Health Articles

Skin care during pregnancy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 06:28:00 +0000

Pregnancy is a time of changes in the hormonal profile of the body that may contribute to changes in the skin. Since skin is the outermost layer of the body, even a slight change from the normal is evident. Pregnancy is also a time when special care should be taken to keep the skin healthy and glowing.

Many women frequently complain of dry skin due to over stretching but it is often taken as a normal part of pregnancy and no treatment is sought. However, some may also suffer from other skin conditions like herpes, itchy rashes, and mild discolouration.

Common skin conditions during pregnancy:

Melasma or ‘mask of pregnancy’ – it is a condition caused due to hormonal imbalance in the body during pregnancy. It is characterised by a discolouration of the skin, mostly on the forehead, nose and the upper lip. The skin on these areas becomes darker in colour (looking like a tan) and may be wrinkly and may fall off easily. This condition may affect as many as 70 percent of all pregnant women, especially those with darker complexions.

The condition is normally seen at the end of the second trimester or the beginning of the third. It does not have a specific modality of treatment, but exposure to the sun makes it worse. Thus women suffering from melasma should protect themselves against the sun by using potent sunscreens. In most cases, the marks vanish after the baby is born.

Urticaria of pregnancy – medically called puerperal urticaria of pregnancy (PUP), it is a condition of itchy rashes or hives that erupt usually in the third trimester of pregnancy. These rashes can be mildly or severely itchy, but usually disappear after delivery. Though they do not harm the mother or the baby, they are very irritating for the patient.

Hives during pregnancy is usually soothed with ointments that provide relief. Calamine lotion is usually able to provide much relief. Though drugs are usually not prescribed during pregnancy, anti-histamines may have to be given for itching in some cases.

Herpes gestationis – herpes infection during pregnancy is called herpes gestationis. It is characterised by the eruption of intensely itchy lesions on the skin that may be pus filled. This condition can occur anytime during the pregnancy but is most common during the second trimester. The rashes mostly begin on the abdomen and, then, spread to other parts of the body.

Acne and psoriasis – acne, in people who are prone to it, usually worsens during pregnancy. Psoriasis, on the other hand, tends to improve during pregnancy, but may flare up after delivery. Acne during pregnancy is usually ignored. Some drugs may be given to treat psoriasis, but they have to be taken only under the physician’s supervision.

Varicose veins – they are one of the most common complaints of pregnancy. Due to excess weight, most women develop varicose veins in their legs. Some may even have ‘spider veins’ on their face and chest. They usually vanish after delivery.

Tips for skin care:

Apart from the medical conditions of the skin that may affect a pregnant woman, that have to be medically treated, some basic skin care methods can be adopted that will help to maintain healthy skin tone.

Sleep well – a proper sleep pattern during pregnancy is one of the best ways to maintain good and healthy skin. A well rested person appears healthier and this is especially so when a woman is pregnant since she gets tired easily.

Always use a sunscreen.

Clean face thoroughly – the face should be cleaned thoroughly since the skin of the face is usually oilier than the rest of the body. The pores of the face thus get clogged easily with dirt and cause pimples or acne. Cleaning the face regularly with a mild soap or face wash helps to prevent these conditions.

Moisturise often – since the skin is drier than usual during pregnancy, it helps to keep moisturising it often.

Women with oily skin could use a water-based moisturiser while those with dry skin can use an oil-based one. It is always necessary to follow a cleaning and moisturising routine for healthy skin.

Get a facial massage – facial and body massage with mild and fragrant oils may help to relax apart from increasing blood circulation to the area.

Drink plenty of water – the water balance in the body should be maintained. This also affects the tone of the skin. Water cleanses the skin and removes the toxins from the body.

Smile and remain happy – the age old belief that smiling exercises more muscles of the face than a frown may also help. Happiness increases the blood flow inside the body and, thus, reflects in the form of a healthy and glowing skin.

Taken From : Doctor NTDV

Depression during Pregnancy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 02:59:00 +0000

Pregnancy is supposed to be one of the happiest times of a woman's life, but for many women this is a time of confusion, fear, sadness, stress and even depression. About 10-20% of women will struggle with some symptoms of depression during pregnancy, and a quarter to half of these will suffer from major depression.

Depression is a mood disorder that affects 1 in 4 women at some point during their lifetime, so it should be no surprise that this illness would also touch women who are pregnant. But all too often, depression is not diagnosed properly during pregnancy because people think it is just another type of hormonal imbalance; this assumption can be dangerous for the mother and the unborn baby.

Depression is an illness that can be treated and managed during pregnancy, but the first step of seeking out help and support is the most important.

What is depression during pregnancy?

Depression during pregnancy, or antepartum depression, is a mood disorder just like clinical depression. Mood disorders are biological illnesses that involve changes in brain chemistry. During pregnancy hormone changes can affect brain chemicals, which is directly related to depression and anxiety. These can be exacerbated by difficult life situations, which can result in depression during pregnancy.

What are the signs of depression during pregnancy?

Women with depression usually experience some of the following symptoms for 2 weeks or more:

Persistent sadness
Difficulty concentrating
Sleeping too little or too much
Loss of interest in activities that you usually enjoy
Recurring thoughts of death, suicide or hopelessness
Anxiety
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Change in eating habits

What are possible triggers of depression during pregnancy?

Relationship problems
Family or personal history of depression
Fertility treatments
Previous pregnancy loss
Stressful life events
Complications in pregnancy
History of abuse or trauma

Can depression during pregnancy cause harm to my baby?

Depression that is not treated can have potential dangerous risks to the mother and baby. Untreated depression can lead to poor nutrition, drinking, smoking, and suicidal behavior, which can then cause premature birth, low birth weight, and developmental problems. A woman who is depressed often does not have the strength or desire to adequately care for herself or her developing baby, which is why problems arise.

What is the treatment for depression during pregnancy?

If you feel you may be struggling with depression, the most important thing is to seek help. Talk with your health care provider about your symptoms and struggles. Your health care provider wants the healthiest choice for you and your baby and may discuss options with you for treatment. Treatment options for women who are pregnant can include:

Support groups
Private psychotherapy
Medication
Light Therapy

If your symptoms are severe, your health care provider may want to prescribe medication immediately. There are medications that have been used during pregnancy without adverse affects. Discuss with your health care provider what they feel is safest for your baby, but still beneficial to you.

If you do not feel comfortable talking with your health care provider about your feelings of depression, find someone else to talk with. The most important thing is that someone knows what you are dealing with and can try to help you. Never try to face depression alone. Your baby needs you to seek help and get treatment.

Taken From: American Pregnancy Association

About Pregnancy Weight Gain

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 02:45:00 +0000

Talking to your health care provider about your weight gain is important. Try not to worry if you're slightly above or below these weights.

Facts about weight gain:

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends a weight gain of 25 to 37 pounds during pregnancy for women who were a normal weight before pregnancy.
Women who are underweight should gain between 28-40 pounds unless your health care provider says differently.
Women who are overweight should gain between 15-25 pounds unless your health care provider says differently.
Eating healthy meals will allow you to gain adequate weight during your pregnancy. Putting on weight that is unnecessary is easy to do when eating junk food and foods that are higher in fat.
Eating a well-rounded diet is important. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pregnant women should have 3 servings of milk, yogurt, and cheese, 3 servings of protein, 3 servings of fruits, 4 servings of vegetables, and 9 servings of whole grain products each day.

Weight distribution:

7 1/2pounds is about how much the baby will weigh by the end of pregnancy.
1 1/2pounds is how much the placenta weighs.
4 pounds is attributed to increased fluid volume.
2 pounds is the weight of the uterus.
2 pounds is the weight of breast tissue.
4 pounds is because of increased blood volume.
7 pounds is attributed to maternal stores of fat, protein and other nutrients.
2 pounds for the amniotic fluid.
Total: 30 pounds

On a trimester basis:

First trimester: 3-5 pounds
Second trimester: 1-2 pounds per week
Third trimester: 1-2 pounds per week

Remember this is just an average; you and your health care provider need to decide what is best for you.

Taken from: American Pregnancy Association

Arthtritis

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 23:30:00 +0000

Definition

Arthritis is a disease characterized by the inflammation of the cartilage and lining of the body�s joints. Inflammation causes redness, warmth, pain and swelling. There are about 40 million Americans who suffer from arthritis. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, estimates that by the year 2020, about 60 million Americans will have arthritis. The primary targets for arthritis are people over the age of 50. Arthritis is a major cause of foot pain because each foot has 33 joints that can become affected by the disease.

Osteoarthritis

There are many different types of arthritis. The most common type is called osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis causes excessive strain and the wearing away of cartilage in the joints of the foot. Movement becomes very difficult and painful. The pain and swelling worsens while standing or walking, and stiffness usually occurs after periods of rest.

Gout

Gout is another form of arthritis that also leads to foot complications. Excess uric acid crystals collect in and around the joints of the big toe. The big toe joint is commonly the focal point due to the stress and pressure it experiences during walking and other weight bearing activities. This often leads to severe pain in the big toe. Men are more likely to develop gouty arthritis than women.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Another type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis. It can develop at any age and there is no known cause for this condition. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most crippling form of the disease that can affect people of all ages. It can cause severe deformities of the joints with associated fatigue of the entire body. People who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis often develop severe forefoot problems such as bunions, hammer toes, claw toes, and others.

Cause

There are many causes of arthritis. Heredity plays a major role. However, arthritic symptoms can develop due to many other factors. Some of these include bacterial and viral infections, prescription and illegal drugs, traumatic injuries, and bowel disorders such as ileitis and colitis.

Forefoot problems such as hammer toes, claw toes, mallet toes, and bunions often develop as a result of arthritis, particularly Rheumatoid arthritis. Problems can also develop in the heel and ankle area due to the erosion of the involved joints.

Treatment and Prevention

Conservative treatment (non-surgical treatment) of the arthritic foot includes proper footwear, orthotics, and/or forefoot supports. Arthritic footwear should provide the following benefits:

High, wide toe box (high and wide space in the toe area)
Removable insoles for fitting flexibility and the option to insert orthotics if necessary.
Rocker Soles designed to facilitate ambulating (walking) and to reduce stress and pain at the ball-of-the-foot.

Arthritic footwear should also accommodate swelling of the foot. Orthotics designed to provide comfort, support and extra cushioning are also recommended. Orthotics made with a material called Plastazote are often recommended because they mold to your feet to provide customized comfort. The proper footwear and orthotics will reduce pressure to provide a comfortable and healthy environment for the foot.

Forefoot supports such as gel toe caps, gel toe shields, gel toe straighteners and others can often provide relief.

If the problem persists, consult your foot doctor.

Taken From: Foot.com

Garlic and Cholesterol

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 03:00:00 +0000

Cholesterol - a white, waxy substance found in the blood plasma - is essential to life. However overly high cholesterol levels can have serious health implications on the cardiovascular system in particular leading to atherosclerosis. Excessive levels can be an indicator of increased risk of heart attack and/or stroke.

If you suspect that you have a cholesterol problem it is essential that you discuss it with your doctor.

Whilst all cholesterol was once considered harmful, it is now recognised that it comes in two distinct forms: one "good", the other "bad".

Good and Bad Cholesterol

HDL and LDL

Cholesterol comes in two forms: high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) and low-density lioproteins (LDLs). Of these, HDLs are generally called "good" cholesterol whilst LDLs are "bad". For more detail see the LDL & HDL cholesterol page.

2005 UK recommendations (from the Joint British Societies - JBS2) are total cholesterol below 4.0mmol/l, "bad" cholesterol below 2.0mmol/l (1). Obviously these are general guidelines which may not be appropriate for everyone.

The Possible Effect of Garlic on Cholesterol Levels

Garlic has been reputed to assist the heart for centuries and has been used in herbal medicines for all manner of conditions. Garlic & cholesterol reduction are frequently mentioned together.

Modern medical science suggests one reason garlic might reduce cholesterol: garlic is a proven anti-oxidant (2). This property might help to prevent LDLs from being oxidised. In this way the cholestrol build-up that clogs the arteries could perhaps be reduced by garlic.

In recent decades, numerous scientific studies have been conducted to test the claims that garlic can help lower cholesterol levels. These studies involve measuring the cholesterol and triglyceride levels of patients taking garlic supplements compared with a control group of patients taking a placebo. Unfortunately the results are not conclusive (3).

Some studies have shown a reduction in total cholesterol levels and/or LDL levels in those taking garlic. Other medical studies have shown no significant difference between the levels of those taking garlic and those taking a placebo. A study published in 2007 (4) tested raw garlic and two popular garlic supplements (Garlicin and Kyolic). The study concluded that: "None of the forms of garlic used in this study, including raw garlic, when given at an approximate dose of a 4-g clove per day, 6 d/wk for 6 months, had statistically or clinically significant effects on LDL-C or other plasma lipid concentrations in adults with moderate hypercholesterolemia."

Cholesterol and Garlic: The Verdict

Can Garlic Lower Cholesterol Levels?

Whilst some individual studies have shown that garlic can be effective in reducing "bad" cholesterol (LDLs), the overall body of evidence is inconclusive. In particular the 2007 study appears to shed serious doubt on the reality behind garlic's reputation in this area. Thus it would be unwise to draw a definite conclusion that garlic can be used to combat "bad" cholesterol.

How then do we explain those studies that do show garlic works as a cholesterol treatment? Do we simply discard them as using flawed methodology? If - for the sake of argument - we assume there is some validity in those that found links, how do we explain the different findings? One possibility is that the efficacy of garlic in combatting cholesterol etc depends upon some other, unknown factor - for example the exact variety or manner of preparation of the garlic. Since this factor is unknown, it is not possible to design tests to eliminate it. Another possibility is that the reputed cholesterol lowering properties of garlic are effective only for specific subgroups of the population.

If you are concerned about elevated cholesterol levels then you should not turn to garlic as an alternative to medical treatment - get advice from your doctor. However if your doctor approves then you might like to consider eating more garlic as part of a balanced diet "just in case". If nothing else it's a tasty alternative to salt.

Taken From: Garlic Central

Fibre And Fibre Supplements

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 13:23:00 +0000

Fibre (roughage) is the part of plant food that is not digested. It stays in your gut and is passed in the stools (faeces). Fibre adds bulk to the stools. This helps your bowels to work well, and helps to prevent some bowel and anal conditions.

Why is fibre important?

Stools (faeces or motions) are usually soft and easy to pass if you eat enough fibre, and drink enough fluid. We should aim to eat 30-35 grams of fibre per day. (However, the average person in the UK eats only about 20 grams of fibre each day.) A diet with plenty of fibre will help to:

prevent constipation.
prevent diverticulosis (a common bowel condition).
prevent haemorrhoids (piles) and anal fissure (a painful condition of the anus).
reduce weight. Fibre is filling but not fattening as it has no calories and is not digested.
reduce the risk of developing bowel cancer.

High fibre foods include the following

Wholemeal or whole-wheat bread and biscuits.
Wholemeal flour used for baking and cooking.
Fruit and vegetables. Aim to eat at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables each day. One portion is: one large fruit such as an apple, pear, banana, orange, or a large slice of melon or pineapple, OR; two smaller fruits such as plums, satsumas, etc, OR; one cup of small fruits such as grapes, strawberries, raspberries, cherries, etc, OR; two large tablespoons of fruit salad, stewed or canned fruit, OR; one tablespoon of dried fruit, OR; one glass of fresh fruit juice (150ml), OR; a normal portion of any vegetable (about two tablespoons), OR; one dessert bowl of salad.
Whole-grain breakfast cereals such as All Bran, Bran Flakes, Weetabix, Shredded Wheat, muesli, etc. A simple thing like changing your regular breakfast cereal can make a big difference to the amount of fibre you eat each day.
Brown rice, and wholemeal spaghetti and other wholemeal pasta.

Fibre supplements (sometimes called bulk-forming laxatives)

You may need to take extra fibre supplements if you have constipation or other bowel problems. Several are available. You can buy them at pharmacies or health food shops.

Unprocessed bran is a cheap fibre supplement. If you take bran, it is best to build up the amount gradually. Start with two teaspoons a day, and double the amount every five days until you reach about about 1-3 tablespoons per day. You can sprinkle bran on breakfast cereals, or mix it with fruit juices, milk, stews, soups, crumbles, pastries, scones, etc.
Other fibre supplements such as ispaghula husk, sterculia or methylcellulose are alternatives if you find bran unpalatable. Ispaghula husk is also gluten-free.

Note: have lots to drink when you eat a high fibre diet or fibre supplements. Drink at least two litres (about 8-10 cups) per day. You may find that if you eat more fibre or fibre supplements, you may have some bloating and wind at first. This is often temporary. As your gut becomes used to extra fibre or fibre supplements, the bloating or wind tends to settle over a few weeks.

Taken from : Patient UK

Do-It-Yourself Home Gym

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 09:42:00 +0000

You don't need a home gym to exercise at home. Here are four inexpensive, easy-to-store alternatives that, together, enhance all the elements of fitness: muscle strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance. All are sold in sporting-goods stores.

Getting on the bandwagon

Elastic exercise bands are a perfect option for beginning strength training. They've been used by physical therapists for years. Cheap (usually about $3 a band), portable, and versatile, these long, wide bands provide the resistance you need to work your muscles. They often come with illustrated booklets. The bands' colors reflect the level of resistance. You can strengthen and tone virtually all your major muscles—and work them from a variety of angles, depending on what you use as an anchor for the elastic band.

Rowing. Sitting on the floor with your legs extended, loop band under arches of feet and hold one end in each hand. Start with arms extended forward. Keeping your back straight and shoulders down, pull your elbows back slowly, contracting shoulder blades. Hold for 2 seconds; release slowly. Repeat.

Tips: Start with easy resistance and gradually increase the difficulty. If you're stretching the band too much, switch to a harder resistance. Keep the band at its normal width so that it doesn't cut into your hands, feet, or ankles. After stretching the band, release it slowly, but do not let it go slack. Wrap the band securely around your hand or foot so it won't slip. When an exercise calls for anchoring one end of the band, choose an object that won't move, such as a pole or heavy piece of furniture.

Having a BIG ball

The big vinyl therapy ball—also called a physio-, Swiss, or gym ball—has been used for 30 years in Switzerland. Now these balls are turning up in gyms and physical-therapy offices across the U.S. Filled with air and relatively soft, unlike medicine balls, they cushion you as you stretch. They come in different sizes, for people of different heights. For instance, a 65-centimeter (about 24-inch) ball is recommended for those between 5'8" and 6'. Inflated with a simple pump, they start at about $20.

You can do calisthenics (strengtheners) and stretches on the ball, as well as warm-up and cool-down routines. Ball workouts require the use of multiple muscle groups. For instance, by simply sitting and bouncing on the ball, you work your hamstrings, quadriceps, abdominals, and back muscles. Add arm movements, and you also get an upper-body workout. The main benefits are improved coordination, balance, and posture.

Stretch for hip flexor muscles. Kneeling, put your stomach on the ball. Keeping one knee forward and bent at a 90° angle, put forearms on the ball. Extend the other leg backward, with the knee on the floor. Hold and feel the stretch in the front of your hip. Your front knee should be over the foot. Then lift the back knee, straighten the back leg, and stretch again. Switch legs.

Tips: When you sit on the ball, as you would a chair, your thighs should be parallel to the ground. Don't wear pins or anything that might puncture the ball. Make sure you have enough room so that if you lose your balance you won't fall onto a piece of furniture. If you are older and/or have poor balance, start off with a "spotter"—someone who will stand alongside you and make sure you don't fall off the ball.

Taking your medicine ball

For a different kind of ball workout, try medicine balls. Leather versions used to be popular among trainers and athletes in the 1930s. Today these weighted balls, dubbed "plyoballs" or "body balls," are usually made of polyurethane and/or vinyl.

What you do with a medicine ball is called plyometric exercise. This involves stretching a muscle (as when you squat before you jump to shoot a basket) and then contracting it suddenly or "explosively" as you jump. You can hold the ball above your chest to make your sit-up routine more strenuous. Or substitute it for hand weights while doing aerobic dance. Or play toss or keep-away with one or two partners. Plyometrics can build muscle strength, thus increasing power for specific sports.

Twist. Sitting with your back at a 45° angle to the floor, move the ball from side to side, twisting your upper body.

Tips: Start with a small, lightweight ball—about 18 inches in diameter and weighing 5 to 9 pounds. Balls over 16 pounds should be used only in professional training. Vary your workout to avoid overuse injuries or soreness. For advanced or intense plyometric exercises, consult a trainer.

Learning the ropes

Jumping rope is great exercise for adults as well as kids. All you need is a rope and good shoes—plus a little instruction at first and then some practice.

As aerobic exercise became a byword in the 1980s, rope jumping gained new popularity—for good reason. As a way to build cardiovascular endurance, jumping rope can be as strenuous as jogging, but is lower in impact, since you should jump only a little off the ground. It helps improve coordination, speed, and agility. If you engage in a sport (such as tennis, basketball, or skiing) that requires bursts of speed and power, jumping rope can be particularly beneficial. It works muscles in the legs, shoulders, chest, and forearms. And it burns lots of calories.

Check the rope length. Stand on the center and pull the handles up your sides: the ends of the handles should come just up to your armpits.

Tips: Wear shoes with good support; aerobics shoes or cross-trainers (not running shoes) are best. Make sure the rope handles fit comfortably in your hands. It's best to jump on the kind of springy wood floor found at a gym or health club, but a lawn or a mat works well, too. Carpets are fine, but a thick one may throw off your timing. Concrete is too hard and increases the risk of injury, but if your shoes are good enough you should be able to jump anywhere.

If you are just beginning to jump, start at about 70 turns a minute, which allows you to double-hop each jump. Keeping your elbows near the sides of your hips, turn the rope with your wrists and forearms—don't turn from the shoulders. To minimize stress on your legs, jump just high enough for the rope to pass under your feet—only an inch or two off the ground. Land softly on the balls of your feet and let your heels help absorb the impact. Land with your knees slightly bent. Keep your posture erect, shoulders back, and abdomen tucked in. Slow down if you get winded or too tired. Jumping rope can elevate your heart rate very quickly.

Taken From : Foundation of Wellness

How To Be Healthy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 02:18:00 +0000

By Robert Darlington

Above all, don't smoke. Cigarette smoke is a toxic cocktail of around 70 cancer-causing chemicals and hundreds of other poisons. Smoking is the single biggest cause of cancer in the world. In the UK, smoking accounts for one in four cancer deaths and kills five times more people than road accidents, overdoses, murder, suicide and HIV all put together.
Eat at roughly the same times each day. This might be two, three or more times but a routine encourages a reasonable weight.
Watch your portions. Don't heap food on your plate (except for vegetables) and think twice before having second helpings.
Try to have five portions of fruit and vegatables a day. A portion is about 80g of fruit or vegetables. This is roughly equal to an apple, orange, banana, or similarly-sized fruit or two serving spoons of cooked vegetables such as broccoli or carrots.
Eat foods with reduced fat. Choose reduced fat versions of foods such as dairy products, spreads and salad dressings. Cut fat off meat.
Eat foods with reduced salt. Too much salt can increase your blood pressure and your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Eat healthier snacks. If you're hungry between meals, choose a healthy option such as fresh fruit or low calorie yogurts instead of chocolate or crisps.
Look at food labels. Choose food with less far, sugar and salt content.
Think about how you eat. Eat your meals at the table and it will help you focus on the amount of food you eat. Eat slowly because it takes time for your body to register how much food you've eaten and how full you are. Don’t eat while walking, but wait until you get there and take time to concentrate on what you are eating.
Think about what you drink. Water is good (but two litres a day is rubbish). Semi-skimmed milk is good too. Many soft drinks (including fizzy and sweetened soft drinks) contain a lot of sugar. Alcohol is high in calories.
Walk every day. The aim should be to do around 10,000 steps which equates to around 60-90 minutes of walking. Using a pedometer on a belt is a good way to monitor this. On the way to or from work, shops, or meetings, leave the car or public transport a bit short of your destination. In the office, use stairs rather than the lift (or elevator, for my American readers).
Don't sit around too long. Break up your sitting time by walking around at regular intervals. At home, do a chore. At work, visit a colleague.
Limit exposure to the sun. Between 11 am and 3 pm, it's better to be in the shade. When in the sun, wear sensible clothing and use appropriate sun factor lotion. Never burn.
Get enough sleep. The amount varies by individual and age, but most people need seven or eight hours a night. It's important to go to bed at a regular time and get up at a regular time. There is some evidence that people who take a short nap during the day lower the risk of heart disease.
Be happy. Happiness helps healthiness, especially mental health.

Taken From : Robert Darlington's Homepage

Your Healthy Eating Checklist for Every Age

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 03:37:00 +0000

As the old saying goes, "You are what you eat." And there are some foods, no matter what age you are, that will always be good for your health. So eat healthy to be healthy by checking off and integrating these nutritious foods into your daily diet.

Check One: Milk
Why is this important?

Milk strengthens bones and teeth.
It helps stop the bleeding in cuts and bruises.
The calcium in milk helps prevent common bone diseases such as osteoporosis.

Babies should drink whole milk because they need the extra calories to support their incredible growth rate. Reduced-fat (two-percent) milk is kids' best bet because they usually get plenty of calories from other sources. Adults should also drink reduced-fat milk, but for those on a diet or trying to lose weight, low-fat (one-percent) milk or skim milk enriched with calcium is a great option. Seniors who don't get enough sunlight (and therefore may not get enough vitamin D) may need to go back to whole milk to ensure strong bones.

Food tip: For those who are lactose-intolerant or who have a dairy allergy, soy milk is a great alternative.

Check Two: Fruits and Vegetables
Why are these important?

Vitamin A helps to keep skin healthy.
Vitamin C helps heal cuts and bruises and fight infections.
Phytonutrients (compounds in edible plants) significantly reduce the risk of cancer.
They're a key part of any weight-loss program because they're low in calories yet fill you up fast.

Daily-serving amounts change depending on your age and physical-activity level. But in general, babies can start eating 1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons of pureed fruits and veggies right around the middle of their first year. Kids should eat 1 to 2 servings each, while adults and seniors should eat 2 to 4 servings each of fruit and vegetables a day.

Food tip: As a rule of thumb, pick fruits and vegetables with different colors to get the most nutrition.

Check Three: Whole Grains
Why are these important?

Carbohydrates provide energy for daily activities.
Fiber helps you feel full longer and is great for your heart and your metabolism.
Whole grains help lower cholesterol and blood-pressure levels.
They're high in antioxidants which fight against cell damage.

Babies can eat about a fourth of a cup of special whole-grain baby cereal. Kids, adults, and seniors should eat about 3 servings of whole grains a day. New Healthy Choice Panini are made with the goodness of whole grains—and come in four delicious varieties. Work one into your personal meal plan today.

Food tip: Whole grains are not the same thing as refined grains. Look for the specific phrase "whole grain" on the package or food label.

Check Four: Meat
Why is this important?

Meat is a great source of protein, which helps build strong muscles.
The iron found in meat carries oxygen to all parts of your body and helps energize you.
Meat is an abundant source of vitamins and minerals that are essential to your body’s everyday functions.

Babies can eat 2 tablespoons to a half cup of meat in strained or pureed form around 7 to 10 months. Kids should eat about 2 to 3 ounces of lean meat a day, while adults can eat about 5 to 7 ounces. Because metabolism tends to slow down with age, seniors may want to replace their meat intake with beans to get more fiber.

Food tip: Be careful not to eat too much of just one type of meat. Vary your meals with red meat, poultry, and fish.

Taken From : Healthy Choice

What is Hypoglycemia ?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 20:36:00 +0000

Most of us at one time or another experience a degree of low blood sugar. If we are tired or moody because we have not eaten for many hours, it is a sign that our blood sugar is low. Yet chronic hypoglycemia is more than mere moodiness associated with a lack of food. It is a sign that the organs that help balance blood sugar, such as the adrenal glands and the pancreas, aren't doing a good enough job. Fortunately, the symptoms of hypoglycemia can be eliminated with a diet of whole foods, frequent meals, and carefully chosen nutritional Supplements.

HYPOGLYCEMIA OR LOW BLOOD SUGAR refers to the. body's inability to maintain normal levels of sugar in the blood. Sugar is the main source of fuel for the body, and sugar levels must remain steady. Otherwise, the brain and other organs cannot function normally. When sugar levels become undesirably low, as can occur between meals or soon after sweets are eaten, the following problems can occur:

Food cravings, especially for sugar and starchy foods
Depression
Fatigue
Headaches
Anger
PMS
Dizziness
Fainting
Arrhythmias
Inability to concentrate .
Panic attacks

Taken From : Health Care Articles

Strategies for Lowering Cholesterol ?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 20:26:00 +0000

A good cholesterol ratio is the right balance of the different cholesterols in your blood. The two main forms are LDL (lowdensity lipoprotein) and HDL(high-density lipoprotein). Just as we want the right amount of hormones, we want just the right amount of cholesterol as well. Too much and too little are equally undesirable.

People still say cholesterol is bad. Which cholesterol are they talking about?

The cholesterol in freshly prepared animal products is harmless. If you eat more cholesterol, your liver, which naturally makes about seven eggs worth of cholesterol per day, will make less.
The cholesterol in dried milk, aged cheese, cake mixes, or aged meats, however, should be avoided. It is oxidized and unhealthful.
The cholesterol in your blood is fine as long as it is protected with the right antioxidants and is present in the right ratio of HDL to total cholesterol.

THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF CHOLESTEROL is needed for optimal health. Yet the high levels of free radicals in our environment increase the possibility that the cholesterol in our bloodstream may oxidize. For these and other reasons, we do not want too much cholesterol in our blood. Both high and low cholesterol increase risk to certain cancers.

Taken From : Health Care Articles

Boosting Your Immune System Naturally

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 20:23:00 +0000

The immune system is the part of the body that protects you from the constant onslaught of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that want to throw a party in your body. While the bone marrow, spleen, liver, thymus, lymph nodes, and white blood cells are the main players in your immune system, every part of the body-including your nervous system and mental attitude - must be in optimal health to keep your defense strong.

We need to attack the problem of bacterial infection from a new angle. We must take advantage of the many natural, nontoxic means available to boost the immune system. If there is a silver 'lining to the dark cloud of antibiotic abuse, it may be that the failure of synthetic drugs will force orthodox medicine to, use nontoxic antibiotic nutrients like high doses of vitamin C. Very high amounts of vitamin A and vitamin Care some of the most potent ways to combat infections of all kinds. They do so in a way that does not create superstrains of bacteria. Our bodies are besieged by hundreds of toxic chemicals every day. We are also exposed to a myriad of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that are brought to us from allover the world due to air travel. And our immune systems do not have the supply of nutrients they once did. We are deficient and suboptimally nourished in a wide range of nutrients. This has devastating effects not only on our immune systems but on those of our children and grandchildren as well. Poor nutrition has a cumulative genetic effect.

Taken From : Health Care Articles

13 Keys to a Healthy Diet

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 12:14:00 +0000

Developing healthy eating habits isn't as confusing or as restrictive as
many people imagine. The first principle of a healthy diet is simply to
eat a wide variety of foods. This is important because different foods
make different nutritional contributions.

Secondly, fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes—foods high in complex
carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, low in fat, and free of
cholesterol—should make up the bulk of the calories you consume. The
rest should come from low-fat dairy products, lean meat and poultry, and
fish.

You should also try to maintain a balance between calorie intake and
calorie expenditure—that is, don't eat more food than your body can
utilize. Otherwise, you will gain weight. The more active you are,
therefore, the more you can eat and still maintain this balance.

Following these three basic steps doesn't mean that you have to give up
your favorite foods. As long as your overall diet is balanced and rich
in nutrients and fiber, there is nothing wrong with an occasional
cheeseburger. Just be sure to limit how frequently you eat such foods,
and try to eat small portions of them.

You can also view healthy eating as an opportunity to expand your range
of choices by trying foods—especially vegetables, whole grains, or
fruits—that you don't normally eat. A healthy diet doesn't have to mean
eating foods that are bland or unappealing.

The following basic guidelines are what you need to know to construct a
healthy diet.

1 Eat plenty of high-fiber foods—that is, fruits, vegetables, beans, and
whole grains. These are the "good" carbohydrates—nutritious, filling,
and relatively low in calories. They should supply the 20 to 30 grams of
dietary fiber you need each day, which slows the absorption of
carbohydrates, so there's less effect on insulin and blood sugar, and
provides other health benefits as well. Such foods also provide
important vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals (plant chemicals
essential to good health).

2 Make sure to include green, orange, and yellow fruits and
vegetables—such as broccoli, carrots, cantaloupe, and citrus fruits. The
antioxidants and other nutrients in these foods may help protect against
developing certain types of cancer and other diseases. Eat five or more
servings a day.

3 Limit your intake of sugary foods, refined-grain products such as
white bread, and salty snack foods. Sugar, our No.1 additive, is added
to a vast array of foods. Just one daily 12-ounce can of soda (160
calories) can add up to 16 pounds over the course of a year. Many sugary
foods are also high in fat, so they're calorie-dense.

4 Cut down on animal fat. It's rich in saturated fat, which boosts blood
cholesterol levels and has other adverse health effects. Choose lean
meats, skinless poultry, and nonfat or low-fat or nonfat dairy products.

5 Cut way down on trans fats, supplied by hydrogenated vegetable oils
used in most processed foods in the supermarket and in many fast foods.

6 Eat more fish and nuts, which contain healthy unsaturated fats.
Substitute olive or canola oil for butter or stick margarine.

7 Keep portions moderate, especially of high-calorie foods. In recent
years serving sizes have ballooned, particularly in restaurants. Choose
a starter instead of an entrée, split a dish with a friend, and don't
order supersized anything.

8 Keep your cholesterol intake below 300 milligrams per day. Cholesterol
is found only in animal products, such as meats, poultry, dairy
products, and egg yolks.

9 Eat a variety of foods. Don't try to fill your nutrient requirements
by eating the same foods day in, day out. It is possible that not every
essential nutrient has been identified, and so eating a wide assortment
of foods helps to ensure that you will get all the necessary nutrients.
In addition, this will limit your exposure to any pesticides or toxic
substances that may be present in one particular food.

10 Maintain an adequate calcium intake. Calcium is essential for strong
bones and teeth. Get your calcium from low-fat sources, such as skim
milk and low-fat yogurt. If you can't get the optimal amount from foods,
take supplements.

11 Try to get your vitamins and minerals from foods, not from
supplements. Supplements cannot substitute for a healthy diet, which
supplies nutrients and other compounds besides vitamins and minerals.
Foods also provide the "synergy" that many nutrients require to be
efficiently used in the body.

12 Maintain a desirable weight. Balance energy (calorie) intake with
energy output. Exercise and other physical activity are essential.

13 If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. That is one drink a day
for women, two a day for men. A drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 4
ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof spirits. Excess alcohol
consumption leads to a variety of health problems. And alcoholic
beverages can add many calories to your diet without supplying nutrients.

Taken From : UC Berkeley Wellness Letter.com

High-Carb Diet Raises Women's Diabetes Risk

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 21:32:00 +0000

TUESDAY, Nov. 27 (HealthDay News) -- Black American women and Chinese women who ate foods high on the glycemic index -- which measures the effect of carbohydrates on blood glucose levels -- were at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes, two new studies found.

One of the studies also found that eating more cereal fiber may be associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes in black American women.

In one study, Boston University School of Public Health researchers examined data on more than 40,000 black American women who filled out a food questionnaire in 1995. Every two years through 2003, the women provided updates about their weight, health and other information.

During those eight years of follow-up, 1,938 of the women developed type 2 diabetes.

Women who ate high-glycemic index foods or ate a diet with a high glycemic load were more likely to develop diabetes. Women who ate more cereal fiber were less likely to develop diabetes.

"Our results indicate that black women can reduce their risk of diabetes by eating a diet that is relatively high in cereal fiber," the study authors wrote. "Incorporating fiber sources into the diet is relatively easy: A simple change from white bread (two slices provides 1.2 grams of fiber) to whole wheat bread (two slices provides 3.8 grams of fiber) ... will move a person from a low fiber intake category to a moderate intake category, with a corresponding 10 percent reduction in risk."

In the second study, researchers from Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., followed more than 64,000 Chinese women for an average of five years. During the study, 1,608 of the women developed diabetes.

High consumption of carbohydrates increased the risk of diabetes. Women who consumed the most carbohydrates (about 337.6 grams per day) had a 28 percent greater risk of developing diabetes than those who consumed the least (about 263.5 grams per day).

Women who had high glycemic index diets and who ate more food staples such as bread, noodles and rice also had an increased risk. For example, those who ate more than 300 grams of rice per day were 78 percent more likely to develop diabetes than those who ate less than 200 grams of rice per day.

"Given that a large part of the world's population consumes rice and carbohydrates as the mainstay of their diets, these prospective data linking intake of refined carbohydrates to increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus may have substantial implications for public health," the researchers concluded.

More information

The U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has more about type 2 diabetes.

Taken From : Yahoo News

Cold-Fighting Foods

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 21:26:00 +0000

by Peter Jaret

A team headed by lung specialist Stephen Rennard at the Nebraska Medical Center found that in a test tube chicken soup suppressed inflammation, which causes many cold symptoms. But chicken soup isn’t the only food that might help. Here’s a daily menu based on experts’ recommendations.

Breakfast
Orange juice or half a grapefruit. Both are great sources of vitamin C, which could shorten the duration of colds.

Whole-grain cereal or bread. Whole grains are rich in vitamins and minerals, including zinc and vitamin E, which can help keep your immune system healthy.

Black tea. Real tea leaves (not herbal) have substances that speed the action of cilia, the tiny hairlike cells lining your nasal pas-sages, helping them expel germs.

Mid-morning snack
Yogurt. It can help you maintain a healthy immune system, as long as it contains beneficial bacteria. One cup of yogurt with live active cultures or a glass of kefir a day provides all you need.

Lunch
Chicken soup. The Nebraska researchers used a traditional recipe they called “Grandma’s Soup,” which had veggies like onions, parsnips, and carrots, along with chicken. But most of the commercial varieties they tested reduced inflammation, too. For even more protection, add a clove or two of garlic.

Anise-seed cookie. Anise seeds, with their licorice-like flavor, have been found to help break up congestion.

Dinner
Salad of bitter greens. Watercress and arugula can make a salad special—and research shows they may also have antiviral effects. Bitter greens are especially helpful in relieving chest congestion, sniffles, and coughs.

Pasta with tomato sauce and plenty of garlic. Because the pungent bulb is one of the most potent disease-fighting foods around, it’s worth having at least two servings a day. Raw garlic has the most benefits, but cooked garlic also packs a punch.

Ginger tea. It’s different and refreshing—and, Duke says, “ginger is loaded with virus-fighting substances, including several that act directly against cold viruses.” (One substance, gingerol, can suppress coughing.) Boil water; then steep a tablespoon of fresh shredded ginger for 2 or 3 minutes.

Taken From: Health Magazine

Fluoride: How does it work?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 05:29:00 +0000

Fluoride is a natural element that can be found in many things, like the
water we drink and the food we eat. Decades ago, scientists began to
notice that children who lived in places where fluoride occurred
naturally in the water, had fewer dental cavities.

Fluoride that is absorbed by your body is used by the cells that build
your teeth to make stronger enamel. Topical fluoride - fluoride that is
applied to the outside of the enamel - makes the crystals that form
enamel more durable. Tooth enamel crystals that have fluoride are much
more resistant to acid. They are less likely to breakdown and cause the
tooth surface to become porous.

If your dentist recommends a fluoride treatment during your next dental
visit, you'll be receiving topical protection. The fluoride your dentist
puts in your mouth will help make the crystals in your tooth enamel
stronger. Always use a toothpaste with fluoride. Look for the Canadian
Dental Association seal of approval on the toothpaste tube in your bathroom.

For an experiment on the protective power of Fluoride, check out the
Healthy Teeth Dental Experiments Page!

Taken From : Healthyteeth.org

Calcium

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 14:22:00 +0000

Why do I need calcium?

Calcium is famous as a building material for bones and teeth, but you also need it to keep your heart and nerves in working order. If you're not getting enough of the mineral from outside sources, your body will steal it back from your skeleton, which can eventually lead to osteoporosis . Since you start losing bone density around age 35 anyway, this is a real threat. Fortunately, it's never too late to take action. No matter what your age, boosting your calcium can help you hold on to what you have and even rebuild a little. Getting the full recommended amount can reduce your risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy (a condition that can lead to miscarriage and even death) and may reduce your risk of colon cancer and help keep your blood pressure in a healthy range. What's more, new research has just found that it may be one of the best things you can do to relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. When 230 women with PMS took 1,200 milligrams of calcium a day for three months, they reported that symptoms such as pain, food cravings, mood swings, and water retention had diminished by half. Researchers suspect that low calcium levels cause the body to secrete PMS-causing hormones.

How much should I be getting?

A team of nutritional experts recently recommended that the calcium requirements for adults be bumped up from the amount necessary to avoid deficiencies to new levels aimed at preventing disease. Instead of 800 milligrams a day, they now say you need 1,000 mg if you're between ages 19 and 50 years old, and 1,200 mg a day if you're over 50. Keep in mind, too, that your bones will be more likely to hang on to the mineral if you're exercising. Regular weight-bearing activities such as running, walking, or jumping rope, combined with strength training, put a kind of stress on the bones that makes them much more likely to retain calcium.

What's the best way to get calcium in my diet?

By eating more dairy foods. An 8-ounce glass of milk gives you 300 mg, almost a third of what you need for the day. So does a cup of yogurt or a thick slice of cheese, and low or nonfat versions deliver just as much if not more than their fattier counterparts. If you can't stomach dairy, calcium-fortified orange, grapefruit, and apple juice contain just as much as milk does. In fact, all kinds of foods are now being fortified with the mineral, including a wide range of breakfast cereals. After that, you're looking at tofu (the kind made with calcium sulfate, 435 mg per half cup), broccoli (180 mg per cup), and a few other foods that some people rarely touch such as figs, sardines, and kale.

Should I take a supplement?

Probably, but look to your diet first. Milk's big advantage is that it contains other nutrients that work in concert with calcium, such as potassium, magnesium, and vitamin D. Realistically, though, most women could use a supplement. Calcium is a bulky mineral, so you won't find much in multi-vitamins. Over-the-counter antacids such as Tums EX are a good source at 300 mg each, as long as you don't exceed the recommended dosage. Or try new the new chewable calcium supplements; one called Viactiv contains 500 mg of calcium and comes in a variety of flavors. Avoid supplements made from unrefined bonemeal, dolomite, or oyster shell, especially if you're pregnant or nursing, since they may contain small amounts of lead.

Can I get too much calcium?

Government researchers have set the safe upper limit at 2,500 mg a day, but there's little chance you'll ever get there.

References
Sarah L. Morgan and Roland L. Weisner, Fundamentals of Clinical Nutrition, 2nd ed., Mosby, 1998.

David Sharp, Calcium, Health, November/December 1997, pp103-107.

Calcium and Osteoporosis Prevention. American Dietetic Association. http://www.eatright.com/feature/0501.html

Reviewed by Kathryn M. Kolasa, PhD, RD, a professor of nutrition at East Carolina University School of Medicine in Greenville, North Carolina.

Taken From: AHealthyMe.com

Counting Calories? Big Meals Make It Tough

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 23:31:00 +0000

How good are your calorie counting skills? It all depends on the size of the meal.

Studies show that when people eat small meals, they are surprisingly accurate at guessing the calorie content. But when diners try to guess the calorie content of a large meal, most people get it wrong.

In the past, several studies have shown that thin people do a better job estimating the calories on their plate than people who are overweight. Some experts believe overweight people underestimate the calories they eat because they are embarrassed or in denial about their eating habits. But Cornell University researcher Brian Wansink theorized that it’s not the size of the person that matters when it comes to estimating calories. He believed it was the size of the meal that throws us off when trying to guess how much we are really eating. Because overweight people tend to eat more, their errors in calorie estimation are larger as well.

To check his theory, he asked 105 diners to guess the calorie content of a meal they ordered and ate. Then they were shown pictures of 15 different meals, ranging from 445 calories to 1780 calories.

The diners almost perfectly guessed the calories in the small meals. But as portions got bigger, calorie estimates were off by as much as 30 percent, according to the report published in the Annals of Internal Medicine last year. Importantly, whether the person was of normal weight or overweight didn’t affect accuracy.

The data are important because doctors and family members often believe people who are overweight are “lying to themselves'’ when they say they are eating reasonable amounts. “Doctors need to realize that overweight patients are no less accurate in their ability to guess calories than normal weight people,'’ writes Dr. Wansink in the Annals study. “Regardless of weight, everyone has the same intrinsic perception of calorie content.’’

Dr. Wansink says it’s important for people to know that even nutrition experts aren’t good at guessing the calorie content of large portions. His suggestion? When you sit down to a large meal, assume that the calorie content is about twice what you think it is.

Taken From: New York Times Blog

Cold Medicine Scam Finally Exposed After Decades of Harming Children

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 05:03:00 +0000

Published on Wednesday, November 07, 2007
by Healthy News Service
By Mike Adams
NewsTarget, November 7 2007
Straight to the Source

Another example of outright quackery by pharmaceutical companies has finally gathered enough steam to achieve mainstream news coverage: Cold medicines are useless, say pediatricians who petitioned the FDA to ban the marketing of such products to children. Last month, an FDA advisory panel partially agreed with the recommendation, and voted to declare that such medicines should not be used in children younger than six.

Notably, the FDA advisory panel still somehow believes the same useless medicines are perfectly fine to be used by children older than six (they struck down a vote to recommend blocking the use of such medicines in children aged 6 to 11). This is especially relevant given that the panel openly admitted that there is no evidence that cold medicines work in older children, either.

This FDA advisory panel vote represents a landmark defeat for Big Pharma which has promoted cold medicine quackery for so many decades that very few people realized cold medicines should be questioned at all. Fortunately, some bright-minded pediatricians have apparently decided to take action to protect children instead of protecting Big Pharma. An official from the American Academy of Pediatrics has openly stated that the cold medicines don't work in children under six years old and may, in fact, be dangerous to their health.

Never tested on children Here's an interesting fact to consider when determining the credibility of the FDA's safety record: None of the cold medicines that have been marketed to children for decades -- right under the noses of FDA officials -- were ever tested in children!

You read that correctly: There has never been a single clinical trial showing these medicines to be either safe or effective for use in children. Not one.

So much for the "gold standard" of so-called "scientific medicine," huh? The FDA was fully aware of this over three decades ago when an FDA panel pointed out in 1972 that such products had never been tested on children. Apparently, the FDA saw no need to actually engage in real science regarding the safety of these products and continued to allow them to be sold by the billions (literally billions of doses per year) to unsuspecting parents.

Cold medicines are just the beginning of this medical scam The truth here is that most pharmaceuticals are medical hoaxes. Most drugs simply don't work on most people, and that statement is backed up by tens of thousands of clinical studies. The medical literature shows a popular breast cancer drug, for example, only prevents cancer in 0.5% of women, yet it's hyped as a "miracle" cancer drug. Many over-the-counter medicines are nothing but chemical sweeteners, artificial colors, syrups and small doses of dangerous laboratory chemicals. Some actually contain the very same chemicals banned by the FDA in herbal medicine.

For example, the FDA outlawed the selling of ephedra, a common herb in Chinese Medicine, yet the same active chemical is openly allowed to be purchased in over-the-counter cold medicines sold at virtually every corner pharmacy in America. Apparently, the FDA believes the herb is dangerous, but somehow the refined, highly-concentrated drug is far safer -- which is like saying crack is safer than coca leaf tea. The real reason for this double standard is that over-the-counter medicines are profitable for Big Pharma, and that's exactly why this drug remains on the market.

Oh, by the way, it's also the same over-the-counter medication used to manufacture methamphetamines ("meth"). Virtually the entire meth drug problem in the United States can be traced back to over-the-counter cold medicines manufactured by pharmaceutical companies. Does this bother the FDA? Not one bit. As long as the medications keep selling, Big Pharma is happy and the FDA keeps it all legal. The FDA, in this case, is a key enabler of the illegal meth drug trade.

Chemotherapy doesn't work, antidepressant drugs cause weight gain, diabetes drugs cause liver damage, statin drugs damage the heart, antipsychotic drugs caused suicidal behavior, arthritis drugs cause heart attacks, blood pressure drugs cause circulation deficiencies... need I go on? There's hardly a popular drug in the arsenal of Big Pharma that isn't fraudulently marketed, promoted and prescribed.

The scam of off-label prescribing Speaking of applications of prescription drugs, here's the big kicker that just blows the whole "scientific" medicine idea right out of the water: Off-label prescribing. This is when a drug has been approved for one thing -- such as foot fungus -- but is prescribed by a doctor for something entirely different, for which it has never been tested: Such as asthma. It's an extremely common practice, and it's entirely unregulated.

What is the FDA's view of this issue, where doctors are prescribing drugs for health conditions that they've never been tested for? No problem! The FDA is perfectly fine with it. There's no need to test the drugs for those other conditions at all!

In other words, there is absolutely no medical evidence supporting the use of prescription drugs in the way they are often prescribed by doctors! Once you realize the truth in this statement, you will instantly understand why the entire Big Pharma / FDA system of drug approvals, drug marketing and drug prescribing is a massive medical hoax. There is simply no requirement that a drug be approved for a specific health condition before being prescribed to treat it! Simultaneously, there is no requirement whatsoever that drugs be tested on children before being marketed to children and prescribed to children.

This issue with cold medicines and children is simply one small chapter in a grand, global hoax known as "pharmaceutical medicine." The whole thing is rotten at the core, steeped in corruption and quackery, and lacking any real ethics. These companies aren't out to create a better future for humanity, they're out to create better profits for themselves -- even if it means marketing potentially harmful cold medicines to children.

It's about time the world woke up and realized that these cold medicines are pure quackery. And someday, when enough sane scientists speak out, this whole system of pharmaceutical medicine will be demolished and replaced with something that actually works to enhance health (like drinking fresh juices from leafy green vegetables and citrus fruits). In the mean time, don't be suckered by over-the-counter medicines. Nearly all of them are laced with toxic chemical additives (such as coloring chemicals and chemical sweeteners), and virtually none of them do anything to actually help the body heal. Remember, too, that 16,500 people bleed to death out of their intestinal tract as a side effect from taking over-the-counter painkillers. The number of people killed by pharmaceuticals today is nothing short of astonishing.
Provided by Organic Consumers Association on 11/7/2007

Taken From : HealthyWorld Online

Mouth Disorders

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 05:52:00 +0000

Your mouth is one of the most important parts of your body. Any problem that affects your mouth can make it hard to eat, drink or even smile.

Some common mouth problems include

Cold sores - painful sores on the lips and around the mouth, caused by a virus
Canker sores - painful sores in the mouth, caused by bacteria or viruses
Thrush - a yeast infection that causes white patches in your mouth
Leukoplakia - white patches of excess cell growth on the cheeks, gums or tongue, common in smokers
Dry mouth - a lack of enough saliva, caused by some medicines and certain diseases
Gum or tooth problems

Treatment for mouth disorders varies, depending on the problem. Keeping a clean mouth by brushing and flossing often is important.

Taken from: MedlinePlus

Good Health Habits for Preventing Seasional Flu

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 09:13:00 +0000

The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu.
1. Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

2. Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

3. Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

4. Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

6. Practice other good health habits.
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Taken from : Center for Disease Control And Prevention (CDC)

Treating Kids’ Colds Without Drugs

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 06:25:00 +0000

Several studies show that these products are not effective in children under 6 and can have potentially serious side effects. Dosage guidelines for cold and cold mixtures are based on adult data and thus inaccurate for children. According to the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), the cough and cold medicines that are being withdrawn are:

Dimetapp(R) Decongestant Plus Cough Infant Drops,

Dimetapp(R) Decongestant Infant Drops,

Little Colds(R) Decongestant Plus Cough,

Little Colds(R) Multi-Symptom Cold Formula,

PEDIACARE(R) Infant Drops Decongestant (containing pseudoephedrine),

PEDIACARE(R) Infant Drops Decongestant & Cough (containing pseudoephedrine),

PEDIACARE(R) Infant Dropper Decongestant (containing phenylephrine),

PEDIACARE(R) Infant Dropper Long-Acting Cough,

PEDIACARE(R) Infant Dropper Decongestant & Cough (containing phenylephrine),

Robitussin(R) Infant Cough DM Drops,

Triaminic(R) Infant & Toddler Thin Strips(R) Decongestant,

Triaminic(R) Infant & Toddler Thin Strips(R) Decongestant Plus Cough,

TYLENOL(R) Concentrated Infants' Drops Plus Cold,

TYLENOL(R) Concentrated Infants' Drops Plus Cold & Cough

Taken from : American Academy of Pediatric