Medical Blog -Live Well , Live Longer

Different colour ribbons to denote diff types of Cancer awareness-

2011-09-04T06:03:00.001-07:00

The Orange ribbon is the symbol for kidney cancer awareness. The orange ribbon is also a symbol of leukemia,ADHD and self injury awarenessKidney cancer information

The Periwinkle ribbon color signifies stomach cancer awareness, pulmonary hypertension, and eating disorders. Stomach cancer information

The Blue awareness ribbon is a symbol for prostate cancer as well as Hydranencephaly, and child abuse awareness. Prostate cancer information

A Gold ribbon signifies childhood cancer awareness and includes cancers such as the types of leukemia Childhood cancers

Violet ribbon is the sign for Hodgkin's Disease or Lymphoma a malignancy starting in the lymphatic tissues. Hodgkin's Disease

The Silver awareness ribbon denotes ovarian cancer (Australia) which can take four different forms. Ovarian cancer

The Purple ribbon is awareness for Pancreatic cancer, Sarcoidosis, cystic fibrosis, Fibromyalgia, Lupus, andalzheimer's disease.

The Pink ribbon denotes breast cancer awareness. A cancer formed in the tissues of the breast. Breast cancerThe

Gray awareness ribbon is for brain cancer, asthma, diabetes awareness, Brain cancer, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
The Pink and Blue colored awareness ribbon is associated with inflammatory breast cancer. Inflammatory Breast Cancer
The Jade Ribbon awareness is for hepatitis B and liver cancer in Asia and Pacific communities. Liver Cancer
The Teal Ribbon awareness stands for agoraphobia, anxiety disorders and ovarian cancer. Agoraphobia
The Red Ribbon awareness ribbon was created by the New York Visual AIDS Artists Caucus in 1991 HIV and AidsThe Green Awareness ribbon is the symbol for organ transplantation and Lyme Disease
The Puzzle Awareness ribbon is for awareness of Autism, a development disorder with impaired social communication
The White awareness ribbon stands for Multiple Hereditary Exostoses a rare condition when exostoses develop on bones.The Blue Purple ribbon denotes childhood or pediatric stroke and rheumatoid arthritis awareness.The Cloud Colored Ribbon denotes awareness for the childhood condition Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

The Pearl awareness ribbon is the color designated for lung cancer awareness.The Yellow awareness ribbon denotes suicide awareness and Endometriosis Awareness

Awareness ribbons are short pieces of colored ribbon folded into a loop, or representations of such, which are used in the United States, Canada, Australia, UK and other parts of the world as a way for wearers of the ribbon(s) to make a statement of support for a cause or issue.

The use of ribbons is designed to draw awareness to health issues and other issues. The most well-known is the red ribbon for support of those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and the pink awareness ribbon which denotes breast cancer awareness. Other health and social concerns which have also adopted colored ribbons.

Because many awareness ribbon colors may have multiple associated meanings Disabled World is listing only the awareness ribbons regarding health and disabilities.

This is a list of awareness ribbons. The meaning behind the awareness ribbon depends on its color or colors. Many groups have adopted ribbons as symbols of support or awareness, and as a result, many causes often share each color. Some causes may also be represented by more than one color.

Indian Herb Tulsi can help keep swine flu away: Ayurvedic experts

2009-11-25T02:16:00.000-08:00

Wonder herb Tulsi can not only keep the dreaded swine flu at bay but also help in fast recovery of an afflicted person, Ayurvedic practitioners claim.

"The anti-flu property of Tulsi has been discovered by medical experts across the world quite recently. Tulsi improves the body's overall defence mechanism including its ability to fight viral diseases. It was successfully used in combating Japanese Encephalitis and the same theory applies to swine flu," Dr U K Tiwari, a herbal medicine practitioner says.

Apart from acting as a preventive medicine in case of swine flu, Tulsi can help the patient recover faster.

"Even when a person has already contracted swine flu, Tulsi can help in speeding up the recovery process and also help in strengthening the immune system of the body," he claims.

Dr Bhupesh Patel, a lecturer at Gujarat Ayurved University , Jamnagar is also of the view that Tulsi can play an important role in controlling swine flu.

"Tulsi can control swine flu and it should be taken in fresh form. Juice or paste of at least 20-25 medium sized leaves should be consumed twice a day on an empty stomach."

This increases the resistance of the body and, thereby, reduces the chances of inviting swine flu," believes Patel.

Bureau Report

From:

http://www.reenitamalhotrahora.com/nine-rejuvenating-herbs-and-fruits-that-will-get-you-to-the-top-of-your-game-in-2009/ Date 4th. Aug 2009

See also: http://article.wn.com/view/2009/06/12/An_Ayurvedic_approach_to_building_immunity_during_the_outbre/?section=RegionNAmerica&template=worldnews%2Findex.txt

swine flu information

2009-11-25T02:15:00.001-08:00

) What is swine flu?
Swine flu or Influenza-A (H1N1) just like any other flu is a respiratory infection. It exploits a weakened immune system to attack major organs especially your lungs. When it gets into your lungs, it can lead to pneumonia. There is still no confirmation on whether it is transferred from pigs.

2) How do people become infected with influenza A(H1N1)?
Outbreaks in humans are now occurring from human-to-human transmission. When infected people cough or sneeze, infected droplets get on their hands, drop onto surfaces, or are dispersed into the air. Another person can breathe in contaminated air, or touch infected hands or surfaces, and be exposed.

3) What are the signs and symptoms of infection?
Early signs of influenza A(H1N1) are flu-like, including fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and runny nose, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

4) Is there any confirmation of transmission between pigs and humans at this point?
No.

5) How long someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick.

6) What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air.

7) How long can viruses live outside the body?
We know that some viruses and bacteria can live two hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent hand washing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.

8) What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
Currently available seasonal influenza vaccine does not protect against H1N1 flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.Try to avoid close contact with people having respiratory illness.]If one gets sick with influenza, one must stay at home, away from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. However, if one is having any respiratory distress, one should report to a nearby hospital.

9) What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
First and most important: wash your hands frequently. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Avoid touching surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people having respiratory illness.

10) Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. Oseltamivir is the recommended anti viral drug for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with the influenza A H1N1. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster.. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). Government has adequate stock and the drug is made available to government hospitals at the time of outbreak and would be available to you free of cost. . The drug is to be administered under supervision of clinicians.

11) What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where influenza A H1N1 cases have been identified and become ill with influenza like symptoms you may contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. If you are sick, you should stay home and avoidcontact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:Fast breathing or trouble breathingBluish skin colorNot drinking enough fluids/eating foodNot waking up or not interacting.Being so irritable that the child does not want to be heldFlu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse coughFever with a rashIn adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:Difficulty breathing or shortness of breathPain or pressure in the chest or abdomenSudden dizzinessConfusionSevere or persistent vomiting.

12) Can I get influenza A H1N1 from eating or preparing pork?
No. swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

Swine Flu Guidelines: Dos and don'ts
The Government has stressed that there is no need to panic and that the treatment is proving effective.
Here is what the Government advises people to do to avoid contracting the disease.
Best option would be to avoid unnecessary travel to affected areas, if possible. Avoid large crowded groups
Good hygiene practices go a long way, wash your hands regularly
Watch out for any flu-like symptoms, like persistent fever and cough and cold
Consult a doctor if you're worried, ideally at designated Government hospitals
Cover your mouth and nose if you cough and sneeze
Stay away from infected people. This is necessary since the H1N1 virus spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, around other people
The virus also spreads when you touch something infected and then touch your mouth, nose or eyes, so wash your hands regularly
The virus does not spread by eating well-cooked pork products, though it would be a healthy option to wash your hands properly after handling pork.

Coconut Oil is the Healthiest Oil on Earth

2009-11-25T02:14:00.002-08:00

"If there was an oil you could use for your daily cooking needs that helped protect you from heart disease, cancer, and other degenerative conditions, improved your digestion, strengthened your immune system, and helped you lose excess weight, would you be interested? This is what coconut oil can do for you.

What Coconut Oil DOES NOT Do:

Does not increase blood cholesterol level.
Does not promote platelet stickiness or blood clot formation.
Does not contribute to atherosclerosis or heart disease.
Does not contribute to weight problems.

What Coconut Oil DOES Do:

Reduces risk of atherosclerosis and related illnesses.
Reduces risk of cancer and other degenerative conditions.
Helps prevent bacterial, viral, and fungal (including yeast) infections.
Supports immune system function.
Helps control diabetes.
Provides an immediate source of energy.
Supports healthy metabolic function.
Improves digestion and nutrient absorption.
Supplies important nutrients necessary for good health.
Supplies fewer calories than other fats.
Promotes weight loss.
Helps prevent osteoporosis.
Has a mild delicate flavor.
Is highly resistant to spoilage (long shelf life).
Is heat resistant (the healthiest oil for cooking).
Helps keep skin soft and smooth.
Helps prevent premature aging and wrinkling of the skin.
Helps protect against skin cancer and other blemishes.
Functions as a protective antioxidant."

Why do some say that coconut oil is bad for you?

Tropical oils were very popular in the US food industry prior to World War II. The US is the largest exporter of soybeans. The well oiled marketing machinery funded by the soy bean and corn industry and supported by the American Heart Association was committed to change the American Diet, calling among others, for the substitution of saturated fats for polyunsaturates. The Prudent Diet, as it was called, left a legacy which still haunts us today. 40 years on, this conceptual change in the eating habits of Americans has negatively influenced and changed the dietary regimes of societies all around the world that were initially not even affected by America's particular meat, potato and milk diet. So determined was the pursuit of the American industries in converting their claims into magnificent billboards of health and wealth that even small island nations in the South Pacific were converted by this powerful marketing machine to change centuries of dietary traditions of tropical oils to importing polyunsaturated fats. Today heart disease is still on the increase and obesity, linked to the “new” American diet, is a major social problem worldwide that has governments worried about the health care cost of future generations. The U.K. and Australia unfortunately, are racing to catch up to their allies with a large percentage of the population being defined as overweight.

Studies were done to show that coconut oil, and all saturated fats, were bad for one's health because they raised serum cholesterol levels. However, these studies were done on hydrogenated coconut oil, and all hydrogenated oils produce higher serum cholesterol levels, whether they are saturated or not. Recent research shows that it is the presence of trans fatty acids that causes health problems, as they are fatty acid chains that have been altered from their original form in nature by the oil refining process.

Although many studies at the time had also shown research to the contrary, the mud stuck and by the mid 60’s the reputation of all saturated oils in America had been destroyed. This reputation later extended to the rest of the western world.

Eleven Great Ways to Reduce Stress

2009-11-25T02:14:00.001-08:00

Stress is a big challenge in life nowadays.

The sources of stress are many and the helpful ways to reduce stress are also plentiful.

Common symptoms of stress include skin problems, stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, fatigue, insomnia and frustration.

We don't need to set a time to reduce stress, we need to incorporate some strategies in our daily life routine to prevent stress and reduce its effect on the body.

Here are 11 simple steps we can easily take to reduce stress:

1. Define your goals: we must define our life goals and begin to achieve these goals; this action will support us against stress because we will feel that we know what our life purpose is and why, and that we control our own lives.

2. Take control of your diet: we can use simple ways in our diet plans to reduce stress by avoiding some stimulants such as coffee, alcohol, tea and sugar and we can use chamomile tea as an alternative because of its calming and relaxing effect.

We need to eat slowly in a calm environment to allow our digestive system to work well.

We can use honey as an alternative to sugar but in small amounts (one or two spoonfuls per day).

3. Take hot baths regularly: after a very busy day or when we feel that we need to relax (I do this three times a week).

You can take a hot bath by sitting in warm to hot water and the water level should be above the waist, using lavender oil can also enhance this relaxing experience.

4. Aromatherapy: in the office you can use aromatherapy to relax and avoid stress.

One of the best ways is to use lavender oil on a source of heat and take in the scent; this is a great way to relax during the day when you need it the most.

5. Exercise: This is one of the important things you can do which will reduce stress and bring happiness.

When we exercise, our brains release substances which bring feelings of happiness and relaxation; we need engage in some exercise regularly such as walking, dancing or swimming.

6. Breathing techniques: Yoga, meditation and Tai Chi all use deep breathingtechniques.

To meditate, simply sit with closed eyes and concentrate on your breathing.

Breathing deeply regularly is great for health and from there, you can learn various other breathing techniques to gain enhanced benefits.

7. Relaxation techniques and self hypnotherapy: we can easily do this after the hot bath to relax even more, simply sit or lie down in a comfortable place with your eyes closed, imagine there is a spot light above your head and concentrate on it, then concentrate on your body part by part and try to relax the body and feel the relaxation deepening -- you can also use a self hypnotherapy audio tape to help in this process.

8. Massage: this is a great way to reduce stress, I do this when other ways fail, I feel better after receiving a massage.

You can get a professional massage or you can simply ask your partner to massage you.

9. Spiritual healing: prayers and the act of helping others are very important components for happiness and stress reduction.

You will feel calmer and have a sense of inner peace.

10. Talking through your problems: talking about your feelings acts as a releasing mechanism and you will soon find that talking about your problems with your partner or best friend may help the solution to the problem come to light and will help to release blocked emotions.

11. Multivitamins: I take a Vitamin B complex regularly to decrease stress and this has been a great help in my stress reduction.

I hope that you find these suggestions helpful, my hope in sharing this information with you is that you can benefit from it.

Reading about this is not enough to reduce stress, you must take action.

Causes of Depression

2009-11-25T02:11:00.001-08:00

Prolonged periods of anxiety and tension

Prolonged periods of anxiety and tension can cause mental depression.

Excessive and indiscriminate use of drugs

The excessive and indiscriminate use of drugs also leads to faulty assimilation of vitamins and minerals by the body and ultimately causes depression.

Natural Home Remedies and Cures for Depression

2009-11-25T02:10:00.000-08:00

Depression is one of the most common emotional disorders.

It may be manifested in varying degrees: from feelings of slight sadness to utter misery and dejection.

Depression is a very unpleasant malady and is far more difficult to cope with than a physical ailment.

The growing complexities of modem life and its resultant crises, as well as the mental stress and strain of day-to-day life, usually leads to this disorder.

Depression Symptoms

Acute sense of loss, inexplicable sadness, loss of energy, lack of interest

The most striking symptoms of depression are an acute sense of loss, inexplicable sadness, loss of energy, lack of interest in the world around, and fatigue. A disturbed sleep is a frequent occurrence.

Loss of appetite, giddiness, itching, nausea, agitation, irritability

Other symptoms of depression are loss of appetite, giddiness, itching, nausea, agitation, irritability, impotence or frigidity, constipation, aches and pains all over the body, lack of concentration, and indecisiveness.

Low body temperature, low blood pressure, hot flushes and shivering

Cases of severe depression may be characterised by low body temperature, low blood pressure, hot flushes and shivering.

What are Kidney stones?

2009-11-25T02:09:00.001-08:00

Kidney stones are one of the most painful disorders that affect humans. Kidney stones are solid masses of mineral salt deposits that are normally filtered through the kidney and emptied via urine. Urine has a natural substance, which dissolves these minerals, thereby preventing them into becoming solids or calculi. Sometimes due to dehydration, these salts don’t get dissolved and crystallization takes place. It grows large enough to obstruct the renal ducts or stuck in the uterus, causing sharp and severe pain in the urinary tract. Untreated, kidney stones can cause renal failure.

Common Causes of Kidney stones

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Overdoses of Vitamin D

Mineral imbalance

Kidney disease

Dehydration

Gout

Diet

Home Remedies for Kidney stones

Tip 1:
Boil two figs in a cup of water. Drink this first thing in the morning for one month.

Tip 2:
Mix 1 tspn of Holy basil leaves juice with 1 tspn of honey. Have this every morning for 5-6 months.
Eat 2-3 Apples a day.

Tip 3:
Watermelon, either eaten as a fruit or had a juice is very good.

Tip 4:
1 cup of juice made with radish leaves taken 2 times a day.

Tip 5:
First thing in the morning, drink 1 glass of fresh Tomato juice. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to this.

10 Foods that Cause Heart Attacks

2009-11-25T02:05:00.000-08:00

Concerned about high cholesterol or high blood pressure? Avoid these foods at all costs. By Seth Czarnecki, Quality Health News Reviewed by Quality Health's Medical Advisory Board From: www.QualityHealth. com

You probably already knew junk food is bad for your waistline, but did you ever stop to think about what it's doing to your heart? In particular, watch out for foods high in saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol- -all of which can raise the risk of heart disease and heart attack, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). And while desserts can be dangerous, plenty of other common foods are proven to be detrimental to your heart health. So drop your fork, and pay attention. Here, a guide to the ten foods that can cause heart attacks and what you should eat instead.

1. Fried chicken.

Fried food is a known cholesterol and fat powerhouse, but chicken sounds healthy. Four pieces of KFC's Original Recipe Chicken comes with 920 calories, 63g of fat, 350mg of cholesterol- -and that's not including the fat-laden sides.

Eat this: A grilled, skinless chicken breast is one of the most nutritional meats you can eat. At 120 calories, 1.5g of fat, and 70mg of cholesterol, a grilled chicken breast can make a tasty substitute for its fried, fat-loaded brethren.

2. Sausages.

A staple at tailgate parties and barbecues, sausages can wreak havoc on your arteries. The Johnsonville Original Bratwurst or Italian Sausages contain 22g fat (8g saturated fat), and 810mg of sodium per grilled link.

Eat this: Try smoked turkey sausages. At only 110 calories, 6g of fat (1.5g saturated fat) turkey sausages--though not an everyday fare--are a better alternative.

3. Cheesecake.

Let the sweet toothed beware; most cheesecakes will run up your calorie and fat intake. An especially risky choice is the Cheesecake Factory's Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake, which packs a whopping 860 calories, 57g of fat, and 80g of carbohydrates per slice. The allure of this indulgence may be strong, but think twice before

diving in.

Eat this: If you have a hankering for cheesecake, opt for the plain variety. With 315 calories, 20g of fat, and 25g of carbohydrates, though it's not a healthy choice, the plain cheesecake is less detrimental to your heart than its chocolaty cousin.

4. Steak.

Yes, the steak. High amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol make red meat, particularly in large quantities, an unhealthy heart choice. A top sirloin cut of beef, raw, can run you 594 calories, 18.5g of fat (6.8g saturated fat), and 191mg of cholesterol. If you pan-fry it, you'll add even more calories, cholesterol, and grams of fat.

Eat this:

Choosing the right cut of beef can prevent a lot of wear and tear on your arteries. The pricey filet mignon will cost you only 6.7g of fat (2.5g saturated fat), and 67mg of cholesterol. Filet mignon out of your price range? A T-bone steak is less-expensive healthy choice for your red meat cravings.

5. Burgers.

Choosing the wrong burger can have big repercussions for your heart. McDonald's famous Big Mac contains 540 calories, 29g of fat, and 1040mg of sodium. Even if you make your hamburgers at home, a three-ounce hamburger made with 80 percent-lean beef still has 14.8g of fat (5.6g saturated fat), and 76mg of cholesterol.

Eat this: The best alternative for ground beef is ground turkey breast. It clocks in at an amazing 120 calories, 1g of fat (0g saturated), and 28g of protein per four-ounce burger. Add ground pepper, a pinch of cayenne, and a dash of salt to beef up your turkey burger.

6. Pizza.

It's a convenient, Friday-night delivery essential, but pizza is no friend of your heart. A single plain slice has 9.8g of fat (4.4 saturated fat), and 551mg of sodium. But who just stops at one?

Eat this: Pizza is an easy, do-it-yourself meal. Start with whole wheat dough, English muffins, or pitas, then add sauce and reduced fat cheese to create a flavorful, healthy alternative your whole family can help make.

7. Pasta.

It's an Italian classic: spaghetti and meatballs. Mom's recipe may include a secret ingredient, but the dish served at Romano's Macaroni Grill has some eye-popping extras: 1,430 calories, 81g of fat and 41g of saturated fat, and 4540mg of sodium.

Eat this: If you have pasta on the brain, try the whole wheat variety. On average, this kind contains only 197 calories, 0.8g fat, and is a great source of fiber. A little marinara sauce won't put you in a nutritional bind. If you're in the mood for meatballs, go for ground turkey.

8. Ice cream.

It may evoke memories of your carefree childhood days, but ice cream is anything but innocent. Ben and Jerry's best-selling flavor, Cherry Garcia, packs 14g of fat (10g saturated), and 22g of sugar for every 1/2 cup (approximately two scoops). Eat this: The obvious alternative to ice cream is frozen yogurt. The frozen yogurt version of Cherry Garcia contains half the calories and only 3g of fat (2g saturated).

9. Doughnuts.

It's probably no surprise that these breakfast blunders made the list of worst heart foods. However, few people know how terrible can be. Just one Krispy Kreme Creme Filled Chocolate Doughnut is a doozey: 20g of fat (5 saturated), 23g of sugar, and 38g of carbohydrates. It'll take you an hour to walk off the damage.

Eat this: Reach for instant oatmeal, which has been proven to lower the bad LDL cholesterol and boost your metabolism. Add some fresh berries for an excellent start to your day.

10. Chips.

First, consider that the average 1-ounce bag of plain, salted potato chips contains 155 calories, 10.6g of fat (3.1g saturated fat), and 149mg of sodium. Then multiply those numbers by 112: that's the number of 1-ounce bags that the average American eats in a year. It's the equivalent of seven pounds of potato chips annually.

Eat this: A great choice instead of potato chips and the fattening dips that go along with it are the dynamic duo of pita and hummus. One pita has under 100 calories and less than one gram of fat. Hummus is an excellent, low-fat, low-cholesterol choice for a dip. And it tastes great.

Mental Health and Anger Management

2009-11-25T02:04:00.000-08:00

What Is Anger?

Anger is a very powerful emotion that can stem from feelings of frustration, hurt, annoyance or disappointment.

It is a normal human emotion that can range from slight irritation to strong rage.

Anger can be harmful or helpful, depending upon how it is expressed.

Knowing how to recognize and express anger in appropriate ways can help people to reach goals, handle emergencies, and solve problems.

However, problems can occur if people fail to recognize and understand their anger.

What Are the Dangers of Suppressed Anger?

Suppressed anger can be an underlying cause of anxiety and depression.

Anger that is not appropriately expressed can disrupt relationships, affect thinking and behavior patterns, and create a variety of physical problems.

Chronic (long-term) anger has been linked to health issues such as high blood pressure, heart problems, headaches, skin disorders, and digestive problems.

In addition, anger can be linked to problems such as crime, emotional and physical abuse, and other violent behavior.

How Can I Manage Anger?

When you start feeling angry, try deep breathing, positive self-talk, or stopping your angry thoughts. Breathe deeply from your diaphragm. Slowly repeat a calm word or phrase such as "relax" or "take it easy." Repeat it to yourself while breathing deeply until the anger subsides.
Although expressing anger is better than keeping it in, anger should be expressed in an appropriate way. Frequent outbursts of anger are often counter-productive and cause problems in relationships with others. Angry outbursts are also stressful to your nervous and cardiovascular systems and can make health problems worse. Learning how to use assertiveness is the healthy way to express your feelings, needs, and preferences. Being assertive can be used in place of using anger in these situations.
Seek out the support of others. Talk through your feelings and try to work on changing your behaviors.
If you have trouble realizing when you are having angry thoughts, keep a log of when you feel angry.
Try to gain a different perspective by putting yourself in another's place.
Learn how to laugh at yourself and see humor in situations.
Practice good listening skills. Listening can help improve communication and can facilitate trusting feelings between people. This trust can help you deal with potentially hostile emotions.
Learn to assert yourself, expressing your feelings calmly and directly without becoming defensive, hostile, or emotionally charged. Consult self-help books on assertiveness or seek help from a professional therapist to learn how to use assertiveness and anger managementskills.

What Else Can I Deal With My Anger in a Healthy Way?

If you believe that your anger is out of control and is having a negative affect on your life and relationships, seek the help of a mental health professional.

A psychologist or other licensed mental health professional can work with you to develop techniques for changing your thinking and your behavior.

A mental health professional can help you to deal with your anger in an appropriate way.

Choose your therapist carefully and make sure to seek treatment from a professional who is trained to teach anger management and assertiveness skills.

How Diabetics Can Protect Their Feet

2009-11-25T02:01:00.000-08:00

How People With Diabetes Can Protect Their Feet

Being alert to signs of an infection can prevent far worse

People living with diabetes often suffer nerve damage that numbs their extremities—a dangerous condition that can lead to sores and infection.

Here's how to avoid a serious problem:

Do a regular visual check: Check feet nightly before bed, advises Stephen Kominsky, a podiatric surgeon and diabetic foot expert at Washington Hospital Center in D.C.

Daily exams allow patients to get help before a minor situation becomes catastrophic.

Look for areas of redness, cracks in the skin, corns, ingrown toenails, and other abnormalities.

Since neuropathy can cause numbness in fingertips, run the back of the hand along the tops and bottoms of feet to feel for areas of warmth. If a spot on one foot is hotter than the corresponding spot on the other foot, it may indicate an infection.

Anything suspect warrants a conversation with a doctor, who is likely to examine the affected area and advise immobilization, antibiotics, or surgery depending on the problem's severity.

Change shoes frequently: David Armstrong, a podiatric surgeon and diabetic foot specialist at Rosalind Franklin University Medical Center in North Chicago, recommends changing shoes multiple times daily to limit the damage from rubbing and pinching that one pair can inflict. Patients without pain may not notice blisters caused by their favorite shoes.

See a specialist: If you're at risk for foot complications, ask to be referred to a podiatric medicine specialist. Since general physicians are responsible for treating all of a diabetic patient's ailments, Armstrong says, they're likely to put matters of the feet on the back burner as they focus on managing high blood sugar. Specialists, he says, will ensure that a diabetic's feet aren't neglected, and can educate patients on how to prevent and minimize infections.

Home Remedies for High Blood Pressure

2009-11-25T01:57:00.000-08:00

Hypertension or high blood pressure, as it is more commonly known, is regarded as a silent killer. It is a disease of the modern age. The fast pace of life and the mental and physical pressures caused by the increasingly industrialised and metropolitan environments have a role to play in the rise in blood pressure. Blood pressure is measured with an instrument called sphygnomanometer in millimetres of mercury. The highest pressure reached during each heart beat is called systolic pressure, and the lowest between two beat is known as diastolic pressure. Most young adults have blood pressure around 120/80. It increases normally with age, even going upto 160/90.Symptoms of high blood pressurePain at the back of the head and neckThe first symptom of hypertension may appear as a pain at the back of the head and neck on waking in the morning, which soon disappears.Dizziness, PalpitationsSome of the other common symptoms are dizziness, palpitations, pain in the region of the heart, frequent urination, nervous tension, fatigue, and difficulty in breathing.Causes of high blood pressureHigh Blood Pressure Symptoms, Causes, Remedy and DietStress and faulty life styleThe main causes of high blood pressure are stress and a faulty style of living. Smoking and an excessive intake of intoxicants, tea, coffee, and refined foods destroy the natural pace of life and prevent the expulsion of waste and poisonous matter from the body. Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), obesity, and diabetes lead to hypertension.Excessive intake of common salt, and high fat dietOther causes of high blood pressure are an excessive intake of common table salt, and eating a high fat and low fibre diet.Home remedies for high blood pressureHigh Blood Pressure home remedies and natural cures, Questions and answersHigh Blood Pressure treatment using GarlicGarlic is regarded as an effective means of lowering blood pressure. It is said to reduce spasms of the small arteries. It also slows down the pulse rate and modifies the heart rhythm, besides relieving the symptoms of dizziness, numbness, shortness of breath, and the formation of gas within the digestive tract. It may be taken in the form of raw cloves or two to three capsules a day.High Blood Pressure treatment using Indian GooseberryIndian gooseberry is another effective remedy for high blood pressure. A tablespoon each of fresh indian gooseberry juice and honey mixed together should be taken every morning in this condition.High Blood Pressure treatment using LemonLemon is also regarded as a valuable food to control high blood pressure. It is a rich source of vitamin P which is found both in the juice and peel of the fruit. This vitamin is essential for preventing capillary fragility.High Blood Pressure treatment using GrapefruitGrapefruit is useful in preventing high blood pressure. The vitamin P content in the fruit is helpful in toning up the arteries.High Blood Pressure treatment using WatermelonWatermelon is another valuable safeguard against high blood pressure. A substance extracted from watermelon seeds is said to have a definite action in dilating the blood vessels, which results in lowering the blood pressure. The seeds, dried and roasted, should be taken in liberal quantities.High Blood Pressure treatment using RiceRice has a low-fat, low-cholesterol, and low-salt content. It makes a perfect diet for those hypertensive persons who have been advised salt-restricted diets. Calcium in brown rice, in particular, soothes and relaxes the nervous system and helps relieve the symptoms of high blood pressure.High Blood Pressure treatment using PotatoPotatoes, specially in boiled form, are a valuable food for lowering blood pressure. When boiled with their skin, they absorb very little salt. Thus they can form a useful addition to a salt-free diet recommended for patients with high blood pressure. Potatoes are rich in potassium but not in sodium salts. The magnesium present in the vegetable exercises beneficial effects in lowering blood pressure.High Blood Pressure treatment using ParsleyParsley is very useful in high blood pressure. It contains elements, which help maintain the blood vessels, particularly, the capillaries. It keeps the arterial system in a healthy condition. It may be taken as a beverage by simmering 20 gm of fresh parsley leaves gently in 250 ml of water for a few minutes. This may be drunk several times daily.High Blood Pressure treatment using RauwolfiaAmong the herbs, rauwolfia is the best remedy for high blood pressure. Alkaloids of this drug, which have a direct effect on hypertension, have been isolated and are being widely used by practitioners of modem medicine, but they have certain unpleasant side-effects which the drug, taken in raw form, does not have. Practitioners of the Indian system of medicine have, therefore, preferred to use the root of the drug in a powdered from. Half a teaspoon of this drug, taken thrice a day, is very effective in hypertension.High Blood Pressure treatment using Vegetable JuiceRaw vegetable juices, especially carrot and spinach juices, taken separately or in combination, are also beneficial in the treatment of high blood pressure. If taken in combination, 300 ml of carrot juice and 200 ml of spinach juice should be mixed to make 500 ml or half a litre of the juice, and taken daily. If taken separately, one glass should be taken twice daily, morning and evening.High Blood Pressure treatment using Dietary Calcium and PotassiumRecent studies have revealed an important link between dietary calcium and potassium and hypertension. Researchers have found that people who take potassium-rich diets have a low incidence of hypertension even if they do not control their salt intake. They have also found that people with hypertension do not seem to get much calcium in the form of dairy products. These two essential nutrients seem to help the body secrete excess sodium and are involved in important functions which control the working of the vascular system. Potassium is found in abundance in fruits and vegetables, and calcium in dairy products.High blood pressure dietHigh Blood Pressure : Home Remedies suggested by usersHigh Blood Pressure DietPersons with high blood pressure should always follow a well-balanced routine of a proper diet, exercise, and rest. Diet is of primary importance. Meat and eggs, more than any other food, cause the blood pressure to rise. The pressure can be lowered and blood clotting diminished by increasing the consumption of fruits, reducing protein intake, and sticking to a vegetarian diet. A natural diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables instead of a traditional diet, helps to get rid of the toxins from the body. Salt should be avoided; in any case, it should not exceed more than three grams or about half a teaspoon per day.Other high blood pressure remediesOther High Blood Pressure treatmentPersons suffering from hypertension must get at least eight hours of good sleep, because proper rest is a vital aspect of the treatment. Most important of all, the patient must avoid overstrain, worries, tension, anger, and haste. He or she must develop a calm and cheerful attitude and develop a contented frame of mind.

Insomnia Home Remedy Treatments

2009-11-25T01:56:00.000-08:00

Sleepless night after sleepless night can be downright unbearable. Discover some helpful home remedies for getting the sleep you need tonight -- and every night.

Don't torture yourself. The worst thing that an insomniac can do is to lie in bed tossing and turning. If you can't fall asleep after 15 to 20 minutes, get up and do a quiet activity, such as reading, watching TV, or listening to relaxing music. Then, go back to bed and try again.

Say no to naps. If you nap, you'll have more trouble getting to sleep the next night, thereby compounding your insomnia. It's best to let yourself get good and sleepy so that it will be easier to get to sleep the next night.

Try earplugs. Sometimes, insomnia is caused by being awakened repeatedly by loud noises. Often, the sleeper is not aware of what awakened them. Try sleeping in a quieter room, or wear earplugs.

Exercise. Doing aerobic exercise, such as walking, cycling, jogging, or swimming, helps with sleep. Don't exercise too close to bedtime, though -- exercising in the morning or afternoon is best.

Get a comfortable bed and pillows. Sleep may elude you if your bed is too hard or too soft, or if your pillows aren't just right.

Don't drink alcohol. Although alcohol can make you feel drowsy and may actually put you to sleep, it has the unpleasant side effect of waking you up later on in the night with a headache, stomachache, or full bladder. In addition, once alcohol's sedative effect wears off, there's a rebound effect that actually makes you more likely to have trouble falling back to sleep.

Cut down on caffeine. Caffeine, by its nature, stimulates your brain. Limit your coffee intake to two cups a day. Starting at noon , consume no foods or beverages that contain caffeine.

Don't switch beds or move to the couch. It is important to associate your bed, and only your bed, with sleep.

Try to maintain a normal schedule. Perhaps the most important rule for people with insomnia is to keep a strict sleep-wake schedule, even on weekends. If you can't sleep one night, get up at your usual time the next morning and don't take any naps. Chances are you'll be ready for a sound sleep by the next night.

Confine work to the office. Use your bedroom only for sleep and sex. No work, no eating, no television, and no arguing with your bed partner.

Take a hot bath. A hot bath taken two hours before bedtime is a wonderful way to relax your body and make it ready for sleep. For most people, taking a bath closer to bedtime may be stimulating and may delay sleep (of course, there are always exceptions, so experiment with the timing if you need to).

Establish a relaxing bedtime ritual. When mothers bathe their children or read to them every night before bedtime, they are reinforcing a signal that it's time to settle down and get ready for sleep. Establishing such a ritual may also be helpful for adults.

Prepare your bedroom for sleep. The best sleep environment is one that is dark, quiet, comfortable, and cool, according to the National Sleep Foundation.

Don't eat before bed. Finish eating two or three hours before bedtime.

Try a sleeping pill. You're not admitting defeat by asking your doctor for a prescription sleeping pill or by trying an over-the-counter (OTC) remedy. However, most prescription pills should not be used for more than a month at a time. They should also not be used for insomnia at high altitudes, since that type of insomnia may be caused by trouble breathing and a lack of oxygen, and taking sleeping pills at high altitudes may slow your breathing rate even further.

Some doctors don't endorse OTC sleeping pills, since they can cause side effects such as drying out the mucous membranes in your mouth, nose, and throat (they often have antihistamines as ingredients) and can leave you drowsy the next day. And, of course, if you are pregnant, are nursing a baby, or have a serious medical problem, you should consult your doctor before taking any drugs. Sleep medications may also worsen snoring and sleep apnea, a dangerous condition in which breathing is labored during sleep.

Never take sleeping pills throughout the night. If you do choose to take sleeping pills, make sure you only take your dose before you go to bed. If you take them when you wake in the middle of the night, they won't have a chance to wear off before morning, and you're likely to be sleepy during the day.

Evaluate your other medications. Certain prescription medications, such as those for asthma and thyroid problems, may cause insomnia. Check with your doctor if you suspect that one of your medications is causing your insomnia.

Be your own sleep scientist. There is no one formula for perfect sleep -- different things work for different people. The important thing is to give everything a fair and persistent trial (for at least a week or two, not just one night) and see what works best for you. Keep a sleep log, a notebook of what works and what doesn't.

There's no magic trick to treating insomnia, but some of the home remedies outlined above might just be the recipe you need to get back to sleep.

Skin Care Tips for Men

2009-11-25T01:48:00.000-08:00

Think about it. What is the first thing people notice about you? It's your face. Healthy skin is the most important element of a great looking face. It is not only easy to achieve; it is a critical thing you can do for yourself. Put your best face forward. As a professional make-up artist and founder of the first skin care and cosmetics line created especially for men - Menaji - I'd like to share some basic tips and guidelines to encourage healthier skin. It's simple…

#1 Keep it clean.

Men have approximately 15% oilier skin and significantly larger pores than women do. Basically, this means you get dirtier. It is very important; no matter what skin type you have, to clean your face every day. Deep cleansing is important. It keeps pores clear, skin healthy and you looking good

Cleansing products should be as chemical-free as possible. Deodorant soaps shouldn't be used on your face. They cleanse with harsh ingredients and leave a detergent film behind. This may irritate your skin and will clog your pores. Go natural.

A good scrub is essential for healthy clean skin. It will remove dead cells and smooth the surface of your face. The scrub should be strong without being damaging. Stay away from scrubs that contain rough elements like ground bits of nut or seed extracts. They will tear and damage the skin. A good scrub will invigorate you, not hurt you.

Moisturizing is a necessity. Again, the product with the least amount of chemical additives is the best. Always use a light moisturizer on your face after cleansing and shaving and don't forget your neck!

For an intensive moisture treatment use pure vitamin E, or aloe vera oil. It is available in liquid form, or just break open a capsule and apply the oil directly to the skin. This is a great under eye treatment. Remember it is very important to moisturize this sensitive area of the face. It is one of the first places to show age because the under eye skin secretes no necessary oils on its own.

#2 Keep it toned.

Because men are outside more than women are, environmental debris and pollutants are more a factor to their skin's health. Toning helps keep the skin clear and firm.

As skin ages, it needs to work harder to maintain its elasticity. Astringents and toners with glycolic or alpha hydroxy acids work the best for toning the face. These acids actually can reduce the pore size, and help avoid ingrown hairs. They are aggressive and have quick results. Remember to look for a product that is not photosensitive (sensitive to light).

#3 Treat your skin.

Depending on your skin type (oily, dry or combination) and the time of year, there are different products that treat and enhance your skin. Different treatments will have very different results. It is important to know your skin's needs.

All types of skin need to be exfoliated. This is the removal of dead skin cells that form daily. This is an essential part of skin treatment.

After shaving, you need to moisturize with a product that has absolutely no alcohol in it. Avoid heavy fragrant after-shave products too, as they can irritate the skin.

Skin that is too shiny doesn't look healthy, just greasy. Blot the excess oils away. Blotting papers or a light powder that will give you a more natural finish, are both good options to try.

Don't forget about your lips. Find a balm that has an SPF of at least 15 in it. Peppermint oil has a nice feel and keeps the lips looking luscious.

#4 Protect your skin.

Healthy skin is young looking skin. There are preventative techniques that can promote the best skin possible and keep it looking its best longer. Remember that your skin is a mirror of your overall body health.

Here are the key techniques:

Avoid over exposure to the sun.
Sun damage leads to hyperpigmentation (brown spots) which can develop into serious skin disease. Excessive exposure can also exaggerate and thicken fine lines. Use an SPF 15 or higher on all exposed skin, especially on your face.
Stay in shape.
Exercise promotes capillary functioning which can decrease premature aging. It also increases oxygen to the tissues which keeps skin looking young.
Eat right.
Keep vitamins such as C and E in your diet regimen.
Everything in moderation.
Too much of anything is never a good idea. Stay away from excessive alcohol, smoking, fatigue and stress. Not only can these factors lead to premature aging; they also decrease facial circulation making you look older.

What Are the Symptoms of Cancer?

2009-11-25T01:30:00.001-08:00

In its early stages, cancer usually has no symptoms, but eventually a malignant tumor will grow large enough to be detected. As it continues to grow, it may press on nerves and produce pain, penetrate blood vessels and cause bleeding, or interfere with the function of a body organ or system.

The Seven Warning Signs of Cancer:

To remember the seven early warning signs of cancer (as designated by the American Cancer Society), think of the word CAUTION:

C hange in bowel or bladder habits.

A sore that does not heal.

U nusual bleeding or discharge.

T hickening or lump in the breast, testicles, or elsewhere.

I ndigestion or difficulty swallowing.

O bvious change in the size, color, shape, or thickness of a wart, mole, or mouth sore.

N agging cough or hoarseness.

The following symptoms may also signal the presence of some form of cancer:

Persistent headaches

Unexplained loss of weight or appetite

Chronic pain in bones

Persistent fatigue, nausea, or vomiting

Persistent low-grade fever, either constant or intermittent

Repeated instances of infection

Call Your Doctor About Cancer If:

You develop symptoms that may signal cancer, are not clearly linked to another cause, and persist for more than two weeks. You should schedule a medical examination. If the cause of your symptoms is cancer, early diagnosis and treatment will offer a better chance of cure.

How to Cure Scars with Natural Treatments

2009-06-17T17:09:00.000-07:00

Scars Definition

Scars are marks left on the skin after surface injury or wound, it is the body's response of healing. Scars are tissues that replace the normal skin after destruction of some dermis; it is a natural part of healing process. There are different degrees of scars depending on the depth and size of the wound, age, gender, genetics and ethnic.

Home Remedies for Scars

Smear Vitamin E Oil Caplets on the scarred area.
Smear some tea tree oil on the scar to help it heal faster.
Put 1-2 drops of lavender essential oil on a cotton ball and apply on scar.
Blanch green tea, soak a cotton ball and apply on the scar to help it heal.
Mix Aloe Vera and vitamin E gel caplets and apply to the scar.
Rub honey on the scar as often as you can to make it heal.
Smear any oil on the scar and massage to help it heal.
Rub some olive oil on scars 2-3 times a day.
For acne scars: Mix 1 tablespoon of sour cream ( 0% fat for oily face), 1 tablespoon of yogurt, 1 tablespoon of grind oatmeal and 3-4 drops of lemon juice. Apply on face, leave for 10 minutes and wash off.

What is Reiki?

2009-06-17T17:01:00.000-07:00

Reiki is a very ancient science, rediscovered by Dr. Mikao Usui in mid 1800’s. Reiki in Japanese means universal life Force Energy. It is made of two parts, ‘Rei’— meaning universal, transcendental spirit, and ‘Ki’— meaning energy or power. In India, this energy is called Shakti or ‘Prana’.

Reiki is a method of connecting universal energy with the body’s innate power of healing. Reiki is simple and anybody can learn it. The possibility of self-treatment makes it quite advantageous. Self-treatment amplifies the life force energy in our body releasing the withheld emotions and energy blocks. The results may not be immediately perceptible but it is definitely helpful in relieving stress and helping the person think positive.

As in most things Reiki must be experienced to be appreciated. Practicing Reiki helps create harmony in the body, giving a deep sense of peace and relaxation.

Dandruff

2009-06-13T22:11:00.000-07:00

The scales from the scalp fall : When the hair is combed or brushed, or when the scalp is scratched, the scales from the scalp fall like snowflakes and settle on the eye brows, shoulders, and clothes. These scales sometimes appear as lumps or crusts on the scalp.Itching is there and scalp may become red :Often there is itching as well and the scalp may become red from scratching.

Dandruff Causes

Impairment of general health, wrong food intake, constipation .The main causes of dandruff are impairment of general health, development of a toxic condition mainly due to taking of wrong foods, constipation, and a low vitality due to infectious diseases. Emotional tension, harsh shampoos, general exhaustion .Other factors contributing to this disorder are emotional tension, harsh shampoos, exposure to cold, and general exhaustion.

Home Remedies for Dandruff

Dandruff treatment using Fenugreek Seeds

The use of fenugreek seeds is one of the most important remedies in the treatment of dandruff. Two tablespoons of these seeds should be soaked overnight in water and ground into a fine paste in the morning. This paste should be applied all over the scalp and left for half an hour. The hair should then be washed thoroughly with soap-nut (ritha) solution or acacia concinna.

Dandruff treatment using Lime

The use of a teaspoon of fresh lime juice for the last rinse, while washing the hair, is another useful remedy. This not only leaves the hair glowing but also removes stickiness and prevents dandruff.

Dandruff treatment using Green Gram Powder

A valuable prescription for removal of dandruff is the use of green gram powder. The hair should be washed twice a week with two tablespoons of this powder mixed with half a cup of curd.

Dandruff treatment using Beet

Beets have been found useful in dandruff. Both tops and roots should be boiled in water and this water should be massaged into the scalp with the finger tips every night. White beet is better for this purpose.

Dandruff treatment using Snake Gourd

The juice of snake gourd has been found beneficial in the prevention and treatment of dandruff. The juice should be rubbed over the scalp for this purpose.

Dandruff treatment using Other Remedies

Dandruff can be removed by massaging the hair for half an hour with curd which has been kept in the open for three days, or with a few drops of lime juice mixed with indian gooseberry juice every night, before going to bed. Another measure which helps to counteract dandruff is to dilute cider vinegar with an equal quantity of water and dab this on to the hair with cotton wool inbetween shampooing. Cider vinegar added to the final rinsing water after shampooing also helps to disperse dandruff.

Dietaries for Dandruff

All-fruit diet with three meala a day of juicy fruits

Diet plays an important role in the treatment of dandruff. To begin with, the patient should resort to an all-fruit diet for about five days and take three meals a day of juicy fruits.Avoid citrus fruits, bananas, tinned fruits Citrus fruits, bananas, dried, stewed, or tinned fruits should not be taken.

Well-balanced diet

After the all-fruit diet, the patient can gradually adopt a well-balanced diet, with emphasis on raw foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. Further short periods of an all-fruit diet for three days or so may be necessary at monthly intervals till the skin's condition improves.

Avoid strong tea/coffee, pickles, refined and processed foods

Meats, sugar, white flour, strong tea or coffee, condiments, pickles, refined and processed foods should all be avoided.

Other Dandruff treatments

Keep hair and scalp clean to avoid accumulation of dead cells .The foremost consideration in the treatment of this disorder is to keep the hair and scalp clean so as to minimise the accumulation of dead cells.

Hair should be brushed daily to improve circulation

The hair should be brushed daily to improve the circulation and remove any flakiness. The most effective way to brush the hair is to bend forward from the waist with the head down towards the ground, and brush from the nape of the neck towards the top of the head. The scalp should also be thoroughly massaged everyday, using one's finger tips and working systematically over the head. This should be done just before or after brushing the hair. Like brushing, this stimulates the circulation, dislodges dirt and dandruff, and encourages hair growth. Exposure of the head to the rays of the sun is also a useful measure in the treatment of dandruff.

Warm-water enema

During the first five days of the treatment when the patient takes an all-fruit diet, a warm-water enema should be taken daily to cleanse the bowels. Simultaneously, an attempt should be made to keep the body in good health.

How to Cure Dandruff

Dandruff is due to the excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp.As it is normal for skin cells to die and flake off, a small amount of flaking is normal and in fact quite common.
Some people, however, either chronically or as a result of certain triggers, experience an unusually large amount of flaking, which can also be accompanied by redness and irritation.

Food Chains

2009-06-13T21:55:00.000-07:00

Food chains describe the eating relationships between species within an ecosystem or a particular living place. Organisms are connected to the organisms they consume by lines representing the direction of organism or energy transfer. It also shows how the energy from the producer is given to the consumer. Typically a food chain or food web refers to a graph where only connections are recorded, and a food network or ecosystem network refers to a network where the connections are given weights representing the quantity of nutrients or energy being transferred.

A food chain is the flow of energy from one organism to the next and to the next and so on. Organisms in a food chain are grouped into trophic levels, based on how many links they are removed from the primary producers. Trophic levels may contain either a single species or a group of species that are presumed to share both predators and prey. They usually start with a plant and end with a carnivore.

Hydrophobia or Rabies

2009-06-13T21:51:00.000-07:00

Rabies or hydrophobia is a viral neuroinvasive disease that causes acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) in warm-blooded animals. It is zoonotic (i.e. transmitted by domesticated / stray animals), most commonly by a bite from an infected animal, but occasionally by other forms of contact. It is fatal if left untreated. In some countries it is a significant killer of livestock.

The rabies virus makes its way to the brain by following the peripheral nerves. The incubation period of the disease depends on how far the virus must travel to reach the central nervous system, usually taking a few months.Once the infection reaches the central nervous system and symptoms begin to show, the untreated infection is usually fatal within days.

In the beginning stages of rabies, the symptoms are malaise, headache, and fever, while in later stages it includes acute pain, violent movements, uncontrolled excitements, depressions, and the inability to swallow water (hence the name hydrophobia). In the final stages, the patient begins to have periods of mania and lethargy, and coma. Death generally occurs due to respiratory insufficiency.

Statin Drugs

2009-05-25T07:14:00.000-07:00

What are the statin drugs?

The statins are the most widely used, and also the most powerful medications for lowering LDL cholesterol. Numerous large, randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled, , clinical trials controlled trials) have shown that statins reduce heart attacks (and strokes) and improve survival. Statins are well tolerated with low side effect rates when used long term. Statins not only lower blood LDL cholesterol levels, they also modestly increase HDL cholesterol levels and
modestly decrease triglyceride levels. The statins that are now on pharmacy shelves in the U.S. (putting the generic name first followed by the brand name in
parentheses) are:

rosuvastatin ( Crestor)
fluvastatin sodium (Lescol) made by Novartis
atorvastatin calcium (Lipitor) made by Parke-Davis and Pfizer
lovastatin (Mevacor) made by Merck
pravastatin sodium (Pravachol) made by Bristol-Myers Squibb
simvastatin (Zocor) made by Merck

Studies have consistently shown that lowering LDL cholesterol with diet and statins reduces the risk of a second heart attack. The prevention of recurrent heart attacks in patients who have already suffered a heart attack is called secondary prevention.

Studies have also demonstrated that reducing LDL cholesterol with lifestyle changes and statins reduces the risk of having the first heart attack. Prevention of heart attacks in those who have never had a heart attack is called primary prevention.

Studies have also confirmed that reducing LDL cholesterol benefits both men and women, and the elderly. For more, please read our article on Statins.

------
How do doctors select statin drugs?

Which statin to use is an individualized decision. There are several considerations in choosing a statin:
? In patients who need intense LDL cholesterol-lowering, it is more appropriate to use one of the more potent statins, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor) or rosuvastatin (Crestor). Sometimes a statin may need to be combined with another medication such as cholestyramine (Questran), ezetimibe (Zetia) or nicotinic acid, in order to achieve the LDL cholesterol goals.

? In patients with chronic liver disease who need statin treatment, it is important to completely abstain from alcohol and use either pravastatin (Pravachol) or rosuvastatin (Crestor) in low doses. (Pravastatin and rosuvastatin are safer to use in patients with liver disease.) If LDL cholesterol goals cannot be attained with low doses of either of these two statins, cholestyramine Questran) or ezetimibe (Zetia) can be added.

? In patients who develop muscle aches or muscle damage with a statin, it may be appropriate to try another statin, such as pravastatin (Pravachol), that probably has less of a muscle toxic effect than the other statins. In patients who are at risk of developing muscle injury (for example a patient who is already taking gemfibrozil), pravastatin (Pravachol) would also be a suitable statin to use.
? Atorvastatin (Lipitor) and fluvastatin (Lescol) do not require dose adjustments in patients with kidney diseases.

What determines the level of LDL cholesterol in the blood?

2009-05-25T05:34:00.000-07:00

The liver not only manufactures and secretes LDL cholesterol into the blood; it also removes LDL cholesterol from the blood. A high number of active LDL receptors on the liver surfaces is associated with the rapid removal of LDL cholesterol from the blood and low blood LDL cholesterol levels. A deficiency of LDL receptors is associated with high LDL cholesterol blood levels.

Both heredity and diet have a significant influence on a person's LDL, HDL and total cholesterol levels. For example, familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common inherited disorder whose victims have a diminished number or nonexistent LDL receptors on the surface of liver cells. People with this disorder also tend to develop atherosclerosis and heart attacks during early adulthood.

Diets that are high in saturated fats and cholesterol raise the levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood. Fats are classified as saturated or unsaturated (according to their chemical structure). Saturated fats are derived primarily from meat and dairy products and can raise blood cholesterol levels. Some vegetable oils made from coconut, palm, and cocoa are also high in saturated fats.

What are LDL and HDL cholesterol?

2009-05-25T05:33:00.000-07:00

LDL cholesterol is called "bad" cholesterol, because elevated levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease. LDL lipoprotein deposits cholesterol on the artery walls, causing the formation of a hard, thick substance called cholesterol plaque. Over time, cholesterol plaque causes thickening of the artery walls and narrowing of the arteries, a process called atherosclerosis.

HDL cholesterol is called the "good cholesterol" because HDL cholesterol particles prevent atherosclerosis by extracting cholesterol from the artery walls and disposing of them through the liver. Thus, high levels of LDL cholesterol and low levels of HDL cholesterol (high LDL/HDL ratios) are risk factors for atherosclerosis, while low levels of LDL cholesterol and high level of HDL cholesterol (low LDL/HDL ratios) are desirable.

Total cholesterol is the sum of LDL (low density) cholesterol, HDL (high density) cholesterol, VLDL (very low density) cholesterol, and IDL (intermediate density) cholesterol.

The Science of Staying Young

2009-05-15T06:01:00.000-07:00

The Science of Staying Young

Our purpose in writing this book is to share with you ten
simple, but critical, steps for maintaining an optimal quality of life
throughout your lifetime, regardless of your current age and the
genes that you inherited. In fact, if you start to follow the suggestions
in this book, within days and weeks you will likely experience
the following, no matter how old you are:
• An upsurge in your energy levels
• An enhanced enjoyment of your life and daily activities
• A noticeable increase in the sharpness of your mind
• A stronger sex drive
The Science of Staying Young is not just about aging gracefully—it’s about living and feeling your best for the rest of your life.

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http://4ebooks.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=ale&thread=284

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5 TIPS TO LIMIT YOUR CELL PHONE RISK

2009-05-06T23:05:00.001-07:00

Director Devra Davis of the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Environmental Oncology, and her group recently put out recommendations that we should be using a speaker-phone or ear piece. The report says children, who have thinner skulls and developing brains, should use cell phones only in case of emergency. And heaven forbid anyone should carry a cell phone in a pocket or clipped to a belt.

"You're just roasting your bone marrow," Davis said.

Oh, boy. Another thing to worry about. Or maybe Davis is an alarmist. It's so hard to tell. Although there are many large studies showing no connection between mobile phones and cancer, there are a few that do.

As Davis puts it, do you really want to play Russian roulette with your head?

But if you do buy the cellphones-cause-cancer argument, you have to figure out the best way to talk on a cell phone, seeing as how most of us can't live without them. Should you use the wired headset that came with your phone? A Bluetooth earpiece?

Cell phones have been wildly popular for only a matter of years, and it can take at least a decade for cancers to show up. Studies contradict each other, and scientists bicker: Some will tell you with great conviction that there's nothing to worry about. Others will tell you with equal conviction that an epidemic of brain tumors may be just around the corner.

The cell phone industry itself says "the overwhelming majority of studies that have been published in scientific journals around the globe show that wireless phones do not pose a health risk."

So what are we all to do until they figure it out? After enough interviews with physicists, engineers and doctors to make me want to stick my head in a microwave oven, one common line of reasoning emerged. Cell phones do emit radiation. No one knows definitively whether it's enough to worry about. Mobile phones meet federal safety limits, but if you're still worried, there are some simple steps you can take to lower your exposure to radiation.

1. Use the speakerphone

This was, without question, the favorite alternative of the experts I talked to. Nothing is near your head. "Hold it away from a minimum of a few inches. A foot or two is ideal," said Magda Havas, an associate professor with the Institute for Health Studies at Trent University in Ontario, Canada.

Havas gives me a little math lesson. Every inch you can get away from your body, the radiation reduces very quickly. "Hold it out two inches, and the radiation drops by a factor of four. Hold it out four inches, and it drops by a factor of 16," she says. In other words, said Louis Slesin, editor of Microwave News, "every millimeter counts." 2. Use a wired headset with a ferrite bead No, this is not a piece of jewelry. A ferrite bead is a clip you put on the wire of a headset. The concern is that the wire itself emits radiation into your ear. The bead is designed to absorb the radiation so you don't. They're inexpensive and available at stores or online.

These clips are a favorite of Slesin's. "It's the way to go," he said.

Another fan: Lawrie Challis, physicist and former chair of the Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research Program, a government panel in Britain. "They did tests at the University of York and found that under even the worst conditions, if you use a ferrite bead, you can't even measure the radiation coming off the wire. This common device kills the radiation." Of course, if the phone is in your pocket or clipped to your belt, all bets are off, because the phone itself will be radiating into your body. So if you're worried about radiation, keep the phone as far away as possible, and Challis adds to do your best to make sure the wire isn't touching your body. 3. Use a Bluetooth earpiece

A Bluetooth earpiece still has radiation, but it's at least 100 times less than the radiation you get when you hold a cell phone to your head, Havas says. Our experts were split on which was better: a Bluetooth headset or a wired one. Israeli government recommendations issued this week specifically suggest a wire; Havas likes the Bluetooth. But even she says not to wear it when you're not talking; it still sends out a signal.

"Bluetooth is only whispering radiation into your ear. The problem is, some people wear it all the time," she says. "At the very least, switch it from ear to ear so you don't have too much exposure on one side."

Michael Foley, Ph.D., executive director of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group, says Bluetooth earpieces radiate 200 times less energy than cell phones.. "There is no evidence that a Bluetooth headset has any adverse effects on its users," he said. 4. Use a "hollow tube" earpiece It's just like a regular wired earpiece, except the last six inches or so -- the part next to your ear -- is a hollow tube. There's no wire under the plastic.

"You're getting the sound through the air. You're not dependent on radiofrequency waves," said Dr. David Carpenter, director of the Institute for Health and the Environment at the University of Albany.

Hollow tube earpieces can be purchased on several Web sites. 5. Get a phone with less radiation Phone radiation is measured in specific absorption rate, or SAR. To look up the SAR for your phone, check this list on CNET.com.

You might think the experts mentioned above all use earpieces or a speakerphone. Not so. Several said they hold it right up to their heads because they use their cells so infrequently, they're not worried about radiation.

"I use it maybe once or twice a week, no more than 10 minutes," said Challis, the former head of the British committee that studied cell phones and radiation. "I use a land line whenever I can."

It's the exposure, day after day, year after year, that matters.

As Challis, who's retired, puts it, "If I were younger, I'd take this much more seriously."

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