knowledge for all

How to tell if your baby is getting enough to eat.

2011-01-06T17:10:00.000-08:00

1. How many wet diapers and stools does my baby have each day?

Baby who has regular stools and produces six or more wet diapers a day is most likely getting plenty of food. Breast-fed babies generally nurse every 2 to 4 hours for the first month or so.

2. Is my baby growing?

Growth is an important indicator of whether or not a baby is getting enough to eat.

3. Does my baby appear hungry?

Common cues are fussing, crying, and irritability as well as a variety of lip and tongue movement-such as lip smacking and fists in mouths.

Source : Reader Digest’s

The advantages of breast-feeding

2011-01-06T17:07:00.000-08:00

1. Nursing stimulates uterine contractions that help prevent hemorrhaging and return the uterus to its normal size.

2. Breast milk is convenient and economical; it is sterile, portable, and always the right temperature.

3. Nursing promotes a special kind of mother-infant bonding.

4. Breast-fed babies have fewer infections, the benefit extend beyond childhood; studies show that people who were breast-fed have a reduced incidence of obesity, diabetes, asthma, heart disease, and some types of cancer.

5. Breast milk may protect infants with a strong family history of allergy from developing one.

6. Women who breast-feed have a reduced risk of premenopausal breast cancer and postmenopausal osteoporosis (loss of bone mass)

Source : Reader digest's

Myths and reality (food that you need to know if harm or not) part 2

2011-01-05T17:27:00.000-08:00

Myth: Diabetics have to give up sweet desserts

Reality: Contrary to popular belief, there is no need for people with diabetes to cut out sugar entirely. An occasional sweet treat is fine

Myth: hair analysis cannot determine nutritional deficiencies-any such claim is worthless.

Reality: scientific analysis of hair can confirm the presence of certain toxic elements-even years later, (hair analysis was used 150 years after Napoleon’s death to confirm that he suffered chronic arsenic poisoning)

Myth: Propolis is a potent antioxidant that boosts the immune system and fights viruses and bacteria.

Reality: there is only on true use for propolis, the resinous substance collected by bees from certain plants: To seal holes in a bee’s honeycomb and prevent intruder from entering the hive. Propolis consists of dozens of compounds, including fatty acids and flavonoids, which have antifungal and antibacterial effects. But there is little evidence to justify claims that propolis has antibacterial effects superior to antibiotics, or that propolis stimulates the immune sstem. Some people recommend using propolis to treat ulcers and skin problems caused by fungi. Studies have shown that the mild antimicrobial effects of propolis may be due. in part, to the residue of solvents used to extract the active ingredients. There is no evidence to suggest that propolis is effective in treating any human condition.

Myth: people with kidney stones should cut down on calcium-rich foods.

Reality: There is recent evidence that adequate calcium intake actually reduces the risk of calcium oxalate stones because calcium combines with oxalate in the digestive tract and prevent oxalate from being absorbed.

Myth: Chromium supplements build muscle and burn fat

Reality: Found in trace amounts in most foods, chromium acts like a key to unlock insulin. Without it, insulin has a hard time controlling blood sugar and building protein. Researchers have spent 20 years studying chromium and now believe it does not have any effect on weight loss, through there is still no consensus on whether supplements have any effect on the muscles.

Myth: A nectarine is a cross between a peach and a plum

Reality: Nectarines originated as a genetic variant of a peach. When peach trees are crossed or even self-pollinated they may produce some fruit whose seeds will grow into nectarine trees and others that will be peach trees. Amazingly, nectarines will sometimes grow on peach trees, and peaches on nectarine trees!

Myth: black cohosh, red clover, and chaste berry can help osteoporosis.

Reality: While many women try these herbal remedies to relieve menopausal symptoms, there is no evidence that black cohosh, red clover, chaste berry or any other herbal preparation has any effect on calcium metabolism related to bone loss.

Myth: kelp tablets, spirulina, chlorella, and other seaweed supplements are energy boosters. Some alternative practitioners also claim that they boost the immune system.

Reality: none of these claims has ever been proved. In fact, some seaweed supplements can cause health problems. High doses of kelp tablets can set off an outbreak of acne. The high iodine content can cause thyroid disorders; and varieties containing iron an provoke iron overload.

Myth: Add a pinch of baking soda during cooking to produce a bright green color in the vegetable.

Reality: Although baking soda does keep the vegetables green, it also breaks down the plant tissues, making the texture mushy and destroying many of the vitamins.

Source: foods that harm foods that heal by Reader’s Digest

DIARRHEA

2011-01-04T17:40:00.000-08:00

Diarrhea occurs when the mucous membrane lining the intestinal walls becomes irritated and inflamed, causing stool content to pass through too quickly, absorbing a lot of liquid with it. It is usually accompanied by abdominal pains, malaise, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases some blood may also passed. Diarrhea is often caused by a virus or bacteria.

Diarrhea can be acute, short term, which tends to be caused by anxiety, food poisoning, and medicine such as antibiotics-which generally lasts around 24 hours. It can also be chronic, long term, which is usually a sign of an intestinal disorder such as irritable bowel syndrome. Those with chronic diarrhea, especially with blood mixed in, should seek medical help immediately.

Symptoms:-
1.       Loose, watery stools/liquid feces
2.       Frequent bowel movements
3.       Loss of appetite
4.       Unpleasant-smelling stools
5.       Stomach cramps
6.       Bloating and flatulence
7.       Nausea and vomiting
8.       Fever
9.       Dehydration

Consume plenty of:-
Consume plenty of
1.       Water, mineral water, herbal teas, ginger ale, apple juice, broth, or low sugar sports beverage to replace lost fluids, salts, and mineral
2.       Binding foods in the BRAT diet-bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.
3.       Skinless baked potatoes, boiled or poached eggs, and other bland foods as the bowels return to normal

Avoids:-
1.       Citrus juices
2.       Most other foods, especially salads, fruits and whole grains, until bowel function normalizes
3.       Alcohol, which dehydrates, and caffeine, which stimulates the bowel, for 48 hours after the symptoms disappear

When to call a doctor:-
1.       Diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days ( 1 day for child under 2, a frail elderly person, or someone with diabetes) or if it worsens during that time.
2.       The appearance of blood, mucus, or worms I the feces.
3.       Severe abdominal pain
4.       Diarrhea that is accompanied by vomiting or fever.

Most of the diarrhea are minor and short lived and can be manage at home with simple dietary measures like stop solid food and rehydrate, slowly introduce low-fiber foods and avoid milk products until the symptoms disappear.

Diarrhea can be acute, short term, which tends to be caused by

Myths and reality (food that you need to know if harm or not)

2011-01-04T17:01:00.000-08:00

Myth: eating food like chocolate, French fries, and other high fat favorites can lead to acne or make it worse.

Reality: food does not cause acne, dermatologist stress, but eating a healthy; balanced diet is a vitally important for great-looking skin.

Myth: Nightshade vegetables aggravate arthritis. The nightshade family includes eggplant, bell peppers, tomatoes and potatoes

Reality: No scientific studies support this belief. Arthritis sufferers should be encouraged to eat plenty of these nutritious vegetables

Myth: One glass of beer a day increases a mother’s supply of breast milk

Reality: No scientific evidence to support the claim that drinking beer boosts milk production or improve mother’s milk. But studies shown that beer can increase levels of a hormone necessary for milk production.

Myth: vegetable should be introduced to baby’s diet before fruits in order to increase the acceptance of vegetable.

Reality: this is not the case and fruits and vegetable should be introduced in an alternating manner.

Myth: prevailing folk wisdom states that cabbage juice is a miracle cure for ulcers.

Reality: There is little scientific evidence to prove that cabbage juice works, Nevertheless, there is probably no harm in trying cabbage juice along with conventional medical treatment for ulcers.

Myth: low-fat cookies are better for you than regular cookies.

Reality: According to the latest thinking, it doesn’t do any good to replace the fat in your diet with sugar. And low-fat cookies usually contain more sugar.

Myth: Sweets make children hyperactive

Reality: Many studies have shown that sugar does not cause hyperactivity, although some food dyes in candies may exacerbate existing hyperactivity.

Nutrition information

2011-01-03T23:40:00.000-08:00

TO PREVENT STROKE DRINK TEA!
Prevent buildup of fatty deposits on artery walls with regular doses of tea. (actually, tea suppresses my appetite and keeps the pounds from invading.... Green tea is great for our immune system)!

INSOMNIA (CAN'T SLEEP?) HONEY!
Use honey as a tranquilizer and sedative.

ASTHMA? EAT ONIONS!!!!
Eating onions helps ease constriction of bronchial tubes. (when I was young, my mother would make onion packs to place on our chest, helped the respiratory ailments and actually made us breathe better).

The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook: Whole Foods Recipes for Personal and Planetary Health, Second Edition

ARTHRITIS? EAT FISH, TOO!!
Salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines actually prevent arthritis. (fish has omega oils, good for our immune system)

UPSET STOMACH? BANANAS - GINGER!!!!!
Bananas will settle an upset stomach.
Ginger will cure morning sickness and nausea.

BLADDER INFECTION? DRINK CRANBERRY JUICE!!!!
High-acid cranberry juice controls harmful bacteria.

BONE PROBLEMS? EAT PINEAPPLE!!!
Bone fractures and osteoporosis can be prevented by the manganese in pineapple.

PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME? EAT CORNFLAKES!! !!
Women can ward off the effects of PMS with cornflakes, which help reduce depression, anxiety and fatigue.

MEMORY PROBLEMS? EAT OYSTERS!
Oysters help improve your mental functioning by supplying much-needed zinc.

COLDS? EAT GARLIC!
Clear up that stuffy head with garlic. (remember, garlic lowers cholesterol, too.)

COUGHING? USE RED PEPPERS!!
A substance similar to that found in the cough syrups is found in hot red pepper. Use red (cayenne) pepper with caution-it can irritate your tummy.

BREAST CANCER? EAT Wheat, bran and cabbage
Helps to maintain estrogen at healthy levels.

LUNG CANCER? EAT DARK GREEN AND ORANGE AND VEGGIES!!!
A good antidote is beta carotene, a form of Vitamin A found in dark green and orange vegetables.

ULCERS? EAT CABBAGE ALSO!!!
Cabbage contains chemicals that help heal both gastric and duodenal ulcers.

DIARRHEA? EAT APPLES!
Grate an apple with its skin, let it turn brown and eat it to cure this condition. (Bananas are good for this ailment)

CLOGGED ARTERIES? EAT AVOCADO!
Mono unsaturated fat in avocados lowers cholesterol.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE? EAT CELERY AND OLIVE OIL!!!
Olive oil has been shown to lower blood pressure.
Celery contains a chemical that lowers pressure too.

BLOOD SUGAR IMBALANCE? EAT BROCCOLI AND PEANUTS!!!
The chromium in broccoli and peanuts helps regulate insulin and blood sugar.

HEADACHE? EAT FISH!
Eat plenty of fish -- fish oil helps prevent headaches.
So does ginger, which reduces inflammation and pain.

HAY FEVER? EAT YOGURT!
Eat lots of yogurt before pollen season.
Also-eat honey from your area (local region) daily.

Kiwi: Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, Vitamin E &fiber. It's Vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.

Apple: An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low Vitamin C content, it has antioxidants &flavonoids which enhances the activity of Vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke.

Strawberry: Protective fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits &protects the body from cancer causing, blood vessels clogging free radicals. (Actually, any berry is good for you..they're high in anti-oxidants and they actually keep us young....... ..blueberries are the best and very versatile in the health field....... .they get rid of all the free-radicals that invade our bodies)

Orange : Sweetest medicine. Taking 2 - 4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessen the risk of colon cancer.

Watermelon: Coolest Thirst Quencher. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione which helps boost our immune system. They are also a key source of lycopene - the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients found in watermelon are Vitamin C &Potassium. (watermelon also has natural substances [natural SPF sources] that keep our skin healthy, protecting our skin from those darn suv rays)

Guava &Papaya: Top awards for Vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high Vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber which helps prevent constipation.

Papaya is rich in carotene, this is good for your eyes. (also good for gas and indigestion)

The China Study: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted and the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss and Long-term Health
Tomatoes are very good as a preventative measre for men, keeps those prostrate problems from invading their bodies.

Inform this to all your Friends, Let Everybody live a Healthy Life

Sick baby? When to seek medical attention

2011-01-03T23:36:00.000-08:00

When a healthy baby gets sick, there's no reason to panic. Understand when to call the doctor and when to seek emergency care for your baby.

By Mayo Clinic staff

Every parent wants a healthy baby, but occasional infections and fevers are inevitable. Even parents who have plenty of experience with sick babies can have a tough time distinguishing normal fussiness and mild illnesses from more serious problems. Here's when to call the doctor — and when to seek emergency care — for a sick baby.

When to contact your baby's doctor

An occasional illness is usually nothing to worry about in an otherwise healthy baby — but sometimes it's best to contact the doctor. Look for these signs and symptoms:

Changes in appetite. If your baby refuses several feedings in a row or eats poorly, contact the doctor.
Changes in mood. If your baby is lethargic or unusually difficult to rouse, tell the doctor right away. Also let the doctor know if your baby is persistently irritable or has inconsolable crying jags.
Tender navel or penis. Contact the doctor if your baby's umbilical area or penis suddenly becomes red or starts to ooze or bleed.
Fever. Mild fevers are common and usually harmless, but keep an eye on the thermometer. If your baby is younger than age 3 months, contact the doctor for any fever. If your baby is age 3 months or older and has an oral temperature lower than 102 F (38.9 C), encourage rest and offer plenty of fluids. Call the doctor if your baby seems unusually irritable, lethargic or uncomfortable. If your baby has an oral temperature of 102 F (38.9 C) or higher, give your baby acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Call the doctor if the fever doesn't respond to the medication or lasts longer than one day.
Diarrhea. Contact the doctor if your baby's stools are especially loose or watery.
Vomiting. Occasional spitting up is normal. Contact the doctor if your baby spits up large portions of multiple feedings or vomits forcefully after feedings.
Dehydration. Contact the doctor if your baby doesn't wet a diaper for six hours or longer or if the soft spot on top of your baby's head seems to sink. Crying without tears or a dry mouth without saliva also warrants a prompt call to the doctor.
Constipation. If your baby has fewer bowel movements than usual for a few days, contact the doctor.
Colds. Contact the doctor if your baby has a cold that interferes with his or her breathing, produces thick nasal discharge that's yellow, green or gray, or is accompanied by severe coughing.
Ear trouble. Contact the doctor if your baby doesn't respond normally to sounds or has fluid draining from his or her ears.
Rash. Contact the doctor if a rash covers a large area, appears infected or if your baby suddenly develops an unexplained rash — especially if the rash is accompanied by a fever.
Eye discharge. If one or both eyes are pink, red or leaking mucus, contact the doctor.

Trust your instincts. If you think you should call the doctor, go ahead. After hours, you may be able to call a 24-hour nurse line offered through the doctor's office, clinic or your health insurance company.

Want to know more:http://www.mayoclinic.com

Is It Normal for Baby to Cry for Hours Every Night

2011-01-03T23:32:00.000-08:00

Is It Normal for Baby to Cry for Hours Every Night?

It's not breaking news that babies cry -- a lot. But when it's your baby, in your arms, screaming for hours at a time, you can't help but wonder if something is terribly wrong. "For the first three months, every night at about 5 p.m., Gavin would get really fussy," says Tricia Heiserman, of Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania. "You couldn't put him down. It made me depressed because I thought I was doing something wrong."

Nearly all babies, no matter how placid, get downright cantankerous as night falls and the "witching hours" begin. "Inconsolable fussiness between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. is natural," says Benjamin Danielson, MD, medical director of Odessa Brown Children's Clinic, at Seattle Children's Hospital. This crying typically starts within the first two months, heightens between weeks five and eight, and is usually gone by the third month. While crying sprees are upsetting and inconvenient, they're entirely normal. Put your baby down for naps throughout the day to make sure he doesn't get overtired; if all else fails, try a walk outside, which many moms swear by for soothing cranky kids. You may be wondering if your baby has colic -- which Dr. Danielson says is a somewhat more intense version of the crying that most babies go through, and the same tactics that soothe a crying baby may soothe a colicky one.

And remember, it won't last forever. "Meredith cried for hours every evening from the time she was 7 weeks old, and we'd do anything to try and stave it off," says Caroline Warthen, of Greenville, South Carolina. "Then at 3 months, it ended, and all of a sudden we had a smiley baby."

More info: http://www.parents.com

How Stressed Are You?

2011-01-03T23:22:00.001-08:00

This questionnaire will help you recognize some of the signs and see where you fit on the stress continuum. Score one point for each "yes" answer.

Do you have difficulty relaxing?
Do you often feel irritable?
Do you worry about the little events of the day, and find that you are unable to shut off your mind?
Do you smoke or drink excessively (especially by other people's standards)?
Are you competitive and aggressive?
Do you find it hard to relate to people?
Do you find yourself impatient with others?
Do you eat quickly?
Do you take on too much?
Do you have difficulty delegating?
Do you have aching limbs, tense muscles, or recurrent headaches?
Do you have a dry mouth and sweaty palms?
Do you feel a lack of interest in sex?
Do you have problems sleeping?

Scoring

1-5: Like most of us, you could use some practical ideas on how to calm down when challenges arise. Or you may want to reach states of even deeper peace. If so, read on for some inspiring ideas.

6-10: You are quite stressed. Pay attention to these warning signs. This is the only body you have. Treat it well. You'll see how to do this in the following pages.

11-14: You are very stressed. Clean up your act before there are serious consequences.

Read more on FamilyEducation:http://life.familyeducation.com/health/stress/36632.html#ixzz19OY1dsw0

WHAT IS DEPRESSION?

2011-01-03T23:18:00.001-08:00

Depressive is a mental illness that involves the body, mood and thoughts. It affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. Depression is not the same as a passing blue mood nor is a sign of personal weakness.

TYPES OF DEPRESSION

Depressive manifest itself in different forms, but there are three common types of depression. However, within these types there are variations in the number of symptoms, their severity and persistence.

1. Major depression is manifested by a combination of symptoms that interfere with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat and enjoy once pleasurable activities. Such a disabling episode of depression may occur only once but more commonly occurs several times in a lifetime.

2. Dysthymia is a less severe type of depression. It involves long-term, chronic symptoms that do not disable, but keep one from functioning well or from feeling good. Many people with dysthymia may also experience major depressive episodes at some time in their lives.

3. Bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness. Not nearly as prevalent as other forms of depressive disorders, bipolar disorder is characterized by cycling mood changes: severe highs (mania) and lows (depression).

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION AND MANIA

Not everyone who is depressed or manic experiences every symptom. Some people experience a few symptoms, some many. Severity of symptoms varies with individuals and also varies over time.

DEPRESSION

* Persistent sadness, anxious, or "empty" mood

* Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism

* Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness

* Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex

* Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"

* Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions

* Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping

* Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain

* Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts

* Restlessness, irritability

* Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain

CAUSES OF DEPRESSION

Very often, a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors is involved in the onset of depression.

* Hereditary

* Environmental e.g. possibly stresses at home, work, or school

* Drug use and abuse

* Poor nutrition

* Psychological predisposition associated with one or more of the above combinations.

DEPRESSION IN WOMEN

* Women experience depression about twice as often as men.

* Many hormonal factors may contribute to the increased rate of depression in women, particularly such factors as menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy, miscarriage, postpartum period, pre-menopause and menopause.

* Many women also face additional stresses such as responsibilities both at work and home, single parenthood and caring for children and for aging parents.

DEPRESSION IN MEN

* Men are less likely to suffer from depression than women.

* 3 to 4 million men in the United States are affected by the illness.

* Men are less likely to admit to depression, and doctors are less likely to suspect it.

* The rate of suicide in men is four times that of women, though more women attempt it. In fact, after age 70, the rate of men's suicide rises, reaching a peak after age 85.

* Depression can also affect the physical health in men differently from women.

* Although depression is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease in both men and women, only men suffer a high death rate.

* Men's depression is often masked by alcohol or drugs, or by the socially acceptable habit of working excessively long hours.

* Depression typically shows up in men not as feeling hopeless and helpless, but as being irritable, angry, and discouraged; hence, depression may be difficult to recognize as such in men.

* Even if a man realizes that he is depressed, he may be less willing than a woman to seek help.

Credit to: http://kitasihat.blogspot.com