our health

I live with asthma

2011-07-25T16:17:00.000-07:00

ASTHMA
asthma is a lung disease that affects the airways, It causes obstruction of the airways. Airways plays a very important role as it is responsible for carrying air in and out from lungs. If a person suffering from asthma the muscles surrounding the bronchi constrict, impeding the outward passage of stale air. When your breathing stale air you are not getting oxygenated properly.

What causes asthma? We don't know there is some genetic and environmental factors to cause asthma usually early on in life. These factor include your Parents have asthma, Certain respiratory infections during childhood.

Contact with some airborne allergens or exposure to some viral infections in infancy or in early childhood when the immune system is developing.

What causes an asthma attack well it is causes by what we call triggers and trigger can be from a variety of different things but here are some examples.

1. Animal dander
2. Dust mites
3. Chemical
4. Strong smells (bleach is a huge trigger, also perfume)
5. Tobacco smoke

What happens during an asthma attack?

When you have an asthma attack the airways can close so much that vital organs do not get enough oxygen as needed. An asthma attack is constriction and inflammation process the combination of these two things working against your normal breathing process.

What are signs and symptoms of asthma?

1. Coughing from asthma often is worse at night or early in the morning, making it hard to sleep.
2. Wheezing is a whistling or squeaky sound that occurs when you breathe.
3. Chest tightness, this may feel like something is squeezing or sitting on your chest.
4. Shortness of breath
5. When someone is having an asthma attack their cough is high pitched and they may also vomit up large amount of phlegm due to the inflammation.

How Can Asthma Be Prevented?

Currently, asthma can't be prevented you can take steps to control the disease and prevent its symptoms.

Learn about your asthma and how to control it.
Use medicines as your doctor prescribes.
Identify and try to avoid things that make your asthma worse (asthma triggers).
Get regular checkups for your asthma.

This is a brief description of asthma, If you think you have asthma you should make an appointment with your physician for treatment.

If you are having difficulty breath seek immediate medical services/ visit the Emergency room for diagnosis and treatment.

being overweight

2011-07-07T20:40:00.000-07:00

I have been obese most of my life. I have tried many times to lose weight but it always seems to not work for me. Most of the problem is me, I like to eat more than I want to be thin I guess. Well I have never been thin So how would I know how it would make me feel.
Being overweight is an awful feeling, you never feel adequate, you feel that you have let your self down. Emotionally it is hard" I feel fat and ugly" most of the time, even though I have a great partner that loves me and would do anything for me. It does not matter what you family thinks of you. It what you think of yourself. As an overweight person your self worth and self esteem is in the dungeon. I think obese people have a tendency to be depressed. I know that I was depressed without realizing it, I just did not want to spend time with my family. I just wanted to be alone and before I knew it I was eating more food than I use to, food is like at medication to me it numbs the pain of not being accepted and from being pointed at and know what people are thinking. Also having children say stuff like why is she so fat, Even though they don't realize how much it hurts, but how can you be mad. Kids say whats on their mind and they are honest. Being overweight is hard on your body. But food is like a drug it is my addiction. The only thing I can't give up my addiction because I still have to eat. Maybe reading this will help someone see how an overweight person feel and sees life. www.mystyle.com/mystyle/shows/ruby/index.jsp This is ruby website a great inspiration to me and maybe you too.

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WATER HAS GREAT EFFECT ON THE BODY

2011-07-04T20:36:00.000-07:00

Our bodies are made mostly of water. Our body has the need to have water to keep our body working properly. Without water human we would become dehydrated and eventually die. Water moves within the body, it is uses soon as it enters the body, to help the body stay hydrated at all times. Water has many positive effects on the body.
1.staying hydrated aids in digestive and constipation
2 brain function
3 improves overall mood
4 gives you energy.
5 .staying hydrated assist with memory and fatigue.
The number one reason we have fatigue is because we are chronically dehydrated. most people are mildly dehydrated most of the time so when you fell tired and fatigue you should pick up a large glass and drink fluids. And your fluid of choice should be water. When you drink any caffeine beverages you are not hydrating yourself you are actually making matters worse and you are causing dehydration. I am not saying you cant have your caffeine beverage but take into account that we drinking fluids just make sure you drink 8-10 glasses of pure old WATER!!!!
Drinking water also helps your skin look better, Keeping your skin hydrated increases elasticity and make your skin look fabulous, water helps maintain your skin beauty and it youthful radiance.
Being well hydrates helps flush out all the toxins from your body and reduces your risk from having blemishes. Also keeping yourself hydrated will help you maintain great looking skin and you will have better luck with not having swelling and puffy eyes. You would actually think that it would be the opposite.but for no other reason then to not have puffy areas under my eyes I will drink my 8 glasses a day.

Drinking water can the easiest health lifestyle change any person can make. making this change has such great health benefits It has been proven to make you feel energized, are in a better mood, and lose weight, help with digestion and constipation.
YOU NEED TO DO THIS AND I KNOW YOU CAN SO LETS START DRINKING!!!!!!!
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healthy heart

2011-07-04T18:32:00.000-07:00

When you thing about cholesterol what do you thing good or a bad thing. Most people thing that it is a bad thing, but the honest truth is cholesterol serves some very important functions in the body. Cholesterol is a waxy substance which attached to the fats in our bloodstream and is present in all cell in our body. Where do we get cholesterol from. It comes from the food we eat and as well manufactured in the body by the liver. Cholesterol is an important regulator in the body especially when it comes to hormonal formation.

What is HDL- high density lipoprotein is called the good cholesterol it helps filter the out the LDL from the lining of the arteries
What is LDL low- density lipoprotein- Is considered the dangerous cholesterol the cholesterol that builds up plaque over the years and causes reduced circulation and possible damage to the heart.

The best way to reduce your saturated in your diet is to limit butter, margarine and shortening. You also should trim the fat from meats to reduce the amount of saturated fats in your diet.You should limit the amount of fat include lard, bacon fat, gravy, nondairy cream sauce, cocoa butter or coconut cottonseed oils.
Controllable factors are such as diet and exercise which will help reduce cholesterol but their are always uncontrollable factors that a person can not change, such as family history, age and gender.
Your diet will need some changes, choosing to bake, grill or roast when cooking meat, limit saturated fats such as organ meat, whole milk and dairy products eating a lot of fish will help reduce cholesterol levels. quit smoking, reduce stress and an exercise program are all keys to changing to a healthy lifestyle.
Avoiding fast food restaurants also help reduce your cholesterol level and to maintain a heart healthy diet.
Examples of some smart choices for breakfast include yogurt, fresh fruit, wholegrain toast skim milk, egg whites. Lunch choices include fruit and vegetables, lean lunch meat on whole wheat bread, salad without dressing that has high fat content. For dinner 4 oz of fish or lean meat bake or broilled ,salad , vegetables, brown rice or whole wheat pasta . When starting to change your diet don't change everything at once start slowly and gradually start introducing healthier choices that meet you taste preference.
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INSOMNIA

2011-07-04T11:07:00.000-07:00

Insomnia- Is a sleep disorder in which a person experiences a difficult times sleeping.
chronic ongoing insomnia that occurs at least 3 days/ nights a weeks over 30 days or more.
I have insomnia chronic in nature and I use to get so upset with myself because I could not fall asleep. If you are sleepy why can't you fall asleep. I would try to just lay there and I would toss and turn. I would not understand what was going on. Then I would fall sleep for maybe an hour and then I would wake up and not be able to fall back to sleep or I would wake up every hour. This had been going on for at least 10 plus years.I had a friend at work that had sleep apnea and she was talking to me about this she asked If I snored and I said yes. She encouraged me to have it evaluated because she thought that I might have sleep apnea. Even though I am a nurse and knew she has some valid point that I should have it evaluated I did not do it probably because I knew I would have to get a sleep study test and having a bunch of goop in my hair wasn't wait I call a great date to me.
Anyways long story short one day when I was at work I started having heart palpation and ended up going to the ER for heart rate of approximately 200 beat per minutes I was in atrial fibrillation.Anyways through all the test and they figured out that I had Sleep apnea. That is what caused my to have atrial fibrillation and to keep waking up all the time due to low oxygenation. Now that I have a c pap I don't have insomnia as long as I wear my c-pap I sleep really well.
Treatment of insomnia
With insomnia sometimes it related to a healthy problem this is called secondary insomnia chronic insomnia treatment includes first treating any conditions or health problems that are causing the insomnia.
Identify and routine that cause your insomnia such as poor sleep environment, or engaging in stimulating behaviors such as watching TV, video games or writing your blog right before bedtime.

TIPS FOR GETTING A GOOD NIGHT REST
1. Try to sleep at the same time every night.
2. Avoid stimulating type items examples nicotine, caffeine.
3 Avoid drinking alcohol before bed can cause subsequently waking up and disrupts your quality of sleep.
4. Avoid exercising 4-5 hour before bedtime. Put you should exercise regularly this helps with insomnia.
5. Eating large meals right before bed can cause you to wake up due to gastric reflux, so eat light meals may help you sleep. But no heavy meal 1-2 hours before bedtime.
6. Don't use your bed for anything beside sleep. If you use your bed to hang out in then your body gets confused about going to sleep.
7. If you can't fall asleep do get up and watch TV you should do something non-stimulating like reading a book and then when you fell drowsy go back to bed .

With insomnia you usually feel still tired and not refreshed as you should when you wake up.
when you do not get your proper sleep your body suffer from it your work performance and energy can have a decrease in quality of life. Here are a few other issue you may have due to insomnia slowed reaction while driving ,obesity, poor immune system function, long term disease such as diabetes and heart disease.

Common causes of insomnia include
Stress- concerned about family, friends school, or health problems stressful event can lead to insomnia
Anxiety- people with anxiety disorder have difficulty sleeping.
Depression-When you are depressed you either sleep too much or not enough.This can be because chemical imbalance in your neurological system. Insomnia often accompanies mental health disorders.
Medical condition- Many times when you have chronic health issues that is linked with insomnia Here are a few examples GERD, overactive thyroid, pain disorders including arthritis, fibromyalgia, and Alzheimer disorder.
There are medication that can be taken for insomnia but most physician do not want to medicate their patient for more than a few weeks due to some of these medication are habit forming.
You can use Over the counter sleep aids with antihistamine in them. You can get them at any store, the one side effect I have found with them are that you feel sleepy the next day. But if you get enough sleep you will feel fine.
If your are depressed as well as having insomnia your doctor may order you an antidepressant with sedative effect here are a few examples. Trazadone, Doxepin or Remeron. I personally tried Trazadone and it worked very effectively for me and I did not have the drowsiness feeling that I had with the other prescription sleeping pills. I only tired one put I had excessive daytime sleepiness with it. Other side-effect from sleeping pills include impaired thinking, night wandering and agitation.
You reserve to have a good night sleep, It is one of the most important thing you can do for your body. If you are having trouble with sleep please go see your physician and don't be think me and end up in the ER for something that could of been prevented.
DISCLAIMER- I am not a physician, you should seek medical attention for evaluation and treatment of any sleep disorders.
This is a great website with great information on insomnia if interested take a look.
http://www.theinsomniablog.com/
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A life of depression

2011-07-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

Depression is something I have had to deal with for a very long time I don't have depression but The love of my life does and as the bystander it can be very difficult.
I think to my self just get out of your funk let go do something, lets go to the park, lets go away for the weekend without our children. But most of the time I get the same old answer I also get NO I don't feel like it.
Someone with depression has a tendency to push away all those that our close to them and why is this they are the who want to help. I guess you always hurt the ones you love or so that what the saying is. But I don't and will not be pushed away I guess maybe I am up for the punishment.
The life of someone depressed is very down and they can't see the bright side of it. They only look at bad things and only bad could continue to happen to them because they are no good. Even if you thing you can make them see the light of day.
This is a difficulty task to perform. If you know someone with depression or just would like some good information about depression I have researched depression and I may have some helpful pointer and tips.
According to the Nattional Institute of Mental health symptoms of depression may include the following:
1. difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions,
2. fatigue and decreased energy,
3.feeling of guilt, worthlessness and or helplessness,
4.insomnia, early morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping,
5 irritability restlessness.

Depression carries a high risk of suicide. Anybody who expresses suicidal thoughts or intentions should be taken very, very seriously. Do not hesitate to call your local suicide hotline immediately. Call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) -- or the deaf hotline at 1-800-799-4TTY (1-800-799-4889).

Warning signs of suicide with depression include:
1. A sudden switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy,
2. Always talking or thinking about death,clinical depression (deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating) that gets worse.
3. Having a "death wish," tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death, like driving through red lights
losing interest in things one used to care about.
4. Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless
5. Putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends,
6. Changing a will saying things like "It would be better if I wasn't here" or "I want out
7. Talking about suicide
8.Visiting or calling people one cares about

Remember if someone is you know is showing any of the above sign of depression with suicide sign, they need to talk to a professional either your local suicide hot line, contact a mental health professional and visit your local hospital's emergency room for intervention for a mental health professional for immediate.
treatment.

Depression is a serious illness but it can be cured with the help of antidepressants medicine, therapy and the professional assist of a mental health team.
But no medicine can be as effective as the support of a loved one. No one has survived depression without acknowledging the role the support of loved ones played in their overcoming depression.

Knowledge they say is power. The more you know about the illness, the more you'll be able to cope with it.

diclaimer- I am not a mental health professional I am just giving you some helpful information. Seek professional mental health intervention and care if you need it.
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type 2 diabetes

2010-07-12T19:20:00.000-07:00

What is type 2 diabetes?
Normally you body breaks food down into glucose and transferring it into your bloodstream. Insulin is a hormone made your pancreas.
Insulin help get the glucose from blood into your cells.
With type 2 diabetes your pancreas does not function properly and doesn’t make enough insulin or does not produce enough insulin.

How is type 2 diabetes managed?
It is up to you with the help of your physician to make changes.
Food chooses will be up to you, when, how much and what to eat.
You need to incorporate physical activity, take meds if needed to control your blood sugars.

What can I do to control my diabetes?
1. Blood sugar readings which includes your A1C ( a blood test that tells your Physician what your blood sugar has been running over 2=3 month period.)
2. Controlling your blood pressure.
3. Keeping your cholesterol number target ranges. It is very important to work with your healthcare team to make changes and maintain your goals.

Your meal plan will consist of counting carbohydrates.
Choose food low in saturated fats, lose weight if needed and increase the amount of fiber in you diet. Now let touch on each one of these topics:
1. Carbohydrate counting- Carbs include bread, tortilla shells, biscuit, potatoes, rice crackers, corn, peas carrots to name a few.
Recognizing what is a carbohydrate will help you to control your blood sugars. Usually your physician or dietitian or will educate you on how many carbohydrate you should eat with each meal to help maintain consistent blood glucose target levels.

2. Low saturated fats- This can help lower your cholesterol and prevent heart disease. Foods high in saturated fats include meat, butter, whole milk, cream, palm and coconut oils.

3. Lose weight- By cutting portion size and increasing physical activity. By losing just 10% of your weight usually will improve your blood sugar levels.

4. Increase fiber in your diet-Include high fiber foods in diet such as fruit and vegetable, dried bean, whole grain breads and cereal. This will also help your blood sugar be better control. These item take longer to digest and keep your blood sugars from spiking high and then dropping.

Physical activity is a great benefit, for someone with diabetes. Some of the benefits include lowers your blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure and also keep your joints flexible

Prior to doing any physical activity you should be cleared by your physician.
Once cleared here are a few suggestions:
Gardening, taking the stairs, walking, dancing, bike riding.

Medication
Many people need medication along with meal planning and physical activity to reach their blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol goals.

These medication can be oral (pills) or you may have to take injection of insulin.

This is an overview of type 2 diabetes every person is different and your best resource is your physician this is meant for education purposes. See you physician for specific questions.

pre-diabetes

2010-07-11T06:11:00.000-07:00

What is pre-diabetic?

It is a condition that comes prior to type 2 diabetes. Blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be considered diabetes. Pre-diabetes will creep up on you, it is silent and you will not be aware you have anything wrong with you.

The good news is that with cutting calories and becoming more active Pre-diabetes can be reversed, which will then delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
How do you know who is at risk?
There are 2 categories you make fall under:
1. 45 years old and older who are overweight
2. Under 45 years old and overweight and have other risk factors for diabetes.

Do you know if your at risk for diabetes?
You are at risk for diabetes if you:
1.are overweight
2. Are inactive
3. Have a parent, brother or sister with diabetes
4 African Americans
5. Native Americans
6. Asian Americans
7. Pacific Americans
8. Hispanic Americans
9. Delivered a baby weighting over 9 pounds.
10 had gestational diabetes during pregnancy

How can I find out if I am pre-diabetic?
There are 2 common test that are performed.
1. Fasting glucose test- You get a blood taken after you have had anything to get or drink for 10-12 hours. If the results is 100-125mg/dl you are considered pre-diabetic.
Greater than 126mg/dl than you are considered diabetic.

2. Oral glucose tolerance test-Is another test your doctor can order. You drink a sweet high sugar content (almost looking like soda but thicker) before drinking the glucose you will have your blood taken and then again 2 hours after. If the result is 140-199mg/dl that is considered peripatetic. Greater than 200mg/dl then a diagnosis of diabetes is confirmed.

Can you reverse pre-diabetes?
Yes, you can bring your blood sugar back to normal levels by doing 2 modifications.
1. Cut your calories and the amount of fat.
2. Increasing your activity

Here are a few suggestions to eat fewer calories:
Decrease size of portions by 10-15%
Order smaller portion when eating out
When eating out take half home
Try calorie free beverages or water instead of soda
Use different methods of cooking, broil, bake or grill

Increasing your activity can be easy try these suggestions:
Walk up stairs instead of the elevator
Park farther from the entrance when shopping.
Find an activity you enjoy (I personally like the Wii fit, you trick yourself into exerting because it fun).
Take a walk everyday, start slow and increase a couple minutes every week until your able to walk 30-45 minutes.

I hope this information is helpful, if there is any other common health issue you would like to information on email
Me at schulzmelissa831@gmail.com.
I am a registered nurse and enjoy the ability to share my knowledge with the world.

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