then you may be exposed to people that are in the peak of their flu season. Or if you are around a lot of tourists, they can bring the infection to you.

Mosquito borne infections, commonly caused by the arboviruses, such as West Nile Encephalitis, St. Louis Encephalitis and dengue fever, are also more common in the summer, specifically the late summer, and early autumn.

Tick borne illnesses, although not caused by viruses, are also more common during the summer months, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Ehrlichiosis.

Another common summertime virus is the parainfluenza virus 3. This virus can cause croup, bronchiolitis, pneumonia or just a cold.

Another important cause of infections and illness in the summer months is food poisoning or food borne illnesses. Warmer weather, which help bacteria to multiply faster, and the increased number of cookouts and picnics in the summer, help to contribute to a rise in food poisoning during this time of year.

A variety of information regarding health issues that typically arise in spring and summer, including a natural approach for alleviating allergies; recognizing and treating heat exhaustion and heat stroke; a spring-and-fall regimen of body cleansing; revving up your immune system and using vitamin E to nourish cells and reduce the signs of aging.

A Natural Approach For Allergy Sufferers

In today’s busy and unfortunately progressively polluted world, many people are seeking ways to find more answers which might possibly provide an improved level of health for themselves and their families.

One major health issue surrounds the topic of Allergies. Probably the only good thing about an allergy is that it is often possible to help yourself by using just a bit of common sense. The key is to learn about cause and effect relationships such as what was eaten, touched or possibly even detected by smell in the days or hours before the symptoms erupted.

Of importance is to recognize allergies as early as possible. An immense amount of illness and heartache, often starting in infancy and then snowballing right through adulthood, could be prevented if this was done ahead of time. For most individuals, allergies are a seasonal or situational problem causing unbearable symptoms. The pollens of spring or your cat or dog may be the reason for your itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, wheezing etc. Yet for some people allergy symptoms never seem to disappear. They are a constant problem. Common environmental exposures and foods trigger these allergies (sensitivities) and therefore promote respiratory attacks such as asthma or emphysema. Allergies can become much more complicated than this.

Some recent studies indicate that certain foods can cause epilepsy in some individuals who also have other medical complaints and who also have typical or unusual forms of allergies. Similar studies also indicate that arthritis and migraine headaches can be caused by certain other foods for those particular individuals.

Once you suspect that an allergy or sensitivity to something might be the cause of your problem, then it is sometimes remarkably easy to determine why you are ill. One of the major areas of detection lies within our immune system. In essence, our immune system is causing the allergic symptoms in its bid to rid the body of what it sees as invaders. From one point of view, we can view an allergy as an inability to overcome something foreign. The allergen takes over and cannot be subdued and overcome and then the body then makes every attempt to eliminate the unconquered allergen.

Summer Eye Injuries

An estimated 2.4 million people in the United States suffer eye injuries every year, and most of them occur during summer. The result is that nearly 1 million Americans have permanent vision impairment due to injury, and more than 75 percent of these people become blind in one eye. As you set about your summer activities, doctors urge you to take precautions to make sure your eyes are safe. The most insidious eye injuries can come from the summer’s main attraction — the sun.

“Ultraviolet rays can cause sunburned corneas, cancer of the eyelid, and increased risk of eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration. But those diseases won’t develop until long after you’ve sustained an eye injury that you might not even know you have”, said New Orleans ophthalmologist Dr. Monica L. Monica.

Travel Health

Preparing for a trip and vacations takes planning and time. Proper planning is the best way to stay healthy during your trip. According to Healthwise Incorporated, a nonprofit organization, you should see a doctor at least 6 weeks before you go so that you’ll have time for immunizations and other health precautions you may need to take in advance. There are several factors to consider in preparing for a trip.

Your individual health needs such as if you have any chronic diseases or other health concerns, such as allergies, birth control or other medications, see your doctor. You may need to adjust your itinerary to accommodate your health needs. For example, if you have heart failure or a history of blood clots, you may need to take shorter flights with more stops to avoid long periods of sitting. If you have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other lung diseases, you may need to avoid stays in polluted cities or at high altitudes.

Evaluate whether you will be physically able to meet the rigors of your particular trip. Most travel typically demands more physical effort than is required at home. Boost your fitness by starting an exercise program, such as walking, in advance.

If you have health problems, carry a letter from you doctor describing your conditions, a list of your routine medications including their generic names, and written prescriptions for refills if you will be gone long. If you have diabetes, you can take precautions to prevent problems while traveling. Travel can make it hard to keep your blood sugar within a safe range because of changes in time zones, meal schedules, and types of foods available. Check your blood sugar level more often during your time away from home. When traveling, take extra diabetes pills and insulin supplies. You may not find your regular supplies wherever you travel. Double your normal amount of needed supplies for short trips. For long trips, have enough extra supplies to last for 2 weeks more than the length of your trip. To keep your blood sugar level, try to eat and take your medicine as close to your usual schedule as you can.

Leave your medications in the original containers, and pack them in a waterproof container in your carryon luggage. Take extra amounts of your routine medications packed in checked luggage in case of theft or loss.

Many doctors recommend that you take a first aid kit with items such as pain relievers, sunscreen, antifungal and antibacterial ointments, and anti-diarrhea medications, especially if you will be traveling to areas where modern medical care is not readily available.

Preparing for health risks while traveling is especially important if you are visiting other countries and areas, such as those in parts of Africa and Asia and many parts of South and Central America, where expert medical care may not be readily available.

Before you go, you should be aware of any needed immunizations or medications, disease outbreaks, food and water precautions, and any other preventive measures to take. Check your local or state health clinic at least 6 weeks before traveling so that you’ll have time for immunizations and other health precautions that may need to done in advance.

Make sure all of your routine immunizations are up to date for you and your family. These immunizations can protect you from diseases such as polio, diphtheria, measles, and rubella that have been virtually wiped out in developed nations but are still prevalent in some developing countries. If you will be traveling to a country where these infections are still common, check your immunity status. Some adults have not received all of these vaccines (especially measles, mumps, and rubella) and may be susceptible unless they have had the disease. Tetanus immunization should be updated before traveling if you haven’t received one in the last 10 years.

Hepatitis A is the most widely reported disease in return travelers that can be prevented by a vaccine. You can help protect yourself from hepatitis A while traveling by taking basic precautions such as boiling your drinking water, making sure food is well-cooked, and eating only raw fruits and vegetables that you have washed and peeled.

Malaria-risk areas of the world include large areas of Central and South America, Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic), Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and many South Pacific islands. You may need to take one of several different preventive medications depending upon the type of mosquito inhabiting that part of the world. These medications need to be taken daily during your travels and for a specified time after return.

Medical care in developing countries can be below standard. Before you go, get the addresses and phone numbers of embassies and consulates in the areas you will be visiting. If you get sick, these offices can help you find medical care.

Summer Health Tips

• Drink plenty of water; your body needs it to prevent dehydration during warm summer days. Take bottles of water with you, if you’re going out for any length of time. Remember, infants and toddlers can become dehydrated much more easily than adults, so be sure they get lots of liquids.
• If you have asthma or other respiratory problems, watch the air quality report for the day. Limit your time outdoors on days that have moderate to poor air quality outlooks. Plus, don’t forget to take your inhaler or other medication when you go out.
• Wear appropriate shoes for your outdoor activities. If you’re doing a lot of walking or other sports activities, skip those stylish summer sandals. Avoid blisters and sprains by choosing a good pair of walking shoes. Wear them with comfortable, cotton socks.

• Take a rest. Don’t push beyond your physical limits. At intervals, sit in a shady spot.

• Take cover. Sunburn is painful and unhealthy. Use a good sunscreen, and re-apply it frequently during the day. Also, wear a hat to keep cool and shaded.

• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing to help you stay cooler.

• Don’t forget sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s UV rays.

• Maintain your energy level by limiting your intake of fat and sugar; focus on carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables.

• Consume alcohol in moderation, and don’t drink at all near the time that you may be driving.

• If you are traveling by air, put prescription drugs in your carry-on bag, not your checked luggage. Travelers and their baggage are sometimes parted, and it may be dangerous to skip even one dose.

• It is particularly important to bring medicines with you if you are traveling abroad. Drug names, doses, and availability differ in different countries, and in some parts of the world, drug safety and effectiveness may not be up to U.S. standards.

• Check the labels on your medicines for the possibility that they might increase your sensitivity to sun and/or heat.

• Don’t store medicines in the trunk or glove compartment of your car or take them to the beach unless you will need them there. High heat and humidity can alter the potency of many drugs.

• If you are traveling with small children, make sure that all drugs are in containers with child-resistant caps. It may be difficult to keep medicine out of reach or under lock and key the way you would at home.

Tips Source: 1997-2003 American Council on Science and Health and 1997-2005, BJC HealthCare

Some Article Info Also Provided by CDC, Saint Louis University Health Sciences Center, news release, December 2004 and 1995-2004, Healthwise, Incorporated.

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Nausea and Vomiting

Very often during the first trimester nausea and vomiting, commonly known as morning sickness, occurs. This may start as early as the first missed menstrual period and last until later into the pregnancy. Morning sickness can happen throughout [...] No related posts.]]> Many complications could happen during the different phases of pregnancy. Some minor or bothersome complications include:

Nausea and Vomiting

Very often during the first trimester nausea and vomiting, commonly known as morning sickness, occurs. This may start as early as the first missed menstrual period and last until later into the pregnancy. Morning sickness can happen throughout the day, not only mornings.

The major cause for the nausea and vomiting is the rising level of certain hormones in pregnancy, especially beta HCG. By the 14th week of pregnancy, the symptoms usually subside and do not need medical treatment.

To relieve the nausea and vomiting, most women find eating dry crackers or drinking ginger tea helpful. There are also many natural remedies which are useful. In rare cases where vomiting is severe, dehydration may occur and hospital treatment may be required.

Heartburn

Heartburn, also known as acid indigestion or acid reflux, is a burning sensation that often starts from the below the breastbone and extends up to the lower throat. It is caused by the contents that reflux from the stomach. Heartburn is quite common during pregnancy, with many expectant mothers experiencing it for the first time. During pregnancy, hormonal levels are constantly changing, which may affect the digestive tract muscles and the way various foods are tolerated.

Pregnancy hormones, specially progesterone, cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, which allows stomach acid to seep back up into the esophagus, causing acid reflux. The growing baby also crowds the abdomen, pushing acids upwards. This causes discomfort, but is generally quite harmless, and usually occurs around the last few months of pregnancy. You can relieve heartburn by eating smaller meals throughout the day and eating slowly. Once again, homeopathic and herbal remedies can be very beneficial in alleviating the problem safely.

Fatigue

Many women experience fatigue during the first trimester because their bodies are under extra strain. Often you may find women taking more naps than usual so that their bodies can become accustomed to the idea of being pregnant. Generally, during the second trimester, women experience an increase in energy levels.

During the third trimester, energy levels drop again, as the body is carrying around more weight and preparing for labor and delivery. To combat fatigue during your pregnancy, rest as much as possible and avoid doing strenuous chores that may cause fatigue. Take time out for a relaxing massage or soak in a warm tub. Foot soaks or rubs are great for relieving aching feet!

Urinary symptoms

During the first three months of pregnancy women urinate frequently as a result of hormonal changes and the enlarging uterus pushing down on the bladder. There is also an increased risk of developing a urinary tract infection with symptoms of pain, burning, bleeding or pus in the urine.

To prevent urinary infections, women should drink plenty of water to clear the body’s system and detox. Remember to make trips to the bathroom frequently, rather than delay it. Biochemical tissue salts to treat urinary tract infection during pregnancy are also an option.

Constipation

As the uterus expands, feelings of constipation may occur. When a high amount of progesterone is released into the body, the muscles of the intestine lose some of their strength, slowing down the passage of food through the intestines. To prevent constipation, eat foods rich in fiber such as fresh fruit, vegetables, bran or wholegrain bread and drink lots of water.

Leg Cramps

At various stages of pregnancy, leg cramps may occur due to the changes in the blood circulation in the legs as well as the excess weight being carried. Relieve leg cramps by increasing calcium and magnesium intake, stretching, walking, taking warm baths, through massage or applying a heating pad on the affected area.

Breast soreness

During pregnancy, breasts are fuller, sensitive, swollen and tender. Other changes that may occur in the first trimester include darkening of the skin around the nipple (areola) and distinctive veins across both breasts. Wearing a comfortable, supportive maternity bra should relieve discomfort.

During the last trimester, begin to prepare the nipples for breastfeeding. Herbal creams are useful, and it is of great benefit to expose the nipples to sunlight for about 10 – 15 minutes every day – but be sure not to overdo it!

Itchy skin

Many pregnant women may experience some kind of skin itchiness due to the changing hormones within the body. Itchiness that  occurs over the growing abdomen is caused by the stretching of the skin. It is also quite common to experience red, itchy hands and feet, which are believed to be caused by increased estrogen levels. In some cases, there may also be itchiness around the vaginal area, caused by a fungal infection such as thrush.Itchiness around the anus could be due to hemorrhoids. Moisturizer, aromatic oils or aqueous cream will help to relieve itchiness on the stomach, hands and feet. Consult a doctor if experiencing thrush or hemorrhoids.

Piles

Pregnant women often develop piles, also referred to as hemorrhoids. They are caused by changes in the circulation of the blood around the pregnant woman’s body and may develop during pregnancy as well as during labor when pushing. Take fiber supplements and stool softeners to soften stools. Taking warm baths, applying ice packs or a natural hemorrhoid cream will help to relieve pain and discomfort.

Backache

Backache is very common during pregnancy. It occurs as a result of the extra weight and size of the uterus and breasts. Because of this, the muscles in the back have to work extra hard to support balance, causing lower back pain. To ease backache, rest as much as possible, take warm baths, or massage the affected area.

Swollen ankles

Swelling, also known as edema, occurs due to water retention. It mainly affects the extremities, particularly the ankles and toes during the third trimester. When the enlarged womb puts pressure on your pelvic veins, the pressure slows down the return of blood from the legs, causing accumulation of water around the ankles. Swollen ankles may be relieved by elevating feet when sitting, exercising, massage or wearing supportive tights.

Pins and needles

Pins and needles in the hands may also be experienced during pregnancy due to the build-up of fluid around the wrists, compressing the nerves that run into the hand muscles. This condition is also known carpal tunnel syndrome. It may be accompanied by some pain and numbness. Wear a molded wrist splint to ease the discomfort of pins and needles.

Varicose veins

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that are usually found in the legs. Women are often affected by varicose veins during pregnancy because the changing hormones cause the walls of the blood vessels to relax, and the growing uterus places extra pressure on the veins in pelvis and legs. To prevent varicose veins from occurring, elevate your feet as much as possible, wear supportive tights, and practice gentle exercises regularly. Regular use of biochemical tissue salts will also help to prevent this condition.

While the majority of women sail through pregnancy with only minor complications, certain women may experience more severe pregnancy complications that involve threatened miscarriage, miscarriage or stillbirth. There are a multitude of different factors which may cause these rare but serious occurrences. Attending regular pre-natal check ups, eating healthy, managing stress levels and having sufficient exercise and sleep will go a long way to achieving a healthy pregnancy.

Other Complications Possible During Pregnancy

● Abnormalities in the uterus
● High blood pressure
● Anemia
● Ectopic pregnancy
● Pre-eclampsia
● Gestational diabetes
● Molar pregnancy
● Low amniotic fluid
● Placenta praevia
● Obstetric cholestasis
● Polyhydramnios

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Benign prostatic hyperplasia, as is evident from the name itself, is benign in nature and a common condition among a large majority of men, [...] No related posts.]]> The prostate gland is a small walnut sized gland that can bring about a drastic change in your sex life. Prostate problems arise from a benign or malignant growth in the gland.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, as is evident from the name itself, is benign in nature and a common condition among a large majority of men, usually after they cross the age of forty. Malignancy in prostate grows slowly and is contained within the gland in most cases. However, in many cases it can spread outside the gland too.

Prostate health and advancing age has a dual effect on the sexual capabilities of an individual. On one hand prostate medicine or other treatments like radiation and surgery can result in a side effect that is related to sexual capabilities. On the other hand, advancing age in its own right can decrease sexual prowess.

During or after treatment for prostate enlargement, men may go through a period when they face erectile dysfunction, which is an inability to retain an erection long enough to have sex. Other sexual problems include pain during sex, orgasms without ejaculation and a difficulty in reaching orgasm.

The main reason behind erectile dysfunction is considered to be the reduced flow of blood into the twin, spongy tissue-filled muscles that run through the length of the penis.

Further problems arise when the body starts responding again and men want to make up for the lost time and desire more sex than before. In addition the desire and inability to have sex work at cross purposes to lead to anxiety and low self-esteem. The physical and the psychological factors together make a deadly combination for further deterioration.

All the above mentioned factors have the capacity of building up tension in any type of sexual relationship. Marriages may be made in heaven but they have to be lived on earth. There are drugs and herbs for prostate enlargement that also address to this aspect of prostate treatment and should be explored. However, men can also take certain steps to ensure a healthy sex life even with a prostate problem at hand.

• Stay fit - increase exercise.
• Quit smoking.
• Change to a diet rich in vitamins E, D and A, selenium and lycopene.
• Consult an urologist and a sex therapist.
• Don’t give up because persistence and patience always pay.
• Remember you are not alone and your partner is equally anxious. Involve her and explain your situation.

The change in diet, physical fitness and a better lifestyle will take care of the physical aspect to a great extent. A specialist, persistence and the partner’s involvement will go along way to help clear the psychological web that men are liable to weave around them.

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As the gland increases in size it starts putting pressure on the urethral canal leading to problems with [...] No related posts.]]> Prostate enlargement like menopause and hypermetropia (inability to see near objects) is a middle age problem. The prostate is a male gland that practically doubles its size during puberty due to certain changes in the male hormone testosterone.

As the gland increases in size it starts putting pressure on the urethral canal leading to problems with urination. The symptoms start once men reach fifty and increase with advancing age. The symptoms are in proportion to the pressure that is applied on the urethra but some men are lucky not to experience them despite the enlargement.

The growth of prostate is usually benign and known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) but there is always a risk of the growth becoming malignant. One of the symptoms of BPH is an aching pain in the loins due to cystitis or acute retention of urine in the bladder.

A major problem arises when the enlargement is accompanied by pain. Prostate medicine mostly targets urinary symptoms and reducing the size of the prostate. Patients have to take separate medication for pain relief. As prostate treatment may last for a long time, taking too much medication is often frustrating. In addition, the side effects of drugs too need to be managed.

A sitz bath is often recommended for easing the pain the natural way to avoid over medication with pain killers. A sitz bath is a bathtub in which your buttocks and hips are immersed as if you were sitting in a chair and you bathe in a sitting position. A hot water bath in a normal tub can be equally effective provided you keep your arms and legs out of the water.

Immersing the whole body in the tub tends to disperse the heat and reduce the focus on the buttocks and hips. The water should be hot, as hot as you can bear without burning yourself. A minimum of thirty minutes in the bath, all the while draining some water as it cools down and replenishing with more hot water, can be very effective in relieving prostate pain. The heat helps the blood to flow better. A spray of cold water on the prostate area after the hot bath will cause a quick constriction of blood vessels as if squeezing blood and toxins.

Herbs for prostate enlargement like saw palmetto and stinging nettle can help relieve prostate pain and reduce the size of the gland. Homeopathic remedies like Thuja Occidentalis ( Arbor Vitae ) Cantharis (Spanish Fly), Hydrangea ( Seven Barks) Solidago Virga (Golden Rod) are some of the proven pain relief remedies for pain in the prostate region, kidneys and bladder due to BPH.

Once the symptoms of prostate enlargement surface they can progress rapidly. Managing both BPH and pain at the same involves a long term regime of medications that have troubling side effects. Urinary problems of incontinence, dribbling and frequency can affect the quality of life in old age.

Natural treatments can go a long way in avoiding side effects of conventional drugs, relieve pain and improve prostate health.

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