Make Your Body Healthy

7 Food procrastinators Aging

2010-01-26T01:19:00.001-08:00

Healthy life is one key to longevity. To live healthy, we of course need good nutrition and healthy too. Here are some types of foods that are claimed merit making young and stay healthy.

1. Olive Oil
Four decades ago, researchers from Seven Coutries Study concluded that the unsaturated fat with a single chain (of monounsaturated) in olive oil are widely useful to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer in the Islands of Crete in Greece. Now the society also have a lot of Jews that olive oil contains folifenol, powerful antioxidants that can prevent age-related diseases.

2. Yogurt
In the 1970s, Soviet Georgia was rumored to have a population of an average age of over 100 years more than other countries. Reports at the time claimed that the secret of longevity is yogurt.

Despite the strength in extending the age of yogurt never been proved directly, yogurt is a calcium-rich foods that can prevent osteoporosis. In addition, yogurt contains good bacteria that help maintain gut health and reduce the risk of intestinal illness associated with age

3. Fish
Thirty years ago, researchers began to study why the native Alaska (Inuit) can be free of heart disease. The reason, according to estimates by experts, is the level of fish consumption is incredible. Fish is an abundant omega-3 fats, which can help lower cholesterol buildup in blood vessels and prevent abnormal heart rhythms.

4. Chocolate cocoa
Kuna communities in the San Blas Islands, Panama, noted a risk of heart disease lower nine times in the appeal of other residents living in Panama. The reason? The Kuna are drinking cocoa rich in flavanols, an antioxidant that can help facilitate the circulation of blood. Maintaining healthy blood vessels means suppressing the risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, renal disease and dementia.

5. Nuts
Studies of Seventh-Day Adventists (a religious denomination that emphasizes healthy living and a vegetarian diet) show that people who eat nuts have an average longevity of two and a half years. Nuts are rich in unsaturated fats, so they offer benefits similar to olive oil. Nuts also contain a variety of vitamins, minerals and other phytochemicals, including antioxidants.

6. Wine
Drinking alcohol in moderation protects against heart disease, diabetes and dementia. Many kinds of alcoholic beverages that can bring benefits, but many studies the focus on red wine. Red wine contains resveratrol, a substance that is estimated to bring these benefits.

7. Blueberry
In a study published in 1999, researchers from the Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center provides a blueberry extract in mice. Provision of these extracts are given for a period equivalent to the life of mice with 10 years of human life.

Rats fed this extract shows its superiority than normal mice when testing balance and coordination when they reached old age. Gynecology in blueberries (and other berries) can allegedly reduce inflammation (inflammation) and is oxidative damage, which is associated with memory loss and motor ability during aging.

http://kesehatan.kompas.com/read/2009/11/18/13393364/7.Makanan.Penunda.Penuaan

7 Food procrastinators Aging

2010-01-26T01:17:00.000-08:00

Tempe's efficacy for dysentery drugs?

2009-11-20T19:56:00.000-08:00

Efficacy has been proven Van Veen, a Dutch researcher, the research conducted in the early 1940s. Research done on World War II prisoners in the prison this Java region, revealed that tempeh proved able to overcome dysentery experienced by prisoners.

Some experts also argue that ordinary people consume tempe, more rarely or not susceptible to gastrointestinal disease.

While other studies show, giving tempe menu to patients who have high cholesterol, can lower cholesterol levels to normal levels. Apparently this is due to Tempe's own origin derived from soy.

Furthermore, the study concluded the ASEAN Institute of Nutrition, tempeh can be used in the manufacture of mixed foods to address the problem of lack of calories, protein, and diarrheal diseases in children under five.

It also, tempeh has accelerated benefits include cessation of acute diarrhea of children, accelerated loss of blood lekosit, and can increase body weight and nutritional status. Nutritional therapy uses food from the tempeh mixture is given for diarrhea, at least until three months after the diarrhea.

Consumers do not need to worry about aflatoxin, a carcinogenic substance in Tempe. Because the fungus that is used to make tempeh can reduce aflatoxin levels up to 70%. These findings suggest that if there aflatoxsin in Tempe, which was taken by raw materials, levels have been reduced by the existence of tempe fungi.

One study also noted that soy is more difficult contaminated by aflatoxin than other agricultural commodities. Mentioned that the existence of substances, such as zinc in soybean, making inhibited aflatoxin synthesis. Therefore, it is clear that food is more secure than tempeh 'interference' aflatoxin.

Nutrient tempeh are also able to compete with protein sources derived from other foods, like meat, eggs and fish.

Interestingly, with relatively low calories, 149 cal per 100 grams, tempeh help people who are low-calorie diet. And with that carbohydrates 12.7 grams of tempeh is suitable for consumption because people with diabetes do not contain sugar.

Some literature also mentions, ordinary people who consume tempeh, rare intestinal diseases due to fiber content (fiber diety) reached 7.2 grams per 100 grams. Tempe including food ingredients that contain B-complex vitamins, including vitamin B-12 that serves for the formation of red blood grains. (Jihan F Labetubun)

Initial Results Show Pregnant Women Mount Strong Immune Response to One Dose of 2009 H1N1 Flu Vaccine

2009-11-19T23:25:00.001-08:00

Healthy pregnant women mount a robust immune response following just one dose of 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine, according to initial results from an ongoing clinical trial sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health.

"For pregnant women, who are among the most vulnerable to serious health problems from 2009 H1N1 infection, these initial results are very reassuring," says NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci, M.D. "The immune responses seen in these healthy pregnant women are comparable to those seen in healthy adults at the same time point after a single vaccination, and the vaccine has been well tolerated."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, since the outbreak began last spring, at least 100 pregnant women have been hospitalized in intensive care units in the United States and at the last official count, 28 pregnant women have died.

A preliminary analysis of blood samples taken 21 days post-vaccination from a subgroup of 50 pregnant women participating in the trial shows the following:

* In 25 women who received a single 15-microgram dose of the vaccine, the H1N1 flu vaccine elicited an immune response likely to be protective in 92 percent, or 23 of 25, of these women.
* In 25 women who received a single 30-microgram dose of the vaccine, the H1N1 flu vaccine elicited an immune response likely to be protective in 96 percent, or 24 of 25, of these women.

The trial began on Sept. 9 and reached its target enrollment of 120 volunteers in mid-October. All participants are between 18 to 39 years old and began the study in their second or third trimester (14 to 34 weeks) of pregnancy. At entry into the study, the participants were divided at random into two groups: half are receiving two doses of a 15-microgram vaccine and the other half are receiving two doses of a 30-microgram vaccine. The two injections of vaccine are spaced three weeks apart.

Safety is being monitored closely in the trial, by the study investigators and by an independent panel of experts known as a safety monitoring committee. To date, the vaccine appears to be well-tolerated, and no safety concerns related to the vaccine have arisen.

The vaccine used in this clinical trial was manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur in its plant in Swiftwater, Pa., in the same manner as the company�s injectable seasonal influenza vaccine. Like the seasonal flu vaccine, the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine contains a purified portion of the killed virus and therefore cannot cause infection. The vaccine does not contain the preservative thimerosal or an immune boosting substance known as an adjuvant.

NIAID is conducting this trial through five clinical sites affiliated with its longstanding clinical trials network known as the Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Units. For additional information about the NIAID trial in healthy pregnant women, see the Sept. 9 NIAID news release http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/news/newsreleases/2009/H1N1pregnanttrials.htm and related Q&A http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/news/QA/H1N1pregnanttrials.htm .

For more information on influenza, including pandemic influenza and avian influenza, visit www.flu.gov. Also see NIAID's influenza Web portal at http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/Flu/ .

NIAID conducts and supports research — at NIH, throughout the United States, and worldwide — to study the causes of infectious and immune-mediated diseases, and to develop better means of preventing, diagnosing and treating these illnesses. News releases, fact sheets and other NIAID-related materials are available on the NIAID Web site at http://www.niaid.nih.gov.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) — The Nation's Medical Research Agency — includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases.

http://www.nih.gov/news/health/nov2009/niaid-02.htm

Vertigo: Medical Treatment

2009-11-10T18:26:00.000-08:00

The choice of treatment will depend on the diagnosis.

* Vertigo can be treated with medicine taken by mouth, through medicine placed on the skin (a patch), or drugs given through an IV.

* Specific types of vertigo may require additional treatment and referral:

o Bacterial infection of the middle ear requires antibiotics.

o For Meniere's disease, in addition to symptomatic treatment, people might be placed on a low salt diet and may require medication used to increase urine output.

o A hole in the inner ear causing recurrent infection may require referral to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for surgery.

* In addition to the drugs used for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, several physical maneuvers can be used to treat the condition.

o Vestibular rehabilitation exercises consist of having the patient sit on the edge of a table and lie down to one side until the vertigo resolves followed by sitting up and lying down on the other side, again until the vertigo ceases. This is repeated until the vertigo no longer occurs.

o Particle repositioning maneuver is a treatment based on the idea that the condition is caused by displacement of small stones in the balance center (vestibular system) of the inner ear. The head is repositioned to move the stones to their normal position. This maneuver is repeated until the abnormal eye movements are no longer visible.

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/vertigo/page7_em.htm#Medical%20Treatment

Vertigo Symptoms

2009-11-10T18:25:00.000-08:00

Vertigo implies that there is a sensation of motion either of the person or the environment. This should not be confused with symptoms of lightheadedness or fainting.

* If true vertigo exists, there is a sensation of disorientation or motion. In addition, the patient may also have any or all of these symptoms:

o Nausea or vomiting

o Sweating

o Abnormal eye movements

* The duration of symptoms can be from minutes to hours, and symptoms can be constant or episodic. The onset may be due to a movement or change in position. It is important to tell the doctor about any recent head trauma or whiplash injury as well as any new medications the patient is taking.

* The patient may have hearing loss and a ringing sensation in the ears.

* The patient might have visual disturbances, weakness, difficulty speaking, decreased level of consciousness, and difficulty walking.

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/vertigo/page3_em.htm#Vertigo%20Symptoms

Vertigo Causes

2009-11-10T18:24:00.000-08:00

Vertigo can be caused by problems in the brain or the inner ear.

* Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common form of vertigo and is characterized by the sensation of motion initiated by sudden head movements or moving the head in a certain direction. This type of vertigo is rarely serious and can be treated.

* Vertigo may also be caused by inflammation within the inner ear (labyrinthitis), which is characterized by the sudden onset of vertigo and may be associated with hearing loss. The most common cause of labyrinthitis is a viral or bacterial infection.

* Meniere's disease is composed of a triad of symptoms: episodes of vertigo, ringing in the ears, and hearing loss. People have the abrupt onset of severe vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, as well as periods in which they are symptom-free.

* Acoustic neuroma is a type of tumor that can cause vertigo. Symptoms include vertigo with one-sided ringing in the ear and hearing loss.

* Vertigo can be caused by decreased blood flow to the base of the brain. Bleeding into the back of the brain (cerebellar hemorrhage) is characterized by vertigo, headache, difficulty walking, and inability to look toward the side of the bleed. The result is that the person's eyes gaze away from the side with the problem. Walking is also extremely impaired.

* Vertigo is often the presenting symptom in multiple sclerosis. The onset is usually abrupt, and examination of the eyes may reveal the inability of the eyes to move past the midline toward the nose.

* Head trauma and neck injury may also result in vertigo, which usually goes away on its own.

* Migraine, a severe form of headache, may also cause vertigo. The vertigo is usually followed by a headache. There is often a prior history of similar episodes but no lasting problems.

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/vertigo/page2_em.htm#Vertigo%20Causes

Skin Cancer

2009-11-10T18:21:00.001-08:00

Skin cancer is very serious. It can kill you. Skin cancer is a extremely serious condition affecting over millions of Americans every year. It is a fatal disease that can render you weak. Its incidence is multiplying every year, and yet, it is found to be preventable. With over a million new cases diagnosed annually in the United States, about eighty percent will be basal cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma constitutes the sixteen percent and four percent of the cases are melanoma. Skin cancer frequently appears on the areas of the body often exposed to the sun's rays.
Types of Skin Cancer

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Is commonly seen in people with fair skin, light hair, and green, blue, or grey eyes although it may also affect dark skinned people. It is a slow growing type of cancer that is usually confined to one area of the body. It is also detected easily, thus increasing its chances of getting cured by 95 percent.

The five symptoms of basal cell carcinoma:
An open sore that bleeds, oozes, or crusts and remains open for more than three weeks.
A reddish patch on chest, arms, shoulders, or legs. May itch or hurt, or may not.
A shiny bump or nodule that's translucent. Can be any color, from white. pink, or red to tan, black, or brown. May be confused with a mole.
A pink growth with a slightly elevated rolled border. Has a crusty center indentation. Tiny blood vessels may develop on the surface.
A scarlike area with poorly defined borders. Color is white, yellow or waxy.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Is frequently seen on areas that are always exposed to the sun's radiation although it may also be seen on any part of the body. They are often found on the skin but in some cases, it spreads to nearby tissues and organ systems, rendering it fatal. It commonly occurs on injured skin, like burns, scars, sores that have not yet healed for several weeks, or areas exposed to chemicals and radiation from x-rays. Sometimes, carcinomas appear just for no reason. Squamous cell carcinomas may also be genetically inherited.

People with fair skin are predisposed to develop this type of carcinoma although about two thirds of dark skinned individuals with skin cancer are of the squamous cell type.

The symptoms of squamous cell carcinomas:
A wartlike growth that crusts and may bleed.
A red, scaly patch with irregular borders that bleeds of crusts.
An open sore that bleeds and crusts for weeks and doesn't heal.
An elevated growth with a central depression that may bleed and could grow rapidly.

Squamous cell carcinoma has a better than 95 percent cure rate if detected and treated early.

Melanoma

The most serious form of skin cancer is melanoma which is easier to cure when detected in its early stage but fatal when the cancer spreads. The number of Caucasians affected with melanoma has tripled in the last twenty years. For women aged 25 to 29, melanoma is responsible for almost eighty percent of skin cancer fatalities.

Melanoma originates in the melanocytes, where the body's pigmentation is produced. Most melanomas are dark in color, either black or brown, but they can also be devoid of pigmentation, and become skin-colored, pink, red, or purple.

In situ melanoma cells responsible for the production of melanin, the body's pigment. Most melanomas are either black or brown but may sometimes be pink, red or purple. In situ melanoma are localized melanomas while invasive melanomas are those which have spread to other parts of the body, making it harder to treat.

Melanomas are usually brown, black, or multicolored patches, or nodules with an irregular outline. They may crust or bleed and often form on top of existing moles.

If a mole changes or you have any odd growths on your body, go immediately to the dermatologist or family doctor. Don't hesitate and don't delay.

Image Source: NCI Visuals Online. http://visualsonline.cancer.gov/about.cfm

http://www.skincarecompany.net/skin-cancer.htm

Insomnia: Prevention

2009-11-09T18:26:00.000-08:00

The following are suggestions to help anticipate and modify situations likely to be associated with insomnia. They are not foolproof, nor will they safeguard the patient from the consequences of sleep deprivation once it has occurred.

Insomnia from jet lag

* Behavioral and short-term drug therapy has been used.

* If you can anticipate a trip, begin to shift your bedtime to coincide with the time schedule in your destination.

* Short-acting tranquilizers (benzodiazepines) have been shown to be useful. Melatonin, a hormone secreted by the pineal gland that regulates our sleep-wake cycles, has also been used.

Insomnia from shift changes

* Behavioral therapy has been useful in modifying the insomnia and symptoms of sleep deprivation in shift workers.

* You should shift your schedules forward in a clockwise direction - from days to evening to night shift - and allow sufficient time to adapt (at least one week) between shift changes.

* Bright light is a potent stimulus to circadian rhythm. Bright light is being examined as a rhythm synchronizer.

* Shift workers should stress the importance of good sleep habits with regular bedtime and awakening.

o Supplemental naps may be necessary to ensure work time alertness.

o Discuss the use of naps with a doctor.

o Some people promote using short-acting sedatives in the first few days following a shift change, but not everyone agrees.

Insomnia from acute stresses

* Stress may be positive or negative, and concerns about sleep may vary. Many stressors will go away with support and reassurance.

* Education about the importance of good sleep habits is also helpful.

* Some people may need short-term treatment with medications. A doctor will often work toward the lowest effective dose with a short-acting sedative to achieve proper sleep.

General recommendations include the following:

* Work to improve your sleep habits.

o Learn to relax. Self-hypnosis, biofeedback and relaxation breathing are often helpful.

o Control your environment. Avoid light, noise, and excessive temperatures. Use the bed only to sleep and avoid using it for reading and watching TV. Sexual activity is an exception.

o Establish a bedtime routine. Fix wake time.

* Avoid large meals, excessive fluid intake, and strenuous exercise before bedtime and reduce the use of stimulants including caffeine and nicotine.

* If you do not fall asleep within 20-30 minutes, try a relaxing activity such as listening to soothing music or reading.

* Limit daytime naps to less than 15 minutes unless directed by your doctor.

o It is generally preferable to avoid naps whenever possible to help consolidate your night's sleep.

o There are certain sleep disorders, however, that will benefit from naps. Discuss this issue with your doctor.

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/insomnia/page11_em.htm#Prevention

Insomnia: Medications and Medical Therapies

2009-11-09T18:24:00.000-08:00

There are numerous possible medications to treat insomnia. Generally, it is advised that they should not be used as the only therapy and that treatment is more successful if combined with non-medical therapies. In a study, it was noted that when sedatives were combined with behavioral therapy, more patients were likely to wean off the sedatives than if sedatives were used alone.

* Benzodiazepine sedatives: six of these sedative drugs have been used to treat insomnia. There are reports of subjective improvement of quality and quantity of sleep when using these medications. These include temazepam (Restoril), flurazepam (Dalmane), triazolam (Halcion), estazolam (ProSom, Eurodin), lorazepam (Ativan), and clonazepam (Klonopin).

* Nonbenzodiazepine sedatives: These include eszopiclone (Lunesta), zaleplon (Sonata), and zolpidem (Ambien).

* Melatonin: Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland, a pea-sized structure at the center of your brain. Melatonin is produced during the dark hours of the day-night cycle (circadian rhythm). Melatonin levels in the body are low during daylight hours. The pineal gland responds to darkness by increasing melatonin levels in the body. This process is thought to be integral to maintaining circadian rhythm. At night, melatonin is produced to help your body regulate your sleep-wake cycles. The amount of melatonin produced by your body seems to decrease as you get older. Melatonin may be beneficial in patients with circadian rhythm problems.

* Ramelteon (Rozerem) is a prescription drug that stimulates melatonin receptors. Ramelteon promotes the onset of sleep and helps normalize circadian rhythm disorders. Ramelteon is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulty falling asleep.

* Some antidepressants [for example, amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep) and trazodone (Desyrel)] have been used for the treatment of insomnia in patients with co-existing depression because of some sedative properties. Generally, they may not be helpful for insomnia in people without depression.

* Antihistamines with sedative properties [for example, diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or doxylamine] have also been used in treating insomnia as they may induce drowsiness, but they do not improve sleep and should not be used to treat chronic insomnia.

* Valeriana officinalis (Valerian) is a popular herbal medication used in the United States for treating insomnia, however, to date there are no convincing studies to show any real benefit in patients with chronic insomnia.

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/insomnia/page9_em.htm#Medications

Insomnia: Non-medical treatment and behavioral therapy

2009-11-09T18:23:00.000-08:00

Non-pharmacologic or non-medical therapies are sleep hygiene, relaxation therapy, stimulus control, and sleep restriction. These also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapies.

Sleep hygiene

Sleep hygiene is one of the components of behavioral therapy for insomnia. Several simple steps can be taken to improve a patient's sleep quality and quantity. These steps include:

* Sleep as much as you need to feel rested; do not oversleep.

* Exercise regularly at least 20 minutes daily, ideally 4-5 hours before your bedtime.

* Avoid forcing yourself to sleep.

* Keep a regular sleep and awakening schedule.

* Do not drink caffeinated beverages later than the afternoon (tea, coffee, soft drinks etc.) Avoid "night caps," (alcoholic drinks prior to going to bed).

* Do not smoke, especially in the evening.

* Do not go to bed hungry.

* Adjust the environment in the room (lights, temperature, noise, etc.)

* Do not go to bed with your worries; try to resolve them before going to bed.

Relaxation therapy

Relaxation therapy involves measures such as meditation and muscle relaxation or dimming the lights and playing soothing music prior to going to bed.

Stimulus control

Stimulus control therapy also consists of a few simple steps that may help patients with chronic insomnia.

* Go to bed when you feel sleepy.

* Do not watch TV, read, eat, or worry in bed. Your bed should be used only for sleep and sexual activity.

* If you do not fall asleep 30 minutes after going to bed, get up and go to another room and resume your relaxation techniques.

* Set your alarm clock to get up at a certain time each morning, even on weekends. Do not oversleep.

* Avoid taking long naps in the daytime.

Sleep restriction

Restricting your time in bed only to sleep may improve your quality of sleep. This therapy is called sleep restriction. It is achieved by averaging the time in bed that the patient spends only sleeping. Rigid bedtime and rise time are set, and patient is forced to get up even if they feel sleepy. This may help the patient sleep better the next night because of the sleep deprivation for the previous night. Sleep restriction has been helpful in some cases.

Other simple measures that can be helpful to treat insomnia include:

* Avoid large meals and excessive fluids before bedtime

* Control your environment.

o Light, noise, and elevated room temperature can disrupt sleep. Shift workers and night workers especially must address these factors. Dimming the lights in the bedroom, relaxation, limiting the noise, and avoiding stressful tasks before going to bed may be beneficial. (Refer to sleep hygiene and relaxation therapy above.)

o Avoid doing work in the bedroom that should be done somewhere else. For example, do not work or operate your business out of your bedroom and avoid watching TV, reading books, and eating in your bed.

A person's body's circadian rhythm (biological clock) is particularly sensitive to light. Parents who need to sleep during the day may have to make child care arrangements to allow them to sleep.

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/insomnia/page8_em.htm#Non-medical

Insomnia Treatment

2009-11-09T18:22:00.000-08:00

In general, transient insomnia resolves when the underlying trigger is removed or corrected. Most people seek medical attention when their insomnia becomes more chronic.

The main focus of treatment for insomnia should be directed towards finding the cause. Once a cause is identified, it is important to manage and control the underlying problem, as this alone may eliminate the insomnia. Treating the symptoms of insomnia without addressing the main cause is rarely successful.

The following therapies may be used in conjunction with therapies directed towards the underlying medical or psychiatric cause. They are also the recommended therapies for some of the primary insomnia disorders.

Generally, treatment of insomnia entails both non-pharmacologic (non-medical) and pharmacologic (medical) aspects. It is best to tailor treatment for individual patient based on the potential cause. Studies have shown that combining medical and non-medical treatments typically is more successful in treating insomnia than either one alone.

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/insomnia/page7_em.htm#Insomnia%20Treatment

When to Seek Medical Care

2009-11-09T18:21:00.000-08:00

When to call the doctor

* A person with insomnia needs a doctor's attention if it lasts longer than three to four weeks, or sooner if it interferes with a person's daytime activities and ability to function.

* Insomnia may be a symptom of another medical or psychological problem, which a patient may need to address first or at the same time.

When to go to the hospital

* Generally, a patient will not be hospitalized for most types of insomnia. However, accidents may result from poor coordination and attention lapse seen with sleep deprivation.

* Worsening pain or increased difficulty breathing at night also may indicate a person need to seek emergency medical care.

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/insomnia/page5_em.htm#When%20to%20Seek%20Medical%20Care

Primary Sleep Disorders

2009-11-09T18:20:00.000-08:00

In addition to the causes and conditions listed above, there are also a number of conditions that are associated with insomnia in the absence of another underlying condition. These are called primary sleep disorders, in which the sleep disorder is the main cause of insomnia. These conditions generally cause chronic or long-term insomnia. Some of the diseases are listed below:

* Idiopathic Insomnia (unknown cause) or childhood insomnia, which start early on in life and results in lifelong sleep problems. This may run in families.

* Central Sleep Apnea. This is a complex disorder. It can be the primary cause of the insomnia itself or it may be caused by other conditions, such as brain injury, heart failure, high altitude, and low oxygen levels.

* Restless leg syndrome (a condition associated with creeping sensations in the leg during sleep that are relieved by leg movement)

* Periodic limb movement disorder (a condition associated with involuntary repeated leg movement during sleep)

* Circadian rhythm disorders (disturbance of the biological clock) which are conditions with unusual timing of sleep (for example, going to sleep later and waking up late, or going to sleep very early and getting up very early).

* Sleep state misperception, in which the patient has a perception or feeling of not sleeping adequately, but there are no objective (polysomnographic or actigraphic) findings of any sleep disturbance.

* Insufficient sleep syndrome, in which the patient's sleep is insufficient because of environmental situations and lifestyle choices, such as sleeping in a bright or noisy room.

* Inadequate sleep hygiene, in which the individual has poor sleep or sleep preparation habits (described in the following treatment section.)

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/insomnia/page3_em.htm#Primary%20Sleep%20Disorders

Insomnia Symptoms

2009-11-09T18:18:00.000-08:00

Doctors associate a variety of signs and symptoms with insomnia. Often, the symptoms intertwine with those of other medical or mental conditions.

* Some people with insomnia may complain of difficulty falling asleep or waking up frequently during the night. The problem may begin with stress. Then, as you begin to associate the bed with your inability to sleep, the problem may become chronic.

* Most often daytime symptoms will bring people to seek medical attention. Daytime problems caused by insomnia include the following:

o Poor concentration and focus

o Difficulty with memory

o Impaired motor coordination (being uncoordinated)

o Irritability and impaired social interaction

o Motor vehicle accidents because of fatigued, sleep-deprived drivers

* People may worsen these daytime symptoms by their own attempts to treat the symptoms.

o Alcohol and antihistamines may compound the problems with sleep deprivation.

o Others have tried nonprescription sleep aids.

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/insomnia/page4_em.htm#Insomnia%20Symptoms

Insomnia Causes

2009-11-09T17:46:00.000-08:00

Insomnia may be caused by a host of different reasons. These causes may be divided into situational factors, medical or psychiatric conditions, or primary sleep problems. Insomnia could also be classified by the duration of the symptoms into transient, short-term, or chronic. Transient insomnia generally last less than seven days; short-term insomnia usually lasts for about one to three weeks, and chronic insomnia lasts for more than three weeks.

Many of the causes of transient and short-term insomnia are similar and they include:

* Jet lag

* Changes in shift work

* Excessive or unpleasant noise

* Uncomfortable room temperature (too hot or too cold)

* Stressful situations in life (exam preparation, loss of a loved one, unemployment, divorce, or separation)

* Presence of an acute medical or surgical illness or hospitalization

* Withdrawal from drug, alcohol, sedative, or stimulant medications

* Insomnia related to high altitude (mountains)

Chronic or long-term insomnia

The majority of causes of chronic or long-term insomnia are usually linked to an underlying psychiatric or physiologic (medical) condition.

Psychological related insomnia

The most common psychological problems that may lead to insomnia include:

* anxiety,

* stress,

* schizophrenia,

* mania (bipolar disorder), and

* depression.

In fact, insomnia may be an indicator of depression. Many people will have insomnia during the acute phases of a mental illness.

Physiological related insomnia

Physiological causes span from circadian rhythm disorders (disturbance of the biological clock), sleep-wake imbalance, to a variety of medical conditions. The following are the most common medical conditions that trigger insomnia:

* Chronic pain syndromes

* Chronic fatigue syndrome

* Congestive heart failure

* Night time angina (chest pain) from heart disease

* Acid reflux disease (GERD)

* Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

* Nocturnal asthma (asthma with night time breathing symptoms)

* Obstructive sleep apnea

* Degenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease (Often insomnia is the deciding factor for nursing home placement.)

* Brain tumors, strokes, or trauma to the brain

High risk groups for insomnia

In addition to the above medical conditions, certain groups may be at higher risk for developing insomnia:

* travelers

* shift workers with frequent changing of shifts

* seniors

* adolescent or young adult students

* pregnant women, and

* menopausal women

Medication related insomnia

Certain medications have also been associated with insomnia. Among them are:

* Certain over-the-counter cold and asthma preparations.

* The prescription varieties of these medications may also contain stimulants and thus produce similar effects on sleep.

* Certain medications for high blood pressure have also been associated with poor sleep.

* Some medications used to treat depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.

Other causes of insomnia

* Common stimulants associated with poor sleep include caffeine and nicotine. You should consider not only restricting caffeine and nicotine use in the hours immediately before bedtime but also limiting your total daily intake.

* People often use alcohol to help induce sleep, as a nightcap. However, it is a poor choice. Alcohol is associated with sleep disruption and creates a sense of nonrefreshed sleep in the morning.

* A disruptive bed partner with loud snoring or periodic leg movements also may impair your ability to get a good night's sleep.

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/insomnia/page2_em.htm#Insomnia%20Causes

5 Habits to Break Before It's Too Late

2009-10-31T22:39:00.000-07:00

"Someday," you say, "I'm going to get my health back on track, after this next project," or "when I get back from my cruise," or "when the kids get a little older" ... C'mon, you know your list of reasons -- or what I call EXCUSES -- better than I.

Look, if you're waiting for some magical day to appear, you just may be waiting forever. These days do not "show up"; you show up for THEM. I have identified five critical areas, bad habits that many people mindlessly follow. Do you realize that each and every day of your life that you do not reverse these dangerous trends, you get farther and farther from your ultimate goal of living a fulfilling life?

Take a look at each area, determine how you stack up, and then make the fix today:

1) Stealing from sleep: Studies show that a minimum of seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep (at night) are essential for health. Sleep is the time when your body repairs and recovers from all of the metabolic processes that your body performs every second. Sleep supports healthy weight management, raises growth hormone, and heals the adrenals. If you are watching TV, working on your PC, or otherwise stimulating yourself so that you are unable to go to sleep by 11 PM, then establish the Power Down Hour and turn to more relaxing activities like baths, light novels, or cuddling with a loved one (or pet!) at least an hour or two before bedtime. Then ... retrain yourself to sleep through the night.

2) Skipping breakfast: How many times do you find yourself dashing out the door to start your day, only to discover that you forgot to eat? Listen, your body has just "fasted" overnight, and in order to fuel yourself for the day (and lower stress hormones), you must eat a balanced meal that includes proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Otherwise, your body will turn on itself for fuel, and it isn't fat but muscle that it's going to target ... which will cascade into a very nasty sequence of health consequences that will make you fat, old, and tired before your time.

3) Blowing off exercise: If you think you can manage your health and weight through dietary means alone, it won't work. Period. Exercise is crucial for stimulating proper physical and hormonal response necessary for building muscle and bone, burning fat, letting you sleep, keeping you young, giving you energy -- the list is endless. More important is the CORRECT type of exercise, which involves high-intensity interval training, along with resistance workouts. If you can't find 20-30 minutes a day to incorporate these exercises into your life (oh yeah, that is ALL you need, by the way), then you can kiss your health goodbye.

4) Noshing at night: Strapping on the feedbag in the evenings basically signals your body to hold off on burning existing fat stores, raises stress hormones before bedtime, and screws up your body's natural digestive processes at a time when it should be ready to shut down and repair. If you are eating in a hormonally-balanced way during your evening meal, there is absolutely no need to munch afterward.

5) Not counting your beverages: One of the craziest things I encounter in my work is the lack of consideration of high-calorie, high-sugar drinks in the diet. Yes, those healthy "Jumbo Juices," designer coffee slurpees (hey, they may as well be, given all the sugar in them), and those harmless little cocktails every night, especially those fruit-flavored martini and tequila drinks, can really pack on the pounds in a hurry. Make the switch to healthier options like iced green tea -- or, my favorite, Emergen-C -- for some sparkling mineral replacements that not only satisfy, but also fuel and nourish!

by JJ Virgin
http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/5-habits-to-break-before-its-too-late-527017/

(What?) and How are encephalitis and meningitis diagnosed?

2009-10-29T01:24:00.000-07:00

What is encephalitis?

Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. There are many types of encephalitis, most of which are caused by infections. Most often these infections are caused by viruses. Encephalitis can also be caused by diseases that cause inflammation of the brain.

What are symptoms of encephalitis?

Symptoms of encephalitis include sudden fever, headache, vomiting, visual sensitivity to light, stiff neck and back, confusion, drowsiness, clumsiness, unsteady gait, and irritability. Loss of consciousness, poor responsiveness, seizures, muscle weakness, sudden severe dementia and memory loss can also be found in patients with encephalitis.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of encephalitis should see a doctor immediately.

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes (called meninges) that surround the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis may be caused by many different viruses and bacteria. It can also be caused by diseases that can trigger inflammation of tissues of the body without infection (such as systemic lupus erythematosus and Behcet's disease).

What are symptoms of meningitis?

Symptoms of meningitis, which may appear suddenly, often include high fever, severe and persistent headache, stiff neck, nausea, and vomiting. Changes in behavior, such as confusion, sleepiness, and difficulty waking up, are important symptoms. In infants, symptoms of meningitis are often much less specific and may include irritability or tiredness, poor feeding, and fever.

Some types of meningitis can be deadly if not treated promptly. Anyone experiencing symptoms of meningitis should see a doctor immediately.

What is encephalomyelitis?

Encephalomyelitis is the term used to refer to inflammation of both the brain and spinal cord. Encephalomyelitis can be caused by a variety of conditions that lead to irritation of the brain and spinal cord. Among the common causes of encephalomyelitis are viruses which infect the nervous tissues (for example, herpes zoster virus). People with encephalomyelitis can exhibit combinations of the various symptoms of either encephalitis or meningitis.

How are encephalitis and meningitis diagnosed?

Encephalitis or meningitis is suggested when the symptoms described above are present. The doctor diagnoses encephalitis or meningitis after a completing a thorough history (asking the patient questions) and examination.. The examination includes special maneuvers to detect signs of inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). Based on the history and examination, the doctor suggests specific tests to further help in determining the diagnosis.

Tests that are used in the evaluation of individuals suspected of having encephalitis or meningitis include evaluation of the blood for signs of infection and possible presence of bacteria, brain scanning (such as MRI scan), and spinal fluid analysis.

A lumbar puncture is the most common method of obtaining a sample of the fluid in the spinal canal (the cerebrospinal fluid or CSF) for examination. A lumbar puncture (an LP) is the insertion of a needle into the fluid within the spinal canal. It is termed a "lumbar puncture" because the needle goes into the lumbar portion (the lower portion of the back). (Less commonly, spinal fluid can also be obtained from other levels of the spine.) The needle passes between the bony parts of the spine until it reaches the cerebral spinal fluid. A small amount of fluid is then collected and sent to the laboratory for examination. The evaluation of the spinal fluid is usually necessary for the definite diagnosis and to help make optimal treatment decisions (such as the appropriate choice of antibiotics).

The diagnosis is confirmed by abnormal spinal fluid results.

http://www.medicinenet.com/encephalitis_and_meningitis/article.htm

What is a headache?

2009-10-29T01:01:00.000-07:00

Headache is defined as pain in the head or upper neck. It is one of the most common locations of pain in the body and has many causes.

How are headaches classified?

Headaches have numerous causes, and in 2007 the International Headache Society agreed upon an updated classification system for headache. Because so many people suffer from headaches, and because treatment is sometimes difficult, the new classification system allows health care practitioners to understand a specific diagnosis more completely to provide better and more effective treatment regimens.

There are three major categories of headaches:

1. primary headaches,

2. secondary headaches, and

3. cranial neuralgias, facial pain, and other headaches

What are primary headaches?

Primary headaches include migraine, tension, and cluster headaches, as well as a variety of other less common types of headache.

Tension headaches are the most common type of primary headache; as many as 90% of adults have had or will have tension headaches. Tension headaches are more common among women than men.

Migraine headaches are the second most common type of primary headache. An estimated 28 million people in the United States (about 12% of the population) will experience migraine headaches. Migraine headaches affect children as well as adults. Before puberty, boys and girls are affected equally by migraine headaches, but after puberty, more women than men are affected. An estimated 6% of men and up to 18% of women will experience a migraine headache.

Cluster headaches are a rare type of primary headache, affecting 0.1% of the population. An estimated 85% of cluster headache sufferers are men. The average age of cluster headache sufferers is 28-30 years of age, although headaches may begin in childhood.

Primary headaches affect quality of life. Some people have occasional headaches that resolve quickly, while others are debilitated. Tension, migraine, and cluster headaches are not life-threatening.

What are secondary headaches?

Secondary headaches are those that are due to an underlying structural problem in the head or neck. There are numerous causes of this type of headache ranging from bleeding in the brain, tumor, or meningitis and encephalitis.

http://www.medicinenet.com/headache/article.htm#tocb

Staph Infection

2009-10-29T00:58:00.000-07:00

In this Article

* What is Staphylococcus?
* Who is at risk for Staph infections?
* What are the symptoms and signs of a Staph infection?
* What types of diseases are caused by Staph?
* How are Staph infections diagnosed?
* How are Staph infections treated?
* What is antibiotic-resistant Staph aureus?
* What are complications of Staph infections?
* Can Staph infections be prevented?
* Staph Infection At A Glance
* Pictures of MRSA - Slideshow View MRSA Slideshow
* Patient Discussions: Staph Infection (Staphylococcus Aureus) - Length Symptoms Lasted
* Staph Infection Glossary
* Staph Infection Index

Can Staph infections be prevented?

No vaccine is available against Staphylococcus aureus. Since the bacteria are so widespread and cause so many different diseases, prevention of Staph infections requires attention to the risk factors that may increase the likelihood of getting a particular type of Staph infection. For example, it is possible for menstruating women reduce the risk of toxic shock syndrome by frequently changing tampons (at least every four to eight hours), using low-absorbency tampons, and alternating sanitary pad and tampon use. Careful attention to food-handling and food-preparation practices can decrease the risk of Staphylococcal food poisoning. Careful hand washing, avoiding close skin contact with possible infected individuals, and proper hygienic care of skin scrapes, cuts, and wounds can all reduce the likelihood of skin infections due to Staph, including community-acquired MRSA.
Staph Infection At A Glance

* Staphylococcus is group of bacteria that can cause a multitude of diseases.
* Staph infections may cause disease due to direct infection or due to the production of toxins by the bacteria.
* Boils, impetigo, food poisoning, cellulitis, and toxic shock syndrome are all examples of diseases that may be caused by Staphylococcus.
* Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, known as MRSA, is a type of Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to the antibiotic methicillin and other drugs in this class.
* Staph infections are treated with topical, oral, or intravenous antibiotics, depending upon the type of infection.

http://www.medicinenet.com/staph_infection/page3.htm#prevention

What is Staphylococcus?

2009-10-29T00:57:00.000-07:00

Staphylococcus is a group of bacteria that can cause a multitude of diseases as a result of infection of various tissues of the body. Staphylococcus is more familiarly known as Staph (pronounced "staff"). Staph-related illness can range from mild and requiring no treatment to severe and potentially fatal.

The name "Staphylococcus" comes from the Greek staphyle, meaning a bunch of grapes, and kokkos, meaning berry, and that is what Staph look like under the microscope, like a bunch of grapes or little round berries. (In technical terms, these are gram-positive, facultative anaerobic, usually unencapsulated cocci.)

Over 30 different types of Staphylococci can infect humans, but most infections are caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococci can be found normally in the nose and on the skin (and less commonly in other locations) of 20%-30% of healthy adults. In the majority of cases, the bacteria do not cause disease. However, damage to the skin or other injury may allow the bacteria to overcome the natural protective mechanisms of the body, leading to infection.

Who is at risk for Staph infections?

Anyone can develop a Staph infection, although certain groups of people are at greater risk, including newborn infants, breastfeeding women, and people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, vascular disease, and lung disease. Injecting drug users, those with skin injuries or disorders, intravenous catheters, surgical incisions, and those with a weakened immune system all have an increased risk of developing Staph infections.

What are the symptoms and signs of a Staph infection?

Staphylococcal disease of the skin usually results in a localized collection of pus, known as an abscess, boil, or furuncle. The affected area may be red, swollen, and painful. Drainage or pus is common.

What types of diseases are caused by Staph?

Skin infections (see above) are the most common type of disease produced by Staphylococcus. Staph infections of the skin can progress to impetigo (a crusting of the skin) or cellulitis (inflammation of the connective tissue under the skin, leading to swelling and redness of the area). In rare cases, a serious complication known as scalded skin syndrome (see below) can develop. In breastfeeding women, Staph can result in mastitis (inflammation of the breast) or in abscess of the breast. Staphylococcal breast abscesses can release bacteria into the mother's milk.

When the bacteria enter the bloodstream and spread to other organs, a number of serious infections can occur. Spread of the organisms to the bloodstream is known as bacteremia or sepsis. Staphylococcal pneumonia predominantly affects people with underlying lung disease and can lead to abscess formation within the lungs. Infection of the heart valves (endocarditis) can lead to heart failure. Spread of Staphylococci to the bones can result in severe inflammation of the bones known as osteomyelitis. Staphylococcal sepsis (widespread infection of the bloodstream) is a leading cause of shock and circulatory collapse, leading to death, in people with severe burns over large areas of the body.

Staphylococcal food poisoning is an illness of the bowels that causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. It is caused by eating foods contaminated with toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus. Symptoms usually develop within one to six hours after eating contaminated food. The illness usually lasts for one to three days and resolves on its own. Patients with this illness are not contagious, since toxins are not transmitted from one person to another.

Toxic shock syndrome is an illness caused by toxins secreted by Staph aureus bacteria growing under conditions in which there is little or no oxygen. Toxic shock syndrome is characterized by the sudden onset of high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle aches, followed by low blood pressure (hypotension), which can lead to shock and death. There may be a rash resembling sunburn, with peeling of skin. Toxic shock syndrome was originally described and still occurs especially in menstruating women using tampons.

http://www.medicinenet.com/staph_infection/article.htm#What

Mumps: Treatment

2009-10-27T19:55:00.001-07:00

Treatment

If you think that your child has mumps, call your doctor, who can confirm the diagnosis and work with you to monitor your child and watch for complications. The doctor can also notify the health authorities who keep track of childhood immunization programs and mumps outbreaks.

Because mumps is caused by a virus, it cannot be treated with antibiotics.

At home, monitor and keep track of your child's temperature. You can use nonaspirin fever medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to bring down a fever. These medicines will also help relieve pain in the swollen parotid glands. Unless instructed by the doctor, aspirin should not be used in children with viral illnesses because its use in such cases has been associated with the development of Reye syndrome, which can lead to liver failure and death.

You can also soothe the swollen parotid glands with either warm or cold packs. Serve a soft, bland diet that does not require a lot of chewing and encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids. Avoid serving tart or acidic fruit juices (like orange juice, grapefruit juice, or lemonade) that make parotid pain worse. Water, decaffeinated soft drinks, and tea are better tolerated.

When mumps involves the testicles, the doctor may prescribe stronger medications for pain and swelling and provide instructions on how to apply warm or cool packs to soothe the area and how to provide extra support for the testicles.

A child with mumps doesn't need to stay in bed, but may play quietly. Ask your doctor about the best time for your child to return to school.
When to Call the Doctor

Call the doctor if you suspect that your child has mumps. If your child has been diagnosed with mumps, keep track of his or her temperature and call the doctor if goes above 101° Fahrenheit (38.3° Celsius).

Because mumps can also involve the brain and its membranes, call the doctor immediately if your child has any of the following: stiff neck, convulsions (seizures), extreme drowsiness, severe headache, or changes of consciousness. Watch for abdominal pain that can mean involvement of the pancreas in either sex or involvement of the ovaries in girls. In boys, watch for high fever with pain and swelling of the testicles.

Reviewed by: Joel Klein, MD

http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/mumps.html#

Mumps: Contagiousness, Prevention, Incubation, and duration

2009-10-27T19:53:00.000-07:00

Contagiousness

The mumps virus is contagious and spreads in tiny drops of fluid from the mouth and nose of someone who is infected. It can be passed to others through sneezing, coughing, or even laughing. The virus can also spread to other people through direct contact, such as picking up tissues or using drinking glasses that have been used by the infected person.

People who have mumps are most contagious from 2 days before symptoms begin to 6 days after they end. The virus can also spread from people who are infected but have no symptoms.

Prevention

Mumps can be prevented by vaccination. The vaccine can be given alone or as part of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) immunization, which is usually given to children at 12 to 15 months of age. A second dose of MMR is generally given at 4 to 6 years of age. As is the case with all immunization schedules, there are important exceptions and special circumstances.

If they haven't already received them, students who are attending colleges and other post-high school institutions should be sure they have had two doses of the MMR vaccine.

During a measles outbreak, your doctor may recommend additional shots of the vaccine, if your child is 1 to 4 years old. Your doctor will have the most current information.

Incubation

The incubation period for mumps can be 12 to 25 days, but the average is 16 to 18 days.

Duration

Children usually recover from mumps in about 10 to 12 days. It takes about 1 week for the swelling to disappear in each parotid gland, but both glands don't usually swell at the same time.

http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/mumps.html#

Mumps: Signs and Symptoms

2009-10-27T19:52:00.000-07:00

Cases of mumps may start with a fever of up to 103° Fahrenheit (39.4° Celsius), as well as a headache and loss of appetite. The well-known hallmark of mumps is swelling and pain in the parotid glands, making the child look like a hamster with food in its cheeks. The glands usually become increasingly swollen and painful over a period of 1 to 3 days. The pain gets worse when the child swallows, talks, chews, or drinks acidic juices (like orange juice).

Both the left and right parotid glands may be affected, with one side swelling a few days before the other, or only one side may swell. In rare cases, mumps will attack other groups of salivary glands instead of the parotids. If this happens, swelling may be noticed under the tongue, under the jaw, or all the way down to the front of the chest.

Mumps can lead to inflammation and swelling of the brain and other organs, although this is not common. Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) are both rare complications of mumps. Symptoms appear in the first week after the parotid glands begin to swell and may include: high fever, stiff neck, headache, nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, convulsions, and other signs of brain involvement.

Mumps in adolescent and adult males may also result in the development of orchitis, an inflammation of the testicles. Usually one testicle becomes swollen and painful about 7 to 10 days after the parotids swell. This is accompanied by a high fever, shaking chills, headache, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain that can sometimes be mistaken for appendicitis if the right testicle is affected. After 3 to 7 days, testicular pain and swelling subside, usually at about the same time that the fever passes. In some cases, both testicles are involved. Even with involvement of both testicles, sterility is only a rare complication of orchitis.

Additionally, mumps may affect the pancreas or, in females, the ovaries, causing pain and tenderness in parts of the abdomen.

In some cases, signs and symptoms are so mild that no one suspects a mumps infection. Doctors believe that about 1 in 3 people may have a mumps infection without symptoms.

http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/mumps.html#

About Mumps

2009-10-27T19:51:00.000-07:00

Mumps is a disease caused by a virus that usually spreads through saliva and can infect many parts of the body, especially the parotid salivary glands. These glands, which produce saliva for the mouth, are found toward the back of each cheek, in the area between the ear and jaw. In cases of mumps, these glands typically swell and become painful.

The disease has been recognized for several centuries, and medical historians argue over whether the name "mumps" comes from an old word for "lump" or an old word for "mumble."

Mumps was common until the mumps vaccine was licensed in 1967. Before the vaccine, more than 200,000 cases occurred each year in the United States. Since then the number of cases has dropped to fewer than 1,000 a year, and epidemics have become fairly rare. As in the pre-vaccine era, most cases of mumps are still in kids ages 5 to 14, but the proportion of young adults who become infected has been rising slowly over the last two decades. Mumps infections are uncommon in kids younger than 1 year old.

After a case of mumps it is very unusual to have a second bout because one attack of mumps almost always gives lifelong protection against another. However, other infections can also cause swelling in the salivary glands, which might lead a parent to mistakenly think a child has had mumps more than once.

http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/mumps.html

10 Tips to Prepare for a Healthy Pregnancy

2009-10-23T19:13:00.000-07:00

1. Eat the healthiest, safest foods.

These eight simple steps will help you reduce your exposure to synthetic pesticides and guard against certain cancers and high dioxin intake. Increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes and fiber may help eliminate toxins.

2. Feast on folic acid before conceiving and while pregnant.

Sources include dried beans and peas, citrus fruit, spinach and broccoli. Adequate folic acid early in a baby's development helps prevent neurological defects, such as spina bifida. Note: too much folic acid may pose it's own risks, so talk with your doctor about how much you need.

3. Reduce consumption of alcohol and caffeine, and quit smoking.

Women who smoke during pregnancy (or are exposed to secondhand smoke) are more likely to give birth to small babies with low birth weight. Alcohol and caffeine lower overall health and can negatively impact a fetus.

4. Cut down your intake of animal fats and fish to reduce dioxin, PCB and mercury exposure.

Trim fat and skin from meats well. Limit consumption of fatty and predatory fish, such as tuna and salmon, to once a month at most; alternatives include flounder and sole. (Use Seafood Watch to learn about which fish are safest to eat.) Broil fish and meat, so that fat drips away from the food. Choose skim dairy products.

5. Drink pure water.

Test drinking water for lead, chlorine byproducts (trihalomethanes) and pesticides. If there are contaminants, install an appropriate water filter and use a stainless steel water bottle to keep yourself hydrated on the go.

6. Test old paint for lead while planning your pregnancy.

Lead is stored in the bones and can be passed to a developing baby through the placenta. The EPA maintains a list of certified labs where you can send paint samples. Removal of lead paint must only be done by a professional and pregnant women should stay away from the area until it is thoroughly cleaned. See Detecting and Removing Lead Paint for more information and resources.

7. Get smart about plastics.

Some plastics cause dangerous pollution during manufacturing and some contain chemicals suspected of causing harm - especially to kids. Avoid those numbered 3, 6, or 7 (PC). These resin codes are typically on the bottom of an item in a triangle of arrows. When using any plastic, be safe by not using in the microwave or with hot food (the heat promotes leaching). Discard or stop using for food and beverages when the product begins to have signs of wear and tear.

8. Use fewer personal care products.

Many personal care products contain chemicals that disrupt hormones your baby will rely on for proper development. And others contain carcinogens and neurotoxicants, among other things. The best thing for you and baby is to reduce how much you use and to use Skin Deep to find the safest products.

9. Clean without toxic chemicals.

You don't need a chemical arsenal to keep your home clean. Basic ingredients like baking soda and vinegar can tackle most household chores. Or, you can look for natural products at the store (don't be fooled by marketing, though. Check the label for ingredients and use Seventh Generation's Label Reading Guide.)

10. Find out what chemicals are in your local air, water and soil.

Start in your backyard, by finding out what's in the soil. Sign up for air quality alerts at AirNow.gov.

http://blogs.webmd.com/health-ehome/2009/09/10-tips-to-prepare-for-healthy.html

Cold and Flu (influenza) Season Survival Guide: 10 Easy Steps

2009-10-23T19:11:00.000-07:00

Tis the season of sniffles, sneezes, fevers, and flu. And, this year brings an epidemic that has every parent on high alert. At my house, we're in the midst of virus cycle number one and I just pulled out the vaporizer for the first time of the season. As my daughter and I waited for the little engine to warm up after months of sitting idly in the basement, we spoke glumly about how much we despise the string of illness and misery fall and winter inevitably brings. This winter we are fighting back, and you can too. Keep your family in tip-top shape by following these easy tips.

1. Get plenty of Zzzzz
Studies show that sleep deprivation can make you more susceptible to illness by reducing the number of cells in your body dedicated to fighting things like microbes. The average adult needs about 6-8 hours of sleep. A newborn may need up to 18 hours a day, toddlers require 12 to 13 hours, and preschoolers need about 10 hours. If your child doesn't nap, try putting him or her to bed earlier.

2. Bust a family move
Exercising increases your sickness-fighting cells. Get the whole family in the habit of exercising together to improve your health and to enjoy some quality time together. Try walking, hiking, biking, yoga, or just crank up some fun music and have a dance-off.

3. Engage in germ warfare
Pete Markham /
CC BY-SA 2.0

* Make sure everyone washes their hands often with soap. Ditch the antibacterials because research shows plain soap is just as effective. Sing the ABC's while vigorously lathering palms, between fingers, around nail beds, and the backs of hands. Pay particular attention to hand hygiene before and after each meal, after playing outside, using the bathroom, handling pets, blowing noses, and after being anywhere in public.

* When you're out and about, carry non-toxic wipes or hand sanitizer with you for quick cleanups. Check out CleanWell's plant-based, biodegradable products, All Terrain Hand Sanz Fragrance Free Antiseptic Hand Sanitizer, or EO Hand Sanitizer.

* If someone in the family gets sick, keep his toothbrush separate from everyone else's. Give it a good soak in boiling water or run it through the dishwasher after the illness isn't contagious anymore to get rid of any lingering germs or viruses.

* Wash your hand towels in hot water every three or four days during cold and flu season.

* Sneeze and cough into your arm or a tissue. Coughing into your hands puts the germs right where you can spread them to any object (or person) you touch.

4. Drink up
You have probably heard how important it is to drink plenty of fluids when you are ill, but it's just as important for preventing illness. Adequate hydration keeps the tissues of the respiratory system moist, which prevents microbes from settling in. Hydration also helps the immune system work properly. Opt for fresh, filtered water.

5. Air out
Open a window or two in your home just a crack for a few minutes each day. You'll let out indoor air pollutants that may be stressing your immune systems as well as chase away germs.

6. Keep it cool
An overheated home promotes dry air, the perfect environment for viruses to thrive. And when your mucous membranes (i.e., nose, mouth, and tonsils) dry out, they can't trap those germs very well. Lowering the heat in your house 5 degrees and using a room humidifier helps maintain a healthier level of humidity in the winter. Buy a hygrometer to measure humidity and keep your home at around 50 percent.

7. Relax
Declare a family time out each day. During these few minutes have everyone close their eyes, breathe deep, and think happy. Meditation reduces stress. Reduced stress means less susceptibility to illness.

8. Pump up with produce
Carrots, kiwis, raisins, green beans, oranges, strawberries: they all contain such immunity-boosting phytonutrients as vitamin C and carotenoids. Cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, are good sources of betacarotene and help protect against free-radical damage. They also contain vitamin C and calcium. Try to get your child to eat five servings of fruits and veggies a day. Eat at least half of them raw and when you do cook them, be careful not to overcook. Overcooking destroys the immune enhancing properties. Learn more about feeding your immune system.

9. Go easy on the sweets
Sugar makes the body acidic, just the way pathogens like it (they thrive on sugar). So especially during cold and flu season, reduce sugar intake (that includes corn syrup and HFCS, as well).

10. Take a supplement
According to Dr. Alan Greene, "most kids today do NOT get the micronutrients they need from what they eat. Not by a long shot. By some estimates, only 2% of kids regularly eat the recommended number of servings of different food groups. A daily multivitamin/mineral is more than just a safety net for occasional nutritional shortages, it is an important tool to support healthy growth and a healthy life for your child." Talk to your physician about your child's specific nutritional needs and check out Dr. Greene's Nutritional Supplements.

http://blogs.webmd.com/health-ehome/2009/10/cold-and-flu-season-survival-guide-10.html

Understanding Anemia - the Basics

2009-10-23T19:10:00.001-07:00

Anemia is a condition that develops when your blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells. These cells are the main transporters of oxygen to organs. If red blood cells are also deficient in hemoglobin, then your body isn't getting enough iron. Symptoms of anemia -- like fatigue -- occur because organs aren't getting enough oxygen.

Anemia is the most common blood condition in the U.S. It affects about 3.5 million Americans. Women and people with chronic diseases are at increased risk of anemia. Important factors to remember are:

* Certain forms of anemia are hereditary and infants may be affected from the time of birth.
* Women in the childbearing years are particularly susceptible to a form of anemia called iron-deficiency anemia because of the blood loss from menstruation and the increased blood supply demands during pregnancy.
* Seniors also may have a greater risk of developing anemia because of poor diet and other medical conditions.

There are many types of anemia. All are very different in their causes and treatments. Iron-deficiency anemia, the most common type, is very treatable with diet changes and iron supplements. Some forms of anemia -- like the anemia that develops during pregnancy -- are even considered normal. However, some types of anemia may present lifelong health problems.
What Causes Anemia?

There are more than 400 types of anemia, which are divided into 3 groupings:

* Anemia caused by blood loss
* Anemia caused by decreased or faulty red blood cell production
* Anemia caused by destruction of red blood cells

Anemia Caused by Blood Loss

Red blood cells can be lost through bleeding, which can occur slowly over a long period of time, and can often go undetected. This kind of chronic bleeding commonly results from the following:

* Gastrointestinal conditions such as ulcers, hemorrhoids, gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) and cancer
* Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin or Motrin
* Menstruation and childbirth in women, especially if menstrual bleeding is excessive and if there are multiple pregnancies

Anemia Caused by Decreased or Faulty Red Blood Cell Production

The body may produce too few blood cells or the blood cells may not work properly. In either case, anemia can result. Red blood cells may be faulty or decreased due to abnormal red blood cells or the a lack of minerals and vitamins needed for red blood cells to work properly. Conditions associated with these causes of anemia include the following:

* Sickle cell anemia
* Iron deficiency anemia
* Vitamin deficiency
* Bone marrow and stem cell problems
* Other health conditions

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disorder that affects African-Americans. Red blood cells become crescent-shaped because of a genetic defect. They break down rapidly, so oxygen does not get to the body's organs, causing anemia. The crescent-shaped red blood cells also get stuck in tiny blood vessels, causing pain.

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-anemia-basics

Food toxin may cause liver cancer

2009-10-23T00:59:00.000-07:00

Scientists from University of California, Irvine, have identified a protein that triggers the deadly food toxin found in fungi on nuts and Nuts and grains
grains, which if consumed in large quantities can cause liver cancer

Because of lax or nonexistent regulation, large numbers of people in developing countries are chronically exposed to vast amounts of toxin, called aflatoxin. It can colonize and contaminate nuts and grains before harvest or during storage.

The combination of aflatoxin and hepatitis B virus exposure increases the likelihood of liver cancer occurrence by 60 times. The toxin destroys cancer-preventing gene in humans called p53. Without p53 protecting the body, aflatoxin can compromise immunity, interfere with metabolism, and cause severe malnutrition and cancer.

Lead researcher Sheryl Tsai, UCI molecular biology and biochemistry, chemistry along with her colleagues found a protein called PT, which is crucial for aflatoxin to form in fungi. "The protein PT is the key to making the poison," Nature magazine quoted Tsai as saying.

"With this knowledge, perhaps we could kill the PT with drugs, inhibiting the mold’s ability to make aflatoxin," she added. Presently, destroying the mold – rather than just the PT – is the method of decontamination, however it’s expensive.

"This finding will lead to an increased understanding of how aflatoxin causes liver cancer in humans," said Dr. Frank Meyskens, Daniel G. Aldrich Jr. Endowed Chair and director of UCI’s Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center.

"It should allow for the development of inhibitors and, hopefully, a new chemoprevention approach to this deadly cancer," he added.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life/health-fitness/health/Food-toxin-may-cause-liver-cancer-/articleshow/5148538.cms

Fish oil can cut memory loss in old age

2009-10-23T00:58:00.000-07:00

A study carried out by American bio-science company Martek suggests that taking fish oil supplements can reduce memory loss in old

Dr Karin Yurko-Mauro, a researcher associated with the company, has revealed that taking a supplement of omega 3 for six months had a beneficial effect on people with age-related forgetfulness and loss of learning ability during the study.

The research team tested the affect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the most commonly found in fish oil, on 485 healthy people with an average age of 70, and found that memory and general brain function increased significantly.

According to the study report, taking 900mg capsules every day was found to be the equivalent of turning back the clock three years.

The researchers hope that future studies will provide promising results suggesting that the fatty acid may help stave off Alzheimer''s disease, if new techniques can be found to diagnose it before it take holds.

Dr Yurko-Mauro said that the participants who took the supplements had "almost double the reduction in errors on a test that measures learning and memory performance."

"The benefit is roughly equivalent to having the learning and memory skills of someone three years younger," the Telegraph quoted him as saying.

Dr. William Thies, Chief Medical and Scientific Officer at the Alzheimer''s Association, feels that it is "too early" to make a recommendation about use of DHA supplements to prevent loss of mental function.

"In high doses, DHA does have side effects, so you would want to see a benefit to justify the risk you are taking. We need more work for that," he said.

A presentation on the study was made at the international Alzheimer''s Association meeting in Vienna, Austria.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life/health-fitness/health/Fish-oil-can-cut-memory-loss-in-old-age/articleshow/4771616.cms

Fish oil may protect against stroke

2009-10-23T00:56:00.000-07:00

Omega-3 fatty acids may protect against stroke from ruptured carotid artery plaques, according to a new study.

Research led by Hernan A. Bazan, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Section of Vascular Surgery, at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Medicine, has found that unstable carotid artery plaques - those in danger of rupturing and leading to a stroke - contain more inflammation and significantly less omega-3 fatty acids than asymptomatic plaques.

This suggests that increasing the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in carotid artery plaques could either prevent strokes or improve the safety of treatment. And this can be accomplished by increasing dietary intake of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

The study is an Article in Press in the journal, Vascular Pharmacology, currently online.

Our bodies produce only a small amount of omega-3 fatty acids, so most of what we need has to come from eating omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods like fish (salmon, tuna, trout, herring, etc.) or from supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to protect against cardiovascular disease, particularly heart attack and sudden cardiac death.

Dr. Bazan''s team wanted to determine what the association might be with plaques in the carotid arteries, a common cause of strokes. Vulnerable plaques which can rupture in the carotid arteries may lead to transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), strokes, or vision loss by affecting the artery to the retina.

The mechanisms leading to plaque rupture are still not fully understood but inflammation within the plaque is beginning to be recognized as an important cause of plaque rupture.

Dr. Bazan, an LSUHSC vascular/endovascular surgeon, in collaboration with researchers at Yale University and others at LSUHSC, analyzed plaques from 41 patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) to remove plaque buildup in their arteries. Twenty-four patients were asymptomatic and 17 were symptomatic, having had neurological symptoms.

All of the fats in the plaques were assessed with mass spectrometry, in collaboration with Dr. Song Hong at LSUHSC. The team was measuring the amounts of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) - the components of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

The plaques of asymptomatic patients contained more than twice as much DHA as the symptomatic patients, and about one and a half times as much EPA. Significantly less inflammation was also seen in the carotid atherosclerotic plaques from asymptomatic patients.

"In the future, a study to address whether supplementation with dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids prevents carotid-related events in patients with moderate or high-grade carotid stenosis will help answer whether this is a formidable therapeutic target for the prevention of stroke," says Dr. Bazan.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Fish-oil-may-protect-against-stroke/articleshow/5080690.cms

Sodium in diet

2009-10-19T20:31:00.001-07:00

Sodium is an element that the body needs to function properly.
Function

The body uses sodium to regulate blood pressure and blood volume. Sodium is also critical for the functioning of muscles and nerves.
Food Sources

Sodium occurs naturally in most foods. The most common form of sodium is sodium chloride, which is table salt. Milk, beets, and celery also naturally contain sodium, as does drinking water, although the amount varies depending on the source.

Sodium is also added to various food products. Some of these added forms are monosodium glutamate, sodium nitrite, sodium saccharin, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), and sodium benzoate. These are ingredients in condiments and seasonings such as Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, onion salt, garlic salt, and bouillon cubes.

Processed meats, such as bacon, sausage, and ham, and canned soups and vegetables are all examples of foods that contain added sodium. Fast foods are generally very high in sodium.
Side Effects

Too much sodium will contribute to high blood pressure in those who are sensitive to sodium. Most people with high blood pressure may be told to reduce their sodium intake. If you have high blood pressure, you should discuss this issue with your doctor.

Sodium may lead to a serious build-up of fluid in people with congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, or kidney disease. Such people should be on a strict sodium-restricted diet, as prescribed by their doctor.
Recommendations

Dietary sodium is measured in milligrams (mg). Table salt is 40% sodium; 1 teaspoon of table salt contains 2,300 mg of sodium.

The 2005 Dietary Guidelines recommend that healthy adults should limit sodium intake to 2,300 mg per day while individuals with high blood pressure should consume no more than 1,500 mg per day. Those with congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and kidney disease may need much lower amounts.

Specific recommendations regarding sodium intake do not exist for infants, children, and adolescents. Eating habits and attitudes about food formed during childhood are likely to influence eating habits for life. For this reason, moderate intake of sodium is suggested.
Alternative Names

Diet - sodium (salt)
References

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Dietary Guidelines for Americans -- 2005. Chapter 8: Sodium and Potassium. Accessed June 23, 2008.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002415.htm

Hypertension

2009-10-19T20:20:00.001-07:00

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to reduce blood pressure so that you have a lower risk of complications.

There are many different medicines that can be used to treat high blood pressure, including:

* Alpha blockers
* Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
* Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
* Beta-blockers
* Calcium channel blockers
* Central alpha agonists
* Diuretics
* Renin inhibitors, including aliskiren (Tekturna)
* Vasodilators

Your doctor may also tell you to exercise, lose weight, and follow a healthier diet. If you have pre-hypertension, your doctor will recommend the same lifestyle changes to bring your blood pressure down to a normal range.

Often, a single blood pressure drug may not be enough to control your blood pressure, and you may need to take two or more drugs. It is very important that you take the medications prescribed to you. If you have side effects, your health care provider can substitute a different medication.
Outlook (Prognosis)

Most of the time, high blood pressure can be controlled with medicine and lifestyle changes.
Possible Complications

* Aortic dissection
* Blood vessel damage (arteriosclerosis)
* Brain damage
* Congestive heart failure
* Kidney damage
* Kidney failure
* Heart attack
* Hypertensive heart disease
* Stroke
* Vision loss

When to Contact a Medical Professional

If you have high blood pressure, you will have regularly scheduled appointments with your doctor.

Even if you have not been diagnosed with high blood pressure, it is important to have your blood pressure checked during your yearly check-up, especially if someone in your family has or had high blood pressure.

Call your health care provider right away if home monitoring shows that your blood pressure remains high or you have any of the following symptoms:

* Chest pain
* Confusion
* Excessive tiredness
* Nausea and vomiting
* Severe headache
* Shortness of breath
* Significant sweating
* Vision changes

Prevention

Adults over 18 should have their blood pressure checked routinely.

Lifestyle changes may help control your blood pressure:

* Lose weight if you are overweight. Excess weight adds to strain on the heart. In some cases, weight loss may be the only treatment needed.
* Exercise regularly. If possible, exercise for 30 minutes on most days.
* Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products while reducing total and saturated fat intake (the DASH diet is one way of achieving this kind of dietary plan). (See: Heart disease and diet)
* Avoid smoking. (See: Nicotine withdrawal)
* If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control.
* Do not consume more than 1 or 2 alcoholic drinks per day.
* Try to manage your stress.

Follow your health care provider's recommendations to modify, treat, or control possible causes of secondary hypertension.
Alternative Names

High blood pressure; HBP; Blood pressure - high
References

Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7). Rockville, Md. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, US Department of Health and Human Services; August 2004. National Institutes of Health Publication No. 04-5230.

Kaplan NM. Systemic Hypertension: Therapy. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 41.

Wolff T, Miller T. Evidence for the reaffirmation of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation on screening for high blood pressure. Ann Intern Med. 2007;147:787-791.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000468.htm

How to Test Your Blood From Diabetic Risk

2009-10-17T20:11:00.000-07:00

One of the most important tests to help you manage your diabetes is the one you do yourself. This is the blood-sugar reading that you may take several times a day. Your doctor will tell you how often to test your blood sugar.

Often your home tests show blood sugar levels that are about 10% lower than levels found in lab tests. So, it's important to also have your blood sugar tested by your doctor.

Checking your blood sugar regularly helps you and your doctor see how your diabetes management plan is working. Your aim is to lower your blood sugar level and keep it there.

Use a Blood Sugar Log (PDF Format) to record your blood sugar readings throughout the day. Make extra copies so that you always have enough on hand.

http://www.diabetes.com/blood-sugar-control-matters/diabetes-test.html

How to Manage Your Diabetic (3:Diabetes Medicines)

2009-10-17T20:08:00.000-07:00

Your doctor may prescribe one or more medicines to help control your blood sugar, along with your plan to eat healthy and stay active.

Several kinds of medicines may help control blood sugar. Most people take pills while others take insulin. Some newer medicines for type 2 diabetes are injected. Your doctor will tell you which kind of medicine you need and why.

Over time, as your body changes, your doctor may make some changes in your treatment to help control your blood sugar. He or she may:

* Change your dose
* Add a new medicine or insulin
* Switch pills

Types of pills

Several types of pills are prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes:

Are You in Control

* Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors prevent the breakdown of starches, such as bread, potatoes, and pasta in the intestine. They also slow the breakdown of some sugars. Their action slows the rise in blood glucose levels after a meal.
* Biguanides reduce the amount of sugar produced by the liver and make muscle tissue more sensitive to insulin so that sugar can be absorbed.
* DPP-4 inhibitors help improve A1C without causing low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). They work by preventing the breakdown of a naturally occurring compound in the body.
* Sulfonylureas and meglitinides stimulate the beta cells in the pancreas to release more insulin.
* Thiazolidinediones help insulin work better in the muscle and fat and also reduce the liver’s sugar production. They target insulin resistance.

Diabetes pills don't work for everyone. Although you may find that your blood glucose levels go down when you start taking pills, your blood sugar levels may not reach the normal range.

What are the chances that diabetes pills will work for you? Your chances are good if you developed diabetes recently or have needed little or no insulin to keep your blood glucose levels near normal.

Remember, medicine is just part of your treatment. You also need to eat healthy, get regular physical activity, and check your blood sugar.

http://www.diabetes.com/diabetes-medicines/diabetes-medicines.html

How to Manage Your Diabetic (2: Be More Active)

2009-10-17T20:06:00.000-07:00

Physical activity can help you control your type 2 diabetes. Before you start any kind of exercise program, see your doctor for a checkup. Ask how physical activity fits into your medicine and meal plans.

Choosing an activity

Activity CalculatorThere’s no one perfect exercise, so do something you like. Try anything that gets you going, from walking the mall to pumping iron.

Your doctor can suggest activities for you. Aim for a mix of aerobics, strength training, and flexibility stretches.

Avoid high-impact workouts, like jogging, if you have trouble feeling pain, pressure, or heat and cold, especially in your legs and feet. (This is a common problem in diabetes.) Also, people with eye disease may have limits on the kinds of exercise that they should do.

Are You in Control

How much activity
Try to do some physical activity every day. If you can’t, aim for three to four times a week, 30 to 60 minutes each time. Make sure to warm up before and stretch out after.

Tips

* Drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercise.
* Stay motivated. Work out with a friend, make workout “dates” with yourself, and vary your workout, so you don’t get bored.
* Keep an exercise log, so you can see your progress.

Take care of yourself

* Foot problems are common in people with diabetes. Make sure your shoes fit well and are right for your exercise. Wear athletic socks. These steps will help you avoid blisters or calluses that could lead to infection.
* Check your blood sugar before and after you exercise. Don’t work out if your level is too high or too low.
* Exercise with a friend who knows you have diabetes, or wear a medical ID bracelet, in case you have low blood sugar.

http://www.diabetes.com/healthy-eating-and-physical-activity/diabetes-exercise-tips.html

Hoe to Manage Your Diabetic ( No Such Thing as a Diabetic Diet)

2009-10-17T20:04:00.000-07:00

There’s no such thing as a “diabetic diet.” Still, you may be confused about what to eat. Here’s the low-down on some common misunderstandings about foods:

* Carbohydrates. Some meal plans want you to count grams of carbohydrates (sugar and starch). Your dietitian can help you learn to count carbohydrates.
* Sugar. Most experts say small amounts of sugar are fine, as long as they are part of your meal plan. Sugar is just one type of carbohydrate.
* Alcohol. Discuss the use of alcohol with your healthcare provider. Many people with diabetes can have an alcoholic drink now and then — as long as you account for it in your food plan. Be sure to drink alcohol only with food.
* Artificial sweeteners. These can replace sugar, but beware of high-calorie, processed foods made with sugar substitutes. Foods that claim to be “sugar-free” or have “no sugar added”

Are You in Control

Tips for healthier eating habits

* Trade a high-fat food for a low-fat choice each week.
* Make your meal look bigger. Serve it on a salad or dessert plate.
* Package half of your restaurant meal “to go” before you start eating.
* Curb your hunger by drinking a glass of water 10 minutes before each meal.
* Still hungry right after a meal? Wait 20 minutes. It takes that long for your brain to know your stomach is full.
* People tend to eat more in front of the TV. Turn off the set.

A dietitian can help you come up with an eating plan that fits your likes and dislikes. If you like the foods you eat, you’re more likely to stick with the plan.

http://www.diabetes.com/healthy-eating-and-physical-activity/diabetic-diet.html

Risk for Compilation Diabetes

2009-10-17T18:39:00.000-07:00

Complications

Good blood sugar control can reduce your risk of serious health complications from type 2 diabetes, like:
Heart disease and stroke. Adults with type 2 diabetes are more likely to have heart disease or a stroke. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in people with diabetes.
High blood pressure. Many adults with diabetes have high blood pressure or take prescription medicine(s) for high blood pressure.
Eye problems. People with diabetes are at risk for cataracts, glaucoma, and problems with the retina (retinopathy), which can reduce vision or cause
blindness. Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults ages 20 to 74.

Kidney damage. Diabetes is the leading cause of severe kidney disease.
Nerve damage. Many people with diabetes have some nerve damage. This shows up as numbness or tingling in the feet or hands. You may not feel pain well, so sores can get worse and get infected. Severe nerve damage in people with diabetes is a major cause of leg and foot amputations.
Infections. People with diabetes may be at greater risk for infection and death from infections. High blood sugar may make it harder for your body to fight infections. People with diabetes may be at a greater risk for getting many other illnesses. Once they get these illnesses, they have more trouble getting better.
Gum disease. Because infections are harder to fight, you’re more likely to develop gum disease.
Problems in pregnancy. Diabetes that isn’t managed well, before pregnancy and during pregnancy, can cause birth defects and miscarriages. During the later parts of pregnancy, poorly controlled diabetes can lead to very large babies, which is risky for both mother and child.

There’s good news, though. When you manage your diabetes well, you can reduce the risk of these health problems.

http://www.diabetes.com/managing-diabetes-long-term/complications-of-diabetes.html

Type 2 diabetes

2009-10-17T18:37:00.003-07:00

When you have type 2 diabetes, high levels of sugar build
up in your blood. This can lead to serious health complications. That's why controlling your blood sugar is key to managing diabetes. Keeping your blood sugar under control lowers your risk for complications later. High blood sugar can harm your organs and raise your risk of heart disease.

Having type 2 diabetes means that your body doesn't make enough insulin, or doesn't properly
use the insulin your body makes. Insulin is a hormone that is made in your pancreas. It helps
your body's cells use sugar (also called glucose), which comes from foods and drinks. Sugar
is a source of energy for cells.

This site focuses on type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease. Typically, with type 2 diabetes, the body still makes insulin, but its cells can't use it. This is called insulin resistance. Over time, high levels of sugar build up in the bloodstream. Being overweight and inactive increase the chances of developing type 2 diabetes.
Other main types of diabetes include:
Type 1 diabetes, which often affects children (although adults can develop it, too). In this form of diabetes, the body can't make insulin. The immune system mistakenly attacks the cells in the pancreas that make and release insulin. As these cells die, blood sugar levels rise. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin shots.
Gestational diabetes, which occurs in some pregnant women. It can cause problems
during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Women who get gestational diabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Life with type 2 diabetes

Managing type 2 diabetes means making some changes to how you live. Talk with your doctor about which changes are right for you. For example, it helps to:
Eat healthy, and lose weight if your doctor says you should
Be more active
Test your blood sugar regularly
Have your doctor check your A1C level (your average blood sugar over the past two to
three months)
Take one or more diabetes medicines as prescribed by your doctor

http://www.diabetes.com/about-type-2-diabetes/about-type-2-diabetes.html

Type 2 diabetes

2009-10-17T18:37:00.001-07:00

Type 2 diabetes

2009-10-17T18:37:00.000-07:00

Influenza (Seasonal)

2009-10-16T21:49:00.000-07:00

Seasonal influenza is an acute viral infection caused by an influenza virus.

There are three types of seasonal influenza – A, B and C. Type A influenza viruses are further typed into subtypes according to different kinds and combinations of virus surface proteins. Among many subtypes of influenza A viruses, currently influenza A(H1N1) and A(H3N2) subtypes are circulating among humans. Influenza viruses circulate in every part of the world. Type C influenza cases occur much less frequently than A and B. That is why only influenza A and B viruses are included in seasonal influenza vaccines.

Related links

:: The Global Influenza Programme

:: WHO Global Influenza Surveillance Network

:: FluNet - a web based tool for global influenza surveillance

:: Recommendations for influenza vaccines

Signs and symptoms

Seasonal influenza is characterized by a sudden onset of high fever, cough (usually dry), headache, muscle and joint pain, severe malaise (feeling unwell), sore throat and runny nose. Most people recover from fever and other symptoms within a week without requiring medical attention. But influenza can cause severe illness or death in people at high risk (see below). The time from infection to illness, known as the incubation period, is about two days.
Who is at risk?

Yearly influenza epidemics can seriously affect all age groups, but the highest risk of complications occur among children younger than age two, adults age 65 or older, and people of any age with certain medical conditions, such as chronic heart, lung, kidney, liver, blood or metabolic diseases (such as diabetes), or weakened immune systems.
Transmission

Seasonal influenza spreads easily and can sweep through schools, nursing homes or businesses and towns. When an infected person coughs, infected droplets get into the air and another person can breath them in and be exposed. The virus can also be spread by hands infected with the virus. To prevent transmission, people should cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing, and wash their hands regularly.
Treatment

Antiviral drugs for influenza are available in some countries and effectively prevent and treat the illness. There are two classes of such medicines, 1) adamantanes (amantadine and remantadine), and 2) inhibitors of influenza neuraminidase (oseltamivir and zanamivir). Some influenza viruses develop resistance to the antiviral medicines, limiting the effectiveness of treatment. WHO monitors antiviral susceptibility in the circulating influenza viruses.
Seasonal epidemics

Influenza epidemics occur yearly during autumn and winter in temperate regions. Illnesses result in hospitalizations and deaths mainly among high-risk groups (the very young, elderly or chronically ill). Worldwide, these annual epidemics result in about three to five million cases of severe illness, and about 250 000 to 500 000 deaths. Most deaths associated with influenza in industrialized countries occur among people age 65 or older. In some tropical countries, influenza viruses circulate throughout the year with one or two peaks during rainy seasons.
Disease effects

Influenza can cause serious public health and economic problems. In developed countries, epidemics can result in high levels of worker absenteeism and productivity losses. In communities, clinics and hospitals can be overwhelmed when large numbers of sick people appear for treatment during peak illness periods. While most people recover from a bout of influenza, there are large numbers of people who need hospital treatment and many who die from the disease every year. Little is known about the effects of influenza epidemics in developing countries.
Prevention

The most effective way to prevent the disease or severe outcomes from the illness is vaccination. Safe and effective vaccines have been available and used for more than 60 years. Among healthy adults, influenza vaccine can prevent 70% to 90% of influenza-specific illness. Among the elderly, the vaccine reduces severe illnesses and complications by up to 60%, and deaths by 80%.

Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of serious influenza complications, and for people who live with or care for high risk individuals.

WHO recommends annual vaccination for (in order of priority):

* nursing-home residents (the elderly or disabled)
* elderly individuals
* people with chronic medical conditions
* other groups such as pregnant women, health care workers, those with essential functions in society, as well as children from ages six months to two years.

Influenza vaccination is most effective when circulating viruses are well-matched with vaccine viruses. Influenza viruses are constantly changing, and the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance Network (GISN), a partnership of National Influenza Centres around the world, monitors the influenza viruses circulating in humans. WHO annually recommends a vaccine composition that targets the three most representative strains in circulation.
WHO response

WHO, with its partners, monitors influenza globally, annually recommends a seasonal influenza vaccine composition, and supports Member States efforts to develop prevention and control strategies. WHO works to strengthen national and regional influenza diagnostic capacities, disease surveillance, outbreak responses, and increase vaccine coverage among high-risk groups.

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs211/en/index.html

Alcohol and Breast Cancer Risk – Lifestyle Factors You Can Control

2009-10-16T21:47:00.000-07:00

Estrogen is a hormone that fuels 80% of all cases of breast cancer. Any kind of alcohol that you consume may change the levels of female hormones, and thus cause more cases of estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer, according to Dr. Yan Li, a researcher at Kaiser Permanente. Dr. Li says, "It makes no difference if a woman drinks wine, beer or liquor -- it's the alcohol itself and the quantity consumed." So what about those heart health benefits found in red wine? Turns out the flavonoids and antioxidants, not the alcohol, protect your heart’s blood vessels. So you could drink alcohol-free red wine, protect your heart, and lower your risk of breast cancer at the same time. Not a bad deal!

How Much Alcohol Is Safe?
One serving of alcohol, or one drink, is defined as:
12 ounces of regular beer
5 ounces of wine
1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor
For women, one drink of an alcoholic drink per day raises your risk very slightly. Your risk of developing breast cancer goes up to 10% if you have two drinks a day. If you consume three drinks daily, your risk rises to 30%. That risk equals smoking a pack of cigarettes a day, or using hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Half a serving of alcohol a day is safe, while eliminating alcohol is the safest way to go.

How Alcohol Affects Estrogen and Progesterone Levels
Your female hormone levels fluctuate with your menstrual cycle, and change with age. Adding alcohol to the mix causes your estrogen and progesterone levels to rise. Regular drinking exposes your breast tissues to higher levels of estrogen, which can activate estrogen-sensitive breast cells to become cancerous.

Don’t Drink Alcohol If You:
1. are addicted to alcohol
2. may become pregnant
3. are pregnant and breastfeeding
4. are a child or a teenager
5. are taking any drugs that interact with alcohol
6. have a medical condition that is affected by alcohol (dementia, liver disease, ulcers, etc.)

Women, Alcohol, and Breast Cancer Risk
Heavy drinking is clearly linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Three or more servings of alcohol per day gives you the same risk as a pack of cigarettes a day, or using hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Each of those behaviors raises your risk of breast cancer by 30%. Seventy thousand women of many races participated in Dr. Li's study, and regardless of the type of drink they preferred, those who had three or more drinks a day developed estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer. Red wine does appear to have protective benefits for heart health, by lowering LDL cholesterol and preventing blood clots. Limit your daily serving of wine to half a glass, or 2.5 ounces, and you’re in the safe zone. Better yet, try alcohol-free wines or juices for heart health.

http://breastcancer.about.com/od/riskfactorsindetail/a/alcohol_risk.htm

What is Mammography?

2009-10-16T21:42:00.000-07:00

Mammography procedure

Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system to examine breasts. A mammography exam, called a mammogram, is used to aid in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in women.

An x-ray (radiograph) is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Imaging with x-rays involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging.

Two recent advances in mammography include digital mammography and computer-aided detection.

Digital mammography, also called full-field digital mammography (FFDM), is a mammography system in which the x-ray film is replaced by solid-state detectors that convert x-rays into electrical signals. These detectors are similar to those found in digital cameras. The electrical signals are used to produce images of the breast that can be seen on a computer screen or printed on special film similar to conventional mammograms. From the patient's point of view, having a digital mammogram is essentially the same as having a conventional film screen mammogram.

See "Full-Field Digital Mammography: A Potential Alternative to the Traditional Film-Screen Technique?" under the News heading for more information on how FFDM works and its potential advantages.

Computer-aided detection (CAD) mammogramComputer-aided detection (CAD) systems use a digitized mammographic image that can be obtained from either a conventional film mammogram or a digitally acquired mammogram. The computer software then searches for abnormal areas of density, mass, or calcification that may indicate the presence of cancer. The CAD system highlights these areas on the images, alerting the radiologist to the need for further analysis.

http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=mammo

Breast Cancer Basics Every Woman Should Know

2009-10-16T21:35:00.000-07:00

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when a malignant tumor forms from cells within the breast. It occurs most frequently in women, however, men can develop breast cancer, although much less frequently. The American Cancer Society estimates that 1 in every 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, making it the most common cancer among women, aside from skin cancer.
Risk Factors and Causes of Breast Cancer
Research is ongoing to identify the exact causes of breast cancer. Researchers have, however, identified several breast cancer risk factors. A risk factor is something that increases the chance that a person will develop a disease. It is not a guarantee and does not predict a future diagnosis. Risk factors for breast cancer include:

Age: As we grow older, our risk of developing breast cancer increases. It is estimated that 80% of women diagnosed with breast cancer are 50 or older. This doesn't mean that younger women aren't at risk. Young women are diagnosed with breast cancer, just much less frequently.

Family and Personal History of Breast Cancer. Having a mother, sister, or daughter with breast cancer doubles your risk of the disease. While family history can play a role in breast cancer development, women shouldn't subscribe to the popular belief that women without a family history of breast cancer aren't at risk. The American Cancer Society estimates that 70 to 80% of women with breast cancer do not have a family history that includes breast cancer.

Women who have previously been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer are at a greater risk of developing breast cancer again.

Race. Of all women, Caucasian women are diagnosed more frequently than women of other races. Though Caucasian women are the most at risk, it is African American women who die of the disease the most. Asian, Native American, and Hispanic women have less of a risk.

Alcohol Consumption. Women who drink alcohol increase their breast cancer risk and the risk is heightened with the amount of alcohol consumed. Women who drink 2-5 drinks a day increase their risk by 1 1/2 when compared to women who do not drink alcohol. One drink a day only slightly elevates a woman's risk.
Alcohol and Your Breast Cancer Risk: Lifestyle Factors You Can Change

Family Planning Choices. Women who choose not to have children or have them after age 30 somewhat increase their risk of breast cancer.
How Pregnancy Decreases Risk of Breast Cancer

Genetics Genetics may play a role in up to 10% of women diagnosed with breast cancer. Hereditary breast cancer occurs when a mutated gene has been passed down from a parent. The most common genetic mutation is that of the BRCA gene pair, referred to as "BRCA1" and "BRCA2". These genes are responsible for regulating cell growth and repairing damaged DNA, but do not properly function if mutated. Those who are found through genetic testing to be carriers of mutated BRCA genes are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Other gene types have been associated to breast cancer, but not as prevalently as the BRCA genes.

Should You Have the Breast Cancer Gene Test?
Breast Cancer Genetic Testing: What to Do with the Results
Young Women, Family History, and Breast Cancer

There are several other breast cancer risk factors, such as use of hormone replacement therapy, obesity, and oral contraceptive use.
Complete List of Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Top 8 Breast Cancer Risk Myths
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
A worrisome breast lump is usually what provokes a woman to see a doctor, but there are several other symptoms that can be caused by breast cancer. Breast cancer symptoms can include:
a breast that feels warm to the touch
nipple that becomes inverted that was not inverted before
skin on or around breast is dimpled or has an appearance similar to an orange peel
skin on breast that is red or blotchy
sudden increase in breast size that is not related to menstrual cycle
nipple discharge (clear or bloody)
nipple pain or scaly nipples
persistent breast pain or tenderness that is unrelated to menstrual cycle
swelling of the lymph nodes of the armpit
a breast lump, swelling, or mass

These are symptoms of breast cancer that can be seen or touched, but there are instances in early breast cancer where there are no symptoms that can be detected by physical examination. Imaging tests like mammograms and MRI can detect breast abnormalities that cannot be seen by the eye or by the touch.
What You Need to Know About Breast Cancer Symptoms
Signs and Symptoms of Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Harmful and Harmless Breast Lumps - Know the Difference
Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
Regular breast cancer screening can reveal breast abnormalities that require additional testing. Some women detect breast abnormalities through breast-self exams at home or through a clinical breast exam by their doctor. Most breast abnormalities are found through mammography. Only 10% of symptoms are initially found through physical exam. The remaining 90% are detected through a mammogram, proving just how vital it is to have a regular mammogram. The American Cancer Society recommends that women begin having an annual mammogram beginning at age 40. Women who are at higher risk of developing breast cancer may be recommended to begin screening earlier.
Having a Mammogram
Video: What to Expect During a Mammogram
Understanding Your Mammogram Report

If you are experiencing breast cancer symptoms or a screening mammogram reveals an abnormality, then further testing is done to determine if breast cancer is present and what stage the disease is in. Further testing methods used to diagnose breast cancer include:
diagnostic mammogram
breast MRI
breast ultrasound
ductogram
ductal lavage

http://cancer.about.com/od/breastcancer/a/breast_cancer.htm