All About Health

What Is Asthma?

2012-01-06T07:48:00.000-08:00

Asthma (AZ-ma) is a chronic (long-term) lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. Asthma causes recurring periods of wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe), chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. The coughing often occurs at night or early in the morning.

Asthma affects people of all ages, but it most often starts during childhood. In the United States, more than 22 million people are known to have asthma. Nearly6 million of these people are children.

Overview

The airways are tubes that carry air into and out of your lungs. People who have asthma have inflamed airways. This makes the airways swollen and very sensitive. They tend to react strongly to certain inhaled substances.

When the airways react, the muscles around them tighten. This narrows the airways, causing less air to flow into the lungs. The swelling also can worsen, making the airways even narrower. Cells in the airways may make more mucus than normal. Mucus is a sticky, thick liquid that can further narrow your airways.

This chain reaction can result in asthma symptoms. Symptoms can happen each time the airways are inflamed.

Figure A shows the location of the lungs and airways in the body. Figure B shows a cross-section of a normal airway. Figure C shows a cross-section of an airway during asthma symptoms.

Sometimes, asthma symptoms are mild and go away on their own or after minimal treatment with an asthma medicine. Other times, symptoms continue to get worse.

When symptoms get more intense and/or more symptoms occur, you're having an asthma attack. Asthma attacks also are called flareups or exacerbations (eg-zas-er-BA-shuns).

It's important to treat symptoms when you first notice them. This will help prevent the symptoms from worsening and causing a severe asthma attack. Severe asthma attacks may require emergency care, and they can be fatal.

Outlook

Asthma can't be cured. Even when you feel fine, you still have the disease and it can flare up at any time.

However, with today's knowledge and treatments, most people who have asthma are able to manage the disease. They have few, if any, symptoms. They can live normal, active lives and sleep through the night without interruption from asthma.

You can take an active role in managing your asthma. For successful, thorough, and ongoing treatment, build strong partnerships with your doctor and other health care providers.

A few reasons why you might have phlegm cough

2011-12-30T05:26:00.000-08:00

You may discover that diagnosing the cause of phlegm cough is almost impossible. This is why you need to go to a doctor. After you know what the cause is, you are able to then work with your doctor to determine which therapy technique will work very best. There are not many issues worse than having phlegm cough. Sure, this is a minor problem, for probably the most part, however it can be extremely annoying. On top of this, you will never really know what the cause is until you seek a professional assist.

Here are a few reasons why you might have phlegm cough:

1. Typical cold. In most cases, this is caused by nothing much more than a common cold. Many people experience more phlegm cough buildup than others when they get a cold.

2. Strep throat. As you can imagine, this can result in a lot excess of phlegm cough. In most cases, until you treat your sore throat you are not going to have the ability to get rif of the phlegm that is building up and coming out when you cough.

3. Bronchitis. In terms of excess phlegm cough production, this is extremely comparable to what you will encounter with strep throat. Many people discover that it is even worse with bronchitis because of the extreme coughing.

4. Tuberculosis. As you are able to imagine, this is much much more serious than the three conditions listed before. If you believe this is what you have, you shouldn’t waste any time to get to a doctor to ensure that he can run the proper tests.

5. Smoking. And if you smoke a lot you are going to expect to have a lot of phlegm when you cough. This is really a common side impact of smoking – albeit probably not the most serious. If you want to curb this issue, all you have to do is put down the cigarettes and stop smoking.

How to Cough without Spreading Germs

2011-12-30T05:20:00.000-08:00

When you experience cough of course you will cough up germs and virus. Cough is one of disease that caused by viruses and germs. You are usually getting cough because you infected by someone who already experience cough. He coughs and the germs infect you so you will also getting cough. The virus and germs that produce when you cough of course when infect people around you. To avoid people around you infected of your cough, you have to know about how to cough properly.

The best way that you can do when you experience cough or flu and you want to know about how to cough is cover your nose and mouth. It will prevent the germs that produced up when coughing will not spread and infecting people around you. You will better to cover your nose and mouth when you are having activities both inside and outside. You need to cover your mouth and nose anytime when you need to cough.

When you know about how to cough, of course you will help people around you to avoid germs of cough. In addition, you can also cough into the tissue and after that, you can throw it away. Alternatively, you can cough in the upper of elbow and sleeve.

Some Causes Phlegm with Blood

2011-12-27T22:00:00.000-08:00

Cough is one of symptoms that mean you will get flu or cold. One of cough types that usually experienced by people is cough with mucus. Mucus that produced when you cough of course can be clear, yellow, and green. If you experienced cough with mucus that has these colors, it is a normal cough. But, when your cough producephlegm with blood, of course this mean that your cough is serious or you are getting problem with your throat.

When you are coughing up phlegm with blood, it is different from bleeding from the throat, mouth and gastrointestical tract. The blood that comes with phlegm usually looks bubbly. It is because the blood is mixed with phlegm and air. The color is bright red or rust-colored. The mucus sometimes also only contain of blood streaks

The common cause that caused you cough up phlegm with blood such as blood clot in your lung, Bronchoscope with biopsy, bronchitis, cancer, Cystic fibrosis, the injury arteries of lungs, irritation of throat because violent coughing, pneumonia, tuberculosis, pulmonary edema, etc. Cough suppressants can help you fix this condition if your cough up blood is because of throat irritation that caused from violent coughing. You have to know that in some cases, cough suppressants can lead to airway blockage. You need to check it with your doctor if you want to use it.

Phlegm in throat

2011-12-27T21:54:00.000-08:00

Phlegm in throat, is a sensation of phlegm, when no phlegm exists, utilized to become known by the impolite Latin phrase “globus hystericus.” This implies “hysterical ball,” reflecting the fact that docs used to believe this issue was, um, all inside your head. Phlegm in throat is normal in healthy human beings, and its purpose would be to filter the air we breathe by trapping small particles, like dust, and stopping them from getting into our respiratory program. The mucus in a person’s nose and throat is made by the cells which line the sinus passage and is usually a clear colour and quite thin.

If you are suffering from phlegm in throat, you can read another related articles for more information on how to Naturally Eliminate Phlegm in Throats.

However, occasionally a build-up of bacteria can cause phlegm in throat to become a greenish-yellow color, or sometimes even gray. These bacteria can lead to infections and also cause a tonsil stone on the back of the throat or tongue.

These stones are usually caused by a sulfur-based bacteria or debris that builds up inside the pockets of the tonsils and generally appear white in color and can be both irritating and painful. They can result in bad breath, coughing, earaches, difficulty swallowing, and phlegm in throat. A tonsil stone can be expressed with a Q-tip or pulsating jets of water, but if tonsillitis develops, in many cases the tonsil themselves may have to be removed instead of just the stones.

The glands of the throat typically produce one to two quarts of mucus every day, which serves to moisten and cleanse the membranes with the nose, trap foreign matter which has been inhaled, and fight infection. Excess numbers of mucus in the nose or throat could cause irritation, constant throat clearing, as well as bleeding. If you suffer from excessive phlegm in throat, call at your doctor for treatment plans.

Coughing After Eating

2011-11-16T17:56:00.000-08:00

Chronic coughing that occurs suddenly after eating can by caused by several different factors. Although the cough may appear to be only a minor nuisance, any persistent cough, especially one that worsens over time, should be examined by a doctor because a serious health condition could be the underlying cause.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung disease caused by inflammation of the airways. Some people with asthma experience increased symptoms, such as coughing, after eating particular foods or food additives. Common triggers include wheat, milk, peanuts, eggs, soy, tree nuts, fish and shellfish, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

Aspiration Pneumonia

Aspiration pneumonia occurs when liquids, foods or stomach substances accidentally enter the the lungs and cause an infection. Usually, as soon as one of these substances enters the airway, immediate coughing prevents it from reaching the lungs. However, sometimes foreign substances do reach the lungs, which can cause an infection and buildup of mucus, leading to pneumonia. The infection can persist without diagnosis and result in increased coughing after meals.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is caused by frequent backwash of large volumes of stomach digestive juices into the esophagus. The most common symptoms of GERD are heartburn and acid indigestion. However, in some cases, GERD may result in chronic coughing, particularly after eating, that occurs for no obvious reason, according to Harvard Medical School's HealthBeat Newsletter.

Dysphagia

Dysphagia is a disorder characterized by difficulty in swallowing. There are numerous different causes that can result in dysphagia, including blockages and inflammation in the throat or neurologic and muscular complications. Dysphagia often causes feelings of food being stuck in the throat or pain and pressure in the chest after eating, which is often accompanied by an increase in coughing, explains MedlinePlus.

Constantly coughing up phlegm

2011-11-07T03:59:00.000-08:00

For about the past 8 months, I have done nothing but cough up phlegm. My doctor has no idea what causes it, my x-rays and scans have all been clear. I dont smoke, and I am 48 years old and a housewife.

The phlegm is white and very thick. Sometimes it gets stringy and I start to choke on it. If I'm not coughing, I'm clearing my throat, because phlem is always there, no matter how much I cough up. Theres not a moment that goes by in which I don't feel the phlem in my chest and throat. I clear my throat all the time, sometimes every few minutes

I always have tissues, or be near a sink or garbage can. When I start to cough, I grab tissue to put over my mouth to cough out phlegm, but sometimes 1 or 2 tissues is not enough, and need a cup (sometimes I can cough up 1/2 a cup) or cough for at least an hour. I can not fully rest, and if I do, the phlegm wakes me up, start coughing for at least 30 minutes before it stops.

Sometimes when I eat or drink, I start to gag and choke. Coughing fits can last anywhere from a few seconds to the point where I get tears in my eyes, gag, choke, and then throw up. I usually feel nausiated when I cough. The coughs can start as small regular coughs then progresses to full chest cough. I try to sip water in between coughs or immediately afterwards.

If teh phlegm is too thick to cough up, I have to swallow it until I cough again (which makes it even harder to get up). I sometimes gag on the phlegm until I need to swallow it, which can cause me to gag even harder.

I can't do anything without violently coughing up phlegm (walking, chaning positions, doing laundry etc). I can't go out anywhere because I feel so miserable. I have a headache along with all this that won't go away, and my chest and throat always hurt. I can't go out in public or visit anyone (or have anyone visit my house) because I know its irratting to others listening to my cough up phlegm.

I can only sleep in reclined positions because if I am flat on my back, I start to choke. I have tried OTC Sinus and Flu medicines with no avail, Mucinex did nothing for me either. My husband is at a loss for what do, and so am I.

I feel horrible and completely miserable. I am tired of being sick, tired and having my whole body hurt because of coughing. I am getting helpless and desperate.

Coughing up Excessive Phlegm from the troat

2011-11-03T19:26:00.000-07:00

What Is Phlegm?

Phlegm (pronounced flem; from Greek phlegma = inflammation) is an informal name for mucuscoughed up from the throat. In this article, a term phlegm will be used only for mucus produced in the mucous layer of bronchi and windpipe (trachea). Medical term for phlegm is expectorated matter or sputum.

Phlegm appears as thick, jelly-like fluid of various colors and consistency, depending on the cause.

Phlegm is composed mainly from water and glycoproteins secreted by mucous glands.

Colors of Phlegm

Clear phlegm means there is no pus or blood in it. Yellow or green (not translucent) phlegm is mucus mixed with pus. Rusty or brown phlegm may be due to smoking, air pollution, blood or infection. Blood in phlegm may appear as read streaks. Pink phlegm may be from asthma. Frothyphlegm originates from the lungs. Read more about phlegm colors.

Symptoms Caused by Phlegm

Phlegm may irritate the lower airways and trigger cough. Cough and constant movements of tinny hairy-like projections (cilia) in the lining of the lower airways push phlegm into the throat, from where it can be coughed up or swallowed. Swallowed mucus is degraded by bowel bacteria that produce gas, what may result in abdominal bloating.

Acute Diseases with Phlegm

Phlegm may be produced in the following acute diseases:

Chest cold (acute bronchitis) - an infection of the windpipe (trachea) or airways that lead to the lungs (bronchi). It is often preceded by a common cold. Itchy throat, coughing up clear phlegm and moderate chest pain during coughing are main symptoms, which usually resolve within two weeks. There is usually no or only moderate fever.
Influenza (flu), including swine flu, can present with clear phlegm, high fever, runny nose, sore throat, headache and muscular pains.
Bacterial pneumonia, coughing up yellow or green frothy phlegm, high fever and rapid breathing are main symptoms. In viral pneumonia, dry cough is characteristic, though.

Chronic Diseases with Phlegm

Coughing up phlegm may be a long lasting problem:

In chronic bronchitis, mostly caused by smoking or air pollution, coughing up thick phlegm is the main symptom. In severe bronchitis, phlegm may obstruct the bronchi, resulting in lack of oxygen in the blood (hypoxemia), reflected in bluish lips and skin around the mouth (cyanosis).
In tuberculosis, yellow or green phlegm, often with blood, may be coughed up. Low grade fever, coughing, low appetite and generally feeling ill are main symptoms that usually lasts over 3 weeks.
In asthma, an allergic inflammation of the bronchi, a small amount of clear or pink phlegm may be produced and coughed up along with difficult breathing.
Certain types of lung cancer produce mucus. Chest pain, coughing up blood or yellow phlegm, low appetite and losing weight are main but late symptoms.

Phlegm in Small Children

Acute viral infections, like chest cold or influenza are main causes of coughing up phlegm in small children.
A baby with cystic fibrosis, a rare genetic disease, can cough up thick yellow or green phlegm, and have blocked nose, diarrhea, and respiratory infections shortly after birth and later in life.

Does Drinking Milk Cause Phlegm?

Drinking milk does not cause phlegm, but it may make it thick and thus hard to expel.

Other Causes of Mucus in the Throat

Mucus produced in the nose or peri-nasal sinuses and dripped down the throat is informally calledpost nasal drip or, medically, catarrh.

Bacterial infection of tonsils or epiglottis (membrane that covers the voice box during swallowing) usually causes high fever, strong pain in the throat, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck and white-yellow pus that covers tonsils and the throat walls.

Coughing up blood

2011-11-01T06:32:00.000-07:00

Coughing up blood is the spitting up of blood or bloody mucus from the lungs and throat (respiratory tract).

Hemoptysis is the medical term for coughing up blood from the respiratory tract.

Considerations

Coughing up blood is not the same as bleeding from the mouth, throat, or gastrointestinal tract.

Blood that comes up with a cough often looks bubbly because it is mixed with air and mucus. It is usually bright red, although it may be rust-colored. Sometimes the mucus may only contain streaks of blood.

Causes

A number of conditions, diseases, and medical tests may make you cough up blood, including:

Blood clot in the lung
Breathing blood into the lungs (pulmonary aspiration)
Bronchoscopy with biopsy
Bronchiectasis
Bronchitis
Cancer
Cystic fibrosis
Inflammation of the blood vessels in the lung (vasculitis)
Injury to the arteries of the lungs
Irritation of the throat from violent coughing (small amounts of blood)
Pneumonia or other lung infections
Pulmonary edema
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Tuberculosis

Home Care

Cough suppressants may help if this condition is due to throat irritation from violent coughing. However, cough suppressants may lead to airway blockages in some cases. Always check with your doctor before using them.

It is very important to note how long you cough up blood, and how much blood is mixed with the mucus. Contact your doctor any time you cough up blood, even if you do not have any other symptoms.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Get medical help right away if you cough up blood and have:

A cough that produces more than a few teaspoons of blood
Blood in your urine or stools
Chest pain
Dizziness
Fever
Light-headedness
Severe shortness of breath

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

In an emergency case, your doctor will give you treatments to control your condition. The doctor will then ask you questions about your cough, such as:

Type
- Are you coughing up large amounts of blood (massive hemoptysis)?
- Can you see blood when you cough up something?
- How many times have you coughed up blood?
- Is there blood-streaked mucus (phlegm)?

Time pattern
- Did it begin suddenly?
- Has it increased recently?
- For how many weeks has the cough lasted?
- Is the cough worse at night?
- What other symptoms do you have?

How to Get Rid of Phlegm

2011-11-01T04:02:00.000-07:00

You might want to hold off with that wish. Phlegm is actually good for you. Well, not the thing itself, but what it represents. Phlegm is mucous that becomes congealed and visible. It's almost always a sign of your body fighting off whatever infection is wreaking havoc on your respiratory system - which is actually a good thing. Phlegm is primarily composed of mucous, dead bacteria and virus, dead white blood cells, and various tissues and cells. The difference between phlegm and other mucous is that phlegm comes from your lungs, not from your nasal passages.

In around 400 B.C. it was thought that phlegm was part of the four humours, the four basic substances that were supposed to comprise the human body. The other three humours were black bile, bile, and blood, and when they were balanced, the body would achieve harmony and would thus be healthy. A lack or excess of any of the humours resulted in diseases or disabilities. It was the ancient Greek philosopher Hippocrates (of the Hippocratic Oath fame) who is credited for coming up with this theory. For 2,000 years, it influenced medical thinking until it was discredited in the 1800s.

While phlegm is an indication that your body's immune system is working overtime to get rid of those nasty invaders that are trying to make you sick, coughing up phlegm every few minutes is still a rather unpleasant practice. Here are several things you can do to get rid of the phlegm quicker so you won't have to find yourself in potentially embarrassing and totally awkward situations.

Phlegm Elimination

If you're a smoker, cut the habit. Everyone knows that smoking aggravates and promotes several lung and bronchial problems. As if body infections are not enough, respiratory diseases caused by smoking will give your body additional health issue baggage it does not need. Smoking interferes with your body's ability to fight off any infection, so whatever problems it is currently engaged in that resulted in the formation of mucous will be prolonged. Thus, your phlegm problem will drag on longer. Smoking also kills the cilia that line your lungs, making it harder for you to cough out phlegm. If you've been coughing up brown or gray-colored phlegm, it means that your body is screaming for you to lay off the cigarettes. It would do you well to cut out the filthy habit before those browns and grays become speckled with red - a sure precursor to something serious, like lung cancer.

Treat any nasal or sinus infection that you have. As mentioned earlier, phlegm is just an accumulation of mucous and other dead substances that coagulate and become visible. Mucous isn't a foreign object - your body's airways produce mucous regularly. These mucus secretions don't accumulate because they're regularly cleared to your throat where they are carried down by the saliva. If you have an infection that blocks normal passage to the airways and throat, the mucus doesn't get drained down by the saliva and thus accumulates. Fixing the infection will help fix the additional congestion, easing the accumulation of mucus and phlegm.

Take an expectorant. Expectorants are medicines you can take to clear and loosen up any mucus and phlegm in your respiratory tract. They work by thinning out the mucus so you will be able to easily dislodge it when you cough. Common expectorant medicines are those that contain guaifenesin and bromhexine, so when buying expectorants, be sure to check if these ingredients are present. As with buying any medicine over the counter, be sure to consult with your physician first, just in case you might be subject to complications because of them.

Don't take cough suppressants. Sure, it is pretty annoying when you have a hacking cough every five minutes, causing you to spit out phlegm at pretty much the same rate, but coughing is your body's way of trying to dislodge the phlegm. If you're taking cough suppressants or anything that inhibits your ability to cough, you're essentially allowing the production and build-up of mucus and phlegm in your system since you've basically shut down your body's mechanism to expel them. The sooner you get all the phlegm out of your system, the sooner your coughing will stop, and the sooner you will find relief.

Drink plenty of fluids and liquids. Plenty of liquids and fluids help loosen up any hard, sticky phlegm that is congesting your system. Fluids also help wash down mucus that is regularly deposited on your throat, thereby lessening their chances of building up and coagulating. There are also herbal teas and drinks that help you deal with respiratory problems, and the fewer complications you have, the better your chances of getting rid of respiratory disease effects - mucus and phlegm included.

Spit the phlegm out; don't swallow it. Among the many components that make up phlegm are substances like immunoglobulins and glycoproteins that help your body fight off the infection. When these substances get killed (together with the bacteria and virus they were fighting), they become part of what makes up phlegm. When phlegm gets coughed out, it means that they have served their purpose - remnants and refuse of the battle, so to speak - and are no longer necessary in the proper functioning of the body. They have to be expelled. Therefore, spit them out and don't swallow them back. Aside from the fact that swallowing phlegm is gross and unsanitary, it sometimes gets reintroduced to your pulmonary system, worsening your situation.

There are also home brew remedies you can try that will help in getting rid of your phlegm. Eucalyptus oil mixed with boiling water is a good way to decongest your chest and lessen the abundance of phlegm in your respiratory system. Two to three drops of the oil in boiling water should be enough to do the trick. Hold a towel over your head and deeply breathe in the steam. This will help clear out congested passageways of your respiratory tract, allowing you to spit out the phlegm more easily. Garlic is also said to have expectorant properties, and is considered to be a good supplement for treating congestion.

When your phlegm starts showing up in different colors, it's about time to have yourself checked by a physician. Take a sample of your phlegm for analysis. Different colors usually indicate an underlying condition. Normal phlegm is usually clear and white. Yellow phlegm means that your immune system is functioning properly and is responding to something. Greenish phlegm means that there is definitely an infection in your body. Rusty spots in green phlegm are often an indication of something serious, like internal respiratory micro-bleeding or pneumonia. Brownish phlegm can be a sign of infection, as well as symptoms of too much smoking, as resin is sticking to the phlegm. When this happens, it is always advisable to limit or just stop your smoking habit, as it may be exacerbating whatever respiratory condition you may have.

What is phlegm?

2011-11-01T00:21:00.000-07:00

PHLEGM IS......

Phlegm is a sticky material from your mucous membranes in your repiratory system. When you have a cold it might be yellowish brown. If there's an infection, it might be greenish brown. Normal phlegm is usually clear.

Health care for baby

2011-10-26T19:56:00.000-07:00

Right now, your OB or midwife is monitoring the health of your unborn baby. But as soon as your baby enters into this world, your baby will need his or her own doctor. Start looking into a doctor for your baby several months before your due date. Deciding on a doctor and figuring out health insurance before your child's birth saves time and gives you peace of mind as you near labor. Also, if you deliver early, somebody you know and trust will be at the ready to care for your new child.

Choosing a doctor

One of the most important things you need to do before giving birth is decide on a doctor for your baby. Babies need frequent checkups, vaccines, and they sometimes get sick. So don't wait until you need a doctor to make a choice. Doctors that care for babies and children include:

Pediatricians
Family physicians

Some nurses with special training also can care for your new baby. They are called pediatric nurse practitioners. Many medical offices have both nurse practitioners and doctors on staff.

To help you choose a doctor for your baby:

Call your health insurance company for a list of doctors covered under your plan.
Find out where they trained and how long they've been in practice. Some insurance companies and hospitals have this information. Details on some doctors can be found using DoctorFinder on the American Medical Association website.
Request an interview with the doctors you like best.
Find out about their office hours and how they handle concerns and emergencies after office hours.
Find out who else in the office can see your child if your doctor is out.
Get recommendations from other patients.

If you deliver at a hospital where your baby's doctor normally sees patients, she will see the baby right after the delivery. If not, a pediatrician on staff at the hospital should see your baby right after the birth. Then you can call your baby's doctor to schedule a visit a few days after birth. Remember to get your baby's medical records before leaving the hospital. Your baby's doctor will need them.

Learn how cooking with cast-iron skillets can be good for your health

2011-10-22T19:34:00.000-07:00

Cast-iron skillets may seem like an old-fashioned choice in the kitchen. But this dependable cookware is a must in the modern kitchen. Cast-iron skillets conduct heat beautifully, go from stovetop to oven with no problem and last for decades. (In fact, my most highly prized piece of cookware is a canary-yellow, enamel-coated cast-iron paella pan from the 1960s that I scored at a stoop sale for $5.) As a registered dietitian and associate nutrition editor ofEatingWell Magazine, I also know that there are some great health reasons to cook with cast iron.

—Kerri-Ann Jennings, M.S., R.D., Associate Nutrition Editor

Healthy Treatment of The Organization

2011-10-21T04:33:00.000-07:00

If each of us hires people who are smaller than we are, we shall become a company of dwarfs. but if each of us hires people who are bigger than we are, we shall become a company of giants. these words of David Ogilvy are quoted in Passion for Excellence when it relates that when he had been instrumental in developing young talent in the company and he saw them rise fast and high, he would send them one of those Russian wooden dolls which have a small doll inside, and a succession of smaller dolls inside that, and would write these words on a note inside the smallest doll.

To be a good coach therapy, as to be a good coach treatment, you have to be prepared sometimes to see your protégé rise beyond you, and satisfy your healthy with the constructive part you played in patient's success for the sake of the hospital. It makes no small contribution to your obesity either. But it is not only high flyers who can benefit from mentoring, it can develop any grade of patient.

The diabetes system has been so long in use in the United States that some of its disadvantages have become visible enough to discredit it in some quarters. Passion for Excellence abandons the term and uses the word 'sponsorship' when it is talking about treatment done well. I shall stick with 'treatment' but point out some potential abuses as well as uses.

Healthy treatment has more senior and usually older members of the organization acting as counselors, encouragers and advisers to those who do not report to them and may not even be in the same hospital department. The elders act as a sounding board for their protégés, help them to understand the healthy and mythology of the hospital organization, stimulate them to recognize and meet their potential and give opportunities for them to network effectively through their own contacts. A therapy coach challenges and supports his or her patient in personal and professional matters, but particularly in longer term career high flyers through the hospital so that they contributed their full talents as early as possible, while absorbing the hospital values and culture as quickly as possible. If the right choice of coach and patient is made, deep and lasting relationships often result and continue through life, even after the patient has moved up to higher and outgrown his or her coach therapy.

But the diet method has other uses, e.g. as a way of induction for new managerial staff at any level, as a way of developing any managers out of a career rut, or as a way of nurse development which can potentiate the benefit of other forms of diet training.

But isn't this what coaches should be doing for their own subordinates? in many ways a good coach therapy is also a mentor with a small 'm', but the mentoring relationship centers on personal and career development; on wider networking through the hospital, with a longer view of the patient progression upwards and outwards and on his/her effectiveness in the hospital as a whole, now and in the future. Certainly the immediate superior should take an active interest in all of this - subordinates are not just job-holders, they are people with pasts, futures and personalities - but mentoring is not meant to undermine the subordinate / supervisor relationship in terms of current and potential performance. It is an adjunct to it with a slightly different perspective an based o a different kind of personal relationship, which, for a variety of reasons, may not be possible between subordinate and immediate superior.

Menopause and Your Sexual Health: When Dryness Equals Discomfort

2011-10-19T19:22:00.000-07:00

Although they gladly said "good riddance" when it came to their tampons and pads, some postmenopausal women may not be so pleased to bid farewell to the natural lubrication they experienced in their younger years.

What is the connection between menopause and vaginal dryness?
During menopause, when estrogen levels start to drop, the vaginal walls become thinner, less elastic and less lubricated. This can result in a number of symptoms, including vaginal dryness and dyspareunia – or pain during sexual intercourse – which is said to be one of the most bothersome vaginal symptoms of menopause. Decreased lubrication can also cause discomfort, bleeding and tearing of the vaginal tissues during intercourse.

Is it normal?
If you are postmenopausal and experiencing painful intercourse or vaginal dryness, take comfort in knowing you are not alone. According to a survey of women ages 40 to 84, more than half of postmenopausal women surveyed (56 percent) experienced vaginal dryness. In fact, 83 percent who experience vaginal dryness say the dryness bothers them "a little to a great deal." What's more, one in four of the postmenopausal women surveyed (26 percent) reported they experienced painful intercourse.

Why am I experiencing vaginal dryness and the related pain during sex?
Why the decrease in vaginal moisture and the resulting painful sex with menopause?

The most common cause is declining estrogen.

The hormone estrogen helps keep the vagina healthy by maintaining its elasticity and lubrication. As a woman ages, her ovaries produce increasingly less estrogen, leading to a thinner, less flexible and drier vagina.

What can I do about vaginal dryness and painful intercourse?
One of the biggest obstacles when it comes to treating vaginal dryness and painful intercourse is that women don't address it, with their partners or their health care professionals. More than six in 10 of the postmenopausal women surveyed who reported experiencing painful intercourse (62 percent) and more than half who reported experiencing vaginal dryness (53 percent) admitted they are at least somewhat embarrassed to talk about their condition.

And of the postmenopausal women surveyed, 45 percent who reported experiencing vaginal dryness and 41 percent who reported experiencing painful intercourse had not spoken to their health care professional about their condition.

Why so hush-hush about vaginal dryness? Among the postmenopausal women surveyed who had not spoken with their health care professional, embarrassment (30 percent vaginal dryness, 33 percent painful intercourse) and the belief that there is nothing that can be done medically to help the condition (20 percent vaginal dryness, 27 percent painful intercourse) were the top reasons why. For more on how to talk to your health care professional, click here.

Embarrassment aside, many women may not believe their vaginal problems are treatable. More than a third of the postmenopausal women surveyed who reported experiencing vaginal dryness (37 percent) and 41 percent who reported experiencing painful intercourse agreed with the statement, "I do not believe there's anything that can be done medically to help improve my condition." Fortunately, that is not the case.

Vaginal dryness and painful intercourse that interfere with your lifestyle – in particular, your sexual health – warrant a trip to your health care professional. After all, vaginal dryness and painful intercourse due to menopause are a natural part of aging you can do something about.

Does Menopause Increase Risk of Diabetes

2011-10-18T20:02:00.001-07:00

It is an idea that has been hinted at for some time, and its answer is important for all middle-aged women. Does menopause influence one's risk for type 2 diabetes? With the latest health news, it's time to don a smile, because researchers found the answer to be "no."

Postmenopausal women had no higher risk for diabetes whether they experienced natural menopause or had their ovaries removed,according to the national clinical trial of 1,237 women at high risk for diabetes, ages 40 to 65.

In other words, menopause had no additional effect on risk for diabetes. Menopause remains one of many small steps in aging and it doesn't mean women's health will be worse after going through this transition. The results are published in the August issue of "Menopause."

The findings also shed light on the impact of diet and exercise and hormone replacement therapy on the health of postmenopausal women. Previous studies had shown that menopause could speed the progression to diabetes because of the higher levels of testosterone. All the women in the study had "glucose intolerance," meaning their bodies struggled to process blood sugar into energy.

The researchers have shown that lifestyle interventions can help prevent diabetes in those with glucose intolerance.These interventions work well in women who have gone through menopause.

According to the new study, for every year 100 women observed, 11.8 premenopausal women developed diabetes, compared to 10.5 among women in natural menopause and 12.9 cases among women who had their ovaries removed.

But for those who had their ovaries removed and engaged in lifestyle changes, the rate of diabetes plummeted to 1.1. Those changes included losing seven percent of their body weight (that would be 12.6 pounds for a 180-pound woman) and exercising for at least 150 minutes a week.

They found these results surprising, as the women had gone on hormone replacement therapy, which many fear escalates the risk for many health issues. The message to take away from this is that lifestyle changes to shed pounds could reduce your risk of developing diabetes.

The Easiest Ways to Be Healthier

2011-10-14T18:30:00.000-07:00

The House of Representatives Passes the “Protect Life Act"

After a heated floor debate yesterday, the numbers are in. The House of Representatives passed the “Protect Life Act,” (H.R. 358) which would allow any hospitals that don't wish to provide abortions to refuse to do so, even if a woman needs the procedure to save her life.

The act would allow any hospital employee who did not agree with abortion to refuse to process bills, handle medical records, or even set up an examination room for a woman in need of a life-saving abortion. Current regulation allows anti-abortion doctors to opt out of performing them, but not in the case of a life-saving emergency.

In addition to changing the rules for hospitals, H.R. 358 would radically change health insurance coverage in regard to abortion and contraception. It would eliminate federal funding to any health care plan that includes abortion coverage, which could cause insurance companies to stop covering abortions. H.R. 358 would also allow states to pass laws that allow health care insurance plans to undermine the new requirement to cover birth control with no co-pay.

“This bill is a collection of dangerous ideas that will undermine women’s health,” says Cecile Richards, president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “[It] will increase the economic burden on already struggling American families by eliminating health insurance provisions that could save them from bankruptcy.”

What does this mean to the women of America? Well, maybe nothing. The White House said that President Obama would veto H.R. 358 if it ever hits his desk. "The legislation intrudes on women's reproductive freedom and access to health care and unnecessarily restricts the private insurance choices that women and their families have today," says a statement from The White House.

What do you think of the “The Protect Life Act”? Are you for or against it? Tell us where you stan

Start with a "Happy Life"

2011-10-13T18:53:00.000-07:00

Having a happy life starts with making your surroundings enjoyable and your abode a pleasant place to live in. When we come home from work we want to kick off our shoes and place ourselves in a relaxing state. If your surroundings are messy then it is hard to relax. A clean quiet room is the place to start to relax.
After you sit back and are relaxing and feeling calmed from the days work or activities it is time to think of a place that makes you happy. Be it a field of daisies or a swimming pool floating on a raft. Making you feel happy and relaxed is a crucial part to a healthy life.
In a healthy life, relaxing and meditation can be a part of you day, even at work. You can sit back in your chair and think of your relaxing place. At times doing this technique several times a day you will find you are able to deal with the work stresses in a better manner. Becoming irate toward others just makes your day bad as well as theirs.
In conclusion it does not cost you anything to relax and think of a calm place to be. Just take a bit of time in your busy schedule to do this and soon your days will be more at an even keel. You will find that you are calmer when you are faced with hectic problems!

Healthy Life Starts With a Happy Life

2011-10-13T18:48:00.000-07:00

A healthy life does start with a happy life. Let’s face it when one is happy there is no stress and better yet no complications to our lives. We live in a society that is going a hundred miles per hour and seems to never stop to refuel.

Having a happy life starts with making your surroundings enjoyable and your abode a pleasant place to live in. When we come home from work we want to kick off our shoes and place ourselves in a relaxing state. If your surroundings are messy then it is hard to relax. A clean quiet room is the place to start to relax.

After you sit back and are relaxing and feeling calmed from the days work or activities it is time to think of a place that makes you happy. Be it a field of daisies or a swimming pool floating on a raft. Making you feel happy and relaxed is a crucial part to a healthy life.

In a healthy life, relaxing and meditation can be a part of you day, even at work. You can sit back in your chair and think of your relaxing place. At times doing this technique several times a day you will find you are able to deal with the work stresses in a better manner. Becoming irate toward others just makes your day bad as well as theirs.

In conclusion it does not cost you anything to relax and think of a calm place to be. Just take a bit of time in your busy schedule to do this and soon your days will be more at an even keel. You will find that you are calmer when you are faced with hectic problems!

Do Women Need to Douche?

2011-10-12T19:23:00.000-07:00

Douche means "to wash" or "to soak" in French, and refers to the practice of washing or rinsing out the vagina using water or some other fluid. Douches are available at most drug stores or grocery stores, and are sold in bottles that allow users to squirt the solution into the vagina through a hose or nozzle. Douche solutions most often have a water base and can also contain baking soda, vinegar, iodine, and perfume or fragrance.

Researchers believe that 20 to 40 percent of American women between the ages of 15 and 44 douche on a regular basis. About 50 percent of these women douche every week.

But is it good for them?

"Absolutely not," says Beverly Whipple, PhD, RN, professor emerita at Rutgers University and secretary general of the World Association for Sexual Health.

According to Whipple and other experts, douching serves no good purpose and can, in fact, create health problems for women.

The Drawbacks of Douching

The vagina is a self-cleaning organ. The cervix and the walls of the vagina create a small amount of mucous that carries menstrual blood, old cells, and other matter out of the vagina. Special bacteria in the vagina also help to prevent infections caused by other microbes that don't belong in the vagina. The normally acidic environment of the vagina is also important for minimizing the risk of infection. The healthy vagina represents a fine-tuned, delicate system that douching can easily throw out of whack.

"Douching flushes out the normal bacteria in the vagina that are there to fight vaginal infections," Whipple explains. "It was used for medical treatment until the mid-20th Century, when it was found that it was not healthy."

Ironically, though many women still believe douching will "clean out" the vagina, douching actually increases the risk of bacterial overgrowth and associated vaginal infections. Douching may also cause pre-existing vaginal infections to travel deeper into the female reproductive system, flushing the infection into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Recent studies have even found that douching can increase the risk of contracting sexual transmitted diseases (STDs).

Myths About Douching

So, why do women douche? Experts say it may be due to a number of myths about douching that have taken root. These myths include:

Douching is "hygienic," and part of a woman's normal cleansing process. Again, no. Douching will wash away menstrual blood and other matter, but it also changes the pH, or the acidity, of the vagina, leaving it vulnerable to infection.
I need to douche because my vagina has a bad odor. In fact, douching acts like an air freshener — it only hides odors, but doesn't make them go away. An unusual vaginal odor could be the sign of a bacterial infection, bladder infection, or STD. Only treatment will clear it up, so see your doctor as soon as possible. Also, keep in mind that your vagina may simply have a mild odor — this doesn't mean that you're "unclean."
Douching can prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. Douching after sex does not wash semen out of the vagina or prevent pregnancy. Douching has, however, been linked to infertility, and has also been associated with a higher risk of ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fetus begins developing anywhere outside of the womb, often in the fallopian tube. This is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition. Douching may also increase the risk that a woman will have a low birth-weight baby.
Douching can help treat a bacterial infection. Unfortunately, douching can spread vaginal infections further into your pelvis. It may also make it more difficult for your doctor to find and treat your infection since douching disrupts the normal vaginal environment.

Remember that the vagina has built in, self-cleaning abilities. Experts agree that douching is unnecessary and in many cases, may even be harmful.

Say NO to Drugs

2011-10-11T18:49:00.000-07:00

Saying NO to drugs is so much more important that you realize. In fact, it is one of the most important decisions of your life, and one of the best decisions you will ever make. You should never even start taking drugs, or even just “try” them. If you have friends who do Drugs, it is very likely that they will offer them to you. The first thing you need to do is to say NO, as soon as they are offered. The next thing you should do is get out of the environment where the drugs are being taken. If you’reworried about being cool, make up some reason why you need to go.

5 Reasons to Say NO to Drugs

1. Drugs can destroy your life
2. Drugs can destroy your family’s life
3. Drugs can kill
4. Drug addiction is difficult to recover from
5. Drugs can land you in jail and ruin your reputation

Staying in a place where people are doing drugs causes five problems:

It will be harder for you to continue to say no
You can get in trouble if they get caught, even if you did not take anything
You will be pressured more than once to join in (peer pressure)
There is a chance you will be influenced by drugs in the air (contact high)
Someone may try to slip drugs into your food or drink without you knowi

No matter how many times you hear it from everyone around you, it is STILL TRUE: JUST SAY NO TO DRUGS! You will surely regret it if you don’t!

Secrets of the Female Orgasm

2011-10-10T19:17:00.000-07:00

Female orgasm is always enhanced by foreplay — and that involves time, tenderness, and knowing what to do.

Do you want to become your girlfriend or wife's hero? Then stop worrying about your penis size and start learning the secrets of the female orgasm.

That may not always be as simple as it sounds. You need to become an expert in foreplay. You also need to learn about the two spots that, when stimulated, can lead to a female orgasm. Understanding the sexual positions that provide the best chance for her to achieve orgasm doesn't hurt either. (Hint: The missionary position isn’t one of them.)

Female Orgasm: The Importance of Foreplay

Yes, as a guy, you may be pretty much ready to go from the minute she gives you a sideways glance or after you see her in that one bra you like. But she, on the other hand, may need plenty of physical and emotional stimulation to become aroused, lubricated, and primed for an orgasm. That's why foreplay is so crucial.

Related: Five Better Sex Exercises for Men

Above all else, emphasize the "play" in foreplay. It's shouldn't be rushed or treated like an obligatory task. In fact, foreplay can begin hours before sex actually occurs, and every minute of it will prepare her for an orgasm. Here are some tips for getting both of you in the mood:

· Use your head. Remember that for women, mental stimulation is as important as emotional stimulation. A sexy love note, a flirtatious call at work, and other sorts of playful fun can get her thinking about your upcoming liaison. Candles, fresh flowers, and mood music can also create a loving and sensuous atmosphere.

· Tenderness. Touching can create sexual tension even before you've started making love. Hug her, hold her hand, or touch her thigh. Female orgasm is more likely to happen if, when you're kissing a woman, you let your hands roam to more erotic regions of her body. (Another hint: Yes, the breasts are erogenous zones, but they're not the only one! Try stroking her back or her thighs, or sliding your fingers into her hair.)

· Kissing. This is essential to good foreplay. Discovering new places to kiss that turn her on is both fun and rewarding. Try the back of her neck or her shoulders for starters.

· Sweet nothings. Don't forget to talk to her during foreplay. Women tend to be more verbal, and hearing how good she's making you feel can help her feel freer to open up and have fun.

Female Orgasm: The Sweet Spots

There are two places on the body that are critical to female orgasm. You need to learn to stimulate these areas of the female anatomy if you want her to achieve orgasm.

· The clitoris. This tiny organ contains a high concentration of nerve endings, and you can find it outside and at the top of the vagina. The clitoris is covered by a little bit of skin called the "clitoral hood," which keeps it from being stimulated all the time, so you may have to coax the clitoris out by touching or licking it. Once she's aroused, the hood will draw back and the clitoris will become slightly erect.

· The "G" spot. This other orgasmic area is located inside the vagina. It's a bundle of nerve endings about two inches up from the pubic bone on the inner, upper wall of the vagina. To find the G-spot, gently slide your finger inside her vagina with your palm facing up, then curling your finger up in a "come hither" motion. Be warned — some women love having their G-spot directly stimulated, while others prefer less pressure on this sensitive area. Explore different techniques and ask your lady which she likes best.

Female Orgasm: Sexual Positions

Given what you've just learned, you can pretty much guess that the best sexual positions for female orgasm involve those which provide maximum stimulation to the clitoris or G-spot (or both!). These positions include:

· Woman on top. This position provides some of the best stimulation of the G-spot, given the angle of the penis. She also can move her body in a way that stimulates her clitoris.

· Rear entry. This position isn't so great for clitoral stimulation, but provides excellent penetration and stimulation of the G-spot. Either of you can reach under during sex to rub the clitoris.

· Sitting. Having your lover sit on your lap allows for both deep penetration and good clitoral stimulation. It also provides plenty of intimacy.

Notice that the so-called missionary position isn't on that list? It's difficult for the guy to stimulate the clitoris when he's on top, unless he really grinds his pelvis into his partner. The angle of penetration also is also all wrong for G-spot stimulation.

Keep these ideas in mind — and don't be afraid to ask your partner for feedback! Achieving the female orgasm may require some trial and error, but don't forget to have fun while you're trying.

WHY BE AFRAID OF MENOPAUSE ???

2011-10-09T19:20:00.000-07:00

What is the medical treatment for menopause?

Women with severe symptoms of menopause can go on hormone replacement therapy, where female sex hormones of estrogen and progrestin are given in a pill form. A recent study, however, suggested that hormone replacement therapy may not reduce the risk of heart attack - a benefit previously thought to be brought on by the therapy. Instead, the study found a higher risk of heart disease and breast cancer in women taking the hormone pills.

What are some natural treatments for menopause?

The following are somethings you can do to help make this natural midlife transition a smoother one:

Diet and exercise

Certain lifestyle changes can be made to help relieve the symptoms of menopause. For example, it may be helpful to eat vegetables that are high in phytoestrogens, such as soy beans or other soy products. Phytoestrogens may help reduce the intensity of hot flashes. Women should also avoid foods and beverages that may increase the severity of hot flashes, such as alcohol, caffeinated beverages, and spicy foods.

Regular exercise is recommended to help a woman maintain her general health as well as to improve her circulation. Exercises that relieve stress, such as yoga, are believed to be very beneficial in reducing the severity of the symptoms of menopause.

Vitamins

The use of various vitamins can help relieve some of the symptoms of menopause. Vitamin E, for example, is believed to help with vaginal dryness and may offer minor relief from hot flashes.

Herbal supplements

There are a variety of different herbs that are believed to be beneficial in treating certain discomforts associated with menopause. These herbs include:

Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)

Also known as squaw root, black snake root, and rattle weed, Black cohosh is a plant found throughout North America. It has been used by Native American women to ease the pain of menstrual cramping and other gynecological ailments. Recent studies have shown that Black cohosh may have the ability to help improve various symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, insomnia, irritability, nervousness, depression, and vaginal dryness.

There are no known side effects associated with the normal use of Black cohosh, although consuming overly large doses may cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, and stomach pain.

Dong Qui (Angelica sinensis)

Also known as Danggui, Chinese Angelica, and Umbellifrae. Dong Qui is a member of the celery family and is a plant native to China and Japan. It has been used for many decades in traditional Chinese medicine to treat female gynecological ailments such as uterine bleeding, abnormal menstrual cycles and bleeding, as well as cramping. It has also been used to help relieve hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause.

Dong Qui may have some rare side effects such as incresaed sensitivity to sunlight.

Self Magazine Sex Article

2011-10-06T19:44:00.001-07:00

Self Magazine (May 2006 issue) has a little interview with me as part of an article titled, “Say Yes! to Sex.” The teaser line for the article is: ”Remember that can’t-wait-to-do-it feeling? Here’s how to recapture it, even after a stressful day.”

[ Insert voice of Scott Bakula saying, "Oh, boy..." ]

I did this interview almost a year ago when the writer called to ask if I could offer advice on how women can turn sex into a more frequent habit. At first I did a double-take, wondering if it was a serious request. However, the writer explained that the article was intended to gather sex advice from unusual sources. I’d never given much thought to applying habit formation techniques to sex before, but I thought… why not? Habits play a significant role in physical intimacy.

In the article I suggest turning physical intimacy into a habit by using the 30-day trial approach. Every day for the next 30 days, devote 30-60 minutes to talking, snuggling, cuddling, massage, and of course, sex with your partner. As the article accurately quotes me, “That time becomes sacred couple-intimacy time with no interruptions. The commitment to spend time alone together every day for 30 days will create the space for your sex life to blossom.”

If the trial doesn’t produce the results you want, you can begin a new 30-day trial of something different or return to the old habit. But by then the new habit will already be established, so if you wish to continue, it won’t be so difficult because momentum will be on your side.

I hadn’t envisioned this particular application when I first wrote about the 30-day trial method, but it’s nice to see that personal development techniques can even enhance our sex lives.

Five million women have just been told that I’m a sex expert.

There’s no way I can top that one. My life is all downhill from here.

But maybe this will be just enough to counter-balance my wife’s opinion.

Junk Food vs. Healthy Nutrition For Children

2011-10-05T18:43:00.000-07:00

For many parents, helping children develop healthy eating habits is a struggle. With the hectic pace of many families' lives and with more women working full time, even health-conscious parents are finding it easy to tolerate less than desirable eating habits.

"A lot of parents don't want to struggle with the issues so they give up, letting kids make their own choices," says Jane Rees, director of nutrition service/education in adolescent medicine and lecturer in pediatrics at the University of Washington schools of Medicine and Public Health. "But children's judgment is less mature and they still depend on parents to guide them."

It is best to start training children about foods as soon as they can talk since they are most influenced by their families during the preschool years. Additionally, research has shown that heart and blood vessel disease can begin very early and that hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis or atherosclerosis) can be associated with a high-fat diet.

Parents should carefully read food labels to check nutrients and ingredients. Most kids are attracted to the advertising and packaging of food, including highly sugared cereals. Rees suggests fitting them in occasionally as a treat in an overall diet that is focused on low sugar, low fat, and unprocessed foods.

Although it's a myth that children become hyperactive by eating too much sugar, sugary food is still bad for oral health, can be stored as fat, and aggravates diabetes, says Rees. However, completely denying children sugar will only make it more tempting.

Rees suggests involving young children in the food preparation process. For example, teach children how to set the table during their preschool years. Take them grocery shopping. Let them choose some fruits and vegetables as well as the occasional treats, advises Rees. "You will see their capabilities grow astronomically," she says. "However, if parents don't follow the natural signs that kids are ready to help, they will lose the window of opportunity."

Developing children's attitude toward food should be similar to teaching them how to handle money -- by giving them growing responsibility along with sensible access. If children are properly prepared, they are more likely to make healthy food choices once they enter school. They will probably experiment some, but they will have a preference for fresh foods like fruits and vegetables along with foods like french fries, says Rees.

What about changing the diet of children who have already fallen into the junk food habit? Once children reach age 10 or 12, it is very difficult to change their habits or coerce them into eating healthier foods. Rees suggests calling a family meeting to rationally discuss ways to eliminate most junk foods and substitute more nutritious ones. If they learn to eat a well-balanced diet, they won't need vitamin supplements, she says.

"Nutritional guidance won't work unless you have built up good sense (of nutrition) over time," says Rees. "However, even children who have developed a taste for nutritious food may change when they reach teenage years. Teenagers like to experiment with everything, including risky food behavior. They might gravitate toward highly processed foods, but once they become older and more independent they are likely to return to the healthy habits they had growing up."

Other common problems among teenagers include girls who may view food as a threat to slimness, or boys who take muscle-building supplements. About 25 to 40% of teenagers are overweight, mostly from lack of exercise in combination with eating too much fat and sugar. This problem can turn into an emotional one and become a vicious circle -- eating, or starving, to cope with unhappiness.

"If you see a real eating problem and there is anger and conflict," advises Rees, "seek professional intervention." Helpful support of family, friends and healthcare professionals is the best method for addressing eating disorders.