Just Health

Diabetes Myths: These Ain't True

2013-03-14T17:14:00.001+01:00

Myth: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes.

Fact: The answer is not so simple. Type 1 diabetes is caused by genetics and unknown factors that trigger the onset of the disease; Type 2 diabetes is caused by genetics and lifestyle factors.

Being overweight does increase your risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, and a diet high in calories from any source contributes to weight gain. The American Diabetes Association recommends that people should limit their intake of sugar-sweetened beverages to help prevent diabetes. Sugar-sweetened beverages include beverages like Regular Soda (Coke, Fanta, Pepsi etc.), Fruit Punch, Fruit Drinks, Energy Drinks, Sports Drinks, Sweet Tea and Other Sugary Drinks.

These will raise blood glucose and can provide several hundred calories in just one serving!

Myth: People with diabetes can never eat sweets.

Fact: You can have your cake and eat it too, just not the whole cake! People with diabetes need to control the amount of carbohydrates in their diet and sugary treats counts as carbohydrates. But these doesn’t mean that they can’t have any sweets, it just means that they should put the brakes on eating too much of them. Eating of these foods can also make it less likely you’ll want to eat healthier foods.

Myth: Diabetes is contagious

Fact: Diabetes is not contagious, which means you can't get it from another person. Scientists don't know exactly how people get Type1 diabetes, but they think it may be associated with something in the environment, like a virus. But even coming into contact with such a virus doesn't mean someone will definitely get diabetes. People with Type 1 diabetes have to inherit genes that make them more likely to get diabetes.

Myth: Insulin cures diabetes.

Fact: Diabetes is a condition that you manage with insulin, but insulin can't cure it. Insulin helps get glucose out of the blood and into the cells, where it's used for energy. This helps to keep your blood sugar levels under control, but taking insulin doesn't correct the reason why diabetes developed, nor does it make the diabetes go away.

Myth: All people with diabetes need to take insulin.

Fact: All people with Type 1 diabetes have to take insulin injections because their pancreases don't make insulin anymore. Some, but not all people with Type 2 diabetes have to take insulin — with or without other diabetes medications — to manage their blood sugar levels.

Myth: People can outgrow diabetes.

Fact: People don't grow out of their diabetes. In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas stops making insulin and won't make it again. People with Type 1 diabetes will always need to take insulin, until scientists find a cure for diabetes. People with Type 2 diabetes may find it easier to control blood sugar levels if they make healthy changes to their lives, like eating right and exercising regularly. But people with Type 2 diabetes will probably always have the tendency to develop high blood sugar levels, so it's important to maintain those healthy lifestyle changes.

Myth: Pills for diabetes are a form of insulin

Fact: Diabetes medicines that a person takes in pill form are not insulin. Insulin is a protein that would be broken down and destroyed by the acids and digestive enzymes in the stomach and intestines if swallowed. That's why insulin has to be given as a shot. People with Type 2 diabetes sometimes take pills that help the body make more insulin or use the insulin it makes more effectively (remember, people with Type 2 diabetes still make insulin, the body just can't respond to it normally). Pills for diabetes cannot help people with Type 1 diabetes because their bodies don't make insulin.

Myth: Having to take more insulin means diabetes is getting worse.

Fact: There is no one-size-fits-all insulin dose. Insulin doses are different for each person. How fast you're aging, how much you eat, how active you are, and whether you're going through puberty, menopause or any life stages are all things that affect the amount of insulin you'll need each day and insulin doses often need to be changed over time.

Myth: People with diabetes can't exercise.

Fact: Exercise is important for all people — with or without diabetes! Exercise has many benefits. In addition to helping keep your weight under control (which is helpful for managing diabetes), exercise is good for your heart and lungs, it helps you burn off some steam, and it relieves stress. And exercise is great for blood sugar control to your diabetes health care team about exercising and managing your blood sugar.

Source: Kidshealth.org, Diabetes.org
Photo credit: Google Images

It’s World Kidney Day: Protect Your Kidneys

2013-03-13T11:47:00.001+01:00

March 14, 2013 marks the ‘World Kidney Day’. The theme for this year is “STOP Kidney Attack! Protect your kidneys, find out how”

The Kidney is a very essential body organ because of the numerous roles it plays. Each kidney is roughly the size of a human fist.

The main job of your kidneys is to remove toxins and excess water from our blood. Kidneys also help to control our blood pressure, to produce red blood cells and to keep our bones healthy.

Your kidneys control blood stream levels of many minerals and molecules including sodium and potassium, and help to control blood acidity. Every day your kidneys carefully control the salt and water in your body so that your blood pressure remains the same.

Did You Know?

Your Kidneys:

·         Make urine
·         Remove wastes and extra fluid from your blood
·         Control your body's chemical balance
·         Help control your blood pressure
·         Help keep your bones healthy
·         Help you make red blood cells

EARLY DETECTION & SCREENING

Know that kidney diseases are harmful and common but it also treatable. The key to survival is early detection and regular screening.

GET TESTED

Get your blood and urine tested.

Your blood is tested to measure creatinine content and estimate GFR (Glomerular Filter Rate) and your urine is tested to measure creatinine and albumin excretion.

YOU SHOULD BE SCREENED:

- If you have been diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus or Hypertension

- If you are obese

- If you smoke

- If you are 50 years of age and above

- If you have a family history of Kidney Disease, Diabetes Mellitus or Hypertension

Ignorance isn't bliss! Be aware, check your kidneys!!

There would be FREE KIDNEY SCREENING at the Freedom Park, Lagos Island, Lagos, Nigeria.

Learn more about your kidneys and how to protect them through this video:

Source: World Kidney Day
Photo Credit: Google Images

Hypertension In Young Adults

2013-03-08T15:26:00.002+01:00

Recently in Nigeria, autopsy reports revealed that the late Goldie died as a result of HYPERTENSION. Prior to this, my boo had just been diagnosed as well with having high blood pressure. In his case I was so worried, for the fact that he is young and should not be having increased blood pressure. We thank God, that’s over now.

The rate at which young people all over the world are being diagnosed with high blood pressure is alarming. I just thought it right to educate everybody that this article can reach on the symptoms, causes and treatment for high blood pressure.

I hope this article provides insight in any way, also please feel free to add to whatever might be missing.

Thanks guys! And yeah I'm back to blogging!! Whoop!!

What exactly is HYPERTENSION?

Hypertension is such a silent disease that you can be walking around with a blood pressure reading of 180/100mmHg and not be aware of what is going on internally. If you have a blood pressure reading of 120/80, 120(the figure above) represents the systolic pressure which is the pressure of blood hitting the artery walls when the heart beats. Eighty (the figure below) represents the diastolic pressure which is the pressure between heartbeats.

The normal blood pressure rate is less than 120/80mmHg, so hypertension is when either the systolic measurement is 140 or higher or the diastolic measurement is 90 or higher. There are basically two types of hypertension: Essential and Secondary Hypertension

The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7) guidelines categorize hypertension as follows:

Normal. Less than 120/80

Prehypertension. 120-139/80-89

Hypertension. 140/90

Stage 2 hypertension. 160/100

What causes HYPERTENSION?

The cause of Essential Hypertension is unknown (Yeah!! No known cause). Although lifestyle factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and excessive alcohol or salt intake contribute to the condition.

Secondary Hypertension in most cases is as a result of an underlying kidney disease, hormonal imbalance, and drug intake

According to the JNC 7, half the adult population is prehypertensive or hypertensive, and because blood pressure increases with age, most people will become hypertensive if they live long enough

Daniel Lackland, DrPH of the American Society of Hypertension says “Younger adults with high blood pressure typically have high diastolic pressure while older adults have high systolic pressure”. In young adults, the diastolic pressure rises because the heart is pumping harder while in older adults, the systolic pressure rises and stiffens arteries. Hypertension in young adults is caused by increased body mass, with an increase in African-American men, but it affects men of all races."

Signs &Symptoms

In most cases, hypertension doesn't give signs or signals the affected individual. It is usually discovered during a routine health screening. Below are some of the signs of Hypertension:

·         Headaches (usually at the back of the head and noticed in morning)
· Light-headedness
·         Vertigo(the feeling that you or your environment is moving or spinning)
·         Tinnitus (buzzing sound in the ears)
·         Altered Vision
·         Fainting Spells

What can be done?

For young people in the pre-hypertensive stage and hypertensive stages, modification of lifestyle activities plays a major role in bringing down the blood pressure.

Worry Less!! Manage Emotions!!

Let’s be honest, has worrying ever changed a situation for the better?? No it has not. Manage emotions such as anger, worry, rage, annoyance as they have been linked to causing physical and biological changes.

Weight reduction

A Body Mass Index (BMI) of above 24.9 should be cause of worry in any young adult whether male or female. It is advised to maintain a normal body weight with a target (BMI) of 18.5 to 24.9. According to JNC7, for every 10kiliogrammes of weight lost, the systolic blood pressure reduces by approximately 5-20.

Adjust your Diet

Ensure your diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products with a reduction in saturated and total fat. When this is done, the systolic blood pressure is expected to reduce by 8-14 points.

Reduce your salt intake

Salt is an essential mineral that a body needs to stay hydrated. Ingestion of salt is usually followed by water retention which is the body’s way of staying hydrated. With the consumption of ‘too much salt’ the body is likely to become over-hydrated as a result of excess fluid in the body. The excess fluid causes the kidney to work extra to remove this fluid.

Excess body fluid also causes an increase in blood volume which requires the heart to work harder to move all that blood around, thus blood pressure goes up.

Reduction in daily salt intake to less that 2.4g/1 teaspoon per day would reduce the systolic blood pressure by 2-8 points approximately.

Engage in Aerobic Activity

Engage in regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, at least 30 minutes per day most days of the week. This can decrease systolic blood pressure by 4-9 points.

Reduce/ Moderate Alcohol Consumption

Limiting the amount of alcohol to between 11 and 14 grams of alcohol is expected to result in a reduction in systolic blood pressure by 2-4 points.

Without treatment, a man at [age] 30 could be facing end-stage renal disease, stroke, or heart attack."

Some Risk Associated with Hypertension

Young adults with hypertension often have what's called "Metabolic Syndrome" which is known to contribute to heart disease and diabetes. It includes a cluster of risk factors found in an individual and include excess body fat (especially around the waist and chest), high cholesterol, and insulin resistance. Snoring has also been linked to high blood pressure in young adults. Erectile dysfunction has also been linked to complications of untreated high blood pressure.

Source: Wikipedia, WebMD, Yahoo Health
Photo Credit:Google Images

Reducing Anxiety Naturally

2012-09-25T11:40:00.000+01:00

Although everyone feels anxious on occasion, if you are feeling anxious most of the time and this emotion consistently interferes with your daily life, then you may have Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

People with GAD worry about many things, as opposed to one specific incident. For example, most people will experience anxiety before giving a presentation or before taking a final exam. People with GAD will experience anxiety whether or not a big event is coming up. Anxiety about family, money, work, health, and other issues will arise whether or not these worries are provoked by an actual event.

Severity of Anxiety

The severity of GAD varies from person to person with this disorder. Some people have mild to moderate GAD, and are still able to live their daily life without too much interference. Others have severe GAD and find that the quality of their lives is controlled by this condition.

Whether you have mild, moderate, or severe GAD, it is important to be aware of the things that you can do to minimize your symptoms. If you are wary about taking prescription medications prescribed for anxiety, you are not alone.

What to do to Reduce Anxiety

Many people are seeking alternative and natural forms of treatment. Fortunately, there are several things that you can do in your own life to treat your anxiety disorder.

Healthy Diet

Diet can play a significant role in mood disorders. Unfortunately, the Western diet of processed foods, including fast food, can change the way that the brain functions. Individuals with chronic anxiety are likely to benefit from eating a healthy diet that includes a variety of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and lean protein. There are certain foods — such as nuts, seeds, and bananas — that contain tryptophan, which is an amino acid that assists the brain in producing serotonin. Seratonin is a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings calm and happiness.

Reduce Alcohol and Caffeine Consumption

If you suffer from anxiety on a regular basis, it’s also important to consider how much caffeine and alcohol you consume. Many people with GAD self-medicate with alcohol and caffeine since these substances can enhance one’s mood temporarily. However, the long-term effects are usually increased anxiety. Gradually reduce the amount of caffeine and alcohol that you consume each day, and give yourself a few weeks or so without these substances to assess your anxiety levels. Some people with GAD must eliminate caffeine altogether, and will find that reduced consumption of alcohol also helps quite a bit.

Mind-Body Techniques

You may not think of exercise as a mind-body technique, but studies show that physical exercise promotes emotional well-being in addition to physical health. There is a strong correlation between regular fitness training and reduced anxiety. A person who takes better care of their body is more likely to have a healthy mind that is free from anxiety and depression.

Considering that anxiety is often a secondary emotion of depression, starting a regular exercise routine is an excellent idea for anyone who suffers from either disorder.

Meditation, yoga, tai chi, biofeedback, and self-hypnosis are commonly used mind-body techniques for treating anxiety naturally. You’ll find many online resources and books dedicated to using these effective mind-body techniques. In particular, Transcendental Meditation is particularly useful for creating feelings of inner calm, and will help “train” your mind into relaxing and focusing more on the moment.

Herbal Remedies

Passionflower, kava, valerian, and chamomile are just a few types of herbal remedies that are commonly used to treat anxiety. Keep in mind that, while herbal remedies tend to be much safer than pharmaceutical medications, minor side effects may result and care should be taken when consuming herbs for anxiety. If you are taking any other medications at this time, consult with your doctor before taking an herbal remedy.

Follow a Well-Rounded Approach

People who suffer from chronic anxiety should not expect their feelings to disappear overnight. Reducing anxiety is often a matter of changing the way that you think and how you take care of yourself. Begin with steps that are within your control, such as eating a healthier diet, consuming less caffeine and alcohol, and exercising more. Make gradual changes instead of trying to rid yourself of anxiety all at once. Practice thinking with a more positive frame of mind and work on pushing negative, anxiety-provoking thoughts from your mind. Practice daily meditation or other mind-body techniques. With time, you will be able to change the quality of your life by reducing anxiety.

Valerie Johnston is a health and fitness writer located in East Texas. With ambitions of one day running a marathon and writing for Healthline.com ensures she keeps up-to-date on all of the latest health and fitness news.

Nine Months of Fashion: Maternity Fashion Tips

2011-05-18T14:57:00.020+01:00

Congratulations, your baby is on its way. But now your jeans are tight and aren't fitting so well, and you can't wear that shirt to work because it is showing your belly. So what are you going to do?

It is time to invest in some maternity clothes.

Do I hear you groaning? Most women think of pregnancy clothes as being huge, shapeless sacks, baggy trousers and lots of elastic waist tracksuit pants. But it doesn't have to be!

The good news is that these days there are lots of stylish and sexy maternity clothes. Stylish and sexy aren't words you linked with pregnancy clothes in the past, but this is a new era for maternity wear.

Regardless of how fashion-conscious a woman is, the fact is that she is only pregnant for nine months, so she also should be practical and finance conscious while shopping. Purchasing maternity clothes as soon as possible in the pregnancy is the best option. The fit of maternity clothes these days has changed, and many are made to last from early pregnancy to accommodate the increase in abdominal size and to the postpartum period. Most maternity clothes are equipped with adjustable waistbands, rather than the old-fashioned panel, which allows the clothes to grow with the pregnancy. Ladies do not forget that “Comfort is the watchword during pregnancy as far as clothes are concerned”

Fitted clothes are important in pregnancy so the woman doesn't look big all over. Treating yourself to some nice clothing along the way is one way to pick up your self-esteem if it's struggling at times.

Don’t Forget Ladies: You don't need to spend a fortune on new maternity clothes.

During the first trimester invest in a few long singlets or camisoles in basic colors such as white, black, grey, red, making sure that they are extra long length.

It’s now time to invest in maternity wears during the second trimester due to the expanding belly. Here are few essential maternity items can last the whole pregnancy and afterwards: Stretch pants, Slim Fit Skirt, A Dress (preferably black), Maternity T-Shirts, A Tunic Length Sweater for cold weather, A Button down Shirt and Maternity Jeans. Ensure you have the right accessories to complement your look and spice you up.

Ditch the 4 inch, stiletto heels and stick to lower heels, flats and wider shoes. Stick to slip on shoes or sandals because you won't want to be fiddling with straps and buckles by your third trimester when your belly is so big you can’t even reach your feet anymore!

Wear comfortable bras and underwear and adjust as your breasts, hips and abdomen increase. Invest in maternity underwear which billows out and covers your entire abdomen and maternity bras, which have several rows of hooks (at least 5 or 6) to accommodate the changes in your rib cage and also have adjustable cups.

By the third trimester you'll be filling out your maternity clothes nicely and they might be a tight squeeze by the end of the third trimester.

Comfort is the most important thing now because it is not too long from now. So if you feel like wearing baggy jeans flip flops, what are you waiting for??

10 Fantastic Health Benefits of Yogurt

2011-05-18T11:32:00.006+01:00

1. Yogurt can give you flat abs.
Eat 18 ounces a day and you can drop a jeans size. People who ate that much -- in conjunction with cutting their total calories -- lost 22 percent more weight and 81 percent more belly fat than dieters who skipped the snack, according to research from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. They also retained one-third more calorie-torching lean muscle mass, which can help you maintain weight loss. "Fat around your waist produces the hormone cortisol, which tells your body to accumulate even more belly flab," says nutrition professor and lead study author Michael Zemel, PhD. When you eat yogurt, the calcium signals your fat cells to pump out less cortisol, making it easier for you to drop pounds, while the amino acids help burn fat.

2. Most brands of yogurt contain good-for-you bacteria.
The words "live and active cultures" on the container mean that your yogurt has probiotics, beneficial bugs that live in your digestive tract and help crowd out harmful microorganisms that can cause intestinal infections. (Only a very small number of companies put yogurt through a post-pasteurization process that kills off all bacteria.)
But many varieties now also contain special strains of probiotics meant to help regulate your digestion or strengthen your immune system. The research on them isn't conclusive, however. "If you suffer from a particular health problem, like bloating or diarrhea, it's worth trying one of these products for a couple of weeks to see if it helps," says FITNESS advisory board member Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD. Otherwise, save a few dollars and stick to conventional brands.

3. Yogurt is loaded with vitamins.
One serving is a significant source of potassium, phosphorous, riboflavin, iodine, zinc, and vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid). Yogurt also contains B12, which maintains red blood cells and helps keep your nervous system functioning properly. "Vitamin B12 is found mostly in animal products, such as chicken and fish, so strict vegetarians can easily fall short," says Jackie Newgent, RD, a FITNESS advisory board member and author of Big Green Cookbook. Eating more yogurt can help close the nutrient gap: An eight-ounce serving contains 1.4 micrograms of the vitamin, about 60 percent of what adult women need daily

4. A cup of yogurt a day can help you recover faster after a workout.
With the right ratio of protein to carbohydrates, yogurt, particularly high-protein Greek yogurt, makes an excellent post-sweat-session snack. "The perfect time to grab a container is within 60 minutes of exercise," says Keri Gans, RD, a nutritionist in New York City. The protein provides the amino acids your muscles need to repair themselves, Gans explains, and the carbohydrates replace your muscles' energy stores, which are depleted after a hard workout. It's a bonus if you drink a bottle of water along with it: The protein in yogurt may also help increase the amount of water absorbed by the intestines, improving hydration.

5. Not all yogurt is equal when it comes to calcium and vitamin D.
Since it naturally contains calcium, you'd think the amount would be the same no matter which yogurt you pick. Wrong. "The levels can vary widely from brand to brand, so you really need to check the label," Newgent says. How much is in a container depends on processing. For instance, fruit yogurt tends to have less calcium than plain because the sugar and fruit take up precious space in the container. "Vitamin D isn't naturally in yogurt, but because it helps boost calcium absorption, most companies add it," Newgent explains. Reach for brands like Stonyfield Farms Fat Free Smooth and Creamy and Yoplait Light Thick & Creamy, which contain at least 20 percent of your daily value for both nutrients.

6. Yogurt may prevent high blood pressure.
Every day 70 percent of us consume more than twice the recommended amount of salt; over time that can lead to hypertension and kidney and heart disease. The potassium in yogurt, almost 600 milligrams per eight ounces, may help flush some of the excess sodium out of your body. In fact, adults in a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition who ate the most low-fat dairy -- two or more servings daily -- were 54 percent less likely to develop high blood pressure than those who ate the least.

7. A daily serving of yogurt keeps colds away.
Dig into four ounces each day and you may find yourself sniffle-free in the months ahead, according to a study at the University of Vienna. Women eating this amount had much stronger and more active T cells, which battle illness and infection, than they did before they started consuming it. "The healthy bacteria in yogurt help send signals to the immune-boosting cells in your body to power up and fight off harmful bugs," says lead study author Alexa Meyer, PhD, a nutrition researcher at the university. Allergy sufferers, who typically have low levels of certain T cells, may also find relief by adding yogurt to their diets. In a study in the Journal of Nutrition, people who ate seven ounces a day had fewer symptoms than those who opted for none at all.

8. Yogurt can help your smile.
Despite its sugar content, yogurt doesn't cause cavities. When scientists at Marmara University in Turkey tested low-fat, light, and fruit flavors, they found that none of them eroded tooth enamel, the main cause of decay. The lactic acid in yogurt appears to give your gums protection as well. People who eat at least two ounces a day have a 60 percent lower risk of acquiring severe periodontal disease than those who skip it.

9. Raw doesn't mean better.
Virtually all the yogurt in your grocery store has been pasteurized -- that is, exposed to high temperatures to kill any harmful pathogens. Raw-dairy fans claim that unpasteurized milk, yogurt, and cheese are better for you because they contain more health-boosting bacteria, but pasteurization doesn't destroy beneficial probiotics, Newgent explains. Plus, studies show that those who eat raw yogurt don't have stronger immune or digestive systems than people who stick to the pasteurized stuff. And raw-dairy products carry a risk of food poisoning. "E. coli and salmonella are two of the pathogens that can lurk in these foods and end up in your body," Newgent says.

10. Yogurt is a high-protein food.
Yogurt can be an excellent source of protein, but "one variety may contain more than double the protein of another," Blatner says. Greek yogurt, which is strained to make it thicker, has up to 20 grams of protein per container; traditional yogurt may have as few as five grams. If you're eating it for the protein, look for brands that provide at least eight to 10 grams per serving.

What to Look For in a Yogurt
Forget the fancy promises. To find a healthy yogurt that's low in calories, fat, and sugar, follow as many of these guidelines as you can.
Per 6-ounce serving:
Calories: 100 to 150 (if you're snacking, stick to the lower end)
Fat: 3.5 grams or less (low-fat or nonfat)
Saturated fat: 2 grams or less
Protein: at least 8 to 10 grams
Sugar: 20 grams or less
Calcium: at least 20 percent of the daily value
Vitamin D: at least 20 percent of the daily value

Source:http://www.fitnessmagazine.com
Photo Credit:Google images

Stammering/ Stuttering

2011-04-26T22:59:00.006+01:00

I just watched the King’s Speech (Yeah! I know I am kinda stale). Well watching that movie enlightened me and I want to shed a lil bit of light on the subject of speech disorders dwelling particularly on ‘Stammering’ which was the speech disorder that King George VI suffered from. The movie told the story of King George VI speech disorder and how he overcame the problem through speech therapy from the great Lionel Logue. Enough said about the King’s Speech!!

Stammering(alalia literalis or anarthria literalis) is known as ‘stuttering’ (alalia syllabaris). Stuttering is a communication disorder in which the flow of speech is broken by repetitions (li-li-like this), prolongations (lllllike this), or abnormal stoppages (no sound) of sounds and syllables. There may also be unusual facial and body movements associated with the effort to speak.

Stuttering is typically a developmental disorder beginning in early childhood and continuing into adulthood in at least 20% of affected children. In rare cases, stuttering may be acquired in adulthood as the result of a neurological event such as a head injury, tumour, stroke or drug use.

There is essentially no "cure" for the disorder at present. Though the rate of early recovery is very high in a young stutterer, with time a young stutterer may transition from easy, relaxed repetition to more tense and effortful stuttering, including blocks and prolongation. Stutterers commonly report dramatically increased fluency when talking in unison with another speaker, copying another's speech, whispering, singing, and acting or when talking to pets, young children, or themselves. Other situations, such as public speaking and speaking on the telephone are often greatly feared by stutterers, and increased stuttering is reported.

The exact cause of stuttering is unknown but the most likely contributing factors include the following:
- Genetics: Children who have first-degree relatives who stutter are three times as likely to develop a stutter. Approximately 60% of those who stutter have a family member who does also.
- Child Development: There is evidence that stuttering is more common in children who also have concomitant speech, language, learning or motor difficulties.
- Neurophysiology: Recent neurological research has shown that people who stutter process speech and language slightly differently than those who do not stutter.
- Auditory Processing Deficits: Auditory processing deficits have also been proposed as a cause of stuttering. Stuttering is less prevalent in deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, and stuttering may be improved when auditory feedback is altered, such as masking, delayed auditory feedback (DAF), or frequency altered feedback.
- Pressure: Such as peer pressure, time pressure, stressful speaking situations, insistence on perfect speech, high expectations, and so on.

Therapy
There are no instant miracle cures for stuttering. Therapy, electronic devices, and even drugs are not an overnight process. However, a specialist in stuttering can help not only children but also teenagers, young adults and even older adults make significant progress toward fluency.

The following therapy can be of help to stutterers:
- Fluency Shaping Therapy
- Stuttering Modification Therapy
- Electronic Fluency Devices
- Anti- stuttering Medication
- Diaphragmatic Breathing
- Support Groups

Do you think you are the only one suffering from this disorder? Nope, you’re not, famous Englishmen King George VI and Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who led the UK through World War II stammered. Lewis Carroll, the well-known author of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, was afflicted with a stammer. Also the following people stuttered and didn’t allow their affliction to affect their success: Vice President of The USA, Joe Biden, Charles Darwin, Marilyn Monroe, Emily Blunt, Tiger Woods, Nicole Kidman, Bruce Willis, Phillip Larkin, Samuel L. Jackson, and Annie Glenn. Lest, I forget even Moses of old, the leader and liberator of the Hebrews and Demosthenes, the greatest Greek orator of ancient times stuttered!

Let your voice be heard!!

Bowling for Boobs!

2011-01-13T12:12:00.003+01:00

Abuja set to host the first ever Bowling For Boobs Competition in Africa to benefit Breast Cancer Awareness

Stand Up To Cancer Naija is happy to announce it’s signature fundraising event for breast cancer awareness tagged “Bowling for Boobs 9ja”. The national tour event will kick off with the median edition holding at the dome entertainment centre central Area, Abuja on the 29th of January, 2011. The event which will be a bowling competition, with six teams, of eight players in each team, all competing against each other. The objective is to have fun while raising awareness and money for breast cancer project in the grassroot; prior bowling experience is not required. The event will be hosted subsequently in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and other cities in Africa.

Each bowler is to register with N20,000, after registration they will get a t-shirt and a socks complimentary. The funds generated from this event will be used to support the ongoing grassroot breast cancer projects under Stand Up To Cancer Naija. “Like a Bra our event aims to uplift and support women battling breast cancer!” said Caleb Egwuenu, Project Director of Stand Up To Cancer Naija. We are calling on everyone to take up teams or join in a team, in this incredibly colourful and outrageous social event. Raffle tickets and prizes will also be available. The Line of confirmed celebrities featuring in the event are; UTI, Waje and Uche Jumbo, many more are to be confirmed soon.

For more information on this event, please contact Caleb Egwuenu, Project Director, Stand Up To Cancer Naija on 08033626680 or the Event Publicist Bode- 07032521755

Regular Breast Self Examination is the key. It can never be over- emphasized.

Feel Your Boobies!!

Improve Indoor Air Quality to Optimize Respiratory Health

2011-01-07T16:17:00.004+01:00

By Kristina Gundersen

We often take for granted the air we breathe. It is all around us, we need it to survive, and we breathe it every second of our lives. Yet few of us consider how air quality impacts our health. Although we cannot really control the air outdoors, it is easy to improve air quality in the home environment by taking some straightforward measures. You’re on your way to breathing easier in four simple steps.

Damp Dusting
Is your home a dust-filled environment? Do you have pets, lots of decorations, or carpeting? Then your home probably has more dust than you should be breathing. Luckily, there is a simple remedy: dusting with a damp rag instead of a dry one. The water on the rag enables the dust to stick to the rag and traps it on the rag, thus preventing the spread or movement of dust that occurs with dry dusting.

Natural Cleaners
Do you use chemical products like shower and toilet bowl cleaners, disinfectants, bleach, or window washing fluid? Then you may be breathing toxic chemicals. Opting for natural or odorless cleaning products like Bon Ami for tubs and toilets, baking soda and water for countertops, vinegar for windows and hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant is a smart option for people with chemical sensitivities or chronic respiratory conditions like asthma or emphysema.

Houseplants
Ever wonder if the air we breathe is pure? Before investing in an expensive, complicated air purification system, try incorporating some houseplants into your décor. Plants are nature’s own air purification system. Try putting at least one in each bedroom near a window and two or three in the living room to cover the extra square footage. Some powerful air-purifying, humidity-balancing plants are the Bamboo Palm, the Boston Fern, the Peace Lily and English Ivy.

Mold Abatement
Do you have areas of your home that smell damp or musty? The culprit may be a dangerous substance called black mold. Sometimes it is visible as black or dark gray splotches, sometimes it is not so easy to find. Anywhere where water damage has occurred, there are usually mold spores growing. A leaky pipe under the sink, for example, may be a source of black mold growth. It typically grows in bathrooms and on windowsills, anywhere where there is frequent condensation. If you can see the mold growth, try spraying it with bleach. If you cannot determine the origin of the musty smell, contact a mold abatement specialist who will take air samples and inspect your home until they locate the source.

Kristina Gundersen lives in Washington State. She is a guest blogger for My Dog Ate My Blog and a writer on accredited online universities for Guide to Online Schools.

Depression: You Don't Have to Feel This Way

2010-11-25T15:12:00.003+01:00

Symptoms of depression
* No interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
* Feeling sad or empty
* Crying easily or crying for no reason
* Feeling slowed down or feeling restless and unable to sit still
* Feeling worthless or guilty
* Weight gain or loss
* Thoughts about death or suicide
* Trouble thinking, recalling things or focusing on what you're doing
* Trouble making everyday decisions
* Problems sleeping, especially in the early morning, or wanting to sleep all of the time
* Feeling tired all of the time
* Feeling numb emotionally, perhaps even to the point of not being able to cry

Getting through depression
* Pace yourself. Don't expect to do everything you normally can. Set a realistic schedule.
* Don't believe all of your negative thinking, such as blaming yourself or expecting to fail. This thinking is part of depression. These thoughts will go away as your depression lifts.
* Get involved in activities that make you feel good or feel like you've achieved something.
* Avoid making big life decisions when you're depressed. If you must make a big decision, ask someone you trust to help you.
* Avoid drugs and alcohol. Both make depression worse. Both can cause dangerous side effects with your antidepressants.
* Physical activity seems to cause a chemical reaction in the body that may improve your mood. Exercising 4 to 6 times a week for at least 30 minutes each time is a good goal. But even less activity can be helpful.
* Try not to get discouraged. It will take time for your depression to lift fully.

Reasons to get help for depression
* Early treatment helps keep depression from getting worse or lasting a long time.
* Thoughts of suicide are common in people with depression. The risk of suicide is higher if you don't get treatment for your depression. When depression is successfully treated, the thoughts of suicide will go away.
* Treatment can help you return to your "normal" self, enjoying life.
* Treatment can help prevent depression from coming back.

Making Love During Pregnancy

2010-11-23T16:02:00.003+01:00

There are lots of myths about sex and pregnancy, such as:
- Sex can be harmful or painful during pregnancy.
- Intercourse could hurt the baby.
- Sex can lead to a miscarriage
- The baby somehow “knows and feels” that sex is taking place.

But the fact still remains that:
- Unless your doctor says otherwise, sex is safe for you and your baby during pregnancy
- The baby has no idea what Mom & Dad are doing, so please enjoy yourselves!!
- Sexual activity won't “harm” your baby because your baby is protected by the amniotic fluid in your uterus, as well as the mucous plug that blocks the cervix throughout most of your pregnancy.

Pleasures of Sex During Pregnancy
- Increased vaginal lubrication,
- Engorgement of the genital area which helps some people become orgasmic for the first time or have multi-orgasm
- Lack of birth control
- If you have been trying for awhile, a return to sex as pleasure as opposed to procreational and other reasons.

When Not to Have Sex during Pregnancy
- Your obstetrician has advised against it
- History of miscarriage
- Risk of miscarriage
- Previous preterm delivery
- Leaking amniotic fluid(Your water has broken)
- Vaginal bleeding
- Placenta previa(when the placenta is covering part of the cervix)
- High risk pregnancy e. g Twin pregnancy
- If partner has a sexually transmitted disease or HIV

Sex Drive During Pregnancy
Many women find that pregnancy makes them want sex more than they did before they became pregnant. This sex drive is caused by hormonal changes. Sex drives varies during the three trimesters of pregnancy. Symptoms such as nausea and fatigue during the first trimester can lower one’s sex interest in the first trimester and in the second trimester there is an increased desire for sex which reduces during the third trimester.

Best Sex Positions During Pregnancy
Creativity of both partners would be put to test during pregnancy since the traditional position would not be comfortable and pleasurable. These are some suggestions:

- Side lying, knee pulled up
- Woman on top
- Spooning (Man behind woman, entering through the rear)
- Hands and knees

Not Having Sex, Other Forms of Intimacy
If you have been advised against having sex during pregnancy, there are other forms you can get intimate and express your love to your partner such as:
- Kissing
- Cuddling
- Romantic dinners
- Talking and holding hands
- Soothing baths
- Oral Sex

N:B- Ensure your partner does not blow air into your vagina because it can cause air embolism which can be dangerous for you and your baby.
Understanding, empathy, creativity and humor are of the essence for love making during pregnancy.

Finally, sex should not be avoided during pregnancy unless YOUR DOCTOR SAYS SO!

Dieting, Eating Disorders, and Obesity in America

2010-11-09T16:26:00.006+01:00

By Maria Rainier- Guest Blogger

I received a note in my mail box this morning that my insurance company would be raising my premium because between 2007 and 2009, the number insurance carriers in my state who received obesity surgery went up 55%.

How is it that the nation claiming the most lives to eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia (218 deaths annually by the most recent study) is also known as the fattest nation on the planet? The answer is a four-letter word.
Diet. Rather, diet-ing.

The Birth of the Dieting Nation
In a nation with a high-stress daily environment, minimal exercise, and fatty foods, the logical solution is to restrict food intake and increase exercise in order to be what the media (in bed with the diet industry) finds sexually attractive and successful. The American diet industry makes close to $40 billion annually selling pills, foods, cookbooks, how-to guides, fitness DVDs, clothing, exercise machines, and hoaxes.

These profits didn’t exist in the early 1980s before the burst of media flaunting rail-thin models with abnormally large (surgically- or Photoshop-enhanced) breasts and hunky muscle-men. Is it a coincidence that obesity became identified as an epidemic later in the ‘80s?

The Dieting Nation Gains Weight
If you approach a clinician at a treatment center for disordered eaters—commonly believed to be anorexics, bulimics, and other “skinny” eaters—they will tell you a little-known truth: dieting is the greatest trigger of eating disorders. In fact, upwards of 50% of individuals enrolled in dieting programs suffer from BED, or Binge-Eating Disorder.

The logic for this is simple: if you tell yourself you cannot have any “bad” foods (which happen to be yours and all of America’s favorite comfort foods like chocolate, ice cream, bread, pasta, and fried chicken), you will crave “bad” foods all the more. When you tell a child not to have any cookies from the jar, you will find that the child has eaten all of the cookies. Geneen Roth, Good Housekeeping columnist and renowned speaker, first felt she would have a problem with her weight when her mother refused to let her have a second creamsicles, “or you will get fat.” Thus, from age 11 to 28, she cycled through diets and innumerous eating disorders, losing and re-gaining a total of over a thousand pounds.

“Diets are so incredibly seductive because they seem like [they work at first] . . . [and] they are thrilling experiences when they work. If only I could fix myself, I could manage to stay on a diet.” The truth is, however, that they rarely work: 95-85% of people on diets gain the weight back or more within 3 years, and these failed dieters contribute to the obese population, which, in America, stands currently at 73% of our entire population of 307,006,550.

“For every diet,” Roth warns in every speech she holds or book she writes, “there is an equal and opposite binge.”

How We Pay
The consequences of obesity are often deadly: hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. The problem with eating disorder research in America, however, is that it is conducted on mostly white communities by white researchers, which feeds the myth that eating disorders are a plight of well-off, college-age Caucasian girls. The myth of African Americans and Latin Americans being immune to disordered eating not only skews statistics but blocks an individual’s road to health. Today, the media pressures people of all races and walks of life to be inhumanly slender and proportioned, fit and beautiful.

Moreover, eating disorders are not limited to “skinny” disorders; they in fact most often result in obesity. By definition, an eating disorder is any habitual kind of eating conducted not to nourish the body but to comfort or fill it, fueled by compulsion and/or emotion. If the statistic mentioned above included all eating disorders and not just “skinny” disorders, the number would be staggeringly higher than 218 deaths per year.

How to Stop
The answer is not to diet. That’s what got us here in the first place.
The answer is to eat what the body needs and desires rather than what we have trained our minds to want. Your body doesn’t feel good after eating that donut because that donut has zero nutrients in it. Your mind wants it, however, because we have trained ourselves to eat comfort foods when we need comforting. Much of Americans’ eating is fueled by compulsion. We must find what is driving our compulsion—insecurity, doubts about our jobs or marriages, stress at work, etc.—and eat to fuel rather than comfort our bodies.

Telling ourselves, “No, you can’t have that,” is the surest way to binge on it later. We must educate ourselves and our children about nutrition and make peace with our inner and bodily selves.

Maria Rainier is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at First in Education, researching various online degree programs and blogging about student life. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop

5 Tips for Getting in Shape on a Budget

2010-11-09T15:39:00.007+01:00

By Gunter Jamemson- Guest Blogger

When you look good, you feel good about yourself; you have more self-confidence and feel like you can take on anything. Everyone wants to feel that way, but not everyone can afford a gym membership—much less a personal trainer. And what about expensive home exercise machines? Forget it. Although all that stuff is nice, you don’t need it to get in shape. Spinning classes at your local gym might help motivate you to work out, but you can get in shape yourself, if you are determined and have the right attitude. Getting in shape doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some ways you can get in shape without spending big bucks:

1) Run:
Running is one of the very best ways to lose weight fast and keep it off, and it doesn’t cost you a cent. You can run around your neighborhood or on local trails. You can even use free websites like MapMyRun.com and DailyMile.com to map and measure running routes and track your progress over time. You might need some running shoes if you don’t already have some, but most $40 pairs are just a good as $120 running shoes.

2) Buy equipment at a second-hand store:
When was the last time you were at a second-hand or goodwill store? Have you seen all the exercise equipment people get rid of? There’s tons of it, and it’s all really cheap. From large exercise machines to hand weights, get it used at your local second-hand store.

3) Use household items:
If you don’t want to buy weights, you can make some yourself using cans of food for hand weights or jugs of water for heavier weights. You can even use these tips for creating your own weights at home using sand, cans, tennis balls, and more.

4) Play or organize community sports:
City or community sports leagues are usually pretty inexpensive and you can meet new people and make friends by joining. Or you can organize your own regular sports games with a group of friends or families. Playing all-ages kickball with a bunch of families on your block can be just as fun as hitting a few balls around at the baseball diamond with a league.

5) Get free info online:
Stop subscribing to fitness magazines and buying expensive shakes and diet programs. You can get great fitness advice online for free from a number of different sources. And with fitness advice, you can get a lot of free advice on diet and healthy eating programs that can help you replace energy drinks and store-bought protein shakes with cheaper, healthier homemade options.

Getting in shape can be hard. It requires determination and consistency. But it doesn’t require a lot of money—if you do it right. You can get in shape using free resources and items that you already have around the house. And when you get in shape, you’ll be even happier knowing that you did it without having to pay an arm and a leg for a gym membership.

Gunter Jameson writes about several topics including travel, minimalism and Online Classes

Body no be firewood o! by Patricia Omoqui

2010-11-09T12:52:00.017+01:00

“Body no be firewood o.”” This is a saying my husband David heard regularly during his growing up years from his father. In turn, my husband reminds me. From the time David met me he was amazed at the Type-A, non-stop perfectionist tendencies I exhibited. I would go from early morning to late at night without a break. In the twelve years he has known me, I have made major changes. However, I admit I still occasionally return to my old ways. When I do, my husband offers me this Pidgin English reminder and a smile.

Our bodies are not firewood made to be burned up. Our bodies are not cheap machines to be run relentlessly and then replaced. Your body is priceless. It is the only one you have. It is the vessel that houses your eternal spirit as you walk life’s path. It is the vehicle through which you interface with the world. Through the body, you speak, touch others, experience the environment and act in the world.

A healthy body is a treasure. When we listen to the signals our body gives us and honor it by taking good care of it, we feel alert and happy. A body that is well-cared for is efficient; it enables us to function at our best. Have you ever noticed that when you are rested you feel better, you think better and you can often accomplish more in a shorter period of time? A healthy body supports our intellect, imagination and intuition.

On the other hand, when your body is sick, life feels confusing and burdensome. You are on-edge with people around you. You do not think clearly. You have trouble being productive at work and at home. Life is a struggle not a joy.

Recently a friend of mine told me, “I do not know what is wrong with me. I am angry. I do not have any nice words left for people.”

This friend had been complaining for some time that he needed a break. I asked, “Are you overtired?”

“Yes,” he replied. “In fact, I feel sick, as if I have the flu.” His body was demanding that he take a break.

He planned a day off. It turned into two and continued through the weekend. The next time we talked, I asked how he was doing.

He reported, “I feel much lighter. My brain is fresh again. I can think clearly.”
I smiled and said, “Why do you think it took a physical breakdown to get you to stop?”

He laughed, “Something is always coming and I always want to do extra. It is seems as if ‘this’ effort matters, just this little extra effort. You know? So I decide, ‘I can’t rest now, no not now.’ I might underperform. People won’t get things done if I am not there managing them. There is also an atom of fear involved. I believe I will lose out if I rest. Deep down, I worry that I will miss the deal.”

“Do you think that you will continue to repeat this cycle?” I questioned.
His response was all too familiar, “No way”. I have learned a lot from this. I must say, ‘No.’ I am not going to play with my rest anymore. Nothing will spoil if I am not there. The world won’t stop for me, so I must step out to rest and care for myself. I must learn to say ‘No.’ I need to choose more carefully what appointments I take, make sure they are truly necessary.”

Have you ever come through a situation like this? Have you ever promised yourself that you would now make self-care a priority only to slip again into a pattern of overwork and exhaustion?

I see myself in my friend. I realize that making these changes is rarely as easy as making a one-time commitment. However, there are some simple techniques I have been practicing that help me to do better at taking care of myself. Perhaps they will help you too.

1. Make a conscious decision to value your body.
It is not necessary to wait until you become sick and tired of being sick and tired to change your lifestyle. Too many of us begin to value our health only AFTER we have lost it. Why not try an affirmative approach? Begin to appreciate your body. Notice the amazing, ever-ready, brilliantly functioning mechanisms the body places at your disposal. Flex your hand. Wiggle your ankle. Scan the room with your marvelous eyes. Develop an awareness of your miraculous body. When we take time to appreciate our body we are more likely to treat it with respect and love.

2. Honor your body’s messages.
Pay attention when your body speaks. Stomachs growl when we need food. Yawns come when we are sleepy. Aches or pains tell us a limb or organ needs help. Respect these signals. Heed your body: Stop. Refuel. Repair. Rest. Move into well-being.

3. Make purposeful choices with your time.
Is your schedule jam packed from dawn to dusk or even midnight? When we overload ourselves, we invite problems. We begin to lose things. We forget details. We make errors. We miss vital points in conversations. Look closely at the way you are managing your time. Are your commitments supporting your goals? Take stock. Remember, calm, focused, purposeful action brings meaningful results.

4. Learn to say, “No.”
Are you committing yourself to activities, friends, meetings and organizations out of obligation? Don’t allow yourself to go through life “sacrificing” and feeling overtaxed. Choose to say a kind but firm, “Thank you for the invitation. I cannot attend at this time.”

5. Schedule periods of rest.
Sometimes the most important action you can take is to pause and close your eyes for a moment. Throughout each day, incorporate health-supporting breaks. Take thirty seconds to breathe deeply. Do a five minute stretch: get away from your desk, have a drink of water, enjoy a good laugh, look out the window, get some fresh air. When you sense your body is becoming depleted, take a day off for some quiet time on your own. Go on holiday and when you do, make sure to incorporate down time and relaxation into your itinerary.

6. Take technology breaks.
Has your Blackberry, IPod, Computer or Facebook page become an addiction? People can wait for your response; it does not have to be immediate. You are not required to be “turned on” 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Do not become a slave. Use technology to help you maintain connections with others on YOUR terms. Give this a try. Put all technology away for a few hours. Yes, turn it all off. Create times during your week when you can be completely where you are, fully interacting with others in your presence or enjoying time alone.

Your assignment this week is to find away to take care of yourself. Aim for health. According to the World Health Organization, health is not merely the absence of disease or infirmity but a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being.Do not settle for anything less.

Stroke: Recognise & Respond

2010-10-27T15:24:00.009+01:00

Stroke is a medical emergency. Know these warning signs of stroke and teach them to others.

Warning Signs Prior to a Stroke
Prior to a stroke, many people experience a TIA (transient ischemic attack). This is a "mini-stroke" or "warning stroke." TIAs can occur days, weeks or even months before a major stroke. TIAs occur when a blood clot temporarily clogs an artery, and part of the brain doesn't get the blood it needs. The warning signs are the same as for stroke; but they occur and disappear relatively quickly, usually in less than five minutes.

Unlike a stroke, when a TIA occurs, the blood clot resolves itself and there's no permanent injury. When a stroke occurs and part of your brain dies from lack of blood flow, the part of the body it controls is affected. Strokes can cause paralysis, affect language and vision, and cause other problems.

EVERY MINUTE MATTERS! Know these warning signs of a stroke, and teach them to others.
Warning signs include sudden:

*Numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
*Confusion
*Trouble speaking or understanding
*Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
*Difficulty walking
*Dizziness
*Loss of balance or coordination
*Severe headache with no known cause

In the past, doctors couldn't do much to help stroke victims. That's not true today. Now stroke doesn't have to lead to disability or death. The key is to recognize a stroke and get to the hospital immediately. The clot-dissolving drug tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) can reduce long-term disability if it's given within three hours after an ischemic stroke starts. (Ischemic strokes are caused by clots and are by far the most common type of stroke.)

Unfortunately, tPA isn't used as often as it could be because many people don't seek care quickly. Don't you make that mistake. If you or someone near you has the warning signs of a stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately OR your state's emergency numbers.

To be FOREWARNED is to be FOREARMED!

Source:www.powertoendstroke.com

Home Remedies and Medical Information on Treating Acne

2010-10-26T10:10:00.019+01:00

By Guest Blogger - Gunter Jameson

Acne is never fun—especially when you’re a teenager, and you’re extremely self-conscious about your looks. Although acne usually decreases once you hit your early twenties, for some people it is an ongoing problem that has to be dealt with into one’s 30s or 40s. But because acne can have such a negative impact on self-image, there are a host of remedies and medical treatments that seek to lessen or cure the symptoms of acne.

What is acne?

Acne is the result of small hair follicles being clogged or blocked by excess skin cells and by a naturally secreted oil called sebum. When the follicle is blocked, Propionibacterium acnes, a bacterium, enters the blockage and causes inflammation, leading to redness, swelling, soreness, etc.,—in short, pimples. To combat these formations, there are a couple of methods you may want to try before seeing your doctor for an anti-acne medication.

Wash, wash, wash

First, make sure that you regularly wash your face. If acne is caused by follicles blocked by oils and excess skin cells, you’ll need to wash your face regularly to break up the oil and clean excess skin cells off your face. Make sure to use an antibiotic soap to kill the bacteria and scrub your face with a washcloth or loofah sponge meant to scrub away dead skin cells.

Other home remedies

After you’ve washed your face, you can try putting tea-tree oil on trouble spots. Tea tree oil has some anti-bacterial properties that make it a great soldier against Propionibacterium acnes. Other treatments include taking zinc supplements, or applying a mixture of lemon juice and rose water to the skin, both of which have mild anti-bacterial properties.

Medications

If you’ve tried the cheap, homemade options, maybe it’s time to turn to doctor prescribed medications:
1) Benzoyl peroxide is usually the first treatment prescribed by doctors. It is a cream that is applied to the skin and has very mild side effects—generally dryness or redness of the skin and some peeling.
2) Antibiotics are the next step in fighting acne and are usually reserved for more severe cases.
3) Retinols are the last line of medical defense against acne. Taken orally, retinols are thought to affect oil-secreting glands in the body and are generally taken over a 4-6 month treatment regimen. Retinols are much harsher on the body and cause irritation of the digestive tract and nose bleeds, but can have even more severe side effects like liver damage, and birth defects in pregnant women who take the medication. In addition, retinols and have been linked to symptoms of depression in those taking the treatment.

Before you go to your dermatologist, give some home remedies a try. Over-the-counter treatments can also be helpful, but may or may not be any more effective than washing with an antibacterial soap and water.

Gunter Jameson writes about several topics including travel, minimalism and online schools.

Enter The Laughter in the Kings Court with Edo Charles

2010-10-20T19:54:00.005+01:00

Laughter has been said to be good medicine for the soul, body and spirit.

Laughter reduces the level of stress hormones like cortisol, epinephrine(adrenaline), dopamine and growth hormone. It also increases the level of health-enhancing hormones like endorphins, and neurotransmitters. Laughter increases the number of antibody-producing cells and enhances the effectiveness of T cells. All this means a stronger immune system, as well as fewer physical effects of stress.

Laughter has tremendous benefits such as:

Physical Release: Have you ever felt like you "have to laugh or I'll cry"? Have you experienced the cleansed feeling after a good laugh? Laughter provides a physical and emotional release.

Internal Workout: A good belly laugh exercises the diaphragm, contracts the abs and even works out the shoulders, leaving muscles more relaxed afterward. It even provides a good workout for the heart.

Distraction: Laughter brings the focus away from anger, guilt, stress and negative emotions in a more beneficial way than other mere distractions.

Perspective: Studies show that our response to stressful events can be altered by whether we view something as a 'threat' or a 'challenge'. Humor can give us a more lighthearted perspective and help us view events as 'challenges', thereby making them less threatening and more positive.

If you wanna have a good laugh and get the stress out of your mind, you are invited to a comedy show ‘Enter the Laughter in the Kings Court with Edo Charles.

Date: Saturday, October 23, 2010
Time: 4pm {Laugh Carpet}
Venue: Lagoon Restaurant, 1C Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, V/I Lagos.

Tickets are up for grabs, for ticket reservations, for further enquiries and/or questions, please dial the following numbers: 0802 – 305 – 7070 or 0803 – 927 – 1244 0r send a mail to cedobor@yahoo.com or ada.amogu@gmail.com

We look forward to receiving you and also thrilling you to a wonderful comedy experience!

Be there, you don’t want to be told!

Negative Ions with Immense Benefits: Anion Sanitary Pads

2010-10-19T15:06:00.010+01:00

Did you know that a woman will use an average of 15000 pieces of sanitary napkins within 30 to 40 years in her entire lifetime? Having a trusted brand of sanitary napkins has become paramount for every health-conscious modern woman. Not only must the sanitary napkin provide comfort and safety, but also enhance every woman's health and lifestyle...

Every single napkin is embedded with "negative ions" tape. All materials used in the making of the napkin are 100% safe and no chemicals are used. The materials used are raw and not recycled.

Negative ions tape releases high concentration of negative ions, which has been proven effective in eliminating harmful bacteria or odor, enhancing comfort and improving women's health.

The pads/liners help to check hormonal imbalance, cervical cancer and even helps in weight loss because the anion strips in the pad, one can tear out and put inside drinking water and it cures many ailments. It also contains testers that after your period, you can use to take a vaginal swab to see if you have any infections. It is color coded and the color will tell if you have contacted any infection or not. You know women are prone to infections especially from the toilet. It also helps to relieve arthritis in older people. The pack has panty liners that if you use every day, also helps to check certain ailments, and even pulls out fibroids! Hence, it is not recommended for pregnant women.

Anion Sanitary pads have 7 layers of unique protection. They are:
1st Layer - Premium soft cotton surface - giving you ultra comfort.

2nd Layer - Unique Anion Padding - works naturally to relieve menstrual discomforts.

3rd Layer - Ultra soft cotton layer - enhances softness and freshness.

4th Layer - Super absorbent polymer - locks in moisture, keeps surface dry.

5th Layer - Ultra soft cotton layer - enhances softness and freshness.

6th Layer - Breathable bottom layer - eliminates moisture and heat fast, keeping you fresh.

7th Layer - Specially designed back adhesive - conforms with human ergonomics

Benefits Of Negative Ion or Anions
- Increase energy
- Increase physical stamina
- Reduce pain
- Balance blood pressure
- Eases breathing
- Smoothen skin
- Regulate cholesterol
- Weight loss
- Relieve tension
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve sleep patterns
- Relieve joint stiffness
- Speed recovery time from injuries and surgery
- Enhance immune system
- Balances PH
- Purifies blood and lymph
- Inactivates viruses, bacteria, yeast and fungus
- Removes heavy metals
- Removes blood clot material
- Improves liver and kidney and lung functions
- Enhances body detoxification
- Enhances damaged cell replacement and repair
- Active DNA repair
- Better regulation of production of neurotransmitters
- Aids with depression and memory
- Slows many conditions associated with aging

The Anion sanitary pads can be used during the menstrual cycle and as liners as needed for protection. However, they may also be used as treatment. The treatment may last anywhere from 1 to 2 cases of the pads. Most of the time, the results happen sooner.

But, we have to keep in mind that everyone's body may respond differently, and we have to listen to our bodies to be able to tell if we professional and expert care.

If you are in Nigeria and you would like to get Anion Sanitary Pads, call the following numbers: 08027586016/07028844641 0r send a mail to: unyimek2007@yahoo.com or TreasureTrove09@hotmail.com

To Lose More Weight, Love Your Body

2010-10-18T14:02:00.006+01:00

By Gunter Jameson {Guest Blogger}

Everyone wants to be healthier. Even people who are already in great shape are looking for ways to be even healthier than they already are. But too many people watch commercials on TV and think they can lose 20 lbs. in 2 weeks just by ordering a set of meals over the phone. Although they may lose the weight fast, they will also feel miserable and will likely gain the weight back again after the course of meals is over. The reason people yo-yo in weight is that they haven’t made a lasting change in their lives to live a healthy lifestyle and change their attitudes about their bodies.

Love your body
It’s almost impossible for you to eat right and maintain a healthy lifestyle if you don’t love your body. But loving your body means two things. First loving your body means being comfortable with who you are and knowing that no outward transformation in your body is going to change how you feel on the inside. Second, it’s about loving your body enough to give it the right nutrition it needs to achieve a healthy balance. Extreme dieting and yo-yo weight cycles hurt your body and damage it. Love your body enough to give it what it needs to achieve the balance it craves.

Regular healthy meals
One of the biggest mistakes people make when they want to lose weight is to stop eating, or deprive themselves of food. Although it is true that you need to lower your caloric intake if you currently overeat, denying your body regular nutrition releases stress hormones that make you hungry, irritable, and can actually make your body go into “survival” mode, storing MORE fat than it would if it were receiving all the nutrition it needed. Eating regular, healthy meals will actually lower your food cravings between meals and will lessen your desire for fatty and sugary foods. And your body will be more relaxed, allowing you to lose more weight. This is especially true if you are exercising regularly.

Introduce fresh foods
Once you’ve started eating regularly, it’s time to introduce more fresh foods into your diet. This doesn’t mean you have to eat salad for every meal, but it does mean that you can start having orange slices and grapes as a side dish to your lasagna, or it means eating a small side-salad before digging into your pizza. Once you start eating more fresh veggies and fruits with your meals, your body will start to maintain a healthy balance, crave more healthy foods, and feel more relaxed, allowing for increased weight loss and a healthier outlook on life.

When you love your body enough to be comfortable with who you are and care about what goes into it, you’ll be on the road to making a lasting change toward a healthier lifestyle.

Gunter Jameson writes about several topics including travel, minimalism and Online Colleges.

Little Angel Without Wings: My Paediatrics Experience

2010-10-08T16:28:00.003+01:00

As I walk into the Neonatal Unit and glanced in the crib placed in the corner, I found myself staring at this little baby. I would like to call her an angel but she is without wings. I hear tiny cries which come out of her mouth with her legs dangling in the air. The first time I laid my hand on Baby Ola*, a 4- week old premature baby, I was scared because of her tiny fragile frame.

Baby Ola was diagnosed having Tetanus. She was given birth to in a traditional birth home and her umbilical cord was cut with a tetanus infected instrument. The fact that she came into the world weeks earlier than expected was already traumatizing, and then to be infected at such a tender age with tetanus was heart breaking for the family members and the health team.

Knowing her condition, one had to be careful not to trigger any spastic attacks. Baby Ola needed some more attention and certain procedures from every member of the health team. Her case was one that required much effort and knowledge in taking care of her.

But as days passed, I found myself thinking of her. I felt the excitement of seeing her each day however I still have this fear- the fear of losing her. I got used to being with her, monitoring her temperature, her heartbeats and even her respiration. A big part of my nursing hours were spent with her. As I spend many hours with her, the more my heart draws near to her and I’ve learned a lot by just nursing her.

Her cot side was always full of doctors and nurses. A time when her heartbeat would slow down or when she is having a spastic attack. This were just one of the many instances where Baby Ola would again face many painful procedures like pricking her sole for blood sample not just once but for many times as possible until she becomes stable. Medications of all sorts were injected into her system to combat the infection. As a matter of fact, she had been placed on different types of antibiotics. I felt so downhearted when it seemed her body will no longer stand each prick, injections and the chemicals being introduced to her. I was just hopeful that she would get through it.

Baby Ola was a fighter at her very young age and innocent existence; I know that she was strong and that she would endure till the end. There was a moment that I would just stare at her very tiny and yet lovely face and something in her just touched my heart and I have this hope that she’ll make it whatever circumstances may bring.

Behind those pains, hardships, I have also witnessed how one’s soul suffers more and that is Baby Ola’s mother, I gazed at how Baby Ola’s mom sacrificed many things for her, I can really say that a mother’s love is indeed unconditional.

This fateful morning, she was again deteriorating. I guess she was finally tired and couldn’t take it anymore. She left this cold world. She stopped fighting!

*name changed
*Baby in picture, not Baby Ola
Image: google.com

What’s In Season: Guava the Super Fruit!!!

2010-10-08T15:53:00.004+01:00

Guava is all around us even if you have no eyes you can smell it. The taste of the guava is often described as a combination of pears and strawberries.

The guava is a good source of several vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, calcium, potassium, iron, carotenoids (vitamin A), and folate. It is also a good source of fiber, which is known to help prevent gastrointestinal cancers as well as lowering cholesterol levels. In addition, the level of vitamin C in the edible rind of the guava is five times higher than that of an orange.

What’s In One Guava?

• Vitamin C – 165mg
• Carotene: (Vitamin A) 713 IU
• Calories: 46
• Calcium: 18mg
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 1g

Guavas can be eaten raw, cooked or blended into a drink.

Start eating, drinking or cooking now!! Your time starts now…lol…

Breast Cancer Symptoms!

2010-10-08T13:40:00.005+01:00

By Guest Blogger: Gunter Jameson

Each year, in the US, over 180,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and about 44,000 die each year from the disease (mylifestages.org). In fact, that means that almost one in 8 women in the US will have a breast cancer scare at some time in their lives, that’s almost 13% of the US female population, second only to lung cancer (breastcancer.org). And your likeliness of developing breast caner double if you have a close relative who has been diagnosed. Because breast cancer is so prevalent it is a good idea to know how you can detect breast cancer symptoms early, so you can talk to your doctor and get any potential problems looked at before they become serious or life threatening.

Self-Exams

One of the best and simplest ways to detect breast cancer is through self-examination. You should perform a self-exam monthly, usually a few days after your period when your breasts a least likely to be swollen or painful. If you no longer have a period, you can pick a day of the month that is easy to remember. As you feel your breasts, make note of any changes or hard spots. As you age, your breasts will naturally develop some lumpiness, so what you want to look out for are hard, immovable spots. Also make sure that you feel up into your arm pit because not all breast cancer develops in the largest part of the breast.

Physical Changes

When you perform your self-exam, also look for other changes in the breast, like a flattening or dimpling on the breast. As well, be aware of any scaliness or any discoloration, like redness, on your breast. It is also important to examine your nipples for any recent changes. Things to look out for are redness, a thickening of the skin on the nipple, itching, scaliness, the nipple turning inward, or a discharge other than breast milk. An unusual swelling or tenderness of the breasts can also be something to look out for. Doing your monthly exams will give you a good idea of how your breasts normally feel, so when something unusual develops, you’ll know right away.

Mammograms

Consensus in the medical community suggests that all women should have yearly Mammograms at age 40. However, if you have a directly-related family member who has already been diagnosed with breast cancer, consult your doctor. Your doctor may suggest that you start yearly mammograms earlier than 40.

Keep these signs and symptoms in mind and you’ll be able to recognize them early, get treated, and be a survivor.

Gunter Jameson writes about several topics including travel, minimalism and online classes.

'Heartbreak': How Rejection Literally Stops Your Heart

2010-10-05T16:44:00.007+01:00

Heartbreak is not a myth or some mystical notion devised by grieving lovers. A new study has proven once and for all that heartbreak is a real physiological phenomenon—the one that makes one’s heart stop, literally. Your levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, fluctuate when you think you're being rejected.

It really can have a physical effect, scientists have found. The study is published in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science. A Noida based physician and head of Redix Hospital, Dr.Ravi Malik says that many young boys and girls visit him in order to address their `ailment`. “After failure in love, they feel very sad and dejected. They deserve pep talk," Dr.Malik concludes.

The effect on the nervous system explains why some of us find ourselves unable to eat or sleep after a break-up. And the more rejected we feel, the slower the heart rate becomes, a joint study by scientists at the University of Amsterdam and Leiden University in the Netherlands has found. To test the theory the researchers asked a group of volunteers to take part in an experiment which, unbeknown to them, tested their heart rate when rejected by others. First the participants were asked to send in photos of themselves.

They were told that for a study on first impressions, students would look at the photo to decide whether they liked the volunteer. This was just a cover story for the real experiment. Each volunteer then had wires placed on their chest for an electrocardiogram, was shown a face on screen and was then asked to guess whether that student liked them.

Each participant’s heart rate fell in anticipation before they found out the person’s supposed opinion of them. Heart rate was also affected after they were told the other person’s opinion. If they were told the other student did not like them, the heart rate dropped further, and was slower to get back up to the usual rate. `Unexpected social rejection could literally feel `heartbreaking, ` as reflected by a transient slowing of heart rate, ` the researchers said.

Like most Psychological Science articles, this one suggests no antidote to the physical problems associated with rejection. But the findings help explain how evolution programs human sociability. We are meant to find comfort in one another — through chemical means, if necessary — and not to be loners.

If you ever find yourself suffering from heartbreak, therefore, comfort yourself with knowing that while the pain is real, it is only transient in nature.

IVF Pioneer Robert Edwards Wins Nobel Prize

2010-10-05T16:03:00.007+01:00

Thirty two years after the first test tube baby was born, the biologist who was the first to successfully mix egg and sperm in a lab dish and generate a healthy human baby was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine.
Robert Edwards, 85, an emeritus professor at the University of Cambridge in England, was honored for developing in vitro fertilization (IVF), a technique that now accounts for 1-2% of all births and has helped more than four million babies come into the world.

Working for years with rabbits and then mice, often making trips to the lab in the middle of the night to collect eggs from the ovulating animals, he pioneered a process in which he could artificially prompt the ovary to release several eggs at a time, and then conducted experiment after experiment with human eggs to correctly time their removal with fertilization by fresh sperm to generate an embryo. He partnered with Patrick Steptoe, a gynecologist, for the latter studies and eventually hit upon the right process of hormones and culture conditions to not only obtain eggs but fertilize them and keep the resulting embryos alive in a dish before they could be transplanted into a woman's womb.

The work was hardly welcomed ethically, as critics felt that moving the first steps toward life out of the body and into the laboratory crossed a moral line. The government's Medical Research Council, which had initially supported Edwards' work, terminated its support and he was forced to find private funding to continue the project.

Despite the challenges, on July 25, 1978, Louise Brown became the first baby born from this process. “His achievements have made it possible to treat infertility, a medical condition afflicting a large proportion of humanity including more than 10% of all couples worldwide,” noted the Nobel committee in its award. “His contributions represent a milestone in the development of modern medicine.”

While initially doctors were concerned about potential health problems among IVF babies, the Prize committee noted that to date, babies born from IVF appear as healthy as those conceived naturally.

Edwards, who is in poor health, was informed of the citation by his wife, who answered the call from the Nobel committee and was "delighted" by the honor.

Source: Time.com
Pictures: Google.com

Tips for Dry Skin

2010-09-28T13:54:00.004+01:00

Dry skin has numerous causes. Some people are born with it and it persists throughout life. It can be uncomfortable, incessantly irritable and desire to scratch is always present. The more it is scratched, the greater becomes the irritation and desire to repeat the process. It gives no lasting reliefs.

Aging people normally tend to have increasingly less secretions of tiny oil producing glands of the skin (Sebaceous glands). Therefore, there is a tendency for their skin to dry out, becoming irritable and uncomfortable. Besides it tend to lose elasticity can evoke considerable discomfort.

Some environments can predispose to a drying out of the skin. Also, certain illness can cause the skin to become abnormally dry. Any persisting dry skin should receive proper investigation by the physician.

Treatment:
1. Care in washing
- Avoid excessive washing- This tends to further dry out the already dry skin.
- Avoid the use of soaps as much as possible. These are generally alkaline and are quite harsh to the sensitive skin, tending to make it dryer than ever.
- Avoid undue drying medication.
- Avoid excessively hot or dry climates if possible.

2. Application
- Fat-Based applications to the skin often assist.
- Apply when is still moist. Lanoline is excellent.
- Coconut butter, liquid paraffin, petrolatum and other simple ointment are helpful.

3. Thick, dry, cracked skin
Sometime the skin in certain areas become hard, thick and dry and may be cracked. A common site is the heel. The fingers in aged persons may also be similarly affected, becoming quite painful and bleeding.

Vitamin A in a suitable ointment applied liberally and often, frequently produces excellent results after it has been used for some time. It must be preserved with in conjunction with the other general measures noted earlier. If an effective result does not occur within several weeks it is worth having a medical check from the physician. Sometimes chemical toxins can cause skin thickening. These need medical examination and tests.