Healthy Living

What Kind Of Headache Do You Have?

noreply@blogger.com (metmet) — Wed, 09 May 2007 06:58:00 +0000

Nearly two-thirds of all Americans suffer from chronic habitual headaches. From migraines, sinus and cluster headaches, to ones induced by stress and hormones.

It can matter which type of headache the patient sufferers with, in order to treat them properly and get fast relief. Some of the most common headache types experienced by sufferers include:

Tension Headaches:

Felt by more than 80% of the adult population, tension-type headaches are the most common headache, and seem to be slightly more common among women, than men.

Believed to be caused by a chemical or neuronal imbalance in the brain, tension headaches have also been linked to a tightening in the back, neck and/or scalp. The pain is a pressing or tightening of both sides of the head, temple and neck, and feels much like a vice. Pain from this type of headache can be very mild, or excruciatingly severe.

Daily recurrences of tension-type headaches have been linked to depression, and other emotional problems. Changes in sleep patterns or insomnia, as well as ongoing fatigue can also cause tension headaches.

Symptoms usually begin early in the morning or late in the day, and last for several hours. Analgesics seem to help the mild sufferer, but chronic and severe tension headaches may require a stronger prescription therapy.

Migraine Headaches:

Migraines, are the most severe of all headaches, and are experienced by 13 percent of the population. Their throbbing head pain, usually located on just one side of the face, neck and head, characterizes them.

The combination of disabling pain and associated symptoms such as nausea, auras (bright lights, blind spots, etc), dizziness, and more, can seriously impede the quality of life for the chronic sufferer.

There are many treatment options now available to migraine sufferers including daily preventative medications, massage therapy, relaxation techniques, as well as a myriad of homeopathic remedies now on the market.

Organically Caused Headaches:

The most serious of all the headache categories, organically caused headaches is not a disease itself, but rather, a symptom of a more serious disorder.

This type of headache can be caused by high blood pressure, diabetes, tumor, blood clots and aneurysms, to name a few. When headaches become progressive with the pain worsening with each attack, a sufferer loses consciousness, is confused, or is taking over the counter medications on a daily basis.

Prompt medical attention is required to rule out an organic cause.

Hormone Headaches:

More than 60% of female migraine sufferers have linked their attacks to their menstrual cycle. Fluctuations in hormone levels during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause can all trigger mild to severe headache symptoms.

As estrogen spikes and dips throughout a woman's monthly, as well as life, cycles, headaches may become more frequent and more severe. Hormone therapy seems to work best for post-menopausal migraine sufferers.

Sinus Headaches:

Caused when one or more of the body's four sinus becomes infected due to blockage from a cold, allergies, the flu or some other physical ailment, sinus headaches generally cause a gnawing pain over the nasal area, and increases in severity throughout the day.

A feeling of pressure and fullness is often accompanied by fever as the infection worsens. Treatment includes antibiotics, analgesics and nasal sprays. Chronic sinusitis may require surgery to remove polyps that continue to block nasal passages, or to repair a deviated septum.

Allergy Headaches:

Most commonly experienced in earl spring and late fall, allergy headaches are typically accompanied by nasal congestion and watery eyes. Antihistamines are most commonly prescribed to help alleviate symptoms.

No matter what type of headache a sufferer experiences, it is always important to seek medical treatment if they persist or worsen, as this may be a sign of an underlying cause that needs further treatment.

New Early Clue to Autism

noreply@blogger.com (metmet) — Tue, 01 May 2007 15:35:00 +0000

Autism Possible in at-Risk 1-Year-Olds That Don't Respond to Their Names.Babies that don't respond to their names by age 1 likely have a developmental abnormality -- perhaps even autism, a MIND Institute study shows.

"Failure to respond to name at the well-child 1-year checkup may be a useful indicator of children who would benefit from a more thorough developmental assessment," suggest Aparna S. Nadig, PhD, of the University of California Davis MIND Institute in Sacramento, and colleagues.

Even so, not all of these children will fail to develop normally. And just because a 1-year-old can respond to his or her name doesn't mean that child won't develop autism.

But the study marks a big step forward as researchers look for ways to identify autism -- in all its many forms -- as early as possible. That goal has become vastly more important in recent years. Researchers have found that autism can be far less severe in kids who get early treatment, says Geraldine Dawson, PhD, director of the Autism Center at the University of Washington in Seattle.

“The really exciting thing is that by beginning early we are able to prevent the full-blown autism syndrome," Dawson tells WebMD. "If we can work with a baby at the time those brain systems are developing, we think they will be much more responsive to treatment."

The Nadig study and Dawson's editorial appear in autism-themed April 2007 issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.
Babies at Risk of Autism

Nadig and colleagues studied 55 6-month-olds and 101 1-year-olds considered "at risk" of autism because they had an older brother or sister already diagnosed with autism. They also studied 43 6-month-olds and 46 1-year-olds not at risk of autism as a control group.

They gave the babies a simple test. The child sat at a table, either in a baby seat or in its mother's lap. As the baby played with a toy, a researcher stood behind the child and called its name in a normal voice. If the child did not stop playing with the toy and turn to make eye contact with the stranger, the researcher called the child's name again. Each child got three chances to respond.

At age 6 months, 82% of the babies in the control group responded to their names on the first or second call. By age 1 year, all of these kids responded to their names on the first or second call.

It was a different story for the at-risk kids. At age 6 months, only 66% of the kids responded to their name on the first or second try. And at age 1 year, only 86% of the at-risk kids responded on the first or second call.

Can this really mean anything? At age 2, developmental problems appeared in three out of four kids who had failed the name test at age 1.

The researchers note that this test can by no means identify all children who will experience developmental problems. And as it cannot rule out such problems, Dawson says it isn't, by itself, a sure sign of trouble.

“There are a lot of reasons why a child might not turn to its name," Dawson says. “The idea is to develop a variety of behavioral indicators, such as failure to imitate, failure to communicate through babbling, failure to make eye contact, and failure to respond to name, that should come online in the last half of the child's first year. If they don't, these are good indicators that a child may have autism."

Behavioral tests are only one possibility. Dawson's team is using an electroencephalograph (EEG) to look at how infants' brains respond to certain stimuli such as speech or social interactions. Other researchers are looking at genetic factors that may predict autism.

Soon, Dawson says, it will be possible to identify very young children at risk of autism. When that happens, she hopes to be ready to treat them.

"We have been developing interventions for 12-month-old infants. And this summer we will initiate a trial of children at 8 months of age," she says. "We are trying to stay ahead of the curve, because down the road these babies are going to be identified, and it is imperative we have something to do for them."

Exercise May Boost Memory Through Brain Blood Flow and New Brain Cells

noreply@blogger.com (metmet) — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 10:46:00 +0000

Want a sharper memory? Lace up your sneakers. Exercise may boost memory, and a new study shows how.

The researchers found that exercise boosts blood flow to a brain area involved in memory -- even in people who aren't in top shape.

Three months of exercise was all it took for people with low levels of aerobic fitness to increase blood flow to that part of their brain and improve their scores on memory tests, the study shows.

Additional tests on mice show new brain cells growing in the same memory-related brain area after two weeks of exercise.

Add it all up, and you've got a good reason to get moving, says researcher Scott Small, MD, of Columbia University in New York.

"I, like many physicians, already encourage my patients to get active and this adds yet another reason to the long list of reasons why exercise is good for overall health," Small says in a Columbia news release.

Studying Exercise and Memory

The new study appears in the early online edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

First, Small's team put running wheels in the cages of 23 mice. For comparison, another 23 mice had no access to running wheels.

As expected, the mice with the running wheels in their cages took full advantage of their exercise gear. They ran on the wheels without any training or encouragement.

Two weeks later, the scientists gave the mice a dye shot to mark new brain cells in the memory-related brain area. After four more weeks, the scientists checked the mice's brains.

The exercising mice had more evidence of new brain cells and more blood flow in the memory-related brain area. The mice with no running wheels in their cages had no new brain cells and no increased blood flow in that brain area.

From the Couch to the Treadmill

Next, the researchers focused on people. They recruited 11 healthy volunteers aged 21-45 (average age: 33) with below-average levels of aerobic fitness.

First, participants completed memory tests and an aerobic fitness test. They also got brain scans using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Next, participants shed their sedentary ways. The researchers assigned them to work out for an hour, four times weekly for three months, at Columbia University's fitness center.

The workout routine: Warm up for five minutes at a low intensity on a stationary bike or treadmill, stretch for five minutes, do 40 minutes of aerobic training (on a stationary bike, treadmill, stair machine, or elliptical trainer), and cool down and stretch for 10 minutes.

Work Out, Boost Memory

After three months of exercise, participants repeated the memory tests, aerobic fitness tests, and MRI brain scan.

Those follow-up tests showed an increase in blood flow to the memory-related brain area, better scores on the memory tests, and improvements in aerobic fitness.

The researchers didn't use a dye test to check for new brain cells in the exercisers' brains. So the study doesn't prove that exercise boosted human brain cell production, though exercise apparently had that effect on mice.

The next step is to figure out what exercise regimen is most beneficial for memory, Small notes. He suggests that doctors may one day be able to prescribe specific types of exercise to improve memory.

Meanwhile, be sure to check in with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you've been physically inactive for a while.

Dancing Your Way to Better Health

noreply@blogger.com (metmet) — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 04:04:00 +0000

Ballroom Dancing May Help Mind, Body, and Spirit

Tangos, waltzes, sambas, and foxtrots are gliding across America's TV sets on the hit ballroom dance show, Dancing with the Stars.

Do you tap along with the beat as you watch? Or shimmy during the commercial breaks? This may be one time when health experts won't fret if you follow in the footsteps of prime-time TV. Ballroom dancing could help the mind and body, they say.

Shall We Dance?

You're not likely to practice for hours with a world-class dance partner as on the show. But you also won't face live national TV and the judges' barbs.

Will you get a good workout? What about those two left feet? And how can "twinkle toes" benefit your brain?

WebMD posed those questions to science, dance, and fitness pros. Here's their spin on ballroom dancing's health perks.

Is It Exercise?

The TV show's contestants are often winded after their routines. One dancer from last season said he lost 15 pounds.

How typical is that? It depends on the type of dancing and your skill level, says exercise physiologist Catherine Cram, MS, of Comprehensive Fitness Consulting in Middleton, Wis.

"Once someone gets to the point where they're getting their heart rate up, they're actually getting a terrific workout," says Cram.

Dance is a weight-bearing activity, which builds bones. It's also "wonderful" for your upper body and strength, says Cram.

Would-be dancers should consult their doctors first, especially if they have any health problems, says Cram.

Calorie Check

How many calories will you burn? That depends on your body and how vigorously you dance.

Dance is a "moderate activity," say the USDA's physical activity guidelines. Adults should get at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity daily, according to the guidelines.

It can be easier to stick to that with fun activities, says Cram.

Muscles Worked

New ballroom dancers may feel muscles they didn't know they had. That often happens with a new activity, says Ken Richards, spokesman for USA Dance, the national governing body of DanceSport -- the competitive version of ballroom dancing.

Ballroom dancing often means moving backward, especially for women, says Richards, a professional ballroom dancing veteran.

"If you're dancing the foxtrot, you're taking long, sweeping steps backwards. That's very different than walking forward on a treadmill or taking a jog around the neighborhood," he says.

Ballroom dancing works the backs of the thighs and buttock muscles differently from many other types of exercise, says Richards.

Core Experience

The legs and arms often do the flashy dance moves. But they're sunk without a strong body core.

The "core" muscles -- the abs and back -- are also used in Pilates, says Janice Byer. A lifelong dancer, Byer is group exercise director of The Courthouse Athletic Club in Oakland, Calif. Byer and her husband (whom she met through dancing) are avid swing dancers.

Brain Teaser

Dance can challenge your mind as well as your muscles.

At least one observational study has shown sharper minds with ballroom dancing.

The study appeared in The New England Journal of Medicine two years ago. Joe Verghese, MD, and colleagues studied 469 people who were at least 75 years old.

At the study's start, they answered surveys about mental and physical activities, like doing crossword puzzles or dancing. Back then, none had dementia.

Five years later, 124 had dementia. Frequent dancers had a reduced risk of dementia compared with those who rarely or never danced.

Of 11 physical activities considered, only dancing was tied to a lower dementia risk, Verghese tells WebMD.

Most dancers did ballroom dancing, says Verghese. He's an assistant neurology professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York.

The Dancing Brain

How might ballroom dancing help the brain? Verghese outlines three possibilities:

* Increased blood flow to the brain from the physical exercise
* Less stress, depression, and loneliness from dancing's social aspect
* Mental challenges (memorizing steps, working with your partner)

"Dance, in many ways, is a complex activity. It's not just purely physical," says Verghese.

An 'Exciting' Option

No one is prescribing ballroom dancing, and Verghese's study doesn't claim dancing drove the results.

To get real proof, a study could assign one group of people to ballroom dancing, comparing them to inactive people.

So says Carl Cotman, PhD. He directs the Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia at the University of California, Irvine.

"There aren't any experimental models in animals that would be equivalent to ballroom dancing, that's for sure," says Cotman. His rat studies have shown brain benefits from voluntary running.

If dance is aerobic enough, it could aid the brain, says Cotman. The social and mental aspects could also help.

"You've got togetherness, and … training the brain to do a new motor skill," says Cotman. "I think it's pretty exciting."

No one knows how much or what kind of exercise the brain needs, says Cotman. He'd like to see such studies done.

Meanwhile, "there's no evidence that it's going to hurt anything," says Cotman.

Check Your Ego at the Door

Here's some advice for beginners from New York dance therapist Jane Wilson Cathcart, LMSW, ADTR, CMA:

* Look for a good teacher who emphasizes what you can do, not your limits.
* Don't be a perfectionist about it.
* Don't worry about your size. Dance is for everyone.
* Get into the music, as well as the movement.

"Take in all the good feedback you're getting and give your inner judge a couple of dollars to go to the movies," says Cathcart.

"We are usually our own worst critic," says Cathcart. "Think of how many other times your critical judge has limited you from doing something."

New skills can bring confidence. At parties and social events, dancers may head to the dance floor feeling good about themselves without a martini's encouragement, Richards jokes.

"Lay the pathwork of positivity through it," says Cathcart. "The coolest dance begins with one step. The rest will follow."

Sunburn

noreply@blogger.com (metmet) — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 06:54:00 +0000

Sunlight can help our mental outlook and help us feel healthier. For people with arthritis, the sun's warmth can help relieve some of their physical pain. Many people also think that a suntan makes a person look young and healthy. However, sunlight can be harmful to the skin, causing immediate problems as well as problems that may develop years later.

A sunburn is skin damage from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Most sunburns cause mild pain and redness but affect only the outer layer of skin (first-degree burns). The red skin might hurt when you touch it. These sunburns are mild and can usually be treated at home.

Skin that is red and painful and that swells up and blisters may mean deep skin layers and nerve endings have been damaged (second-degree burn). This type of sunburn is usually more painful and takes longer to heal.

Other problems that can be present along with sunburn include:

* Heatstroke or other heat-related illnesses from too much sun exposure.
* Allergic reactions to sun exposure or to sunscreen products.
* Vision problems, such as burning pain, decreased vision, or partial or complete vision loss.

Long-term problems include:

* An increased chance of having skin cancer.
* An increase in other health problems, such as lupus or cold sores.
* Cataracts, from direct, intense sun exposure over many years. Cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness.
* Skin changes, such as premature wrinkling or brown spots.

Your skin type affects how easily you become sunburned. People with fair or freckled skin, blond or red hair, and blue eyes usually sunburn easily. Your age also affects how your skin reacts to the sun. The skin of children younger than 6 and adults older than 60 is more sensitive to sunlight.

You may get a more severe sunburn depending on:

* The time of day. You are more likely to get a sunburn between 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon, when the sun's rays are the strongest. You might think the chance of getting a sunburn on cloudy days is less, but the sun's damaging UV light can pass through clouds.
* Whether you are near reflective surfaces, such as water, white sand, concrete, snow, and ice. All of these reflect the sun's rays and can cause sunburns.
* The season of the year. The position of the sun on summer days can cause a more severe sunburn.
* Altitude. It is easy to get sunburned at higher altitudes because there is less of the earth's atmosphere to block the sunlight. UV exposure increases about 4% for every 1000 ft gain in elevation.
* How close you are to the equator (latitude). The closer you are to the equator, the more direct sunlight passes through the atmosphere. For example, the southern United States gets 1.5 times more sunlight than the northern United States.
* The UV index of the day, which indicates the risk of getting a sunburn that day.

Preventive measures and home treatment are usually all that is needed to prevent or treat a sunburn.

* Protect your skin from the sun.
* Do not stay in the sun too long.
* Use sunscreens and wear clothing that covers your skin.

If you have any health risks that may increase the seriousness of sun exposure, you should avoid being in the sun from 10 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon.

Fruits and Veggies Cut Cancer Risks

noreply@blogger.com (metmet) — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 10:12:00 +0000

Sure, you've heard it a thousand times, but three new studies cement mom's advice to eat your fruits and veggies: It may help ward off a host of cancers.

One study of 183,518 men and women suggests that a diet high in flavonol-rich apples, berries, kale, and broccoli may help cut the risk of pancreatic cancer, especially in smokers.

Another study of about 500,000 people aged 50 and older shows eating an additional two servings a day of fruit and vegetables -- no matter how many servings you now eat -- can reduce the risk of developing head and neck cancers.

The third study suggests that chemicals in cruciferous vegetables and soy reduce production of two proteins necessary for the spread of breast and ovarian cancers.

The studies were presented here at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.
Flavonols Lower Pancreatic Cancer Risk

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest of all cancers, killing 95% of victims within five years of diagnosis, says Ute Nothlings, DrPH, a researcher at the German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke in Nuthetal, Germany.

But her study shows that people who eat the largest amounts of flavonols -- antioxidants ubiquitous in plant-based foods -- are 23% less likely to develop pancreatic cancer than those who ate the least.

Smokers gained the most benefit. Those who ate the most flavonols reduced their risk of developing pancreatic cancer by 59%, compared with those who ate the least, says Nothlings, who conducted the study as a postdoctoral fellow at the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii in Honolulu.

While the findings support recommendations to eat your veggies, a flavonol-rich diet isn't going to protect smokers against developing pancreatic cancers, says Alan Kristal, DrPH, of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle.

Smoking raises your risk of developing pancreatic cancer by twofold, he tells WebMD. And no matter how many trips you make to the salad bar, "you're not going to ameliorate that risk."

For the study, the researchers asked participants about their diet and estimated consumption of three flavonols: quercetin, which is most abundant in onions and apples; kaempferol, found in spinach and some cabbages; and myricetin, found mostly in red onions and berries. Over the next eight years, 529 developed pancreatic cancer.

Kaempferol offered the most protection: Those who consumed the most were 22% less likely to develop pancreatic cancer than those who ate the least. Risk was reduced 73% among smokers.
Fruit, Vegetables Lower Head and Neck Cancer Risk

While several studies have suggested that fruits and vegetables may lower the risk of head and neck cancer, many suffered from poor design as they asked people who had already developed cancer to recall their dietary habits years before, says Kristal, who moderated a news conference on the findings.

To help settle the issue, National Cancer Institute researchers asked 490,802 AARP members about their typical dietary habits and then followed them for five years. During that time, 787 of them developed head and neck cancer.

Results showed that participants who ate about 12 servings of fruit and vegetables per day were 29% less likely to develop the cancer than those who ate three servings per day. Increasing consumption by just two servings of fruit or vegetables per day was associated with a 6% reduction in head and neck cancer risk, researcher Neal Freedman, PhD, a cancer prevention fellow, tells WebMD.

One serving equals approximately one medium-sized fresh fruit, 1/2 cup of cut fruit, 6 ounces of fruit juice, 1 cup of leafy vegetables, or 1/2 cup of other vegetables.
Broccoli Curbs Breast Cancer Spread

While studies have shown that broccoli and soy offer protection against breast and ovarian cancer, how this occurs has not been well understood, says Erin Hsu, MS, a molecular toxicologist at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Her team's laboratory experiments offer one potential clue, showing that diindolylmethane (DIM), a compound resulting from digestion of cruciferous vegetables, and genistein, a major isoflavone in soy, reduce production of two proteins whose attraction to each other is necessary for the spread of both cancers.

In the experiments, the researchers exposed breast and ovarian cancer cells to purified DIM or genistein. Levels of two proteins known as CXCR4 and CXCL12 that promote breast and ovarian cancer spread dropped.

"In other words, DIM and genistein make the cancers more treatable," Hsu tells WebMD.

Both DIM and genistein are being developed for use in the prevention and treatment for breast cancer, although more extensive toxicological studies are necessary, she says.

Whole-Grain Oats Cut Cholesterol

noreply@blogger.com (metmet) — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 10:20:00 +0000

Eating a diet rich in whole-grain oats may help lower cholesterol in people at risk for heart disease.

It’s not the first time oats have been touted as heart-healthy, but a new review of recent studies on oats and heart disease risk backs up some of those claims.

The studies stopped short of showing a direct effect of eating oatmeal on reducing heart disease risk or heart-related death, but researchers found oatmeal foods did produce an overall cholesterol-lowering effect. People who ate a diet rich in oatmeal and whole-grain oat products experienced a decrease in both total cholesterol and unhealthy low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels.

Elevated overall cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels are major risk factors for heart disease.

Although the overall results were positive, researchers say they should be interpreted with caution because the studies included were small, lasted only four to eight weeks or less, and most were funded by companies that sell whole grains.

Oats Lower Cholesterol

In the study, published in the Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews, researchers reviewed 10 studies on the effects of giving whole-grain foods to adults. Eight of the studies involved whole-grain oats and included a total of 914 adults at risk for heart disease.

When researchers pooled the results of the studies, they found people who ate whole-grain oatmeal had lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels compared with those who ate refined grain foods. The average reduction in total cholesterol levels was 7.7 mg/dL and the average reduction in LDL cholesterol levels was 7 mg/dL.

Based on these results, researchers say there is evidence on whole-grain oats to suggest that health care professionals could recommend oats as part of a cholesterol-reduction program. But they say more study is needed.

"Well-designed, adequately powered studies are now needed to evaluate the effects of long-term consumption of oats," says researcher Sarah Kelly of the School of Health and Social Care at the University of Teesside, England, in a news release.

The American Heart Association already recommends whole-grain foods for a heart-healthy diet. According to the group's web site, "The fiber found in unrefined whole-grain foods can help lower your blood cholesterol, which is important in preventing heart disease and stroke."

A Quick Guide to Mesothelioma

noreply@blogger.com (metmet) — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 08:21:00 +0000

When you talk about the health risks caused by asbestos, mesothelioma is at the top of the list. It is a sad story with a very unhappy ending.

A Quick Guide to Mesothelioma

Beginning in 1926, various studies started revealing that the wide spread use of asbestos for its fire resistant properties might not be such a good thing. The problem? Dust from asbestos materials was easily ingested into the lungs, but was nearly impossible for the body to expel. This resulted in a host of health problems of which Mesothelioma undoubtedly is the worst.

Mesothelioma is a nasty form of cancer. It is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos dust. This primarily occurs when a person has worked directly with or around asbestos materials. For example, a person who works on older buildings with asbestos materials or a person in the ship building industry to mention only a few. The disease can also impact secondary individuals who come in contact with such people, particular said peoples clothes.

On the medical side of things, Mesothelioma is terminal cancer caused by exposure to asbestos dust that takes a long time to manifest, but a short time to kill.

Using soy can be of a good help in lowering a high cholesterol level

noreply@blogger.com (metmet) — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 05:51:00 +0000

Until a few years the foods based on soy protein have been considered the foods for hippies and vegans but lately scientists have declared that the soy protein could be useful in lowering the level of cholesterol in blood.

There were made many studies upon the usefulness of soy protein and the results seemed to point towards the fact that the soy protein would lower the triglycerides and the LDL cholesterol also known as 'bad cholesterol' and would maintain the level of HDL cholesterol also known as 'good cholesterol'.

But all this good news was torn apart in January 2006 when the American Heart Association declared that after 22 studies made on soy protein the conclusion was that soy protein has only minimal effect upon the heart risk factors including the cholesterol.

Until the mystery upon the soy protein is resolved people should continue to eat soy food even though it has no spectacular good effects upon the heart system, it has quality protein in its composition and is low in saturated fat which is good for the organism.

Another study was made in 2005 on 34 adults with high cholesterol level and it showed that after eating daily 50 grams of soy protein, and other lowering cholesterol foods the subjects had an ideal cholesterol level in blood as after taking cholesterol lowering pills.

Another study made in 2005 by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality did not bring spectacular news about the soy protein. The conclusions of the study were that the soy protein eaten daily reduced the 'bad' cholesterol level with only 3%.

After considering these studies valuable, the AHA Nutrition Committee decided not to recommend the soy protein as an aliment which needs to be eaten for lowering the cholesterol level, but they still consider the soy food a good replacement for high fat meats.

There are several products which contain soy protein and which can be combined for a tasty meal. For example tofu is an ideal aliment which can be added to stir-fries, curries or stews and bring an excellent taste to the meal. When you need a snack try the soy nuts which are roasted soy beans and bring you an excellent amount of proteins. Also good for our organism are the soymilk, the soy cheese and the soy burgers.

If you enjoy cooking you can use soy flour for baking, miso for preparing soup and tempeh for combining it with spaghetti.

There are so many food varieties containing soy protein on the market that you will never get bored of eating them and you will also eat a healthy food.

Mental Exercises For Alzheimer's: Boost Your Brain And Maximize Your Memory

noreply@blogger.com (metmet) — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 18:58:00 +0000

Use it or lose it! Mental exercises for Alzheimer’s are not only a powerful preventative measure, they can tone and build the brain and memory of an Alzheimer’s sufferer the way physical exercise tones and builds the body.
Mental exercises can slow down, halt, or even help to reverse the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Unfortunately, normal day to day living usually doesn’t give the neuron sharpening exercise you need.

The good news is that you’re never too old to start boosting your brainpower, and it can be fun.

The fact that mental exercises can bolster your brain has even been discovered by the press. The Daily Mail in England reports that volunteers aged 65 and over who did just ten hours of training their memory, problem solving and reaction times had mental abilities similar to people seven to fourteen years younger who hadn’t done such exercises.

Studies show that staying mentally active can slash the chance of getting Alzheimer’s by fifty percent. Even the schoolwork that you did when you were young has an effect. A study carried out in China showed that those with no schooling were five times more likely to get Alzheimer’s disease than those who graduated from high school. A Swedish study showed that those with schooling below grade eight were two and a half times more likely to get AD.

So just what sort of mental exercises tunes up the brain and gets it firing on all cylinders?

Luckily you don’t have to do the mental equivalent of sit-ups and push-ups. Mental exercises for Alzheimer’s can be fun and enjoyable. You can even play games to fire up the neurons. Here are some ideas to get you started.

- Playing cards is good mental exercise, and bridge is often touted as an exceptionally good card game to get you thinking.

- Sudoku is a Japanese number game that takes concentration. The local newspaper will often have a game of Sudoku in it near the crossword puzzle, and books of games are easy to find in shops.

- Scrabble, crossword puzzles and jigsaws are all good for the grey matter.

- The solitaire games of FreeCell and Spider are good too, and you can play them on your computer.

- Keep learning! If you’re still working then continuing education not only helps keep Alzheimer’s at bay, it’s a good way to keep at the top in your job or profession.

- Learning new computer programs can be good mental exercise, and there lots to choose from. Go to your favorite computer store and check out the titles. You could learn a photo editing program and turn your snapshots into masterpieces, or get a genealogy program and research your family tree for example.

- Learn a challenging computer game. Once again there are lots to try out. You can become an entrepreneur running your own virtual reality railway, airline, zoo or much more. You can learn to fly with a flight simulator and fly almost anywhere in the world right in your own lounge room. You can battle anything from the ancient Romans to intergalactic warriors. There are lots of online games too, where you can compete against other players anywhere in the world any time of the night or day.

- Build your own website. Share your hobbies, interests or expertise with the rest of the world. You can even make money with this one. Click on over to my website and I’ll tell you the best place to get started, even for complete website building newbies.

- Do a course. Have you ever wanted to learn something but just haven’t done it yet? It could be photography, cooking or advanced calculus. Academic courses will really get your brain working. You’ll feel as though you’re cleaning all the rust off your brain, bit by bit getting it operating more freely until finally it’s running smoothly again.

- Here’s something to do less of. Don’t watch too much television unless it’s something mentally stimulating. Passively watching sitcoms and soapies dulls the brain you’re trying to sharpen.

Mental exercises can make a big difference to your life, whether you’re trying to prevent Alzheimer’s or already have it. You can gain years of life that could otherwise be lost. Get started now, and keep challenging your brain. It’s worth the effort. And remember that there are a lot more things you can do to fight this terrible disease.

Handy First Aid Tips

noreply@blogger.com (metmet) — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 19:39:00 +0000

When someone is injured or suddenly becomes ill, there is usually a critical period before you can get medical treatment and it is this period that is of the utmost importance to the victim. What you do, or what you don't do, in that interval can mean the difference between life and death. You owe it to yourself, your family and your neighbors to know and understand procedures that you can apply quickly and intelligently in an emergency. Every household should have some type of first aid kit, and if you do not already have one, assemble your supplies now. Tailor the contents to fit your family's particular needs.

Don't add first aid supplies to the jumble of toothpaste and cosmetics in the medicine cabinet. Instead, assemble them in a suitable, labeled box (such as a fishing tackle box or small tool chest with hinged cover), so that everything will be handy when needed. Label everything in the kit clearly, and indicate what it is used for. Be sure not to lock the box - otherwise you may be hunting for the key when that emergency occurs. Place the box on a shelf beyond the reach of small children, check it periodically and always restock items as soon as they are used up. Keep all medications, including non-prescription drugs such as aspirin, out of reach of children. When discarding drugs, be sure to dispose of them where they cannot be retrieved by children or pets. When an emergency occurs, make sure the injured victim's airway is not blocked by the tongue and that the mouth is free of any secretions and foreign objects. It is extremely important that the person is breathing freely. And if not, you need to administer artificial respiration promptly. See that the victim has a pulse and good blood circulation as you check for signs of bleeding. Act fast if the victim is bleeding severely, if he has swallowed poison or if his heart or breathing has stopped. Remember every second counts. Although most injured persons can be safely moved, it is vitally important not to move a person with serious neck or back injuries unless you have to save him from further danger. Keep the patient lying down and quiet. If he has vomited and there is no danger that his neck is broken, turn him on his side to prevent choking and keep him warm by covering him with blankets or coats. Have someone call for medical assistance while you apply first aid. The person who summons help should explain the nature of the emergency and ask what should be done pending the arrival of the ambulance. Reassure the victim, and try to remain calm yourself. Your calmness can allay the fear and panic of the patient. Don't give fluids to an unconscious or semiconscious person; fluids may enter his windpipe and cause suffocation. Don't try to arouse an unconscious person by slapping or shaking them. Look for an emergency medical identification card or an emblematic device that the victim may be wearing to alert you to any health problems, allergies or diseases that may require special care.

Living a Healthy Life

noreply@blogger.com (metmet) — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 18:20:00 +0000

In the fast paced world that we live in it can be easy to neglect our health and wellness. We’re so busy racing through our day to day lives – family, friends, work, social engagements – that we don’t take the time to look after ourselves. It’s really no wonder that so many of us are tired and run down. What are some simple things that we can do to improve our quality of life?
Drink Drink Drink…

You’ve heard it a million times and you’ll probably hear it a million more – water! drink more

Think about it: The human body is 72% water. A 5% drop in fluids creates a 25-30% loss in energy. A 15% drop in fluids causes death! At this point in time 66% of us aren’t drinking enough water, so over half the population isn’t running on all six cylinders to begin with – before things like bad air, bad food and stress take their toll.

It’s not really a difficult thing to remedy. Just drink one glass of water every half hour or so – or 10-12 glasses of water per day – and you’ll notice a huge jump in your energy levels.

Living Food – Loving Life!

A little known fact is that heating food above 116°F destroys much of the nutrient content. Considering that we already aren’t eating enough veggies, that’s a fairly substantial problem. Nutritionists recommend five serves of fresh vegetables per day. How many of us are actually taking that advice?

A great way to get the nutrients found in fresh veggies without spending all day at stove or eating raw celery sticks is to juice your veggies. Make sure that you own a good juicer (some juicers expose vegetables to heat created by friction during juicing, which breaks down important enzymes), grab some fresh vegetables and drink your way to good health. It takes a fraction of the time (there’s no cooking involved, for one thing) and it’s convenient. You can take your juice to work and even give some to the littlies for school lunches!

Wheatgrass in particular is an excellent source of nutrition. It’s high in chlorophyll (sometimes described as ‘plant blood’ because it closely resembles human red blood cell molecules) and has over 100 elements that the body needs. Fresh grains are another excellent source for vitamins and minerals.

Energy In – Energy Out

Exercise is another dirty word for most of us. The thing is, exercise doesn’t have to be horribly time consuming or mind-numbingly boring. There are plenty of options.

Years ago gyms usually offered weight rooms, aerobics classes and maybe a tydro-circuit. Now you can add water aerobics, yoga, pilates, dance-ercise, step classes and a whole range of new workout options.

If you don’t really have the time or money for the gym, or prefer to spend your mornings/nights at home, then try an exercise bike or walker. I’d be lost without my exercise bike – I set it up in front of the television and peddle away merrily during my favourite shows.

If, like me, you suffer from illness or injury or your level of fitness is quite low, you might like to consider some invaluable advice that I got from my doctor:

Once you’re physically unfit, and particularly if you’re also unwell, it can be a mammoth battle to just do the most minimal amount of exercise in a day. The danger is that inactivity leads to further loss of energy, which becomes a self-perpetuating cycle until you can barely get off the couch.

An excellent way to get back into a physical routine is to start slowly. Ridiculously slowly, it may seem. For the first couple of weeks, walk/ride for 5 minutes per day – exactly 5 minutes, no more, even if you think you could continue. When the 2 weeks are up, increase to 7 minutes, then 10 minutes, 12 minutes… continue to gradually increase your activity until you’re at a level that you’re comfortable with.

It may sound a little silly, but it works. In effect, you trick your body into producing more energy. You’re building your exercise time up so slowly that your body doesn’t really realise what’s happening. Follow this method and, before you know it, you’ll be comfortably exercising within your limits every day.

So, folks, that’s the basics. If you can rearrange your life a little to allow for better eating habits and a little exercise, and if you remember to just drink a glass of water every half hour or so, you’ll be well on the way to living a healthy life. On a final note, don’t forget to take some quiet time for yourself. Meditating is an excellent way to minimise stress. You don’t have to sit around for hours, just give yourself 5 minutes of quiet time every day – even in the shower, if that’s the only place where you can get time out – and have a little catch up with yourself.

And, last but by no means least, laugh! In fact, laugh like a loon – the louder the better! You’ll be amazed at how much such a simple thing can lift your spirits!

Is Your Memory Loss "Normal" or Is There a Problem?

noreply@blogger.com (metmet) — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 19:42:00 +0000

Experts say some memory lapses are actually normal. So before you go diagnosing yourself with Alzheimer's disease, take heart. It is said that memory loss is the second thing that occurs as you age. So what's the first? Umm, I forgot! Actually, by the time you reach the end of this story, you may remember only a fraction of it. Don't worry, you're not alone. Mild memory loss is perfectly normal, especially as we age. It has happened to all of us at one time or another; You draw a complete blank when introducing a new acquaintance. You leave the house with food bubbling on the stove. You forget to pick up your child from after-school practice. You forget a doctor's appointment, a birthday, an anniversary. Oh - and let's not forget the all-too-often search for car keys.

If you sometimes forget simple things, you're not necessarily developing Alzheimer's disease. There are many people like yourself walking around who occasionally misplace their keys, who can't recall the name of one new person they met at their last office party, and have that “deer-in-the-headlights” look when searching for their car in the parking lot. There's a reason Disney has character-themed floors coupled with the happy-go-lucky music in their parking garages. Memory, the ability to normally recall the facts and events of our lives, takes place in three stages: Stage 1 – Encoding: When a person takes information in. Stage 2 – Consolidation: When the brain takes the encoded information and processes it, storing it in certain areas of the brain. Stage 3 – Retrieval:. When someone recalls stored information in the brain.

For a layman, differentiating between normal memory loss and Alzheimer's disease can be puzzling because the kind of memory that is affected in everyday situations is also the kind affected in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Time is memory's worst enemy. Memory loss and brain aging are a natural part of getting older. In their 50s, people will often start to report that they think their memories are going. Because they have to use more reminders or more kinds of strategies for remembering things, older adults seem to be consciously aware of their memory loss. But even before we hit our 50s, memory loss can start to occur. Shortly after receiving information, our memory begins to deteriorate. Some information fades right away, while other things fade less quickly. There are many different forgetting curves with different rates of forgetting that depend on the nature of the material, on how important the information is to you, and how high your stress levels are. Studies show that after some time, people probably don't remember events as they actually happened. You may think you have a vivid memory of an experience, but memory distortion does occur. The longer the period of time that passes between an event and trying to recall it, the greater the chance people are going to have some memory distortions and forgetfulness. Occasionally, time distortion causes us to forget the event completely. Short of Alzheimer's disease, other causes of memory loss can include: stress and anxiety, ADHD, depression, thyroid gland diseases, diabetes, lung, liver, or kidney failure, alcoholism, Vitamin B-12 deficiency, infections, and both prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Depression and stress are the most common reasons for temporary memory problems. The causes of memory loss from many of these conditions are normally reversible. No matter how "normal" memory lapses may be, that doesn't make them any less frustrating. Experts agree that the best way to keep your brain fit is to keep using it. Four things that slow down brain aging include: mental activity, physical fitness, stress reduction, and a healthy diet. Those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and other conditions increase their risk for small strokes in the brain. Also antioxidants help protect brain cells and exercise helps with overall health.

The most important things to help extend and maintain your cognitive abilities for a longer period of time include staying intellectually and socially engaged. Also by challenging yourself by learning new things, reading, and taking up hobbies keep the brain active and strong for the long haul. Some other things you can do to improve memory include: Focusing your attention on the task at hand. Multitasking and not paying attention are two of the biggest causes of forgetfulness. Reduce stress, get plenty of sleep, organize yourself by writing things down or using date books. When should you see a doctor? Research shows that up to half of people over age 50 have mild forgetfulness linked to age-associated memory impairment. But there are signs when more serious memory conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, are happening. While there is no definitive way to pinpoint Alzheimer's, there are some diagnostic ways doctors distinguish normal memory loss from that which should raise concern. Normal forgetfulness can include: forgetting where you parked your car, forgetting a person's name, but can recall it later, or forgetting events from your past. More serious symptoms and possible problems of forgetfulness include: recalling recent events, how to drive a car, forgetting to have ever known a particular person, confusion, and loss of function.

Many doctors feel that if you are worried about your memory, the problem probably isn't that serious. However you should consult a doctor when your relatives or friends express concerns about your memory loss.

How Health Insurance Works ?

noreply@blogger.com (metmet) — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 13:27:00 +0000

Insurance is a bit like a gamble between you and the insurance company. The company bets that they'll take in more money in premiums than they have to pay out in benefits, whether it's for health insurance, auto insurance, life insurance or homeowners insurance. You're paying a premium every month just in case something happens.

Health insurance is a contract between you and the insurance company that says that the insurance company will pay a portion of your medical expenses if you get sick or hurt and have to visit a doctor's office or hospital. However, the amount of your bill that the insurance company will pay, and under what circumstances (known as coverage) will vary greatly from policy to policy.

The contract (or policy) spells out what the insurance company will pay for and how much of the bill you will have to pay. For example, the policy may cover an office visit but you may have to pay a $20 co-payment. Or, the policy may not cover anything until you've paid at least $250 out of your pocket (known as a deductible). The policy will also state the amount you have to pay each month for the coverage, known as the premium, and the total amount the insurance company will pay out for the life of the policy.

Since a single hospital stay could wipe out your savings (and more) not many people can afford to go without some kind of health insurance -- even if they're healthy. Not only will health insurance protect you from bankruptcy in the event of a major medical event, it also gives you peace of mind.

Do I Have Thyroid Cancer ?

noreply@blogger.com (metmet) — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 11:34:00 +0000

The problems that you might have with your thyroid all have thyroid symptoms. Some of the thyroid symptoms can be more pronounced others not. Many people start to wonder if indeed they have problems based upon thyroid symptoms of it is just their imagination. You might be face with such a dilemma often, as thyroid symptoms can also be similar to other medical conditions.

The best thing to do in such cases is still visit a doctor, even if you are unsure of the thyroid symptoms that you have

Many of the thyroid symptoms, like tiredness, gain of weight or even depression are often associated with the daily problems that you have and less with a thyroid problem. In these cases, even if thyroid symptoms are there, you might no even see them. Doctors have a difficult task as well diagnosing problems of the thyroid based only on thyroid symptoms.

Let us take hypothyroidism for example. In women, this is quite a common disease after they just had a baby. In this period she might have thyroid symptoms and not even know that. This type of disease has the same thyroid symptoms as the period after giving birth. Fatigue, hair loose, problems loosing those extra pounds are just some of the thyroid symptoms that many women may just associate with the after birth period. In fact, these thyroid symptoms indicate just that, a thyroid problem. So you see, it is very easy to confuse thyroid symptoms with other problems, although you might be more alert. Even if this thyroid symptoms are similar to others, you should still know that something is wrong. Based on these thyroid symptoms alone, you should see a doctor even if it turns out to be something different.

keep in mind that although thyroid symptoms are very similar to other medical conditions, they must be confirmed anyway. The thyroid symptoms can also be mistaken for daily rutine jobs that can cause problems to you. Panic attacks, depression, anxiety are some of the thyroid symptoms that many just blame work and family for. Doctors may sometimes mistake themselves thyroid symptoms with other problems, so you can imagine how easy is this for you.

However, in a healthy, normal life, not getting enough sleep, weighting more than you should is not indicated. These too can be thyroid symptoms, so a visit to the doctor should be taken. Another of the thyroid symptoms is the hair getting thicker than it was. A decrease in your libido is another of the thyroid symptoms that you might have.

Top 10 Secrets to a Better Love Life

noreply@blogger.com (metmet) — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 14:49:00 +0000

Are you in a relationship?

Whether it’s brand new or years old, Here are 10 Secrets to start making it even better.

1. Redecorate the Bedroom

If you're not fabulously wealthy or just plain broke right now, instead of going away from home, make some changes at home. Even if you can make a small change in the bedroom, that can make a noticeable difference." A better love life doesn't require ceiling mirrors or a stripper’s pole in the room. Not that it wouldn’t make things more interesting, but you don't need to do something that will freak out the kids or the housekeeper. Light up some candles. Get a smooth set of sheets and a warm bedspread that will make a difference. Also, remove some of the junk like toys, and piles of laundry out, that can take your attention away from the moment. Think about NO TV in your bedroom too, or at least try life without it for a while.

2. Figure Out What You Really Want

Everyone's got sexual fantasies. But for some people, those fantasies can be buried pretty deep. If your partner were to turn to you tonight and say, “What's your ultimate sexual fantasy?" or "What do you want to change about how we have sex?" do you know what you'd say? If you're not sure, you're not alone. "Some people have to do a little work at figuring out what really works them”. But figuring out what you want is the key to having a better love life. Give it a little effort. There is plenty stuff out there to help you find fun positions and satisfy your every desire, like books, magazines, videos, and of course the all holy Kama Sutra. Once you've come up with some ideas, telling your partner about them could be fun for both of you.

3. Go see a movie

This is considered the most typical date there is. Dating can be a lot more fun than just seeing a movie but this is a start if you aren’t doing anything else. Go see the top comedy, that way you can both come home in a playful and happy mood. And that leads to good love making!

4. Go out for a fancy dinner at a new and atmospheric or even unusual restaurant

This usually goes hand and hand with seeing a movie, but the trick here is to go someplace new. You might like it you might not, it’s the mystery that makes it fun and it gives you a new experience to share for better or worse.

5. Take an entertaining walk together

Ok, Maybe this one sounds boring. So how can we make it fascinating? For starters go someplace that offers “eye candy”. There is nothing that leads to blah like a walk down your street in the dark. Unless you live on Bourbon Street. Get out, go to the Carnival, feel like a kid again, make a little trouble then come home and let your love explode.

6. Have a glass of wine by candlelight

Every week you hear something about wine, it’s good, it’s bad… why don’t the so called experts just make up their minds, it doesn’t really matter anyway. An occasional glass of wine can’t be bad, it just doesn’t feel bad, right? Plus it makes you feel kinda sexy. So, share a glass of “decent wine”, no, Boones Farm doesn’t count anymore. Cough up an extra $5-10 and get something that won’t leave you feeling like a bum the next day!

7. Be romantic with Poems, Music or Words of the Heart (That’s my Favorite)

It really doesn’t matter if you have a single poetic bone in your body, your date is with you because there’s just something about you that makes you attractive, even irresistible. Give them a piece of your mind that makes them feel good. That’s what poetry is all about anyway.

8. What did you do when you got together?

If you went skinny dipping, go find a swimming hole. You went out dancing until 3 in the morning, then go get your dancing shoes. Remember the good times and make it happen again. Make new memories.

9. Make a date to make love.

People make plans for other things they enjoy, like ski trips or dinners out. Most people, especially couples with kids, have to plan ahead because they already have so much jammed into their schedules. Don’t forget to make love. It’s good for the soul. Of course there are times when things spontaneously fall together, let those happy accidents happen often, it keeps the fire alive.. Get out, don’t stay in your house

10. A great suggestion for a better love life is to take regular nights away from home

For couples that have been together for a while, sex can become routine. You're worn out by the end of the day, after a long day of work, laundry, kids schedules, and the errands. It can be hard to give into the moment when you're having sex in your all-too-familiar bedroom. You’re thinking, Did I remember to set the alarm clock for work tomorrow? Work…work…work Making love is fundamental for a healthy relationship, the minute it stops the romance begins to die. Just remember, the best sex comes when you're not thinking about the past or the future, but only NOW. Stop using your mental tricks to hold the moment of truth and just enjoy every second of it.

Go away from home, It doesn't have to be a fabulous spot by the ocean, at least not every time. Get a trusted friend or dear grandma, God bless her soul, to watch the rugrats, if you got ‘em, for a day or maybe even a few hours.

Life’s a nonstop rollercoaster enjoy it!

Symptoms in children with leukemia

noreply@blogger.com (metmet) — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 14:13:00 +0000

As we all know, leukemia is the form of cancer that affects the bone marrow of people. The bone marrow is the spongy substance that we all have on the insides of our bones, this being responsible for the production of the white and red cells and of course the platelets. When leukemia appears in people the white blood cells start dividing in an abnormal way and out of control. Their numbers get very high and thus start crowding the other normal cells in the blood. Being the fact that they are not yet mature, the white cells that are so many now in the blood stream, can not perform the proper functions that the other normal healthy cells would have. Problems start poring down now on the patient.

Organs stop receiving the right amount of nutrients and oxygen, the body becomes in danger of suffering because of the attacks of the diseases and viruses and of course blood doesn’t clot as it should have done when a cut occurs and the blood enters into contact with the air.

In children, the most common type of leukemia found is acute lymphocytic leukemia. Less common in the cases of children is the appearance of acute myeloid leukemia. Some 5 % of childhood leukemia form a distinct chronic type of the disorder. If the children under 2 develop the disease than it is clear that they have juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia. In general children suffer only from acute types of leukemia, the chronic ones affecting grown ups mostly after the age of 40.

We all know that the bone marrow is the one responsible of producing the red, white and platelets cells. But few of us know that in fact the bone marrow produces stem cells that later one, depending on the message received from the brain, develop into the normal cells that we have in our blood. Also we see a minor division in the type of white blood cells. This way we see that there are granulocytes, monocytes, B-lymphocytes and T- lymphocytes. The granulocytes white cells fight bacteria by actually surrounding them and eating them; the case is monocytes is that they fight germs, but it’s not the case as in granulocytes.

The B-lymphocytes attach antibodies on germs and by this they trigger a mass response from other WBC that also attach antibodies to the germs, this way distroying them. The T-lymphocytes act more like a little look out cells telling the WBC when they have found an intruder or a germ and directing them to fight it.

Because the large number of white blood cells crowd out the other cells, the normal functions of the body stop working normally leading to certain signs like anemia and of course fatigue. The bruising also appears more easily in children patients of leukemia, not to mention the fact that if a cut occurs a lot of bleeding is done till the blood actually clots. Infection is a serious problem for patients with any kind of leukemia.

Here Are Your Exercising Tips for Treating Diabetes

noreply@blogger.com (metmet) — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 13:42:00 +0000

When the pancreas produces too little or no insulin that is called type l diabetes. Someone coupled with diabetes type I will have to inject insulin during the day to retain safe blood sugar levels. Type II diabetes, also known as adult onset diabetes, is characterized by the pancreas not creating adequate amounts of insulin to control glucose levels. Or the cells are not responding to insulin. When a cell does not respond to insulin, it is known as insulin resistance.

If you are diagnosed with type II diabetes, exercise and weight control are given as measures to help with your insulin resistance.

Treating diabetes with exercise is part of the program. Lack of movement has been a strong indicator that diabetes could be at hand. Type l cannot be controlled with exercise. Ninety percent of those that have diabetes have type 2 which can be treated by working out and exercising.

The risk factors for type II diabetes connect: inactivity, important cholesterol, obesity, and hypertension. Inactivity alone is a strong risk factor that has been proven to lead to diabetes type II. Exercise will have a positive affect on diabetes type II while improving insulin sensitivity while type I cannot be controlled using an exercise program.

Part of my weekly program for treating diabetes is exercising. I look forward to going to my health club at least three to four times a week. Riding the idle bike and playing basketball keeps my cardio count up. This is valuable for treating diabetes because it helps with my blood flow.

Working out causes the body to use glucose quicker. The more vigorous the exercise, the quicker the body will make use of glucose. Therefore it is essential to recognize the distinctions in training with type I and type II diabetes. It is important for a man or woman who has diabetes to get together with their physician as you are beginning an athletics program.

General exercise guidelines for type I are as follows: allow adequate rest during exercise sessions to prevent high blood pressure, use low impact exercises and avoid backbreaking weight lifting, and always have a supply of carbohydrates nearby. If blood sugar levels get too low, the individual may feel shaky, disoriented, famished, anxious, become irritable or experience trembling. Consuming a carbohydrate snack or beverage will alleviate these symptoms in a matter of minutes.

Type 2 diabetes will be helped by exercise, because of its effect on insulin sensitivity. Proper athletics and diet are the best forms of avoidance for type II diabetics. Creating and maintaining a work out program that you can devote yourself to on a active basis will aid you when you are treating diabetes. Maybe even prevent it. Instead of gong for the highest levels of workout gradually increase the potency level of your program to prevent hypoglycemia.

There you have it. Obviously exercising is meaningful to you or you would not have come this far. Having a well rounded plan for treating diabetes makes perfect sense. Like what you eat, what exercises to do and what you can do naturally.

Keep reading for additional information about creating a thorough and well rounded diabetes treatment.

A Healthy Breakfast for People on the Go

noreply@blogger.com (metmet) — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 11:23:00 +0000

Are you the type of person who gets up with no time to spare, and goes straight for the coffee? You've heard it before, "breakfast is the most important meal of the day". This is probably more true then ever before, as we live fast paced lives rushing from the moment we get out of bed. Although one cup of coffee isn't bad for you, if it replaces your breakfast you won't have the needed sustenance for your busy day. Over time this habit will have negative affects on your health and emotional state.

An easy solution is to start your day with a smoothie. If you don't have one already, buy yourself a blender. It will probably be the most important appliance you've ever owned. Next, buy a large carton of milk or soy, some stevia (natural sweetener) and some of your favorite fruits. You may also want to add some supplementary products such as a multivitamin and/or green food products such as chlorophyll or kelp (which are great for their nutritional value and detoxifying ability). If you want to go one step faster, you can buy yourself a big bag of mixed frozen fruit, so you can save the time of cutting up fresh fruit.

With in a matter of minutes you can provide your body and mind with the nutrition it needs to get through the morning and still have time for coffee on your way to work. The great thing is that you can mix up your morning smoothies, so each day you can make a different one. Here are some popular smoothie ideas.

Start your day of right and feel energized and healthy, instead of drained and irritated. We all now the coffee pick me up, is followed shortly by the coffee crash. Smoothies are excellent breakfast solution for the wake up and go lifestyle. Enjoy.

Top 5 Changes in Your Life Style That Will Lower Your Cholesterol

noreply@blogger.com (metmet) — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 10:08:00 +0000

This is a basic guide to the changes a doctor will ask you to make when your cholesterol level gets out of hand. Basic changes in small parts of your life can amount to big changes in your cholesterol level, and ultimately add years on to your life. Even if you are taking or plan on taking cholesterol medication, you should still follow these lifestyle changes in order to make your medication more effective.

1. Exercise

Regular exercise is key to keeping a healthy heart and maintaining normal cholesterol levels. It is proven that if you exercise regularly, you are 45% less likely of developing coronary artery disease.

2. Diet

Diets that are low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol are essential in lowering your cholesterol level. Saturated fat is found most in foods from animals and some plants like beef fat, butter, cheese, poultry fat, milk coconut oil, and palm oil.

3. Weight Loss

Losing anywhere from 5-10 pounds can drastically reduce your cholesterol and triglycerides level. Changing your diet to only foods with minimal amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol as well as regular exercise and cutting calories will help you loose weight.

4. Change Your Bad Habits

Bad habits like smoking decreases your HDL (good cholesterol) levels and changes your LDL cholesterol to a form that endorses the buildup of cholesterol deposits on the walls of your arteries. Smoking also increases your overall chances of developing heart disease and is the leading cause of preventable death in America.

High stress levels also increase your cholesterol level, so try to limit the amount of high stress at home and at work.

5. Cholesterol Medication

Many new medications have been created that can drastically reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in your body while raising the amount of good cholesterol. You should consult your doctor to see if this might be an option for you. Although cholesterol medication can be very affective, it can also become very expensive.

How to Live With Cerebral Palsy

noreply@blogger.com (metmet) — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 09:17:00 +0000

Cerebral Palsy is an umbrella term used to describe a group of chronic disorders impairing control of movement that appear in the first few years of life and generally do not worsen over time. The term cerebral refers to the brain's two halves, or hemispheres, and palsy describes any disorder that impairs control of body movement. Faulty development or damage to motor areas in the brain disrupts the brain's ability to adequately control movement and posture.

First thing's first. Cerebral palsy isn't a disease or an illness that can be contagious. It is a condition where the muscle movement is affected and will be there throughout a person with cerebral palsy's life.

Cerebral Palsy is caused by a malformation or defect in their brain. And, in most cases, doctors do not know what caused the malformation and will not know how to prevent it if in case they knew what that cause was.

This is a disorder that is acquired at birth where they will have a brain defect while still being in their mother's stomach, during or just right after birth. Once Cerebral Palsy is detected in the child, it will be there for a lifetime. However, this does not mean that your child will have to suffer a lifetime as well.

Today, there are devices that can assist in the learning process of a child with cerebral palsy. There are also special schools where your child with cerebral palsy can attend free of charge.

If you notice that your child is having difficulty in their developmental process, like reaching for toys, walking, sitting and talking, it is very possible that your child has this condition. Diagnosing Cerebral Palsy will be done by observing your child's motor skills. If there is a delay in the development of these skills, your doctor will suspect that your child has Cerebral Palsy.

Living life with Cerebral Palsy can be difficult. But, with proper care and education, you can give your child a more normal life. You have to make extra effort in order for them to cope with living and also be independent in the future.

There are cases where some children with Cerebral Palsy that excels in education. Some have been attending and graduating colleges and some even lives a normal independent life once they become adults.

Treatment

A multidisciplinary team of health care professionals develops an individualized treatment plan based on the patient's needs and problems. It is imperative to involve patients, families, teachers, and caregivers in all phases of planning, decision making, and treatment.

Mesothelioma: 5 Top Tips to Help Cope Easier

noreply@blogger.com (metmet) — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 08:56:00 +0000

Living with a diagnosis of Mesothelioma can be very emotionally difficult to deal with. Understandably, you may be feeling upset and confused as it is not uncommon for Mesothelioma to be diagnosed at an advanced stage. Here are five tips to help you or anyone else cope with Mesothelioma:

1: Coping with your feelings.

Everyone has a different reaction when they learn that they have Mesothelioma. A wide range of feelings and emotions such as confusion, upset , worried, depression, shock, fear, denial, anger, negativity, etc. And it is not uncommon for people to feel relieved on learning they have Mesothelioma as they feel it is better to know than not know at all.

Just because you are having different feelings to others (or to the ones listed above) does not mean that you are not coping. There is no text book way to cope with Mesothelioma. The feelings you experience are naturally right for you so do not compare your feelings with anyone else

2: Finding others to talk to.

Your family and friends may find it hard to talk with each other about Mesothelioma. This is not unusual as they may be scared of frightening you or make it more difficult to talk about in the future. Most Mesothelioma patients feel that a problem shared is a problem halved. In some cases, patients feel it is best just to be listened to and know that someone is there if a ‘good pair of listening ears’ is needed. Get the subject out in the open.

3: How to tell children.

It is never easy to tell children about Mesothelioma, even more difficult if they are small. Most patients will have small children, young relatives or the children of friends in their lives.
If the child you need to speak with is very small, start off by explaining that the person in question is very poorly. If the child is a little older, it is a good idea to explain Mesothelioma cancer as good cells and bad cells in the body. It is also a good idea if you know a little about Mesothelioma or cancer but overall, try to keep it simple.

You will also need to listen to the questions of the child and answer them the best you can without trying to upset them too much. Starting off with small bits of information and building up to the bigger picture as time goes on is a good way to go.
But don’t keep any secrets. Children are good at telling when something is not right and it may be harder for them to cope with uncertainty that it would be coping with the truth.

As adults, it can be natural to try and protect children from the truth but children can pick up on unusual comings and goings and will feel left out. Keep them informed, even if it is with just little snippets of information..

If possible, try to have a word with the childs school teacher to let them know that someone close to them is ill. Hopefully, the teacher will keep an eye on the child in case of any changes in the childs behaviour.

4. What can you do?

A feeling of helplessness is not unusual when someone is first told that they have Mesothelioma. Try and learn to understand Mesothelioma as this will help you and your family to take action and know what to expect. It is best to talk to a professional such as your doctor if you need more information as they will be able to advise you on your specific case which is always better than getting general information about Mesothelioma from a book or the internet. Be sure to take a list of questions to save time for you and your doctor.

It may be a good idea to see if there are any local support groups you can join. Finding people going through a similar experience as yourself can help you cope. Your doctor or hospital will be able to let you know if there are any support groups near to you.

As you are having treatment, you will find that you may not be able to do as much as you would like on a day to day basis. Once you start to feel a little better, try and do some simple tasks and do a little more each day. This will help with confidence but always remember not to over do things.

A lot of patients try to fight Mesothelioma by planning a healthy diet, learning relaxation techniques and taking regular exercise. You don’t have to do this, only if you would like to try it. The last thing you need are more dramatic changes in your life if you’re not ready for them. But if you do decide to give exercise a go, start slowly and set realistic targets. You will have good days and bad days so always plan your activity on how you feel on the day.

5: Who else can help?

More support can come from your GP if needed and hospitals can give advice and support through cancer nurses and specially trained staff will advise you on any worries you may have.

For financial help, check any insurance policies you have to see if you are covered. It is also advisable to seek financial help from your local welfare office if needed.

Sometimes it is nice to talk with someone who has nothing to do with Mesothelioma. You may want to try counselling or if you’re religious, speaking with a local minister or anyone else involved in your faith.

7 Useful tips to improve your image

noreply@blogger.com (metmet) — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 11:49:00 +0000

Most of us like to look good and why not this is how we can attract the opposite sex. Very few are born with a natural look but that does not mean that others can’t look good. There are certain things that need to be taken into consideration to improve your image.

7 Useful tips that can help you improve your image

1. You need to take good skin care: Good skin care is easy. Soap or lotion and moisturizing are the two main ways of improving the look of your skin. Our skin runs pat dry due to lack of water especially during the winter season. You need to have at least eight to ten glasses of water everyday to moisturize your skin. It’s very important to protect your skin from the harmful ultra violet ray of the sun. Pick a moisturizer with sun protection because sun damage is the main factor that ages skin

2. Acne: One of the best ways to treat spots and acne treatments would be to use appropriate creams, soaps, cleansers and medications. It would be advisable to change products if you feel they are not working for your skin. If nothing works you can try antibiotics and specialized creams to get rid of them.

3. Body Odor: No one likes bad odor and we are surely you too. One of the best ways to get rid of body odors is by having regular showers and wash. You could also try out Anti precipitants and deodorants spray to regulate your odor and sweat.

4. Hair Cut: Workout on the look of your hair. Discuss with your beautician a haircut which can go with your image. Use a shampoo that is appropriate for your hair type and makes your hair look good.

5. Balanced diet: It’s very important to have a balanced diet to stay healthy. Your balanced diet should consist of fruits and vegetables. A proper balance diet keeps you healthy and improved your skin and hair. Avoid excessive fast food intakes.

6. Exercise: Workout is important. You need to exercise regularly to remain fit throughout the day. Join a gym or sports club can encourage you to exercise.

7. Clothing” You need to wear neat and clean clothes to look smart and trendy. Take care of your teeth’s and have a regular mouth wash. Keep you nails clean and avoid biting them. Also change your socks and underwear’s regularly.

A Step By Step Guide On How To Prevent Bird Flu

noreply@blogger.com (metmet) — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 10:57:00 +0000

Bird Flu is one of the greatest threats to our modern civilization and if at all a pandemic strikes our planet earth, we are not at all prepared to face it. Bird flu spreads and multiplies in unhygienic conditions. In fact the carriers of this deadly virus are the wild birds, which remain unaffected by the outcome of the virus infiltration.

Bird flu is just an influenza virus. Generally this virus does not infect the humans. But a single strain of this virus, known as H5N1 can show infection symptoms in humans, dogs and pigs. Many of the viruses of this deadly disease has a common route to enter. They are found in our finger nails and enter through the mucous membrane of our nose and eyes.

However, the bird flu virus can be easily prevented. Some of the preventive measures are:

1.Maintaining proper personal hygiene. For that it is advisable that you wash your hands frequently, particularly while taking meals. And if you are looking for more safety use gloves while stepping out of your homes.

2.Apart from personal hygiene, proper sanitation is also very important. Unhygienic sanitation places are the best breeding grounds for the flu virus.

3.As it has been said earlier that the virus spreads through the mucous membranes so it is advisable for you to take some extra precautions. While traveling out in crowded places, make sure that you cover your eyes with a pair of goggles. And also try to cover your mouth and nose with the clinical masks available.

4.This is an advise both for the doctors and the general family members. While addressing a patient suffering from the virus, you should always cover your nose and mouth with a mask or an handkerchief. Because the mucous dropping by the patients carries the bird flu virus that might infect you.

5.There is some special care to take if you are a worker in a poultry farm. You need to protect all your body parts. So for that reason wear clinical masks and gloves for a complete protection. Keep separate clothes for the workplace and for home.

6.And if you find any bird suffering from the symptoms of the flu, you should immediately seclude it from the others. Do not allow the nasal discharge, fecal matter and the blood droplets of the infected chicken to come in contact with the healthy chickens.

7.There are certain vaccines for the bird flu disorder. But these vaccines sometimes fail to show positive results. So it is better to look for prevention than the cure.

8.While disposing the things used, like the gloves and the masks used while monitoring a bird or a human suffering from the virus, you should take some extra care. Dispose them as indicated on their manufacturing boxes.

9.The other natural way to prevent encounter with a flu virus is by improving your immune system. A strong immune system helps you fight this deadly virus. More over if you try to keep your general health fine, there are less chances of you being infected.

Preventing bird flu virus from spreading is not a difficult task. All you need to do is to be a little more careful about your surroundings and your health. An efficient immune and health system can fight any disease. The same is true with the prevention of the bird flu virus.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

noreply@blogger.com (metmet) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 06:23:00 +0000

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a serious form of pneumonia, resulting in acute respiratory distress and sometimes death. It is a dramatic example of how quickly world travel can spread a disease. It is also an example of how quickly a networked health system can respond to an emerging threat.

This contagious respiratory infection was first described on February 26, 2003. SARS was identified as a new disease by World Health Organization (WHO) physician Dr. Carlo Urbani. He diagnosed it in a 48-year-old businessman who had traveled from the Guangdong province of China, through Hong Kong, to Hanoi, Vietnam. The businessman died from the illness. Dr. Urbani subsequently died from SARS on March 29, 2003 at the age og 46

In the meantime, SARS was spreading, and within 6 weeks of its discovery, it had infected thousands of people around the world, including people in Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa, and North and South America. Schools had closed throughout Hong Kong and Singapore. National economies were affected.

The WHO had identified SARS as a global health threat, and issued an unprecedented travel advisory. Daily WHO updates tracked the spread of SARS seven days a week. It wasn't clear whether SARS would become a global pandemic, or would settle into a less aggressive pattern.

The rapid, global public health response helped to stem the spread of the virus, and by June 2003, the epidemic had subsided to the degree that on June 7 the WHO backed off from its daily reports. Nevertheless, even as the number of new cases dwindled, and travel advisories began to be lifted, the sober truth remained: every new case had the potential to spark another outbreak. SARS appears to be here to stay, and to have changed the way that the world responds to infectious diseases in the era of widespread international travel.