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Conditions that May cause Hiccups

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:50:00 +0000

Everyone has had the hiccups at one time or another, and most people have had an experience with hiccups that just don't seem to go away for a couple hours. However, there are others who experience hiccups that last for days, weeks, and even years. In these instances the cause of hiccups is usually medically related. In fact, there are many different types of medical problems that could cause hiccups. People who have recurring hiccups or a case of hiccups that just doesn't seem to go away should definitely make an appointment with their medical doctor to explore any underlying medical problems.

Potential Problems:

Diaphragm problems are one reason an individual may experience continued hiccups. A tumor or abscess on the diaphragm, diaphragm nerve irritation, and the like are sometimes the culprit. There are other physical conditions that could irritate the diaphragm muscle and this could cause hiccups. Pregnancy, pleurisy, pneumonia, stomach disorders, kidney failure, pancreas disorders, intestine disorders, hepatitis, esophagus abscess, liver disease, heart attack, esophagus tumor, chest tumor, inflamed intestines, psychological disorders, heart surgery, back surgery, and even long surgery could result in the hiccups. Some individuals may develop the hiccups after a reaction to anesthesia. Brain damage can also be the cause of hiccups.

If when examined the patient does not appear to have any specific health problem causing the hiccups then the doctor may prescribe various medications including tranquilizer Valium or an antispasmodic like Reglan to help the body relax and stop hiccupping. Sometimes passing a tube through the nose down to the stomach can help stimulate the throat and release trapped air, which can stop the hiccups in their tracks. In other cases, doctors may choose to use lidocaine to numb the throat to help stop the hiccups.

If an underlying condition is found to be the cause of the hiccups then treating it is usually enough to get the hiccups to take a hike. When nothing seems to work, then the doctor must get creative and find ways to help the patient end their battle with the hiccups.

Having the hiccups for a couple hours can be annoying, but imagine having recurrent hiccups for months or even years. One particular case involved chronic hiccups for 60 years. This could truly be unbearable and have a significant impact on work and life. As a result, anyone suffering from persistent or recurrent hiccups should seek medical care as soon as possible to seek out possible causes and determine the correct course of action.

10 weird pregnancy symptoms your Doctor might forget to Mention

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:46:00 +0000

Aside from being a Master Herbalist, I'm the mother of two. I remember many details about being pregnant, some with pleasure, some with gratitude and some I would have been happier not having to deal with. Here are a few of the things you may notice during your pregnancy, and what (if anything) you can do about them.

1) Abdominal Movement: As your baby approaches the time to be born, he or she is fairly sizable. I remember watching our daughters turning over and moving around. You could see the movement, and it can cause a lot of stares if you're out in public.

2) Cravings: There are two types of cravings, one is psychological and one is biological. The psychological part is that we're told that pregnant women crave things, therefore we should, too. The biological, I believe, is your body telling you that you are missing something in your diet. As an example, if you are craving orange juice, you may low on Vitamin C. Try to notice if there is a pattern to your cravings and mention them to your OB. It may be important information.

3) High Blood Pressure: This could be the sign of pre-eclampsia or toxemia in pregnancy. Consider it an emergency and get medical help right away. If it's after hours, call the doctor for instructions and be prepared for a trip to the emergency room.

4) "I Gotta Go!" When the girls would kick out in the area of my bladder, it caused an intense urge to head to the bathroom. If I was lucky, I got there in time, but...

5) Kicking Daddy Awake: We were sure our younger daughter was going to be a hockey star. Not only could she wake *me* up with kicking, she could kick my husband awake. That's some pretty powerful kicking.

6) Losing the Mucus Plug: At the beginning of labor, your cervix will dilate enough that the plug protecting the baby from outside infections comes out. That is called the mucus plug, and it is a sign that your baby is ready to be born.

7) Milk Letdown: This also usually occurs towards the end of pregnancy. Whether you intend to breast feed or not, milk production will start prior to labor and delivery. You'll notice it most strongly if you are around a crying baby. I recommend that you get the lactation pads normally used for breastfeeding moms and wear them when you go out. It can be very embarrassing, otherwise.

8) Prelabor Contractions: These are actually called Braxton-Hicks contractions. They are normal, and they're helping you prepare for the birth.

9) Relaxing the Pelvis: In order to allow the child to pass through the birth canal, the joints in your pelvis need to be stretched somewhat. A hormone is released that will relax the joints. It doesn't feel very good, but it is normal.

10) Swollen Ankles: Some swelling is expected, but it can also be a sign that you are heading into pre-eclampsia and/or toxemia. Make sure to mention this to your OB, so it can be checked out.

How to treat Nausea in First Trimester of Pregnancy

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 20:43:00 +0000

I have been a victim of morning sickness, and it is an annoying part of pregnancy. In most people, it lasts only the first trimester or so, though it can go on throughout the entire pregnancy. Finding a safe way to combat it is imperative or you won't be able to live a normal life, and it could put the baby at risk.

There are things that you can do safely, though I recommend you discuss them with your OB before implementing them. That will help insure that neither you nor the child will be harmed.

1) Apples: Fresh, raw apples are best, though you might find some relief from applesauce, as well. I recommend eating both skin and flesh, but in this matter the flesh is the more important part. Choose an apple that doesn't have a lot of sourness to it, as the acids could be detrimental.

2) Crackers: Despite my ban on eating things that crumble in bed, the saltines my mother recommended actually did help. Eat them before you sit up, as for some reason the motion of that process can make your stomach roll even more. The crackers will absorb stomach acid and may boost sugar levels.

3) Eat Slowly: Growing up in a large family taught me to consume my meals quickly. It wasn't a lack of funding, but seven people can put a dent into any dining table, and when my brother was in his growing stage, he could handle it alone with one hand tied behind his back. I had to unlearn that during pregnancy. Eating slowly, carefully chewing and taking small bites are going to help you keep the food you consume in the right location.

4) Hydration: You need to consume more fluids during pregnancy, both to take care of the baby and to prevent sickness. If you are dehydrated, it could cause premature labor and other life threatening issues.

5) Lie on your Left Side: There is a special muscle, called a sphincter, that separates your esophagus from your stomach. Lying on your left side helps insure that this muscle prevents stomach contents from washing up into your esophagus.

6) Peppermint Tea: This is one to clear with your OB. Some approve, some don't. I've used it successfully, and no one I know of has had any problems with it, but it's best to be sure. One warning, if it's strong and the inevitable happens, it will burn your nose, throat and mouth. Eating saltines or a plain piece of bread could help.

There may come a point when you need medical intervention. If you are unable to keep anything down, if you become dehydrated or if it lasts past the first trimester, discuss it with your OB. He or she can make the determination about whether or not you would benefit from medications.

Role of Multivitamins In Pregnancy

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 20:41:00 +0000

Adding prenatal vitamins to my already long list of things I must do or not do for the coming baby seemed a bit much. However, the doctor recommended it and I went along. Now, I know better and in turn, I recommend that you use them.

You may wonder why you need a special formula during pregnancy. Why wouldn't a regular vitamin do the job? While you aren't eating for two, you are providing nourishment for two, and that means you need more of certain vitamins and minerals.

When I was growing up, there was a saying handed down for generations. A woman lost a tooth per child born. In a way, that is correct. Without enough calcium in your diet or your vitamin, the baby will get it from your bones. That translates to early osteoporosis, and it may also mean tooth loss.

There have been both commercials and news reports about the necessity for folic acid during the early part of a pregnancy. In the first few weeks of pregnancy, your baby's nervous system is being developed. Without proper amounts of folic acid, there is a strong chance that there will be problems in this development.

The scary thing is that most women don't know they're pregnant until it's too late. If you're trying to conceive, start taking the vitamins immediately so as to make certain an adequate amount is taken.

Iron is used by the blood, and now you need to provide enough for two bodies. In order to make sure both you and the child have enough, prenatal vitamin/mineral tablets add it.

B-Complex is mostly for you. The B vitamins provide energy, and that's important while you're gestating. Pregnancy is hard on your body and you will find yourself lagging without adequate intake.

Some women can't tolerate prenatal vitamins well. This is especially true if you're already dealing with morning sickness. Talk to your doctor so that you can find a vitamin you can tolerate. There are liquids and chewable tablets available now, and they may not make you feel sick.

When it comes to choosing a brand, you may want to ask your doctor for guidelines. Not all of these products are the same. Some may not have enough of one nutrient or too much of another. Many doctors have a specific brand in mind when they recommend them to you, and it's a good idea to listen. This means they've already reviewed the nutrition information on it and they feel confident it will provide you what you need.

Is it advisable to induce labor Using Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:36:00 +0000

Towards the end of pregnancy, I think all of us would like the child to decide to make his or her debut. At that point in time, we can no longer even see our feet, we have to bend backwards when we try to walk and sleep is almost impossible between our big bellies and the lively kicking match in our womb.

Over the generations, there have been a number of ways of trying to bring Junior out quickly. Some work, some don't and some are downright dangerous. It is a difficult subject and a decision that should not be made lightly.

About once a year, a news story will show up on our local television station about a special salad this or that restaurant offers its pregnant guests. The dressing is usually made with balsamic vinegar, and it is rumored to start labor. That may or may not be true, though you should be aware that balsamic vinegar does usually contain some lead.

Blue cohosh is another method used in the past. This does work, but it has too high a price tag in many cases. It can cause both the mother's and the child's blood pressure to rise dramatically. Women and children have died from this, usually from a heart attack.

My mother told my husband to drive me down a bumpy road to get the festivities started. This does not work and it's very uncomfortable for all concerned. Neither does walking or jogging.

Another old wive's tale is that taking a laxative will help. Again, not true and very uncomfortable. The sphincter muscle is the same, but the substance only irritates the colon, it doesn't have any affect on the reproductive system.

Raspberry leaves are good for pregnant women, but they can cause uterine contractions. This does not mean that it is likely to start labor. More often, it stops premature birth or a miscarriage. Because it can cause contractions, always check with your doctor before using it (or any other herb).

There is one way to get things rolling, and it's the thing that probably got you in this condition in the first place. Because of the hormones released during intercourse, having sex is a good way to do the job. Your doctor has probably been told by many patients what caused their labor to begin.

Keep in mind that self inducing can be dangerous both for you and for your child. If it's too early, the baby could have serious complications, including low birth weight. If it's an herb, it will cross the placental barrier. Discuss this with your doctor before using anything to make sure it's the right choice in your situation.

Finding Out You're Pregnant, Taking a Pregnancy Test

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 20:34:00 +0000

Once upon a time, a woman had to be almost finished with the first trimester before she could safely assume she was pregnant. That's a long time, and this could result in birth defects and miscarriages. What she did and what she consumed could have tragic results.

Now, we have a lot of tools to detect pregnancy. At home tests are available, and blood tests can determine to the hour how long you've been gestating. That's necessary because the formation of most of the child's body systems happen in the first three months.

The first thing to know would be the symptoms of a pregnancy. Many women develop morning sickness, though not all do. This can start almost as soon as the baby is implanted, and includes nausea and vomiting, usually when you first wake up. You may also feel some pain in the hips and lower back as your body prepares to carry the child.

If it's your first pregnancy, at about two months of gestation, your nipples will change color, from pinkish to brownish. This change only happens the one time, they will stay the same in subsequent pregnancies.

At home tests are not as strong as those your doctor uses. It may take two or three weeks before there is enough of the hormones to change the test from blue to pink. This is especially true of the older kits, newer versions are a bit stronger. Even your doctor's tests must occur after the baby is implanted, as the hormones being tested for don't start being reproduced until that point.

One reason to see your doctor the moment you suspect that you're pregnant is if you are in a high risk category. Women under twenty and over forty are automatically in that group. If you've had a difficult pregnancy before or you suffer from a serious illness, you also belong in this group.

Once you find out you are expecting a baby, the next question is usually, "Is it a boy or a girl?" Before ultrasound and amniocentesis, you had to wait until the baby was born to find out. Now, if the baby cooperates, you can know fairly soon what the gender is via ultrasound and definitely through amnio. This comes in handy for two reasons; you can know what colors to use for clothing and the nursery and if there is a danger of gender specific birth defects, you can find them. Some of these defects can now be corrected in utero.

If you're pregnant or think you may be, early detection can play a key role in both your health and that of your unborn child. Congratulations!

A Few Things to watch out for during first Trimester of Pregnancy

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 20:30:00 +0000

Pregnancy hormones begin to be released as soon as the baby attaches to the placenta. You may not be aware of the pregnancy for a few weeks, but things are already beginning to change in your body. Here are a few signs to watch out for:

Cravings and Aversions: Some cravings may be your body's way of letting you know you need more of a key nutrient. Others may be caused by stress and other factors. It's the same with aversions, your body knows what it needs and doesn't need. I remember mine to this day, it took me years to get over some of them.

Morning Sickness: While this problem doesn't occur in every pregnancy, it is a common complaint. Nausea and vomiting on arising isn't a pleasant way to start the day. I was told to keep some saltine crackers by my bed and to eat a couple of them before sitting up, and it seemed to help.

Nipple Color: About two months into your first pregnancy, you may notice that your nipples have changed color. This is a permanent change. They will go from a pinkish color to a brownish one. Not all women develop this phenomenon, but most do.

Pelvic Pain: Changes to the bones in the pelvis occur both in the first and the third trimester. The hip bones may need to turn to support the baby, and in the last trimester, all of the joints in that region become looser to allow passage of the baby's head. It's best to mention this pain to your doctor, because there are other causes for it and you'll want to rule them out.

Sore Breasts: In order to feed the child after it is born, your breasts have to change. These changes can be painful, and are often the first indicator that you're pregnant. You may also notice that they are larger. That particular change is not lasting. They will return to their original size after delivery or after weaning the baby.

If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, there are a few things you need to do. Make sure you are eating properly, remain hydrated and get adequate rest. You may also want to start taking prenatal vitamins before conception so that your body is prepared. See your doctor regularly throughout the nine months so that any complications that come up can be dealt with before they become serious.

Hiccups Causes, Home Remedies, and Medical Treatment

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 20:27:00 +0000

Hiccups are one of the most embarrassing problems one can have in public. It's a totally involuntary and hard to explain. The reason we hiccup is not known, though we do know that it is a sort of reflex action. Most people can get the hiccups; including unborn infants in the last trimester of pregnancy.

What happens in a hiccup is a sudden contraction of the diaphragm and the muscles between the ribs. You draw in a breath involuntarily and then the glottis snaps closed with an audible sound.

While we don't know why we hiccup, we do know a few things that can cause them. Most of them are unsurprising: emotional stress, excitement, an overstretched stomach (this can be caused by overeating, drinking carbonated beverages and swallowing air, abrupt changes of temperature (like when drinking a hot beverage), alcohol and smoking can all lead to a bout of the hiccups.

Here's where it gets interesting...is there a cure? It really depends on who you ask. Most of the methods come from one of two ideas. Stimulate the nerve affecting the diaphragm or increasing the carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Here are a few, most of which you've probably heard.

Hold your breath (the one I use most)

Drink water (or other beverage) This one makes me nervous, as it would be easy to chock on it should a hiccup occur during swallowing. It's not fun to cough and hiccup at the same time.

Breathe in a paper bag: If I'm around one and they're particularly annoying I'll use it, but who has one handy when they start?

These next few have been published in various medical journals as potential cures for the hiccups.

Eat a tablespoon of granulated sugar: For some, this may be a good idea. However, if you are diabetic it's not such a good idea. Also, bear in mind the choking issue with the water...

Gargle with Cold Water: I could see it working, but choking hazard once again.

Suck on a Lemon Wedge Soaked in Bitters: I could see this working, but you might want to brush your teeth afterwards to prevent damage to your tooth enamel.

Pull on your tongue: It sounds weird, but next time I have the hiccups, I think I'll try it.

I suspect that in most cases, the best cure for hiccups is time. Bear in mind that usually hiccups are a nuisance problem, but there are times when you might need to see the doctor. One of them is prolonged hiccups.

How to gain Weight Naturally?

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 20:23:00 +0000

Why do vegetarians live 7 years longer than other people? When people convert to being vegan they continue eating the same bulk of food but they're getting much more nutrition.

There are nutrients such as proteins in animal food but it is so much harder to get out and assimilated into your body than vegetarian proteins. For instance, when you cook the meat and burn it your body can only absorb 2-3% of the protein.

In fact, on a vegetarian diet many people can drop their calorie intake to below 1500 calories a day and still maintain their body weight. This is possible because the calorie intake almost doesn't matter when the calorie are chock full of easily absorbed nutrients.

Actually there is absolutely no true correlation between calories and weight gain. Think about it logically, if you're trying to gain weight you're probably eating a ridiculous amount of calories, and yet ironically your body is probably craving nutrients. Does that sound stupid or what? You're stuffing your body full of food and yet it's still depleted of nutrients. That's not right.

The entire calorie counting mess is a propaganda perpetuated by food associations and the diet industry to keep them from focusing on the true issue, which would set them free from their over-priced supplements and protein powders.

Just imagine, if you had the average 3,000 calorie a day diet, but had every meal come from absolutely high density nutrients. So if you want to gain good weight you can do that by raw super foods. Foods with color and "super foods" will pack your muscles full of energy and help them grow with effortless ease. Not to mention the incredible recovery you'll have from workouts before of the incredible boost your immune system will be getting.

What are Hiccups Causes and Home Remedies?

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 20:16:00 +0000

Hiccups are repeated sharp inhalations of breath caused by involuntary spasms of your diaphragm, the powerful muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen and which increases the volume of the chest when air is breathed in accompanied by involuntary closing of the larynx (upper windpipe). They are caused by irritation of the diaphragm, for example by an overfull stomach or inflammation of the membrane around the heart.

If hiccups reoccur frequently or an attack lasts longer than a day, see your doctor.

Traditional and folk remedies are numerous. Here are some;

Breathe in deeply and hold your breath while slowly counting to ten, or as long as possible
Gargle for a couple of minutes with hot or cold water
Sip several cups of cold water slowly.
Drink a glass of water slowly, from the side of the glass farthest from you.
Surprise the sufferer with, for example, a sudden slap on the back or by dropping something cold down the back of the neck. A door key or an ice cube often works.
Drink a glass of orange juice
Eat chalk (I know it sounds crazy).

Herbal medicine: Sipping peppermint or lemon balm tea may reduce the spasms.

Doctors sometimes recommend inhalation of increased concentrations of carbon dioxide. An easy way is to cover nose and mouth with a paper bag and breathe in and out into it for a couple of minutes. A tranquillizer such as chlorpromazine may also be prescribed to control the symptoms.

Hemorrhoid Treatment: How to Stop Hemorrhoids Fast

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 20:11:00 +0000

Hemorrhoids is a problem that many of us suffer from. The only thing we can think about while we go through all the pain is to find a way to get rid of it as soon as possible. We all want to ensure that the problem just vanishes and never ever show up again. However, treatment to this problem depends on the severity of the issue. There are very few treatments that would completely eradicate the problem. Most of the treatments only reduce the severity of the problem than eradicating it completely.

The first solution offered to you by your doctor would be to use lotions and creams available in the market for this purpose. Most of these ease you of the discomfort caused by hemorrhoids. They also lubricate the affected area and makes the area numb. These creams and suppositories are generally marketed as Preparation H.

The next option available is that of surgery. When none of the above methods work out, the surgery option is given. A person can opt to surgically remove hemorrhoids if there has been not much difference made by the basic methods of hemorrhoid removal. These surgeries can be very simple and painless. But, there are also surgeries which are painful and complex and take a long time to heal the problem. The simplest surgical method of getting rid of hemorrhoids comprises of injecting the person with an injection that reduces inflammation of skin and the tissue. The other method is to go for the process called 'banding' which can be extremely painful.

Hemorrhoids Stress-Can stress cause hemorrhoids? How to Manage Stress?

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 20:09:00 +0000

Stress is never a good thing for anyone. It is all the more worse if you are stressed when you are already suffering from Hemorrhoids. Too much of stress increases the size of hemorrhoids making it excruciatingly painful. The best thing you can do to reduce the size of hemorrhoids in such a situation is by reducing the level of stress somehow. You can make use of easy stress reducing techniques such as meditation, doing activities that you enjoy, etc.

Meditation is a great stress buster. All you need to do is forget everything but you and the universe. Simply sit down and close your eyes and forget about everything. Concentrate on you and the universe in which you exist. Breathe deeply. For best results, do it either early in the morning or before you go to sleep. When the stress level decreases, you can begin to feel the hemorrhoids also fading away gradually.

If you tend to sit in the same place while working, then be ready to change this habit. Sitting in the same place for long is an absolute no-no if you have hemorrhoids. To release the stress, you can take small breaks in between and walk and stretch a bit if possible. This is a great stress buster too. The next easy yet fun thing that you can do to get rid of hemorrhoid related stress is by doing activities with your loved ones that you enjoy. This works because when we start enjoying something we tend to forget things that trouble us. Its easy to relieve stress if you have decided what you want to do. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and have fun!

Find out How Long Does a Panic Attack Last

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 20:06:00 +0000

The typical question as to how long panic attacks will last is something to which none of us have a sure answer. Such anxiety attacks may last for any period of time between a few minutes to a few hours. In some cases it may last for a day or two. If left unattended it can turn into panic disorder. The symptoms of panic attack include tension in the muscles, trembling, short breaths, severe nervousness and racing heartbeats. It has been proved by researchers that nearly 35% of the population experience panic attacks in their life at one point or the other.

There is no particular time limit for panic attacks to last. It varies from individual to individual depending on the severity of the attack. In most of the cases it would last for couple of minutes. However, in severe cases, it may last for a few hours or a day. Nevertheless, these attacks may leave effects such as nervousness and shock no matter the period of attack. There are chances of the attacks becoming a disorder if left untreated. These may last for a few months to years in certain cases.

The estimated age for panic attacks on an average is between 18 to 24 years. However, this is not a fact as a person may suffer such attacks at a much younger age or at a later stage in his life. The prevailing period for such attacks depends on the ability of the person to recover. Their mental framework also plays a vital role in helping them come out of the panic state.

Top 10 Weird Medical Facts of The Week

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 19:28:00 +0000

1- Leaf-cutter ants can build anthills 16 feet deep and an acre square.

2- Queen termites can lay an egg every second.

3-The oldest spider on record is a tarantula that lived to be 28.

4-A spider's blood is transparent.

5-Drunk ants always fall over on their right side.

6-Honeybees can fly as fast as 30 mph.

7-Queen bees only sting other queen bees.

8-We can thank bees for polinating apples, flies for chocolate, and bats for tequila.

9-A grasshopper will eat house paint if it is hungry enough.

10-Ants don't sleep.

Causes and Symptoms of Anxiety Attacks and Panic Attacks

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 20:03:00 +0000

A panic or anxiety attack indicates the presence of an anxiety disorder which has both physical and emotional symptoms. Emotional symptoms related to panic attacks include: intense feeling of unwanted and excessive fear. Physical symptoms related to panic attacks include: feeling of giddiness, asphyxiation, severe shaking, racing heart, clammy hands etc.

There are millions of people across the world who suffer from such sudden attacks. Many can experience such attacks suddenly, since they have genes associated with anxiety disorders in their body. As per research statistics, it has been shown that children of people who have experienced such panic attacks,are 7 times more prone to experience such attacks when compared to others.

Scientific research about the causes for panic attacks depict that huge percentage of people who are prone to experience such attacks have a gene which is nicknamed as DUP25. Experts have found out that such gene develops proteins which has a major role in communication between the cells of central nervous system with one another. It is suspected that the imbalance in this gene causes the brain to become oversensitive and in turn leads to a anxiety attack in those who carry this gene.

Studies have depicted that not all individuals carrying this gene named DUP25 would experience panic attack or other symptoms related to anxiety disorder. It could be due to other causes as well rather than just heredity factors. A person could experience such attacks due to drug abuse or any traumatic experience. Research statistics indicate that 8% of people experiencing panic attacks have gone through major drug abuse. Other stats state that people who try to inhibit their emotions also experience such serious attacks.

Anyone who has experienced a panic attack, knows that it can happen anywhere or anytime. It could occur when he/she is alone or when he is among a group of individuals. It could take place when they are in public or at home. It could never happen when a person wakes up from a restful, sound sleep. Women living in their early age of adolescence are more prone to such panic and mood attacks and around 50 percent of people experiencing them, are below 24 years of age.

People expecting treatment for such attacks can get cured in several weeks time. Though it is unpleasant to experience such panic attacks, it does not have any side effects over long term after the patients are given proper treatment and remain under safe conditions. However, there are chances of relapses even after treatment. It indicates that people could experience an attack even when they under the process of treatment. But when they follow stress-relieving activities such as yoga in their daily schedule, they could avoid such problems.

Top 10 Weird Medical Facts of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:20:00 +0000

1- Your body uses 300 muscles to balance itself when you are standing still.

2- If saliva cannot dissolve something, you cannot taste it.

3- Your body contains the same amount of iron as an iron nail.

4- The average woman is 5 inches shorter than the average man.

5- You are most likely to be allergic to nuts.

6- The darker green a vegetable is, the more vitamin C it has.

7- Ketchup was once sold as a medicine.

8- The only tree from which we eat the flower is the fig.

9- The tomato comes in over 4,000 varieties.

10- Peanut butter sandwiches weren't popular until the 1920's.

What is the treatment for narcissists?

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:59:00 +0000

Narcissism is not an easy personality disorder to deal with. The problem with this disorder is that not only does it affect just the patient but his entire family suffers as well because the patient is unable to form emotional bonds with his family members. There is no known cure for Narcissism though psychotherapy and continuous counselling has helped many people for several years.

The first step towards dealing with Narcissism is accepting it. Psychologists say that accepting a disorder is winning half the battle and the same holds good for patients suffering from Narcissism personality disorder as well. Once the patient understands that he has a medical disorder, he can take concrete steps towards trying to make a conscious effort in changing as a person. This is where a good psychiatrist or a psychologist comes in to picture, to guide the patient towards developing better self esteem, having more realistic and approachable expectations and giving consideration towards others feelings as well.

While many patients also feel that therapy alone doesn't help them at all, psychiatrists do prescribe certain drugs which can help the therapy in a constant combination. However, with patients suffering from Narcissism there is always a chance that they will abuse drugs and alcohol to deal with their situation and the therapist must be very cautious. With continuous therapy for several years, patient can get better insight and understand what led to their Narcissist tendencies in the first place. That makes them more capable of solving the problem right from the root and working upwards to see better results. A good psychologist, however, is vital to make progress. There will be days in the life of a person suffering from Narcissism when no therapy will work and the insecurities will seem larger than life itself. But trust in the therapist, understanding of the problem and constant support from friends and family will help anyone deal through even the toughest of days.

100-year-old Fauja Singh: Oldest runner to Complete a Marathon

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:52:00 +0000

Fauja Singh, who was recognized as the oldest marathon racer by the Association of Road Racing Statistician for completing a marathon at the age of 93, finished 42.2 km marathon in Toronto at the age of 100 and entered the Guinness Book of World Records.

Before Singh, 98 years old Dimitrion Yordanidis in 1976 made this world record. Singh took more than 8 hours to complete the race. He was the last and more than six hours behind Kenneth Mungara (38 years old) who won the event fourth time in a chain.

He was born in India in 1911. He started running after he had lost his son and wife and moved to England at the age of 89 years.

It was Singh’s wish that he would complete the marathon race at the age of 100 and now he has made his wish come true. According to Singh, he runs for himself without the enforcement of anyone and he will run as long as it keeps him alive. He said that his health secret is a vegetarian diet without alcohol and smoking. He walks more than 10 miles a day.

His coach and translator Harmander Singh told, “Earlier, just before we came around the (final) corner, he said, ‘achieving this will be like getting married again.’”

Singh said, “I have said it before: that I will carry on running, as it is keeping me alive,”

Appendicitis Symptoms, Diagnosis, and General Treatment

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 01:08:00 +0000

What is the appendix? Essentially, it is a small "bag-like" item inside of the large intestine, which sometimes increases in size. It is a vestigial organ, meaning that it at one point served a purpose but basically is left over from evolution. It usually doesn't cause any problems but there are times when its opening point is closed due to a large amount of bowel material. Because of this bowel material, there can be bacteria which cause even more complicated and harmful effects. Due to this, the appendix may become inflamed and as a result, the patient feels a great pain in his abdomen. This condition is called appendicitis.

Generally, anyone can be affected, but the most frequently affected are those who are between the ages of 10 and 30. Extremely young children and very old people are far less likely to experience appendicitis. However, most you children that experience the pain from it cannot handle it because it is far too severe for them. The pain can last for 8 to 12 hours, but may persist longer in some cases. Generally, the final cure is surgery. If someone is prescribed medicine in order to decrease the pain, it often only works for a short period of time and then wears off afterwards. Once the effects of the medicine wear off, the pain starts again. Often, the pain is very sharp and extremely noticeable.

Symptoms of appendicitis may include, but are not limited to:

• The pain starts from the upper stomach part and it starts to move to the lower stomach.

• Pain lasts for 8 to 12 hours, and may continue even longer.

• Vomiting

• Loss of appetite

• Constipation

• Fever

Home Treatment:

• You may be confusing appendicitis with some other issue. Perhaps you simply over-ate or had something which upset your stomach. Wait it out to see if there is sharp pain which persists for 8 or more hours.

• If you experience many of the symptoms, including, but not limited to fever, vomiting, decrease of appetite, constipation, and sharp pain, then definitely don't wait to head over to the hospital. Visit the doctor as soon as possible in order to prevent future problems.

• Do not take any medicine that is anti-constipation as this may cause the rupture of the appendix, making the issue likely to become even more complicated.

• Also, pain killers are not advised because they generally do not help the situation at all. In fact, they may worsen it altogether.

• Visit a doctor if you suspect that you have appendicitis.

Top 10 Weird Medical Facts of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 19:16:00 +0000

1. About one third of the human race has 20-20 vision.

2. In a hot climate, you can sweat as much as 3 gallons of water a day.

3. Fingernails are made from the same substance as a bird's beak.

4. A runner consumes about 7 quarts of oxygen while running a 100-yard dash.

5. The enamel in your teeth is the hardest substance in your body.

6. Your teeth start growing 6 months before you are born.

7. Your big toes have two bones each while the rest have three.

8. A pair of human feet contain 250,000 sweat glands.

9. Living brain cells are bright pink.

10. You're ears secrete more earwax when you are afraid than when you aren't.

Niagara Falls Turns Pink in Breast Cancer Awareness

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:23:00 +0000

Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. The campaign also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer.

As well as providing a platform for breast cancer charities to raise awareness of their work and of the disease, BCAM is also a prime opportunity to remind women to be breast aware for earlier detection.

Top 10 Weird Medical Facts of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 19:07:00 +0000

57% of women would rather go on a shopping spree than have sex.

63% of pet owners sleep with their pets.

The average American male laughs 69 times a day where the average woman laughs 55 times a day.

85% of obscene calls are made by males.

The average person moves their residence 11 times in their life, about once every 6 years.

Fetuses can hiccup.

Your body gives off enough heat in 30 minutes to bring half a gallon of water to a boil.

If they were laid end to end, the blood vessels in your body would wrap around the equator three times.

Blondes have more hair than dark-haired people.

Bone is stronger, inch for inch, than the steel in skyscrapers.

The Human Nervous System - Structure and Function - All Explained

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 01:00:00 +0000

The nervous system is a regulatory system that controls a variety of body functions. The nervous system can detect changes occurring in various organs and take corrective action when needed to maintain the constancy of the internal environment. The nervous system also regulates activities that change almost instantly, such as muscle contractions and perception of danger. The body is made up of many receptors that receive incoming information about what is happening within the body and what is happening in the outside environment. Specifically, these receptors represent our eyes, ears, skin, nose, and stomach. We act on that information via the nervous system.

The basic structural and functional unit of the nervous system is the neuron. These are elongated, highly branched cells. The body contains about 100 billion neurons. Neurons respond to electrical and chemical signals, conduct electrical impulses, and release chemical regulators. Overall, neurons allow us to perceive what is occurring in our environment. They help us engage in learning, store vital information in memory, and control the body's voluntary (and involuntary) actions.

The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system (CNS). The brain stores information, reacts to incoming information, solves problems, and generates thoughts. In addition, the brain plans a course of action based on the other sensory inputs. Responses to the stimuli are carried out mostly through the peripheral nervous system (PNS) to accommodate one's will.

Simply put, the nervous system receives information through stimulation of various receptors, processes this information, and sends out signals for an action that needs to be taken through its various branches. Actual transmission of the signal utilizes a change in the sodium and potassium concentration in the neuron. There is an influx of sodium and a loss of potassium as the message is sent. Ion concentrations are then restored to normal amounts in the neuron and it is ready to conduct another message.

When the signal must bridge a gap (synapse) between the branches of different neurons, the message is generally converted to a chemical signal called a neurotransmitter. The neurotransmitter, itself is then released into the gap, thereby passing the signal from one neuron to another. Another type of cell may also be at the receiving end of the neurotransmitter, such as a muscle cell. If the signal is sent to another neuron, this allows it to continue on to its final destination. The neurotransmitters used in this process are often made from common nutrients found in foods, such as amino acids. Examples are the amino acid tryptophan being converted to the neurotransmitter serotonin, and the amino acid tyrosine being converted to the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.

Other nutrients also play a role in the nervous system. Calcium is needed for the release of neurotransmitters from neurons. Vitamin B-12 plays a role in the formation of a myelin sheath, which provides a form of insulation around specific parts of most neurons. Finally, a regular supply of carbohydrate in the form of glucose is important for providing for the energy needs of the brain. The brain can use other fuels, but generally relies on glucose.

Dengue Fever outbreak in Pakistan 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 11:13:00 +0000

Already cursed by floods and suicide bombings, Pakistan now faces a new menace from an unprecedented outbreak of the deadly tropical disease dengue fever.

Earlier this disease was spread in Lahore and Karachi but now cases of Dengue fever are coming from all major cities and towns. The first case of this disease in Pakistan reported in year 1994 in Karachi. After that this disease spread slowly and in 2006 there were large number of patients affected with Dengue fever.

In 2006 World Health Organization for the first time recognized the disease in Pakistan and according to their official statistics more than 4800 persons were affected by disease and almost 50 died till 2006. First case of Dengue fever in Lahore was reported in 2007 and since then the cases and causalities are increasing with rapid pace.

It is tropical disease and the mosquito responsible for that disease can not fly long distance. Some years before when there was attack of Dengue Disease in USA they investigated the matter and found that the disease was caused by some recycled imported tyres hence it is evident that this disease was also came in Pakistan through that way and Karachi is the main Sea Port city and worst affected by this disease. All imported material is delivered from Karachi to the all parts of Pakistan and this way the disease is now reached in all corners of Pakistan.

The mosquito with Dengue virus is found in clean water such as in grounds or gardens and hence one cannot avoid it only by keeping neighbourhood clean. Now government is taking preventive measures by using chemical sprays against mosquitoes but more efforts are required to control this epidemic disease.

In less than a month, 126 people have died and more than 12,000 have been diagnosed with the virus, which has spread rapidly among both rich and poor in Pakistan's cultural capital Lahore.

Pakistan authorities have blamed the crisis on prolonged monsoon rains and unusually high seasonal temperatures.But furious locals say the outbreak is yet another example of government inefficiency, citing a failure to take preventive measures to kill off the mosquitos and lengthy power cuts.

Dengue fever, A Comprehensive Disease Information

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 11:05:00 +0000

If there's one insect that can truly be called a pest, it's the mosquito. Incredible as it sounds, this tiny insect can cause a host of diseases ranging from malaria, filariasis, yellow fever, and encephalitis (the inflammation of the brain).

One of the most common diseases transmitted by mosquitoes is dengue and it's found in over 40 countries. Since it first appeared in Southeast Asia in the 1950s, dengue outbreaks have increased and have been reported in Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Burma, and Thailand.

Over 2.5 million people are at risk, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Millions of infections occur yearly and about 500,000 people are hospitalized because of dengue. Ninety-five percent of those affected are children.

Not all mosquitoes transmit the dengue virus. There are over 160 different species but only two cause trouble: the Aedes albopictus and more commonly, the Aedes aegypti. Only female mosquitoes bite and they're active two hours after sunrise and two hours before sunset.

Mosquitoes normally feast on nectar and plant juices. The female needs blood to nourish its eggs. It becomes infected with the dengue virus when it bites a person suffering from the disease. The infected mosquito then spreads the disease when it bites others.

"There is no way to tell if a mosquito is carrying the dengue virus, therefore people must protect themselves from all mosquito bites," warned WHO.

Dengue mosquitoes like to hide in closets and other dark places. Outside, they prefer cool and shaded areas such as school grounds, park, and malls. The female breeds in anything that holds stagnant water like barrels, drums, old tires, pots, flower vases, bottles, roof gutters, refrigerator drip pans, and other places that collect rainwater.

Many factors contribute to the spread of dengue. These include climate changes brought about by the El Nino phenomenon, increasing urban populations, and poverty. Mosquito breeding sites have also increased due to poor water storage and sewage systems, uncollected garbage, and infrastructure projects with stagnant pools. Mass transportation has made it easier for mosquitoes to reach other areas and move infected humans.

There are two forms of dengue. Dengue fever is a severe flu-like illness that affects older children and adults but is rarely fatal. It's characterized by sudden high fever, headache, pain behind the eyes that worsens with movement, and muscle and joint pains. Later, a measles-like rash appears on the chest and upper limbs and there is nausea and vomiting.

The more severe form of the disease is dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) which is fatal in children. Its symptoms are similar to dengue fever but it causes bleeding from the nose, mouth, and gums and shock leading to death. Other signs of DHF are severe stomach pain, pale, cold or clammy skin, frequent vomiting, sleepiness, excessive thirst, rapid weak pulse, and difficulty in breathing.

If you suspect you have dengue or DHF, see a doctor immediately. Up to 20 percent of people with severe dengue or DHF may die if not properly diagnosed and treated. To keep your body strong and healthy, eat right and follow a regular exercise program. To help you lose weight, take Phenocal, a safe, natural, and effective weight loss supplement that boosts your metabolism, suppresses your appetite, reduces food cravings, and increases energy levels to keep you in shape.