Medical Information Guide

Eating Disorders and Your Personality

2010-07-07T14:16:00.000-07:00

Lacking in confidence? Having trouble with being such a perfectionist? Although you may not notice it, some of your most distinguishing personality traits could determine your susceptibility to eating disorders. Studies have shown that people diagnosed with eating disorders share the same common denominator: specific self-defeating personality traits. Apart from these, however, having any of the identified personality disorders, possessed with specific distinctive negative traits, raises your chances of acquiring eating disorders. Below are the first two:

Avoidant Personality

Several studies have indicated that most anorexic patients have avoidant personalities due to their extreme fear of rejection. So sensitive are they to being criticized that the slightest off-hand remark suffices to strengthen their belief of their own inadequacy. The oversensitivity to failing of people with avoidant personality disorder is further elucidated by these traits: perfectionism; extreme

shyness; sexual and/or emotional inhibition; sensitivity to rejection; affinity with being “good”; and a fear of being criticized, ridiculed, and/or humiliated.

Narcissistic Personality

A personality disorder characterized by an extreme emphasis on one's importance, people falling under this category are prone to pacifying themselves. Their need for admiration from others explains why they are so sensitive to criticism and failure.

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Picture Link: http://www.sxc.hu/pic/m/l/li/livinus/150354_scream.jpg

Source: http://adam.about.com/reports/Eating-disorders.htm

http://www.mentalhealth.com/dis/p20-pe08.html

http://www.mentalhealth.com/dis/p20-pe07.html

At the Mercy of Anxiety? Check Your BP (blood pressure)!

2010-04-08T14:20:00.000-07:00

Do you find yourself feeling light-headed and out of breath during crunch time? Whether you're trying to beat a work deadline or running at the speed of light just so you could make it to the office in time, the effects such circumstances would have on your mental and physical system are the same: the onset of anxiety triggering a spike in your blood pressure. Even if you have no hypertension and are healthy throughout, fact has it that you too could experience a sudden, dramatic BP increase once anxiety sets in.

Although physically uncomfortable, these temporary BP spikes have no serious physical damage. As it is, it is not confirmed that anxiety directly causes hypertension. However, should the aforementioned episodes escalate to the point that you experience them more frequently or every day, then a lifestyle change coupled with a visit to your doctor are in order. Just like chronic hypertension, regularly experiencing a surge in your BP due to anxiety is as detrimental to your kidneys, heart, and blood vessels. Besides, since anxiety could prompt you to turn to unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking, and overeating; you also run the risk of acquiring hypertension later on.

Contributed By: Maris Modesto

Maximize the Destressing Benefits of Relaxation Response

2010-04-07T14:44:00.000-07:00

As you get started with your relaxation response practice, do it properly by observing these significant pointers:

Find time to do it.In starting out your relaxation response practice, it's imperative to find the right time that you have especially set aside for it. Depending on your schedule, see to it that once you have decided on the specific time, you would manage to keep it. Regularity requires sticking to a fixed schedule. This way, you are assured of fully absorbing the stress-relieving benefits of relaxation response into your system.
Never do it when you're feeling drowsy or lethargic. Since relaxation response activities are intended to relax you totally, they could make you sleepy. However, falling asleep would mean not being able to complete the exercise, hence, you miss out on getting the most from it. To prevent this, ascertain that the period you've chosen is nowhere near your bedtime or during those hours when you're likely to feel drowsy.
Practice the activity that you like best. There are many different activities promoting the benefits of relaxation response, and all of them are equally effective. It all boils down to selecting the one which appeals to you the most.

Contributed By: Maris Modesto

What You Should Know About AS (Asperger's Syndrome)

2010-04-06T13:30:00.000-07:00

At first glance, AS people are hardly any different from others. However, getting to know them better or becoming intimate with them would give you a closer look at what exactly it is about them that distinguishes them from the rest. As it is, AS people are very well capable of functioning in typical life settings just like everybody else. However, they possess specific symptoms, especially poor or immature socialization skills and a distinctive oddity of behavior, specifically categorizing them among the 400,000 families suspected to be riddled with Asperger's syndrome—a neurobiological disorder characterized by impaired social skills and poor coordination.

Although diagnosis can be made as early as the age of three, it is not unusual for most AS people to be misdiagnosed with ADHD before it can be confirmed that what they have is actually AS later on. To familiarize you better with the nature of AS, here are its other symptoms:

Predilection for “self” topics when conversing with others
Robotic and reiterative speech
Not having enough “common sense”
Academic problems; specifically with math, reading, or writing
Unusual mannerisms and/or behaviors
Bungling movements
Fixation for complicated topics (patterns, music, etc.)
Improper and/or limited social interactions

Contributed By: Maris Modesto

Foolproof Tips in Managing Sunburn

2010-04-05T14:18:00.000-07:00

“An ounce of prevention is always better than a pound of cure.” The truth of this popular adage can never be disputed, especially where one's health is at stake. As it is, this also applies to even seemingly mundane complaints as sunburn. Typical during the hot summer months, the best step in addressing sunburn is through conscientious prevention. Capable of ruining the skin - the main organ used for heat control and fluid retention as well as protection against infection - handling sunburn can be done by following these foolproof tips:

Get indoors or shield sunburned areas immediately. Further exposure to the sun after you have had sunburn would only worsen it.

Spot check the sunburned area for blisters. The latter are indications of second-degree burns, meaning that the affected are has suffered complete damage and is already prone to complications. Emergency cases calling for immediate medical attention would be indicated by having such a big blister that it could cover an entire abdomen or is bigger than an arm.

Ease the discomfort and pain via a shower or bath. Aloe or over-the-counter cooling agents could also be applied on the affected areas. However, never use oil or butter.

Contributed By: Maris Modesto

Zeroing In On Teen Depression

2010-03-30T14:42:00.000-07:00

In discussing teen depression, many factors come into play, ranging from genetics to social, physical, as well as environmental factors. Defining the manner whereby a particular teenager could be at risk requires discussing his inherent personality aside from the previously mentioned factors. Teen girls are said to have a higher risk since they often obtain their self-esteem through their relationships.

However, depression cannot be contained to only one life premise. With the many challenges confronting adolescents as they struggle with growing up, it can be surmised that like every body else, depression is a perennial threat if they're not careful.

Most cases of teenagers who had depression experienced the following: teen pregnancy, drug or substance abuse, and lagging behind their peers in academics or other areas. Once depression sets in, the ultimate risk would be having that compulsion to commit suicide. To keep teens safe, parental support and guidance are important. As with other health issues, preventing the disorder from settling in is the best way to ensure that your teen is protected from its adverse effects. Prioritizing their health concerns means being attentive not only to their physical needs, but also to their mental needs as well.

Contributed By: Maris Modesto

Plate Size Matters

2010-03-26T12:45:00.001-07:00

In telling the reasons behind the compulsion driving people to overeat unconsciously, a food psychologist pointed out that several factors come into play. Some studies revealed that one common reason in particular has a lot to do with the plate size we use for eating. Nevertheless, despite the variations of these factors, a food expert maintains that all these reasons compelling us to overeat without our noticing it are united under the fact that they exist only in our minds.

A problem generated by the demands of today's busy lifestyle, such tendencies are referred to as mindless eating by Brian Wansink, a behavioral scientist at the Cornell Food and Brand Lab. According to him, people are so preoccupied with the many things they are busy with during the day that they tend to lose track of how often they eat. He claims that the stomach has nothing to do with these compulsions. The mind is the sole culprit. However, as powerful as it is, it could be fooled easily using a simple technique: change plate sizes. Dr. Wansink confirmed, “Based on our studies, people get more food servings when their plates are bigger. They add up to 20-28% more.”

Contributed By: Maris Modesto

What It's Like to Be a Hypochondriac

2010-03-25T14:01:00.000-07:00

Getting sick due to a cold or flu hardly fazes anyone anymore. However, when the sickness becomes frequent, it can't be helped that others would be alarmed. Besides the possibilities that the concerned individual could just be feigning sickness or is really suffering from a particularly debilitating disease, another plausibility most of us overlook is hypochondria.

For some, hypochondria is a possibility after having experienced the demise of a loved one due to illness. Likewise, the same anxiety grips persons who are nearing the specific age whereby a loved one has passed away prematurely because of the same reason. Despite having a healthy disposition, anyone who has gone through the aforementioned experiences could become anxious over a particular disease that caused a loved one's death. They may suffer from panic attacks and mull over the idea that they're also troubled by the same symptoms.

Usually, majority of illnesses beleaguering hypochondriacs are nowhere near as serious as they thought. However, from their vantage point, it's magnified greatly. Though the physical aches and symptoms they're griping about could be real, the causes they associate these with aren't. Often, these arise from their elevated stress level resulting from their anxiousness about having the condition in the first place.

Contributed By: Maris Modesto

Identifying Giardiasis

2010-03-24T12:06:00.000-07:00

Unquestionably, drinking contaminated water poses a variety of health problems, which includes giardiasis. One of the primary causes of diarrhea in the United States, this disease derived its name from the microscopic parasite known as giardia lamblia, which disrupts the body's absorption of carbohydrates and fats from the food it digests. Even in typical chlorinated water, this parasite could survive. It can even thrive up to two months in cold water.

The primary symptom indicating the onset of giardiasis is when the patient begins to suffer from diarrhea. The characteristic of his stool would be watery and odorous without any trace of mucus or blood. Unlike the usual excrement that sinks in the toilet bowl's water, the stool of a person suffering from giardiasis would float. It would also have a characteristically shiny-like appearance since the fat hasn't been properly absorbed by the body.

In treating giardiasis, your doctor would prescribe medication to kill the giardia lamblia parasite. The process usually takes five days up to a week. For children, medicines in liquid form are usually administered. Since some of these medications have side effects, it is best to stay vigilant as soon as the child starts taking them.

Contributed By: Maris Modesto

Food and Your Emotions

2010-02-12T13:49:00.000-08:00

Do you often find yourself hungry whenever you feel down? If your answer to this question is a big “yes,” then you're ranked among the many people labeled as emotional eaters. Although common, the compulsion to use food to compensate for adverse emotions endangers your weight loss efforts. Emotional eating makes you susceptible to overeating, especially with high risk high-calorie foods with lots of sugar and/or fat.

Food serves as one of the most common emotional pacifiers whenever people find themselves stressed out and/or beleaguered by problems. The act of eating itself is a form of distraction. It keeps them preoccupied while suppressing adverse emotions like sadness, confusion, anger, loneliness, fear, boredom, or a combination of any of them.

Even if there are people who tend to eat less when confronted by these emotions, getting emotionally distressed also leaves them vulnerable to eating compulsively. Whether done consciously or not, the peril of having your emotions entwined with food could send you reaching out for whatever food is available every time you feel bad. Regardless of what particular emotion has triggered your compulsion, you still end up with the same risks: botched weight loss efforts and becoming unhealthy.

Contributed By: Maris Modesto

Fishy Matters That Really Matter

2010-02-02T11:01:00.000-08:00

Rich in omega-3-fatty acids, protein, and other vital nutrients sans the high levels of saturated fat, fish is a major component of a well-balanced diet, helpful in achieving and maintaining our healthy weight. However, because it has been confirmed that fish contains mercury and other toxins prevalent in our environment, questions concerning its healthfulness has been raised. To stay on the safe side without sacrificing the health benefits of eating fish, be guided by these pointers:

King Mackerel, Shark, Tilefish, and Swordfish have been confirmed to contain the most amount of toxins, hence, we are advised to exclude them from our diets.

It's safe to consume up to 12 ounces of these fish and shellfish with low amounts of mercury: canned light tuna, salmon, shrimp, pollock, and catfish.

Since white tuna (albacore) contains more mercury than light tuna, we're advised to consume no more than six ounces of it weekly.

Following these pointers would assure our continued enjoyment of the nutritional benefits of fish. Overall, too much consumption of mercury results to severe health complications, specifically risking the brain and nervous system. Those at higher risk are pregnant women, their unborn fetuses, lactating women, and young children.

Contributed By: Maris Modesto

Why Organic Produce Is Better

2010-02-01T11:26:00.000-08:00

The organic food trend sweeping across the globe isn't media hype alone. Learn how going organic could improve health by considering these facts:

* Organic produce tops the freshness list.

Since organically grown produce is not treated with preservatives to prolong its storage life, it's definitely fresher. And fresh fruits and veggies always taste better. However, in buying organic products, knowledge of the source is important. Usually, the farms producing them are located near the places where they're sold.

* Using organic farming methods benefits us and our environment.

Organic farming methods is considered beneficial to our environment because of the following: it decreases pollution, soil contamination and erosion, saves water, makes the soil more fertile, and decreases energy consumption. Because organic farming never uses chemical fertilizers and pesticides, we're treated to pesticide-free and more nutritious fruits and veggies.

* Eating organic meat omits the health risk of adverse side effects.

Livestock raised the organic way is neither fed with animal by-products nor given antibiotics, which could translate to negative health consequences for us. Moreover, the animals are raised in a more spacious environment instead of being cramped together, thus, promoting their overall better health. Reasonably, healthy livestock means healthier meat.

Contributed By: Maris Modesto

The Importance of Keeping a Healthy Weight

2010-01-21T12:41:00.000-08:00

The benefits of keeping a healthy weight goes beyond appearances. Besides having a more appealing vital statistics, achieving and maintaining your body's ideal weight is equivalent to a healthier and hardier physique. In effect, your risk of contracting illnesses, especially serious ones, is decreased greatly.

Based on researches, obesity lowers a person's life expectancy by nine years on average. With this comes heightened risks of contracting serious ailments such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancers in the breast, prostate and colon. Accordingly, experts have pointed out that only a small percentage of people suffer from obesity due to Cushing's syndrome or slow metabolism due to an underactive thyroid. Majority of obese people worldwide attribute their condition to unhealthy habits characterized by consuming beyond their daily required caloric consumption coupled with a sedentary lifestyle.

But as debilitating as the health consequences of obesity are, it is still a reversible condition. In losing the excess weight, we also decrease our risk of the serious illnesses associated with obesity. Making important healthy lifestyle changes is imperative. Losing weight through a combination of healthy eating and regular exercise becomes more effective if we exercise more and eat less.

Contributed By: Maris Modesto

Getting to Know Financial Stress

2010-01-19T08:44:00.000-08:00

Tough economic times always puts the pressure on our finances that we can't help but feel anxious, worried, and/or sad. Where money matters are concerned, the need for surviving in the modern world doesn't exempt us from the burdening mental stress that comes with being preoccupied about anything concerning our bills. Hence, all of us are susceptible to financial stress. Like the usual stress, financial stress affects us physically and mentally. Find out how this comes about by pondering on these facts:

Physical Changes

trouble sleeping or staying asleep
declining concentration ability
feeling down or even tearful during random instances
loss of appetite

Mental Changes

pessimistic way of thinking that leads to feelings of helplessness and/or hopelessness
loss of enthusiasm reflected in oversleeping or wanting to be alone most of the time
shying away from other people's company or decreased enthusiasm for socializing with friends and loved ones

Coping with these adverse changes is possible when you follow the given suggestions below:

Stick to your usual routine in spite of yourself.
Expose yourself to early morning sunshine.
Talk it out with a friend.
Be attentive to your physical health needs (healthy diet and regular exercise) despite your feelings.

Contributed By: Maris Modesto

Mesothelioma a Rare Disease

2009-12-10T02:20:00.000-08:00

This is a uncommon form of cancer, commonly attached to exposure to asbestos. In Mesothelioma, cancerous cells develop in the mesothelium, a defensive lining that covers most of the bodies inner organs. The most common site for Mesothelioma is the outer lining of the lungs along with chest cavity (known as the pleura lining), but it may also occur in the lining of the abdominal cavity (also known as the peritoneum) or the outer lining of the heart (pericardium).

Individuals who develop Mesothelioma have typically worked in jobs where they were exposed to asbestos particles via airborne means, or by direct contract with contaminated materials used by loved ones or friends in such occupations.

Mesothelioma symptoms

It may take upwards of 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos for Mesothelioma symptoms to become apparent. Among the symptoms of Mesothelioma one might see, the primary two associated with plural cavity Mesothelioma are:

shortness of breath
pain in the chest - most likely due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space

Symptoms of Mesothelioma that are affecting the peritoneal cavity may include

weight loss
abdominal swelling
pain due to ascites (a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity).
bowel obstruction
blood clotting abnormalities
anemia
fever

If the cancer has spread then the symptoms may diversify as well. General symptoms of metastasized Mesothelioma may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.

All symptoms on this page may be caused by Mesothelioma, especially if the individual had a prior exposure to high levels of asbestos earlier in life. However, all of these symptoms can be caused by less serious conditions.

Dengue Alert

2009-12-07T22:30:00.000-08:00

What is dengue?

Dengue fever is a relatively common problem in Asia and periodically reaches epidemic proportions in some countries like Indonesia, Philippines and others, usually every 4-5 years. Rarely fatal in fit adults, the patient is often left debilitated and requires considerable time for convalescence. Dengue Fever is most common during the rainy season (November - May) as the mosquito requires clean standing water to reproduce.

Dengue occurs due to infection by a flavivirus which is transmitted by the bite of the Aedes mosquito. (Unlike malaria, this disease occurs in greater Jakarta - urban dengue occurs in nearly all tropical countries like I said it before).

SYMPTOMS

Certainly in the aboriginal stages of illness, dengue fever is difficult if not impossible to distinguish clinically from the many other possible causes of similar symptoms and signs.

IN ADULTS:

The deposit of the dengue virus in the skin by the bite, there is an incubation period of 2 - 14 (usually 4 - 8) days.

Thereafter onset of symptoms is usually abrupt, coinciding with viremia (the virus multiplying in the bloodstream) with chills, headache, backache, weakness, pain behind the eyes, flushing of the face, muscle and joint pain, and lassitude. The joint and back pains can be very bad indeed; hence the older name 'breakbone fever'.

The temperature rapidly rises, often to 40°C (104°F), and there is a low heart rate (compared to the degree of, and other causes of, high fever). The blood pressure is often low also. A transient rash which blanches under pressure may be seen during the first 24 hours of fever.

During the 2nd to 6th day of fever, nausea and even vomiting may occur, and the patient may develop one or more of the following; skin hypersensitivity, generalized swelling of regional lymph nodes, swelling of the palms, changes in taste sensation, loss of appetite, constipation, anxiety and depression.

Within 2 to 4 days a temporary improvement can occur with a sudden drop in temperature and subjective improvement - for 24 hours until there is a second rapid temperature rise. A generalized morbilliform (“measles-like”) rash appears a characteristic rash on the trunk, limbs, palms and soles especially. (This second febrile phase does not invariably occur). This rash usually disappears in 1-5 days, the skin in these areas turn bright red and may peel. The temperature should fall back to normal and the infectious episode is effectively over.

Epistaxis (“nose bleeds”), petechiae (“red skin spots”) and purpuric skin lesions (“purple skin spots / bruises”) can occur at any stage of the disease, varying with age, sex, and type of dengue virus. Bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, and excessive vaginal bleeding if menstruating can also occur, but do not usually occur in most cases.

IN CHILDREN:

A fever occurs in nearly all dengue infections in children; the other most common symptoms are a red throat, a (usually mild) runny nose, cough, and mild gastrointestinal symptoms which of course may present similar to pharyngitis, influenza, and upper respiratory infections.

The presentation of dengue in the younger child is much less characteristic than in the older child and adult as above.

TREATMENT

It has no particular cure for the infectious caused by dengue virus in dengue fever or DHF / DSS. The complications can and should be treated, and in the rare cases of DSS, treatment for shock as well as a low platelet count is both essential and available including fresh blood and / or platelet transfusion but there is no medicine or vaccine anywhere available that can act specifically against the virus.

It has been suggested that DHF is more likely if the patient has previously had an attack of dengue within the last calendar year (generally within the last eight-twelve months), and that the occurrence of DHF relates to this previous "sensitization". Previous exposure may raise the incidence of subsequent DHF, presumably (as experiments have shown) by the antibody elicited in response to the first infection, being capable of enhancing the infection due to the virus found in the second episode.

Uncontrolled bleeding distinguishes this from uncomplicated dengue fever. Bleeding can occur from the gums, nose, intestine, or under the skin as bruises or spots of blood especially under a tourniquet this test should be employed if there is any suspicion. The liver is often enlarged.

More Public Transportation, Less Obesity

2009-12-07T02:15:00.000-08:00

The problem of obesity is known to be at an all-time high in the United States, with an ever-increasing number of young people being found to either be obese or be at risk of it. This is, of course, a bit of a severe problem, and the federal government has attempted to take numerous steps to try and fix the problem. However, recent research has also started to delve into what might be the cause for these problems. According to a study that looked into the frequency of obesity in various countries, it seems that there may be a connection between walking, biking, and public transportation and the frequency of obesity in people.

The study has found that countries where walking, biking, or taking public transportation to work, shopping, or school have largely lower frequencies of obesity in the general population. The study found that the higher the rate of use for public transportation and methods such as bicycles or walking, the lower the recorded instances of obesity. It was also noted that Americans, who largely prefer to travel by car from one location to another, have the highest obesity rates in the world, and are also the people least likely to walk, cycle, or take mass transit.

An estimated 12% of all people use active transportation in the United States, with 9% of that number walking, 1% riding bikes, and 2% taking a bus or train. As for the rest of the population, the car is found to be the favored means of getting around – incidentally, a third of that segment of the population have been found to be obese. This is in comparison to the 67% of commuters in Latvia, 52% of the population that prefers to walk in the Netherlands, and 62% of Swedes who walk, bike, or use mass transit. The obesity rate for Latvia is at 14%, while the Netherlands has it at 11% - significantly lower than for the US.

Part of the reason for this was found to be the structure of most European cities. The roads tended to be narrower and allowed less traffic flow, discouraging people from using cars. In contrast, US areas have much wider roads to allow for more vehicles to pass, and to speed up the flow of traffic. European cities, therefore, are structured to discourage too many people from driving cars, while American cities are designed to accommodate large numbers of vehicles on the road at once.

Workaholism: Working For The Sake of Constant Activity

2009-02-19T02:13:00.000-08:00

Some people are not aware that there is a world of difference between being “hardworking” and being a “workaholic.” Being hardworking is characterized by perseverance and diligence. However, being compelled to work for the sake of working, and you feel panic, anxiety or a sense of loss when you aren’t working, is a case of being a workaholic. And that is a totally different story.
The difference between the two lies in knowing when to stop and set boundaries. A hardworking person knows when he/she has worked long enough. On the other hand, the workaholic feels uneasy and not yet satisfied with his/her work even if he/she has been doing it for hours longer than the usual. The lack of constant activity makes the workaholic person uneasy and incomplete.
According to Diane M. Fassel, author of Working Ourselves to Death and Chief Executive of New Measures, which conducts employee satisfaction surveys, “the workaholic is addicted to incessant activity. The behavior continues even if the worker becomes aware that it is personally harmful — even harmful to the quality of the work.”
Compared to drug addiction and alcoholism, being a workaholic is viewed by many as praiseworthy. They are rewarded for working excessively, which never happens with addiction.
However, mental health professionals are now considering workaholism as a condition that can cause both mental and physical damage. There are certain types of people who are more susceptible to workaholism than others. They are the perfectionists and those who have the need to be always in control.
Also, these are the people who engage in too much work in order to escape from a bad relationship or to make up for an absence in one’s personal life. The danger of working too hard is that the stress that goes along with it has been shown to lead to substance abuse, sleep disorders, anxiety, and, ultimately, to physical problems like heart disease.
The following are tell-tale signs of workaholism:
When most people close to you feel neglected by you because of your work, you should certainly take their concerns seriously.
When you regularly conceal from family members that you are working, even sneaking into the next room to work on your laptop, you may have a problem.
Nowadays, people are just too willing to get connected, 24-7. Advances in technology have significantly contributed in transforming people into becoming workaholics. The advent of mobile phones, laptops, and internet shops allow people easy access to go online wherever they are; be it in the restaurants, on the sidewalk, at home, or during vacation.
Workaholism can be very hard to change. It will require professional help, as well as behavioral and cognitive therapy. During treatment, workaholics may go through withdrawal syndrome. The active support of family members and friends may be needed to turn the tide.

Why Some Soldiers Don't Get Battle Stress

2009-02-17T01:58:00.000-08:00

War is a jarring thing. The sounds of shells being fired, the sight of comrades getting shot, and the experience of things exploding within one's immediate vicinity can all have a tremendous effect on mental health and stability. It is, therefore, not all that surprising that people who have seen combat are a little jarred, and may not be quite normal. Depression, anxiety, and other disorders are not uncommon side effects of having seen battle, which is why the military has established programs and services specifically to help returning soldiers cope with what's happened to them. However, there are also a few people that, simply put, don't seem at all affected. According to recent research on the matter, certain individuals have lower levels of stress hormones and, as a consequence, don't get stressed.

It is known that some people simply perform better than others when put into a high-stress situation. Some people have the ability to keep cool heads, regardless of what is going on around them. This is true for mundane situations, such as an approaching deadline, and it is true for combat situations, with shells exploring, bullets flying, and all manner of unpleasant sensory data coming in. A recently completed study has managed to find what may be the reason for such behavior, and why not everyone is capable of displaying such calm. There have been some who theorized that this might be more linked to biochemistry than mental health.

According to the study, blood samples taken from soldiers who fared best under levels of extreme stress had lower levels of cortisol and higher levels of neuropeptide Y. What does this mean for the average person? It means that the soldier in question had lower levels of a stress hormone, and higher levels of a chemical that is designed to damped the stress response of the body. This means that the body's systems manage to turn down stress levels much better than the average person. Now, the next aim of the research team is to find some way to extend this benefit to those who aren't as cool-headed under stress. Potential benefits for mental health are still undetermined.

The Prospect Of Depressing Sex

2009-02-11T18:43:00.000-08:00

Most grouping equal stimulate with pleasure, happiness, or at least base, physical enjoyment. What the average mortal does not mentally associate stimulate with is depression. However, there are whatever grouping that actually mentally associate stimulate with any number of negative factors. Everything from discomfort to boredom to pain can be cited, and in whatever cases, it can actually leave a mortal feeling lethargic and depressed for a long period afterwards. It isn't meet the elderly – who tend to be stereotyped as existence too old for stimulate – who have this problem, as there are numerous grouping in their younger years that are known to experience discomfort or depression at the prospect of stimulate or afterwards.

People with this difficulty sometimes have conditions that attain stimulate an state that only cannot be enjoyed, but there are also those who have clean bills of health, in both the physical and mental fields. This difficulty is meet as likely to manifest among the well-adjusted and hard-working grouping as it is in those who are mentally unstable and psychologically imbalanced. It isn't a lack of friends, kinsfolk or personal support structure, either. It can be quite tempting to assume that this difficulty with stimulate only stems from issues towards the partner or to stimulate in general, but extended analysis might expose that this is not the case. There are meet whatever grouping that are incapable of finding pleasure in sexual intercourse.

There are cases of grouping – usually women – who experience pure episodes of depression that last for several hours after intercourse. These cases have null added wrong with them physically, and their psychiatric profiles are as connatural as one could get aside from the problem. While it is true that grouping can sometimes feel quite sad after intercourse, this is not thoughtful an adequate explanation for the pure depression and dysphoria that the above cases feel, as it is significantly more tumultuous and goes beyond the simple feeling most experience. The answer to this question, however, is still thoughtful to be up to speculation.

The Reasons For Abnormal Blood Sugar

2009-02-08T18:22:00.000-08:00

When the body fails to regulate blood sugar (glucose), it may result in serious, and even fatal, complications like diabetes. The regulation of glucose is a function of not one, but three organs of the body, namely the pancreas, the liver, and the muscles, with some help from fats. However, a startling new discovery about a hormone released from the bone is significantly changing our understanding of diabetes and giving new clues on how to deal with it.

Diabetes is considered to be the fifth leading killer of Americans. In addition to the body's failure to regulate glucose, other specific types of diabetes result from specific genetic syndromes, surgery, drugs, malnutrition, infections, and other illnesses.

On the other hand, new research suggests that the issue is even more complex than what it seems to be. A hormone from the skeleton may influence how the body handles sugar. There is also increasing evidence that demonstrates that the signals from the immune system, the brain, and the gut play very important roles in controlling glucose and lipid metabolism. These findings are mainly relevant to Type 2 diabetes, the more common kind, which comes on in adulthood.

While elevated blood sugar defines diabetes, the reasons for abnormal sugar tend to be different from one individual to another. It is in understanding exactly what signals are involved that raises the hope of providing the right care for each person each day, rather than giving everyone the same drug.

Lead researcher, Dr. Gerard Karsenty, first described the findings at a conference where the assembled scientists appeared to be overwhelmed by the potential implications of the study. It was the first time that the skeleton was actually seen as an endocrine organ, producing hormones that act outside of bone.

In his previous work, he had shown that a hormone produced by fat, called leptin, is an important regulator of bone metabolism. In this work, idea that if fat regulates bone, bone must regulate fat was tested. His experiment with mice revealed that a previously known substance called osteocalcin, which is produced by bone, acted by signaling fat cells, as well as the pancreas. The net effect is to improve how mice secrete and handle insulin, the hormone that helps the body move glucose from the bloodstream into cells of the muscle and liver, where it can be used for energy or stored for future use. Insulin is also important in regulating lipids.

Patients with Type 2 diabetes no longer heed the hormone’s directives due to the cells' resistance to insulin. Their blood glucose levels surge and production of insulin in the pancreas decline as well.

The experiment revealed an increase in osteocalcin which addressed the twin problems of insulin resistance and low insulin production. The mice became more sensitive to insulin and it increased their insulin production, thus bringing their blood sugar down. As a bonus, it also made obese mice less fat.

Should osteocalcin works in humans as well, it can be considered as a “unique new treatment” for Type 2 diabetes. Most current diabetes drugs either raise insulin production or improve insulin sensitivity, but not both. Drugs that increase production tend to make insulin resistance worse. A deficiency in osteocalcin could also turn out to be a cause of Type 2 diabetes.

Why You Should Considering Having Sex Regularly

2009-02-05T19:45:00.000-08:00

Sex is a good thing, not only for partners who want to bond more with each other, but also for the individual's health. This is, of course, provided that sex is done in moderation. However, it is important to keep in mind that having too much sex can take a bad toll on you and your health.

Below are some of the health benefits of sex:

1.It's a great form of exercise. Not only is it an enjoyable kind of exercise, but if you are one who's into trying different sexual positions, then you're using your different muscle groups.

2.It improves muscle and bone strength. Like any other form of exercise, sex puts our bones and muscles to use, giving them a strengthening workout of sorts.

3.It betters your cardiovascular health. It does so by increasing blood flow throughout the body and positively changing the good to bad cholesterol ratio.

4.It's a great stress reliever. Thanks to the oxytocin released by the body during sexual activity that releases endorphins that induce relaxation.

5.It improves blood oxygen levels. A healthy session of love making can increase the amount of oxygen in the cells. This helps keep our organs and tissues working perfectly.

6.It acts as an analgesic. Sex triggers the release of oxytocin in the body. This hormone increases one's pain threshold, providing significant relief from pain.

7.It offers prostate protection in men. Regular ejaculation is helpful in draining the fluid buildup that is said to cause various kinds of prostate-related problems.

8.It helps in women's hormone production. Instead of taking hormone replacement pills for estrogen deficiency, having regular sex sessions can naturally increase a woman's estrogen level. This will, in turn, help protect her heart and keep her vaginal tissues supple.

Again, it is important to emphasize at this point, that none of these benefits will be attainable if you have too much sex. Once or twice a week should be enough to give you the benefits you need from sex.

Stress Smoking and Hair Loss

2009-02-02T22:28:00.000-08:00

Almost everybody has to deal with stress on a day-to-day basis. From the baby trying to call an adult's attention, to the working head of the family trying to bring food to the dinner table, we all deal with stress in our own ways.

On a positive note, stress has its beneficial effects. It can sometimes give us an extra energy boost to accomplish tasks and helps keep us focused. However, when it becomes too much to handle, people start manifesting various psychological and physical symptoms of being overstressed. One of the many physical manifestations of being stressed is hair loss.

If you're thinking hair loss in the sense that they just start falling off on their own. That isn't the case. It is because when one is stressed, they get into habits that lead to hair loss and thinning.

One of the many habits stressed out people have is smoking. Smoking changes the way the body grows hair and restores the scalp. Smoking increases the amount of DHT or dihydrotestosterone in the hair follicles by 13%, and increases testosterone levels by 9%. Together, these two hormones increase the amount of hair lost and the rate it is lost.

Aside from aiding in the production of hormones that speed up hair loss, smoking also makes the blood vessels in the scalp constrict, thereby impeding the blood flow to the scalp. To add to that, carbon monoxide in the smoke you inhale interferes with the blood's oxygen carrying ability, making it even more difficult for fresh blood to get to the scalp to avoid further hair loss.

Smoking is just one of the many bad habits we turn to when we're pressured and stressed, there are still a lot more stress habits that could cause your hair loss. Would you still want to keep smoking after knowing that it's causing your baldness?

The Penis Has A Mind of It's Own

2009-02-02T01:52:00.000-08:00

Most men usually wonder why the penis often seems to have a mind of its own. Like the arms and legs, the penis responds to the autonomic nervous system which regulates heart rate and blood pressure and is not always under conscious control.

During sexual arousal, the conscious mind is usually in compliance with it. However, a lot of sexual arousal goes on in the sympathetic nervous system. During the REM phase of sleep, impulses from the brain may also cause erections. It doesn't matter if you're dream has anything to do with sex or not. Even straining to have a bowel movement or lifting heavy weights can also produce an erection.

In the same way that penis grows without your consent, it also shrinks on its own. According to Drogo Montague, MD, a urologist at the Cleveland Clinic, a man may have different sizes of its penis in flaccid state. Exposure to cold water or air makes your penis shrink. That's a function of the sympathetic nervous system. And since psychological stress affects the sympathetic nervous system, the flaccid penis looks bigger than when you're stressed out.

There is really no permanent relationship between the size of the flaccid penis and its full erect length. Based on a research study involving 80 men, it was found that increases from falccid to erect lengths ranged from less than a quarter inch to 3.5 inches longer.

It can mean that a guy with a big limp penis doesn't necessarily gets much bigger with an erection. Likewise, a man whose penis looks small could surprise you with a big erection. Sex researcher Alfred Kinsey said in his analysis of more than thousand penis measurements, shorter flaccid penises tend to gain about twice as much length as longer flaccid penises.

It is interesting to know that a penis that doesn't gain much length with an erection is called a “show-er” while a penis that gains a lot is said to be a “grow-er.” Statistics have shown that about 12% of penises gained one-third or less of their total length with an erection, and about 7% doubled in length when erect.

Resource Box : Monch Bravante is a freelance writer and an advertising practitioner with special interest in public health issues.

The Theoretical Cancer Vaccine

2009-01-30T00:21:00.000-08:00

One cannot be vaccinated against cancer. This is a simple, clear medical fact. Medical science just has no way of developing a vaccine that would prevent a condition like cancer from taking hold. The technology does not exist that would allow us to wipe out cancer in the same way that polio and smallpox have been. However, that doesn't mean that some sort of cancer vaccine would not be impossible in the future.

Theoretically, a cancer vaccine can be developed, it is simply a matter of the right research team looking into the right method. There have been several inroads made in the past few decades towards this aim, with testing of prospective vaccines having been conducted. Some trials are still in the process of being completed, as well. The problem, however, is that none of the results so far have shown enough promise to be the concrete way to prevent cancer.

Immunotherapy is considered to be among the most promising avenues of treatment for cancer that is currently available. The mentality behind this method involves developing medications and drugs that would allow the body to attack the cancerous cells, rather than relying on medications or radiation to do it. It also allows for the development of several experimental vaccines designed to provide a person immunity to cancer. In this vein, there are two major categories of hypothetical cancer vaccines: the specific and the universal.

As the name implies, specific vaccines are ones that are developed to treat a particular type of cancer. There are various forms of cancer, and some theorize that it would be better to develop a vaccine for each one separately to maximize the chances of preventing the condition. The universal, on the other hand, would theoretically function as a general “prevent-all” measure. It would not target any specific cancer, but would instead be intended to vaccinate the person to all known forms of cancer.

Your Eating Habits and Your Weight

2009-01-29T01:06:00.000-08:00

The link between your eating habits and your weight should be obvious enough not to need any explanation anymore. The more you eat, the more you gain weight. That is, of course, unless you have enough physical activities to burn what you eat.

For people who love eating but don't have the will or the desire to work out, taking weight loss products like Xenical can be the easiest solution. But they never took the moment to think that maybe simple changes in their eating habits can help just as much is shedding those unwanted pounds.

To get you started, here are some simple eating habit changes you can try to start losing those excess pounds:

1.Drink water. Instead of chugging down on artificially flavored fruit juices or sodas, why not drink water instead? Water can help flush out excess fat and toxins in the body. It can also act as an all-natural appetite suppressant by giving your stomach a full feeling without the extra calories.

2.Lay off the fat. By fat, we mean saturated fat. The kind that contains tons of bad cholesterol that not only makes you pack on those extra pounds, but also increase your risks of various cardiovascular diseases. True that fried foods are really great tasting, but these things pump your body full of unhealthy calories that can be difficult to eliminate. Choose low to no-fat alternatives to your salad dressing and dairy products. You can also try changing the way you cook from frying to broiling, baking, or steaming. You should also choose lean meat cuts instead of the fatty parts.

3.Trim your serving proportions. Everybody's used to having their food served in large portions. This has made a lot of people forget what the normal serving size is supposed to be. Try cutting your serving sizes down by a quarter of what you usually eat. Do this until such a time when your body is used to eating in smaller portions.

4.Choose healthy snack items. The problem with cutting your normal serving sizes down is the hunger pangs that go with it. If you can't bear the hunger pangs, grab a bite to eat. But be mindful enough to choose healthy snack items like fruits instead of your usual burgers and chips.

It's understandable that changing your eating habits would not come easy. It will take a lot of discipline and even more will power to do so. Just keep in mind that you're doing this for your own health and that should be motivation enough to keep at it.

Medical Negligence On Religious Grounds

2009-01-28T01:18:00.000-08:00

Some religious groups or denominations, for one reason or another, refuse to allow anyone in their congregation to have the benefit of medical attention. They forbid their followers from undergoing specific types of procedures, or taking certain types of medications. In some cases, the religions beliefs can ban medicine entirely and force followers to rely only on prayers and faith.

They claim that the First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects the right of people to their own choice of religious beliefs, but some judges have ruled that it does not necessarily protect the kind of conduct that those beliefs can cause. Some states have laws that allow parents and guardians to be exempt from criminal negligence charges based on child welfare laws, but only if the condition was not a threat to the child's life. However, a number of recent deaths caused by religious convictions of the parents have been instances where they were keenly aware of the deteriorating physical condition of their children.

An estimated 300 children have died within the US because of medical care withheld on religious grounds, according to representatives from Children's Health Care Is A Legal Duty, an Iowa-based group that advocates the punishment of parents that do not seek medical aid for children who require it. Criminal codes provide protection for parents in most of these cases, particularly if they can prove on religious grounds that their faith forbids them from seeking out help. This is something that the aforementioned group adamantly opposes, and they wish to have such parents be held legally liable.

This has put forth an interesting question. Should it be criminally liable for parents to knowingly neglect the health of their children if their religious beliefs forbid them from seeking out medical treatment? On one hand, the argument is that their beliefs and practices are protected by the Constitution. However, the counter-argument is that the beliefs are protected, but not any practices that may be covered by laws.

Stuff To Know About Skin Cancer

2009-01-26T23:36:00.000-08:00

Skin cancer is on the rise, according to the statistics. In 1938, 1 in 10,000 people were found to have a melanoma. As of 2008, that number has become 1 in every 93. Science already knows the link between sun exposure and skin cancer, and that link is quite well documented. Melanoma risks go up greatly if a person had blistering sunburns in their younger years, and that having very little exposure to the sun and then going outside can also increase the risks more than people who spend a lot of time outdoors.

So, what, exactly, is making skin cancer so much more prominent now than before? Well, that's a topic that's quite controversial, as there's not a whole lot of data on the matter. It is known that inflammation is one of the causes of skin cancer. However, eating foods that are rich in antioxidants and fatty acids decrease this, therefore theoretically reducing the risk of skin cancer, along with conditions such as heart disease and Alzheimer's. It should be noted that this is the case even if the person eating them is doing everything else wrong. However, the scientific data on this is largely circumstantial, which makes it hard to tell what really does make a difference.

All skin types are susceptible to developing skin cancer, and no skin type is less damaged by it than others. The sun is capable of damaging the body's ability to protect the skin, and sunscreen can only offer a small amount of protection. However, even if the protection is minimal, there is adequate evidence to show that it can lower the incidence of skin cancer. There are also other things that a person can do to protect against the damaging rays of the sun. These things include taking vitamins C and E, which help decrease the damage done by the sun.

New Use For An Old Antidepressant

2009-01-26T00:14:00.000-08:00

While not as popular a pharmaceutical treatment for depression as Prozac, the drug Lexapro has managed to carve out a market share for itself. It has been found to work on some patients that Prozac or other competitors are unable to affect, while some patients will show a reversal of the situation. Like many modern antidepressants, Lexapro alleviates the symptoms of depression by altering the levels of serotonin in the brain, resulting in an improvement in a person's mood. However, like many antidepressants that affect serotonin levels, there is a small possibility that it might have uses outside of being an antidepressant.

A recent study found data that shows that Lexapro might be useful as a means of countering anxiety in the elderly. The drug showed promise in that regard, but it was noted that the effect was “modest” and was not on part with medications made specifically to treat anxiety. The target condition is generalized anxiety disorder, which is not infrequent among older adults, and has been known to cause problems like muscle tension, fatigue, and insomnia. While the drug may not be as effective as other medications geared specifically to combat anxiety disorders, researchers believe that Lexapro has potential use in that market.

The researchers believe the drug has potential because the data showed indications that there may be long-term benefits to the drug. The ones that the drug was initially tested on were found to have better ability for conducting their daily lives, but it was likely that the medications alone was inadequate. While most of the data was found to be understandable, one unexpected benefit was found by the research team: the drug appeared to help in controlling the blood pressure of the patients.

It was quite surprising to discover, as it had never been known to have that sort of effect before. Researchers believe it might have some benefit for those who, like the elderly, deal with both anxiety and some problems with their blood pressure.

Eczema In The Offing

2009-01-22T23:00:00.000-08:00

Too much stress can take its toll on your physical, emotional and psychological well-being. It can cause you to feel extremely fatigued and can make your skin to act up. While acne breakouts occur when pores become clogged, a red, irritated and itchy skin can be an eczema in the offing.

Eczema is a common skin irritation characterized by reddening of the skin which sometimes develop small, fluid-filled bumps that become moist and ooze. There are many forms of eczema, but atopic eczema is one of the most common and severe. There is no exact known cause for eczema but doctors believe that skin allergies and the way a person's immune system reacts to things may be involved in the formation of eczema.

While it may not be contagious like a cold, researches show that it could be inherited or passed through genes. This is the reason why most people with eczema have other family members with the same condition. Some people with eczema may also have asthma and certain allergies, such as hay fever. Others have food allergies to cow's milk, soy, eggs, fish, or wheat which can worsen eczema. Allergies to animal dander, rough fabrics, and dust may also trigger the condition in some people.

When under severe stress, people may find it difficult to avoid all the triggers, or irritants, that cause or worsen eczema flare-ups. These itchy patches of eczema may affect any part of the body but are usually seen where the elbow bends; on the backs of the knees, ankles, and wrists; and on the face, neck, and upper chest.

Eczema flare-up may feel hot and itchy at first, prompting the person to scratch it, making it red, inflamed and blistered. When heavily scratched, the skin becomes almost leathery in texture. Others find that their skin becomes extremely dry and scaly.

Since emotional stress can also lead to eczema flare-ups, your doctor might also inquire about any problems you might be having at school, home, or work.

Eczema can't be cured. However, there are many ways to prevent a possible eczema flare up. Use only nondrying facial cleanser or soap substitute for facial eczema. This will keep facial skin from being irritated. A noncomedogenic/oil-free facial moisturizer can also help ease the dryness and itchiness cause by eczema. Try not to apply make-up or use only hypoallergenic makeup and sunscreens.

Furthermore, try to avoid substances that may stress your skin such as housesehold cleaners, drying soaps, detergents, and fragranced lotions. It is possible that too much exposure to water can dry out your skin. A short warm shower is advised but wear gloves if your hands will be in water for long periods of time. Pat your skin dry gently and thoroughly. Do not rub with a coarse towel which can irritate the condition. Remember, it isn't the water that causes your skin to react; it's the water evaporating if not dried soon enough. Wear clothes made from cotton fabrics. Avoid scratchy fabrics like wool which can irritate the skin. Do not scratch no matter how itchy it gets. Scratching can worsen the eczema and cause breaks in the skin which could lead to bacterial infections.

Risk Factors For Breast Cancer

2009-01-21T21:44:00.000-08:00

Breast cancer is considered to be among the foremost killers of women in the world today. It is also one of the most common types of cancer, affecting an estimated one of every four women in the United States alone. To help curb the death rate caused by this condition, it would be good for people to know what the various risk factors of breast cancer are.

Age is one prominent risk factor of breast cancer. Older women are known to be at higher risk of breast cancer than younger women. Within the time of 2000 to 2004, 95% of all new reported cases of breast cancer and 97% of the death related to the condition occurred in women who were 40 or older. It has been found that women between the ages of 75 and 79 are at the highest risk, with the incident rate nearly 465 patients for every 100,000. The condition is considered to be rare prior to the onset of menopause.

Women also have a greater risk of breast cancer of a close female relative – mother, sister, or daughter, had the cancer. The risk is particularly high if the cancer appeared before the age of 40. The threat is believed to increase if more than one relative develops the condition. This is because some breast cancers are caused by mutations in two genetic strands, and these mutations are inherited.

Women who are largely inactive in the physical sense often have an increased risk, as well. This is particularly true if they have been inactive for most of their life. The physical inactivity lowers the body's ability to fight off certain factors and conditions that puts one at increased risk of breast cancer. Regular exercise helps in breast cancer prevention by reducing the risks of obesity and weight gain.

Coffee Therapy for Coffee-Induced Anxiety Attacks

2009-01-20T23:36:00.000-08:00

Studies about coffee has proven that the beverage can help enhance alertness and physical performance. But it is a well-established fact that coffee, or rather its caffeine content, is a factor for anxiety attacks. Caffeine, after all, is a known stimulant that could induce feelings of excitement or panic.

How does coffee contribute to having a panic attack? The caffeine we get from coffee works by blocking the depressant function of adenosine, one of the many chemicals the brain produces. And although this may give some people a sense of focus, it may cause people who are more susceptible to anxiety disorders to manifest symptoms of anxiety, like sweaty palms and quickened pulses. But sometimes, it isn't an actual anxiety attack that's happening. It is simply a misinterpreted caffeine-induced buzz.

In most instances, mental health professionals would prescribe the use of anxiety medications like Buspar and advise anxiety disorder sufferers to lay off on coffee to deal with such feelings of irrational panic and anxiety. But some psychologist have a different take on a different approach to treating coffee lovers who report having panic attacks. They advise consuming more caffeine.

This approach can be accounted for as a kind cognitive-behavioral therapy where sufferers are taught how to differentiate simple coffee buzz from an actual panic attack. Drinking too much coffee can give you sweaty palms, a pounding heart, and make you hear ringing in your ears, which to those predisposed to the psychological condition may appear as signs of impending doom. And once this thought process has started, the anxiety can take a life of its own and lead to a full-scale panic attack.

This cognitive-behavioral approach teaches sufferers of the many physical changes consuming caffeine can bring and help them understand that their so-called symptoms of a heart attack is just the body's normal reaction to caffeine. Anxiety sufferers are then taught to differentiate unfounded fears from actual threats. Successfully doing so will help prevent people from overreacting to a simple coffee buzz and avoid blowing the experience out of proportion.

Although it is true that coffee, and the caffeine it contains, may worsen anxiety and panic disorders, it is important to understand that these may simply be just the caffeine making its way around. It is, after all, the most widely, albeit unintentionally, used mood-altering drug in the world.

How Green Tea Helps in Weight Loss

2009-01-18T22:01:00.000-08:00

Weight loss is an issue a lot of people deal with nowadays. With the obesity rates continuously climbing, it's not wonder weight loss products like Xenical and other fad diets are in fashion. People choose to go with medications or improperly diet to help them get rid of excess fat in their system, taking for granted that there are natural means to lose weight.

Aside from constant exercise and properly balancing one's food consumption, beverages like green tea can assist in your goals to lower your weight to an ideal figure. Here are some of the benefits green tea offers to those who wish to lose weight:

Green tea is a natural fat burner. It contains high levels of catechin polyphenols that work alongside other body chemicals to increase the process of beta oxidation by simulating it. It is during beta oxidation that fat is broken down and converted into energy.

Green tea helps in the slow and steady release of carbohydrates in the system. By stimulating a gradual and even release of carbohydrates, you avoid having your blood-insulin level go through the roof. With a healthy blood-insulin level in check, you promote better fat metabolism.

Green tea has an extended metabolic boost compared to pure caffeine. Green tea's thermogenic effect was originally attributed to its caffeine content. But further studies showed that green tea stimulates more brown fat thermogenesis than pure caffeine. Certain components of catechin polyphenols work alongside caffeine to improve the fat burn. Also, green tea has an extended 24-hour extended fat oxidation effect as opposed to pure caffeine that only boosts metabolism at the time that you take it.

Green tea still has a lot to offer in terms of helping you reach your goals of losing weight, so why not give it a shot? If you could take the time off to exercise or plan your meals ahead of time, how hard could it be to include green tea in your weight loss plan? It's delicious, it's refreshing, and most of all, it's an effective weight loss drink.

Learning to Curb Your Hunger

2009-01-15T23:45:00.000-08:00

A lot of people have a hard time dieting simply because their hunger pangs can be too much to handle. Diet beginners feel that their body has gotten used to eating large servings of food multiple times a day that experience hunger pangs at hours when they would usually snack.

It is often this untimely hunger pangs that lead dieters to break their resolve and eat more than their supposed to. But fortunately, there are simple and easy ways to curb such hunger pangs.

To start off, you can learn how to discern actual hunger from simple cravings. For example, if you've just eaten an hour or two ago and you start feeling hungry again, let it pass. You still have enough food in your stomach that needs digesting.

Drink lots of water. If you are one who takes a while to get a full feeling, take a glass of water before your meal. It can trick your stomach into thinking it is full. Also, there are times that hunger pangs are mistaken signs of thirst. The next time you feel hungry, drink water and see if the feeling goes away.

Find healthy snack items. A piece of fruit, a slice of whole wheat bread, or raw vegetables like celery or carrots can be nutritious and tasty snack treats. They can fill you up and still provide you with the nutrients you need.

If you feel hungry, wait it out for ten minutes. Normal cravings only last for a short period of time. By the time your ten-minute wait is over, you would've found something else to do that would take your mind of the “hunger” you felt minutes ago.

Find something to do. Look for a book to read, watch television, take a walk around the park, or call a friend. Anything that takes your mind off of eating can help you get past the current hunger pang you're feeling.

Dieting will take a lot of out you, it will test your will and determination to see your weight loss goals through to the end. Know that even though sticking to your diet plan can be difficult, there are ways to stay with it.

Diet More Important Than Exercise Against Obesity

2009-01-12T23:34:00.000-08:00

Exercise is something that almost everyone had heard the benefits of. Everything from heart conditions to depression is said to be alleviated a little bit by regular physical activity. So it comes as no surprise that when hearing advise on how to fight obesity, people would often be told that they need to exercise more regularly. However, it may not be as much of a cure-all for obesity as some would paint it out to be. While improving someone's nutritional intake and exercise has been one of the hallmark prescriptions for reducing weight, new studies suggest that what a person eats may be the critical factor.

For example, researchers had found that the slimmer Nigerian women were more physically active, but surprisingly, there appeared to be no significant difference between the two groups when it came down to how much was burned during exercise. It was found that, while people could burn more calories by regularly exercising, they have a tendency to compensate by eating more food. Or in some cases, eating the wrong type of food. The data revealed that diet seemed to be a more likely reason for one group weighing less than another despite the same levels of physical exertion. In one study conducted between Nigerian and Chicago women, both groups had the same amount of physical exertion, but the Nigerian women weighed less and had lower risk of obesity. The only fundamental difference was in their diet, with the Nigerian women having high fiber and carbohydrates, and consumed low amounts of fat and animal protein.

Still, the researchers believe that more studies into the matter need to be conducted, as the data contradicts numerous previous studies. One example was found within the Old Order Amish, who were found to have a genetic mutation that increased their risk of obesity. However, they had managed to stay thin and avoid becoming obese due to engaging in a lot of physical activity.

The Element of Fear

2009-01-11T22:27:00.000-08:00

Is there such a man whose heart is not touched by fear?

Fear is a word that has inspired many creative minds to conspire magnificent works of art in whatever form, depicting its reality in an attempt to capture its actuality. But the enigma surrounding fear could be as abstract and as deep as that of love or any other emotion of all human beings regardless of whatever state of mind they may intend to feel during certain given circumstances. Because of its foreboding nature and that twinge of danger associated and equated with it, fear has enticed, inspired, and even repulsed a variety of personages coming from different walks of life.

But to live without fear or to be without it completely is both an impossibility and an improbability. As with other negative and positive emotions, fear serves a particular purpose necessitated for our survival in this world. For a man to live without it is just like saying that he is not mortal to begin with.

What is fear?

Fear is a distressing emotion that alerts us of imminent danger threatening harm or worse, putting our existence at risk. It is a natural response necessitated for our survival. However, contrary to common perception, fear is diverse from anxiety. The latter is triggered by external factors. Overcoming anxiety requires specific measures that are different from the exercise of dealing with fear.

Moreover, fear is associated with behaviors related to escapism and avoidance. But in such cases, the negative stimulus is neither inescapable nor uncontrollable. Normally, when we suddenly feel afraid, it is a signal that there is something potentially dangerous and should, thus, be avoided. However, it remains pending, giving us ample time to devise strategies of escaping and avoiding it altogether. This is in direct opposition to anxiety wherein we are overwhelmed by the stimulus, which is always external, prompting us to perceive it as both beyond our means and inevitable. So, when we are burdened by anxiety, we feel helplessly trapped in a dangerous or threatening situation.

Oftentimes, fear is linked to pain. Several theories have identified fear as one of the primary emotions. It is one of our natural built-in mechanisms necessitated for survival, serving as a response to a given negative stimulus.
How do we behave when we are afraid?

People who are afraid pass through many different emotional stages. When we are gripped by fear, we could have any of these two common behavioral reactions:

1.We could become so intimidated by the stimulus that we give in to whatever demands are posed to us in order to avoid getting hurt.

2.We shift to defense mode and become aggressive to the extent of becoming deadly. The latter is categorized as instinctive reaction instead of a premeditated one since it results from an increase in our adrenaline level.

The following characteristics are typical in the visage of a person whose mind is gripped by fear:

The eyes widen, indicating an obvious negative anticipation for what would transpire next.

Dilation of the pupils would occur. It is an involuntary act to take in more light.

The upper lip is raised.

The brows are drawn together.

The lips are stretched horizontally.

Resource Box:

Maricel Modesto is a writer and editor who writes for various health and lifestyle magazines.

The Much Dreaded Menstrual Pain

2009-01-08T23:32:00.000-08:00

One of the much dreaded discomfort that majority of young girls and women experience is the monthly menstrual pain. Menstrual pain, which is also commonly referred to as menstrual cramp, is basically a sharp pain that is felt in a woman's lower abdomen. This usually occurs once menstruation starts and continues for some women for two to three days. Menstrual cramps are considered nuisance by young girls and women for the symptoms' severity can range from mild to severe pain that can definitely disrupt one's daily activities.

Understanding menstrual cramps

It is proven that menstrual pain is among the leading causes of absenteeism in young girls and women who are younger than 30 years old. While there are still quite a number of women who fortunately experience less or no pain at all during their menstruation, there are those who are even temporarily disabled by the symptoms of menstrual cramps.

Below are some of the factors that can most likely make a woman experience menstrual pain:

Early start of menstruation
Period lasts up to five days or longer
Obesity or overweight
Too much alcohol consumption
Cigarette smoking

Moreover, there are many known causes of menstrual cramps. Certain chemicals in a woman's body, prostaglandins for instance, are said to produce symptoms that are associated with menstrual pains. These chemicals rouse a woman's uterine muscles to contract. Those who have high levels of these chemicals in their bodies are the ones who experience severe and pain contractions in their uterus.

The following are other known causes of menstrual cramps:

Ovarian cyst
infections in the reproductive organs
Endometriosis
Narrow cervix
Intra-uterine device
Adenomyosis
Fibroids

Known symptoms of menstrual cramps

Apart from the pain experienced in the lower abdomen, menstrual cramps can also be associated with the following symptoms:

leg pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Weakness
Irritability
Headache
Diarrhea
Lower back pain
Fainting

Self-care home treatments for menstrual pain

As recommended by physicians, the fastest way to relieve painful menstrual cramps is to take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs such as Orudis, Advil, and Aleve. These medications are known to be effective in blocking the painful effects brought by prostaglandins.

In addition, a woman experiencing menstrual pain can also make use of a heating pad and place it against the pelvic area. Exercising daily, especially before the start of the period, is also a good way to prevent experiencing menstrual pains. Other easy-to-do home remedies are as follows:

Massaging the back and lower abdomen

Taking 100 mg Thiamine everyday

Eating a low-fat vegetarian

Taking 1200 mg Calcium everyday

On the other hand, another option for women to prevent menstrual pain is to seek consultation with a licensed gynecologist and ask prescription for a hormonal birth control pill. Birth control pills are proven to improve a woman's menstrual cycle by lessening the pain. When pain is not reduced in taking pills, other treatments are usually recommended by physicians. These treatments include acupuncture and nitroglycerin patch.

No woman deserves the pain brought by monthly menstrual period. So free yourself from the pain and seek relief treatments that will best suit you.

Resource Box:
Rcon Franchesca V. Pascua is a web content writer and researcher who specializes in health and fitness topics. She enjoys reading health-related features and articles and sharing what she learns by providing tips and guidelines on how to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Too Afraid...Too Often...Too Dangerous

2009-01-07T22:28:00.000-08:00

The very familiar view of your room with its high ceiling and old, convenient furnishing greet you. You have awakened to yet another ordinary day where you expect to do the very same things you've done the day before and those that came before it. You know you should be out of bed by now, rushing to the shower to ready yourself for work. But you dare not lift yourself from your bed. Muscles tight, your hands fasten themselves in a vise grip clutching the sides your bed. Gasping for air, your heartbeat drums frantically against your chest. Slowly at first, the once hazy images you saw in your dream come back to you, presenting themselves in open consternation for your conscious mind. If not for the tremendously paralyzing fear taking hold of you at this very moment, those images are nothing more than daily concerns no different from those other people face every day. But in your current weakened and unusually very frightened state, they are life-threatening menaces assaulting your senses, tearing your sanity apart. Shaking uncontrollably, you make a futile attempt to gather your wits about you, hoping they would somehow give you something to hold onto, something to keep you from totally falling apart. It wasn't like this before, and you weren't like this before. Worries are mundane, and you know that. But these past few months have shown a remarkably negative twist you least expected...and things don't look pretty at all...No...Not at all...

If you find yourself beleaguered by worries, which are otherwise trivial, and they storm your mind unrelentingly, causing uncomfortable physical symptoms, then chances are: you must be suffering from general anxiety disorder. Overcoming anxiety borne from this psychological disorder is possible through a combination of psychotherapy and medication, which your doctor should carefully monitor. To find out if your symptoms fit into this ailment, consider carefully the following indicators:

You're always looking forward to the worst that could possibly be. You think that you are just being extremely pessimistic. But you know there is something else worse than being just a pessimist. It's not that you want things to really turn out terribly. No. You are not a terrible person to want the worst in everything.

Your bills worry you to death. Not knowing what would happen during the seminar worries you to death. Even thinking of what to prepare for dinner drives you mad as a hatter. And at times, you also find yourself worried as to whether or not you're going to wake up tomorrow.

Sleeping has become a real hassle. Turning and twisting in your bed for half an hour or more has become a brightly occurrence you're starting to get used to. On top of that, you awaken in the middle of your sleep because of nightmares—you knew they were there, but somehow, upon opening your eyes abruptly, they just vanish as if they never came.

Every time you drive yourself mad by worrying too much, you experience muscle tension, twitching, sweating, hot flashes, and headaches.

You are as crotchety as crotchety could ever be. The slightest disturbance is enough for your head to burst into flames.

Your often gasping for air and spaced out. At times you are so nauseated, you could no longer do what you should do. Your trips to the bathroom have also become frequent. And that funny feeling of having a lump in your throat has become a daily fixture. These days, it hardly bothers you anymore. You're comfortable with it already.

You're very excitable, and you startle easily that there are times that you overreact to otherwise not very surprising surprises or sudden events.
You always feel exhausted even if you hardly moved a muscle throughout the day.

You can't keep your mind focused on one thing.
The inconvenient feeling of dejection strikes you often.

Resource Box:

Maricel Modesto is a writer and editor who writes for various health and lifestyle magazines.

Living with Schizophrenia: It's Not Easy but It can be Done

2009-01-06T22:38:00.000-08:00

Schizophrenia is a lifelong psychiatric disorder. More than having split or multiple personalities, schizophrenia causes people afflicted with it to live in imagined realities and contend with excessive paranoias over which they have no control. Science and medical studies have yet to produce a medicine that can permanently cure the imbalances in the brain chemicals that trigger the disorder – and until then, schizophrenics have to learn to live with the condition.

If you are afflicted with schizophrenia, do not lose hope. Managing the condition is not easy but it can be done with the right medications and life techniques. In fact, there are several famous and accomplished personalities who have have to battle with schizophrenia throughout their adult lives. Some of these notable persons include the Nobel Prize-winning mathematician John Nash of “A Beautiful Mind” and famous athletes Andy Goram (former football goalkeeper, now coach to Scotland's Clyde Football Club) and Lionel Aldridge, a Superbowl winner. Several musicians of note have also been diagnosed with schizophrenia but nevertheless moved on to make better name for themselves like Fleetwood Mac's Peter Green and Pink Floyd's Syd Barrett. If they can do it, you can also turn your life around and start living to the fullest despite having schizophrenia. Here are some tips to make your situation more manageable:

1.Seek comprehensive medical care.

While most schizophrenics opt for outpatient care, you can also choose to get into a rehabilitative facility dedicated to schizophrenia until you learn how to control symptoms. In these centers, you will be taught of life skills and management techniques that can help you cope with your condition. These centers are also equipped with expert doctors and psychiatrists that can help treat your symptoms. If you do not want to stay in a center, you can get the same benefits by working with a medical team that you feel comfortable with. Be open about your symptoms, thoughts, and anything that enters your head regardless of whether you think it is imagined or not. Opening communication lines with your health care provider can save you from trouble in the long run.

2.Be religious in taking your medications.

While medications like Geodon, Abilify, and antidepressants only serve to control schizophrenia symptoms, they are useful in preventing relapses and even worser episodes. Do not let the skyrocketing costs of medicines today prevent you from taking your medications properly since you can order prescription drugs online and save money. Take your medications even if you do not feel any symptom or haven't had an attack in recent times. These medications can help you feel better and prevent further brain chemical imbalances from occurring.

3.Modify your lifestyle to a healthier one.

If you still indulge in habits like using drugs and drinking alcohol, stop them. These substances can negate the effects of your medications and make your symptoms worse. Smoking can also have the same effect and contribute to increased schizophrenic episodes. You can also explore healthy ways to channel your energy, such as hobbies, exercise, and recreational activities. As always, a healthy diet and regular exercise can help you on your way to recovery.

Resource Box:

Kristine Anne Gonzaga is a content writer and researcher who specializes in health topics and health-related issues. She delights in finding tips and ideas on simple and practical health care and sharing them through her writing.

Hirsutism: A Hairy Issue

2009-01-05T23:58:00.000-08:00

Everyone has body hair, the amount of which is dependent on the genetic makeup of the specific person. However, men are generally considered to be hairier than women given that their bodies produce more testosterone, the hormone necessary to produce hair. In the occasion that a woman experiences excessive hair growth in areas where men typically grow hair such as the face, chest, and back, she may be suffering from a condition called hirsutism.

Hirsutism is a condition of unwanted, male-pattern hair growth in women caused by an excess of androgens, the hormone necessary for testosterone production. Aside from excess male hormone, hirsutism can also be caused by ethnic or genetic traits. Whatever the cause, hirsutism can cause considerable discomfort for women. If you suspect that you are suffering from hirsutism, here are some tips that can help you manage this hairy issue:

1.Be aware of the symptoms.

Hirsutism is more than just sprouting a beard over your lipstick. There is more to it than an overgrowth of hair. Young people are likely to experience a spurt of hair growth when they hit puberty but it doesn't mean that they are suffering from hirsutism. If you are way past the adolescent age and have hair on parts that should have and shouldn't have it, other symptoms of hirsutism to watch out for include a deepening voice, baldness, acne, decreasing breast size, increased muscle mass, and clitoral enlargement. If you have or suspect to have these symptoms, consult your doctor for a possible case of hirsutism.

2.Get the possible causes out in the open.

The most effective means to treat something is to address underlying conditions that made it possible. As such, discuss with your doctor the possible causes behind your hirsutism. Some causes to consider aside from those discussed above include polycystic ovary syndrome (imbalance of sex hormones), Cushing's syndrome (exposure to increased cortisol), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (abnormal steroids production), tumors, and medications.

3.Undergo exams and tests your doctor will prescribe.

Most often than not, your doctor will probably have you undergo certain diagnostic examinations before confirming any diagnosis and prescribing any treatment. These tests can range from the typical full physical examination to more technical ones like ultrasound and CT scans. Be sure to get these diagnostic tests done in a public hospital where they are often cheaper or in an in-network facility of your health insurance provider to save on costs.

4.Use the prescribed medications.

Depending on the cause and severity of your case, your doctor may prescribe that you undergo different treatments or use several forms of medications. Some of the most common treatments for hirsutism include electrolysis and laser therapy, procedures that permanently remove unwanted hair. While speedy results are expected from these treatments, they do not address the source of hirsutism. Medications, on the other hand, can range from oral contraceptives, anti-androgen drugs, and topical creams which treat the underlying hormonal imbalances to eliminate the cause of hirsutism. You can usually get these medications from a discount pharmacy.

5.Manage unwanted hair.

Treatment for the underlying causes of hirsutism can take a long time. Aside from laser therapy, you can also opt to manage or remove unwanted hair by using depilatory creams, plucking, shaving, and waxing. Just be sure to follow directions and get professional advice to avoid irritating your skin and getting ingrown hairs and rashes.

Resource Box:

Kristine Anne Gonzaga is a content writer and researcher who specializes in health topics and health-related issues. She delights in finding tips and ideas on simple and practical healthcare and sharing them through her writing.

Take Control of Holiday Stress

2009-01-04T21:55:00.000-08:00

The holidays will be here whether you like it or not. So, you either face it or skip it. Skipping the holidays entirely means going somewhere else where you will not be bothered by anything that will remind you of the festive season. And that will be quite a feat. For everywhere you go, there will always be something that will remind you that it's the holiday season, and you will only be hounded by your conscience for running away from it.

You don't have to go through such an emotional ordeal just to cope with the stress and anxiety that go with the holiday traditions: the gift-shopping list you still haven't bought, the gifts you have already bought but haven't had the time to wrap yet, the pile of party invitations here and there... and so on and so forth.

But for many, the number one source of holiday stress is none other than your very own family. Once you think about the family dinner, the obligations, and the burden of family traditions, it's more than enough to trigger the advent of holiday stress.

To prepare yourself in coping better this season, ask yourself just what it is in holidays that you dread about. By specifically identifying that vague sense of dread, you are setting yourself up in dealing with it directly. Here is a list of some of the things that can trigger a holiday stress:

Unhappy memories. Family reunions during the holiday season will naturally bring back old memories. Some of these memories may be more bitter than sweet. Some people associate the holidays with a bad time in their life, such as the loss of a loved one or a previous depression. Then, this time of year can bring those memories back.

Unwelcomed relatives. Finding yourself in the company of relatives you avoid the rest of the year can trigger anxiety. Those who struggle with depression may face the stigma of being labeled as lazy or too emotional. It can really be hurtful when people think that way.

Negative changes. Just like news, everything that’s changed in your life - specifically the changes that border in the negative, such as separation, financial losses - are usually the ones that become highlighted as topics of conversation. Any of these can really unsettle a gathering and add holiday stress.

Lack of energy. Since this is also the cold and flu season, you’re more likely to be stressed out by obligations and errands. You’re immune system is down, eating habit at its worst, and sleeping a lot less than you used to. By the time the family gathering rolls around, you’re all worn out, tense, and fragile.

While the holidays can make people feel seem out of control, it doesn't have to. Take some control over the holidays, instead of letting them control you. When yo do things not because you want to but you have to, think again. Do you really have to?

Make a list of reasons why you engage in these holiday traditions, and then a list of reasons why you shouldn’t. This list will remind you that you do have a choice. Try not to do things the same way just because that’s how you always do them. Focus on the holiday stresses that you can control. If the old holiday traditions aren’t working, if they’re not making you happy and causing holiday stress, it’s time to do it differently.

Resource Box : Monch Bravante is a freelance writer and an advertising practitioner with special interest in public health issues.

Dealing With Withdrawal Symptoms While Quitting Smoking

2008-12-21T22:45:00.000-08:00

Nowadays, there are a lot of stop smoking aids available to the smoking population. One of the most commonly used product is the prescription medication Zyban. Zyban was derived from an antidepressant medication which has been proven to reduce a person's craving to smoke. But because it doesn't make use of nicotine, smokers are likely to still experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms until the drug fully takes effect.

Smokers may experience common withdrawal symptoms such as headaches or nausea, or manifest cold-like symptoms while trying to ditch the habit. The problem with withdrawal symptoms is that they can be so discomforting that it can discourage a smoker from continuing to quit smoking. It is often because of this that they light up again to relieve themselves of the discomfort. Learning to deal with the withdrawal symptoms while in the process of quitting the habit may help smokers fulfill their goals of becoming smoke-free.

Coping techniques need not be so complicated, here are some examples of simple ways to deal with nicotine withdrawal symptoms:

If you feel the need to smoke, delay the urge. Cravings are only said to last for around three to five minutes and then they pass.

Drinking water when you feel a nicotine craving come on is said to help stave off the urge.

Look for a way to distract yourself from the craving. Ask a friend to accompany you to a walk in the park, anything to take your mind out of the strong urge to smoke.

Take a breather. Take a moment to close your eyes and take ten slow, deep breaths. Not only will you be able to pass off the craving, you'll also be feeling relaxed afterwards.

Talk it off. You don't have to avail of the service of a psychotherapist to let your feelings out. Call a friend or a loved one and tell them how you feel about what you're doing and what you're going through.

Understand that the withdrawal symptoms you're going through and the nicotine cravings you feel are all part of the quitting process. This is your body asking for the harmful substance in cigarettes that it has gotten used to. By knowing simple and easy ways to endure the withdrawal symptoms and the cravings, you strengthen your resolve in quitting your smoking habit and take one step closer to being completely smoke-free.

The Role of Vitamin D

2008-12-18T22:00:00.000-08:00

People with higher levels of vitamin D have a lower risk of having breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, heart disease, depression, weight gain, and other illnesses. While studies do not prove that lack of vitamin D causes disease, or that vitamin D supplements would lower the risk, still, it pays to know its benefits in our over-all health and wellness.

Vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium and promote bone growth. Too little vitamin D results in soft bones in children (rickets) and fragile, misshapen bones in adults (osteomalacia). You also need vitamin D for other important body functions, such as to regulate the immune system and the neuromuscular system.

According to The Vitamin D Council, a scientist-led group promoting vitamin D deficiency awareness, vitamin D might be found helpful in treating or preventing autism, autoimmune disease, cancer, chronic pain, depression, diabetes, heart disease, hyperparathyroidism, high blood pressure, flu, neuromuscular diseases, and osteoporosis. However, there have been no definitive clinical trials.

The role of vitamin D in the life cycle of human cells is so important that our body is able to produce it by itself. However, this is only possible after sufficient exposure to sunlight. Allowing five to 30 minutes of sun exposure to the face, legs, or back, minus the sunscreen, for at least twice a week should be enough to give you all the vitamin D that is necessary.

On the other hand, too much direct sun exposure can expose you to potentially dangerous levels of cancer-causing UV radiation. That is why experts recommend getting vitamin D from foods or from supplements.

Unfortunately, there are very few foods that contain vitamin D, which includes cod liver oil, salmon, mackerel, tuna or sardines canned in oil, milk (regardless of whether it’s whole, nonfat, or reduced fat), egg yolks, beef or calf liver, cheese.

Surprisingly, almost all milk brands in the U.S. are fortified with vitamin D. The same with many brands of orange juice, yogurt, margarine, and ready-to-eat breakfast cereals.

Vitamin D comes in different forms. Vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol is the natural form of vitamin D that your body makes from sunlight. Supplements are made from the fat of lambs’ wool. Other supplements contain vitamin D2 or calciferol, which is derived from irradiated fungus.

WebMD nutritionist Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, recommends using the D3 form for those taking vitamin D supplements.

Resource Box : Monch Bravante is a freelance writer and advertising practitioner with special interest in public health issues.

Why Do People Get Holiday Blues?

2008-12-17T20:10:00.000-08:00

Everybody is aware of the term holiday blues. In fact, it is quite a common experience, especially during the longest holiday of the year - the Christmas season - and is quite the contrary of what the holiday spirit's supposed to be.

Holiday blues come in different intensity. It can range from mild and short-term sadness, to serious clinical depression. Why do people get holiday blues, you might ask? Here are some of the common reasons:

1. Loneliness. This is commonly the case for people who are spending the holiday season away from family and friends. People who work overseas and cannot go home for the season often fall into deep thoughts of how their families and loved-ones are spending the holiday together while he's away.

2. Recollection of past holidays. For some people, memories of past holidays can greatly affect the mood of the current season. For people who are hitting a rough spot, a recollection of a past happy holiday can be very difficult to bear.

3. Failed tradition keeping. For people who are so used to spending their holidays the same way for as long as they could remember may feel a bit depressed if something changes in the way they celebrate the holidays.

4. Lost loved ones. We all know that holidays are best spent with families and friends. However, for people who have lost loved ones, the holidays can also serve as a reminder of the void the loss of their loved ones have made in their life.

5. Financial matters. The holidays are, undeniably, a time for gift-giving. Unfortunately there are people who cannot afford to spend money on such things. Worries of making enough to make ends meet or the ability (or inability) to give little tokens to loved ones can be saddening.

Although it is true that the holiday season is a time for fun and relaxation, parties and gatherings, you can't escape the reality that not all things can be forgotten - pain, responsibilities, bills, etc. But no matter how much worries of suffering you may be feeling, what matters is that you still keep your thoughts grounded and not go overboard to the point of developing clinical depression.

Boosting Your Energy Against Unexplained Fatigue

2008-12-16T22:02:00.000-08:00

When you experience fatigue, that all-out energy-drain feeling that no matter how enticing the new blockbuster movie or how fabulous the on-going shoe sale is, nothing succeeds in psyching yourself up to go.

In some cases, there are no classic signs of exhaustion, say aching muscles or getting tired due to overwork, and yet, there is a lack of enthusiasm to get into the activities you used to love doing. There is lack of concentration, a growing impatience, and an increasing level of frustration when confronted with even the simplest of challenges that come your way.

When fatigue interferes with your desire to workout, something is definitely wrong. Check your eating habits. Eating small meals frequently throughout the day is much better than skipping a meal, say lunch, and then eat a big dinner. Starving yourself affects your brain and leads to fatigue. However, eating too much at once slows your metabolism and makes you feel sloppy. On the other hand, eating frequently keeps your blood sugar level constant and maintains your energy level up. High-protein and high-fiber foods such as nuts and fruit are a good snack to give yourself a boost.

When you still find yourself too sluggard to move, you could have a slight magnesium deficiency. According to New York University nutritionist Samantha Heller, MS, RD, this mineral is needed for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including breaking down glucose into energy. “So when levels are even a little low, energy can drop,” said Heller.

The Department of Agriculture's Human Nutrition Research Center in Grand Forks, N.D. conducted a study on women with magnesium deficiencies and found that the participants had higher heart rates and required more oxygen to do physical tasks than they did after their magnesium levels were restored. Heller said that in essence, when the body is working harder, over time, it can leave you feeling depleted.

To make sure that you're getting the recommended daily intake of magnesium, 300 milligrams for women and 350 milligrams for men, Heller gave the following suggestions:

Add a handful of almonds, hazelnuts or cashews to your daily diet. Increase your intake of whole grains, particularly bran cereal. Eat more fish, especially halibut.

Resource Box: Monch Bravante is a freelance writer and advertising practitioner with special interest in public health issues.

A Fishy Advisory

2008-12-15T19:32:00.000-08:00

Fish and shellfish are important to a heart-healthy and over-all healthy diet. However, when it comes to pregnancy and young children, a safety concern arises due to the mercury content found in fish.

Because mercury in fish could put an unborn, newborn, or young child at risk, Robert Goyer, MD, professor emeritus and chairman of pathology at University of Western Ontario, advises women, especially those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, to be cautious “because their unborn fetus is very sensitive to toxicity from mercury.”

Goyer, who participated in a National Academy of Sciences (NAS) study evaluating the credibility of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) mercury studies, said that they came up with the same results the EPA did.
“We don’t know which stage of fetal development is more critical -- whether it’s the third trimester or the moment of conception, or if it’s continuous exposure to mercury during pregnancy. But all this has been factored together in the EPA/FDA advisory,” said Goyer.

Last year, EPA and FDA issued a joint statement citing the health benefits of fish:

“Fish and shellfish contain high quality protein and other essential nutrients, are low in saturated fat, and contain omega-3 fatty acids. A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of fish and shellfish can contribute to heart health and children's proper growth and development. Thus, women and young children in particular should include fish or shellfish in their diets due to the many nutritional benefits,” said the EPA/FDA.

However, since mercury may have damaging effects to an unborn child or a young child’s brain development, “it may be prudent to modify your diet if you are: planning to become pregnant; pregnant; nursing; or a young child,” added the EPA/FDA statement.

The following EPA/FDA advisory is addressed especially to pregnant women, young women who may become pregnant, or women who are nursing:

Do not eat fish that contain high levels of mercury, including shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish.

Eat up to 12 ounces a week of fish and shellfish varieties that are lower in mercury, including shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish. (An average can of tuna is 6 ounces.)

Buy canned tuna carefully. Light tuna has less mercury than albacore (“white”) tuna. However, up to 6 ounces equivalent to one average meal of albacore tuna per week is safe.

Check local fish advisories. In the absence of advice, eat up to 6 ounces per week of fish you catch from local waters, but don’t consume any other fish during that week.

Apply these guidelines to young children: They can eat these low-mercury fish and shellfish. However, feed children smaller portions.

Frozen fish sticks and fast-food fish sandwiches are commonly made from fish that are low in mercury.

Tuna steaks generally contain higher levels of mercury than canned light tuna.

Resource Box: Monch Bravante is a freelance writer and advertising practitioner with special interest in public health issues.

Are You Adding Stress to Your Life?

2008-12-14T19:18:00.000-08:00

A lot of people complain about the stress caused by their career, family, and social life. But most do not realize that a lot, if not all, of the stress they experience are actually self-inflicted. So the next time you feel like venting your frustrations or complaining about the stresses in your life, take a step back and see if you are guilty of the following factors that contribute to self-inflicted stress:

Being a Type A person

People with Type A personalities are generally identified as being a perfectionist who is strict and rigid with other people, but most of all, with themselves. Being a Type A person means that you are extremely competitive and obsessed with work. But most of all, you are extremely conscious of time and are aggressive. You often get frustrated while waiting in line, interrupt others often, walk or talk at a rapid pace, and are always painfully aware of the time and how little of it you have to spare. You are also prone to impatience, rudeness, and being easily upset over small things. Aside from straining your relationships with the people you work and live with, all that rushing and competition are bound to add stress to your life.

Pessimism

More than seeing the glass as half-empty, pessimism refers to a wider world view or way of thinking that disables you to see things as they really are and attribute to them negative things. As such, you undermine your belief in yourself, suffer from poorer health outcomes, have fewer positive life events, and experience negative consequences. These repercussions of pessimism can cause and add more stress to your already stressful life.

Negative Self Talk

A lot of people resort to self talk for a number of things. Whether it is to talk themselves into doing or not doing something, work out a problem in their heads, or give themselves a boost, a lot of people find talking and listening to their inner voices useful. If you are one of these people who indulge in self talk, take a moment to listen to what your inner voice is saying. It might be telling you about things that are not really there in the first place like attributing malevolent intent to your boss's praise about your work or your cousin's willingness to house-sit for you in a pinch. Negative self-talk will cause you to miss out on opportunities and benefits while increasing your stress by driving you to worry about non-existent problems.

Poor Interpersonal Skills

Do you feel that other people are just hindrances to achieving your goal? Or do you find it difficult to relate to other people? Poor interpersonal skills can strain your relationship with your family, friends, and colleagues. This can cause additional emotional burden and stress.

If you find yourself guilty of these factors, it may be time to get your stress in check lest you risk suffering from the following effects of stress:

Excess weight or obesity. People who are stressed often seek comfort in food and are unmindful of the healthy choices. Even if you can easily buy weight loss drugs online, they will be of no use if you make unhealthy food choices and lack exercise.

Chronic diseases. A lot of chronic diseases and disorders like heart problems and depression are rooted in stress.

Resource Box:

Kristine Anne Gonzaga is a content writer and researcher who specializes in health topics and health-related issues. She delights in finding tips and ideas on simple and practical health care and sharing them through her writing.

Handling Schizophrenic Episodes Smartly

2008-12-11T20:04:00.000-08:00

Schizophrenia affects just a percent of the American population. But given how large the population is, the number of patients is quite significant. People who suffer from it are often branded as crazy or insane because they seem to live in a world where reality and perception are distorted. Movies that depict the condition shows the disorder in a funny and crazy light – but patients and their caregivers will attest, there is nothing fun about having the disorder.

Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder that causes imbalances in the brain chemicals. As a result, people who are diagnosed with schizophrenia may have difficulty in recognizing what is real from those that are make believe. Disembodied voices, nonexistent malevolent intents, and imagined plots are all part and parcel of a schizophrenic existence. As a result, people with schizophrenia often withdraw from society, feel extreme agitation, and are always afraid. It is a difficult situation to live with, but aside from the patients, there are other persons who suffer from schizophrenia like the caregivers.

If you are living with a schizophrenic, it is inevitable that you will find yourself on the receiving end of a schizophrenic episode. Aside from keep a stock of cheap Geodon and Abilify from an online pharmacy, here are some tips on handling schizophrenic episodes smartly:

1.Be aware of pre-episode symptoms and signs.

It is rare for a schizophrenic person to go suddenly ballistic. Often, the patient will exhibit some signs that there is an impending episode before the crisis actually occurs. Some signs to watch out for include sleeplessness, suspiciousness, ritualistic preoccupation with certain objects or situations, and unpredictable outbursts. If the patient has stopped taking medications, gently suggest a visit to the doctor.

2.Stay calm and do nothing to increase the patient's agitation.

Your objective is to keep the person as calm as possible and this will not be helped by screaming or shouting. Remember that during an episode, the patient is in an alternate reality where anything is possible. The light fixtures may be talking to him or there are snakes slithering on the floor. It is likely that the patient will act out his hallucination by stamping around or trying to shatter the light fixtures. Instead of panicking and attempting to stop him, talk to the patient in a calm voice and play along with his hallucination. For example, climb a desk if you have to “avoid the snakes.” If you are alone, call someone to stay with you until professional help arrives.

3.Forgo authoritative approaches.

Most often than not, patients feel that they cannot control what is going on when they are undergoing an episode. Instead of compounding this feeling by giving authoritative orders to calm down and go with the medical team, opt for a gentle approach. Talk in a calm and soothing voice and try to get the patient to go along voluntarily with the medical team. When necessary, play along with the hallucination (i.e. telling him that the medical team will get rid of the snakes and both of you need to stay somewhere safe).

As the patient's caregiver or companion, your goal is to help give him a semblance of control over the situation – a feeling he is often deprived of due to his paranoia and imagined fears. By being prepared and handling the situation calmly, you can help the patient get medical help without accident on his and your part.

Resource Box:
Kristine Anne Gonzaga is a content writer and researcher who specializes in health topics and health-related issues. She delights in finding tips and ideas on simple and practical health care and sharing them through her writing.

How to Tell If Your Loved One Has Paranoid Personality Disorder

2008-12-10T19:52:00.000-08:00

If you are in the position of being close to a person with Paranoid Personality Disorder, trying to understand his/her obnoxious and oftentimes repulsive behavior can be really challenging. Because of their self-centeredness, they are not liable to put themselves in other people's shoes. They have a one-track and one-sided mind that allows them to see and consider only their own point of view. It is this kind of attitude that makes others avoid them.

You might think that they are aware of what they are doing. But the truth is, because it is a disorder, they are oblivious to it. Pathetically, they are helpless to deal with their situation. It comes naturally to them. Being burdened with Paranoid Personality Disorder, makes them very suspicious to the point that they become self-centered and distrustful of almost everyone including their own loved ones. This condition is more common among men than in women, and it usually manifests itself during early adulthood. Thus, this period could be considered as akin to the age of anxiety for them. For you to tell if your loved one could be struck by Paranoid Personality Disorder, read on. Recognizing the symptoms early will allow a sufferer to seek help as soon as possible, giving him/her tools to cope with this distressing condition.

Ever Suspicious

A person with Paranoid Personality Disorder is unable to trust anyone. They are always on the defensive, feeling as if they are surrounded and overwhelmed by threats everywhere they go. To confirm their suspicions, they are always in search of proof, and whether or not this could be seen as one, they would only adhere to what they want to think and believe. They cannot shake off their fears regardless of evidence to disprove it. For married sufferers, this fear could develop into a senseless jealousy.

Overly Sensitive

Since people with Paranoid Personality Disorder are always on their guard, expect them to be too sensitive about things for fear of potential harm on their part. This makes them very defensive and belligerent. Even if they are the ones to blame, they could never ever accept that they are at fault. They would always react in this manner whether the flak hurled at them is big or small. On the contrary, they are overly critical of other people, and has a strong inclination to blow matters out of proportion.

Distant and Unemotional

Aside from being belligerent and staunch, sufferers are emotionally detached and distant from other people especially their loved ones. They shy away from any form of intimacy and are prone to putting up a cold, aloof front. Even if their point of view hardly makes sense, they still see themselves as correct because they uphold themselves to be logical and objective-minded individuals. Their naturally cold nature keeps them from admitting that they are in need of help. More often than not, these people are just regarded as eccentric personalities. The tendency for those who live with them is just to broaden their understanding and tolerate their annoying tendencies.

Resource Box: Maricel Modesto is a writer and editor who writes for various health and lifestyle magazines.

Defend Yourself Against the Effects of Second-Hand Smoke

2008-12-09T22:37:00.000-08:00

No matter how health conscious you are, if you are exposed to the deadly fume that is second-hand smoke, then you are not exempted from its deadly effects. Smoking does not only threaten the health of smokers themselves, but also those people who inhale their smoke. For this reason, it is perfectly understandable why some non-smokers get miffed when people near them smoke.

Although they could sometimes come across as offensive in their approach when they reprimand or tell smokers about their discomfort, non-smokers actually have every right to do so, for their health is also endangered. On the part of smokers who still persist with their deadly habit, regardless of having been informed of the bad effects of smoking, they should learn to be considerate of others. Since we all thrive in the same atmosphere and smoking is air-borne, it is impossible for others not to inhale the harmful fumes they inhale and puff out.

Smoking bans in certain public places and even cities are especially helpful. This works for the good of everyone concerned whether they are smokers or non-smokers. But since this is not implemented in some locations, there is a possibility that we still would inhale second-hand smoke in other places. So if the smokers (who are often inconsiderate in their actions) would not be deterred from their habit even at the expense of others, it is up to non-smokers to do some serious moves to defend themselves against the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.

Impose a smoking ban within the premises of your own home. Do not provide ashtrays, so as not to encourage smoking. Aside from this, ask members of your family and visitors not to smoke while they are inside the house. Even if the windows are open, it does not provide enough ventilation to disperse or move the harmful fumes out of your home. Using your air conditioner would not do much either. It could clear the smoke, but it literally has no effect or whatsoever in obliterating the deadly particles or keep the from circulating in your home's atmosphere.

Push for the enforcement of a smoking ban in your office or any place of work. Inhaling second-hand smoke can cause cancer and a multitude of other illnesses. The best way to keep everybody protected is too make the entire area a smoke-free environment.

When it comes to visiting facilities, make sure they are smoke-free.

Support smoke-free establishments, and inform managers of how pleased you are for their concern to their customers and employees. Nowadays, there are a lot of restaurants and establishments that are smoke-free.

In the case that you are in the same place as a smoker and there is no way you could keep them from doing their deadly habit, just ascertain that you stay as far away from them as you possibly could.

Should your spouse or any of your relatives smoke, tell them to do it outside. Better yet, encourage them to kick the habit all together. Quit smoking.

Resource Box: Maricel Modesto is a writer and editor who writes for various health and lifestyle magazines.

The Effects of Second-Hand Smoke

2008-12-08T23:14:00.000-08:00

If you think you are safe from contracting smoking-related ailments because you are a non-smoker, think again. Environmental tobacco smoke or second-hand smoke poses health risks to those who are unfortunate enough to inhale it from smokers who often lead with their chins. Composed of smoke emitted from the lit end of a cigarette/cigar/pipe and that exhaled by the smokers themselves, non-smokers who are within their range are given no choice but to breathe it in since it is airborne. This repulsive smoke remains in the atmosphere for hours long after a cigarette has been put out and is likely to either generate or aggravate its perilous effects. Among these are asthma, respiratory infections, and cancer.

What makes second-smoke dangerous?

Undoubtedly, with a content of 400 chemicals, 50 of which induces cancer, second-hand smoke is toxic. In fact, inhaling it through the smoke given out by smokers is more potent than if you were the one smoking it directly. This is attributed to the fact that you are likely to inhale twice as more nicotine and five times more carbon monoxide than the smoker himself or herself.

Prolonged and frequent exposure to second-hand smoke results to an increased susceptibility to contracting lung cancer, nasal sinus cancer, heart disease, stroke, and breathing problems such as coughing, wheezing, bronchitis, pneumonia, and asthma. People who are always exposed to housemates who are smokers have a 30% higher chance of being struck with lung cancer an/or heart disease. In fact, it only takes anywhere between 8-20 minutes for physical manifestations to surface if a person inhales second-hand smoke.

During this time, he or she is likely to experience a faster heart rate, a decrease in the amount of oxygen supplied to the brain, and narrowed blood vessels; resulting to a rise in blood pressure, thus, prompting the heart to pump harder. As for pregnant women, it ups the risk of having miscarriages and delivering babies with low birth weight.

What dangers does second-hand smoke pose to children and infants?

Studies have shown that in one out of five homes, children and infants are exposed to secondhand-smoke on a daily basis. And because their lungs are still in the developing stages, exposure to this harmful fume weighs more heavily on them than it does to adults. Infants, in particular, are the most vulnerable since their breathing has greater speed than that of adults. Aside from this, they have an increased chance of dying due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome(SIDS), more commonly known as crib death. Research has revealed that infant death due to second-hand smoke is three times greater than death related to child abuse or homicide.

Second-hand smoke is perilous particularly to children stricken with asthma. Even a slight exposure to it would be sufficient enough to set off an asthma attack. And as for those who are free of it, they would eventually contract it if they frequently breathe in second-hand smoke. Stop smoking

Resource Box: Maricel Modesto is a writer and editor who writes for various health and lifestyle magazines.

Stroke Prevention Tips

2008-12-07T19:09:00.000-08:00

Before, suffering from stroke means a funeral after. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of your brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Within a few minutes, brain cells begin to die – and so does the person. More than a disease, stroke is really a medical emergency, one that should be given attention promptly. Without prompt medical attention, there is a higher risk of severe brain damage and complication.

While fewer people have died because of stroke in the past 20 or so years, it is still a threat. Despite effective treatments, prevention is still the best recourse when it comes to stroke. If you want to prevent stroke or lower your risks of suffering from it, here are some tips:

1.Talk to your doctor about the risks of you suffering from stroke.

Knowing your risk factors and adopting a healthy lifestyle are the best steps you can take to prevent a stroke. Talk to your doctor and get yourself checked to identify your risk factors. Risk factors like fluctuating blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and high blood pressure can be controlled if you take the right steps. Doing so will make it easier for you to practice prevention measures.

2.Stop smoking and exposing yourself to second-hand smoke.

Quitting smoking reduces your risk of stroke. Several years after quitting, a former smoker's risk of stroke is the same as that of a nonsmoker. However, it is also wise to keep your exposure to second-hand smoke to a minimum – especially if you are a nonsmoker. Environmental Tobacco Smoke or ETS as second-hand smoke is more commonly known is just as dangerous as smoking itself due to the nicotine and chemicals present in it.

3.Keep a healthy weight.

Being overweight contributes to other risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Eating a balanced diet can limit your consumption of fats that can make your cholesterol levels soar. Exercising also helps you lose weight, control diabetes and reduce stress. Gradually work up to 30 minutes of activity such as walking, jogging, swimming, or bicycling on most, if not all, days of the week for a no-fail workout.

4.Reduce stress by practicing stress management techniques.

Stress can cause a temporary spike in your blood pressure, a risk factor for brain hemorrhage, or long-lasting hypertension. It can also increase your blood's tendency to clot, which may elevate your risk of stroke. Simplifying your life, exercising, and using relaxation techniques are all approaches that you can learn to reduce stress. Deep breathing, meditation, and sipping tea are just some of the most common stress reduction techniques.

5.Manage preexisting conditions.

Chronic illnesses like heart problems and diabetes increase your risks of stroke. Managing these conditions and keeping them under control can certainly help you lower stroke risks. Continue treatment for these conditions but be certain to ask your doctor if the prescription drugs you are using for these diseases are not increasing your risks for stroke.

Resource Box:
Kristine Anne Gonzaga is a content writer and researcher who specializes in health topics and health-related issues. She delights in finding tips and ideas on simple and practical healthcare and sharing them through her writing.

Why Smoking Kills

2008-12-04T20:24:00.000-08:00

Smoking is one habit that is far from easy to break. But no matter how great the difficulty is, it is imperative. You cannot continue ignoring all the warnings given to you because once you come down with an illness because of it, remember: you are not the only one who is going to be affected, but also the people closest to you.

The bad effects of smoking affects almost every organ in your body. All the possible illnesses it could generate automatically put the smokers health at high risk. Statistics have confirmed that the drawbacks of smoking to our health are accountable for an estimated 5,000,000 worldwide deaths annually.

Moreover, one out of every five deaths in the US is due to a smoking related illness. In fact, smoking is the leading cause of death in the world, outranking AIDS, drug abuse, murders, suicides, and vehicular accidents. Individuals who have been smoking throughout their entire lives have a 50% chance of dying from smoke-related illnesses, and these are likely to occur when they reach middle age. Also, it has been identified that tobacco smoking is the culprit behind an estimated 25 kinds of ailments.

Although most of us are already aware of how the effects of smoking can shorten the lifespan of an individual, not all of us are particularly aware of the nitty-gritty, morbid details surrounding these physical illnesses incurred from smoking. Here they are:

Ailments Affecting the Heart and Circulatory System

Abdominal aortic aneurysm results from smoking.

A person who smokes cigarettes is twice more susceptible to having strokes.

Smoking cigarettes limits the arteries, which leads to a reduced circulation.

Individuals who smoke have a 10%percent higher chance of contracting peripheral vascular disease.

Cancer

Individuals who smoke are more susceptible to develop cancer of the following organs: stomach, pancreas, kidney, cervix, lung, esophagus, pharynx, oral cavity, larynx, and the bladder.

Acute myeloid leukemia is caused by smoking.

It has been found out that cancers related to smoking ranks is more likely among adult African-American males than in any other race in the world.

90% of lung cancer deaths in men and 80% in women all resulted from smoking.

Research has divulged that the danger of dying from lung cancer among smokers is 23 times higher with men and 13 times more with women. This is considerably higher in comparison to non-smokers.

Respiratory Ailments and Other Illnesses

Smokers have a 10% higher chance of contracting and dying from chronic obstructive lung disease than non-smokers. Cigarette smoking has been identified as responsible for 90% of deaths due to chronic obstructive lung disease.

The bone density of post-menopausal women who smoke is considerably lower than that of women who do not smoke. In addition, women smokers are more susceptible to suffering from hip fractures as compared to those who do not smoke.

Smoking cigarettes is known to result to a lot of negative reproductive and early childhood effects. These include: stillbirth, low birth weight, pre-term delivery, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Resource Box: Maricel Modesto is a writer and editor who writes for various health and lifestyle magazines.

Great Skin for the Winter Season

2008-12-03T23:16:00.000-08:00

Keeping your skin healthy during the cold winter months can be quite challenging. The steep drop in the temperature can take its toll on our skin too, causing it to lose moisture. Although there is a multitude of creams and lotions that would guarantee replenishment of lost moisture, it is still best if we try to prevent it from happening in the first place.

The changes in season would have a direct effect on the condition and eventually the appearance of our skin. If skin tends to become more oily during the summer season, the opposite occurs once the colder months step in. Dry skin is particularly common during winter. Having cracked, dry skin makes it more susceptible to contracting infections. These radical differences and their effects on our skin generate a need for us to also take note of specific measures in order to ensure that we maintain the good condition of our skin regardless of the season. For this reason, dermatologists urge us to alter our skin care regimen to accommodate the demands of our skin during the harsh, cold weather. This is not only to help keep our skin healthy, but also to encourage the natural defenses of our body.

Below are some all natural skin care tips to help you keep your skin in tip-top shape despite the freezing weather.

As soon as the humidity inside your home falls below 60 percent, which already means the air is dry, use a humidifier. Doing so would not only keep your skin from becoming chapped and dry, but it also prevents your nasal passages from drying out.

No matter how freezing the temperature gets, avoid hot showers. Hot water can sap moisture from your skin, and this combined with the freezing temperature would only dry out your skin even more. Instead opt for quick lukewarm showers. When you're done, pat the skin dry with a towel and then apply a moisturizing lotion to lock in moisture. It is best if the skin is moisturized within three minutes after stepping out of the shower.

Use creams and lotions containing any of the following ingredients: glycerin, dimethicone, petrolatum, linoleic acids, ceramides, or mineral oil. These ensure that your skin stays moisturized during the cold weather.

Don't forget your lips. They too need moisture. Use lip balms with sunscreen or lipsticks packed with moisturizers and sunscreen to prevent them from becoming dry and chapped.

Sunblock should be a year-round skin staple especially one that shields you from UVA and UVB rays. Research has confirmed that ultraviolet rays can be specifically strong on a calm winter day. Even if if the sun is hidden behind clouds, the UV rays can still permeate and wreak damage on exposed skin.

If your nails are brittle, keep them moisturized well and use nail polish containing nail protein. Also, it is better if you keep your nails short. This prevents fungus from getting in.

Change your wet clothes and shoes as soon as you can. Eczema can result from wet clothes and shoes that come in contact with skin.

Resource Box: Maricel Modesto is a writer and editor who writes for various health and lifestyle magazines.

Can Hypnosis Help You Quit Smoking?

2008-12-02T23:17:00.000-08:00

After having failed at several attempts to ditch the nasty smoking habit once and for all, by now, you must have already reached the point in which you are on the verge of resigning yourself to the fact that you are doomed to have a pair of putrid lungs in the not so very distant future. Quitting smoking is never as easy as taking a walk in the park. Like many smokers before you, you have realized how frustrating it can be to keep on trying and always end up with no results. But don't lose hope. If all else fails, maybe it is high time for you to try hypnosis.

How Hypnosis Can Help

The first image that comes to mind upon mentioning the words “hypnosis” and “hypnotist” is that of someone lulling his or her subject to sleep by swinging a stopwatch hanging from a chain to and fro before the eyes of the latter. This has lent a somewhat bogus and fantastical connotation to the idea behind hypnotism. But in reality, the science behind hypnosis and its benefits are not based on quackery, magic, or sorcery. And although it is unconventional, it is still a long way off from being categorized as fantastic.
Hypnosis makes use of the advantageous effects of suggestion. Proven to be a powerful and most commonly used tool, one very good way of illustrating the method of suggestion is through advertising. Even if advertising does not directly make us of hypnosis per se, it still uses suggestion in promoting products and convincing target markets to patronize them. Hypnosis is also reliant on the same precept. But if you are to use hypnosis as a means of quitting smoking, then you have to open your mind to the fact that the power of suggestion can work on you.

Meeting Your Expectations

However, do not expect that once you undergo hypnosis, you would automatically have a radical change in your way of thinking. It has been reported that most people who have undergone hypnosis to help them kick the smoking habit occasionally experienced cigarette cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This only proves further how hard it is to stop smoking. It is a slow and tedious process requiring patience and perseverance on the part of the person involved. But this does not mean to say that hypnosis is defective. On the contrary, it could be as equally effective and at times even more effective than the other measures suggested for this particular problem. Like them, it is not an instant cure, moreover, a miracle cure that can automatically reverse a smoker's way of thinking. Nevertheless, if you are dead serious about junking this bad and lethal habit for good, then hypnosis could be one effective method that can work for you. But as with every suggested method or program, make sure that you enter armed with determination, perseverance, a willingness to change, and above all, a realistic perception that it is not perfect, thus, necessitating time and consistency to work efficiently.

Resource Box: Maricel Modesto is a writer and editor who writes for various health and lifestyle magazines.

Bagging the Right Bag for Your Kids

2008-11-27T19:27:00.000-08:00

Growing pains affect at least 15% of the children in the United States. While it is not a disease, it is real for the kids and may even cause them to lie awake at night. With the many pain medications sold today, there really isn't any reason for you to let your child ride the pain out. However, since many medicines can cause uncomfortable side effects in children, it is best to keep them from having these pains. One of the best ways to do this is to ensure that your kids use the right bags for school.

School backpacks are useful and convenient in carrying books and stuff around. They can also serve as a fashion statement. However, they are also a prime cause of should strain and backache – two conditions that can seriously compound growing pains. To keep your child free of muscle pain but ready for school- especially now that September is just around the corner – here are some tips on bagging the right bag for your kids:

1.Opt for wide, padded shoulder straps.

Thin, unpadded straps have the unfortunate habit of digging onto your child's shoulders. Aside from causing welts, these straps contribute to uneven distribution of weight as they can easily slide off your child's shoulders. This is also true for one-strap bags. Wide, padded shoulder straps – and padded backs too, if possible – can prevent painful digging and uneven distribution of weight. This can reduce back strain. Opting for a backpack with a waist belt is also a good idea.

2.Look for multiple compartments.

Instead of going for backpacks with just one compartment, opt for one that has several smaller compartments. Multiple compartments for smaller items can better distribute weight within the backpack, as well as make it easy to find things that might otherwise be lost in the jumble. As such, choose backpacks with evenly distributed pockets as having them all on one side kind of defeats the purpose of balancing the weight.

3.Choose small backpacks.

In terms of size, go for small ones that pack a punch instead of big, hulking bags. Choose the smallest backpack that accommodates your child's books, notebooks, folders and other school supplies. As a general rule, the backpack shouldn't be wider than your child's torso nor should it come four inches below his waist. Smaller backpacks are also lighter and since the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children carry no more than 10 percent to 20 percent of their body weight in a backpack, smaller and lighter backpacks made of sturdy but lightweight materials are ideal.

Choosing the right backpack can very well save your child from growing pains, chronic back pain, and other bone and muscle disorders. Studies conducted by the American Occupational Therapy Association suggest that more than half of students from ages nine to 20 experience chronic back pain related to backpacks. If you're worried about the toll your child's backpack is taking on his back, consult your child's doctor for preventive measures and appropriate treatment methods.

Resource Box:

Kristine Anne Gonzaga is a content writer and researcher who specializes in health topics and health-related issues. She delights in finding tips and ideas on simple and practical healthcare and sharing them through her writing.

The Elusive Treatments For Back Pain

2008-11-27T00:51:00.000-08:00

Among the most common complaints that a person has would be back pain. In fact, back pain is such a prevalent problem that treatments for it have increased over the years, and it is the most likely cause for a person to visit a doctor’s office. However, while the available options have increased, this isn’t necessarily good news. Instead, many patients have found that sudden back pain only opens up to a veritable world of medical confusion.

There are numerous pharmaceutical and surgical remedies available for back pain, but the effectiveness of almost all of these has been put into question several times. There’s a large amount of money that goes into things such as doctor’s visits, medications like Tramadol to dull the pain, stays in the hospital, any procedures that need to be done, and perhaps even physical therapy. All of that, and there’s no concrete guarantee that any of them will actually improve things. According to data from the American Medical Association, spending on back treatments jumped by 65%, going up to nearly $86 billion from 1997 to 2005, after adjustments for inflation were made. During the same period, though, the proportion of people with back function having been reduced because of spinal problems increased. This is despite control measures implemented to factor out the aging population.

Lower back pain, according to experts, is a representation of more than just one condition. It can be caused by any number of conditions, and each one might need to be treated differently. For some, it could be a muscular problem that can be fixed by a muscle relaxant or pain killer, such as Tramadol. For many of the conditions that cause this pain, there is no known test that can confirm which is which. This usually causes attempts to relieve lower back pain to become a process of trial and error, attempting to find which condition fits the symptoms. As such, treatment can only actually begin once the condition has been identified, because what works for one is not likely to work for others.

Another problem with this is that, for about 85% of all patients, the cause of the pain is impossible to identify, and many doctors just prescribe Tramadol or some other pain medication. In essence, they treat the symptoms, but are aware that they are unable to do anything about the symptoms. Even magnetic resonance imaging technology is only rarely able to shed light on the problem, with most studies finding that the scans are able to pick up social abnormalities in people who have never experienced back pain, but are unable to find anything wrong with those who have.

Resource Box : Harvey Ong is currently working as a writer-researcher for an online pharmaceutical company. For more information on the topics he writes about, go to drugstoretm.com.

Sensitive Skin Care that Works

2008-11-25T23:02:00.000-08:00

Having sensitive skin is like a prison in itself. It restricts us from so many things, depriving us of our liberty to use just any product we choose or eat any food we please, unless we harbor a secret hatred towards ourselves. However, since we are surrounded by so much pollution these days, leaving our skin bare exposes it completely to these harmful elements, which is a similar form of skin suicide as directly using the wrong skin care product on it. So what are we to do?

The first step is by facing our problem: our problematic sensitive skin. Many factors have already been identified to contribute to skin sensitivity or its aggravation. From food to surroundings, down to the different emollients we slather on our skin; all these have a direct effect on the state and appearance of our skin. Taking particular notice of the current skin care product we are using, it may not be surprising to learn that many of the ingredients used for them could actually be the cause of or trigger of our particular condition. We have been using them blindly, not knowing that they do our skin more harm than good.

The next best thing for us to do to contend with our situation is by equipping ourselves with substantial knowledge regarding our problematic skin. Intelligent observation of the nature and inherent characteristics of our skin as well as its reaction to certain factors may well serve as the best sensitive skin care method that could actually work for us. Working from here onwards, it would no longer prove to be difficult for us to determine the next steps we should take in caring for our sensitive skin.

Let us put an end to our struggle, and get down to head-on observation and learning. Here are the procedures we should follow to get us started:

1.Let us first take a very good look at all the products we use on our skin(face and body). Which of these products recently came in contact with the affected skin area? If there are several affected areas, proceed to the next step.

2.Given that we use different products on these affected areas, we should carefully look over the ingredients used for each. What ingredients do they have in common? What ingredients are unique to each one?

3.Isolate the product or products from the others that you use. Should we choose to use a similar product in their place, we have to make sure that they have different ingredients used. Either that or we opt for all-natural or organic products to replace them. However, in purchasing organic products, we should review thoroughly the labels first. Sometimes they combine some chemicals that could also be harmful to your sensitive skin.

4.Avoid using the products you suspect to be the cause of our irritation for a period of three up to four months. Take note of the changes.

5.Make a thorough research regarding the products we use and the ingredients used therein. Ascertain that they are “safe” based on the safety standards of cosmetics.

6.Chart or jot down any change that may have occurred from the time we have started to use another product/s or from the time we have stopped using the suspected product/s.

Resource Box:
Maricel Modesto is a writer and editor who writes for various health and lifestyle magazines.

Migraine Management: It's More than a Bad Headache

2008-11-19T22:40:00.000-08:00

Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, a leading drug manufacturer conducted a poll about migraines and how they affect employees and businesses. The report indicated that there are at least 15 million men and women in the United States who have gone to work with migraine or experienced an attack at work. In addition, an original investigation by the American Medical Association about the economic burden migraine poses to the U.S. business sector indicates a loss that amounts to as much as $13 billion per year due to missed work days and impaired work function. If you feel that migraine is negatively impacting your work, here are some tips on managing it in the workplace:

1. Let the office know about your condition.

It won't do to keep your migraine a secret from your boss, your colleagues, and the company doctor. Aside from it being a necessity when you apply for company-sponsored health insurance, informing them that you suffer from migraine lets you form a support network that can attend to you in case a migraine attack at work becomes an emergency. You also create understanding and awareness of the disorder which can help the company implement precautionary measures that can help prevent developing migraine in other employees.

2. Be proactive.

Being proactive is necessary in having a rewarding career but it is also important if you want to manage your migraine. Instead of seeking medical attention only when migraines attack, make it a point to talk to your doctor about the condition in general. You can ask your doctor for tips on managing migraines, about available new treatments for the disorder, and other measures you can take to keep the pain at bay especially at work. You have a better chance of managing your condition by taking a more active approach in its treatment.

3. Make your working environment as migraine-proof as possible.

Flickering bright office lights can trigger migraine in some people as do loud noises. Identify migraine triggers in the workplace and make your workstation as migraine-proof as possible. For example, if noises trigger your migraine, you can wear headphones that play nature sounds or soothing music while at work. If this is not permitted, you can ask your boss if you can be stationed far from the office lunchroom or the copier machine. If lights are the problem, talk to your boss about taking the lights out of your workstation and using a subdued lamp instead. You can also keep some anti-stress objects in your cube such as a mini Zen fountain or aromatherapy oils.

4. Come to work armed with your pain medications.

If your doctor has prescribed an anti-migraine or pain medication for you, keep some inside your desk drawer at work so you can be ready when you feel a migraine attack coming. Costs of double stocking shouldn't be a problem since there are many reputable online pharmacies that sell low cost pain relief drugs on the Net. A nasal spray or an orally disintegrating tablet that melts in the mouth might be a more suitable option at the office as they can be taken discreetly and without fluids.

5. Practice a healthy lifestyle.

Exercising regularly and observing a balanced diet can help keep migraines at bay. A healthy lifestyle is also key in treating migraine as some of its most common triggers include lack of sleep or rest, fatigue, sugars, carbohydrates, excessive caffeine, and nicotine. Avoiding or minimizing your exposure to these triggers can help treat and prevent migraine attacks.

Resource Box:

Kristine Anne Gonzaga is a content writer and researcher who specializes in health topics and health-related issues. She delights in finding tips and ideas on simple and practical health care and sharing them through her writing.

Using a Thermometer: Tips and Tricks

2008-11-19T01:08:00.000-08:00

When your child complains of feeling unwell, your first instinct is to put your hand against his forehead to check his temperature. And when it feels quite hot, off you go to get a thermometer. This is a very sensible move compared to panicking and going to a doctor immediately since fever can be easily remedied at home. However, are you sure that you are using the thermometer correctly? Because if you aren't, you may botch up the reading and dismiss your child's complaint as a simple fever even if it isn't. Below are tips and tricks to help you fine-tune your thermometer skills:

1. Know your options.

While the mercury thermometer was the thermometer of choice years back, there are a lot of thermometers available today that you can use. There are even specialized thermometers that can be used in the rectum, mouth, and armpits respectively. Regular digital thermometers use electronic heat sensors to record body temperature, often in 30 seconds or less. Digital ear thermometers, also called tympanic thermometers, are even quicker than regular digital thermometers and can measure body temperature in just a few seconds. A digital pacifier thermometer is another option for young kids. If you are unsure of the type of thermometer to get, you can always consult your family doctor.

2. Consider your child's age.

The kind of thermometer you use matters but not so much as to where you stick it. For this, you need to consider your child's age to get the most accurate reading. For newborns, use a regular digital thermometer to take rectal temperature. Lubricate the tip of the digital thermometer with petroleum jelly then slide it an inch into your child's rectum. Do not force it in if there is any resistance. For toddlers aged four and below, it is best to use an ear thermometer. As your child grows older and more in control of his muscles, he can gradually move into using digital thermometers stuck under his tongue or in his armpits. If you have a number of kids in different ages, keeping a variety of thermometers at hand is advised.

3. Think of your priorities.

Regardless of the age of the child or person it is used for, a rectal thermometer gives the most accurate temperature reading. Whatever the method, make sure you know exactly how to use your thermometer. Read the instructions that came with your thermometer. After each use, clean the thermometer with rubbing alcohol or soap and lukewarm water. For safety and to make sure the thermometer stays in place, never leave your child unattended while you're taking his or her temperature.

4. Wait for the beep.

Most digital thermometers are equipped with an alarm that will beep to alert you that enough time has passed for the thermometer to do its job. Removing the thermometer before it is time to do so can render the reading inaccurate or useless. In case you still use a mercury thermometer, allow at least one to three minutes before removing it. Thermometers usually come with instructions so check the package about times and alarms.

5. Know when to seek medical advice.

Fevers are not illnesses. They are often symptoms of something else. As such it is important to know when to seek medical advice. When reporting a temperature to your child's doctor, give the actual reading and state how the temperature was taken. Don't add or subtract numbers from the reading depending on where the thermometer was placed. If you want to give your child fever medication, stick to acetaminophen or whatever it is that is prescribed by the doctor.

Resource Box:

Kristine Anne Gonzaga is a content writer and researcher who specializes in health topics and health-related issues. She delights in finding tips and ideas on simple and practical healthcare and sharing them through her writing.

How Smoking Affects Women

2008-11-17T18:31:00.000-08:00

Despite the repetitive warnings against the ill effects of smoking, there would always be new smokers joining the bandwagon annually, contributing further to our ever-worsening pollution and to the steadily increasing death rate of people directly and/or indirectly affected by this nasty habit. The common denominator between smoking and a natural calamity is their inherent trait to affect both genders regardless of age, location, and/or status. No one is spared. There is virtually no difference between the medical complications that could arise from smoking for both men and women. Both of them are equally susceptible to a melange of cancers, namely in the following areas; bladder, kidneys, pancreas, esophagus, pharynx, larynx, mouth, and the lungs. Apart from all these, they are also prone to varied respiratory diseases, which have become increasingly more common at present. But for women, the effects could have some forms of variations due to their biological difference in terms of structure from men. There are researches suggesting that women are more prone to nicotine addiction than men. Aside from this, they also have a slower metabolism of the said harmful substance. Thus, women who smoke are in danger of contracting illnesses borne of smoking. But of them all, post-menopausal women and those taking birth control pills have the highest risk of getting down with life-threatening ailments.

Below are the terrible effects smoking has on women's health:

* Women smokers who use oral contraceptives have a 10 percent higher risk of succumbing to heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. The risk is higher for those who are more than 35 years of age and is is even more potent for those who are 45.

* Smoking raises the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, prenatal and infant deaths, learning disorders, troublesome behavior, and attention disorders.

* For pregnant women, smoking not only endangers their lives, but also that of their unborn babies. It has been proven that women smoking during their pregnancy are more susceptible to preterm delivery, premature rupture of membranes, placenta previa, miscarriage, neonatal death, and low birth weight.

* Women smokers are more likely to be at risk of having decreased fertility.

* Secondary amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) and irregular menstruation are more common among women smokers. Aside from these, they are also more likely to suffer from peculiar vaginal discharge and bleeding.

* It has been found out that women who smoke do not only experience interruptions with their menstrual cycle, but they are also more likely to enter menopause earlier than those who do not smoke.

* It has been confirmed that smoking cigarettes among women increases their chances of contracting osteoporosis. Originally, smoking is considered as a contributory factor to the development of osteoporosis, which is a decrease in bone density that could strike both genders. However, it is more common among women since they are the ones who conceive babies.

* Breast cancer only comes in at second place in terms of the number one cause of death for women. Lung cancer takes the top spot, and its primary cause is smoking.

* Apart from the above-mentioned illnesses, smoking ups the chances of women in contracting periodontal diseases, teeth staining, bad breath, tooth loss, and pronounced facial wrinkling.

* Women smokers are at much higher risk of having vulvar and cervical cancers.

Resource Box:

Maricel Modesto is a writer and editor who writes for various health and lifestyle magazines.

Coping with ADHD Treatment

2008-11-16T22:16:00.000-08:00

It can be difficult if your kid is suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The symptoms alone are enough to cause you, your child, and the rest of your family some difficulties.

Symptoms of ADHD in Children

Since symptoms of ADHD vary and their causes are not clear, doctors usually hold off diagnosing ADHD in children until they exhibit the following symptoms with greater intensity compared to what is normal for their age:

1. Inattention. Children with ADHD find it difficult to concentrate on one activity at a time or forget easily even when just told of something.

2. Hyperactivity. ADHD-affected children are often in constant motion even when they seem to be just sitting. Squirming, fidgeting, playing with things at reach, and running around are common manifestations.

3. Impulsiveness. When a child with ADHD is struck with an idea, he immediately acts on it without thinking of consequences. As a result, most ADHD children are accident-prone and susceptible to tantrums if they do not get their way.

If you suspect that your child has ADHD or has been knowingly diagnosed with the condition, do not be anxious. With your help and guidance, he is perfectly capable of living a full life. Medications that can help you and your kid manage his condition, ADHD can be a bearable situation.

Or is it?

The Problem

Insomnia, stomach problems, gastrointestinal disorders, and weight loss are common side effects often associated with ADHD medication use. Apart from his ADHD episodes, your kid may suffer from loss of sleep, decrease in appetite, and being underweight before he gets better. While switching medications is often a solution, this entails another adjustment periods as your kid’s body tries to get accustomed to a new set of drugs.

The Solution

Steven Parker, M.D. the director of behavioral and developmental pediatrics at the Boston Medical Center advises that if the benefits of the drug (i.e. better learning capability and mood control) outweigh the side effects, it is often better for kids and parents to tough it out. Here, we provide you tips on reducing or preventing the onset of side effects when using ADHD medications:

1. Implement changes in eating habits.

Unless otherwise indicated, taking ADHD medications with food is recommended as it can prevent the onset of stomachaches and gastrointestinal problems. Taking ADHD treatment medications with food also prevents headaches by preventing sudden changes in blood pressure. If possible, work mealtimes around his medication schedules or give him a snack before administering medicines.

2. Consider long-acting medications.

Short-acting medicines have the disadvantage of triggering headaches as an offshoot of their speedy reaction time. If your child suffers from headaches a lot especially after taking medications, work with his doctor to develop a medication schedule that offsets headaches during times when your kid is at school. If the headaches are too severe, switching to long-acting formulations is a viable option.

3. Develop a sleep routine.

Aside from keeping your kid’s bedroom as a strictly sleeping zone – no homework, no TV – you can also help him sleep better by prohibiting caffeinated drinks and developing a sleep routine. Consistently practicing a bedtime routine that is comfortable for both you and your child can help prevent insomnia caused by ADHD medications.

Resource Box:

Kristine Anne Gonzaga is a content writer and researcher who specializes in health topics and health-related issues. She delights in finding tips and ideas on simple and practical healthcare and sharing them through her writing.

Free Yourself From The Hassles of PMS – The Safer Way

2008-11-13T22:22:00.000-08:00

Many women and adolescent girls suffer from cramps, lower back pain, and bloating every month during their menstrual period. However, there are also those who experience premenstrual syndrome or PMS, wherein some women and young girls feel varying degrees of discomfort before their periods. Aside from physical pain, there are those who also feel depressed and anxious that somehow affect their everyday activities at home, work, or school.

While there are still no studies that can determine the factors that can trigger PMS, this is often associated with the hormonal level changes that take place during the menstruation cycle of every woman. Health experts claim that PMS is not caused by psychological factors or stress, but these can, however, worsen PMS symptoms.

Treating PMS

Fortunately for women who suffer from PMS, there is a way for them to avoid the hassles PMS brings. Generally, doctors often prescribe medicines that can help the body get rid of extra fluid and sodium, thus, preventing breast pain, back pain, abdominal pain, bloating, as well as weight gain. As for psychological symptoms of PMS, doctors commonly prescribe antidepressants for depression, anxiety, as well as irritability that usually come with PMS.

Moreover, women suffering from PMS can also resort to a healthier and simpler diet as well as lifestyle changes. As for a healthier diet, women should start eating more carbohydrates such as cereals, whole grain breads, and pasta and foods that are rich in protein, fiber, and potassium. They can also try to avoid eating too much fat and sugar as well as cut back on alcohol and caffeine intake.

Alternative treatments to PMS

Sometimes it is best to avoid taking medications over PMS pain, for your body may adapt to the medicines you intake. Hence, most doctors recommended alternative pain relief treatments instead to those who suffer from PMS pain.

One alternative option to treat PMS is to eat healthy and breathe fresh air. These simple steps can definitely lead to a healthy and well-balanced body, thus, lessening a woman's chances in experiencing PMS symptoms. Some health practitioners also advise women suffering from PMS to try practicing breathing exercises, aromatherapy, yoga, as well as meditation. These exercises are known to lessen one's stress and promote relaxation. Also, it might be best to set aside personal time for a vacation to unwind and focus on life factors that can truly revive one's spirit.

Furthermore, women who frequently suffer from PMS may also opt to try using primrose oil, which is a plant oil that has gamma-linolenic fatty acid. This fatty acid is known to regulate inflammation and pain in the body. There are also other natural remedies used for PMS such as vitamin E, ginkgo, wild yam, progesterone cream, and St. John's Wort.

With these alternative treatments expounded, women who frequently suffer from PMS can try these no-medication methods of alleviating and preventing PMS symptoms. Not only are these alternative treatments effective, but these are also safer and quite easy to do.

Resource Box:

Rcon Franchesca V. Pascua is a web content writer and researcher who specializes in health and fitness topics. She enjoys reading health-related features and articles and sharing what she learns by providing tips and guidelines on how to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Childhood Safety: Preventing Falls

2008-11-13T00:07:00.000-08:00

Children, with their excess energy and natural curiosity, have plenty of opportunities to fall down. It can be as simple as trying to reach that cookie jar while using an unstable object as footstool or running down the stairs in their socks. Balancing on curbs is also a popular accident. As it is, accidents involving falls can seem as much part of childhood as a PB and J sandwich and morning cartoons. Even so, there are some things you can do to prevent the worst accidents from happening and minimizing the risks of those you cannot stop. Below are some tips on preventing falls:

1. Beware of heights.

Not to encourage a fear of heights but it would be sensible of you to teach your children not to play in places that are too high off the ground. Fire escapes, high porches, and balconies are certainly not places to play tag or jump around. If you have small children around, it is better to keep these places off-limits or accessible only to adults by means of locks placed on the higher parts of the entrances. Having a rule that clearly expresses your dislike of having young children play in these areas is also a good idea. Windows should also be locked if no adult is supervising playtime since children can easily climb and fell from one.

2. Keep stairs free from clutter.

As convenient as it is, the stairs is hardly a good place to keep shoes. Clutter on the stairs increases the risk of tripping and falling. Keep your stairs free from clutter such as books, magazines, toys, or other home ornaments. In fact, the less cluttered your stairs are, the safer it will be. It is also a good idea to keep yourself from polishing stair steps as waxes can make them slippery. Spills on the stairs should be wiped and dried as soon as possible to avoid possible mishaps.

3. Install safety gates and handrails.

If you have a toddler who has just learned to walk and is itching to try his newfound skills, installing safety gates along entrances to rooms and handrails along short steps is a good idea. Safety gates can prevent your kid from wandering from room to room – particularly rooms that lead to stairs or have low windows. Just make sure that there are no objects around that he can use to climb over the safety gates as those will sadly defeat the purpose of installing the gates in the first place. If you have short flights of stairs or steps around in your house, it will help if you install handrails just in case your toddler finds an opportunity to climb these without your supervision.

4. Keep floors free of debris and clutter.

There are a number of floor-based objects that can contribute to falls in children. Loose area rugs, carpeting, mats, and cords can slid and trip you and your child. Secure rugs and carpets by using a double-sided adhesive or by sliding under them a rubber mat. Cords should be put tied with plastic binders that keep excess lengths out of the way. It is also a good idea to keep appliances near the power outlets to avoid using extension cords that can cause trips and short circuits.

5. Equip your home and child against falls.

For those accidents you cannot avoid, it is best to keep your home and child with materials that can minimize the pain and injury. At home, it is best if you keep a medicine cabinet or first aid kit filled with discount drugs like antiseptics for possible wounds and painkillers for sprains and fractures. If your child bikes to school or engages in sports, it is best if you invest in protective gear like helmets and elbow pads.

Resource Box:

Kristine Anne Gonzaga is a content writer and researcher who specializes in health topics and health-related issues. She delights in finding tips and ideas on simple and practical healthcare and sharing them through her writing.

Traveling with Medications

2008-11-09T22:32:00.000-08:00

Keeping a medication schedule is hard enough when you have to do it at home but during travel, it’s an absolute nightmare. If you are like most people, you probably have had to travel at least once while on medication and you know how difficult it can be. Aside from remembering your travel itinerary, you also have to squeeze in your medications. If you need to take several medications at different points during the day, here are some tips that can help you manage your medication schedule easier:

1.Make a medication calendar.

A medication calendar is really helpful especially if you will be away from home for a week or so. Just print out or make a personal calendar inclusive of your travel dates. Aside from your daily agenda, also jot down your medication schedules on the calendar. This way, instead of a being a hassle, your medications become a part of your daily schedule. If you find the task of writing or penciling in your medication routine into your daily itinerary, invest in pillboxes and label each with a date corresponding to your travel schedule.

2.Get prescription refills before setting out.

Visit your local pharmacy or your doctor to get a refill of your prescription medications prior to traveling. This way, you prevent missing out on your medications just because the amount you brought with you isn’t enough. This is especially important if you are using a medication that is not common or popular. If this is not possible, obtain a duplicate prescription from your doctor so you can get your medications from another place. One thing that might prove to be useful during traveling is a note from your doctor explaining why you need certain medications. This is especially true if you need or use medications such as strong narcotics or antidepressants which can raise questions in airports.

3.Make a list of your medications and what are they for.

While uncommon, there have been cases of overdoses and others that are related to medicating while on the road. Just to be sure, make a list of all medications you are using and their purposes. Make several copies and put these in your bag, your glove compartment, and your hotel end table. This way, it’ll be easy for medical personnel to help you even if you are indisposed. They can easily give you an antidote or the necessary first aid to counteract the effects of the medication you took in excess.

4.Bring an extra set of medications.

Bring extra medication just in case. If you are traveling for three days, for example, you may want to bring six days of medication. Keep your extra medication in a separate bag, if possible. This way, if one bag does get lost, you will have back-up medication. Keeping medications in separate bags can also help you prevent intake mistakes. Keeping them separate keeps you from making the mistake of taking something in excess. In addition, if you happen to drop a pill or lose one, you won't be a pill short during your travels.

Following the tips listed above can help save you from the stress and anxiety of finding yourself short of the necessary medications while you are away from home. Being prepared can also save you from impractical expenses which you will undoubtedly incur in case you find yourself sick with no cost-effective medical solution available.

Resource Box:

Kristine Anne Gonzaga is a content writer and researcher who specializes in health topics and health-related issues. She delights in finding tips and ideas on simple and practical healthcare and sharing them through her writing.

Choosing the Right Over the Counter Sleeping Aid

2008-11-07T00:24:00.001-08:00

Millions of Americans suffer from insomnia. For this kind of sleeping problem, most sufferers prefer to use over-the-counter sleeping aids as a form of treatment.

However, there are many over-the-counter sleeping aids that consumers can choose from. With this, some consumers are clueless which drugs to trust and take. Some even waste thousands of dollars each year in buying different kinds of brands to see which ones give better results, are safer, and are less expensive.

So, if you are among the crowd of insomniacs who are finding it hard to decide which over-the-counter sleeping medication to take, read on below for some tips on choosing the right over-the-counter sleeping aid:

1. Consult with your physician to know if sleeping aid medications can affect pre-existing health conditions.

Before buying any over-the-counter sleeping aid, it is best to consult with your physician first to know if over-the-counter sleeping pills can possibly affect your pre-existing health conditions. See, it is dangerous to take over-the-counter medications without knowing and understanding their effects to your body.

2. Double check with your physician how over-the-counter medications can interact with the medications you are already already prescribed to take.

This way, you can be assured that there will be no possible interaction between the over-the-counter drugs you are about to purchase and the medications you are already taking. It is also recommended that you check if you are allergic to any of the over-the-counter drug you are about to take.

3. Know the symptoms that you are okay with as well as those that you find intolerable.

See, not only are over-the-counter sleeping aids appear in different kinds of brand, but they also give different kinds of side effects. For instance, you can either opt to take herbal or antihistamines. These two are known to be effective types of sleeping medications. However, they differ in symptoms or side effects. While herbal sleeping aids can help you get to sleep, these do not really give a very one though. Antihistamines, on the other hand, are also very effective in helping you get to sleep, but these can cause problems by the time you wake up.

4. Decide which type of over-the-counter sleeping aid will work best for you.

Upon knowing that sleeping aids come in two types, it is best for you to determine if a herbal or a antihistamine will best suit you. To know which sleeping aid suits you, try to do a research on the products' ingredients and other information via the Internet. You can also ask friends and family members for recommendations as to which type of sleeping aid is better.

5. Properly take over-the-counter sleeping aid as directed in the products' administration instructions.

Once you have chosen the type of sleeping aid that suit you, you must take it only as directed in the product's administration instructions. If for instance that the one you have chosen does not work for you, never risk increasing its dosage. This might only lead to serious health complications.

Sexual Health Traps Condoms Can't Save You From

2008-11-04T18:14:00.000-08:00

A condom is a handy birth control option that is easily accessible and used. They are popular forms of birth control since they also provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases. Probably the most accessible form of birth control today, condoms are available in drugstores, groceries, and even convenience stores. Community clinics, hospitals, and Planned Parenthood offices sometimes even provide free condoms. Condoms, or rubbers as they are popularly known, are also considered as the only method of contraception that provides protection against sexually transmitted diseases and infections.

However, STDs are not the only threats to male sexual health around. And there are threats that even the mightiest condom cannot prevent or stop. These are:

* Priapism

Priapism is often termed as the opposite of erectile dysfunction. In this case, a man experiences a painful erection which often lasts for four hours or even longer. Priapism occurs when blood flows into the penis but is not drained sufficiently. Since priapism is not an effect of sexual activity, it cannot be relieved by masturbation and orgasm.

Some of the most common causes of priapism include blood pressure medications and antidepressants, drug use and alcohol, anesthesia, blood diseases, and penile injection therapy.

Treatment for priapism usually come in the form of medical emergencies. Blood is drained out of the penis by using a needle to relieve the erection and restore normal organ function. Medications for priapism are designed to shrink penile blood vessels to minimize blood flow. However, treatment of underlying conditions is preferred to prevent priapism or its recurrence.

* Balanitis and Balanoposthitis

Balanitis refers to the inflammation of the glans or penis's head. On the other hand, balanoposthitis is the inflammation of both the glans and the foreskin. Both disorders exhibit similar symptoms like rash, pain, swelling, foul discharge, and itching in the penile area. These disorders are common in men and boys who have poor personal hygiene and are uncircumcised.

Irritants the cause balantis and balanoposthitis include dead skin cells, tight foreskins, infections, dermatitis, and diabetes.

Circumcision and the practice of proper hygiene can prevent and alleviate both disorders. However, the best way to treat these disorders is by treatment of underlying conditions especially if the irritations are caused by infections, dermatitis, and diabetes.

* Phimosis

Although it is not really a disease, phimosis is a condition that can cause one. Phimosis occurs when the foreskin is too tight that it cannot be retracted to reveal the head of the penis. This condition can cause extreme discomfort when it comes to sexual activity, urination, and personal hygiene.

Common causes of phimosis include birth defects, scar tissues, infection, and balanitis. Treatment for this condition usually includes gentle manual stretching of the foreskin to increase its elasticity. Circumcision and medication to loosen the skin are also popular options in treating phimosis. For a less traumatic treatment than circumcision, some opt for preputioplasty or separating the glans from the foreskin.

* Penile Cancer

A rare form of cancer, penile cancer occurs when abnormal cell growth in the penis increase and grow. Non-cancerous or benign penile tumors can also develop into cancer over time. Symptoms of penile cancer often take the form of penile sores, bleeding, and abnormal discharge. The cause of penile cancer is not definite but there are certain risk factors that increase a man's chances of developing this disease.

Some of these risks include being uncircumcised, smoking, smegma, age, human papilloma virus, phimosis, and psoriasis treatment.

Resource Box:

Kristine Anne Gonzaga is a content writer and researcher who specializes in health topics and health-related issues. She delights in finding tips and ideas on simple and practical healthcare and sharing them through her writing.

Causes of Narcolepsy

2008-11-04T02:29:00.000-08:00

For some sleep disorders, prescription sleeping aids are used to control certain symptoms as in the case of insomnia. However, for narcolepsy, a different kind of treatment is necessitated altogether. Usually the symptoms identifying narcolepsy surface at any time during the patient's life until he or she reaches the age of 50. In most cases, on the other hand, these are known to more commonly manifest during the adolescent years.

Since this particular sleep disorder is persistent, the symptoms are most liable to vary in terms of their frequency and severity. Nevertheless, narcolepsy has no known cure, thus, whatever symptom may arise should not be expected to disappear totally.

What makes narcoleptic sleeping pattern different?

The usual sleeping pattern entails entering a phase referred to as “Non-Rapid Eye Movement sleep (NREM)” prior to the “Rapid Eye Movement sleep(REM),” which is considered as the deepest part of sleep. The transition between these two phases takes up at least a couple of hours in which the brain waves gradually slow down as it enters REM sleep where dreams ought to take place. However, in the case of narcoleptics, they do not undergo the NREM phase anymore. Instead, they move straight to the REM phase. They do this even during uncommon times for sleeping which is during the day. Because theyproceed to REM right away, they also have the same syndromes associated with this stage; just as abruptly as they experience REM, they have these in the same way, too.

The Brain Connection

Hypocretin, a brain chemical, plays a significant role in maintaining our state of wakefulness and in assuring that we experience and stay in the REM stage at the right time during our sleep. However, for narcoleptics, the brain cells responsible for activating these chemicals are in a very damaged condition. This leads to a very low production of hypocretin, which explains the abnormality behind narcolepsy. However, the reason behind the damage to the brain cells responsible for producing hypocretin remains indeterminable. Some theories point out to infection and abnormal immune response as the culprits for the damage. Apart from the above-mentioned explanation, narcolepsy is also believed to be hereditary. As of present, research determining the details of these explanations are still being conducted.

The Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) Factor

Human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) are considered to make up a part of our body's defense mechanism. They are genetically identified proteins located on the surface of our white blood cells. The discovery that determined the high concentration of these HLAs in narcoleptics led to the assumption that narcolepsy is an autoimmune disorder. This makes it synonymous to other autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis and ankylosing spondylitis, which are both associated with having high levels of HLAs. Theory has it that this autoimmune disorder led to the loss of necessary brain cells in the case of narcoleptics. Environmental factors such as infection or trauma are held responsible for triggering the autoimmune system to attack normal brain cells. Consequently, this resulted to the damage and eventual destruction of neurons as well as the disappearance of neurotransmitter chemicals.

Resource Box: Maricel Modesto is a writer and editor who writes for various health and lifestyle magazines.

Manage Chronic Pain Caused by Narrowing Disc Disease

2008-11-02T21:39:00.000-08:00

Back pain can be difficult to deal with, especially if its primary cause is the narrowing of the spinal discs. Narrowing disc disease refers to the gradual loss of the gel-like substance in the center of every vertebra that facilitates movement. Pain in the lower back is the most common symptom of narrowing disc disease. But since there are other diseases that have back pain as a primary symptom, here are some signs to watch out for to determine whether you have the disease:

Continuous, mild, tolerable pain with occasional flare ups for a few days. Pain in the lower back are often dismissed by most people as fatigue or stress. But continuous pain, even without an apparent cause, that intensifies over a few days is a cause of alarm.

Amplified pain when sitting down. People with the disease experience an amplified sense of pain when they sit due to the fact that the discs carry a heavier load when a person is in this particular position.

Exacerbated pain due to movements centered on the lower back. Movements that are centered on the discs or the lower back like bending, lifting, or twisting can make the pain worse.

If you are suffering from narrowing disc disease, here are some tips that can help alleviate the pain and speed up recovery:

1.Rest a lot.

Sitting can cause extreme stress in the spine, especially if you happen to be overweight. The excess weight can cause your lower back muscles and your lumbar spine to seize up and hurt. Rest or lie down on your back and support your back muscles with a firm mattress or cushion. Doing so alleviates the stress and tension on the spine and reduces risks of injuries to the discs. If you have a hurting back, resting for a couple of days can make the pain go away.

2.Take medications.

If you can afford it, you can take supplements with chondroitin, a substance that is known to increase the size of the discs. However, if your back and spine cause chronic pain, it is important that you consult a doctor for possible use of pain medications. There are lot of pain medications available in online pharmacies and local drugstores so you can be sure to find one that is suitable for your condition.

3.Consider spinal manipulation.

You might want to consider undergoing a spine alignment program to ensure that your vertebra are back in good working order. Physical therapists can perform major spine alignment procedures and teach you simple exercises that can help you manage your spine.

4.Go for regular exercises.

Exercising to restore motion and strength to a painful lumbar spine can be very helpful in relieving pain. Some of the most effective spine exercises are aerobic and specific to the spine. Some exercises include walking, jogging, swimming, and bicycling. Aside from strengthening your muscles, these exercises can also improve your flexibility; making spinal movements easier.

5.Practice proper posture.

Often, improper posture is the leading culprit of many spinal injuries and disorders. Practicing proper posture, especially when lifting objects, can reduce your risks of developing narrowing disc disorder. Improperly bending over to lift can cause a large increase in strain on the low back. Proper lifting keeps the back straight while you bend with the knees.

Resource Box:
Kristine Anne Gonzaga is a content writer and researcher who specializes in health topics and health-related issues. She delights in finding tips and ideas on simple and practical healthcare and sharing them through her writing.

How to Deal with that Bunion Ouch!

2008-10-30T20:52:00.000-07:00

Shoes play a significant role in our wardrobe. Without them our look would never be complete. Functioning as a necessary tool for both protecting and beautifying our feet, hardly any of us would ever want to be seen walking around barefooted. For ladies, most especially, shoes contribute greatly to their overall physical appeal. Wearing those pointed stilettos does not only add inches to their original heights, but it also gives them that sexy allure. However, despite the glamorously sexy appeal these stilettos may lend its users, they could also pose danger not just because they are trip and slip-prone, but also because they can cause those ugly painful nodules called bunions to form on our feet.

Hallux valgus, more commonly known as bunions, are those uncomfortable (not to mention unsightly) deformed structural protrusions located in the middle of our foot and big toe. Having a bunion may cause our big toe to slant and lean toward our second toe. Moreover, the surrounding tissues are liable to become swollen and tender. More often than not, bunions are due to a mechanical deformity in the foot structure, which is primarily hereditary in nature. However, narrow-toed, high-heeled, and improperly fitted shoes are also known to cause them. Hence, it is no wonder more women than men are reported to suffer from them.

Several suggested treatments are known to address the problem of bunions. Bunion pain relief, on the other hand, can be resolved using other measures aside from surgery. Here are some techniques that might help provide even a little bit of comfort.

* Avoid wearing those pointed, tight shoes that crowd your toes. The same thing goes for those high heeled-shoes or stilettos that force all your toes to your shoes' front. Opt for low-heeled and rounded or square toed shoes that allow more room for your toes to breathe and does not apply pressure to them.

*If you do not want to buy new shoes, try stretching them instead. This is necessary to provide more room for your toes.

*Provide support for your foot arches by using shoe inserts, which are intended to diminish pain and prevent your feet from leaning inwards.

*Use a pad to cushion the bunion. However, this would only work for mild cases. Moderate to severe bunions may worsen if you use a pad because it tends to crowd them even more.

*Ice can be used as a bunion pain relief. It can lessen the pain's intensity. You can apply ice on your bunion many times during the day.

*Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to manage bunion pain.

*Physical therapy can work, too. Whirlpool baths and ultrasound therapy are known to be effective in easing bunion pain.

*Surgery can be done to relieve you of bunion pain. However, do not jump to this without consulting your doctor seriously first. This should be the last resort. On the whole, it is not a necessitated procedure, unless the bunion already gets in the way of your living your usual life.

Using Self-hypnosis to Relieve Pain

2008-10-29T19:49:00.000-07:00

One of the known methods that has been proven to work effectively as a natural pain relief is self-hypnosis. Although experts have confirmed that all forms of hypnosis are self-hypnosis in themselves, it is often described as the process of using hypnosis on oneself without the assistance of a hypnotherapist. In spite of its convenience and probability, it takes time before you perfect the methods of hypnotizing yourself on your own accord.

Self-hypnosis requires patience, determination, and a willingness to allow oneself to be thoroughly subjected to the process. Yet, as always, practice makes perfect. With time, your sincere effort and persistence would yield desirable results. However, you have to keep in mind that hypnosis is possible only if you believe that it would work on you. Otherwise, do not expect positive results.

Prior to practicing hypnosis for pain relief, you are required to get a confirmation from your doctor about the cause and nature of your pain, in order to ensure that proper treatment is applied to any conspicuous origin. It is best to work on your pain when it is still in the moderate stage. Although there would be instances wherein you would want to use self-hypnosis when your pain is at its most intense, be reminded that this could be a real challenge.

Kindly proceed.

1. Allow yourself to enter the hypnotic state by closing your eyes.

2. Determine the level of your pain by imagining a dial with the numbers 1-10 indicated on its surface. The numbers indicate the varying levels of pain with one as the lowest and ten as the highest. Imagine yourself turning that dial to the specific number representing the level of your pain as of the moment.

3. Now imagine a tunnel. This tunnel is a visual representation of your pain. Enter the tunnel. As you move forward, imagine your pain increasing. Let this show on the dial by turning it to the direction of the numbers leading to 10.

4. You have equal capacity in increasing the level of your pain as well as decreasing it. Imagine seeing a small circle of light at the end of the tunnel. See yourself proceeding toward the direction of that light. As you get closer, your pain decreases, increasing your comfort. Imagine your comfort level being reflected on the dial, too.

5. Imagine the light getting bigger as you get nearer. As you proceed, you are starting to feel more comfortable because the pain is gradually decreasing.

6. The length of the tunnel is in your discretion, depending on your pain level at the moment. While you continue to progress toward the light, your pain ebbs. This is also reflected in the dial as it turns toward the direction of one—the lowest level.

7. The minute your pain has decreased to a comfortable level of either three or two, you can already imagine yourself exiting the tunnel feeling more comfortable.

8. Explore the benefits of this positive feeling and imbibe it. Let yourself revel in this comfortable state before you decide to open your eyes.

Resource Box: Maricel Modesto is a writer and editor who writes for various health and lifestyle magazines.

Natural Pain Remedies for Common Causes

2008-10-29T03:15:00.000-07:00

Each one of us has a unique perception of pain. Whether it be of a physical or emotional nature, the way we see its possible effect on us varies in accordance to our personality and tolerance for it. However, one thing is true for all of us: We all experience pain. At one time or another, each one of us is bound to experience a kind of injury or stimulus that would bring about an onslaught of pain. That is why, since time immemorial, science has been preoccupied with the search for medications or methods that would provide a permanent cure to address the many causes of our pain.

However, regardless of how we see pain, we cannot deny the fact that it plays an important role in our lives. It serves as our body's way of signaling that something has gone wrong and needs to be attended to right away. As uncomfortable as they could be, we should even be grateful for their presence, for they help us become more aware of ourselves emotionally, physically, and psychologically. Without them, we would have run straight into the source of danger, helpless and left with no other choice but to accept the inevitable.

Nowadays, there is a multitude of pain relief products available on the market intended to ease almost every kind of pain there is. However, if we are currently pinching pennies and are in search of natural ways sans the side effects, easing pain with the use of herbs, other natural materials, and various practices may just be the solutions we're looking for.

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One way of dealing with the pain is through the chiropractic method. This practice involves realigning the spinal column in order that the nervous system would regain its normal function, which in turn promotes the natural healing of our body.
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Employing the relaxation method also works. Take your pick from the following: meditation, yoga, guided visualization, and deep breathing exercises. These methods ease pain by helping us release tension.
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Try using bromelain. The latter is an enzyme contained in pineapple. It has the capacity to break down protein in our blood, which decreases the capacity of inflammation to produce pain. It has no known side effects. When in pain, take 200 to 400 mg of bromelain within the day.
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Boswelia could more efficient in reducing inflammation than over-the-counter drug ibuprofen. A popular herb in Indian Ayurveda medicine, its acid content appears to have the capacity to ward off an enzyme capable of producing inflammation chemical.
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The compounds contained in the chasteberry fruit seems to have the capacity to raise the level of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter capable of managing the prolactin hormone. Irritable mood, breast soreness, and painful menstruation are all caused by increased prolactin.
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Peppermint is one of the commonly used treatments for stomachache and gas during the olden days. It is known to possess properties capable of relaxing the digestive tract as well as our muscles.
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Ginger is beneficial in relieving nausea.

Things You Should Know About Migraine Headache

2008-10-27T19:38:00.000-07:00

At first, it begins as a dull, tiny throbbing pain in the temples. Dizziness steps in. As the pain escalates, sensitivity of the senses heightens unfavorably, aggravating the pain further. It would not be long before vision blurs and the presence of light becomes a burden. The slightest sound seems to be amplified, and the tiniest whiff of odor is enough to become a major psychological irritant. All these combined, piles up, forming a thick layer of pain that seems to bore through the skull with every passing second...

What is migraine?

Anyone who has experienced a migraine attack would know how it is like to have one's world stop temporarily due to a debilitating pain that could not be dismissed too easily. A neurological syndrome, migraine is described by these syndromes: severe headache, nausea, and changes in physical experiences. Usually, an episode would affect one side of the head with a distinctive throbbing sensation. This could take place anywhere between four hours up to 72 hours, which is equivalent to three days. Hence, it has been one of the major reasons for absenteeism and withdrawal from usual activities. At present, the exact reason for the occurrence of migraine has yet to be determined, but theory has it that it could be due to a malfunction in the release of serotonin in our brain. This occurs when the level of serotonin decreases during a headache. Researchers explained that the pain could probably be due to the trigeminal nerve that releases neuropeptides when the serotonin level falls. These neuropeptides then go to the meninges, the exterior cover of the brain. When this happens, the blood vessels are enlarged and become inflamed, leading to a headache.

What triggers migraine?

Migraine pain relief now comes in an array of specially formulated remedies. Moreover, other pain relievers created for other kinds of pain could also ease the pain. At times, when taken during its initial onset, these could even prevent the actual occurrence of migraine. However, apart from the treatment used to address migraine, another way to prevent migraine would be through avoiding its triggers.

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Changes in Hormone

For women, a decrease in their estrogen level could result to a migraine attack. Those who typically experience migraines have this either prior to or during their menstruation period, which are the times when their estrogen level goes down. On top of this, taking contraceptives and other hormonal drugs can aggravate migraine.

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Food

For some individuals, specific kinds of food set off migraine attacks. Included in these food triggers are: alcohol, aged cheeses, pickled and/or marinated food, chocolate, aspartame, excessive caffeine, processed/canned food, some seasonings, and monosodium glutamate. In some cases, fasting and/or skipping meals can set off migraine.

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Drugs

Some drugs are known to set off migraine.

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Environmental Changes

Changes in the environment such as the weather, altitude, timezone, and barometric pressure can trigger a migraine episode.

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Physically Related Factors

Physically strenuous activities can cause migraine.

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Stress

Stressful situations can trigger migraine episodes. They are also known to occur after undergoing a stressful week which would then be followed by a period of relaxation.

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Sensory Stimuli

Bright lights and certain odors can trigger migraine.

Keyword: migraine pain relief

Resource Box: Maricel Modesto is a writer and editor who writes for various health and lifestyle magazines.

Improve Your Health Through Good Sex

2008-10-27T01:31:00.000-07:00

Recent research showed that a healthy and good sex life can do wonders to your health. This does not only give great joy and fire in your life, but it can actually improve your overall health condition, leading to life longevity.

So if you want to have a better way to improve your health, good sex should definitely be on your list of must dos. Start improving your health with a healthy and good dose of sex.

Below is a guide that can show you how sex can better or improve your health:

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A healthy sexual life does not mean that you ought to have sex with your partner for as many times as possible. Sexual healing is basically achieved by means of undergoing a daily challenge of having an intimate and close relationship with your partner. Once this is achieved, it then results to a well-balanced healing systems and health.
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Good sex is a perfect exercise to improve your cardiovascular health. Since it has been proven that cardiovascular exercises increase a person's heart health and rate, a daily dose of healthy sex can reduce your chances of having heart-related complications like heart diseases.
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A healthy sex is not just about doing it everyday. You should focus on developing sexual intimacy with your partner and not on just the act and sake of doing it, for that is the only way you and your partner can achieve sexual contentment. Also, having sexual contentment also lessens your susceptibility in acquiring severe migraine headache and chronic arthritis.
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Focus on developing close and lasting personal relationships as well as learn to cherish them. Studies show that your thoughts, feelings, immune system, brain, and genital system interact and can actually affect your overall health.
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Sexual health is beyond physical satisfaction. Women are mostly the ones who understand this better. With this, it is very important to achieve quality sex than just focus on quantity. You can surely improve your health if your sex life focuses more on connection, openness, and bonding with your partner.

The points expounded above basically explain how good sex can lead to improved health. Now, to let you have a better understanding on the relation of satisfying sex to good health, read on for more facts below:

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Good orgasms can relieve tension.

With all the stress from work and home responsibilities, it is possible that you'll get all stressed-out. By means of having a satisfying sex with your partner, all tensions in your body are relieved.

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Good sex leads to better sleep.

Experts say that orgasms are natural tranquilizers, for the release of endorphins in the body is very calming and relaxing.

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Orgasms calm your cravings for cigarettes and junk foods.

As sexual stimulation takes place, the phenetylamine production activates, thus, regulating your appetite.

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Good sex works as a natural pain management.

It is proven that pain in menstrual cramps and headaches is relived while having sex with your partner or masturbating. This is not just a mere psychological phenomenon, for the endorphins in the body are released from the body as you are having sex. A good dose of orgasm increases your tolerance to pain, but may vary, though, from one person to another.

Freeing Yourself from the Web of Depression

2008-10-23T01:01:00.000-07:00

When depression takes hold of a man, no amount of masculine strength could shield him from the pain it brings. It would eat him up little by little until he no longer sees the point of living anymore. Seeking help right away would easily resolve matters. However, for a man, owning up to the fact that he is depressed could deal a serious blow to his male ego. Oftentimes, he just attempts to drown his sorrows through excessive drinking or substance abuse, a pathetic attempt to keep his mind off the pain. Despite the nagging feeling that there is something wrong with him, seeking medical attention would take a great deal of effort on his part. Treating depression with the use of psychotherapy and antidepressant prescription yields favorable results, but this is highly dependent on the patient's willingness to seek medical aid. If you are a man encumbered with depression and you know it, the best way to resolve your problem is by admitting it and resorting to proper medical measures to be given by a certified psychiatrist. Moreover, here are some important and helpful guidelines you must seriously take into consideration.
When things seriously go wrong and you start hurting, it would help to tell someone about it. Don't hold it all in, thinking that your silence would eventually make you forget everything in due time. Confide with a friend or anyone willing to lend a sympathetic ear.
Keep yourself preoccupied physically. Play your favorite sport. Do some laps in the pool. Regardless of what you decide to do, what is important is that you stay physically active. This can be helpful in boosting your mood, as physical activity is known to release endorphins in the body.
The gloominess saps your appetite. However, it is not a reason enough to deprive your body of the fuel it desperately needs: food. Eat regularly whether you feel like it or not, but do not overdo it. Pacifying your depression by eating too much is just as bad as dealing with through willful fasting.
Drowning your sadness in gallons of liquor or through several grams of cocaine or any other addictive substance is downright silly and cowardly, and will not help you at all. The euphoric feeling they might give you would only last briefly. Eventually, they would just drag you farther down in the funnel of depression.
Being unable to sleep is common with your condition. So, losing your temper because of it would do you no good at all. Instead of dwelling on your frustration, do something that may help you doze off, like listening to music or reading a good book.
If you are on edge all the time, help yourself relax by practicing relaxation techniques. Several tried-and-tested methods you can check out are exercises, yoga, aromatherapy, massage, etc.
Pleasure yourself by doing something you have always loved such as reading a book, watching movies, playing basketball, etc.
Go easy on yourself. People who are prone to depression tend to be the “perfectionist” type. Relax and try to set more reachable goals for yourself. It could also be that you are driving yourself too hard to the point of exhaustion, which eventually leads you to depression. Lighten your load and allot time for leisure and recreation.
Give yourself a break. Even a few hours each day would be enough to clear your thoughts.
Learn more about depression. This is a serious illness that has nothing to do with personal weakness. Arming yourself with substantial knowledge would keep you out of the dark and put some sense into your actions.
Depression is but another obstacle meant to sharpen you further. Like all trials and difficulties, depression is intended to make you stronger and become a better person. It may seem unlikely at this point, but in time you would come to realize its positive side.

Resource Box: Maricel Modesto is a writer and editor who writes for various health and lifestyle magazines.

Discussing Birth Control With Your Tennager

2008-10-20T21:26:00.000-07:00

As your kid reaches the adolescent or teen stage, he or she becomes a lot more curious towards the changes in his or her body. This is also the period wherein he or she begins to show interest towards the opposite sex. Such changes are quite normal in a teenager. However, as a parent, it is very important that you give a 100 percent guidance to your teen, especially if he or she starts to ask questions or begins to be curious about sex and the use of birth control. Again, do not panic if your teen asks you questions about these matters. Some parents tend to get mad or uncomfortable when the discussions of sex and birth control arises. Don't be. Discussing the use of birth control doesn't really have to be a nightmare experience for you.

Below is a guide that can help you in discussing birth control options to your teenager:

Relax. Don't be mad.

It is very important for you to be calm and not panic if your teen suddenly asks you questions about sex or birth control. Just relax and be grateful that your teen chooses to turn to you for answers to his or her queries.

Explain clearly.

Clearly explain to your teen what birth control is and why this is needed. Do not forget to mention, though, that while most birth control methods are proven effective, the only 100 percent effective is abstinence.

Be very honest. Do not lie.

When explaining these matters to your teen, honesty on your part as a parent is very important. Nothing good will come out if you lie and leave out information behind. Also, it is best if you explain to your teen why you are nervous or uncomfortable in discussing sex and birth control pill, that is if you really are having a hard time talking about it with your teen.

Explain the consequences well.

Since the topic of birth control is a sensitive matter, explaining the consequences linked to the use and not using of birth control methods is very important. Discuss with your teen the chances of pregnancy if one is to have unprotected sex as well as the benefits and risks of using any form of birth control method.

Do not be afraid to ask questions.

As a parent, it is natural for you to be curious when your teen starts to ask questions about sex and birth control. Hence, do not be hesitant to ask your teen why he or she is sexually active or is considering to have sex some time in the future.

Explain the different kinds of birth control options and their benefits.

As you are probably aware by now, there are different kinds of birth control methods available today that can be used by people who are sexually active. Discuss these birth control categories and variations as well as their efficiency rates to your teen. Of course, do not forget to mention about the side effects of each birth control option for your teen to further understand.

On Curing Pornography Addiction

2008-10-08T20:40:00.000-07:00

One of the most common forms of addiction related to sex is pornography addiction. Just like other kinds of addiction, pornography addiction can eventually lead to financial as well as legal complications. Such problems may involve one's personal relationships as well as depression.

Likewise with smoking or drug addiction, a pornography addict will do everything to satisfy his or her cravings with watching or reading pornographic materials. Most of the time, these attempts to satisfying their cravings are already exaggerated.

Although this kind of sexual addiction is quite common to young and adult people nowadays, pornography addiction is very much treatable. In fact, the very first step in curing this kind of addiction is by identifying its symptoms.

The following sexual health information is a quick guide on how to spot a pornography addict:

The best tool in identifying a pornographic addict is to be observant. Usually, an addict tends to miss himself or herself out from appointments, gatherings, or meetings that are important in his life such as spending time with family and friends. If he or she chooses pornography over his or her family and friends, then that person may be suffering from porn addiction.

Couples should watch out for sudden changes in their partner's sexual preferences. It is already an indication that one is having a tolerance to pornography if an unusual load of porn materials is used just to obtain high level of sexual excitement.

Problems with pornography addiction occurs it begins affecting the partner or the spouse. When the addict is dependent on his addiction to achieve sexual excitement or fulfillment, this can really cause serious problem with the other party. No one want to see his or her partner prefers masturbating instead of having sex with him or her or nobody wants to learn that his or her partner is thinking about pornographic scenarios while having sex.

A person who gets so addicted with pornography tends to loose his or her job as work resources are used for his or her porn viewing pleasure. Also, a porn addict has the tendency for bankruptcy as he or she spends way too much money on pornography.

Majority of pornography addicts are notorious for lying and making up stories just to cover his or her excessive use of pornographic materials. Usually, they lie about the resources and time they spend on this kind of sexual addiction.

Now that the common indicators of pornographic addiction are enumerated, the next move is to find a competent sex therapist who can help excessive porn enthusiasts from their addiction. The following are some tips in finding a sex addiction therapist:

Consult the family health physician. It is very important for a person to talk to his or her family physician about anything that can seriously affect his or her health. Since porn addiction can possibly lead to health problems, it is important for a porn addict to let a doctor know about his or her condition. Health physicians may also recommend a competent sex therapists that a person can consult with.

Research sex addiction therapists. In choosing a sex therapist, check out each candidate's credentials and backgrounds.

Check which clinic has the lowest fee. Insurance plans may cover the cost of consultation and therapy and some may not. Hence, better consider the fees offered by each prospect therapists and choose the one that has the most reasonable consultation fee.

Summary:

One of the most common forms of addiction related to sex is pornography addiction. Just like other kinds of addiction, pornography addiction can eventually lead to financial as well as legal complications. In line with this, the article provides useful sexual health information on how to spot a pornography addict and how to find a reliable sex therapist.

Resource Box:

Rcon Franchesca V. Pascua is a web content writer and researcher who specializes in health and fitness topics. She enjoys reading health-related features and articles and sharing what she learns by providing tips and guidelines on how to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Dietary Hygiene in the Prevention of Travellers' Diarrhea

2008-06-04T00:13:00.000-07:00

This information is intended to be educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. You should consult your physician regarding any specific medical conditions or questions and before taking any medications.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness experienced by travellers from industrialized countries journeying to Third World countries. While it is usually a self-limiting illness, it can nevertheless ruin three to four days of a holiday or require alteration of holiday plans. The primary cause of travellers' diarrhea is infectious. The etiology is both geographically and seasonally dependent, but the principle agents include enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, Shigella and Salmonella species, Campylobacter jejuni, non-cholera Vibrio species, Plesiomonas shigelloides, Aeromonas species, Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium parvum, rotavirus, and Norwalk virus. Travellers' diarrhea is strikingly common, with an incidence estimated from 20% to over 80%.

It is common for travellers to have profound changes in their bowel habits due to many factors, not least among them dietary changes. We do not consider loose movements to be diarrhea, but rather limit the definition to:

Travellers' diarrhea

The occurrence of three or more unformed stools within a 24 hour period or any number of such unformed stools when accompanied by either nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, tenesmus (involuntary straining with little or no passage of fecal matter), or fever.

As is the case for other enteric infections, ingestion of contaminated food and water is thought to be the most important means of transmission of travellers' diarrhea. This is the basis for stressing the importance of dietary hygiene to travellers. Although there have been many studies examining the causes of travellers' diarrhea and its treatment, there is no consensus among the few studies which have addressed the question of whether following food and water precautions will reduce the likelihood of acquiring travellers' diarrhea. Until further knowledge is available in this area, we advocate a common-sense approach to avoiding these enteric infections: limit potential exposure by choosing what goes in your mouth, and wash your hands before you eat.

We recommend avoiding the following foods that are generally considered high-risk:

-Drinking untreated water (this includes brushing your teeth with it!)

-Ice cubes in a drink (alcohol does NOT provide protection)

-Chang (rice beer, usually made with untreated water)

-Raw vegetables

-Salad

-Uncooked fish

-Uncooked or rare-cooked meat

-Unpeeled fruit

-Fresh fruit juice

-Cheese

-Ice cream

-Any kind of street vendor food

And the following foods in Kathmandu that have specifically been found to have a high association with subsequent diarrhea:

-Lassi (a yogurt shake)

-Quiche

-Lasagna

Prophylaxis

Except in certain special cases I do not support the use of antibiotic prophylaxis against diarrhea. There is a protocol involving taking Bismuth Subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol®), two tablets four times per day, which has been shown to be at least partially protective against travellers' diarrhea. However, the volume of tablets that would need to be carried make this impractical for most trekkers. This medication is also not without side effects - it may transiently color your tongue and your stools black, it can cause constipation, and it is a salicylate (related to aspirin) so it should be taken only with caution by persons on anti-coagulants or allergic to aspirin.

Treatment Issues

Travellers' diarrhea is felt to be a self-limiting illness, it will usually resolve on its own. However, most trekkers are on a limited vacation and don't want to spend a week of it running a relay between their bed and the outhouse, so treatment with antibiotics is often seen as a better alternative.

In all cases, careful attention must be paid to adequate rehydration. This is particularly important at altitude, as we believe dehydration may be a risk factor for developing altitude sickness. In cases of profound fluid loss an electrolyte replacement solution is preferable to plain water. Various commercial solutions and powder mixes are available in Kathmandu, or a homemade variety may be used:

World Heath Organization/UNICEF Oral Rehydration Fluid

1 liter water (obviously, this should be disinfected)

10 g (2 teaspoons) sugar

2.5 g (1/2 teaspoon) salt

2.5 g (1/2 teaspoon) baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)

Antibiotic treatment varies depending on the cause of the diarrhea. Unfortunately, when trekking in the mountains there is rarely a medical lab handy, and an empiric diagnosis may be the only choice. Travellers' diarrhea generally falls into two main groups: presumed bacterial and presumed protozoal (Giardia). Amoebic dysentery is rare in trekkers; Cyclospora ("blue-green algae") is only seen during the monsoon (summer) months, and thus rarely in trekkers; there are no specific treatments for the viruses.

Bacterial Diarrhea

Bacteria are by far the most frequent cause of travellers' diarrhea in Nepal, and are responsible for 70 - 80% of cases. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli is the chief cause, followed by Shigella. In general, bacterial diarrhea is characterized by a sudden onset of "explosive" watery diarrhea, plus or minus any of: fever, nausea, or blood in the stool. The onset is from one to seven days after exposure, and is usually so dramatic that patients can tell us just when they got sick. I can recall no better description of this syndrome than that given by B.H. Kean (1):

At 4 AM he awakened with a start, desperately aware that he was about to move his bowels. He traversed the bed-to-bathroom distance in what must have been record time, and relieved himself of a totally watery bowel movement which was accompanied by slight "transverse colon" cramps. The patient returned to bed in a stunned state, only to discover that no sooner had he arrived than he was constrained to leave again, with uncustomary alacrity. This stacatto ballet continued at 15-minute intervals with the patient exhibiting progressive weakness, profound malaise, increasingly severe cramps, almost constant nausea, and several episodes of vomiting.

The preferred treatment for bacterial diarrhea in Nepal is one of the fluoroquinolone antibiotics:

-Norfloxacin 400 mg twice a day for three days

-Ciprofloxacin 500 mg twice a day for three days

-Ofloxacin 400 mg twice a day for three days

None of these should be given to children; pregnant women should discuss with their physician the risks-versus-benefits of taking any of these medications. It is common for patients to report dramatic improvement after their first dose of antibiotics.

Sulfamethoxasole-trimethoprim antibiotics (SMX-TMP, Co-trimoxasole, Septra®, Bactrim® and others) are often ineffective against bacterial diarrhea in Nepal due to relatively high resistance there among the bacteria that cause this illnesses. These medications are however, first-line treatment for cyclospora ("blue-green algae").

Protozoal Diarrhea: Giardiasis

Giardia lamblia is a one-celled parasite that causes diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset. It has a much longer incubation time than the bacterial diarrheas, with onset of symptoms ten to fourteen days after ingestion. The diarrhea is much more indolent, without the explosive onset, more on-again off-again in nature. There may be a fever, but it is less common than with bacterial diarrhea. There may be nausea. The famous "rotten egg burps" are not diagnostic: they occur with equal frequency in bacterial diarrhea (as well as from other causes). The preferred treatment for Giardia is one of the nitroimidazole antibiotics:

-Tinidazole 2 grams at bedtime for two nights (not available in the US)

-Metronidazole 500 mg three times a day for seven days

Common side effects of these medications include nausea, a bitter taste, and the possibility of a violent interaction with alcohol. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL while on these medications or for several days afterwards!

Anti-motility drugs

There are several anti-motility medications that many trekkers carry and use against diarrhea, often with the mistaken impression that they are antibiotics. These medications slow down the movement of the gut (thus slowing the diarrhea) but do not treat the infection. They are useful to treat cramping. I discourage their use except in combined use with appropriate antibiotics. This class of medications includes:

-Diphenoxylate (Lomotil®)

-Loperamide (Immodium®)

-Codeine and other narcotics