health tips

Things You Can Do to Maximise Your Metabolism

2010-08-26T02:47:00.001-07:00

Our metabolism is thee term used to refer to our body's ability to perform tasks. In particular it is used to refer to tasks of a metabolic nature which involves burning fat and fuel to give us energy throughout the day. Thus those with a fast metabolism find that they have slim physiques and that they have lots of energy. Such people tend to be the ectomorphs or the mesomorphs among us. This is the opposite to anabolic processes, which are those that involve the body using proteins (amino acids) in order to build and repair parts of the body.
The ability to increase your metabolism then would mean you could reduce your bodyweight while eating as much or more, and that you could be more energetic as a result. While genetically we are born with a faster or slower metabolism naturally, the speed at which our metabolism operates can still vary within that area. When our metabolism is running more quickly then all our body's processes will be sped up and we will find that our heart rate is increased and the blood pumps around our body faster. This then means in turn that you can purposefully increase your metabolism and so burn fat. Here we'll look at some ways to do that.
Get hot: When we are hot our metabolism increases and our body works faster – presumably partly in order to cool us down. Going in a sauna then is a great way to increase you metabolism. Alternatively using a 'sauna suit' which is a sweat inducing foil suit during exercise can also help you to increase your metabolism and burn off fat.
Get cold: When you are cold this causes your metabolism to speed up as well as your heart rate to increase and your body to shake and chatter. All of this is in order to return your heart rate to normal and will burn fat and speed up your metabolism.
Get high: Not 'high' as a kite, but as in high up. Here the air is thin and you will find that you are forced to breath more quickly to get more oxygen which in turn speeds up the rate at which the blood goes round your body and you burn fat. Altitude training is working out or running while at high altitudes which benefits from both the thin air and the cold temperature to increase fitness.
Use stimulants: The other sort of getting high could potentially increase your metabolism too though, if achieved using a stimulant. Some steroid drugs for instance increase your metabolism, as do crack or ecstasy. Of course though it is not a good idea to consume these drugs which also have a range of highly unpleasant and often very dangerous side effects and can prove fatal. However other stimulants do not carry such dangers such as caffeine which can greatly increase your metabolism, and guarana which is found in a lot of energy supplements and has similar effects to caffeine (without some of the less pleasant ones such as shaking and headaches). Green tea has also been shown to be a great stimulant and can also help you to burn fat.
Eat energy foods: Energy foods will give your body the fuel it needs to go faster, thus sugars and carbs can result in your metabolism speeding up. If you are trying to increase your metabolism in order to lose weight however then of course this is fairly ineffective as the increased energy will only last until the extra food you have eaten has been burned off or stored as fat.
Eat often: Eating little and often is something that models are encouraged to do and it also has many other health benefits helping us to maintain a constant supply of energy, giving us less indigestion, and yes, speeding up our metabolism.
Stay active: Being active is the best way to increase you metabolism both in the long term and in the short term. Doing an intense workout then will mean that you increase your metabolism and burn off fat, but that you then have a generally faster 'resting' rate for both which will ensure you keep burning it off quickly. There are other ways you can stay active too, such as using the stairs instead of the lift and even just tapping your foot under the desk, all of which will keep your metabolism high.
Use your head: Thinking hard requires the same energy as exercise and if you keep challenging yourself mentally you will find it increases the rate of your entire body.
Stay awake: Wakefulness is considered a 'metabolic state' in that it causes us to burn fat and use up energy. By the same ticket being asleep is an anabolic state where we repair the damage done throughout the day – building muscle, causing us to grow (when we are younger at least) and helping to reinforce memories. While staying awake will not make your metabolism faster than normal then, but will keep it going faster for longer meaning you burn more fat. Obviously sleep has lots of other very crucial benefits so its important to ensure you get at least a minimal amount as long as you do not sleep excessively. At the same time you should be careful not sleep immediately after a large meal when you will want your metabolism to be high.
Source: Health Guidance

Do Angiotensin Receptor Blockers Cause Cancer?

2010-08-25T03:53:00.000-07:00

By Christopher Jacoby

What are angiotensin receptor blockers? This question would come to any reader’s mind first while going through the title because of the reason that these drugs are really uncommon. Their implementation and usage is so particular that no one has really considered knowing of what their functions are and what outcomes they could promote into the human body as well. However, a few years back a research has shown that angiotensin receptor blockers that are used by tens of millions of patients can cause a deliberate increase in cancer of several kinds and forms. It could either be lung cancer, blood cancer or bone cancer.
Angiotensin receptor blockers have been used for the past decade in the medicinal field to reduce blood pressure and increased heart rate within a short time span. Commonly abbreviated as ARB, angiotensin receptor blockers work for the dilation of blood vessels readily by the action of a series of hormonal cascade. The series of reactions make sure that the lowered blood pressure is resolved normally. The first step in the reactions is the formation of rennin through kidneys when they determine the lower blood pressure in the blood stream. As a consequence, rennin stimulates the production of a chain of proteins known as angiotensin 1 which is then converted into angiotensin 2 by an enzyme present in the lungs. This angiotensin 2 is released in a sufficient amount so the blood pressure could be brought back to a normal count. During all this process, the angiotensin amount remains fluctuating.
This fluctuation in angiotensin however is disrupted by a few of the drugs that are used in the treatment of hypertension, heart failure and diabetes-related kidney damage. The constriction of blood vessels result in the reduction of blood pressure that imbalances everything. This blood supply that is imbalanced causes the lymph nodes of the body to restrict their secretions; the lymphatic drainage being improper results in tumor formation in several regions of the body. This virtue is specific for the tissues of breast, lungs and blood capillaries. Renal carcinoma and colon carcinoma is most common form of the diseases that develop from such conditions as well because the angiotensin receptor blockers are directly related to our digestive and excretory systems.
A relation between angiotensin receptor blockers and cancer was identified when the outcomes of the Candesartan in Heart Failure Assessment of Reduction in Mortality and Morbidity (CHARM) study came out in the year 2003. Since then, several publications have indicated the fact that we need to refrain from such therapeutic drugs.
Angiotensin receptor blockers however have different effects on different people. Most of the time, they have negative effects on the patients that are allergic to the reagents. Cancer is the severe form of the side effects these blockers can have on the body cells; apart from cancer, these can also cause coughing, low blood pressure, headache, diarrhea, rashes, nasal congestion, leg pain and some other concerns as well.
Source: Health Guidance

3 Ways to Quit Tobacco Smoking Naturally By Christopher Jacoby

2010-08-25T03:46:00.001-07:00

Where to begin with the ways to quit tobacco smoking naturally?
The question sounds like a dumb one, I obviously know it. However, due to the very much alike obstacles that each tobacco addict faces, the 3 ways are divided into different categories based on the strength of the smokers’ practice. The first method is recommended for adult smokers or the ones who have been smoking heavier than others to make good use of mental and spiritual support. In the second method that is for average smokers, includes the use of products that would substitute nicotine for the habit of smoking to end. Moreover, the last and third step, you’ll need a quit smoking products that are natural for the severity of the grasp of nicotine in the body, relieving the powerful symptoms of withdrawal.
1. Starting for a Heavy Smoker to Begin With the Process of Quitting
Heavy smokers that smoke for two packs a day and more will require every means to avoid the feeling of wanting to smoke. This makes a mental or spiritual highly recommended for the preparation for the process of one self. The support that is required maybe by a hypnotist, psychiatrist, motivational mp3/tapes/cds or it can be your best friend or anyone that is willingly to be by your side when you needed help. Finding a support is not important in this matter, what’s important is to identify what’s inspiring you when your motivation starts to drag you down. You must find someone that would inspire you to stop the habit to be able to move to the next stage.
2. Breaking My Cigarette Habit
The second method to quit tobacco smoking naturally is advisable for average to heavy smoker focusing on the removal of the aspect of cigarette smoking habit by the use of nicotine substitute. This can easily be distinguished with the nicotine addiction alone as will be shown in the last method.
In the second method, you as a smoker get to acquire two goals. The first one will be stopping the purchasing habit of tobacco as well as burning and inhaling of its smoke. The second one will be making you circulatory system live and develop without the intake of tar in the blood and lungs. The purpose of achieving these two methods is to train the mind and body to resist inhaling smoke for the immediate cleansing of the body from numerous chemicals that smoking tobacco cause.
3. Getting Rid of Nicotine Completely
Heavy smokers must complete the step 1 and 2 before reaching this final step while the average smoker must at least finish the second method and the light smokers that smokes less than a pack a day may start off with this final step.
When you get to this step, you are ready to cut off nicotine completely from you. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is found very effective for the suppression of symptoms during the withdrawal period. You will find different forms of this such as patches, gums, spray and lozenges that are purchasable in the market today. With NRT there’s a chance you can stop and quit smoking for good.

Things You Need to Know About Viagra

2010-08-25T03:43:00.000-07:00

There are many cases when scientists tried to create medicines for treating different diseases and ended up creating cures for other diseases. One example in this matter is Viagra. Viagra was originally designed to treat angina.
During the studies it was shown the fat that Viagra had no results in treating sufferers from angina. However, other benefic reactions were noted. Viagra had great effect in treating erectile dysfunction. The creators of Viagra, Pfizer decided that it is best for them to release Viagra as an erectile dysfunction medicine.
As it was the first medicine designed to fight against impotence, a huge amount of publicity was made around Viagra. Pfizer had not expected the big sales and the great publicity that Viagra got after launching. Even if some of the puritans did not accept Viagra as an option to treat impotence it was slowly accepted in societies as its effects were clear.
Viagra was seen as the blue pill. Everybody referred to it that way. The general belief was that no man under 70 should use Viagra as it was a proof of impotence otherwise. This conception was slowly changed as more and more people were happy with the results of using it at under 70 ages.
These days you should not feel ashamed if buying Viagra as it is something normal. This is because you can use Viagra in more ways than it was originally created for. Women and men both use Viagra in order to have a greater sexual experience.
Nowadays, there are other medicines in the field of sexual stimulants. Therefore, there are many who prefer other stimulants because of the bad publicity surrounding Viagra these days. The truth is that the number of people using Viagra is very high. This way the side effects experienced by some people are only a few in comparison with the total number of users.
One of the main confusions created related to Viagra's bad publicity is the number of people who manifested side effects. Another mislead is related to the people who experienced these side effects. Viagra is not recommended to several categories of people so when looking for the total number who suffered side effects one should exclude the ones who deliberately or without intention do not read the recommendations.
Many times the misuse is taken into account when reporting the number of people who experienced side effects after using Viagra. Misuse is the second confusion created about Viagra's problems and side effects.
By Christopher Jacoby

Molecular biology and biotechnology building block of medicine of the future

2010-08-25T02:06:00.001-07:00

Molecular Biology and Biotechnology has been described as the backbone of evidence-based medicine.
Speaking at a workshop by the Division of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Chairman, Board of Directors, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Prof. Ed B. Attah said that molecular biology and biotechnology is the building block of medicine of the future.

This according to him is because it seeks to understand biological processes at the molecular level. And by so doing, disease can be attacked at source by altering the chemical reactions at the molecular level.

Director General, NIMR, Prof. Innocent Ujah stated that molecular biology also enables diagnosis and evaluation of the prognosis or remission of other diseases such as down syndrome, Tuberculosis, malaria, helicobacter, pylori etc.
In addition he said, some blood borne pathologenes which cannot be really and reliably identified by traditional culture techniques could also be diagnosed using molecular biology technique.

Head of Division of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, NIMR, Dr Sarah Smith stated that the theme of the workshop is focused on the fact that molecular biology also enables disease diagnosis and evaluates prognosis or remission of diseases. Such diseases she said include cancer.

In his speech, Chairman, NIMR Board, Prof. Ed. B. Attah, said, “Molecular Biology and Biotechnology is the building block of medicine of the future because it seeks to understand biological processes at the molecular level. By so doing diseases can be attacked at source by altering the chemical reactions at the molecular level.

“Molecular Biology is being applied to resolve paternity disputes by DNA analysis, prenatal diagnosis of sickle cell disease by analyzing blood of the for his in harvested chorionic villi, identifying the causative agent in peptic ulcer in Helicobacter pylori etc,” he said.
Contributing, Director-General, NIMR, Prof. Innocent Ujah stated, “the theme of this year’s workshop- “Molecular biology: the backbone of evidence based medicine” is captivating and very imperative based on the current trend of evidence-based medicine all over the world. Molecular biology encompasses many areas of scientific and medical knowledge and research. It is at molecular level that researchers may study the genetic components associated with a cancer such as cancer of the breast, cervix and lungs.

“Through such research findings, it is possible to introduce new genes that could fight cancer, or create new cells to replace the ones that are known to cause cancer. It therefore means the molecular biologist may simultaneously, be finding both the cause and cure of cancer. If and when such research outcomes can overcome such dreaded pathology, then the world will have a sigh of relief following such feat in human technology.

Molecular biology also enables diagnosis and evaluation of the prognosis or remission of other diseases such as, down syndrome, TB, malaria, helicobacter pylori etc. additionally, some blood borne pathogens which cannot be readily and reliably identified by traditional culture techniques could also be diagnosed using molecular biology techniques,” he said.

In her speech, Head of Division of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, NIMR, Dr Sarah Smith, stated, “The theme of the workshop is focussed on the fact that Molecular biology enables disease diagnosis, evaluates prognosis or remission of diseases. Such diseases include cancer. The techniques used offer faster and efficient methods of diagnosis and in the long run could be cheaper. Molecular biology also enables diagnosis of microorganisms that are hitherto difficult to culture (slow growing or fastidiuos) or unculturable e.g. Helicobacter pylori, M. Tuberculosis and early diagnosis of genetically inherited diseases.
“It might interest you to note that as a fall out of last year’s workshop we have one of the participants’ husband obtaining the prestigious Alexander von Humboldt fellowship (Germany) of which I am a recipient and the couple are right now in Germany, with the husband doing a one year post doc. In addition, about 32 BSc, 6 MSc and 6 PhD students been to our lab for various projects since the workshop. Last year, of the 48 participants 22 comprised lecturers, 10 medical doctors and the remaining pre and post graduate students.

“The participants this year include two Profs., six doctors (from Research Institute), eight lecturers, three Med Lab Scientists, 16 PhD and lecturer Graduate Assistants. All participants have represented the 6 geo-political zones in the country.

“Our lecturers and practical sessions are aimed at broadening our knowledge, improving our research skills and equipping our participants with modern day technology in evidenced-based medicine using molecular biology which I believe will contribute to good healthcare delivery and reduce the challenges of Millennium Development Goals (MDG) for the people of Nigeria,” she said.

Magnetic therapy prolongs human life to 400 years

2010-08-25T02:02:00.001-07:00

Magnetic therapy has been known as the best mode of treatment. It is 100 percent drugless, 100 percent natural and 100 percent safe. It is about magnet that has North-pole and South-pole. Everything on earth is directly or indirectly influenced by magnet because the earth itself is a huge magnet. Human life is also a dependant of magnet. Every human cell can be viewed as a small magnetic unit. This property is present in all organs. Each organ produces its own magnetic field. Any disturbance in this magnetic field indicates a disorder which can lead to many illnesses. Magnetic therapy restores the natural vibration frequency of organs and re-establishes coordination between them. Thus, disease disappears and health is regained.

This disturbance in the magnetic field can either be external factors, like bacteria, virus infections, cold wind, etc or internal factors like faulty diet, irregular life, addictions, mental tension and an indiscriminate’ use of medicines. So, a person desirous of maintaining or regaining health should understand these factors and keep away from them.

The efficacy of this therapy has been proved in so many ailments especially those ailments that failed to be treated with drugs. It is known as wonder therapy by Japanese, miracle therapy by Russians and therapy of life by Americans. The principle of this therapy is just magnetism.
The North-pole magnet provides natural antibiotics and stops the growth of bacteria and multiplication of viruses in our system while the South-pole provides natural analgesic and then take care of pains, weakness and swelling of the body. Since this therapy can provide both natural antibiotics and analgesic, why not embrace it instead of chemicalized drugs that can lead to premature death?

This is the most welcome and appreciated method of treatment by the medical experts and magnetotherapist all over the world because of its efficacy in the treatment of over hundred infections. It is a multipurpose therapy because it is a single therapy that can take care of numerous ailments at the same time. Its efficacy in the treatment of High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Asthma, Cough, Ulcer, Cancer, Anuria (no-urination), Eyes Problems, Urinary Tract infections, Liver, Kidney and Bladder infections, Kidney Stones (dissolve), Gall Stones (dissolve), etc has been proved.

If you have any of these ailments, kindly embrace magnetic therapy now and be free. It is a free gift of nature. Embracing magnetic therapy saves one the agony of drug abuse, drug addiction, side effects and after effect of drugs. In such, there is no drug without side effect. People on life time drugs face early grave as a result of drugs and not the ailments. The developed countries in the world like Japan, Russia, America and Europe have shifted from drugs to drugless therapies after discovering the adverse effects of drugs on human beings. They also discovered that drugs kill faster than the ailments.

In Russia today, they use magnetized water in the treatment of so many ailments. Magnetic therapy has also offered a miraculous hope for mankind. This is on prolongation of human life .. It has been tested and proved that there is hope that magnetic treatment will enable scientists to prolong human life to 400 years. DR. KOMAROV performed experiments with magnet on housefly. He succeeded in almost doubling the life of the common housefly by feeding it with magnetized sugar. DR. HAROLD ALEXANDER of America has also concluded that a special exposure of rats to a magnetic field increased their life span by about 45 percent. The same experiment was conducted on cow and the same result was achieved.

Because of all these marvelous results, a national committee on prolongation of human life headed by DR. KOMAROV was set. Then an experiment with magnets on human volunteers was performed. The metabolic and biochemical changes occurring in the human body following an exposure to the magnetic field are being assessed. Then the committee is hopeful that magnetic treatment will enable scientist to prolong human life to 400 years.
This therapy is for all and sundry. If you have tried other therapies and failed, kindly try magnetic therapy now. It is the latest hope for mankind. “where drugs fail, magnetic therapy prevails”. It serves like faithful servant for years and help to preserve health. It is both preventive and curative.
These benefits can be tapped through magnetic flask, magnetic car seat, magnetic pillow, magnetic mattress and magnetic insoles.
Magnetic flask
It is a multipurpose therapy.
Magnetic car seat
It is excellently good for people with high blood pressure, strees and low back pain. You can fix it to your car seat, office seat or your personal seat at home.
Magnetic pillow
is for insomnia (sleeplessness), migraine, headache, stress, sagging jay and wrinkles just put your head on it and off you go.
Magnetic matress
It is for people with stroke or paralysis because it can offer both major and
minor repairs to the affected areas. It is for hypertension, migraine, insomnia, spinal pain, chronic pains, and waist pains. In short, it is for everyone because those who sleep well live better. It is a mini hospital in your home. It is the only sleeping equipment with four therapies; magnetic, Lumen, Repose and Massage. It is physiotherapy with ultra-moden massage. It has dual remote control with five years warrantee.
Magnetic insoles
It is about reflexology. Every organ of the body has a corresponding point on the foot. It is for leg aches, rheumatism, nervous tension, cramps, and fatigue.
Advice
(a) Are you disillusioned with medicines?
(b) Is your disease such that cannot be cured by medicines?
(c) Are you apprehensive of the adverse side effect of medicines?
(d) Are you in a very hopeless situation?
(e) Do you want to actively participate in the progress of your recovery?
(f) Do you desire not falling ill at all?
(g) Do you want to prevent old age (stay young forever)?
Embrace magnetic therapy now and your problems will be over. More and more people are turning to magnetic therapy to regain lost health. It serves like faithful servant for years and help to preserve health. It is preventive and curative. No person is 100 percent healthy. So, you can prevent these ailments that might end up being an incurative ailments. Remember that “HEALTH IS WEALTH”. It is a MUST for every home.

Fibroid: The new pandemic for 21st Century women …Pregnancy and fibroid can grow together –Gynaecologist

2010-08-25T02:00:00.001-07:00

Fibroid has turned out to be the 21st Century’s women’s pandemic. Consultant, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr Gabriel Akilo, says that fibroid can grow alongside a baby in the womb and does not affect the size of the baby.

In this interview, he spoke on all common questions asked about fibroids.
Excerpts:

What is fibroid?
Fibroid is a common condition in women. It is an abnormal tumour or swelling of the womb. It is either inside the women which means it is attached to the inner wall of the womb or the body of the wall of the womb itself or outside it. In short, Fibroid can grow in or outside the womb.

Fibroid is made up of a meat-like material and in the form of a ball, peanut, tangerine, lemon, orange or cricket ball which grows, either to the size of the head of a baby or bigger.
When fibroid is cut into two, right in the middle, it has a whirled formation. In other words, it is in the form of a rope which has been tied round and round. It has the impression of an onion.
About 15 percent to 20 percent of the world’s women have fibroid of various sizes. Some fibroids are not visible while others are big. Strangely, some small ones cause much problem to the women while others which are big cause no problem and vice versa.

Some women have fibroid but they are not aware of it because it does not cause them any problem and they have no symptoms too. Some have big fibroid but it does not prevent them from being pregnant but others have fibroid that gives them infertility problem.

However, there are other tumours inside the womb that are not fibroid because they do not have the characteristics mentioned above.

Can you confirm that some women with fibroid can be pregnant?
Sure. The pregnancy and fibroid can grow together.

If fibroid co-grows with pregnancy, what happens during delivery?
As soon as the baby comes out, the womb automatically shrinks. But if the fibroid is in the lower part of the womb it complicates delivery. It causes obstructed labour as the baby is prevented from coming out because the fibroid acts like a mechanical obstruction. The woman will require caesarian section operation to deliver the baby.

In some cases, if fibroid co-exists with pregnancy then we have what is called post partum haermorrage. This means that the fibroid may not allow the womb to contract to make the foetus receive the required blood transfusion from the mother.

What other complications can fibroid cause in pregnancy?
In early pregnancy, fibroid can cause pain like ovariancyst. This is one swelling not in the womb but that of the ovary. (egg-box).

In other cases, fibroid can begin with severe pains, degeneration. The pain can be so excrutiating that the patient may think she has ectopic pregnancy or twisted ovarian - cyst which may require surgical operation.
Later in pregnancy it can also cause excessive bleeding and also threatened abortion but at any rate it does not allow pregnancy to thrive. Fibroid can cause pain again in the middle of pregnancy and destroy the foetus before degeneration.

What are the chances of safe delivery in the traditional set up when the baby co-existed with fibroid?
As I said earlier, when fibroid acts as a mechanical obstruction during delivery a caesarian section operation would have to be perform, this happens luckily at the orthodox medical centre. But, I am afraid in the traditional health set up about 90 percent of these cases might result to loss of life.

Is fibroid the cause of some women having abdominal pains during their menstrual period?
This is one of the presumptuous symptoms. Fibroid causes pains especially during menstrual periods. In some cases the pain is centred in the lower abdomen and even in the back (back-ache). Then, also, the usual swelling of the stomach when the fibroid gets bigger and bigger.

When fibroid co-exists with pregnancy, does it affect the size of the baby?
It does not affect the size of the baby in any way. While the fibroid grows the baby also grows at the same time. You can see that some women can bring forth triplet, quadruplets or more. A woman has sufficient blood to service all of them together.

What is the cause of fibroid?
The main cause is not yet known but doctors have noticed that it is commonest in women who wish to have their first babies late especially from 30, 35 years or more.
Nature hates vacuum, so I believe when the womb is left empty for sometime it turns to produce something due to accumulation of hormones. Fibroid is not common with women in the age bracket of 20 - 25 years.
However some doctors are of the view that fibroid is fed by estrogen because they grow bigger and bigger during the child bearing period of women only to decrease in size when these women reach their menopause from 40 - 45 years of age.

Fibroid growth is at its height during the child bearing age of women. Hardly can you see any woman who has reached her menopause suffering acutely from fibroid.

When is the ideal time for a woman who has undergone fibroid operation to go for a baby?
We usually recommend six to 12 months after the operation when the womb would have gone back to its normal shape and might also have regained its strength to carry a baby.

Do you mean the woman could be pregnant six months after the operation or sexual intercourse could not begin before six months?
Six months post-operation period should be the ideal time to start sex. But the couple could start just before that time, after all there is no harm in trying.
Usually we recommend one year but since there is no assurance as to the exact time when the woman can take in so you can start just before six months.

Can we then regard all those women who have are “pregnant” for over two to three years ‘pregnancies’ as jokers?
Women do make different claims of carrying pregnancies which are over two or more years. It is difficult to categorise them but what happens is, most of them have been taking native drugs which contain tetesteron, a male hormone drug.

As a result, their menstrual period seizes. If you examine the clitoris of some of these women, it is like a small penis whereas clitoris is supposed to be small. This can be found on nine out of ten women in this category no matter their profession. With the effects of menstrogen and tetesteron, some of these women start to grow hair all over the body like men.

However, there are some women who are naturally hairy but in most cases when their menstrual period seized because of these native drugs the native doctors pronounce them pregnant. But when the so called “pregnancies” outlive two or more years some native doctors attribute the delay of delivery to the work of the devil or witchcraft.

How come that some of these women who had been visiting these native doctors deliver babies after some two or three years?
The fact is some of these women after using these native drugs for sometime become fed up and thereby stop using them. But by stroke of luck, some of them start to ovulate again because they have stopped these drugs and by God’s grace they become pregnant after meeting a man. Definitely during the time of the false pregnancy sex does not stop but continues.

This does not categorically mean that the foetus had been there all these years but rather the women started ovulating during the time they had stopped using those drugs.

Is it true that some women become pregnant after visiting prayer houses?
There can be few cases of spiritual explanations to this problem which cannot really be generalised. Of course, with prayers there can be miracles. But the fact remains that most of these infertility problems can be easily regarded as medical rather than spiritual ones.

Is it right to assume that not all women who are within child bearing age should think that they are pregnant when their periods seized?
It must be right. There are many of them who while nursing fibroid continue to have their period irregularly but because their tummy gets bigger and bigger they always insist that they are pregnant.

How can a woman know that she is carrying fibroid or how do you diagnose it?
A woman who carries fibroid may have chest and waist pains. She may also complain of lower abdominal pains in addition to excessive and irregular vaginal bleeding which is one of the commonest symptoms of the disease. Some of these women bleed even twice or thrice in a single month. Others too bleed in five to ten days intervals while some may not have any symptom at all.

Some fibroid carrying women have infertility problems so upon reporting this to the doctor with the history of complaints, a doctor can determine a fibroid case.
Fibroid can also be diagnosed when the tumour grows and the patients abdomen becomes distended and instead of people sympathising with her out of ignorance they rather congratulate her for being pregnant.
On physical examination of a woman suffering from fibroid a doctor can know what is happening especially when the vagina is carefully examined. In some cases too, a doctor can see signs of growing fibroid like peanuts when he performs a caesarian operation on the woman with obstructed labour. At times signs of growing fibroid can be observed near the uterus.

Above all, the best confirmation for fibroid diagnosis is by doing the scan test. x-ray too may be useful or helpful but scan is better for the fact that when the fibroid is not inside the womb proper, the x-ray will not be able to pick it as scan can.

Can a woman have a baby again when she has developed fibroid after the birth of an earlier baby?
Some of these women can have a baby, again when fibroid has developed after the ‘birth of an earlier baby whereas others may not. This situation of course depends on the type of fibroid and also the exact position which it occupies in the woman.

As I have already said, some of these fibroids can grow in the womb which can distort the shape of the cavity of the uterus. This results in heavy and irregular menstrual periods a condition which does not augur well for pregnancy. The heavy bleeding alone could make a woman anaemic if blood transfusion is not given at the right time. Some of the patients could even go into shock.

This is a very dangerous condition, because as an anaemic, she can be exposed to all sorts of diseases bearing in mind blood transfusion during this AIDS era. The heavy bleeding type of fibroid does not allow foetus to stay since the latter has nothing substantial to feed on.

Can a woman who has undergone fibroid operation suffer same again?
It is possible for a new fibroid to shoot up after an operation to remove an earlier one. The fact is some of these tumours are like peanuts while others are big. If care is not taken to remove the tiny ones in addition to the big one during the myomectomy, there is the possibility for them to grow big after sometime and the woman’s problem will start all over again.

This can send the woman back to the operation table for another myomectomy. It can continue on and on. This is really a vicious circle.

What kind of operation is performed for the older woman who is suffering from fibroid?
The best that can be done for a fairly old woman who is not interested in having children again is for her uterus to be removed entirely. Without the womb, fibroid cannot grow again. Unlike myomectomy this kind of operation is known as hysterectomy.

Are there other tests for diagnosis of fibroid?
Women who suffer from fibroid are usually anaemic and iron deficient. There can be a blood test to determine this.

Even at that stage, some of them will be reluctant to visit a gynaecologist for vaginal examination. They prefer having solution to their problem either at a shrine, revival church or a native doctor to attend to them.

Ovarian cyst can affect any woman of reproductive age

2010-08-25T01:58:00.001-07:00

Ovarian cysts are very common, particularly in women between the ages of 30 and 60. They may be single or multiple, and can occur in one or both ovaries. Most are benign (non-cancerous), but approximately 15 percent are malignant (cancerous). Most of these cases are grossly misunderstood by many especially in our society.
Some women who suffer from these ailment ignore it until it degenerates to a level where the follicle sac bursts and the abdomen is filled with fluid.

When this happens, the stomach keeps protruding as if the woman is pregnant which is not true, and handling it at this time becomes complicated.

Consultant Surgeon, Dr. Emmanuel Enabulele spoke to Daily Sun on the rising cases of ovarian cysts. He revealed that most cysts are not cancerous, but care should be taken to prevent it from affecting the tubes thereby, causing infertility.

He also shed more light on the different types and possible treatment of ovarian cysts. Excerpts:

Ovarian Cyst
These are two words combined to form a common ailment in women. Ovary is part of a woman’s reproductive organs which releases egg for conception when fertilized by a healthy sperm. Cyst is a collection of fluid, pus and water in any part of the body. An ovarian cyst is any collection of fluid, surrounded by a very thin wall, within an ovary. Any ovarian follicle that is larger than about two centimeters is strictly termed an ovarian cyst. An ovarian cyst can be as small as a pea, or larger than an orange.

During ovulation (the process during which the egg ripens and is released from the ovary) the ovary produces a hormone to make the follicles (sacs containing immature eggs and fluid) grow and the eggs within it mature. Once the egg is ready, the follicle ruptures and the egg is released. Once the egg is released, the follicle changes into a smaller sac called the corpus luteum. Ovarian cysts occur as a result of the follicle not rupturing, the follicle not changing into its smaller size, or doing the rupturing itself.

Although there are five common types of ovarian cysts, they are clearly categorized into functional and non functional cysts. The functional cysts are made up of follicular cyst and corpus lutuem cyst. Both of these types of cysts develop as part of the natural function of the ovary. The follicular cyst occurs during ovulation when an egg is released into the fallopian tube or when a developing follicle fails to rupture. These cysts grow from 1 inches to 2 inches in diameter, and will usually dissolve within one to three months. While the Corpus Luteum Cyst is caused by a malfunction of the corpus luteum. Unless a woman is pregnant, the corpus luteum disintegrates. But in the formation of a corpus luteum cyst, it fills with fluid and remains in the ovary.

Non functional cysts consists of Dermoid cysts which are are also known as ovarian neoplasms and consist of skin or related tissue such as hair, teeth or bone instead of fluid like the cystadenomas. Dermoid cysts develop from the ovary’s germ cells (cells that produce the egg and the beginnings of all human tissues). Dermoid cysts may be present at birth but are not noticed until adulthood. They generally measure between 2 inches to 4 inches in diameter.

There is also the endometrioid cyst, or chocolate cyst which is caused by endometriosis, and is formed when a tiny patch of endometrial tissue (the mucous membrane that makes up the inner layer of the uterine wall) bleeds, becomes transplanted, and enlarges inside the ovaries. Endometriosis is a disease in which the endometrial tissue normally found in the uterus grows in other areas. After successive menstrual cycles, this misplaced endometrial tissue bleed, gradually forming endometrial cysts. In addition, there is also a polycystic ovarian cyst. A polycystic-appearing ovary is diagnosed based on its enlarged size, usually twice normal with small cysts present around the outside of the ovary. It can be found in child bearing women, and in women with endocrine disorders.

Symptoms
An ovarian cyst can cause pain if it bleeds, breaks open, is twisted or causes twisting which is known as torsion of the fallopian tube, when it twists along that way, blood flow becomes compromised. These symptoms include dull aching, sudden, and sharp pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen (one or both sides), pelvis, vagina, lower back, or thighs; pain may be constant or intermittent and this is the most common symptom. There is also severe pain during or shortly after beginning or end of menstrual period. Other symptoms include fullness, heaviness, pressure, swelling, or bloating in the abdomen, breast tenderness, Irregular periods, or abnormal uterine bleeding and change in frequency or ease of urination (such as inability to fully empty the bladder), or difficulty with bowel movements due to pressure on adjacent pelvic anatomy. Weight gain, nausea or vomiting, fatigue, infertility, and severe headaches are other symptoms.

Treatment
It has to start from proper diagnosis which involves a pelvic ultrasound scan. After the first ultrasound, there is a period of waiting to monitor the growth or regression of the cyst Treatment also depends on many factors, including the type of cyst, its size, its location, the type of material it contains and the woman’s age. For functional cysts a “watch and wait” approach is taken. Functional cysts tend to dissolve over time and treatment is not needed. The doctors however, require the woman to return after two menstrual cycles to get a pelvic exam and/or ultrasound again.

In the situation where the cyst causes abdominal pain and increases to about five to ten centimeters, then surgery is performed to remove the cyst or the ovary entirely. This is because when an ovarian cyst becomes symptomatic such as when it has undergone torsion, it has to be removed. The available procedures include: Ovarian cystectomy - removal of cyst, Partial oophorectomy - removal of the cyst and a portion of the ovary, Salpingo-oophorectomy - removal of the cyst, ovary and fallopian tube. This procedure is done dependent upon the size of the cyst and complications encountered such as bleeding, rupturing and twisting of the cyst. Total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy - removal of the cyst, both ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus.

This procedure is rarely used unless the cyst is cancerous. Most cysts are benign and are not cancerous, but when it becomes cancerous, surgery is performed to remove all the components of the reproductive organs.

Mostly affected women
Once a woman starts menstruating, there is every tendency for her to develop an ovarian cyst. It affects women of reproductive age. After menopause, the risk of ovarian cyst is ruled out. It cannot rule out malignancies and other infections affecting women who have reached menopause.

What Can You Do to Cure Ringworm?

2010-08-24T01:32:00.000-07:00

No one would ever want to have a skin that has patches of ringworm over it. Ringworm causes you to experience undesirable symptoms such as dry and scaly patches that have red borders. The most annoying part is when you experience itchiness. There are a lot of ringworm cures available that can ease your suffering. Ringworm cures are very helpful to solve your ringworm problem. Here are some suggestions that would help you eliminate disturbing ringworm:

1) Consult your physician or dermatologist. It is best to consult your physician or dermatologist when you experience any characteristic signs of ringworm such as dry and scaly patches, a red border surrounding each ringworm patch, and in some cases inflammation and itchiness can occur. Seeking medical help is very important so that you will be diagnosed if you are infected with ringworms. Physicians will also help you how to cure your ringworm in the proper way.

2) Use natural ringworm remedy. Ringworm cure can be natural oil or an herbal medicine. They are effective in eliminating symptoms associated with ringworms. Natural ringworm remedy is absolutely safe and produces no side effects harmful to the body. Natural ringworm cure includes papaya slice, coconut oil, and basil leaves. You should rub gently the papaya slice over the ringworm patch. The coconut oil needs to be administered over the ringworm lesion as it makes the skin smoother and it relieves itching. Basil leaves should be pounded and mixed with water to form a fine paste. Then, apply the basil paste directly over the ringworm lesion.

3) Administer topical treatments. Topical treatments are over-the-counter medications against ringworm. You just have to apply the cream over the ringworm patch. Anti-fungal creams that contain miconazole and clotrimazole are very effective for mild cases of ringworm.

4) Take anti-fungal pills. Anti-fungal pills are indicated for severe and extensive type of ringworms. They are very potent in killing fungi that cause ringworm. Usually they are taken once a day for seven days. Anti-fungal pills include griseofulvin and itraconazole.

5) Eliminate fungal spores. Environmental disinfection is the best way to eliminate fungal spores. You just have to make bleach and water solution in 1:10 or 1:100 ratios. Then, you can use it in cleaning contaminated surfaces and areas.

6) Keep yourself clean and dry. Proper personal hygiene plays an important role in ringworm cure because a dirty and moist body promotes fungal growth. You just have to maintain a clean body, and keep yourself from getting soaked to sweat for long periods.

7) Stay away from ringworm infected persons or animals. You can contract the fungal spores from infected persons or animals. You must guard yourself from any possibilities of fungal infection or reinfection. You should not touch characteristic symptoms that appear like ringworm.

8) Observe regular hand washing. Simple hand washing prevents the spread of microorganisms including fungal spores. You need to perform proper hand washing after handling or treating your infected pet, or after treating your ringworm.

9) Never scratch ringworm lesions. Scratching ringworm lesions will allow the fungal spores to spread on to different parts of your body. It can also cause further infection. It is important to avoid scratching the ringworm patch, and use appropriate treatment that prevents itching on ringworms.

A Home Exercise Program intended for Inexpensive Weight Loss

2010-08-24T00:55:00.001-07:00

Nowadays, fatness is a common problem, and several individuals are regarded to possess their own private weight loss purpose. If a particular person has resolved his or her goals, then he or she has to discover for methods that may assist obtain the goal. Weight loss company is actually a jackpot business nowadays and so an individual has to find out a excellent http://www.controlledfatiguetraining.net/lp/endurance-training/home-exercise-program if he or she doesn't intend to end up being robbed by on the Internet scams. Weight reduction isn't a lies but an important motivation. If an individual spend some time as well as follow the diet plan and physical exercise program then he or she can find beneficial outcomes having a complimentary home workout programs, without spending additional bucks, one can easily reduce excessive pounds when perseverance is actually present.

A home exercise program aid an individual to eat and exercise correctly. It is not required to get a dietician or a nutritionist as well as waste additional cash to be able to get guidance. A person should educate himself or herself about the calories required for the body and eat accordingly. The unrevealed behind home exercise programs is that a person will end up eating little below than the necessitated and he or she will be working out more. When working out, the physical structure will be able to burn off unhealthy calories for stamina. Since the physique needs much lower calories, it will start out utilizing stored fat. As this develop, a person will finally reduce weight simply.

Eating must be implemented at regular intervals having enough amount of calories. It is essential to eat frequent smaller meals as an alternative of a full meal. Fats as well as carbs can turn out to be huge components in increasing additional pounds. Although proper diet is essential in losing excess weight, a favorable home exercise program such as the Controlled Fatigue Training is an beneficial solution because it just not boosts the physical look of an person still additionally aid the body to boost its energy by way of using the precise rules when exercising. Keep in mind, one essential component when doing an physical exercise at home is normal water, as it will moisten the entire body that results in weight reduction.

A home exercise program is an superb option for working people because this is accomplished at home. A specific training technique such as Controlled Fatigue Training can supply all the crucial facts that a individual requires to be able to finish the plan at home without expending time inside the gym and help in saving more dollars also. Another essential thing regarding this method is that it aids in improving the cardiovascular system by sustaining the particular heart rate. Aside from these rewards, it will as well assist the physical structure in firming muscle tissue mass and this resistance training method will assist the entire body burn off more calories as well as cut down weight easily.

Inspiration is unquestionably vital when a particular person is pursuing a home exercise program. It's not important to pay for coaches or instructors. Having the trustworthy plan such as the http://www.controlledfatiguetraining.net/home prepared anytime and a dedication to obtain the figure an individual needs using this method will definitely present optimistic effects!

The Role That Vitamins Play In Our Life

2010-08-24T00:54:00.003-07:00

Supplement or Vitamin supplements could play an important role in everybody’s life. We might have read in several books or watched videos saying that if we do not consume enough vitamins required for our bodies, the vitamin supplement would substitute for the lack of the amount of nutritional vitamins in our system. A lot of if are doing a good diet then it would be enough for our body, but when we're not doing it, the in taking of vitamin supplement will keeps us fit.

So what exactly are vitamin supplements? Vitamin supplements are made from one or more of the necessary vitamins and minerals that are useful for your body's health. Vitamins supplements would offer your body some vitamins, botanicals, amino acids, herbs, minerals etc. our body requires a lot of vitamins and minerals, and if your diet doesn't contain the needed amount of nutrients then you'll have to take vitamin supplements so that your body can function correctly.

What is the use of vitamin A vitamin supplements? It is a known truth that vitamin A plays a incredibly important role in vision, growth, reproduction, and cell division and cell differentiation. You can find vitamin A in several foods like liver, eggs and even in greens. But if you're not taking vitamin A into your body according to the necessary level then you'll have to take vitamin supplements to balance that deficiency.

Most of the vitamin supplements will offer you with plenty of vitamins that are needed by your body. Vitamin D helps to maintain usual levels of calcium, helping your body to create and maintain healthy and strong bones. Vitamin E is very strong biological antioxidant that plays a very vital role in cell damage which leads to cardio vascular diseases and cancer.

Vitamin D is another vital vitamin that our body requires. This helps to keep the bones strong and healthy by increasing the calcium and phosphorous level in the bones. Vitamin D can be found in foods such as milk and fish. Exposure to sunlight is another major source of getting vitamin D.

Vitamin supplements even provide the body with various minerals. Minerals help the body to utilize the energy from the food that we consume. For example, iron supplements provide the body with iron, which is one of the important components in oxygen transport and metabolism. Prior to taking vitamin supplements make sure that a suitable diet is not sufficient to increase the intake of the vitamins and minerals that are required by the body.

The impact handbags have on women

2010-08-23T08:13:00.000-07:00

Women love to brag with new, stylish and designer made products especially if they made a good deal when purchasing them. There is a continuous competition between women and nothing enchants more than walking on the street with a stylish handbag, particularly if it is carrying the name of a big producer.

Nowaydays designer handbags are not that difficult to find, yet they can cost a bomb. However, they are in vogue and women adore bragging with beautiful handbags that they can match with a new pair of shoes or earings, so that others can see and admire, or even be envious of them.

Women and handbags make together a well-known story about happiness. Handbags make women happy because of the possibility to carry all the stuff they need and what they do not need in one single piece of accessory. In addition, if this piece of accessory looks great, it is even better. If its design belongs to a well-known, favorably appreciated creator, it is perfect.

In the end, it does not matter any longer if the bag is big or small, if all stuff fits into it, it does not even matter if it is at a low cost as long as we are talking about a Fendi or a Chloe or any other types of designer handbags.

The use of a purse is multiple. It carries, pens, notebooks, wallets, and mobile phones. Well, it can carry about anything the human mind can imagine placing in a handbag. A plus to all this is the possibility to brag with new designer handbags. Many women feel flattered by the mere idea that other women's eyes may be fixing them constantly because of that special thing that they carry under their arm or on their shoulder.

The purse gives women a boost of self-confidence and more of a personality when friends come and praise their new acquisition. Most women love this. Moreover, they love that they can change their handbags each day and match them with their clothes. This is because they love being at pace with the fashion.

Nothing speaks more about fashion than the taste and refinement than a well chosen, marvelously item and, why not, glamour designer handbag. However, glamour or not, such an accessory is most likely going to speak a lot about a woman's awareness of her appearance. In other words, a well-chosen accessory is a statement for a ladies good taste when it comes to fashion.

Women love chocolate and handbags thats what to use if one wants to win a woman's attention. Get her a nice designer handbag and she will be praising you and her bag to all her friends. The pleasure to walk with that bag will make her take longer walks and look in the shopping windows just to see how she looks with it. She will have in it all she needs and she will have the pleasure to look in it searching for that particular lipstick she loves than to stick her hand in her pocket and take it out (as men think it would be easier).

In conclusion, women love their handbags and they love them more if they are designer products. Women do not usually throw their handbags away, but keep buying new ones to have from where to choose.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Prevention

2010-08-23T03:00:00.001-07:00

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS is the largest single cause of death in infants from 2 weeks to 1 year. Approximately 6,000 babies die every year. This affects 2/1,000 births. SIDS usually occurs between 2 and 4 months but it can happen from 1 week to 12 months. 90% of SIDS occurs in the first 6 months. It occurs most frequently in the winter between the hours of midnight and 6am.
There is increasing information that instability at the Occiput and first vertebra level is related to SIDS. Babies who die of SIDS have serious abnormalties in a brain region that controls breathing and heart rate. The researchers found that all 31 SIDS babies had defects in the brain's ability to use serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating a baby's breathing and heart rate. The team found abnormalities in neurons that make or use serotonin in the lowest part of the brainstem. Minor mechanical irritation of the cervical region may trigger the first step in the events that lead to SIDS.
Chiropractic treatment is the most successful therapy to help treat this disorder. Subluxations are areas of interference to the nervous system caused by pressure or irritation from spinal bones. Chiropractors correct subluxations. One of the most common causes of a subluxation in an infant is the birth process.
Health consequences to the newborn from subluxations caused from birth trauma range from immediate and severe to hidden problems that may take years to surface. Some of the more immediate and tragic results that have been documented are spinal cord and brain stem injuries, brain bleeding and swelling, neurological deficits, breathing problems and even sudden infant death syndrome.
Most of these problems could be avoided with an increased sensitivity to the birth process.
Many experts are now suggesting that birth be handled as a normal and natural process. One of their suggestions is for the birthing position of choice to be an upright position of either sitting or squatting, using gravity to assist the birth process. This would result in less force being used for delivery and reduce the trauma from birth and the subluxation related effects.
Because of the seriousness of the affects of a misaligned/subluxated spine, it is vital to have chiropractic adjustments from birth and throughout a lifetime!

Remedy for Depression and Anxiety

2010-08-23T02:54:00.000-07:00

As time moves on, doctors, scientists and healthcare professionals are greater understanding health situations. As you could have most likely noticed by now. The types of wellness ailments and psychological afflictions appear to be endless. Thankfully most of them might be identified and treated accordingly. Generally this is accomplished using a prescription medicine and/or specific everyday practices. It can be no large secret that people all more than the globe are afflicted by bouts of anxiety and depression. Of course the essential should be to determine these wellness problems so they may be treated accordingly. On the bright side, there's additional than one particular efficient cure for depression and anxiety.

Different persons typically need various treatment options for their conditions. That is why you'll find numerous therapies for depression and anxiety. It can be at times unknown what leads to these psychological situations. Nonetheless, facing them head on with the best therapy and drugs is usually most effective. A couple of internet sites that may assist you with superior understanding depression and anxiety are MoreForDepression.com, KnowMyDepression.com, and MidlandPsyTMS.com. As a result you ought to be sure to look into these websites so your can get better acquainted with these psychological illnesses, and uncover the best treatment method for depression and anxiety to match your needs.

1 modern-day prescription drug that is a well-known treatment for depression and anxiety is known as Cymbalta. A lot more than most likely you might have seen the commercials for this drug. The purpose of Cymbalta is always to make the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression a lot more mild and quick to deal with. Naturally this prescription drug functions differently for different individuals, as do all medications. One more medication on the marketplace currently for anxiety and depression is Zoloft. This antidepressant may operate inside a similar fashion to Cymbalta, nevertheless, it can be critical to converse using a licensed doctor so that you can locate out which one is appropriate for you and your condition.

There are some clear symptoms which could be acknowledged in terms of anxiety and depression. If you are uncertain what they are, a number of them are as follows; excessive sleeping, withdrawal from others, suicidal thoughts, uncontrollable sadness, not eating, entire body aches, and muscular fatigue. If you've got a few or additional of these signs or symptoms, you may well wish to communicate for your medical doctor about depression. It's a probability that you've got this situation, which might call for an powerful treatment method for depression and anxiety. The last point you desire to do is simply avoid the concern altogether, and basically hope it subsides. This typically makes points worse. With the state-of-the-art medications and therapies at your disposal these days, it's definitely a probability to obtain your anxiety and depression below handle.

Female Impotence

2010-08-23T02:07:00.000-07:00

by: Kent Pinkerton

Female impotence, or female sexual dysfunction, is a catchall term used to describe difficulties in having sexual desire, enjoying sex, being adequately aroused or having an orgasm. A woman may experience decreased sexual desire for a number of reasons including stress and exhaustion. She may be unable to enjoy sex because she has one of several sex pain disorders, which in turn may be caused by an underlying condition. Women with breast cancer or gynecologic disorders may experience sexual dysfunction.

One type of female impotence is analogous to male impotence and may be caused by decreased blood flow to the clitoris during sexual intercourse. Psychosocial factors such as previous or ongoing sexual or physical abuse or an unresolved conflict over sexual identity may also play a role in female sexual dysfunction.

To provide appropriate treatment to a woman suffering from sexual dysfunction, her physician first has to overcome the challenge of separating intrinsic from extrinsic reasons for such dysfunction. Besides pain during sex or the presence of a clear underlying disorder, it may be difficult to distinguish between a womanï¿½s inability to become aroused and have an orgasm from the technique used by her partner to stimulate her. Many women may only be able to have an orgasm through clitoral stimulation but gender roles and other barriers may get in the way of a woman expressing her needs to her sex partner. Mental stimulation plays a major part, if a woman is dissatisfied with her sex partner for other reasons, this may translate into decreased libido with that partner. This is called situational sexual dysfunction and the woman may experience no problems with a partner she considers more appealing.

Where an underlying reason can be identified, female sexual dysfunction is treatable. In many cases, a doctor may recommend counseling for a woman and possibly her partner.

Better Sex through a Healthy Lifestyle

2010-08-23T02:04:00.001-07:00

Anything that promotes whole body health can enhance optimal functioning in the bedroom. Like any other sophisticated machine, your body is at its best when none of its relevant aspects are ignored. To get your temple in prime operating condition, there are several aspects of body and soul to consider. One indisputable reason to keep the arteries clear and the blood flowing smoothly is that a strong heart steadily pumping blood has a direct relationship to the strength of blood flow throughout the body. In both men and women strong blood flow to the genitals increases sexual arousal and (in men) intensifies the vitality and endurance of erection. Clogged arteries and sluggish blood flow result in decreased blood to the genitals and diminished arousal for both genders. If the blood flow is weak, so will be the performance. A Healthy Diet Most Better Sex Diets focus on the health of your heart and includes a lot of fruit and vegetables, grains, legumes and moderate amounts of meat. In only 6 weeks the Better Sex Diet can reportedly increase your sexual vitality, potency and health, never-mind likely adding much-desired years to your (sex) life. Popular myths have long included the power of aphrodisiacs over sexual prowess. Taking their name from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, since time immemorial men and women have been in search of foods, formulas and functions that have the power to stimulate sexual desire and enhance performance. In the epic tale of Casanova the legendary lover extraordinaire is believed to have eaten as many as 60 oysters each day. As much as he enjoyed oysters, however, Casanova always insisted that women were his true cuisine. Today, medical science and the charting of chemical processes have joined the more mystical knowledge about aphrodisiacs. In the case of oysters, not only are the sea-dwelling mollusks reminiscent of female genitalia, they are also rumored to be powerful aphrodisiacs thanks to their high concentration of zinc, iron and dopamine. In more recent news, word has spread about the libidinal effects of grapes, blueberries, eggs, cereal and vanilla ice cream. What all of these foods have in common, in addition to fuelling the aphrodisiac rumor-mill, is the perceived effectiveness of particular vitamins and nutrients in stimulating various sexual boosts. For example, the vitamins in eggs can supposedly reduce performance anxiety and premature ejaculation, the calcium in vanilla ice cream evidently makes orgasms more powerful, and the folic acid in cereal keeps arteries clear, enhancing blood flow to the right places. While itâ€™s popularly thought that certain edibles can improve sexual health, nutritionists remind us that many of the legends were launched in an era when the human diet wasnâ€™t as complete, and that too much of any particular vitamin or nutrient can have a negative effect on the body. An Active Lifestyle The importance of overall health for the promotion of sexual benefit is also evident in the development and maintenance of hormone production. While it is true that estrogen determines the development and function of female sex organs, testosterone powers the sex drive in both men and women. When the senses encounter sexual stimuli they are passed to the limbic lobe of the brain, thought of as the bodyâ€™s â€˜pleasure centerâ€™. The limbic lobe sends signals via the nervous system to the pelvic region. Blood vessels in the genitals are prompted to dilate, admitting a rush of blood that inflates both male and female erectile tissues and increases sexual excitement. The tissues then close off to prevent the blood from flowing out of the area. The result is erection and all the other signs of sexual exhilaration. Simultaneously, the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine are released, sending messages of pleasure and arousal throughout our bodies. This chemical cascade is responsible for healthy libido and sexual function and can be negatively affected by age, illness, stress or injury. It is important to note that cardiovascular function is also improved by regular exercise. The promotion of a strong, repetitious heartbeat sends a surge of blood into your bodyâ€™s intricate web of vessels and lowers the risk of plaque formation in artery walls, that can slow blood flow and increase the blood pressure necessary to keep it flowing. Beyond a strong cardiovascular system, experts agree that a balance of body, head and heart contribute to a healthy sex life. Numerous studies link exercise to increased sexual function through physiological enhancement in muscle strength, tone, endurance and body composition. "Adults who exercise regularly not only have increased levels of desire, but also enhanced ability to perform sexually and greater sexual satisfactionsays Cedric Bryant, PhD, chief exercise physiologist for the American Council on Exercise. The release of endorphins during and after exercise sessions are also known to ease depression and anxiety. Stress relief and increased self esteem result in elevated mood and increased confidence, and contribute to the natural invigoration necessary for increased libido and stamina. The benefits of physical fitness are also known to improve self-image and perceived desirability. A study done by Harvard School of Public Health examined the exercise regimens of 31,000 male health care professionals. Of the participants, those who were sedentary were 30% more likely to experience erectile dysfunction than those who exercised regularly. The University of British Columbia recently undertook a study relating to women and exercise that found those who exercised for 20 minutes per day experienced greater sexual responses than those who did not. Specialists suggest that it is important to sexual health not to over-do the workout. In the same way that too much of one vitamin can have negative consequences on the body, too much exercise can decrease testosterone levels in both sexes and diminish sexual appetite. A Healthy Mind If we believe, as suggested by therapists, that sex is first and foremost a psychological issue then we have to pay some attention to ourselves beyond diet and exercise. Doctors suggest that psychology is so powerful that pleasure is increased by removing the mental blocks that limit our ability to sense pleasure at its fullest. The physiological human animal is an experiential and sensory beast; we are continuously aroused by ideas and images that stir our sexual imaginations. Just as partners for reading or recreation require a shared interest in specific books or sports, so do sexual partners need to have mutual interests? But the opportunity to indulge healthy sexual fantasies might be only a conversation away. By communicating your desires to your partner, and acting on the games that have been running around in your head, the shame or guilt attached to the ideas will likely vanish by letting them out of the mental cage, not to mention take on new life as you explore them with your partner. The other side of a healthy mind has to do with being able to unwind from the mental fatigue caused by the stresses of life. Bouts of mental exhaustion, caused by a stressful work life, a heavy week of school, or one of lifeâ€™s other trenches, can result in decreased sexual appetite and negative effects on self-esteem and confidence. In terms of managing mental stress levels, some techniques include: getting an adequate amount of sleep, soaking in a hot tub, meditation, yoga and just about any other pass time that allows us to get our mind off of the stresses of regular life. About SexInfo101.com SexInfo101.com is a leading source of information on sex tips, dating advice and more. We provide forums for honest discussion on all the topics you want to know about but are too afraid to ask about. From sexual positions and oral sex to AIDs and other sexually transmitted diseases, we look to educate to provide a healthier, more fulfilling relationship between you and yours.

the magic of life and cure all medicines. Nigerian researchers have identified local plants for preventing and reversing disease processes.

2010-08-23T00:18:00.000-07:00

NIGERIAN researchers have identified local plants for the management of psoriasis and schistosomiasis. Specifically, that black tamarind (Dialium guineense, icheku in Ibo) has been fingered in the treatment of schistosomiasis; while Justicia flava (called igereje in Warri), alligator pepper (Aframomum danielli, oburo in Yoruba) are said to be useful in addressing psoriasis.
According to the researchers, there are plenty of foods and herbal products that supposedly offer miracle benefit that will prevent or cure any disease. They pinned the rationale for ‘cure all’ medicines in Nigeria to antioxidant mechanisms of medicinal plants.
Antioxidants are substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals or Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS).
The researchers identify salad plant (Artemisia annua used in making Artemisinin, an anti-malaria drug) and neem tree (Azadiratcha indica commonly called dogonyaro in Nigeria) as cure all plants. Others include; local spices like garlic, onions, turmeric, chili pepper; green leafy vegetables like fluted pumpkin; and food colourant like Sorghum bicolor (dawa in Hausa and popro oka-baba in Yoruba) and Hibiscus sabdariffa (zobo)
Nigeria researchers led by a consultant pharmacognocist at the University of Lagos, Prof. Olukemi Odukoya, have been able to verify the traditional claims of plants used as food within the Nigerian environment, which can serve as cheap sources for inclusion in the main stream of the primary health care delivery system with a view to providing readily available and culturally acceptable phytomedicines (medicines made from plants) to the people.
Odukoya made this disclosure last week at her inaugural lecture, which is the first on the specialty of pharmacognosy in University of Lagos. The inaugural lecture is titled, “Pharmacognosy: Traits, Tracks, Traces; Facts, Fascinations, Future – the Magic of Life.”
Pharmacognosy is a branch of pharmacy that deals with natural products of plants, animals and minerals origin.
Schistosomiasis (also known as bilharzia, bilharziosis or snail fever) is a parasitic disease caused by several species of tremotodes (“flukes”), a parasitic worm of the genus Schistosoma. Although it has a low mortality rate, schistosomiasis often is a chronic illness that can damage internal organs and, in children, impair growth and cognitive development. The urinary form of schistosomiasis is associated with increased risks for bladder cancer in adults. The disease affects many people in developing countries, particularly children who may acquire the disease by swimming or playing in infected water.
Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune disease that appears on the skin. The scaly patches commonly caused by psoriasis, called psoriatic plaques, are areas of inflammation and excessive skin production.
Commonly called black tamarind, velvet tamarind and locally as awin in the south-west of Nigeria, Dialium guineense belongs to the plant family Leguminosae-Caesalpinioideae. The fruits and leaves are sold in markets as ingredients for a refreshing drink when mixed with water. According to “Useful Plants of Tropical West Africa” by H. M. Burkill, the plant is used in the coastal regions of West Africa for a variety of medicinal purposes, including dysmenorrhoea (painful mensuration), fever, labour pains, and palpitations.
Justicia flava, called Igereje in Warri, Nigeria, belongs to the plant family Acanthaceae. The seeds are used as spice (pepper soup ingredient) in Edo and Delta states of Nigeria. The petroleum extract (household kerosene) is rubbed on sprains and some inflamed eczematous conditions of the skin like psoriasis. The plant is also recorded in literature as used in feverish aches, pains and in the treatment of yaws.
Aframomum danielli (Oburo in Yoruba) belongs to the plant family Zingeberaceae. They closely resemble alligator pepper (Aframomum meleguetta). They are reportedly used as a traditional food spice among the Edo and Niger Delta people in Nigeria and also as an anti-inflammatory agent by rubbing of the alcohol and petrol extracts on allergic and eczematous swellings. The fruit capsule of A. danielli is red and smooth; the seeds are smooth, shiny, olive brown and may be almost flavourless or with a turpentine, like taste and a variable pungency.
Odukoya said: “Screening of a random collection of Nigerian local plants for molluscicidal activity showed that aqueous and methanolic extracts of the leaves and fruits of D. guineense had 100 per cent mortality at a concentration of 100ppm within 24 hours when tested against Biomphalaria glabrata. Biomphalaria glabrata is a species of air-breathing freshwater snail. It is an intermediate snail host for the trematode Schistosoma mansoni, which is one of the main schistosomes that infect humans.
“D. guineense complies with the criteria specified for an effective natural molluscicide; since it is a common plant, the activity is located in the regenerating parts, it is culturally acceptable, and the method of propagation is easy. It was therefore considered worthwhile to investigate the identity and activity of the compounds responsible for the observed molluscicidal (an agent that kills mollusks/shellfish)) activity as this would be necessary before the plant could be used in public health measures.
Odukoya said D. guineense has been shown to contain up to 15 per cent w/w total saponins in the leaves and fruits and could provide a useful local source as molluscicide. Its potential is augmented by the fact that the leaves are available throughout the year and also that the tree produces prolific amounts of fruit, which can be dried and stored without significant loss of saponin content.
Indeed, some Nigerian herbal concoctions are touted as ‘cure all medicines’. It is claimed they are able to cure diseases ranging from diarrhoea to fever, stomach upset, waist pain, arthritis, diabetes, pile (haemorrhoid) to mention but a few. The Yoruba of South-West Nigeria calls it gbogbonse, while Igbo of South-East Nigeria refers to it as ogwonnuoria.
Odukoya in her inaugural lecture gave examples of literature on cure all medicines. She explained: “Artemisinin is a drug used to treat multi-drug resistant strains of falciparum malaria. The compound (sesquiterpene lactone) is isolated from the plant Artemisia annua of plant family Asteraceae.
“Neem tree (Azadirachta indica of Meliaceae family) is also used for drug resistant strains of falciparum malaria. The antimalarial activity of A. indica is due to the active constituent’s (Gedunin also a lactone) ability to induce oxidant stress in erythrocytes during malaria treatment; this redox perturbation leads to the death of the parasite in erythrocytes.”
The professor of pharmacognosy said there is no doubt that Artemisinin and Gedunin exhibit their activity as a result of oxidative stress on the parasite. She said Artemisia has been used by Chinese herbalists for more than a thousand years in the treatment of many illnesses, such as skin diseases, cancer and malaria. Likewise Azadirachta has been used for various skin diseases, malaria, cancer and viral infections, including Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) by natives in Africa and Asia.
Odukoya further explained: “When the peroxide comes into contact with high iron concentrations (common in cancerous cells), the molecule becomes unstable and releases reactive oxygen species. Thus an indication of their cure all potential as with oxidation therapy. Artemisinin and Gedunin produce oxidative stress by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen and the anaerobic parasite. It was proposed that Artemisinin and Gedunin are pro-oxidants and chemical molecules that generate peroxide free radicals, which could also be used as oxidative damage for malaria parasites.”
Odukoya said plants such as Sorghum bicolor (dawa in Hausa and popro oka-baba in Yoruba) and Hibiscus sabdariffa (zobo) have been found contain antioxidants such as flavonoids and anthocyanins, which prevent and as well as reverse disease processes.
Odukoya has verified 12 Nigerian spices with antioxidant activity. The plants include; garlic, alligator pepper, ginger, turmeric, scent leaf, onions, thyme, chili pepper, nutmeg, African black pepper, and others.
“The results indicated that spices containing high phenolics provide a source of dietary anti-oxidants in addition to imparting flavour to the food. They possess potential health benefits by inhibiting lipid peroxidation (free radical reaction), justifies their traditional use in pepper soup as a cure all medicine for the sick and potential use as a value-added ingredient for stabilising food matrixes against free radical reactions,” she said.
The pharmacist has also assessed potential of 21 Green Leafy Vegetables (GLV) in the cooked form as natural antioxidant supplement diets. The GLV include: fluted pumpkin; amaranthus; bitter leaf; waterleaf, among others. “Thus spices and herbs can protect from oxidative stress and play an important role in the chemoprevention of diseases that have their aetiology and patho-physiology in reactive oxygen species,” she said.
Odukoya said antioxidants rich plants or rather cure all plants have also been shown to boost immunity against diseases, libido and fertility; heal haemorrhoids and pile; treat skin diseases and wounds; and in oral health.
The professor of pharmacognosy also revealed how she survived cancer. “…Cancer is a club no one wants to belong. I am a member of this club. To the Glory of God, I am a survivor, wonderfully and fearfully made! Though God assured us that affliction will not rise within us twice, I became a cat with so many lives. I was afflicted so many times and was on the surgeon’s table many times too. The last being January 2010. Cancer is indeed a very big name, yet there are things it cannot do!
“Despite all these odds, Women Against all Odds (WAO) came alive with the trio of today’s inaugural lecturer, Professor Fola-Tayo and Dr. Kemi Ailoje. We set out to educate, inform and support individuals with cancer and those who care for them. We believe that no one should face cancer alone. WAO supports women everywhere in hopes, education and research to cure. It provides services aimed at improving cancer survivorship and quality of life from the time of diagnosis, throughout treatment and in the years following completion of cancer care and the Magic of Life Celebration (yearly event for all cancer survivors).”
Odukotya concluded: “My research in Pharmacognosy has been based on the observation of facts rather than belief in fictions. This has allowed medicine to develop from a superstition to science. To know is one thing, merely to believe one knows is another. To know is science, but to merely believe one knows is ignorance. I have adhered to the principle that there is no authority except facts; that facts are obtained by accurate observations of traits, tracks and traces and fascinations are deduced from facts to predict the future with the experience in the magic of life.
“ I have also recognised the difficulties in discovering these. Life is short and the art of medicine in Pharmacognosy is long, the occasion is fleeting; experience is fallacious and judgement difficult! No doubt, being wonderfully and fearfully made, I have surveyed my field, demonstrated its relevance and explained my contributions.”

Menstrual disorder: The new silent killer

2010-08-23T00:05:00.001-07:00

Endometriosis implants can occur outside the pelvis, on the liver, in old surgery scars, and even in or around the lining or brain. These implants, while they can cause problems, are benign or not cancerous. Briefing the press in commemoration of this year’s Endometriosis Month (March), Managing Director of Nordica Fertility Centre, Dr Abayomi Ajayi disclosed that the exact prevalence of endometriosis is not known, since many women may have the condition and have no symptoms. It is estimated to affect over one million women in the United States.

He further stated that most cases of endometriosis are diagnosed in women aged around 25-35 years and has been reported in girls as young as 11 years of age. According to him, “endometriosis is coined from two words, ‘Endo and Metra’ meaning ‘Inside and Womb’. Endometriosis is the growth of cells similar to those that form the inside of the uterus (endometrial cells), but in a location outside the uterus.

Endometriosis cells are the same cells that are shed each month during menstruation. The cells of endometriosis attach themselves to tissue outside the uterus and are called “implants”. These implants are most commonly found on the ovaries, the fallopian tunes, outer surfaces of the uterus or intestines, and on the surface lining of the pelvic cavity, they can also be found in the vagina, cervix and bladder.

“Rarely, endometriosis implants can occur outside the pelvis, on the liver, in old surgery, and even in or around the lung or brain. These implants, while they can cause problems are benign (not cancerous).
“Endometriosis affects women in their reproductive years. The exact prevalence of endometriosis is not known, since many women may have the condition and have no symptoms. It is estimated to affect over one million women (estimates range from 3 percent to 18 percent of women) in the United States. Most cases of endometriosis are diagnosed in women aged around 25-35 years. It has been reported in girls as young as 11 years of age. It is rare in postmenopausal women. It runs in families and delaying pregnancy until an older age is also believed to increase the risk of developing endometriosis.

“The cause of endometriosis is unknown. One theory is that the endometriosis tissue is deposited in unusual locations by the backing up of menstrual flow into the fallopian tubes and the pelvic and abdominal cavity during menstruation (termed retrograde menstruation). The cause of retrograde menstruation is not clearly understood, but retrograde menstruation cannot be the sole cause of endometriosis as many women have retrograde menstruation in varying degrees, yet not all of them develop endometriosis making the theory of immune system malfunction tenable.

“Another possibility is that areas lining the pelvic organs possess primitive cells that are able to grow into other forms of tissue, such as endometrial cells. Persistent exposure to environmental pollutants like dioxins has also been incriminated.
Most women who have it, in fact, do not have symptoms. Of those who do experience symptoms, the common symptoms are pain (usually pelvic) and infertility. Pelvic pain usually occurs during or just before menstruation and lessens after menstruation. “Some women experience pain or cramping with intercourse, bowel movements and or urination. Even pelvic examination by a doctor can be painful. The pain intensity can change from month to month and vary greatly among women. Some women experience progressive worsening of symptoms, while others can have resolution of pain without treatment.

“It can be one of the reasons for infertility in otherwise healthy couples. When laparoscopic examinations are performed for infertility evaluations, endometrial implants can be found in some of these patients, many of whom may not have painful symptoms of endometriosis. The reasons for a decrease in fertility are not completely understood, but might be due to both anatomic and hormonal factors. The presence of endometriosis may involve masses of tissues or scarring (adhensions) within the pelvis that may distort normal anatomical structures, such as fallopian tubes, which transport the eggs from the ovaries. Alternatively, endometriosis may affect fertility through the production of hormones and other substances that have a negative effect on ovulation, fertilization of the egg, and or implantation of the embryo.

“Other symptoms related to endometriosis include lower abdominal pain, diarrhea and or constipation, low back pain, irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding or blood in the urine.
“Rare symptoms of endometriosis include chest pain or coughing blood due to implants in the lungs and headache and or seizures die to implants in the brain. Endometriosis is often misdiagnosed leading to delays in treatment, sometimes for several years.

“The surest way to diagnose endometriosis is by laparoscopy, an operation performed under general anaesthetic, where a small instrument called a laparoscope (a tube like telescope with light in it), is inserted into a abdomen through a cut in the belly button. It is a form of minor surgery. Laparoscopy also indicates the location, extent and size of the endometriotic growths.
“Endometriosis can be treated with medications and or surgery. The goals of endometriosis treatment may include pain relief and or enhancement of fertility.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs (such as ibuprofein or naproxen sodium) are commonly prescribed to help relieve pelvic pain and menstrual cramping. “These pain-relieving medications have no affect on the endometrial implants. The diagnosis of endometriosis is only definite after a woman undergoes surgery, there will of course be many women who are suspected of having endometriosis based on the nature of their pelvic pain symptoms. In such a situation, NSAIDs are commonly used. If they work to control pain, no other procedures or medical treatments are needed. If they do not relieve the pain, additional evaluation and treatment generally occur.

“Since endometriosis occurs during the reproductive years, many of the available medical treatments for endometriosis rely on interruption of the Norman cycical hormone production by the ovaries. These medications include GnRH analogs, oral contraceptive pills and progestins.

“Surgical treatment for endometriosis can be useful when the symptoms of endometriosis are severe or when there has been an adequate response to medical treatment. Surgery is the preferred treatment when there is anatomic distortion of the pelvic organs or obstruction of the bowel or urinary tract. Surgical therapies for endometriosis may be either classified as conservative, in which the uterus and ovarian tissue is preserved, or definitive, which involves hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), with or without removal of the ovaries.

Conservative surgery is typically carried out by laparoscopy. Endometrial implants may be excised or obliterated by laser. If the disease is extensive and anatomy is distorted, laparotomy (opening of the abdominal wall via a larger incision) may be required.
“While surgical treatments can be very effective in the reduction of pain, the recurrence rate of endometriosis following surgical treatment has been estimated to be as high as 40 percent.

“Endometriosis is more common in infertile, compared to fertile women. However, the condition usually does not fully prevent conception. Most women with endometriosis will still be able to conceive, especially those with mild to moderate endometriosis. It is estimated that up to 70 percent of women with mild and moderate endometriosis will conceive within three years without any specific treatment.
“Assisted reproductive techniques may also be used when appropriate sometimes in combination with surgical therapy,” he said.

Controlling the three white toxins in our diet

2010-08-23T00:04:00.001-07:00

It is a common for people to ask themselves at Bars “What is your poison?” This is when a drink is about to be offered and your poison is expected to be alcoholic. The point of interest in this jocular question is that people acknowledge that we habitually ingest poisons. Food toxins are usually ingested in minute quantities; unbeknownst to the ingestor i.e we eat small quantities which we are not aware of and our body is usually able to detoxify / cope with it.

Unfortunately, our modern day diet has changed all that. We now eat large portions of unwholesome substances everyday! We live in a world where the amount of toxins we take in daily far exceed anything this planet has ever seen before. Our body is designed to process, metabolize and clear toxins naturally is unable to cope. We therefore have an explosion of diet related diseases.

It is said that a toxin can be a chemical which occurs naturally or in synthetic form. The three white toxins that we are considering today are a bit of all. White Sugar is a chemical, white salt occurs naturally and white flour is synthesized from wheat. If you eat the foods prepared with these toxins occasionally or sparingly, then your body will not be overwhelmed with handling them, but if you eat them habitually in large portions; they will overwhelm your system. Some people write about seven, some five white toxins. I am writing about three because of their ubiquitous nature in our environment.

White Salt: It is amazing the role salt played in the enslaving of parts of Africa. It ironic that this substance that was exchanged for whole human beings is totally unnecessary in our diet! If you do not eat another pinch of salt in your life; your body would not miss it. White salt is made up of sodium and chlorine, a compound called sodium chloride. Sodium is implicated in contributing to blood pressure thereby unhealthy for people with high blood pressure. The attraction of salt to humans is the taste. It is important to note that we humans are victims of over sabi! I say this because all other animals on this our planet Earth do not add salt to their food, only humans do. If you feed monkeys or chimpanzees human food as a regular diet; they develop hypertension! Now that we have acquired the taste for salt what do we do? I am as guilty as you are. It is difficult to eat saltless food. Fortunately, a lot of traditional meals have no-salt-added foods as a major component. I will explain.

Pounded yam, Yam or Plantain flour, Gari, etc are all no-salt-added foods. It is the stew or soup that contains salt. The vegetables soups are high in potassium which naturally balances the sodium in salt. You can compare this to white rice, Potatotes (especially as chips or fries), etc, which are salt-added foods. You can make a deliberate effort to reduce your salt intake by not adding salt to foods like white rice, boiled yam,etc. You can imagine the amount of salt you would have ingested over a year of eating salt-added rice. You can also titrate the amount of salt you put in your food by making sure that you do not over salt your food. Foods are habitually over salted and as long as it does not go to the extreme, most people do not notice.

White Sugar: If white salt is difficult to eliminate from the diet, white sugar is not. We are fortunated to have a lot of alternatives to white sugar. Molasses is extracted from sugarcane. It is rich in minerals and nutrients which have been removed from refined sugar like iron and calcium. It also has a low glycaemic index (regular readers of this column know what the G.I index is all about). Pure natural honey is another good alternative (will do a full article on honey soon). Pure natural fruit juices like pineapple juice are also very good for sweetening drinks, herbal potions, etc. Sugar feeds bacteria in the body.

White sugar is sucrose and it stimulates your pancreas to produce plenty of insulin to handle its metabolism. The insulin inturn encourages the depositing of fat in the body. A high sugar diet and the effect of the sugar in the blood stream precipitates insulin resistance (also known as Syndrome X) which preceeds diabetes. Drinks are a deadly sugar trap. We are swamped with a wide variety of over-sweetened drinks. Water is still the best liquid to drink!
White Flour: To produce white flour; bran is removed from wheat, it’s six outer layer is removed (thereby making it lose 97% of its fibre), as well as the embryo (which contains 76% of its nutrients) and it is bleached with toxic chemicals.

Enriched flour is worse! The synthetic vitamins used are coal tar derivatives. White flour products stimulate a rapid blood sugar response (i.e. they have a high glycaemic index). We all know the implications of this with the diabetes explosion that we are now experiencing. One of the chemicals used in bleaching the flour alloxan ia also toxic to the pancreas, thereby further increasing the susceptibility to diabetes from white flour products. White flour is low in fibre and bad for the colon. The implicated conditions include irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis and a predisposition to colon cancer in susceptible people. Traditional breakfasts are by far healthier e.g. corn meal, beans, yam, etc. If you are one of the white flour food addicts (pastries, bread, etc), you can start to reduce by trying to eat them twice weekly only and then occasionally. Help your body to cope!

Symptoms, management of Musculo-Skeletal disorders

2010-08-23T00:03:00.000-07:00

Physiotherapy in healthcare
Physiotherapy is the aspect of healthcare that places emphasis on the use of physical intervention in healthcare. There are various conditions that naturally can be treated by medicine or surgery, which are equally treated by use of physical means. And these include the use of heat, water, electricity, massage, exercises and some specific techniques, which we call manipulative techniques. An instance is in spinal and backache problems. In these the Physiotherapist implores what is known as manipulative techniques.

In many cases, the agents that can be used by a physiotherapist are described as non-evasive because they don’t cause side effects. For instance, massage, exercises and the use of some physical agents. Unlike drugs which are toxins.
Over used Syndrome or Musculo-Skeletal disorders
This is a key word in Ergonomics because it has to do with ailments associated with the nature of one’s job. For instance, pains in the joints or related injuries or musclo-skeletal disorders that are likely to develop sooner or later as a result of the nature of ones job. For instance, Soldiers in their late lives are prone to come down with ankle injuries and Arthritis of the ankle. And this is because they stand a lot, do a lot of march past, wearing hard boots. Teachers too stand a lot, they risk suffering joint pains and varicosity. And typists usually have Arthritis of the finger joints.

Physiotherapist to the rescue
In Musculo-Skeletal Disorders, the physiotherapist comes in, not only in the treatment, but also in prevention, So, we try to educate the population on some of these work-related problems. A banker for instance, to understand that you need to sit with your back erect and your spine straight and maintain a good 90 degrees positioned to the seat you are sitting. That is, making sure there are good angulations between the elbow joint and the table where you’re sitting.
This ensures that you’re not seated too low or too high on your seat. So we believe that if workers are made to understand that they are to maintain these angulations, then, we have achieved a lot because you have prevented him from suffering these disorders.

Varicosity
Varicosity is also occupation-related. Depending on how an individual carries out his or her work activities. People who are very sedentary are known to have increased chances of developing varicosity. Also in obsessed patients. Generally in Physiotherapy, we encourage people to be active, engage in exercises. These will reduce the chances of varicosity, which we know is very high in women, especially during their childbearing ages.
Managing stroke with physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is the main stay in the management of stroke because when stroke has occurred, treatment is basically to stabilize the blood pressure. The Physiotherapist comes in, in terms of general rehabilitation of the stroke patient. This includes the use of exercises and other techniques to improve body functions. And this is a continuous process in stroke.

Equipments
In physiotherapy a lot of complex machines are used. Some of them include therapeutic ultrasound, shortwave diathermy, microwave diathermy and a lot of other electrical stimulating machines. And these equipments are scarce, expensive and not available in the country. This is why some people say physiotherapy treatment is expensive. Government is doing its best; we however, implore them to do more especially at the teaching and the general hospitals such that patients can have good access to treatment..

Cost of treatment
Maybe this is due to the nature of equipments, then, the level of damage done. And also the person you’re seeing. As in other aspects of healthcare, f you’re seeing a consultant Physiotherapy it might be relatively expensive. But averagely speaking, it’s affordable. But we always advise our patients or the Nigerian populace to make sure they engage qualified Physiotherapists. This is pertinent because the problem we have, not only in Lagos but also all over the country is quackery. There are lots of people who claim they’re Physiotherapist but all they know is massage or how to do just one or two things.

But you see a lot of people who went to do a local masua training of six months or one year, come to claim to be Physiotherapists. Sadly, from statistics gathered, we discover a lot of damage are being done by quacks. And after terrible damage has been done on patients they run back to the Physiotherapist for help. I think thicka line must therefore be drawn between genuine Physiotherapists and a quacks.

Anti Aging Foods That Make You Look and Feel Young

2010-08-19T03:51:00.001-07:00

Aging is a natural phenomenon in a human lifecycle. It can’t be prevented because as each year passes by people age. And it is a fact that as people age, there will be physical changes that come along with it. Wrinkles will show up, there may be memory deterioration, and there would be a high risk of contracting diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, elevated blood pressure and cardiac failures. But we can slow down aging by eating the right kinds of food and living healthy. This way it would be looking and feeling healthy and youthful at the same time. And since more and more people are health conscious nowadays and most of these people take into consideration their food intake, many have now known the benefits of eating anti-aging foods. These anti aging foods are rich in antioxidants that help keep skin firm by safeguarding the skin’s collagen and elastic tissue from oxidants or free radicals that damage it.

Berries

Berries of all hues contain vitamin C and phytochemicals known as flavonoids that are powerful antioxidants which help protect the body against damage caused by free radicals and aging. Blueberries are also known to have memory-boosting potential.

Avocado

Avocado is a good source of healthy monounsaturated fat that helps reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the body. It is a good source of vitamin E which can help maintain healthy skin, prevent skin aging, and alleviate menopausal hot flashes. It is also rich in fiber that is good for the digestive system and the heart.

Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and brussels sprouts assist the body in fighting toxins and cancer. It is best to eat them raw or very lightly cooked so that the important enzymes remain intact.

Green Leafy Vegetables

These vegetables are prime sources of lutein and zeaxanthin that protect the eyes from the harmful effects of ultraviolet light. Green leafy vegetables are also rich in vitamin K which helps reduce bone loss and prevent fractures.

Nuts

Nuts are rich sources of unsaturated fats, vitamins, minerals and other phytochemicals, including antioxidants. They also enhance the digestive and immune systems, help control and/or prevent cancer, and control cholesterol levels.

Whole Grains

Whole grains like whole wheat, oats, brown rice and cereals are high in fiber and vitamin B which help improve the digestive system. They help prevent diabetes, heart disease, stroke, colon cancer, high blood pressure and gum.

Wine

Moderate alcohol consumption help alleviate problems with heart problems, diabetes, and age-related memory degeneration. Red wine at the same time contains resveratrol which in turn is actually a potent antioxidant, inflammation depressant, fat burner and artery protector. However, animal researchers have exhibited that high amounts of resveratrol may avert cell death within the heart and brain which could prolong life expectancy among humans.

All of the aforesaid anti aging foods ordinarily are not hard to come by. These are all found in the supermarkets and grocery stores. Therefore there will be no further reasons on not having these foods in your list whenever you go shopping for food. Stock up the grocery bags with these anti aging foods for a much healthier brand new you.

Diet Plans And Menus - The Best Life Diet

2010-08-19T03:40:00.000-07:00

The Best Life Diet was created by Bob Greene. It became popular thanks to Oprah Winfrey who relied on it to lose weight. This diet includes three phases, which progressively lead you to change your eating habits and engage in physical exercise. In Phase 1 you eat as you have been doing but take up physical exercise on a regular basis. In Phase 2 you start to change your eating habits and increase the intensity of your exercise sessions. In Phase 3 you maintain your weight thanks to habits acquired in the previous phases.

Here are some Best Life Diet principles: In Phase 1 eat three meals a day including a good breakfast and perhaps a snack. Integrate athletic activity into your daily life. Don't eat for at least two hours before going to bed. Drink water all day long and take supplements if necessary. In Phase 2 follow those good habits that you acquired in Phase 1 and increase your physical activities. Be sensitive to hunger signals. Eat reasonable portions. Eliminate the following foods from your diet: carbonated drinks, foods with trans fats as often found in prepared dishes, fried foods, white bread and standard pasta, and whole milk products. Substitute them with whole grain bread, pasta and skim milk products. In Phase 3 continue to follow the principles of the preceding phases. Increase your level of athletic activity and your consumption of whole grain products. Reduce your consummation of sugar, salt, and saturated fats.

Advantages of the Best Life Diet might include a good lifestyle with balanced diet and the regular practice of one or more sports. One disadvantage is the necessity of becoming a member to obtain information from the diet web site. Another is the excessive strictness in excluding some foods for life. Here are two sample menus: Menu 1 Breakfast: A banana and blueberry smoothie. Orange juice and 12 almonds. Lunch: Vegetarian hamburger and an orange. Your mid-afternoon snack is a half cup of apple sauce and a slice of whole-grain bread. Supper: A can of chocolate protein drink. A slice of whole-grain bread with a slice of cheddar cheese.

Menu 2 Breakfast: A spinach and cheese omelet and a cup of strawberries. Lunch: Humus sandwich accompanied by a half cup of carrots, a half cup of cherry tomatoes, and a half cup of grapes. The mid-afternoon snack is an apple, a slice of whole-grain bread, and a tablespoon of peanut butter. Supper: Asparagus, grilled salmon, and 2 cups of broccoli.

Some information in this article comes from a fascinating new book, La Bible des Regimes, written by Jenny de Jonquieres and published by Amerik Media. Her book describes over 80 diets and weight reduction programs. Each diet is presented with 5 menu plans, a detailed discussion of its advantages and disadvantages, and lots more. La Bible des Regimes is presently available only in French. For additional information consult the publisher's website www.amerik-media.com.

Eating Counseling

2010-08-19T03:39:00.001-07:00

I come to the eating counseling topic from three directions. The first is the connection between low blood sugar and violence as outlined by Barbara Reed Stitt in her book, Food and Behavior.

The second is from the brain fitness work of Simon Evans,Ph.D. and Paul Burghardt,Ph.D., who have written about the role of micro and macronutrients in their book Brainfit for Life, and the third is through my experience with the Coronary Health Improvement Plan, or CHIP program, which is the brain child of Hans Diehl.

I live in Rockford, Illinois which has been participating in Dr. Diels's epidemiological studies at the community level.

Here is some background information on CHIP from Illinois Central College.

"Coronary Health Improvement Program

As the debate rages on how to "fix" our country's ailing health care system, a new understanding is dawning: At the root of our current health care crisis is a health crisis. A U.S. surgeon general's report in 1990 warned that 70 percent of all causes of death in America are lifestyle related—and therefore preventable. Ten years later, three studies showed the following to be avoidable: 71 percent of cancers, 70 percent of strokes, 82 percent of heart disease and 91 percent of type II diabetes.

CHIP has been shown to be effective in preventing, controlling and even reversing many chronic diseases, including heart disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, gout, arthritis, overweight, certain adult cancers, impotence, diverticular disease, constipation, heartburn and gall bladder disease.

Eating Counseling Common Thread

Dr. Diehl, Barbara Reed Stitt, who is the owner of Natural Ovens Bakery, and Professors Evans and Burghardt all advocate strongly for the importance of eating lots of fruits and vegetables and grains for a full complement of vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, fiber, glyconutrients, antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids, and this is hardly a complete list of ingredients that our bodies need to minimize violence, chronic illness, and maximize brain function, or any other function.

So eating counseling would certainly include information about two recent discoveries about the human brain.

The first discovery is that we grow new brain cells every day, which is called neurogenesis. Neurogenesis is contingent on how well I attend to the pillars of brain fitness, which are physical exercise, nutrition, sleep, stress management, and novel learning experiences.

The second discovery is that our neurons are incredibly plastic and make new connections constantly when I learn new things.

Those connections are not kept, though, unless I make the new circuit fire a number of times, because the brain is very much an energy efficient organ, which pares connections and circuits which are not being used.

How does nutrition play into those discoveries?

For example,Evans and Burghardt speak to the importance of omega 3 fatty acid for our brain fitness.

It turns out our neurons are sheathed in a membrane composed of omega 3 fatty acid, which becomes brittle if not fed replacement omega 3. If those membranes become brittle, communication between neurons can become garbled, and the body that goes with that brain will look and sound confused.

I emphasize the brain fitness aspect of eating counseling because I think folks will pay attention to that faster than they will eating carrots for the beta-carotene for your immune system function.

Immune system degradation happens slowly enough that we can easily ignore it.

Folks my age anyway are very worried about alzheimers though, which is about the memories forming my identity, and when folks discover that they can keep their memories longer by eating fruits and vegetables, they tend to change a bit.

Home Grown Juicing and Smoothies for Your Eating Counseling

Do you have a blender? Try this for a sweet treat full of antioxidants and immune system boosters.

A scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt, a banana, an orange, several fresh or frozen strawberries, several blue berries, and some milk, enough that the blender will run easily.

In fact, you may want to blend this in stages so as not to burn out your blender's motor, but blend the mixture until all the frozen fruits are blended, if you used frozen and taste. I guarentee you will be surprised at how tasty this combination of fruits is.

Do you have some tomatoes, carrots, and celery from your garden? Blend them with some V-8 juice for a very tasty home made potion full of the requisite brain fitness stuff.

So hopefully you get a sense of how flexible, nutritious, and tasty eating counseling can be.

No boring and bland here, and of course, as you wake up your body with all those nutrients that it misses from processed foods, you will want to practice some of the computerized brain fitness programs that maximize your neurogenesis and neuroplasticity.

In fact your resurrected neurons will demand it.

Why Do You Have Body Odor?

2010-08-19T03:36:00.000-07:00

For us to have body odor, another thing has to happen before body odor can occur...and that is that we have to sweat. But it isn't the sweat that gives us our unique body odor. This is mainly due to the fact that sweat is primarily water and nutrients or minerals excreted by our body during the process of cooling down from being heated.

We sweat as a mechanism to cool our body down from when we have become too warm or too hot, either through our environment warming up or through some form of physical activity. There are other forms of heating involved with our body, like sickness sweating, a sweating fever, or disease sweating, but physical activity and environment are our main two reasons for 'sweating up buckets'.

During our sweating process, where the water is brought to the surface of your skin and then cools in the surrounding air, thereby cooling you off, the minerals and nutrients are left behind by the evaporating water and they remain on your skin.

After a period of sweating and you have dried off, just rub your hand or fingers over those parts of the skin that you have sweated from and you will notice the skin is a little rougher than normal. That is the mineral/nutrient deposit!

Now, we have body odor because of what does happen next in the cycle. This is where bacteria becomes involved as you perspire, and the bacteria starts to process the minerals and nutrients on your body. The bacteria that attack your sweated remnants they process those bits of nutrition through their own systems, and of course they have their own waste byproducts that they excrete. This is where your body odor comes from, the bacterial waste byproducts, not your sweat as such.

This is the unfortunate part of sweating, and unless you sweat whilst taking a shower where you can wash the sweat and bacteria straight off of your body, there is very little chance that you are going to be able to get away without some form of body odor when you sweat. Your are nearly always sweating, sorry about that!

Some people may have strong, pungent and excessive body odor, whilst other people may only be affected by a slight smell, and it has nothing to do with your age or your sex. But there is a case for your diet playing a role in your body odor smell. So if you are going to exercise, play sport, or be strenuous, try not to have a dinner the night before that is loaded with loads of garlic, otherwise you may not have too many exercise partners that day...peeehew!

So become aware of how your diet does interact, and impact, with your sweating and your body odor.

How Do I Do Treat My Sweating Feet

2010-08-19T03:33:00.001-07:00

If you suffer from excessively sweating feet, it may be a problem that is medically known as plantar/palmar hyperhidrosis. This condition can pose some very serious problems on the person that is affected. Your shoes may well be ruined. Your sandals or thongs may not be able to be worn. Foot odor, and fungal infections, could become a very serious problem. And your sweating feet can also lead to some other intimate problems and concerns. These concerns may include situations such as potential marriage problems, and even personal difficulties in your workplace. It is really a problem that can take command of your life, and lifestyle, and has the potential to make you feel extremely miserable and might even lead to developing depression.

About Sweating Feet

Sweating feet happens when there is excessive perspiration on the sole of your foot and between your toes. It is actually, a very common problem in our society. Some causes of sweating feet can be related to perhaps any mental stress or nervousness, especially in young teens and adolescents, with their rampant hormones, and young adults, making the change from child to adult.

However systemic disease such as anemia and hyperthyroidism could also be associated with your sweaty feet problem.

Treatment

Although a foot sweating problem could be incredibly damaging to your self esteem and your self confidence, it is very important to know that there is targeted treatment available, and you can get help for your problem. You need never feel helpless, alone, or feel as though there is never going to be a solution for your sweating feet problem. This message is totally not true.

If it does come down to your treatment, you should decide to try the available simpler methods first. There are a large amount of fresh new cost-effective treatments available. And then, if those treatments don't work, then try the more serious treatment if you need to.

Your excessive foot perspiration can be improved by doing a few simple and easy things, including;

* soaking your feet in warm water, try salt water or homeopathic scented water;

* wear absorbent socks or hose;

* make sure your socks etc, are natural garments - cotton, hemp, wool etc;

* avoid wearing any synthetics at all, such as nylon or rayon;

* change socks, or hose, several times during the day;

* wear leather shoes or sandals (or other footwear);

* and avoid any man-made synthetics;

* and use a good quality, absorbent foot powder.

But, if nothing on this list seems to work or makes an improvement in your condition, you may need to find a more serious method of treatment. Don't stop any trial from the above list that you may try using in your treatment, as it may take you several weeks for your condition to improve. Set yourself a realistic time frame to trial each treatment, go the distance, and then try another treatment. Try only one treatment at a time so that you can determine the effectiveness of each method, and if or when you have finished your selection of treatments and you may not have achieved your desired results, then try some combination of treatments.

But do try to keep a record of your treatments, write them down somewhere safe and private, include the time frame you conducted the treatment over (either days or weeks), the results you received from each of the treatments, and how comfortable or easy the treatment was within your life or lifestyle. It may be poignant to note also how the treatment affected those around you, your family, friend, even your work colleagues.

Professional Treatment

In the most stubborn of cases, you may need to be treated by a professional podiatrist. They will most likely recommend that you use some form of prescription medication, but you may wish to think through this course of action if all of the other methods of your own treatments have failed.

If you do not have a podiatrist, you may probably need to be referred to one from your own qualified medical doctor. But should your excessively sweating feet condition continue, then you will definitely need to find yourself one. Podiatrists are qualified medical practitioners who treat and/or diagnose disorders related to the human foot or leg. They should be able to recognize any systemic disease that you may have, by it's manifestation in the foot. They are the specific medical professionals that you will need to seek out if you have a foot sweating problem that is not responding to your prior treatments.

If you are using any form of prescription antiperspirant, be sure to wash it off after 8 hours. If this medication is left on too long, it could cause your skin to become red, swollen and itchy.

As with any self-diagnosis, please use a well informed approach that you are sure is safe to do, if you have any concerns or insecurities about any treatments, ointment, powders, or clothing, always air on the side of caution with regard to your own safety. Do not put yourself at risk for the sake of saving a few bucks.