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Computer Destretch
For all people who work long hours in front of the computers and on desks,this is great help in the long run.
Besides these,If one has a little space in the office, a few steps of walking can easily keep the calf muscles active and dependent swelling the feet will not occur
Re: Pay Attention To Your Posture Informative (with Pics)
(with Pics)
If you’ve ever spent time sitting slouched on the couch with your laptop or had to live through a long night curled up like a worm on your bed staring into the screen, you will probably feel pain. Unfortunately, with time, it gets worse, tight neck will turn into a chronic back problem, and sore eyes will lead to myopia.
But does this mean you have to kick out your brand new 1000£ machine? Not yet. But if you plan to use a laptop as your primary computer, it does mean that you will need to start taking some steps right now to prevent stress and strain:
1. Elevate the screen so that you don’t have to bend your neck and back
2.Try to sit straight, pay attention to your posture
But does this mean you have to kick out your brand new 1000£ machine? Not yet. But if you plan to use a laptop as your primary computer, it does mean that you will need to start taking some steps right now to prevent stress and strain:
1. Elevate the screen so that you don’t have to bend your neck and back
2.Try to sit straight, pay attention to your posture
3. Learn to set up your work station correctly, use external mouse and keyboard if possible, take regular breaks, stretch your body
4. If you still feel aches and pains- get rid of it before it kills you
Tips to get whiter teeth
First impressions make a huge difference, and a great smile can give you the confidence you need to smile with pride. While everyone wants a bright and white smile, but aren’t sure how to achieve it. To help you get the pearly whites you’ve always dreamed of, please enjoy the following list of simple tips to get whiter teeth.
Eating Habits A lot of foods have staining properties that will, over time, affect the whiteness of your teeth. Foods like berries, soy sauce, and curry are all dark foods that can stain your teeth. You don’t need to give up any of these foods however, simply remember to brush your teeth after each meal or snack. Also, the more raw and natural foods you eat, the better. Fast food and chemical-based processed foods are much more likely to leave stains.
Drinking Habits Coffee, soda, wine and tea also contribute to yellowed teeth. Not only do they satin, but hot and cold temperatures also make your teeth more vulnerable to stains, making hot coffee that much worse. Like with food, brush after drinking staining substances, but not directly after wards or you could wear down tooth enamel.
Natural Solutions It may come as a surprise, but many fruits have natural whitening properties when used correctly. You can mash up some strawberries and put them on your brush with toothpaste, or just rub on to the teeth, Leave on for five minutes, then rinse off. Another whitening fruit is orange peels. Rub orange peels on the teeth, and rinse. You can also try orange peel, bay leaves, and toothpaste finely mixed.
Baking Soda It’s widely know that baking soda can whiten teeth and can be found in many toothpastes already. You can also make your own baking soda whitener by mixing baking soda with salt or by simply adding a small amount of baking soda to your toothbrush before the paste.
Smoking Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco damage and yellow your teeth in immense amounts. If you’re a smoker or chewer and want whiter teeth, start by cutting down on your tobacco habits as much as possible. Even the smallest cut down will help you have whiter, brighter teeth.
Fluoride Some waters and even toothpastes contain fluoride, which has been discovered to yellow teeth. Check toothpaste and water bottles for fluoride before purchasing to avoid accidentally darkening your teeth.
Water Drink as much water as possible throughout your day. This will rinse any remaining food or substance from your teeth and lead to overall whiter teeth and improved oral health. Drinking plenty of water is good for the rest of your body too, and added bonus!
Dental Care This should be a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at how many people complain about yellow teeth that don’t even brush regularly. Both flossing and brushing 2-3 times a day at least is the best white to maintain a bright and healthy smile.
Home-Cleaning Kits There are a lot of teeth whitening kits on the market to choose from, but few of them are right for everyone or even healthy to use. Before deciding to purchase one of these kits, do thorough research on which is best for you. Some of them may do harm than help, and leave you in pain and unsatisfied.
Routine Cleaning Last but not least, see the dentist as often as possible for a check-up and cleaning. No one can get your teeth cleaner than the dentist, and they can give you new and useful tips on how to maintain whiter teeth in healthy ways. Most dentists also offer teeth whitening services, which are guaranteed to be safe, healthy and effective.
Too many people are embarrassed about their smiles, so they keep their mouths closed and sometimes don't smile at all. But keeping your mouth closed and by not smiling, you are giving off the wrong impression about yourself: that you are unapproachable and unhappy. That couldn't be farther from the truth. Like everyone else, you want to meet people and be happy, but you may feel ashamed of your yellow teeth.
Sparkling & healthy teeth is thus an important beauty asset. Here are some tips to sparkle your teeth
1.Everyone likes a brilliant smile. Teeth can become stained for a number of reasons, the most common being consumption of coffee, tea, so try to avoid them
2. Cigarette and Cigar smoking are not only bad for you, but they also stain teeth severely over time. Whitening teeth is not just about promotion whiteness, but also about preventing excess staining in the first place.
3.Brush your teeth everyday, every 12 hours. Do ensue the bristles are not worn out. Change your brush regularly. Old worn out brushes just cannot brush away plaque forming bacteria and are useless.
4.Brushing must be a 2-3 minutes (by the clock) activity with special care to clean on the inside surfaces of the teeth. Using a fluoridated tooth paste is recommended. The paste used is not significant as long as it contains fluoride. What is important is the brushing technique. Ask your dentist for a demo of the right brushing technique suitable in your given situation.
Dry and grind orange peels to a coarse powder and brush your teeth daily with this powder for making them beautiful and sparkling white
5.Try chewing raw vegetables , once a day . Raw vegetables are a healthy snack and they will also help in cleaning your teeth.
6.Another simple tip to make your teeth a topic of envy among others, is to eat sugarcane daily.
7.Rubbing salt on the teeth and rinsing off after sometime, is equally helpful in making the teeth sparking white.
8.Dry and grind orange peels to a coarse powder and brush your teeth daily with this powder for making them beautiful and sparkling white.
9.For yellowish teeth treatment, you can also rub together a mixture of turmeric powder, powdered salt and lime juice on it. Repeating this process for about 15-16 days, will bring back the natural glow.
10.Powdered cloves and lump sugar not only makes your teeth white but also keeps them healthy if used daily.
Sore throats Home Treatment
Sore throats can be painful and annoying. Fortunately, most sore throats are caused by a minor illness and go away without medical treatment.
Home Treatment
Home treatment is usually all that is needed for a sore throat caused by a virus. These tips may help you feel better.
Gargle with warm salt water to help reduce swelling and relieve discomfort:
Gargle at least once each hour with 1 tsp (5 g) of salt dissolved in 8 fl oz (237 mL) of warm water.
If you have postnasal drip, gargle often to prevent more throat irritation.
Prevent dehydration. Fluids may help thin secretions and soothe an irritated throat. Hot fluids, such as tea or soup, may help decrease throat irritation.
Use a vaporizer or cool air humidifier in your bedroom.
Warm or cool mist may help you feel more comfortable by soothing the swollen air passages. It may also relieve hoarseness. However, don't let your room become uncomfortably cold or very damp.
Use a shallow pan of water to provide moisture in the air through evaporation if you don't have a humidifier. Place the pan in a safe location where no one will trip on it or fall into it.
Do not smoke or use other tobacco products and avoid secondhand smoke. For more information, see the topic Quitting Tobacco Use.
If you suspect that problems with stomach acid may be causing your sore throat, see the topic Heartburn.
Consider taking nonprescription medicine for your symptoms.
Use nonprescription throat lozenges.
Some nonprescription throat lozenges, such as Sucrets Maximum Strength or Spec-T, are safe and effective and have medicine (local anesthetic) that numbs the throat to soothe pain.
Regular cough drops may also help.
Use a decongestant.
Decongestants make breathing easier by shrinking swollen mucous membranes in the nose, allowing air to pass through. They also help relieve a runny nose and postnasal drip, which can cause a sore throat.
Decongestants can be taken orally or used as decongestant nasal sprays. Oral decongestants (pills) are probably more effective and provide longer relief but may cause more side effects.
Do not give decongestants to a child younger than 2 unless your child’s doctor has told you to. If your child’s doctor tells you to give a medicine, be sure to follow what he or she tells you to do.
Insect Venom Allergy
Insect Venom Allergy What is it? Insect venom allergy is a harmful reaction to insect stings that occurs in people who have an abnormally high sensitivity to insect venom. It is an acquired trait, which is not present at the first exposure to the venom, but sensitization can occur after the first or subsequent exposures. Animals classified as insects usually have three main body segments (head, thorax and abdomen), six legs and a pair of sensory antennae. Winged insect species have two sets of wings, such as mosquitoes, bees, and wasps. Other biting or stinging insects include fleas, lice, and ants. Many other related animals that are frequently mistaken for insects such as ticks, spiders and mites also bite human beings. They can transmit infectious diseases or cause poisoning but generally do not cause allergic reactions. Allergic reactions to the venom of some stinging insects, such as honey bee, yellow jacket, hornet, wasp or fire ant can be life threatening. Who gets it? Anyone can experience an allergic reaction to an insect bite or sting. However, only a small number of people with insect bite or sting allergies suffer fatal reactions. What causes it? An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system produces antibodies and other disease fighting cells in response to an allergen, in this case the insect venom. The antibodies release chemicals that actually injure the surrounding cells and cause the physical symptoms of an allergic reaction. Certain antibodies release histamines, which affect the skin, mucous membrane, mucous gland, and smooth muscle cells. Life-threatening allergic reactions can occur without any previous symptoms of allergy. In fact, most people with insect bite or sting allergies do not experience a severe reaction with their first bite. Multiple bites or stings increase the risk of an allergic reaction, but just one bite will cause serious symptoms for someone who is severely allergic. What insects are usually involved? Most serious allergic reactions to insect venom are caused by stinging insects, such as bees, yellow jackets, hornets, wasps and imported fire ants. As natives of the tropics, fire ants can live only in the warmer climate of the southern states and cannot survive in Pennsylvania. They are extremely aggressive and sting exposed parts of the skin when they feel threatened. Bites or stings from other insects usually do not cause allergic reaction. What are the symptoms? Symptoms of insect venom allergy often begin within 15 to 30 minutes and arise distant from the site of sting. The first symptom is often itchiness that can affect all or any part of the skin, the eyes and the nose. As symptoms progress, the patient begins to sneeze, cough and wheeze, feel congested, and develop hives or swelling. These symptoms may be warning signs of a dangerous condition called anaphylaxis. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include sudden anxiety and weakness, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, lightheadedness and palpitation, and loss of consciousness. Anaphylactic shock can occur within minutes and result in death. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that needs immediate medical treatment, and any delay may reduce the chance of survival. How is it diagnosed? Insect venom allergy is suspected based on a constellation of suggestive symptoms that follow an insect sting. The diagnosis is confirmed by performing a skin test with the venom of specific insects, such as honey bee, yellow jacket, hornet, wasp or fire ant that may be the culprit of the allergic reaction. What is the treatment? If you have been bitten or stung by an insect, carefully remove the stinger, if it is left behind. Wash the bite/sting area gently with soap and water. Apply ice to the site of sting. People who are allergic to insect bites should, of course, avoid situations in which they are likely to get stung or bitten. Mild reactions, such as pain, itching, and swelling, can be treated with an over-the counter antihistamine, pain reliever and topical corticosteroid creams. Anaphylactic shock is treated with an injection of epinephrine, a hormone that stimulates the heart and relaxes the airways. This may be combined with an injection of an antihistamine, which counteracts the histamine produced by the immune cells during an allergic reaction. Those who are known to have severe insect venom allergies should carry a self-injection kit, including antihistamine tablets, for emergency treatment. However, they should still seek emergency medical care after any type of reaction to an insect bite or sting. People who are severely allergic to the venom of stinging insects, such as bees, yellow jackets, hornets, wasps or fire ants may, undergo a desensitization. First, skin testing is performed by an allergy specialist to determine the type of insect that responsible for the venom allergy. Then the patient receives a series of injections of the venom from the same insect(s). Starting dose is minute but increasingly larger doses are given until the venom doses several times larger than a single insect sting can be tolerated. This type of program must be administered by an allergy specialist, and it usually takes 20 weekly injections to eliminate this abnormal and exaggerated sensitivity. These are followed up with monthly booster shots and continued for 3 to 5 years to consolidate the cure. Self-care tips There are many ways you can help prevent insect bites and stings. Don’t use flowery colognes, soaps, or lotions, or wear brightly colored clothing, which attract insects. Do not keep open garbage or food that attract stinging insects when you are outdoors. Avoid drinking sweet beverages especially from open cans that have been left unattended and may harbor insects. Wear light, protective clothing such as long sleeves top and long pants whenever you will be outside for longer periods of time. Wear work gloves when you are gardening. Do not walk barefoot on the grass where insects are difficult to detect and can be stepped on. If an insect is near you, move away. Do not swat at the insect, which may awaken its defensive instincts and trigger aggressive behavior. Make sure any insect nests around your home are removed and destroyed. This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. | |||
Beware of Ants
Friends, I don't know how much this below specified information is correct. so please verify it with other (if you can).... I thought to inform you but still don't know that it is truth or not...?Please read this and advise your friends and family! You may save
others' lives
Incident One: A little boy died because surgeons found ants in his
brain! Apparently this boy fell asleep with some sweets in his mouth or
with some sweet stuff beside him.
Ants soon got to him and some ants in fact crawled into his ear which
somehow managed to go to his brain. When he woke up, he did not realize
that ants had gone to his head.
After that, he constantly complained about itchiness around his face.
His mother brought him to a doctor, but the doctor could not figure out
what was wrong with him. He took an X-ray of the boy and to his horror;
he found a group of live ants in his skull.. Since the ants were still
alive, the doctor could not operate on him because the ants were
constantly moving around. The boy finally died. So please be careful
when leaving food stuff near your bed or when eating in bed. This might
attract ants. Most importantly,
NEVER you or your child eat sweets before going to bed. You or your
child might attract ants while you are asleep.
Incident Two: Another similar incident happened in a hospital in Taiwan. This man was warded in the hospital and was constantly warned by the nurses not to leave food stuff by his bedside because there were ants
about. He did not heed their advice. Ants finally got to him. His family members said that the man constantly complained about headaches. He died and a postmortem or autopsy was done on him. Doctors found a group of live ants in his head. Apparently, the ants had been eating bits of his brain. So friends, better be safe than sorry. Never leave food stuff beside your bed you when you go to sleep.
Bee Sting Allergy
Bee Sting Allergy
What is it?
Bee sting allergies occur in people who have an abnormally high sensitivity to bee stings, which cause a physical reaction. Allergic reactions to bee stings can be life threatening.
Who gets it?
Anyone can suffer allergic reactions to bee stings. Although more people die from severe allergic reactions to bee stings each year than from snake bites, only a small number of people with bee sting allergies suffer these types of fatal reactions.
What causes it?
An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system produces antibodies and other disease fighting cells in response to an allergen, in this case the bee sting. The antibodies release chemicals that actually injure the surrounding cells and cause the physical symptoms of an allergic reaction. Certain antibodies release histamines, which affect the skin, mucous membrane, mucous gland, and smooth muscle cells. Life-threatening allergic reactions can occur without any previous symptoms of allergy. In fact, most people with bee sting allergies do not experience a severe reaction with their first sting. Multiple stings increase the risk of an allergic reaction, but just one sting will cause serious symptoms for someone who is severely allergic.
What are the symptoms?
Bee sting allergy symptoms often begin with a dry cough. Then, the eye area begins to itch and swell. As symptoms progress, the patient begins to sneeze and wheeze, and develop hives that itch. These symptoms may be warning signs of a dangerous condition called anaphylaxis. Symptoms include sudden anxiety and weakness, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, very low blood pressure, loss of consciousness, and shock. Anaphylactic shock can occur within minutes and result in death. A patient in anaphylactic shock needs immediate medical treatment.
How is it diagnosed?
Bee sting allergies are diagnosed according to the specific symptoms that follow a bee sting.
What is the treatment?
People who are allergic to bee stings should, of course, avoid situations in which they are likely to get stung. Anaphylactic shock is treated with an injection of epinephrine, a hormone that stimulates the heart and relaxes the airways. This may be combined with an injection of an antihistamine, which counteracts the histamine produced by the immune cells during an allergic reaction. Those who are known to have severe bee sting allergies should carry a self-injection kit, including antihistamine tablets, for emergency treatment. However, they should still seek medical care after any type of reaction to a bee sting. People who are severely allergic may undergo a desensitization program, in which a series of injections of bee venom are given in increasingly larger doses until the body shows that it can be tolerated. This type of program must be administered by an allergy specialist and it may take anywhere from 15 to 20 weeks to develop an immunity. These are followed up with monthly booster shots.
Self-care tips
There are many ways you can help prevent bee stings. Don’t use flowery colognes, soaps, or lotions, or wear brightly colored clothing, which attract bees. If a bee is near you, move away. Do not swat at the bee, which may aggravate it. Make sure any bee or wasp nests around your home are removed and destroyed.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
22 Common Species and their Medicinal Values !!!
1 Cloves
Use:
Toothache
Nasuea
Vomiting
Sore gums
Topical pain relief of arthritis
Antiseptic mouthwash
Alcohol craving suppressor
Preparation :
Chew for toothache, nausea or vomiting.
Use oil for pain relief for sore gums and toothache.
Add clove oil to neutral oils for topical pain relief of arthritis.
Small amounts of clove in a tea for nausea. 3 cloves in two cups of boiled water, steeped for 20 minutes, as an antiseptic and mouthwash. Former alcoholics can **** on one or two cloves when the craving strikes to curb the desire.
Use:
Toothache
Nasuea
Vomiting
Sore gums
Topical pain relief of arthritis
Antiseptic mouthwash
Alcohol craving suppressor
Preparation :
Chew for toothache, nausea or vomiting.
Use oil for pain relief for sore gums and toothache.
Add clove oil to neutral oils for topical pain relief of arthritis.
Small amounts of clove in a tea for nausea. 3 cloves in two cups of boiled water, steeped for 20 minutes, as an antiseptic and mouthwash. Former alcoholics can **** on one or two cloves when the craving strikes to curb the desire.
2. Basil Tea
Use:
Colds, flu
Cramps
Bladder
Preparation :
Add fresh herb or seeds to boiled water to make tea for migraines and bed time restlessness.
Douche for yeast infections.
Gargle and mouthwash to eliminates
Candida.
Pregnant women should avoid medicinal use of basil.
Use:
Colds, flu
Cramps
Bladder
Preparation :
Add fresh herb or seeds to boiled water to make tea for migraines and bed time restlessness.
Douche for yeast infections.
Gargle and mouthwash to eliminates
Candida.
Pregnant women should avoid medicinal use of basil.
3. Black Pepper
Use:
Take at first sign of any disease
Pain relief from toothache
Brings down a fever.
Use:
Take at first sign of any disease
Pain relief from toothache
Brings down a fever.
4 . Celery
Use :
Sedative.
Seed and stalk reduces hypertension.
Celery seed tea for the kidneys as a cleanser.
5. Chamomile flowers
Use:
Fever and restlessness in children
Use :
Sedative.
Seed and stalk reduces hypertension.
Celery seed tea for the kidneys as a cleanser.
5. Chamomile flowers
Use:
Fever and restlessness in children
6. Cinnamon
Use :
Diarrhea
Dysentery
General Indigestion
Yeast infection
Athlete's foot
Reduces cancer causing tendencies of many food additives
Cold
Preparation :
Cinnamon ground or taken with milk is a good balance after a heavy meal or dessert
Simmer sticks with cloves for 3 min, add 2 tsp. lemon juice, 2 tsp. honey, 2 tbs. whiskey as cold medication.
Boil 8-10 sticks in 4 cups water, simmer 5 min, steep 45 min, then douche or apply to athlete's foot
7. Asparagus
Use :
Kidney problems.
Dissolves uric acid deposits.
Promotes urination
Preparation :
Boil in water and drink.
Use :
Diarrhea
Dysentery
General Indigestion
Yeast infection
Athlete's foot
Reduces cancer causing tendencies of many food additives
Cold
Preparation :
Cinnamon ground or taken with milk is a good balance after a heavy meal or dessert
Simmer sticks with cloves for 3 min, add 2 tsp. lemon juice, 2 tsp. honey, 2 tbs. whiskey as cold medication.
Boil 8-10 sticks in 4 cups water, simmer 5 min, steep 45 min, then douche or apply to athlete's foot
7. Asparagus
Use :
Kidney problems.
Dissolves uric acid deposits.
Promotes urination
Preparation :
Boil in water and drink.
8. Freshly Brewed Coffee
Use :
Alleviate headaches Clean bowels Break mucus congestion
Preparation :
Caffeine in coffee is used to alleviate headaches (particularly those caused by caffeine withdrawal)
Coffee enemas with olive oil are used to cleanse the bowels and are one of the safest and most thoroughly cleansing enemas available.
Hot black coffee sipped through a straw helps break up mucus congestion in the lungs.
Caution and common sense must be used to avoid dependency.
9. Garlic
Use :
Chronic and acute bacterial colds and flus
Bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough
High and low blood pressure
Removing parasites and infections
Sexually transmitted diseases
Hypoglycemia
Diabetes
Destroys intestinal parasites
Reduces cholesterol
Repels insects
Reduces sting effects of insects and red ants
Use :
Alleviate headaches Clean bowels Break mucus congestion
Preparation :
Caffeine in coffee is used to alleviate headaches (particularly those caused by caffeine withdrawal)
Coffee enemas with olive oil are used to cleanse the bowels and are one of the safest and most thoroughly cleansing enemas available.
Hot black coffee sipped through a straw helps break up mucus congestion in the lungs.
Caution and common sense must be used to avoid dependency.
9. Garlic
Use :
Chronic and acute bacterial colds and flus
Bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough
High and low blood pressure
Removing parasites and infections
Sexually transmitted diseases
Hypoglycemia
Diabetes
Destroys intestinal parasites
Reduces cholesterol
Repels insects
Reduces sting effects of insects and red ants
10. Ginger
Use :
Cold / Flu
Suppressing cough
Cramps
Nausea
Stiffness
Detoxify meat
Blood Thinner
Ease bruises & sprains
Stimulate delayed period
Break up congestion and fever
Preparations :
Ginger prepared in tea form is useful for cramps, nausea, thinning blood, as a substitute for coumadin, break up congestion and fever.
Use externally for stiffness
Add in cooking to detoxify meat, especially chicken. Boil 2/3 cup of freshly chopped root in 1 gallon water, wrapped in cheesecloth (or old nylon stocking) until the water is yellow.
Then soak towel and lay on bruises and sprains while still hot, to ease them.
Ginger is one of the few herbs that easily passes the blood/brain membrane and is used in conjunction with other herbs that are meant to have an effect on the mind.
Pregnant women should avoid medicinal concentrations of ginger
Use :
Cold / Flu
Suppressing cough
Cramps
Nausea
Stiffness
Detoxify meat
Blood Thinner
Ease bruises & sprains
Stimulate delayed period
Break up congestion and fever
Preparations :
Ginger prepared in tea form is useful for cramps, nausea, thinning blood, as a substitute for coumadin, break up congestion and fever.
Use externally for stiffness
Add in cooking to detoxify meat, especially chicken. Boil 2/3 cup of freshly chopped root in 1 gallon water, wrapped in cheesecloth (or old nylon stocking) until the water is yellow.
Then soak towel and lay on bruises and sprains while still hot, to ease them.
Ginger is one of the few herbs that easily passes the blood/brain membrane and is used in conjunction with other herbs that are meant to have an effect on the mind.
Pregnant women should avoid medicinal concentrations of ginger
Global spread of Human Mad Cow 2008
Mad Cow is spread through semen and love making, blood transfusions and organ transplants, insulin and vaccines made from bovine products and beauty products made with infected bovine products and consuming dairy and beef products.
Woman dead months after son died of mad cow disease - CNN.com
The mother of a Spanish man who died from the human form of mad cow disease has ... The first confirmed death from mad cow disease in Spain was in 2005, ...
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New mad cow case confirmed in B.C.
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Canada has the confirmed case of mad cow disease ... As the Palestinian death toll...nd Israeli forces, the number of injured civilians...yet hospitals in ...
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Stress
Stress Management
What is Stress?
Stress is the "wear and tear" our bodies experience as we adjust to our continually changing environment; it has physical and emotional effects on us and can create positive or negative feelings. As a positive influence, stress can help compel us to action; it can result in a new awareness and an exciting new perspective. As a negative influence, it can result in feelings of distrust, rejection, anger, and depression, which in turn can lead to health problems such as headaches, upset stomach, rashes, insomnia, ulcers, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. With the death of a loved one, the birth of a child, a job promotion, or a new relationship, we experience stress as we readjust our lives. In so adjusting to different circumstances, stress will help or hinder us depending on how we react to it.
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How Can I Eliminate Stress from My Life?
As we have seen, positive stress adds anticipation and excitement to life, and we all thrive under a certain amount of stress. Deadlines, competitions, confrontations, and even our frustrations and sorrows add depth and enrichment to our lives. Our goal is not to eliminate stress but to learn how to manage it and how to use it to help us. Insufficient stress acts as a depressant and may leave us feeling bored or dejected; on the other hand, excessive stress may leave us feeling "tied up in knots." What we need to do is find the optimal level of stress which will individually motivate but not overwhelm each of us.
How Can I Tell What is Optimal Stress for Me?
There is no single level of stress that is optimal for all people. We are all individual creatures with unique requirements. As such, what is distressing to one may be a joy to another. And even when we agree that a particular event is distressing, we are likely to differ in our physiological and psychological responses to it.
The person who loves to arbitrate disputes and moves from job site to job site would be stressed in a job which was stable and routine, whereas the person who thrives under stable conditions would very likely be stressed on a job where duties were highly varied. Also, our personal stress requirements and the amount which we can tolerate before we become distressed changes with our ages.
It has been found that most illness is related to unrelieved stress. If you are experiencing stress symptoms, you have gone beyond your optimal stress level; you need to reduce the stress in your life and/or improve your ability to manage it.
How Can I Manage Stress Better?
Identifying unrelieved stress and being aware of its effect on our lives is not sufficient for reducing its harmful effects. Just as there are many sources of stress, there are many possibilities for its management. However, all require work toward change: changing the source of stress and/or changing your reaction to it. How do you proceed?
1. Become aware of your stressors and your emotional and physical reactions.
Notice your distress. Don't ignore it. Don't gloss over your problems.
Determine what events distress you. What are you telling yourself about meaning of these events?
Determine how your body responds to the stress. Do you become nervous or physically upset? If so, in what specific ways?
2. Recognize what you can change.
Can you change your stressors by avoiding or eliminating them completely?
Can you reduce their intensity (manage them over a period of time instead of on a daily or weekly basis)?
Can you shorten your exposure to stress (take a break, leave the physical premises)?
Can you devote the time and energy necessary to making a change (goal setting, time management techniques, and delayed gratification strategies may be helpful here)?
3. Reduce the intensity of your emotional reactions to stress.
The stress reaction is triggered by your perception of danger...physical danger and/or emotional danger. Are you viewing your stressors in exaggerated terms and/or taking a difficult situation and making it a disaster?
Are you expecting to please everyone?
Are you overreacting and viewing things as absolutely critical and urgent? Do you feel you must always prevail in every situation?
Work at adopting more moderate views; try to see the stress as something you can cope with rather than something that overpowers you.
Try to temper your excess emotions. Put the situation in perspective. Do not labor on the negative aspects and the "what if's."
4. Learn to moderate your physical reactions to stress.
Slow, deep breathing will bring your heart rate and respiration back to normal.
Relaxation techniques can reduce muscle tension. Electronic biofeedback can help you gain voluntary control over such things as muscle tension, heart reate, and blood pressure.
Medications, when prescribed by a physician, can help in the short term in moderating your physical reactions. However, they alone are not the answer. Learning to moderate these reactions on your own is a preferable long-term solution.
5. Build your physical reserves.
Exercise for cardiovascular fitness three to four times a week (moderate, prolonged rhythmic exercise is best, such as walking, swimming, cycling, or jogging).
Eat well-balanced, nutritious meals.
Maintain your ideal weight.
Avoid nicotine, excessive caffeine, and other stimulants.
Mix leisure with work. Take breaks and get away when you can.
Get enough sleep. Be as consistent with your sleep schedule as possible.
6. Maintain your emotional reserves.
Develop some mutually supportive friendships/relationships.
Pursue realistic goals which are meaningful to you, rather than goals others have for you that you do not share.
Expect some frustrations, failures, and sorrows.
Always be kind and gentle with yourself -- be a friend to yourself
What is Stress?
Stress is the "wear and tear" our bodies experience as we adjust to our continually changing environment; it has physical and emotional effects on us and can create positive or negative feelings. As a positive influence, stress can help compel us to action; it can result in a new awareness and an exciting new perspective. As a negative influence, it can result in feelings of distrust, rejection, anger, and depression, which in turn can lead to health problems such as headaches, upset stomach, rashes, insomnia, ulcers, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. With the death of a loved one, the birth of a child, a job promotion, or a new relationship, we experience stress as we readjust our lives. In so adjusting to different circumstances, stress will help or hinder us depending on how we react to it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How Can I Eliminate Stress from My Life?
As we have seen, positive stress adds anticipation and excitement to life, and we all thrive under a certain amount of stress. Deadlines, competitions, confrontations, and even our frustrations and sorrows add depth and enrichment to our lives. Our goal is not to eliminate stress but to learn how to manage it and how to use it to help us. Insufficient stress acts as a depressant and may leave us feeling bored or dejected; on the other hand, excessive stress may leave us feeling "tied up in knots." What we need to do is find the optimal level of stress which will individually motivate but not overwhelm each of us.
How Can I Tell What is Optimal Stress for Me?
There is no single level of stress that is optimal for all people. We are all individual creatures with unique requirements. As such, what is distressing to one may be a joy to another. And even when we agree that a particular event is distressing, we are likely to differ in our physiological and psychological responses to it.
The person who loves to arbitrate disputes and moves from job site to job site would be stressed in a job which was stable and routine, whereas the person who thrives under stable conditions would very likely be stressed on a job where duties were highly varied. Also, our personal stress requirements and the amount which we can tolerate before we become distressed changes with our ages.
It has been found that most illness is related to unrelieved stress. If you are experiencing stress symptoms, you have gone beyond your optimal stress level; you need to reduce the stress in your life and/or improve your ability to manage it.
How Can I Manage Stress Better?
Identifying unrelieved stress and being aware of its effect on our lives is not sufficient for reducing its harmful effects. Just as there are many sources of stress, there are many possibilities for its management. However, all require work toward change: changing the source of stress and/or changing your reaction to it. How do you proceed?
1. Become aware of your stressors and your emotional and physical reactions.
Notice your distress. Don't ignore it. Don't gloss over your problems.
Determine what events distress you. What are you telling yourself about meaning of these events?
Determine how your body responds to the stress. Do you become nervous or physically upset? If so, in what specific ways?
2. Recognize what you can change.
Can you change your stressors by avoiding or eliminating them completely?
Can you reduce their intensity (manage them over a period of time instead of on a daily or weekly basis)?
Can you shorten your exposure to stress (take a break, leave the physical premises)?
Can you devote the time and energy necessary to making a change (goal setting, time management techniques, and delayed gratification strategies may be helpful here)?
3. Reduce the intensity of your emotional reactions to stress.
The stress reaction is triggered by your perception of danger...physical danger and/or emotional danger. Are you viewing your stressors in exaggerated terms and/or taking a difficult situation and making it a disaster?
Are you expecting to please everyone?
Are you overreacting and viewing things as absolutely critical and urgent? Do you feel you must always prevail in every situation?
Work at adopting more moderate views; try to see the stress as something you can cope with rather than something that overpowers you.
Try to temper your excess emotions. Put the situation in perspective. Do not labor on the negative aspects and the "what if's."
4. Learn to moderate your physical reactions to stress.
Slow, deep breathing will bring your heart rate and respiration back to normal.
Relaxation techniques can reduce muscle tension. Electronic biofeedback can help you gain voluntary control over such things as muscle tension, heart reate, and blood pressure.
Medications, when prescribed by a physician, can help in the short term in moderating your physical reactions. However, they alone are not the answer. Learning to moderate these reactions on your own is a preferable long-term solution.
5. Build your physical reserves.
Exercise for cardiovascular fitness three to four times a week (moderate, prolonged rhythmic exercise is best, such as walking, swimming, cycling, or jogging).
Eat well-balanced, nutritious meals.
Maintain your ideal weight.
Avoid nicotine, excessive caffeine, and other stimulants.
Mix leisure with work. Take breaks and get away when you can.
Get enough sleep. Be as consistent with your sleep schedule as possible.
6. Maintain your emotional reserves.
Develop some mutually supportive friendships/relationships.
Pursue realistic goals which are meaningful to you, rather than goals others have for you that you do not share.
Expect some frustrations, failures, and sorrows.
Always be kind and gentle with yourself -- be a friend to yourself
Backache SIMPLE STEPS
Most urban Indians lead a life that is fundamentally imbalanced. We don't indulge in physical exertion, and spend our time slouching on a chair doing deskwork. And this stress coupled with incorrect posture often leads to a backache.
Your backache could be a result of:
Faulty Posture: Be careful how you stand, sit, pick up heavy stuff off the floor, and walk. If you are the one who loves to laze around on the couch watching TV, it's better you practice sitting upright. Wearing high heels can also lead to back pain.
Obesity: Obese people are more prone to backaches since the fat around the stomach area turns into a load for the spine to support.
Stress: Stress causes the muscles of a particular area to tighten, leading to an imbalance that causes pain. You need to rest and rejuvenate to heal yourself.
Happy people don't slouch. They walk upright. And so, reasons for
backache are both psychological and physical. Stress and sedentary living are top culprits.
Here are simple yoga steps how to ease back pain without spending a penny
backache are both psychological and physical. Stress and sedentary living are top culprits.
Here are simple yoga steps how to ease back pain without spending a penny
Warming up: It's crucial to warm up before yogic exercise Tadasana: Stand with your feet 10 cms apart and your arms beside you. Raise your arms above your head and bring your palms together, stretch upwards and rise up on your toes. Balance your weight equally on both feet. Hold the position for 10 to 15 seconds. Inhale as you raise your arms, hold your breath as you hold the position, and exhale as you come down. Repeat for five to 10 rounds. Kati Chakrasana: Stand with your feet together and arms beside you. Wrap your left arm around your back and your right arm on your left shoulder. Now twist your body towards your left and push your left shoulder as far back as possible. Turn your head towards your left as well. Return to starting position and repeat the same on the other side. Repeat five to 10 such rounds. Exhale as you turn back; hold your breath as you hold the position and inhale as you come back. | |||
Vipreet Naukasana Variation Step1: Lie on your chest with your arms stretched in front of you and your legs stretched out, keeping your feet together. Step2: Raise your left hand and your right leg up, keeping your hip on the ground. Keep your arm and leg straight. Hold for a few seconds, then bring them down and raise your right hand and left leg up. Repeat 10 to 15 rounds. Inhale as you raise your arms and exhale as you bring them down. Dwi Pada Salabasana Step 1: Lie on your stomach with your chin on the floor. Make your palms into fists and place them facing down under your thigh. Step 2: Inhale and raise both your legs off the floor as high as possible. Hold the position for | |||
Toning: Do this only when your back is slowly becoming free of pain. Place both your hands behind the head and raise.
Step 1: Lie on your stomach with your hands interlocked behind your neck and your legs straight
.Step 2: Inhale and raise your upper body as high as you can comfortably do so. Exhale and lower your body to the ground. Do 10 to 15 rounds
Stretching:Pavanmuktasana Step 1: Lie flat on your back with your hands beside you. Bring your one knee up and hold it with both hands. Hug it close to your chest and hold the position while focusing on relaxing your lower back. Step 2: Raise your chin up to touch your knee. Hold the position for a few seconds, then return to the starting position and repeat the same with the other leg. Breathe normally while you hold the position. Relaxation & Meditation: Cool down your body with this simple set Sahaj Pranayama Sit in Vajrasana and close your eyes, keeping your back straight and your hands on your knees. Take in a deep breath, hold and press your chin to the neck. Hold your breath for five seconds and come up and exhale through the mouth. Repeat 15 times |
| Start gently and don't continue with any exercise which makes your back pain worse. Do a little every day, not a lot every few days. Try these exercises for backache or backpain. Wall slides to strengthen back, hip, and leg muscles. Stand with your back against a wall and feet shoulder-width apart. Slide down into a crouch with knees bent. Count to five and slide back up the wall. Repeat 5 times. Leg raises to strengthen back and hip muscles. Lie on your stomach. Tighten the muscles in one leg and raise it from the floor. Hold your leg up for a count of 10 and return it to the floor. Do the same with the other leg. Repeat five times with each leg. Leg raises to strengthen stomach and hip muscles. Lie on your back with your arms at your sides. Lift one leg off the floor. Hold your leg up for a count of 10 and return it to the floor. Do the same with the other leg. Repeat five times with each leg. If that is too difficult, keep one knee bent and the foot flat on the ground while raising the leg. Back leg swing to strengthen hip and back muscles. Stand behind a chair with your hands on the back of the chair. Lift one leg back and up while keeping the knee straight. Return slowly. Raise other leg and return. Repeat five times with each leg. Curl, Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on your bed or floor. Raise your knees toward your chest. Place both hands under your knees and gently pull your knees as close to your chest as possible. Do not raise your head. Do not straighten your legs as you lower them. Start with five repetitions, several times a day. Back bend. Stand with your feet slightly apart. Place your hands in the small of your back. Keep your knees straight. Bend backwards at the waist as far as is comfortable, and hold the position for one or two seconds. Single/double Knee to chest. Lie on back with both knees bent. Bring one knee to chest, grasp knee with both hands, pull as close to the chest as you can. Lower knee back to starting position. Repeat with other leg. Prone Press-ups. Lie on stomach with palms by shoulders as if to do a push-up. Slowly push shoulders up while keeping pelvis in contact with the surface; back and buttocks relaxed. Slowly lower shoulders. Move cautiously for several repetitions and then move more vigorously as tolerated. Lock elbows, exhale, and let the lower back sag while sustaining the up position for several seconds during last few repetitions. The best type and intensity of exercise needed fof your backache will be different according to your physical condition, your fitness and the state of your back. You need some exercise, but not too much. That's why you may be given conflicting advice by different experts. If that happens, learn the broad principles and then go your own way - it's your body and only you can feel it. The key is to start gently, choose your backache exercises carefully, and gradually develop a more strenuous regime. Getting fit is a recovery process. You don't want to do more damage but you do need to exercise your back regularly. Don't be afraid to experiment with backache exercises, your programme will be unique to you, and will change as you get fitter and your back heals. |
http://www.backache-relief.com/exercises-for-backache.html
Start gently and don't continue with any exercise which makes your back pain worse. Do a little every day, not a lot every few days.
Try these exercises for backache or backpain.
Wall slides to strengthen back, hip, and leg muscles. Stand with your back against a wall and feet shoulder-width apart. Slide down into a crouch with knees bent. Count to five and slide back up the wall. Repeat 5 times.
Leg raises to strengthen back and hip muscles. Lie on your stomach. Tighten the muscles in one leg and raise it from the floor. Hold your leg up for a count of 10 and return it to the floor. Do the same with the other leg. Repeat five times with each leg.
Leg raises to strengthen stomach and hip muscles. Lie on your back with your arms at your sides. Lift one leg off the floor. Hold your leg up for a count of 10 and return it to the floor. Do the same with the other leg. Repeat five times with each leg. If that is too difficult, keep one knee bent and the foot flat on the ground while raising the leg.
Back leg swing to strengthen hip and back muscles. Stand behind a chair with your hands on the back of the chair. Lift one leg back and up while keeping the knee straight. Return slowly. Raise other leg and return. Repeat five times with each leg.
Curl, Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on your bed or floor. Raise your knees toward your chest. Place both hands under your knees and gently pull your knees as close to your chest as possible. Do not raise your head. Do not straighten your legs as you lower them. Start with five repetitions, several times a day.
Back bend. Stand with your feet slightly apart. Place your hands in the small of your back. Keep your knees straight. Bend backwards at the waist as far as is comfortable, and hold the position for one or two seconds.
Single/double Knee to chest. Lie on back with both knees bent. Bring one knee to chest, grasp knee with both hands, pull as close to the chest as you can. Lower knee back to starting position. Repeat with other leg.
Prone Press-ups. Lie on stomach with palms by shoulders as if to do a push-up. Slowly push shoulders up while keeping pelvis in contact with the surface; back and buttocks relaxed. Slowly lower shoulders. Move cautiously for several repetitions and then move more vigorously as tolerated. Lock elbows, exhale, and let the lower back sag while sustaining the up position for several seconds during last few repetitions.
The best type and intensity of exercise needed fof your backache will be different according to your physical condition, your fitness and the state of your back. You need some exercise, but not too much. That's why you may be given conflicting advice by different experts. If that happens, learn the broad principles and then go your own way - it's your body and only you can feel it.
The key is to start gently, choose your backache exercises carefully, and gradually develop a more strenuous regime. Getting fit is a recovery process. You don't want to do more damage but you do need to exercise your back regularly. Don't be afraid to experiment with backache exercises, your programme will be unique to you, and will change as you get fitter and your back heals
Start gently and don't continue with any exercise which makes your back pain worse. Do a little every day, not a lot every few days.
Try these exercises for backache or backpain.
Wall slides to strengthen back, hip, and leg muscles. Stand with your back against a wall and feet shoulder-width apart. Slide down into a crouch with knees bent. Count to five and slide back up the wall. Repeat 5 times.
Leg raises to strengthen back and hip muscles. Lie on your stomach. Tighten the muscles in one leg and raise it from the floor. Hold your leg up for a count of 10 and return it to the floor. Do the same with the other leg. Repeat five times with each leg.
Leg raises to strengthen stomach and hip muscles. Lie on your back with your arms at your sides. Lift one leg off the floor. Hold your leg up for a count of 10 and return it to the floor. Do the same with the other leg. Repeat five times with each leg. If that is too difficult, keep one knee bent and the foot flat on the ground while raising the leg.
Back leg swing to strengthen hip and back muscles. Stand behind a chair with your hands on the back of the chair. Lift one leg back and up while keeping the knee straight. Return slowly. Raise other leg and return. Repeat five times with each leg.
Curl, Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on your bed or floor. Raise your knees toward your chest. Place both hands under your knees and gently pull your knees as close to your chest as possible. Do not raise your head. Do not straighten your legs as you lower them. Start with five repetitions, several times a day.
Back bend. Stand with your feet slightly apart. Place your hands in the small of your back. Keep your knees straight. Bend backwards at the waist as far as is comfortable, and hold the position for one or two seconds.
Single/double Knee to chest. Lie on back with both knees bent. Bring one knee to chest, grasp knee with both hands, pull as close to the chest as you can. Lower knee back to starting position. Repeat with other leg.
Prone Press-ups. Lie on stomach with palms by shoulders as if to do a push-up. Slowly push shoulders up while keeping pelvis in contact with the surface; back and buttocks relaxed. Slowly lower shoulders. Move cautiously for several repetitions and then move more vigorously as tolerated. Lock elbows, exhale, and let the lower back sag while sustaining the up position for several seconds during last few repetitions.
The best type and intensity of exercise needed fof your backache will be different according to your physical condition, your fitness and the state of your back. You need some exercise, but not too much. That's why you may be given conflicting advice by different experts. If that happens, learn the broad principles and then go your own way - it's your body and only you can feel it.
The key is to start gently, choose your backache exercises carefully, and gradually develop a more strenuous regime. Getting fit is a recovery process. You don't want to do more damage but you do need to exercise your back regularly. Don't be afraid to experiment with backache exercises, your programme will be unique to you, and will change as you get fitter and your back heals
FIRST AID
Your First Aid Kit
Everyone should have a well-stocked first aid kit handy at home, in the car and in the workplace.
The contents of your kit will vary depending upon the number of people it is designed to protect as well as special circumstances where it will be used.
For example, a first aid kit in a factory where there may be danger of flying debris getting into the eye should certainly have a sterile eyewash solution in its kit. If a family member is a known diabetic, your kit at home should have a glucose or sugar solution.
When assembling your first aid kit, whether for use in the home, car or at work, you should consider possible injuries you are likely to encounter and then select kit contents to treat those conditions.
It's also important to check your kit periodically to restock items that have been used and to replace items that are out-of-date.
It's also advisable at home and at work to have both a stationary kit, stored in a cabinet or drawer, as well as a compact portable kit that can be taken quickly to the site of an emergency.
Recommended Contents for a First Aid Kit
[Modify to suit your particular needs]
Activated Charcoal (for poisoning emergencies)
Adhesive strip bandages - assorted sizes
Adhesive tape
Alcohol - rubbing 70%
Alcohol wipes
Antacid
Antibiotic ointment
Baking soda
Calamine lotion
Chemical ice packs
Chemical hot packs
Cotton balls
Cotton swabs
Decongestant tablets & spray
Diarrhea medication
Disposable latex or vinyl gloves
Elastic bandages
Face mask for CPR
First aid guide
Flashlight
Gauze pads - various sizes
Hot-water bottle
Household ammonia
Hydrocortisone cream .5%
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hypoallergenic tape
Ice bag
Insect repellent
Insect sting swabs
Matches
Meat tenderizer (for insect bites)
Moleskin
Needles
Non-adhering dressings [Telfa]
Oil of Cloves
Over-the-counter pain medication [aspirin]
Paper & pencil
Paper drinking cups
Roller guaze - self adhering
Safety pins
Salt
Scissors
Soap
Space blanket
Sam splint
Sugar or glucose solution
Syrup of Ipecac
Thermometer - oral & rectal
Tongue blades
Triangular bandages
Tweezers
Waterproof tape
Everyone should have a well-stocked first aid kit handy at home, in the car and in the workplace.
The contents of your kit will vary depending upon the number of people it is designed to protect as well as special circumstances where it will be used.
For example, a first aid kit in a factory where there may be danger of flying debris getting into the eye should certainly have a sterile eyewash solution in its kit. If a family member is a known diabetic, your kit at home should have a glucose or sugar solution.
When assembling your first aid kit, whether for use in the home, car or at work, you should consider possible injuries you are likely to encounter and then select kit contents to treat those conditions.
It's also important to check your kit periodically to restock items that have been used and to replace items that are out-of-date.
It's also advisable at home and at work to have both a stationary kit, stored in a cabinet or drawer, as well as a compact portable kit that can be taken quickly to the site of an emergency.
Recommended Contents for a First Aid Kit
[Modify to suit your particular needs]
Activated Charcoal (for poisoning emergencies)
Adhesive strip bandages - assorted sizes
Adhesive tape
Alcohol - rubbing 70%
Alcohol wipes
Antacid
Antibiotic ointment
Baking soda
Calamine lotion
Chemical ice packs
Chemical hot packs
Cotton balls
Cotton swabs
Decongestant tablets & spray
Diarrhea medication
Disposable latex or vinyl gloves
Elastic bandages
Face mask for CPR
First aid guide
Flashlight
Gauze pads - various sizes
Hot-water bottle
Household ammonia
Hydrocortisone cream .5%
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hypoallergenic tape
Ice bag
Insect repellent
Insect sting swabs
Matches
Meat tenderizer (for insect bites)
Moleskin
Needles
Non-adhering dressings [Telfa]
Oil of Cloves
Over-the-counter pain medication [aspirin]
Paper & pencil
Paper drinking cups
Roller guaze - self adhering
Safety pins
Salt
Scissors
Soap
Space blanket
Sam splint
Sugar or glucose solution
Syrup of Ipecac
Thermometer - oral & rectal
Tongue blades
Triangular bandages
Tweezers
Waterproof tape
Mouth and Dental Injuries AND Home Treatment
Topic Overview
Mouth injuries are common, especially in children, and may involve the teeth, jaw, lips, tongue, inner cheeks, gums, roof of the mouth (hard or soft palates), neck, or tonsils. Sometimes mouth injuries look worse than they are. Even a small cut or puncture inside the mouth may bleed a lot because there are many blood vessels in the head and neck area. Home treatment of minor mouth injuries can help stop bleeding, reduce pain, help healing, and prevent infection
Home Treatment
First aid steps
If you need to see a health professional for your injury, call to arrange for your care and follow these steps for:
A tooth that has been completely knocked out. A permanent tooth can sometimes be put back into its socket (reimplanted). The best results occur if a dentist puts the tooth back in the socket within 30 minutes. Chances of successful reimplantation are unlikely after 2 hours.
Bleeding in the mouth. Return any skin flap to its normal position. If necessary, hold the flap in place with a clean cloth or gauze.
A tongue or piece of tongue that has been cut off. Wrap the piece of tongue in a clean cloth or sterile gauze, if available. Put the wrapped piece of tongue in a bag of ice to keep it cool. Do not put the tongue directly on the ice. Do not immerse the tongue in ice water. Go to the emergency room right away. Take the bag with you.
A broken tooth or dental appliance. Find any pieces of tooth or the broken dental appliance and take them with you when you go to see your dentist. Your dentist will want to check for missing pieces of tooth or dental appliance that may have been left in a wound, swallowed, or inhaled into the lungs (aspirated).
To reduce pain and promote healing
Apply a cold compress to the injured area, or suck on a piece of ice or a Popsicle as often as desired.
Rinse your wound with warm salt water immediately after meals. Saltwater rinses may promote healing. To make a saltwater solution for rinsing the mouth, mix 1 tsp (5 g) of salt to 1 cup (250 mL) of warm water.
Eat soft foods that are easy to swallow. Soft foods include:
Milk and dairy products, such as milk shakes, yogurt, custards, ice cream, sherbets, or cottage cheese.
Meat and meat substitutes, such as tender meats or chicken, tuna, eggs, or smooth peanut butter.
Fruits and vegetables, such as well-cooked or canned fruits and vegetables; well-ripened, easy-to-chew fruits; and baked, mashed, or well-cooked sweet potatoes.
Avoid foods that might sting, such as salty or spicy foods, citrus fruits or juices, and tomatoes.
Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. For more information, see the topic Quitting Tobacco Use.
Do not drink alcohol.
If a jagged tooth or orthodontic wire or bracket is poking you, roll a piece of melted candle wax or orthodontic wax and press it onto the part that is poking you. Use a pencil eraser to press a broken wire toward your teeth. These are only temporary measures to use until you can see your dentist or orthodontist to fix the problem
CHICKEN POX
What is chickenpox?
The varicella zoster virus causes chickenpox. Symptoms begin with a fever, respiratory infection and general aches and pains. About two days later, itchy red spots appear and become small fluid-filled blisters that usually heal within five days. Some people have only a few blisters; others can have many blisters over their entire body. Sometimes, chickenpox blisters can become infected. In rare cases, chickenpox can cause other complications including pneumonia (lung infection) and encephalitis (brain swelling). Complications of chickenpox tend to be more severe in adults and those with a weak immune system.
What is shingles?
After a person gets chickenpox, the virus stays in the body in an inactive form. It can become active again later causing shingles (zoster), a painful rash that can be serious if it occurs on the face or near the eyes. Up to 20% of adults who have been infected with chickenpox also get shingles. Shingles tends to occur in older individuals and those with a weak immune system.
How is chickenpox spread?
The virus spreads easily through coughing, sneezing and contact with infected saliva or blister fluid. Chickenpox is most contagious one to two days before the rash appears and remains contagious until all the blisters form scabs.
Can chickenpox be prevented?
Chickenpox vaccine decreases the chance of getting chickenpox by between 70 and 90 % and substantially decreases the likelihood of severe illness. If given within three days of exposure, vaccine can prevent chickenpox or reduce its severity. Immunoglobulin, a blood product containing antibodies that help prevent infection, can also be given to unprotected individuals within four days of contact with chickenpox to reduce the risk of serious illness.
Who is the most at risk for getting this disease?
Almost all children born and/or raised in Canada who have not been vaccinated against chickenpox get it before the age of 13. Childhood infection usually results in milder illness compared to infection later in life. People who grew up in tropical countries, especially rural areas, are more often susceptible and have a higher chance of infection as an adult.
Are pregnant women at increased risk of complications from chickenpox?
Most pregnant women raised in Canada are immune to chickenpox. If a susceptible woman becomes infected with chickenpox during the first seven months of pregnancy there is a small chance (one to two fetuses infected out of 100) that the fetus may get the virus. In this case, the fetus could get congenital varicella syndrome, which can cause a variety of serious complications. If a pregnant woman becomes ill with chickenpox close to the time of delivery, the new born infant may become severely ill.
Who should be vaccinated against chickenpox?
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends that all infants between 12 and 18 months be vaccinated as part of their childhood shots. Older children, adolescents and adults who have never been infected should also get the vaccine. Those who may come into contact with chickenpox at work (e.g., nurses) or who live with people with weak immune systems should also receive it. Children on long-term salicylic acid therapy should be immunized and the use of this medication should be stopped for six weeks following the shot.
Who should not be vaccinated?
The vaccine should not be given to pregnant women or people with a weak immune system. Women should not get pregnant for one month after being vaccinated. The vaccine is safe for women who are breastfeeding. People who have had a serious reaction to any vaccine should speak to their doctor before receiving this vaccination.
When to give chickenpox vaccine:
Age at first shot Number of Shots Required
12 months to 12 years 1 shot
13 years and older 2 shots given at least 4 weeks apart
Will a booster shot be needed in the future?
Studies show the vaccine gives protection against chickenpox for at least seven to 10 years. Further research is necessary to see if a booster shot will be needed in the future.
What are the possible side effects of the vaccine?
Soreness, redness and swelling at the site of the shot can occur in some people. Some people will develop a fever after getting vaccinated, but there has been no evidence of more serious side effects. In rare cases, an individual may get a mild chickenpox rash after vaccination. The rash should be covered and if it cannot be covered, the individual should stay away from pregnant women and people at greater risk of serious illness. People can develop a very mild form of shingles months or years after vaccination.
Can this vaccine be given with other vaccines?
Yes. Studies have shown that it is safe to give the chickenpox vaccine at the same time as other childhood vaccines. If you receive the Measles, Mumps and Rubella vaccine, wait at least 28 days before getting the chickenpox vaccine, unless they are both given at the same time.
Do I have to pay for the chickenpox vaccine?
The chickenpox vaccine is free for the following groups:
One-year old children who have not had chickenpox (between their first and second birthdays);
Five-year old children who have not had chickenpox; or
High-risk persons.
A person who is not eligible for the free vaccine can purchase it through a pharmacy or their doctor and have it given by their doctor or other health care provider
Quite interesting! Keep Walking.....
Quite interesting!
Keep Walking.....
Jus to check this out......
The Organs of your body have their sensory touches at the bottom of your foot, if you massage these points you will find relief from aches and pains as you can see the heart is on the left foot.
Typically they are shown as points and arrows to show which organ it connects to.
It is indeed correct since the nerves connected to these organs terminate here.
This is covered in great details in Acupressure studies or textbooks.
God created our body so well that he thought of ! even this. He made us walk so that we will always be pressing these pressure points and thus keeping these organs activated at all times.
So, keep walking...
Good one. Don't miss the attachments
Did You Know?
Did You Know?
Blood type and Rh
How many people have it?
O + 40 %
O - 7 %
A + 34 %
A - 6 %
B + 8 %
B - 1 %
AB + 3 %
AB - 1 %
Does Your Blood Type Reveal Your Personality?
According to a Japanese institute that does research on blood types, there are certain personality
traits that seem to match up with certain blood types. How do you rate?
TYPE O You want to be a leader, and when you see something you want, you keep striving until you achieve your goal. You are a trend-setter, loyal, passionate, and self-confident. Your weaknesses include vanity and jealously and a tendency to be too competitive.
TYPE A You like harmony, peace and organization. You work well with others, and are sensitive, patient and affectionate. Among your weaknesses are stubbornness and an inability to relax.
TYPE B You're a rugged individualist, who's straightforward and likes to do things your own way. Creative and flexible, you adapt easily to any situation. But your insistence on being independent can sometimes go too far and become a weakness.
TYPE AB Cool and controlled, you're generally well liked and always put people at ease. You're a natural entertainer who's tactful and fair. But you're standoffish, blunt, and have difficulty making decisions.
MOST IMPORTANT INFO NOW:
ANIKANDAN,
You Can Receive
If Your Type Is O- O+ B- B+ A- A+ AB- AB+
AB+ YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES
AB- YES YES YES YES
A+ YES YES YES YES
A- YES YES
B+ YES YES YES YES
B- YES YES
O+ YES YES
O- YES
KNOW ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF HAVING FRUITS AND VEGETABLES REGARDS
Fruit Benefit Benefit Benefit Benefit Benefit
apples Protects your heart prevents constipation Blocks diarrhea Improves lung capacity Cushions joints
apricots Combats cancer Controls blood pressure Saves your eyesight Shields against Alzheimer's Slows aging process
artichokes Aids digestion Lowers cholesterol Protects your heart Stabilizes blood sugar Guards against liver disease
avocados Battles diabetes Lowers cholesterol Helps stops strokes Controls blood pressure Smoothes skin
bananas Protects your heart Quiets a cough Strengthens bones Controls blood pressure Blocks diarrhea
beans Prevents constipation Helps hemorrhoids Lowers cholesterol Combats cancer Stabilizes blood sugar
beets Controls blood pressure Combats cancer Strengthens bones Protects your heart Aids weight loss
blueberries Combats cancer Protects your heart Stabilizes blood sugar Boosts memory Prevents constipation
broccoli Strengthens bones Saves eyesight Combats cancer Protects your heart Controls blood pressure
cabbage Combats cancer Prevents constipation Promotes weight loss Protects your heart Helps hemorrhoids
cantaloupe Saves eyesight Controls blood pressure Lowers cholesterol Combats cancer Supports immune system
.... DRINK WATER IN EMPTY STOMACH
It is popular in Japan today to drink water immediately after waking up every morning. Furthermore, scientific tests have proven its value. We publish below a description of use of water for our readers. For old and serious diseases as well as modern illnesses the water treatment had been found successful by a Japanese medical society as a 100% cure for the following diseases:
Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB, meningitis, kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, gastritis, diarrhea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb, cancer and menstrual disorders, ear nose and throat diseases.
METHOD OF TREATMENT
1. As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4 x 160ml glasses of water .....interesting
2. Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minutes
3. After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.
4. After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours
5. Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day.
6. The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.
The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to cure/control/reduce main diseases:
1. High Blood Pressure - 30 days
2. Gastric - 10 days
3. Diabetes - 30 days
4. Constipation - 10 days
5. Cancer - 180 days
6. TB - 90 days
7. Arthritis patients should follow the above treatment only for 3 days in the 1st week, and from 2nd week onwards - daily.
This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of treatment you may have to urinate a few times.
It is better if we continue this and make this procedure as a routine work in our life.
Drink Water and Stay healthy and Active.
This makes sense .. The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals ...not cold water. Maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating!!! Nothing to lose, everything to gain...
For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you.
It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion.
Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.
A serious note about heart attacks: Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting.
Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.
You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack..
Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms! .
60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up.
Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survive...
A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this mail sends it to everyone they know, you can be sure that we'll save at least one life.
**Please be a true friend and send this article to all your friends you care about......I care for you and just did it!!! 
**
Wheezing
What is it?
Wheezing is a high pitched whistling sound emitted when a person breathes. There is difficulty in breathing. There is constriction of the air passages that results in noisy breathing. It usually occurs when a person breathes out but in some people, it may be heard when they inhale.
About one fifth of all children suffer from wheezing till they are about ten years of age. Though most parents find this a cause for worry, it is a normal phenomenon and can be treated simply.
What is the cause?
The condition may be caused due to a variety of reasons. Some of the common causes are:
* Acute wheezy or asthmatic bronchitis – wheezing is most often due to increased sensitivity of the respiratory tract. Infections of the lower respiratory tract may cause constriction of the bronchi leading to noisy breathing. Attacks of wheezing are always preceded by a cold or acute respiratory disease and occur most commonly between 3 and 8 years of age.
* Inflammation of the bronchioles or air sacs
* Bronchial asthma
* Tropical eosinophilia – an infection more common among adults than children.
* Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
* Allergic reaction to insect stings
* Allergic rhinitis
* Loeffler's syndrome – roundworm infection that causes wheezing.
How is it diagnosed?
The whistling sound can be heard whenever the person inhales or exhales. It is a distinctive sound that can be confirmed by listening with a stethoscope.
After a thorough physical examination, the doctor may order certain tests depending on the likely cause. A breathing test called pulmonary function test can help diagnose asthma. Chest X-rays are commonly used to detect pneumonia and other conditions.
How is it treated?
Treatment measures are aimed at opening up the narrowed pathways to make breathing easier. These medications include salbutamol, salmeterol and ipratopium. Treatment is also directed towards the cause whenever possible. For example, if the cause is pneumonia, antibiotics to cure it are prescribed.
What care can be taken at home?
It is advisable to drink plenty of water and other fluids like soups and fruit juices. In case there is a history of irritation due to allergens, the patient must avoid inhaling smoke or dust. This will help to reduce the frequency of a wheezing attack. A doctor's opinion must be sought if the attack is particularly severe or is accompanied by fever.
What makes us yawn
What makes us yawn?
Next time you're in a meeting, try this little experiment: Take a big yawn, cover your mouth out of courtesy, and watch and see how many people yawn. There's a good chance that you'll set off a chain reaction of yawns. Before you finish reading this question of the day, it's likely that you will yawn at least once. Don't misunderstand, we aren't intending to bore you, but just reading about yawning will make you yawn, just as seeing or hearing someone else yawn makes us yawn.
What makes us yawn?
Next time you're in a meeting, try this little experiment: Take a big yawn, cover your mouth out of courtesy, and watch and see how many people yawn. There's a good chance that you'll set off a chain reaction of yawns. Before you finish reading this question of the day, it's likely that you will yawn at least once. Don't misunderstand, we aren't intending to bore you, but just reading about yawning will make you yawn, just as seeing or hearing someone else yawn makes us yawn.
· The Physiological Theory -- Our bodies induce yawning to drawn in more oxygen or remove a build-up of carbon dioxide. This theory helps explain why we yawn in groups. Larger groups produce more carbon dioxide, which means our bodies would act to draw in more oxygen and get rid of the excess carbon dioxide. However, if our bodies make us yawn to drawn in needed oxygen, wouldn't we yawn during exercise? Robert Provine, a psychologist at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and a leading expert on yawning, has tested this theory. Giving people additional oxygen didn't decrease yawning and decreasing the amount of carbon dioxide in a subject's environment also didn't prevent yawning.
· The Evolution Theory -- Some think that yawning is something that began with our ancestors, who used yawning to show their teeth and intimidate others. An offshoot of this theory is the idea that yawning developed from early man as a signal for us to change activities.
· The Boredom Theory -- In the dictionary, yawning is said to be caused by boredom, fatigue or drowsiness. Although we do tend to yawn when bored or tired, this theory doesn't explain why Olympic athletes yawn right before they compete in their event. It's doubtful that they are bored with the world watching them.
The simple truth is that even though humans have been yawning for possibly as long as they have existed, we have no clue as to why we do it. Maybe it serves some healthful purpose. It does cause us to draw in more air and our hearts to race faster than normal, but so does exercise. There's still much we don't understand about our own brains, so maybe yawning is triggered by some area of the brain we have yet to discover. We do know that yawning is not limited to man. Cats, dogs, even fish yawn, which leads us back to the idea that yawning is some form of communication.
Have we provoked a yawn out of you yet? If we have, hopefully it's not out of boredom, but by the power of suggestion.
Age Immunizations
Age Immunizations
Birth 1st Hepatitis B
2 Months 2nd Hepatitis B, 1st DTP/DTaP, 1st Hib, 1st polio
4 Months 2nd DTP/DTaP, 2nd Hib, 2nd polio
6 Months 3rd Hepatitis B, 3rd DTP/DTaP, 3rd Hib
12 Months MMR, VAR (recommended between 12 and 18 months), 4th Hib
15 Months 4th DTP/DTaP, 3rd polio
4-6 Years 5th DTP/DTaP, 4th polio, MMR
AGE
IMMUNIZATION
BIRTH
HEP B #1
2 MONTHS
Pediatrix
#1
HIB #1
Prevnar #1
4 MONTHS
Pediatrix #2
HIB #2
Prevnar #2
6 MONTHS
Pediatrix #3
Prevnar #3
12 MONTHS
MMR #1
Varicella
Prevnar #4
15 MONTHS
DTaP #4
HIB #3
2 YEARS
Hepatitis A #1 (Optional)
Booster 6 months later
4 YEARS
MMR #2
5 YEARS
DTaP #5
IPV #4
PPD
11-12 YEARS
(including teens entering high school and college freshman living in dormitories)
Menactra
12-15 Years TdaP
DTaP: Diphtheria/Tetanus/Acell. Pertussis
Td: Tetanus booster (due every 10 years)
HEP B: Hepatitis B Virus (3 shot series can be started at any time)
HIB: Hemophilus Influenzae Type B (invasive bacterial illness)
IPV: Polio Subcutaniou Injection
MMR: Measles/Mumps/Rubella
PPD: Skin test for Tuberculosis (May be indicated more frequently for high risk people)
Varicella: Chicken Pox
Prevnar: Conj. Pneumococcal vaccine
Menactra: Conj. Meningococcal
TdaP: Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diptheria Toxoid and Pertussis
1. Children 24 to 59 months of age at risk of invasive pneumococcal disease should also receive Prevnar. High risk children include those with sickle cell disease, asplenia, HIV infection and other chronic conditions that increase their risk of invasive pneumococcal infection such CSF leaks, renal failure, nephrotic syndrome, or chronic cardiopulmonary disease except for asthma. Also considered high risk are those receiving immunosuppressive therapy or who have congenital or acquired immunocompromising diseases.
2. Pedvax recommended for HIB #1 and #2, & #3.
3. Infants born to HBSAg-positive mothers should receive hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) within 12 hours of birth, along with Hep. B #1.
4. It is recommended that newborns continue receiving Hepatitis B at birth.
5. Children and adolescents who have not been vaccinated against hepatitis B in infancy, may begin the series during any childhood visit. The second dose should be administered at least 1 month after the first dose, and the third dose at lease four months after the first dose and two months after the second dose.
6. Varicella vaccine can be given at any visit after the first birthday. Children 13 years and older should receive two doses, at least one month apart.
7. * Hepatitis A vaccine recommended to patients older than 2 years if traveling to developing countries. Booster 6 months later.
AIDS
You don't have to be a genius to figure out that the only sure way to avoid getting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is to not have sex.
But in today's age of AIDS, it's smart to also know ways to lower the risk of getting STDs, including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
Infection with HIV, which stands for human immunodeficiency virus, is spreading among teenagers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of June 30, 1997, 2953 people had been diagnosed with HIV or AIDS when they were in their teens and 107,281 when in their twenties. Because it can be many years from the time a person becomes infected to when the person develops symptoms and is diagnosed with HIV infection, many people diagnosed in their 20s likely contracted HIV in their teens.
You may have heard that birth control can also help prevent AIDS and other STDs. This is only partly true. The whole story is that only one form of birth control currently on the market--latex condoms (thin rubber sheaths used to cover the penis)--is highly effective in reducing the transmission (spread) of HIV and many other STDs.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved the marketing of male condoms made of polyurethane for people allergic to latex. (See "Information on Labels") Reality Female Condom, another form of birth control made of polyurethane, may give limited protection against STDs, but it is not as effective as male latex condoms.)
So people who use other kinds of birth control, such as the pill, diaphragm, Norplant, Depo-Provera, cervical cap, or IUD, also need to use condoms to help prevent STDs.
Here's why: Latex condoms work against STDs by keeping blood, a man's semen, and a woman's vaginal fluids--all of which can carry bacteria and viruses--from passing from one person to another. For many years, scientists have known that male condoms (also called safes, rubbers, or prophylactics) can help prevent STDs transmitted by bacteria, such as syphilis and gonorrhea, because the bacteria can't get through the condom. More recently, researchers discovered that latex condoms can also reduce the risk of getting STDs caused by viruses, such as HIV, herpes, and hepatitis B, even though viruses are much smaller than bacteria or sperm.
After this discovery, FDA, which regulates condoms as medical devices, worked with manufacturers to develop labeling for latex condoms. The labeling tells consumers that although latex condoms cannot entirely eliminate the risk of STDs, when used properly and consistently they are highly effective in preventing STDs. FDA also provided a sample set of instructions and requested that all condoms include adequate instructions.
Make the Right Choice
Male condoms now sold in the United States are made either of latex (rubber), polyurethane or natural membrane (called "lambskin," but actually made of sheep intestine). Scientists found that natural skin condoms are not as effective as latex condoms in reducing the risk of STDs because natural skin condoms have naturally occurring tiny holes or pores that viruses may be able to get through. Only latex condoms labeled for protection against STDs should be used for disease protection, unless one of the partners is allergic to latex. In that case, a polyurethane condom can be used.
Some condoms have lubricants added and some have spermicide (a chemical that kills sperm) added. The package labeling tells whether either of these has been added to the condom.
Lubricants may help prevent condoms from breaking and may help prevent irritation. But lubricants do not give any added disease protection. If an unlubricated condom is used, a water-based lubricant (such as K-Y Jelly), available over-the-counter (without prescription) in drugstores, can be used but is not required for the proper use of the condom. Do not use petroleum-based jelly (such as Vaseline), baby oil, lotions, cooking oils, or cold creams because these products can weaken latex and cause the condom to tear easily.
Some condoms have added spermicide, an active chemical in spermicides, nonoxynol-9, kills sperm. But spermicides alone (as sold in creams and jellies over-the-counter in drugstores) and spermicides used with the diaphragm or cervical cap do not give adequate protection against HIV and other STDs. For the best disease protection, a latex condom should be used from start to finish every time a person has sex.
FDA requires condoms to be labeled with an expiration date. Condoms should be stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Closets and drawers usually make good storage places. Because of possible exposure to extreme heat and cold, glove compartments of cars are not a good place to store condoms. For the same reason, condoms shouldn't be kept in a pocket, wallet or purse for more than a few hours at a time. Condoms should not be used after the expiration date, usually abbreviated EXP and followed by the date.
Condoms are available in almost all drugstores, many supermarkets, and other stores. They are also available from vending machines. When purchasing condoms from vending machines, as from any source, be sure they are latex, labeled for disease prevention, and are not past their expiration date. Don't buy a condom from a vending machine located where it may be exposed to extreme heat or cold or to direct sunlight.
How to Use a Condom
Use a new condom for every act of vaginal, anal and oral (penis-mouth contact) sex. Do not unroll the condom before placing it on the penis.
Put the condom on after the penis is erect and before any contact is made between the penis and any part of the partner's body.
If the condom does not have a reservoir top, pinch the tip enough to leave a half-inch space for semen to collect. Always make sure to eliminate any air in the tip to help keep the condom from breaking.
Holding the condom rim (and pinching a half inch space if necessary), place the condom on the top of the penis. Then, continuing to hold it by the rim, unroll it all the way to the base of the penis. If you are also using water-based lubricant, you can put more on the outside of the condom.
If you feel the condom break, stop immediately, withdraw, and put on a new condom.
After ejaculation and before the penis gets soft, grip the rim of the condom and carefully withdraw.
To remove the condom, gently pull it off the penis, being careful that semen doesn't spill out.
Wrap the condom in a tissue and throw it in the trash where others won't handle it. (Don't flush condoms down the toilet because they may cause sewer problems.) Afterwards, wash your hands with soap and water.
Latex condoms are the only form of contraception now available that human studies have shown to be highly effective in protecting against the transmission of HIV and other STDs. They give good disease protection for vaginal sex and should also reduce the risk of disease transmission in oral and anal sex. But latex condoms may not be 100 percent effective, and a lot depends on knowing the right way to buy, store and use them.
Judith Levine Willis is a member of FDA's Public Affairs Staff.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Information on Labels
Information about whether a birth control product also helps protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV infection, is emphasized on the labeling of these products, because a product that is highly effective in preventing pregnancy will not necessarily protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
Labels on birth control pills, implants such as Norplant, injectable contraceptives such as Depo-Provera, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and natural skin condoms will state that the products are intended to prevent pregnancy and do not protect against STDs, including HIV infection (which leads to AIDS). Labeling of natural skin condoms will also state that consumers should use a latex condom to help reduce risk of many STDs, including HIV infection.
Laboratory tests show that organisms as small as sperm and the HIV virus cannot pass through polyurethane condom. But the risks of STDs, including HIV infection, have not been well studied in actual use with polyurethane condoms. So unless one or both partners is allergic to latex, latex condoms should be used.
Labeling for latex condoms states that if used properly, latex condoms help reduce risk of HIV transmission and many other STDs. This statement, a modification from previous labeling, now appears on individual condom wrappers, on the box, and in consumer information.
Besides highlighting statements concerning sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS on the consumer packaging, manufacturers will add a similar statement to patient and physician leaflets provided with the products.
FDA may take action against any products that don't carry the new information.
FDA is currently reviewing whether similar action is necessary for the labeling of spermicide, cervical caps, and diaphragms.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Looking at a Condom Label
Like other drugs and medical devices, FDA requires condom packages to contain certain labeling information. When buying condoms, look on the package label to make sure the condoms are:
made of latex
labeled for disease prevention
not past their expiration date (EXP followed by the date).
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STD Facts
Sexually transmitted diseases affect more than 12 million Americans each year, many of whom are teenagers or young adults.
Using drugs and alcohol increases your chances of getting STDs because these substances can interfere with your judgment and your ability to use a condom properly.
Intravenous drug use puts a person at higher risk for HIV and hepatitis B because IV drug users usually share needles.
The more partners you have, the higher your chance of being exposed to HIV or other STDs. This is because it is difficult to know whether a person is infected, or has had sex with people who are more likely to be infected due to intravenous drug use or other risk factors.
Sometimes, early in infection, there may be no symptoms, or symptoms may be confused with other illnesses.
You cannot tell by looking at someone whether he or she is infected with HIV or another STD.
STDs can cause:
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can damage a woman's fallopian tubes and result in pelvic pain and sterility
tubal pregnancies (where the fetus grows in the fallopian tube instead of the womb), sometimes fatal to the mother and always fatal to the fetus
cancer of the cervix in women
sterility--the inability to have children--in both men and women
damage to major organs, such as the heart, kidney and brain, if STDs go untreated
death, especially with HIV infection.
See a doctor if you have any of these STD symptoms:
discharge from vagina, penis or rectum
pain or burning during urination or intercourse
pain in the abdomen (women), testicles (men), or buttocks and legs (both)
blisters, open sores, warts, rash, or swelling in the genital or anal areas or mouth
persistent flu-like symptoms--including fever, headache, aching muscles, or swollen glands--which may precede STD symptoms.
Scientists show how cauliflower, cabbage combat breast cancer
Eating vegetables like cauliflower and cabbage are known to prevent breast cancer. But the mechanism by which the active substances in these vegetables inhibit cancer cell proliferation was unknown - until now.
Leslie Wilson, professor of biochemistry at the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) and Mary Ann Jordan, adjunct professor in molecular, cellular and developmental biology, have shown how the healing power of these vegetables works at the cellular level.
"Breast cancer, the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women, can be protected against by eating cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage and near relatives of cabbage such as broccoli and cauliflower," said co-author Olga Azarenko, a graduate student at UCSB.
"These vegetables contain compounds called isothiocyanates which we believe to be responsible for the cancer-preventive and anti-carcinogenic activities in these vegetables. Broccoli and broccoli sprouts have the highest amount of the isothiocyanates.
"Our paper focuses on the anti-cancer activity of one of these compounds, called sulforaphane, or SFN," Azarenko added. "It has already been shown to reduce the incidence and rate of chemically induced mammary tumours in animals. It inhibits the growth of cultured human breast cancer cells, leading to cell death."
The paper was published in this month's journal Carcinogenesis.
Azarenko made the surprising discovery that SFN inhibits the proliferation of human tumour cells by a mechanism similar to the way that the anti-cancer drugs taxol and vincristine inhibit cell division during mitosis.
Mitosis is the process in which the duplicated DNA in the form of chromosomes is accurately distributed to the two daughter cells when a cell divides, said an UCSB statement.
"SFN may be an effective cancer preventive agent because it inhibits the proliferation and kills precancerous cells," said Wilson. It is also possible that it could be used as an addition to taxol and other similar drugs to increase effective killing of tumour cells without increased toxicity.
The top health stories of 2008
CNN) -- Concerns about health care, food and vaccine safety added to the anxieties Americans felt this year. But it wasn't all doom and gloom -- medical advances in stem cell research have scientists hoping for better transplant surgeries in the future. Here are the top health stories of the year:
Stem cell advances
This year's advances in stem cell research could revolutionize organ transplants.
A Colombian woman received a trachea transplant using her own stem cells so her body would not reject the transplant. The trachea is an airway essential for breathing.
Doctors in a Barcelona, Spain, hospital planted stem cells from Claudia Castillo, 30, into a trachea taken from a cadaver. Doctors said the new windpipe was "almost indistinguishable" from the patient's normal bronchi.
A similar transplant surgery used rat stem cells to transplant a rat heart at the University of Minnesota. Existing cells in a dead rat's heart were cleansed in a process called "decelluarization." New heart cells from baby lab rats were injected into the casing and taught to pump using a pacemaker.
The rodent transplant has spurred experiments with pig hearts, opening possibilities of using animal organs for human transplant surgeries someday.
Autism
Debate over the causes of autism continued to rage after a court decided to compensate a family whose daughter developed the disorder after receiving childhood vaccinations.
For years, some parents have contended that childhood vaccinations cause autism.
But studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine and elsewhere have found no link between autism and vaccines. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Institute of Medicine and other medical organizations have repeatedly asserted that vaccines are safe.
But the Department of Health and Human Services' Division of Vaccine Injury Compensation concluded that Hannah Poling, a child who had been predisposed to autism, had a condition that was "significantly aggravated" by vaccinations and that her family should be compensated.
Hannah began having problems after receiving nine childhood vaccines in 2000, said her father, Dr. Jon Poling, a neurologist in Athens, Georgia.
While the Polings said they don't oppose childhood vaccinations, they want thimerosal, a mercury vaccine preservative, removed.
Thimerosal was removed from infant vaccines beginning in 1999. Even after its removal, the autism rate has continued to climb. The CDC estimates that one in 150 children is affected.
The United Nations declared the first official World Autism Awareness Day on April 2 this year.
Food safety
Contaminated peppers and milk sickened thousands of people, triggering worldwide concerns about food safety.
Questions about Chinese food safety persisted as tainted products continued to create panic and health scares. In 2008 four infants died and more than 53,000 infants were sickened in China by the toxic chemical melamine discovered in baby formulas.
Melamine is commonly used in plastics, fertilizer and fire-retardant material. Investigators suspect that melamine was used to water down milk in an attempt to sell more of it and to fool quality checks. Authorities have implicated 22 Chinese dairy companies in the scandal.
White Rabbit candies, Cadbury chocolate bars and Lipton Milk Teas sold in Asia were taken off shelves. The FDA began blocking the import of milk products from China in an effort to prevent products from entering the U.S. market.
Food safety concerns were not restricted to China. U.S. health officials first suspected tainted tomatoes carried the salmonella that left 1,400 people hospitalized and may have contributed to two deaths. They later determined that jalapeño and serrano peppers from Mexico carried the salmonella.
Health care reform
In a period of economic uncertainty, record rates of unemployment and the turbulent economy have left many American families without health insurance, propelling the issue of health care reform into the historic presidential race.
During the campaign, Sen. John McCain and now President-elect Barack Obama acknowledged the flaws of the U.S. health care system but varied in ideas to fix it.
Obama has said expanding access to health insurance is one of his top priorities. He chose former Sen. Tom Daschle, who believes in universal health care, to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.
Face transplant
A severely disfigured American woman became the fourth person in the world to receive a face transplant.
Facial transplants pose ethical questions because the complicated and risky procedure aims to improve the quality of life rather than save a life. It also carries the risk that the recipient's body will reject the transplant, although the Cleveland Clinic doctors who performed the most recent surgery say they haven't seen any signs of that.
Patients who undergo a face transplant have to take immune-suppressing drugs that compromise their body's ability to fight other diseases. A Chinese man who was the second patient ever to receive a partial face transplant died of unknown causes in July.
Neither the identity of the American patient nor the donor has been revealed.
New CPR
In Arizona, paramedics began using a new CPR method. They skip the breathing step and instead, alternate two minutes of chest compressions with a single shock from a defibrillator.
Physicians in Arizona reported that the new regimen has tripled the long-term survival rate, which went from 4.7 percent to 17.6 percent.
Weeks after the Arizona study was published, the American Heart Association revised its official guidelines to promote breathless resuscitation as the preferred method for bystanders without CPR training.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/12/26/year.review.health/index.html
LOSE WEIGHT
It often happens that we end up missing on time to indulge in calorie-burning in an anticipation of triggering off a full-on fitness regime," says fitness exert Kiran Swahney.
So, why not dig out occasions some where in the course of the day and cash in some real time to burn the fat. We recommend you 20 physical and foodie alterations for weight loss... embrace them and staying fit won't be a long cherished dream any more!
"On foot is a stylish way to exercise as its easy, versatile, kind to your joints and doesn't require conjuring too much of paraphernalia. So involve walking as much as you can in your routine." says L.Balasubramaniam, Technogym Olympic Master Trainer.
1. Get up and walk around your office or home: This should happen at least every two hours for 5 minutes. This brisk five-minute walk every two hours will give you an extra 20-minute walk by the end of the day without making any special efforts.
2. Wash something thoroughly once a week: Be it the floor, a couple of windows, the shower stall, bathroom tiles or your car...anything that makes you don your cleaning gloves and exert some pressure on your hands and elbows burns nearly four calories for every minute spent on cleaning. A washing session of 30 minutes and you've worked off nearly 120 calories.
3. Drop a movie for an active date: Yes, it's a weekend and you're planning to spend time with your love. Why not head to the local park rather than sit idle in a movie hall? This will not only give you a chance of walking hand in hand, but will also avoid the calories that a large bucket of butter popcorns holds in. What's more? Explore other active dating ideas like cycling together; enjoying a tennis match or a swimming championship...even losing to your love will be fun here!
4. Take a walk before dinner: Yes, you are reading it right! Walking post dinner helps in digestion and burning calories, walking before gorging on your favourite dinner cuts down on your appetite. "Twenty minutes of walking reduces appetite and increases sensations of fullness as effectively as a light meal," informs Balasubramaniam.
5. Make the most of your TV time: This one is for the cricket crazy men and soap obsessed women who spend hours being a couch potato. Now make the most out of the commercial breaks to burn some calories and tone-up your body with the following set of exercises:
• As the break starts, do 25 jumping jacks.
• Then jog on the spot for the count of 30.
• Do 25 abdominal crunches.
• Lastly, get on the floor and place your feet up on your coffee table and do 25 hip lifts. By the time the break ends, you would have burnt a major chunk of calories.
6. Kiss your partner passionately: Lock your lips in passion at least 10 times a day. Not only it will keep your love life buzzing, but every minute spent kissing will burn 6.4 calories. Ten minutes a day of kissing can burn approximately 23,000 calories in a year...that's the power of love!
7. Anywhere tummy workout: For this you have to create a vacuum in your belly by sucking it in and holding it for as long as you can.
"Your tummy will be exposed to powerful isometric tension rather than the normal concentric tension, which you get from your regular crunches and sit-ups. This adds up to quicker results as the sucking focuses on the lower abdominal and not your upper abdominal," explains Balasubramaniam. Holding it for anything more than 15 seconds gives good results.
8. Shrink your stomach fat: Rub your hands together vigorously until they become hot. Now, rub the hot hands on your belly for about 30 seconds. Repeat the procedure for a total of 3 minutes, twice a day. This should be the first thing you do as you wake up in the morning and last thing you do before going to bed. "The heat from your hands reaches the fat cells of your stomach and destroys them. Also, this practice improves digestion and you end up losing weight," explains Balasubramaniam.
9. Love the stairs: If you are an elevator lover, opt for the stairs now! Instead of regular climbing, try these variations:
• Take two stairs at a time for one flight and then one step at a time for the next.
• Turn sideways and go up the stairs one step at a time using the leg that faces the top of the stairs. Switch directions on the next flight.
• Start on one side of the steps and as you step up, step all the way to the other side of the next step up, like a zigzag. Continue this until you reach the top.
• For a more advanced variation, hop up one step at a time.
10. Happy baby exercise: This can be done at your bedtime, sans any extra effort. Lie on the bed; hold your legs close to your chest in bent-knee position by clasping your hands together across your shins. In this small "ball" position, close your eyes and breathe slowly for 10 seconds, then release the position and lie flat on the bed for 10 seconds (continuing to breathe slowly with your eyes closed). Repeat this sequence 5 to 10 times.
Ten food variations to help you fit into that treasured 'hope' couture:
1. Water your flab away: Drinking water is the easiest way to put your body in the weight losing mode. It boosts your metabolism, and higher metabolism helps you lose weight even while you sleep. Water acts as a natural appetite suppressant and replaces false sensation of hunger. Drink a good amount of water during the day, especially in the evening to raise your metabolism while you sleep.
2. Let high-calorie foods be moderated: Want to eat fruit cream or fruit salad with ice cream? Let a spoonful of ice cream be the jewel and a bowl of fruit the crown. In case of salad, make veggies the crown and cheese the jewel. When munching on chips, pair each bite with veggie dip and fresh salsa.
3. Instead of three, eat five or six small meals: Distributing the same number of calories into six meals keeps you full through out the day.
4. Go for restaurant eating even at home: Keep those bowls off and stick only to the plate and as the plate goes empty, don't reach for second round.
5. Most calories before noon: Go heavy in the morning so that you don't crave for food at night. Following this routine will help you ensure that the body consumes the morning calories rather than working on the evening ones.
6. Fruit instead of fruit juice: Eating whole fruits not only keeps you satisfied for longer hours than a mere glass of milk but also adds fibre to your diet.
7. Go for loads of vegetables: Another way to include water in your diet is to gorge on water-rich veggies. Start eating tomatoes, soups, salads and cucumbers during meals to reduce your overall calorie consumption.
8. Don't eat by time, but by feeling the hunger: Eating should be induced by actual hunger rather than boredom, nervousness, habit or frustration. So, the next time you plan on eating wait until your stomach is growling.
9. Avoid white foods: Chuck the white flour, white breads, white rice and sugar from your diet and indulge in plenty of whole grain breads and brown rice.
10. Carry a notebook: Do this for 10 days. Write down every single thing that you eat or drink - even water in your diary. By the end of ten days you'll know why you are putting on weight.
STAYING HEALTH
Action Steps for Staying Healthy
Much is known about how we can stay safe and healthy. As children, our family taught us to brush our teeth, wash our hands, eat our vegetables, look both ways before crossing the street, and wear our seatbelts. All of these, and more, were steps to keep us healthy. It still works the same way today.
Doing simple things everyday, throughout our day, helps to keep us safe and healthy. Learn more about what you can do on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis to help you be the best that you can be.
ACTION STEPS ON THIS PAGE:
Daily
Weekly
Monthly
Yearly
Daily Steps
Eat Healthy
Diets rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, and other substances that are important for good health. Most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories, and they are filling. Add variety to your choices of fruits and vegetables, depending on what’s in season and available. Drink lots of water and go easy on the salt, sugar, alcohol, and saturated fat. Choose snacks that are nutritious and filling
Maintain a Healthy Weight
To lose or maintain weight, you should eat a balanced diet, eat less saturated fat, make healthy food choices, go easy on extra portions or serving sizes, and exercise.
Get Moving
Regular physical activity substantially reduces the risk of dying of coronary heart disease, the nation's leading cause of death, and it decreases the risk for stroke, colon cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It also helps control weight; contributes to healthy bones, muscles, and joints; reduces falls among older adults; helps to relieve the pain of arthritis; reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression; and is associated with fewer hospitalizations, physician visits, and medications. Moreover, physical activity need not be strenuous to be beneficial; people of all ages benefit from participating in regular, moderate-intensity physical activity, such as 30 minutes of brisk walking five or more times a week
Be Smoke-Free
Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you will ever do. You will live longer and live better. Quitting will lower your chance of having a heart attack, stroke, or cancer. If you are pregnant, quitting smoking will improve your chances of having a healthy baby. The people you live with, especially your children, will be healthier. You will also have extra money to spend on things other than cigarettes.
Manage Stress
Job stress has become a common and costly problem in the American workplace, leaving few workers untouched. Short-lived or infrequent times of stress pose little risk. But when stressful situations go unresolved, the body is kept in a constant state of being "on," which increases the rate of wear and tear to body systems. Ultimately, fatigue or damage results, and the body’s ability to repair and defend itself can become seriously compromised.
As a result, the risk of injury or disease escalates. Evidence is rapidly accumulating to suggest that stress plays an important role in several types of chronic health problems- especially cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and psychological disorders
Know Yourself and Your Risks
Do you neglect to wear seat belts every time you drive or are a passenger in a vehicle? Do you work at a job that exposes you to hazardous substances or agents? Are you a sun worshiper? Do you have a family history of diabetes, heart disease, or cancer? These are the types of things that may place you at risk for injury, disease, or disability. Your genes (family history), environment (at work, home, and play), and your daily lifestyle choices and behaviors help to define your health and your risks. Be aware of what they are and take steps to reduce your risk.
Be Safe – Protect Yourself
Take steps to protect yourself from injury, one of the leading causes of death regardless of age. Also, protect your health by washing your hands, wearing sun screen, wearing a helmet (i.e. while riding a bicycle/motorcycle or skating), having a plan for possible emergencies, and following safety tips at work.
Plan Ahead for Pregnancy
Are you thinking about getting pregnant? Make sure you take folic acid daily before, during, and after pregnancy to decrease the risk for certain birth defects
Action Steps for Staying Healthy
Much is known about how we can stay safe and healthy. As children, our family taught us to brush our teeth, wash our hands, eat our vegetables, look both ways before crossing the street, and wear our seatbelts. All of these, and more, were steps to keep us healthy. It still works the same way today.
Doing simple things everyday, throughout our day, helps to keep us safe and healthy. Learn more about what you can do on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis to help you be the best that you can be.
ACTION STEPS ON THIS PAGE:
Daily
Weekly
Monthly
Yearly
Daily Steps
Eat Healthy
Diets rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, fiber, and other substances that are important for good health. Most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat and calories, and they are filling. Add variety to your choices of fruits and vegetables, depending on what’s in season and available. Drink lots of water and go easy on the salt, sugar, alcohol, and saturated fat. Choose snacks that are nutritious and filling.
5 A Day
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/5ADay/
5 A Day Tips
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/5ADay/tips/
Fruits and Vegetables of the Month
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/5ADay/month/
How Big Is A Serving?
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/5ADay/faq/size_1.htm
Maintain a Healthy Weight
To lose or maintain weight, you should eat a balanced diet, eat less saturated fat, make healthy food choices, go easy on extra portions or serving sizes, and exercise.
Portion Distortion: Do You Know How Food Portions Have Changed in 20 Years?
http://hin.nhlbi.nih.gov/portion/ (Non-CDC site)
Tips for Weight Loss and Management
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/tips/tipping_scales.htm
Get Moving
Regular physical activity substantially reduces the risk of dying of coronary heart disease, the nation's leading cause of death, and it decreases the risk for stroke, colon cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It also helps control weight; contributes to healthy bones, muscles, and joints; reduces falls among older adults; helps to relieve the pain of arthritis; reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression; and is associated with fewer hospitalizations, physician visits, and medications. Moreover, physical activity need not be strenuous to be beneficial; people of all ages benefit from participating in regular, moderate-intensity physical activity, such as 30 minutes of brisk walking five or more times a week.
Bone Health for Girls
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bonehealth/
Components of Physical Fitness
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/components/
Growing Stronger: Strength Training for Older Adults
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/growing_stronger/
Physical Activity
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/
Recommendations for Physical Activity
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/recommendations/
Be Smoke-Free
Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you will ever do. You will live longer and live better. Quitting will lower your chance of having a heart attack, stroke, or cancer. If you are pregnant, quitting smoking will improve your chances of having a healthy baby. The people you live with, especially your children, will be healthier. You will also have extra money to spend on things other than cigarettes.
Seven Deadly Myths
http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/christy/myths.htm
You Can Quit Smoking Guide
http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/quit/canquit.htm
You(th) and Tobacco
http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/educational_materials/yuthfax1.htm
Manage Stress
Job stress has become a common and costly problem in the American workplace, leaving few workers untouched. Short-lived or infrequent times of stress pose little risk. But when stressful situations go unresolved, the body is kept in a constant state of being "on," which increases the rate of wear and tear to body systems. Ultimately, fatigue or damage results, and the body’s ability to repair and defend itself can become seriously compromised.
As a result, the risk of injury or disease escalates. Evidence is rapidly accumulating to suggest that stress plays an important role in several types of chronic health problems- especially cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, and psychological disorders.
Stress…At Work Booklet
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/stresswk.html
Stress…At Work Topics
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/stress/
Know Yourself and Your Risks
Do you neglect to wear seat belts every time you drive or are a passenger in a vehicle? Do you work at a job that exposes you to hazardous substances or agents? Are you a sun worshiper? Do you have a family history of diabetes, heart disease, or cancer? These are the types of things that may place you at risk for injury, disease, or disability. Your genes (family history), environment (at work, home, and play), and your daily lifestyle choices and behaviors help to define your health and your risks. Be aware of what they are and take steps to reduce your risk.
Genetics and Genomics
http://www.cdc.gov/node.do/id/0900f3ec8000e2b5
Be Safe – Protect Yourself
Take steps to protect yourself from injury, one of the leading causes of death regardless of age. Also, protect your health by washing your hands, wearing sun screen, wearing a helmet (i.e. while riding a bicycle/motorcycle or skating), having a plan for possible emergencies, and following safety tips at work.
Emergency Preparedness and Response
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/
Extreme Weather Conditions
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hsb/extreme.htm
Health Promotion
http://www.cdc.gov/node.do/id/0900f3ec80059b1a
Injury
http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/
Workplace Safety and Health
http://www.cdc.gov/node.do/id/0900f3ec8000ec09
Plan Ahead for Pregnancy
Are you thinking about getting pregnant? Make sure you take folic acid daily before, during, and after pregnancy to decrease the risk for certain birth defects.
Folic Acid
http://www.cdc.gov/node.do/id/0900f3ec80010af9
Having a Healthy Pregnancy: ABCs…Pregnancy Tips (A-Z)
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/bd/abc.htm
Be Good To Yourself
It’s not all about work. Take time for yourself. Get enough rest and sleep. Spend time doing something you like.
Weekly Steps
Check your Progress
If you are starting a new exercise routine, start slowly to prevent injury. Check with your health care provider before you start a strenuous or difficult routine, or if you have any concerns about your health. Praise yourself for getting on track and living healthy.
Keep Trying
If you’ve slipped, no problem. Start again. You know something now that you may not have known before about what works or doesn’t work for you. Discover new opportunities to take advantage of and learn more about yourself.
Monthly Steps
Do a Breast Self-Exam
This is one screening method you can do for early detection of breast cancer every month. Talk with your health care provider about this and other screening methods, including clinical breast exam and mammography
Prepare for Emergencies
Test all of your smoke detectors every month to ensure that they work properly. Make an emergency plan and practice evacuation drills every few months.
Plan Ahead
Planning ahead includes making sure that you have scheduled appropriate medical or other appointments, have healthy food in your home, and have an adequate supply of any medications you or your family may be taking. Make a plan now for who will care for you or your family in case of illness.
Is extreme heat or cold a factor this month? Make sure you dress appropriately and that your home, car, and other environments are safe and in proper working order.
If you're planning a trip outside the United States, make sure you're aware of any vaccination requirements or health issues for areas you are visiting. Visit a health care provider 4-6 weeks before your departure date to allow time for vaccinations to take effect
Reflect
Review what you did throughout the month to improve your mental and physical health. Plan how you will improve the next month.
Yearly Steps
Get Routine Exams and Screenings
Some exams and screenings by your health care provider should be done yearly. Others should be done more often, and a few less often, depending on your age, your medical and family history, and individual choices that may put you at increased or decreased risk for disease. Exams and screenings include a mammogram every 1-2 years (over 40 years of age); a Pap test every 1-3 years; and checks for blood pressure, sexually transmitted diseases, vision, dental, diabetes, depression, and more.
Breast,
Get Appropriate Vaccinations
You don’t need vaccinations often, but you do want to know what you need and when you need it. Whether you’re at work, school, or leisure, vaccinations help to keep you healthy. Remember, they aren’t just for kids- adults need them, too. Also, make sure your pets have received their vaccinations. Their health can impact your health, too
Have a Healthy Birthday
Celebrate your birthday with health in mind. If you drink alcohol, watch what and how much drink. Don’t drink and drive.
Fact or Fiction: Does circumcision help prevent HIV infection?
Fact or Fiction: Does circumcision help prevent HIV infection?
The male foreskin—an unassuming flap of skin eagerly discarded in some cultures—has taken center stage in recent debates over HIV prevention. Although researchers now agree that its removal is a proved method to reduce HIV spread in heterosexual men, the picture for homosexual men remains a bit foggy.
In the late 1980s observations of heterosexual men in Africa indicated that those who had been circumcised might be at less risk of contracting HIV than men who left their foreskins intact. To definitely test the hypothesis, researchers initiated clinical trials in at-risk populations with low rates of circumcision.
Two studies focused on young urban men (ages 18 to 24) in Kenya and South Africa, whereas a third concentrated on a larger cross-section of rural men (ages 15 to 49) in Uganda. Over 11,000 men volunteered for the trials with one group receiving circumcision on enrollment and a control group delaying surgery until the end of the study.
By tracking newly acquired infections in both groups, investigators discovered that circumcision cut HIV transmission rates by 55 to 65 percent. In fact, all three trials were stopped early due to the overwhelming evidence of circumcision's protective effect.
"It was striking that the trials were in very different settings, but yielded consistent results," says Ronald Gray, study leader for the Uganda trial and epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore. "This was the largest protective effect ever seen next to condom use," adds Sten Vermund, director of the Institute for Global Health at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tenn. But the question remained: Why?
Microscopic examination of the foreskin yielded important clues for unraveling the benefits of circumcision. Normally, the skin provides a thick protective barrier stemming from keratin—a tough structural protein also found in hair and fingernails. But on the inner surface of the foreskin, the keratin layer is much thinner, resembling the inner lining of the mouth or eyelid more than the palm of the hand.
A scanning electron micrograph of a budding HIV-1 virus
In uncircumcised men Langerhans cells—immune cells that are primary targets for HIV transmission—"are more richly concentrated near the surface of the foreskin," says Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in Bethesda, Md. Without the keratin barrier, HIV can easily access these cells in the foreskin. Following infection, Langerhans cells not only serve as reservoirs for replicating virus, but also transport the virus to nearby lymph nodes where HIV spreads to other immune cells.
In fact, the foreskin's anatomical function actually amplifies the risks. In uncircumcised men the foreskin covers and protects the tip of the penis, paradoxically making the skin there more delicate and prone to microscopic abrasions. These tiny injuries promote inflammation, Fauci says, allowing the virus to come into closer contact with target immune cells. The moist environment that forms under the foreskin also enhances the growth of microbes on the penis's tip, Fauci adds, further stimulating immune responses near the skin's surface.
At the very least, Vermund notes, the foreskin increases contact time with the virus following unprotected sexual intercourse when infectious fluid becomes trapped.
Although the benefits and efficacy of circumcision are now well documented for heterosexual men, the role of foreskin removal in homosexual men remains an open question. To date, no clinical trial has been conducted to assess if circumcision may be protective for this population. But researchers recently combined the results of 15 observational studies in a meta-analysis conducted in the U.S., Europe and several developing nations involving over 53,000 homosexual men to determine if any evidence for protection exists.
Mathematical analyses indicated that HIV risk was reduced by 14 percent in circumcised homosexual men across the studies, but "the results were not statistically significant, pointing to the possibility that circumcision may not have a substantial effect on HIV infection in men who have sex with men," says Gregorio Millett, study author and a behavioral scientist at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
The difficulty in evaluating circumcision for homosexual populations, notes Gray, is that most studies do not carefully evaluate sexual practices. Although foreskin removal protects men engaged in anal intercourse (in the same manner as it benefits heterosexual men), "nothing about circumcision protects receptive men as the rectal area is exposed to HIV," Vermund says. The issue will likely remain unresolved until more data can be gathered from studies specifically designed to address the effects of circumcision on the various subgroups of homosexual men.
Current recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland, call for large-scale circumcision campaigns in countries with high infection rates. For sub-Saharan Africa (where heterosexual sex is primarily responsible for the HIV epidemic), circumcision has the potential to dramatically reduce the toll of the virus, which WHO estimates of up to 5.7 million new infections and three million deaths averted over the next 20 years.
Fauci does not foresee a broad mandate for circumcising infants in the U.S., however, where the practice is already common. "Although circumcision could be beneficial," he says, "HIV is not a disease of the general population here."
Despite the protective effect of circumcision, condoms remain a key component of HIV prevention, because there is "no surgical way to remove all of the inner foreskin," cautions Roger Short, a reproductive biologist at the University of Melbourne in Australia.
In the future, alternatives to circumcision may become available for those men with social or religious objections to the practice. Estrogen creams have recently been proposed as their application sparks a rapid deposition of keratin in the foreskin. If the foreskin can be sufficiently reinforced with keratin to provide a barrier for the Langerhans cells, Short says, a weekly topical application of estrogen could augment or even replace circumcision.
For now, however, researchers remain skeptical, as estrogen may also increase the number of HIV receptors on the surface of target cells.
The bottom line: circumcision protects heterosexual men from HIV acquisition via sexual intercourse with the greatest benefits accruing in developing nations that are hardest hit by the epidemic
What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
What are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections that can be transferred from one person to another through any type of sexual contact. STDs are sometimes referred to as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) since they involve the transmission of a disease-causing organism from one person to another during sexual activity. It is important to realize that sexual contact includes more than just sexual intercourse (vaginal and anal). Sexual contact includes kissing, oral-genital contact, and the use of sexual "toys," such as vibrators. STDs probably have been around for thousands of years, but the most dangerous of these conditions, the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), has only been recognized since 1984.
Many STDs are treatable, but effective cures are lacking for others, such as HIV, HPV, and hepatitis B and C. Even gonorrhea, once easily cured, has become resistant to many of the older traditional antibiotics. Many STDs can be present in, and spread by, people who do not have any symptoms of the condition and have not yet been diagnosed with an STD. Therefore, public awareness and education about these infections and the methods of preventing them is important.
There really is no such thing as "safe" sex. The only truly effective way to prevent STDs is abstinence. Sex in the context of a monogamous relationship wherein neither party is infected with a STD also is considered "safe." Most people think that kissing is a safe activity. Unfortunately, syphilis, herpes, and other infections can be contracted through this relatively simple and apparently harmless act. All other forms of sexual contact carry some risk. Condoms are commonly thought to protect against STDs. Condoms are useful in decreasing the spread of certain infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea; however, they do not fully protect against other infections such as genital herpes, genital warts, syphilis, and AIDS. Prevention of the spread of STDs is dependent upon the counseling of at-risk individuals and the early diagnosis and treatment of infections
IN 24HOURS
1 ) HEART beats 1,03,689 times.
2 ) LUNGS respire 23,045 times.
3 ) BLOOD flows 16,80,000 miles.
4 ) NAILS grow 0.00007 inches
5 ) HAIR grows 0.01715 inches
6 ) Take 2.9 pounds WATER (including all liquids)
7 ) Take of 3.25 pounds FOOD.
8 ) Breathe 438 cubic feet AIR.
9) Lose 85.60, BODY TEMPERATURE.
10 ) Produce 1.43 pints SWEAT.
11 ) Speak 4,800 WORDS.
12 ) During SLEEP move 25.4 times
FROM REPLY 5 , YOU WUD FIND PARTS OF BODIES WITH THEIR AMAZING FACTS
When was the last time you took a moment and celebrated your body? Not because it's well built or attractive by society's standards-- but because it's an impressive piece of functional art. We've assembled some interesting facts that will help you appreciate your body and keep you motivated to take care of it.
Boost your burning power. Did you know that for every 1 lb of muscle you gain, your body burns an extra 50 calories a day? If you can turn at least 5 lbs of extra "fat" into muscle, you will automatically burn an additional 250 calories per day.
A mini-Charles Atlas. Muscles are comprised of muscle fibers. Each fiber is thinner than a human hair and can support up to 1,000 times its own weight.
Use it or lose it. By age 65, people who haven't engaged in regular exercise may incur a decrease in their muscular strength level by as much as 80%.
Make your move. A muscle moves by contracting and by its motion, you move. As a machine for moving, a muscle is pretty efficient, using about 35-50% of its potential energy.
More than a few. The human body has more than 650 muscles.
Unique in its own way. No two muscles in the body have exactly the same function. When one muscle is paralyzed, either stability of the body part is impaired or some specific movement is lost.
Watch your step. Forward locomotion such as walking or running is actually the process of losing and catching one's balance.
The cellulite myth. There is no such thing as cellulite. The skin sometimes appears lumpy in fatty areas of the body because strands of connective tissue attach the skin to underlying structures. These points of attachment may pull tight where the fat is thick, making lumps appear between them. The fat itself is not different from excess fat anywhere else in the body. So, if you reduce body fat, you will begin to lose the lumpy appearance.
Spot reducing de-bunked. Spot reducing will not reduce the fat itself in a specific area of the body. Strength training specific areas of the body will strengthen the underlying muscle, but fat reduction is only accomplished by burning more calories than you take in.
The cardiovascular chain. Your body has approximately 60,000 miles of blood vessels that not only oxygenate the tissues of the body and unburden them of wastes, but also act as stringent regulators of the body's environment.
Stressful miles. If you are 25 lbs overweight, you have nearly 5,000 extra miles of blood vessels through which your heart must pump blood.
Taking a break. Your heart rests between beats. Over a normal lifespan, your heart stands still for about 20 years.
Now that's pressure. Your blood rushes through your arteries with enough pressure to lift a column of blood five feet into the air.
Safety valves. When you stand up, if you didn't have valves in your veins, all the blood in your body would literally fall downward, filling up your feet and legs.
BRAIN
FACTS ABOUT YOUR BRAIN:
Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression than men in the United States.
The human brain has about 100,000,000,000 (100 billion) neurons.
From all the oxygen that a human breathes, twenty percent goes to the brain.
People who ride on roller coasters have a higher chance of having a blood clot in the brain.
Once a human reaches the age of 35, he/she will start losing approximately 7,000 brain cells a day. The cells will never be replaced.
It is not possible to tickle yourself. The cerebellum, a part of the brain, warns the rest of the brain that you are about to tickle yourself. Since your brain knows this, it ignores the resulting sensation.
A women from Berlin Germany has had 3,110 gallstones taken out of her gall bladder.
In America, the most common mental illness is Anxiety Disorders.
Your brain is 80% water.
Your brain is move active and thinks more at night than during the day.
BRAIN DAMAGING Habit's are due to the following factors:
1. No Breakfast :
People who do not take breakfast are going to have a lower blood sugar level.
This leads to an insufficient supply of nutrients to the brain causing brain degeneration.
2. Overeating :
It causes hardening of the brain arteries, leading to a decrease in mental power.
3. Smoking :
It causes multiple brain shrinkage and may lead to Alzheimer disease.
4. High Sugar consumption :
Too much sugar will interrupt the absorption of proteins and nutrients causing malnutrition and may interfere with brain development.
5. Air Pollution :
The brain is the largest oxygen consumer in our body.
Inhaling polluted air decreases the supply of oxygen to the brain, bringing about a decrease in brain efficiency.
6. Sleep Deprivation :
Sleep allows our brain to rest. Long term deprivation from sleep will accelerate the death of brain cells.
7. Head covered while sleeping :
Sleeping with the head covered increases the concentration of carbon dioxide and decrease concentration of oxygen that may lead to brain damaging effects.
8. Working your brain during illness :
Working hard or studying with sickness may lead to a decrease in effectiveness of the brain as well as damage the brain.
9. Lacking in stimulating thoughts :
Thinking is the best way to train our brain, lacking in brain stimulation thoughts may cause brain shrinkage.
10. Talking Rarely :
Intellectual conversations will promote the efficiency of the brain
The main causes of liver damage are :
1. Sleeping too late and waking up too late are main cause.
2. Not urinating in the morning.
3. Too much eating.
4. Skipping breakfast.
5. Consuming too much medication.
6. Consuming too much preservatives, additives, food coloring, and artificial sweetener.
7. Consuming unhealthy cooking oil. As much as possible reduce cooking oil use when frying, which includes even the best cooking oils like olive oil.
Do not consume fried foods when you are tired, except if the body is very fit.
8. Consuming raw (overly done) foods also add to the burden of liver.
Veggies should be eaten raw or cooked 3-5 parts.
Fried veggies should be finished in one sitting, do not store.
We should prevent this without necessarily spending more.
We just have to adopt a good daily lifestyle and eating habits. Maintaining good eating habits and time condition are very important for our bodies to absorb and get rid of unnecessary chemicals
TONGUE
TONGUE FACTS :
Close to fifty percent of the bacteria in the mouth lives on the surface of our tongue.
There are approximately 9,000 taste buds on the tongue.
Your tongue has 3,000 taste buds.
85% of the population can curl their tongue into a tube.
EYES
EYES : We should never put anything in or near our eyes, unless we have a reason to use eye drops. We would only do that if our doctor or parent told us to use them. Blinking helps to wash tears over our eyeballs. That keeps them clean and moist. Also, if something is about to hit our eye, we will blink automatically. Our body has some natural protection for our eyes. Our eyelashes help to keep dirt out of our eyes. Our eyebrows are made to keep sweat from running into our eyes. Our eyes are very important to us, and we must protect them. We don't want dirt, sand, splinters or even fingers to get in our eyes. We don't want our eyes to get scratched or poked. That could damage our sight! The study of the iris of the eye is called iridology. The shark cornea has been used in eye surgery, since its cornea is similar to a human cornea. The number one cause of blindness in adults in the United States is diabetes. The eyeball of a human weighs approximately 28 grams. The eye of a human can distinguish 500 shades of the gray. The cornea is the only living tissue in the human body that does not contain any blood vessels. The conjunctiva is a membrane that covers the human eye. Sailors once thought that wearing a gold earring would improve their eyesight. Research has indicated that a tie that is on too tight cam increase the risk of glaucoma in men. People generally read 25% slower from a computer screen compared to paper. Men are able to read fine print better than women can. | ||
In the United States, approximately 25,000 eye injuries occur that result in the person becoming totally blind.
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COLOR BLINDNESS TEST
Most cases of colour vision deficiency are characterised by a red-green deficiency which can be classed into two types;
- a protan type which may be absolute (protanopia) or partial (protanomalia)
- a deutan type which may be absolue (deuteranopia) or partial (deuteranomalia)
In protanopia the visible range of the spectrum is shorter at the red end compared with that of the normal, and that part of the spectrum that appears blue-green in the normal appears to those with protanopia as grey.
In deuteranopia the part of the spectrum that appears to the normal as green appears as grey. Purple-red (the complimentary colour of green) also appears as grey.
In protanomalia and deuteranomalia, no part of the spectrum appears as grey, however the part of the spectrum that appears to those with protanopia as grey will appear as a greyish indistinct colour to those with protanomalia and similarily, the part of the spectrum which appears grey to those with deuteranopia will appear as an indistinct greyish colour to those with deuteranomalia.
As a result of this red-green colour vision deficiencies show blue and yellow colours clearer than red and green colours. Those who suffer from typical total colour blindness show a complete failure to discriminate any colour variations, usually associated with impairment of central vision with photophobia and nystagmus.
With a typical total colour blindness, the sensitivity to red and green, as well as to yellow and blue is so low that only very clear colours may be perceived. There are, however, no further abnormalities in the visual functions.
Color Blindness Tests
How to Use this Test:
The original card version of this test (by Dr Shinobu Ishihara) was designed to be carried out in a room adequately lit by daylight. The presence of direct sunlight or artificial light may produce some discrepancy in the results because of some alteration in the appearance of shades of colour. This electronic version may also produce some discrepancies as the images have been optimised for web-based delivery and with a monitor resolution of 800x600 and 256 colour display or greater. The results of this test are not to be considered a valid medical test for colour blindness and merely serve to illustrate the tests available. If you have any queries about your own possible colour vision deficiencies consult your local GP. Position yourself about 75cm from your monitor so that the colour test image you are looking at is at eye level, read the description of the image and see what you can see!! It is not necessary in all cases to use the entire set of images. In a large scale examination the test can be simplified to 6 tests; test, one of tests 2 or 3, one of tests 4, 5, 6 or 7, one of tests 8 or 9, one of tests 10, 11, 12 or 13 and one of tests 14 or 15.
CARD 1:
Both normal and those with all colour vision deficiencies should read the number 12.
CARD 2:
Those with normal colour vision should read the number 8. Those with red-green colour vision deficiencies should read the number 3. Total colour blindness should not be able to read any numeral.
CARD 3:
Normal vision should read the number 29.
Red-green deficiencies should read the number 70.
Total colour blindness should not read any numeral
CARD 4:
Normal colour vision should read the number 5.
Red-Green colour deficiencies should read the number 2.
Total colour blindness should not be able toread any numeral.
CARD 5:
Normal colour vision should read the number 3.
Red-Green deficiencies should read the number 5.
Total colour blindness should not be able to read any numeral.
CARD 6:
Normal colour vision should read the number 15.
Red-Green deficiencies should read the number 17.
Total colour blindness should not be able to read any numeral.
CARD 7:
Normal colour vision should read the number 74.
Red-Green colour deficiencies should read the number 21.
Total colour blindness should not be able to read any numeral.
CARD 8:
Normal colour vision should read the number 6.
The majority of those with colour vision deficiencies cannot read this number or will read it incorrectly.
CARD 9:
Normal colour vision should read the number 45.
The majority of those with colour vision deficiencies cannot read this number or will read it incorrectly.
CARD 10:
Normal colour vision should read the number 5.
Those with colour vision deficiencies will not read the number or read it incorrectly.
CARD 11:
Normal colour vision should read the number 7.
Those with colour vision deficiencies will not read this number or read it incorrectly.
CARD 12:
Normal colour vision should read the number 16.
Those with colour vision deficiencies will not read this number or read it incorrectly.
CARD 13:
Normal colour vision will read the number 73.
Those with colour vision deficiencies should nor be able to read this number or will read it incorrectly.
CARD 14:
Normal colour vision and those with total colour blindness should not be able to read any number.
The majority of those with red-green deficiencies should read the number 5.
CARD 15:
Normal colour vision and those with total colour blindness should not be able to read any number.
The majority of those with red-green deficiencies should read the number 45.
CARD 16:
Normal colour vision should read the number 26.
In protanopia and strong protanomalia the number 6 is read and in mild protanomalia both numerals are read but the number 6 is clearer than the number 2.
In deuteranopia and strong deuteranomalia only the number 2 is read and in mild deuteranomalia both the number 2 is clearer than the number 6.
CARD17:
Normal colour vision should read the number 42.
In protanopia and strong protanomalia the number 2 is read and in mild protanomalia both numerals are read but the number 2 is clearer than the number 4.
In deuteranopia and strong deuteranomalia only the number 4 is read and in mild deuteranomalia both the number 4 is clearer than the number 2.
CARD 18:
The normal should trace along the purple and red lines between the two X's.
In protanopia and strong protanomalia only the purple line is traced and in mild protanomalia both lines can be traced but the purple line is easier to follow.
In deuteranopia and strong deuteranomalia only the red line is traced and in mild deuteranomalia both lines are traced but the red line is easier to follow.
CARD 19:
The majority of those with red-green colour blindness can trace the winding line between the two X's.
The majority of those with normal and total colour blindness are unable to follow the line.
CARD 20:
Normal will trace the blue-green line between the two X's.
The majority of those with colour vision deficiencies will be unable to follow the line or will follow a line different to the normal one.
CARD 21:
Normal will trace the orange line between the two X's.
The majority of those with colour vision deficiencies will be unable to follow the line or will follow a line different to the normal one.
CARD 22:
Normal should trace the line connecting the blue-green and the yellow-green.
Those with red-green deficiencies trace the line connecting the blue-green and purple.
Those with total colour blindness cannot trace any line.
CARD 23:
Normal should trace the line connecting the purple and the orange between the two X's.
Red-green deficiencies should trace the line connecting the purple and the blue-green.
Total colour blindness and weakness cannot trace any line.
CARD 24:
Both normal and those with colour vision deficiencies can trace the winding line between the two X's.
11 Eye care tips for computer users
11 Eye care tips for computer users
Most of our work is done on computers, and there is usually no escape from it. It is a visually intensive task and, unfortunately, our work pressure and lifestyles do not give us the opportunity to be kind to our eyes.
Which is why these tips should come in handy.
1. Know your eyes
Tears: The first line of defense, they also serve as lubrication by keeping the eyes moist and nourished; they also have a corrective lens function. Eyelids: Their main job is to protect your eyes from dirt, dust and harsh light.
Eyelashes: A protective net for your eyes.
Cornea: A refractive zone that guides light to reach the retina.
Pupil: Controls the amount of light that enters your eyes.
Lens: A refractive zone that also guides light into the retina.
Retina and Optic Nerve: A bunch of intricate wiring that carries vision signals between your brain and eyes.
2. Exercise your eyes
Dr Harish S Belvi, a practising ophthalmologist (eye specialist) based in Mumbai, says that regular work hours should be infused with short breaks. During such breaks, he suggests a small and easy exercise: "First, blink your eyes several times. While you keep your eyes closed, roll your eyeballs both clockwise and anticlockwise and take a deep breath. Gradually open your eyes while releasing your breath. This exercise lasts for a minute and you can repeat it three times before getting back to work." It serves as a good workout for the eyes.
3. Look away
While working for long hours, look at distant objects either in your office or outside. Looking at a distant object and then returning to your task helps your eyes focus better. Try taking such visual breaks for about five to 10 minutes every hour.
4. Positioning is everything
Correct positioning of your computer, keyboard and typing copy is essential. Your screen should be positioned about an arm¢s length from your eyes and 20 degrees below eye level. Consider foot and wrist rests for added comfort.
5. Lighting can make all the difference
Room lighting should be diffuse, not direct, to reduce glare and reflections from your screen. Look into an internal or external glare screen and be sure to set your color, contrast and brightness levels to suit you.
6. A little extra help for your glasses
Anti-reflective coatings on the lenses of your glasses can be applied by your optometrist to reduce discomfort and to ease reduced vision from bright and/or flickering light sources such as VDTs and fluorescent lights. And don¢t forget, your doctor of optometry can talk to you about eyeglasses designed specifically for people who use computers a lot.
Take time out, our 20-20-20 rule
Step I :-
After every 20 minutes of looking into the computer screen, turn your
head and try to look at any object placed at least 20 feet away. This
changes the focal length of your eyes, a must-do for the tired eyes.
Step II :-
Try and blink your eyes for 20 times in succession, to moisten them.
Step III :-
Time permitting of course, one should walk 20 paces after every 20 minutes
of sitting in one particular posture. Helps blood circulation for the entire body.
all in the blinking
Did you know that on average we blink 12 times per minute? But wait, did you know that when we¢re on the computer we only blink 5 times per minute? That can add up to dry eyes. Relieve the discomfort by using artificial tear drops or gels and remember to blink!
7. Palming
Sit straight at your workstation and rub your palms against each other till you feel them warm. The warmth of your palms helps soothe and relax tired eyes. Then, lightly cup your eyes with your palms and relax for 60 seconds. Count the seconds in your mind. Repeat this exercise two to three times whenever your eyes feel tired, or as often as you want. While palming, you can either rest your elbows on your desk or keep away from the desk and cup your eyes. Both ways are fine.
8. Splash water on your face
During breaks, splash water on your face while closing your eyes. This has an overall relaxing effect and helps you feel refreshed..
9. Use tea bags
Keep two used tea bags in the refrigerator before you leave for work. Once you are home, place the tea bags on your eyes for a few minutes as you relax. This not only soothes tired eyes, but also reduces puffiness.
10. Eat healthy
Incorporate Vitamins A, C, and E on a daily basis; eat citrus fruits, green leafy veggies, tomatoes, spinach, poultry and dairy products. Pack a box of chopped carrots, cucumber and fresh fruits and munch in-between meals at the office.
Holistic Health Tips
Holistic Health Tips
Facts about menopause
Pre Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Hypertension
Asthma
Diabetes : A Holistic Approach
Obesity
Nutrition For Healthy Skin
The Detox Diet
Holistic Health Tips
DAY 1
Well begun is half done. Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Cut out all starchy foods like white bread, pasta, potatoes to reduce calorie intake. Look out for a tip on fruits tomorrow.
DAY 2
Today is Day 2 of your program. Avoid fruits like bananas, chickoos, grapes & mangoes. Have the whole fruit instead of the juice. Tip on healthy snacking tomorrow.
DAY 3
Snack on salad vegetables with dips, home-roasted kurmuras, bhel, non-buttered popcorn, dry fruits, sprouts. Get fit while you work. More tomorrow.
DAY 4
Incorporate exercise within your work-schedule. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park your car a short distance from the office & walk. Moderate changes tomorrow.
DAY 5
Don't revamp eating habits over-night. Begin to remedy excesses with moderate changes that can result in lifelong healthy eating habits. Look out for hot tips on cold beverages.
DAY 6
Have beverages like soya milk, vegetables or fruit juices, natural water, aloe vera juice. Cut down on tea, coffee & aerated waters. Swim & stay trim. More tomorrow.
DAY 7
Swimming is a complete work-out that burns calories without pounding your joints. Mickey Mehta can teach you to befriend water & swim in less than 24 hours. Vedic diets tomorrow.
DAY 8
Have vedic diets which are completely vegetarian with lots of fruits and vegetable juices, sprouts and hot water with ginger and honey. Tomorrow learn about importance of colour in food.
DAY 9
Red and orange foods stimulate the nervous system. Green foods balance the body's acid and alkaline levels. Purple foods are soothing. Holistic health in a nutshell tomorrow.
DAY 10
Continue eating natural, fresh, unprocessed foods & abstain from alcohol & nicotine. Take a brisk walk daily for 30 minutes. You will feel lighter on your feet & brighter in your head.
DAY 11
Hope you are progressing well. Have a lot of fruits. They are free from colours, preservatives and emulsifiers. Avoid bananas, grapes, chickoos & mangoes. Befriend water tomorrow.
DAY 12
Drink 2 litres of water daily. A glass of water can take the edge of hunger for 15-20 minutes. By drinking water instead of colas, coffee & shakes, you can dodge hundreds of calories.
DAY 13
Herbs like tulsi, wheat grass, aloe vera, ginseng bolster immunity and suppress infections. Garlic of a powerful natural antibiotic. Ginger has anti-infective abilities.
DAY 14
Have a fist of nuts instead of high calorie snacks. Nuts are high in unsaturated fat which is beneficial for blood cholesterol. They have adequate amounts of proteins and minerals.
DAY 15
Dinner should always be light and free of all carbohydrates. Finish dinner at least 3-4 hours before you sleep. Have soups and salads. The health benefits of vegan diets tomorrow.
DAY 16
Vegan diets eliminate meat, dairy products and eggs. Substitute soya milk for cow's milk. Kicking meat helps cut the risk of cancer, obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
DAY 17
Make very gradual changes in your diet. There are no 'superfoods' and don't expect to revamp your eating habits overnight. Begin to remedy excesses with moderate changes.
DAY 18
Instead of eating 3 meals a day, have 4-5 small meals. Eat every 3-4 hours to regularize blood sugar levels. Never skip meals especially breakfast. Don't eat while watching TV.
DAY 19
The glycemic index of foods influences blood sugar after a meal. Eat foods with low GI that is slow carbohydrates like wholemeal bread / pasta, boiled potatoes, unpolished rise.
DAY 20
Cut down on hidden salts. Avoid sauces, ketch-up, chips, papads, pickles, canned & tinned foods as these contain a lot of salt. The health benefits of soya tomorrow.
DAY 21
Soya contains phytoestrogens that help prevent breast and ovarian cancers. Soya milk is a good substitute for other high-protein drinks. Have tofu instead of paneer.
DAY 22
Bananas are good for hypertensives as they are high in potassium and low in sodium. They are rich in fibre and restore normal bowel movement. They provide instant energy.
DAY 23
Cut down on alcohol and aerated waters as they provide only empty calories. A better choice would be vegetable juices, coconut water, herbal teas and unsweetened fruit juices.
DAY 24
Physical activity helps to distress. People often over-eat to overcome feelings of boredom, depression, anxiety. Exercise releases endorphins or feel-good hormones.
DAY 25
Curb the use of oil in cooking. Use no more than 1 tables-spoon oil in the entire day. Switch over rice-brand oil. Cook in non-stick woks Grill, sauté & bake instead of deep-frying.
DAY 26
Cut down on non-vegetarian foods. They cause obesity, heart disease & colon cancers. Avoid red meats & organ meats. Cut out all the visible fat from the meat. Have egg whites & fish.
DAY 27
Small tips go a long way in reducing weight. Eat in small plates and eat slowly. Put your fork down after every bite. No second helpings. Stop eating before you are completely full.
DAY 28
Use garlic as it has immune enhancing compounds that inactivate carcinogens in the liver. It lowers the risk of stomach and colon cancers. Use it in salads, sauces, marinades.
DAY 29
Limit salt intake to less than 2,500 mg a day. Have rock salt instead of the regular salt. Throw the salt-shaker away to limit the salt intake. Use lime instead with your food.
DAY 30
Hope you had a healthy month. These changes in diet and lifestyle have to be incorporated on a life-long basis to show results & to reap benefits.
DAY 31
Fad diets come and go. Vedic 'satvic' diets are here to stay. Foods consumed in their unaltered state deliver energy to the body. Face the right direction & become thinner tomorrow.
DAY 32
Our bodies are influenced by the forces of the cosmos. To combat weight gain face East while exercising. This increases the metabolic rate. Rotate your neck and limbs clockwise.
DAY 33
Get active and start moving. Jogging, walking, yoga, pilates & aerobics releases endorphins and helps relieve stress. Splash your way to fitness tomorrow.
DAY 34
Aqua aerobics improves muscle tone. It is kind to the ligaments and facilitates strength to injured joints and muscles. Breathe well to improve mental health.
DAY 35
To improve mental clarity breathe consciously. If you are confused, take a few deep breaths. When faced with anxiety breathe deeply and confidence will be regained.
DAY 36
A well-balanced diet sufficient in calcium, proteins, vitamins and minerals mask signs of ageing. Consume fruits and vegetable juices. Benefits of vegan diets tomorrow.
DAY 37
Vegan diets which eliminate meat, eggs and dairy products reduce the risk of illness. They cut the risk of obesity, diabetes and cancer. Replace cow's milk by soya milk.
DAY 38
Choose foods that are alive like fresh fruits, veggies, sprouts, seeds, nuts, herbs and roots. These positively influence your body and mind, harnessing the thought processes.
DAY 39
Get rid of body heat by having lots of cucumber juice with mint or coriander leaves. Avoid spices and drink lots of coconut water. Tips on soothing frayed nerves tomorrow.
DAY 40
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to soothe frayed nerves. For effective temper control breathe consciously. When you are about to get angry, take a few deep breathes.
DAY 41
Say 'no' to second helpings. Never take another helping of the same. Eat something else that is much healthier and lighter. The truth about fibre tomorrow.
DAY 42
Avoid too much fibre as that can cause bloating and flatulence. Have lot of water along with a high fibre diet as it helps in forming a bulk. Increase fibre intake gradually.
DAY 43
Stay away from any abuses to the body like smoking, drinking, drugs, non-vegetarian food and dairy products. Your body stays healthy if kept unabused. Generate energy tomorrow.
Day 44
Do generative things like working out, creating more cells, generating and liberating energy, aligning your chakras and your 3 selves - mind, body and soul.
DAY 45
The benefits of vegetarianism helps at mental and spiritual levels. It helps strengthen the body, mind and spirit. Turn vegetarian today. Look out for tips on yoga tomorrow.
DAY 46
Practice yoga regularly. It's a holistic practice that tones and invigorates the whole body. It helps create a balance of mind, body and spirit. Health benefits of soya tomorrow.
DAY 47
Consume for soya which is a good high protein substitute to meat. It contains phytoestrogens that help to prevent breast and ovarian cancers. Go natural tomorrow.
DAY 48
Eat foods that are simple, fresh and unprocessed. They are preservative free, free from mood-altering chemicals. This enhances mental, physical and spiritual health.
DAY 49
Replace garnishes like cheese and cream with lemon juice. Lemon juice with warm water first thing in the morning is a healthy way to start the day. Tips on staying active tomorrow.
DAY 50
Stay as active as possible. Incorporate as much physical activity as you possibly can. It helps beat stress, controls your appetite and keeps your weight in check.
DAY 51
Avoid refined sugar. Sugar-rich diets cause sagging of skin as sugar damages collagen. Have citrus fruits rich in vitamin C, a collagen booster. It keeps the skin looking young.
DAY 52
As a rule avoid foods that are white in colour. That includes sugar, rice, pasta, bread and maida. Switch to whole-wheat options like brown or red rice, whole-wheat pasta & bread.
DAY 53
Never starve in order to lose weight. Starvation results in the body storing more fat. Instead eat healthy and in moderation. The truth about anti-oxidants tomorrow.
DAY 54
Eat foods that are rich in anti-oxidants like spinach, tomatoes, papaya. They delay the signs of ageing and also protect your eyes. Some practical diet tips tomorrow.
DAY 55
Follow a few practical diet tips which go a long way in aiding weight loss. Put your fork down after every bite. Eat in small plates and do not eat in front of the television.
DAY 56
Pilates is a challenging mind-body experience. It helps tone muscles, improve posture, provides flexibility and harmonises the mind and body. Practice pilates regularly.
DAY 57
Drink 2-3 litres of clean and pure water which is enriched with natural minerals. This improves circulation and also purifies, cleanses and detoxifies the digestive system.
DAY 58
Completely avoid aerated waters and colas from your diet. They have only empty calories and do not provide any nutrients to the body. They also deplete the bones of calcium.
DAY 59
Start the day with suryanamaskar (sun salutation). 1 set of suryanamaskar provides a complete body stretch. If this set is done more than once it is a good cardio exercise.
DAY 60
Practice meditation regularly. It helps relieve stress, rejuvenates you and helps improve your focus. It helps soothe frayed nerves and helps create harmony.
A NEEDLE CAN SAVE THE LIFE OF A STROKE PATIENT Keep a syringe or needle in your home to do this... it's amazing and an unconventional way of recovering from stroke. Please read it through and it can help somebody one day! "My father was paralysed and later died from the result of a stroke. I wish I knew about this first aid before. When stroke strikes, the capillaries in the brain will gradually burst." When a stroke occurs, stay calm. No matter where the victim is,do not move him/her. Because, if moved, the capillaries will burst. Help the victim to sit up where he is to prevent him from falling over again, and then the bloodletting can begin. If you have in your home an injection syringe that would be the best, otherwise, a sewing needle or a straight pin will do. 1.. Place the needle/pin over fire to sterilise it, and then use it to prick the tip of all 10 fingers. 2.. There are no specific acupuncture points, just prick about a mm from the fingernail. 3.. Prick till blood comes out. 4.. If blood does not start to drip, then squeeze with your fingers. 5.. When all 10 fingers are bleeding, wait a few minutes. The victim will regain consciousness. 6.. If the victim's mouth is crooked, then pull on his ears until they are red. 7.. Then prick each ear lobe twice until two drops of blood comes from each ear lobe. After a few minutes the victim should regain consciousness. Wait till the victim regains his normal state without any abnormal symptoms, then take him to the hospital. Otherwise, if he was taken in an ambulance, in a hurry, to the hospital, the bumpy trip would have caused all the capillaries in his brain to burst. If he could save his life, barely managing to walk, then it is by the grace of his ancestors. "I learned about letting blood to save life from Chinese traditional doctor Ha Bu-Ting who lives in Sun-Juke. Furthermore, I had practical experience with it. Therefore I can say this method is 100% effective. In 1979, I was teaching in Fung-Gaap College in Tai-Chung. One afternoon I was teaching class when another teacher came running to my class room and said panting, "Ms. Liu, come quick, our supervisor has had a stroke!" I immediately went to the 3rd floor. When I saw our supervisor, Mr. Chen Fu-Tien, his color was off, his speech was slurred, his mouth was crooked -- all the symptoms of a stroke! I immediately asked one of the practical students to go to the pharmacy outside the school to buy a syringe, which I used to prick Mr. Chen's 10 finger tips. When all 10 fingers were bleeding (each with a pea-sized drop of blood), after a few minutes, Mr. Chen's face regained its color and his eyes' spirit returned, too. But his mouth was still crooked. So I pulled on his ears to fill them with blood. When his ears became red, I pricked his right earlobe twice to let out 2 drops of blood. When both earlobes had two drops of blood each, a miracle happened. Within 3-5 minutes the shape of his mouth returned to normal and his speech became clear. We let him rest for a while and have a cup of hot tea, then we helped him go down the stairs and drove him to Wei-Wah Hospital . He rested one night and was released the next day to return to school to teach. Everything worked normally. There were no ill after-effects. On the other hand, the usual stroke victim usually suffers irreparable bursting of the brain capillaries on the way to the hospital. As a result, these victims never recover". Stroke is a common cause of death. The lucky ones will stay alive but can remain paralysed for life. It is such a horrible thing to happen in one's life. If we can all remember this bloodletting method and start the life saving process immediately, in a short time, the victim will be revived and regain 100% normalcy. If possible, please forward this after reading. You never know if it may help save a life from stroke. Thanks for reading this message patiently | ||
Cure for Ringworm
Ringworm, despite what the name suggests, is caused by a fungus, not by worms. This fungal infection gets its name from its ring-shaped, round patch appearance. Read on to know about the cure for ringworm.
Ringworm is a fungal infection, which can affect any part of body such as scalp, feet, facial area, nails, etc. It occurs as a flat, round patch of rash and expands to a ring-shape. People may have more than one patch, which is itchy. Ringworm, also known as Tinea, is caused by several agents, which are collectively known as dermatophytes. There are various types of ringworms, such as body ringworm (tinea corporis), scalp ringworm (tinea capitis), groin ringworm (tinea cruris), nail ringworm (tinea unguium) and feet ringworm, known as tinea pedis in medical terms. Among all these, people most commonly suffer from the groin ringworm.
What Causes Ringworm
Ringworm is a contagious skin disease. It is caused due to direct as well as indirect contact. When an infected person touches another person, fungus is directly transmitted. On the other hand, it infects indirectly when one uses clothes, towels and combs of the infected person. Some environmental and climatic factors like dampness, humidity, dirt and pollution spread fungi, which causes ringworm. In addition, animals such as dogs and cats, also carry the germs of ringworm.
Cure for Ringworm
Ringworm is a common skin disorder and can affect everybody, irrespective of their age. By nature, it can affect any part of our body with the exception of eyeballs and mucus membrane. Apparently it looks like an open wound at the initial stage, however the wound swells later on and spread over the surrounding area.
Diagnosis is essential to make sure whether it is ringworm or some other skin disease. For this, one has to undergo certain medical tests. After proper diagnosis, one can follow some preventive measures to stop the infection. Here are some cures for ringworm that may prove helpful.
Washing of affected area: Washing the affected area on a regular basis and keeping it dry afterwards can help one to cure ringworm to some extent.
Medication: Proper medication helps one to cure ringworm. Antifungal creams and powders are used according to the symptoms of the patches. In case of serious ringworm infections, physicians may prescribe antifungal drugs. Some ringworm infections caused by bacteria can be treated by applying antibiotic ointment. However, these medications should be taken under the guidance of a medical practitioner.
Preventive measures against ringworm: It is best to prevent ringworm, before it infects a wider part of our body. Some safety measures can be followed that assist in killing fungal as well as bacterial infection. These include:
Take bath regularly.
Wear loose and clean clothes.
Maintain proper hygiene such as washing of hands.
Cleanliness should be maintained everywhere, such as at school, college, workplace, etc.
Avoid sharing clothes, towels and combs of the infected person.
Person affected by ringworm should take utmost care not to infect others and should refrain from socializing until he is fully cured.
Stay away from pets infected with ringworm.
Herbal cure: After proper diagnosis, some herbal remedies can be used to cure ringworm. The extract of walnut leaf is used to cure oozing and itching of ringworm. In addition, there are herbs such as Pau d'arco, a South American herb, containing large amount of quinine compounds, and Tea-tree oil, a natural antibacterial herb can be used as antifungal medications.
These preventive measures and medications can prove an effective treatment for ringworm. Ringworm is a highly contagious fungus. If any of the family members suffer from this uncomfortable itching disorder, the risk of ringworm infection to others increases. It is always advisable to seek the advise of a dermatologist before starting on any kind of treatment.
What is Pseudomonas Aeruginosa?
What is Pseudomonas Aeruginosa?
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic bacteria that lives in soil, water, and even in environments like hot tubs. For most healthy people, this bacteria seldom poses a problem. Occasionally people will develop conditions like hot tub rash, and swimmer’s ear, which may be due to contact with these germs. These conditions can sometimes resolve without treatment, or with minimal treatment, like antibiotic drops for swimmer’s ear.
Unfortunately, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is much more dangerous to certain populations, including those who have weak immune systems, the elderly, and those who have been hospitalized for long periods of time. People with cystic fibrosis and with full-blown AIDs frequently die from infections created by the bacteria. Those who have undergone chemotherapy, have had transplants, or have any of a variety of immunosuppressed conditions are far more at risk for developing bacterial infections due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and because this bacteria is relatively resistant to most antibacterial medications, infection can be deadly, particularly when it becomes infection of the lungs or bloodstream.
Doctors and medical researchers often refer to Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a blue-green pus bacteria, and/or a gram-negative bacteria. The first reference is to the pus, which can show blue to green colors, and the second refers to the Gram method for staining bacteria to determine what type it is. When samples of gram-negative bacteria, particularly those that are considered aerobic, are stained, they resist color and typically show up in slides under the microscope as a pink color. Aerobic bacteria refers to bacteria that needs oxygen to survive, which Pseudomonas aeruginosa has in ample amounts, particularly in hospital settings.
As mentioned, though Pseudomonas aeruginosa tends to live all around us, it is most dangerous to those who are in weakened physical states or have immunodeficiencies. Despite hospital cleaning and safety the bacteria may aggressively survive in basic hospital equipment, like masks used to give oxygen, breathing apparatus, or catheters for urine. Typically most common infections induced by the bacteria are of the bladder, lungs or bloodstream. Inability to produce normal immune reactions to the presence of the bacteria can mean this germ can easily result in extremely grave health conditions.
Treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is usually through intravenous multiple antibiotic combinations, and it unfortunately does not always work. However, there is hope in this field, which may ultimately put an end to the suffering this bacteria may cause. Preliminary studies on a Pseudomonas aeruginosa vaccine are underway, and although these studies have not yet concluded that a currently developed vaccine is completely effective, early results do show that the vaccine can potentially reduce number of infections, as of mid-2007. These early results do not show complete protection from infection, but they are promising as to a reduction, when compared with a placebo group. Such a vaccine could indeed be a boon to the medical community and all those who are at particular risk for life-threatening infections from this bacteria.
Heart Attacks And Drinking Warm Water
Heart Attacks And Drinking Warm Water
This is a very good article. Not only about the warm water after your meal, but about Heart Attacks .
The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals, not cold water,
maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating.
For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine.. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer . It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.
C ommon Symptoms Of Heart Attack...
A serious note about heart attacks - You should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting .. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line
You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack. Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms. 60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survive.
A cardiologist says if everyone who reads this message sends it to 10 people, you can be sure that we'll save at least one life. Read this & Send to a friend. It could save a life. So, please be a true friend and send this article to all your friends you care about.
You're welcomed to sign up for receiving update news from http://shirechintravelstation.webs.com if you are not in SCTS group mailing list.
Vicks VapoRub SIDE EFFECT
Vicks VapoRub, the menthol salve used to soothe generations of congested kids, may actually make some little ones worse, a new study suggests.
The strong-smelling ointment often dabbed under noses or rubbed on the soles of feet can be an irritant, increasing the production of mucus and decreasing how fast it’s cleared, potentially causing dangerous breathing problems in infants and very young children.
“In a small child who may be hypersensitive, this can make the airways even smaller,” said Dr. Bruce K. Rubin, vice chairman of the department of pediatrics at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C. “It can narrow them severely.”
VapoRub only fools the brain into thinking airways are open, Rubin said, by using active ingredients such as menthol, camphor and eucalyptus oil that trigger cold sensors. In reality, congestion remains.
“I would recommend never putting the Vicks in, or under, the nose of anybody — adult or child,” said Rubin, whose work is published in the latest issue of the journal Chest. “I also would follow the directions and never use it at all in children under age 2.”
But the makers of the 103-year-old unguent that gained fame during the 1918 flu epidemic said the researchers are unfairly targeting the popular product.
“We’re not sure that the data that Dr. Rubin has presented is very conclusive,” said David Bernens, a spokesman for Procter & Gamble, which has sold 1 billion units of Vicks VapoRub worldwide in the past five years. “We would hate to see everyone put into undue alarm based on very little data.”
Bernens noted that VapoRub labels warn parents not to use the ointment in children younger than 2, and not to put it in the mouth, eyes or nostrils.
Pediatricians acknowledged that Rubin’s research — conducted in ferrets — does not translate directly to humans. But they also said they agreed with the conclusion to avoid using VapoRub in babies and small children.
“Nobody claims that this medication does any good,” said Dr. Michael S. Schechter, an associate professor of pediatrics at Emory University and director of the school’s Cystic Fibrosis Center. “When you’re talking about an agent that does no good, your tolerance for harm is very low.”
Sick toddler triggers study
The Wake Forest study was triggered by the case of an 18-month-old girl who showed up in an emergency room in respiratory distress after her grandparents rubbed Vicks VapoRub beneath her nostrils, Rubin said. The child later recovered fully. Since then, other ER doctors have reported a few similar cases, though Rubin stressed reactions are rare.
Using lab specimens from ferrets, whose respiratory systems are similar to infants and young kids, the Wake Forest researchers found that Vicks VapoRub increased mucus secretion by about 60 percent. It also decreased the function of cilia, the tiny, hairlike structures that help clear the passages, by 36 percent, the study showed.
In live animals, however, the results weren't as striking. Vicks VapoRub increased mucus secretion by 14 percent in healthy ferrets and by 8 percent in animals where inflammation had been induced, results that were not statistically significant. The ointment also increased how fast the mucus moved by about 34 percent in inflamed airways vs. healthy airways.
A leading pediatric researcher on the effects of cough and cold medicine said the link between the effects in lab animals and children is tenuous.
“This article is at best incomplete and at worse irresponsible,” said Dr. Ian M. Paul, an assistant professor of pediatrics and public health sciences at the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine. “To relate that to an 18-month-old child and to cause all this fuss seems like a huge leap.”
Paul acknowledged that he is conducting a clinical trial focusing on the effects of Vicks VapoRub on cough and congestion, research that is sponsored by Procter & Gamble. But he said he has a reputation for criticizing makers of cold and cough medicines and wouldn’t hesitate to do so now.
“I think you can’t draw any definitive conclusions based on this study,” he said.
Moms say they won't change
Mothers accustomed to using VapoRub to soothe kids’ colds seemed to agree.
Jessica Rosenberg, 32, of Santa Clara, Calif., said she rubs Vicks onto the soles of her kids’ feet to quiet nighttime coughs. The new study is interesting, she said, but not enough to make her stop.
“I’m a rebel mom,” said Rosenberg, the mother of Lucie, 17 months, and Clara, 3.
Sara Barton, 36, of Columbus, Ohio, said her 3-year-old, Gracie, is comforted by the salve.
“Every time my daughter gets sick, she says, ‘Mommy, where’s the Vicks?’”
Barton said the new research gives her pause, but it probably won’t change her practice.
“Yeah, it makes me hesitant,” Barton said. “But at the same time, this is a product I’ve used, it’s a product my mother used. It works.”
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28628924/
Health Tips for Kids
Health Tips for Kids
Parents today, need to think about keeping their kids healthy the natural way to combat various health problems. Here are some health tips for kids, which parents need to use to keep the child in good health.
Healthy habits are always instilled in a child during the childhood days. Teaching children the importance of a healthy diet is one of the first things parents always strive to explain to their children. A healthy habit when infused in a child from the early years, only helps in the overall child development and turns him/her into a responsible individual. Children need to be taught about the importance of healthy habits in a gentle manner. With time and care from your side, children are bound to understand the importance of healthy habits. Here is a basic compilation of tips related to kids' health. With these health tips, kids can learn to look after themselves during their growing years.
Health tips for kids
Teach your child the importance of a healthy routine. The day should always begin with a healthy breakfast. Help the child to understand why breakfast times are important for the day. You can make a chart of different recipes for breakfast and tell him/her gently about the importance of many vital ingredients for one’s body.
Fruits and green vegetables are so important for a healthy diet. Your child should know why fruits score over packaged foods. You need to include fresh fruits during breakfast times or slip one in the lunchbox. Make it interesting by having fresh fruit juices or even fruit salads to break the monotony.
Children are not aware about many things that are very important for their growth. As parents, you must ensure your child has plenty of water and fluids during the day. Fluids should include fresh juices. Make sure your child carries a bottle of fresh juices to school.
Kids should know the importance of exercise at an early age itself. Teach kids few basic exercises that can be done at home. An exercise routine that incorporates walking or swimming can help children to manage these activities on a daily basis. As they grow up, these routines will naturally form a part of their life.
Kids should also be aware of hygiene-related issues. Youngsters should learn things such as the need to wash hands before and after meals. For young kids, you can simply use a singsong routine to get them into the process. Children will then surely make this a part of their routine once they understand the importance of personal hygiene.
Dental care should begin at an early age. Brushing teeth twice daily is needed to keep teeth looking healthy and clean. You can promise to read a bedtime story for a kid that does not really enjoy a brushing routine. Make it seem enjoyable rather than making the child feel punished.
As your child grows older, you can help your kid maintain a chart on foods to be avoided on a regular basis. It’s important the child knows that indulgence in foods high in sugar is fine once in a while. It should not be done on an everyday basis. Avoid being too stern if your kid wants to enjoy foods such as French fries and ice cream. Simply teach your child how to be smart and consume such foods only occasionally.
Your child may require a daily dose of vitamins if the diet does not include the required amount. Make sure you check with your doctor about the vitamin intake to give the right amount of doses. There are many vitamin tablets packed in attractive containers. Generally, kids believe they eat candy instead of medicines due to the innovatively packed products that are available these days. There can also be alternative ways to include food items in the diet, which are a rich source of vitamins. Your doctor would be the best judge to decide upon the diet plan.
Parents also need to make sure their children get the appropriate amount of sleep. The child needs a healthy balance of activities and play. Sometimes, children take a long time to fall asleep. You can read a bedtime story or simply speak to the child softly. This will help the child to fall asleep naturally. This health tip will help children to stay in good health and remain active during the day.
Children need plenty of love and care right from their early years. Along with loads of love, these health tips will help to keep your kid fit and smiling throughout the day!
EFFECTS OF VODKA
EFFECTS OF VODKA
1. To remove a bandage painlessly, saturate the bandage with vodka. The stuff dissolves adhesive.
2. To clean the caulking around bathtubs and showers, fill a trigger-spray bottle with vodka, spray the caulking, let set five minutes and wash clean. The alcohol in the vodka kills mould and mildew.
3. To clean your eyeglasses,simply wipe the lenses with a soft, clean cloth dampened with vodka. The alcohol in the vodka cleans the glass and kills germs.
4. Prolong the life of razors by filling a cup with vodka and letting your safety razor blade soak in the alcohol after shaving. The vodka disinfects the blade and prevents rusting.
5. Spray vodka on wine stains, scrub with a brush, and then blot dry.
6. Using a cotton ball, apply vodka to your face as an astringent to cleanse the skin and tighten pores.
7. Add a jigger of vodka to a 12-ounce bottle of shampoo. The alcohol cleanses the scalp, removes toxins from hair, and stimulates the growth of healthy hair.
8. Fill a sixteen-ounce trigger-spray bottle with vodka and spray bees or wasps to kill them.
9 Pour one-half cup vodka and one-half cup water into a Ziploc freezer bag and freeze for a slushy, refreshing ice pack for aches, pain or black eyes.
10. Fill a clean, used mayonnaise jar with freshly packed lavender flowers, fill the jar with vodka, seal the lid tightly and set in the sun for three days. Strain liquid through a coffee filter, then apply the tincture to aches and pains.
11. To relieve a fever, use a washcloth to rub vodka on your chest and back as a liniment.
12. To cure foot odour, wash your feet with vodka.
13 Vodka will disinfect and alleviate a jellyfish sting.
14. Pour vodka over an area affected with poison ivy to remove the urushiol oil from your skin.
15. Swish a shot of vodka over an aching tooth. Allow your gums to absorb some of the alcohol to numb the pain.
Alcoholic Liver Disease
Alcoholic Liver Disease
What is it?
Alcoholic liver disease is an inflammation of the liver cells from exposure to alcohol.
Who gets it?
Anyone who consumes alcohol is at risk to develop the disease, even moderate drinkers or social drinkers. Episodes of Alcoholic Hepatitis can place individuals at increased risk of developing cirrhosis. Women are at increased risk to develop liver damage.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of Alcoholic Liver Disease include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever jaundice, and loss of appetite. Alcoholic hepatitis may lead to cirrhosis of the liver with the continued ingestion of alcohol.
Diagnosis
Blood tests may aid in the diagnosis. Liver biopsy is helpful in establishing between alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis. The disease may come and go depending on the amount and frequency of consumption.
Treatment
The most effective treatment is to stop alcohol consumption before cirrhosis develops. Alcoholic hepatitis may be treated with Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, good nutrition and rest is also important. Avoidance of potentially liver toxic medications and chemicals is also important. The prognosis is hopeful for individuals with Alcoholic Hepatitis. Prevention of Alcoholic Cirrhosis is crucial to long term survival. Liver Transplantation may be necessary for progressive disease that leads to cirrhosis.
Alcoholic liver disease is an inflammation of the liver cells from exposure to alcohol.
Who gets it?
Anyone who consumes alcohol is at risk to develop the disease, even moderate drinkers or social drinkers. Episodes of Alcoholic Hepatitis can place individuals at increased risk of developing cirrhosis. Women are at increased risk to develop liver damage.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of Alcoholic Liver Disease include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever jaundice, and loss of appetite. Alcoholic hepatitis may lead to cirrhosis of the liver with the continued ingestion of alcohol.
Diagnosis
Blood tests may aid in the diagnosis. Liver biopsy is helpful in establishing between alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis. The disease may come and go depending on the amount and frequency of consumption.
Treatment
The most effective treatment is to stop alcohol consumption before cirrhosis develops. Alcoholic hepatitis may be treated with Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, good nutrition and rest is also important. Avoidance of potentially liver toxic medications and chemicals is also important. The prognosis is hopeful for individuals with Alcoholic Hepatitis. Prevention of Alcoholic Cirrhosis is crucial to long term survival. Liver Transplantation may be necessary for progressive disease that leads to cirrhosis.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
Functions of the liver:
The liver regulates most chemical levels in the blood and excretes a product called bile, which helps carry away waste products from the liver. All the blood leaving the stomach and intestines passes through the liver. The liver processes this blood and breaks down the nutrients and drugs into forms that are easier to use for the rest of the body. More than 500 vital functions have been identified with the liver. Some of the more well-known functions include the following:
* production of bile, which helps carry away waste and break down fats in the small intestine during digestion
* production of certain proteins for blood plasma
* production of cholesterol and special proteins to help carry fats through the body
* conversion of excess glucose into glycogen for storage (glycogen can later be converted back to glucose for energy)
* regulation of blood levels of amino acids, which form the building blocks of proteins
* processing of hemoglobin for use of its iron content (the liver stores iron)
* conversion of poisonous ammonia to urea (urea is an end product of protein metabolism and is excreted in the urine)
* clearing the blood of drugs and other poisonous substances (toxins)
* regulating blood clotting
* resisting infections by producing immune factors and removing bacteria from the bloodstream
When the liver has broken down harmful substances, its by-products are excreted into the bile or blood. Bile by-products enter the intestine and ultimately leave the body in the form of feces. Blood by-products are filtered out by the kidneys, and leave the body in the form of urine.
in case of severe ALD all the following functions gets hampered, hence sometimes in acute conditions the treatment gets complicated.
The liver regulates most chemical levels in the blood and excretes a product called bile, which helps carry away waste products from the liver. All the blood leaving the stomach and intestines passes through the liver. The liver processes this blood and breaks down the nutrients and drugs into forms that are easier to use for the rest of the body. More than 500 vital functions have been identified with the liver. Some of the more well-known functions include the following:
* production of bile, which helps carry away waste and break down fats in the small intestine during digestion
* production of certain proteins for blood plasma
* production of cholesterol and special proteins to help carry fats through the body
* conversion of excess glucose into glycogen for storage (glycogen can later be converted back to glucose for energy)
* regulation of blood levels of amino acids, which form the building blocks of proteins
* processing of hemoglobin for use of its iron content (the liver stores iron)
* conversion of poisonous ammonia to urea (urea is an end product of protein metabolism and is excreted in the urine)
* clearing the blood of drugs and other poisonous substances (toxins)
* regulating blood clotting
* resisting infections by producing immune factors and removing bacteria from the bloodstream
When the liver has broken down harmful substances, its by-products are excreted into the bile or blood. Bile by-products enter the intestine and ultimately leave the body in the form of feces. Blood by-products are filtered out by the kidneys, and leave the body in the form of urine.
in case of severe ALD all the following functions gets hampered, hence sometimes in acute conditions the treatment gets complicated.
Functions of the liver:
The liver regulates most chemical levels in the blood and excretes a product called bile, which helps carry away waste products from the liver. All the blood leaving the stomach and intestines passes through the liver. The liver processes this blood and breaks down the nutrients and drugs into forms that are easier to use for the rest of the body. More than 500 vital functions have been identified with the liver. Some of the more well-known functions include the following:
* production of bile, which helps carry away waste and break down fats in the small intestine during digestion
* production of certain proteins for blood plasma
* production of cholesterol and special proteins to help carry fats through the body
* conversion of excess glucose into glycogen for storage (glycogen can later be converted back to glucose for energy)
* regulation of blood levels of amino acids, which form the building blocks of proteins
* processing of hemoglobin for use of its iron content (the liver stores iron)
* conversion of poisonous ammonia to urea (urea is an end product of protein metabolism and is excreted in the urine)
* clearing the blood of drugs and other poisonous substances (toxins)
* regulating blood clotting
* resisting infections by producing immune factors and removing bacteria from the bloodstream
When the liver has broken down harmful substances, its by-products are excreted into the bile or blood. Bile by-products enter the intestine and ultimately leave the body in the form of feces. Blood by-products are filtered out by the kidneys, and leave the body in the form of urine.
in case of severe ALD all the following functions gets hampered, hence sometimes in acute conditions the treatment gets complicated
The liver regulates most chemical levels in the blood and excretes a product called bile, which helps carry away waste products from the liver. All the blood leaving the stomach and intestines passes through the liver. The liver processes this blood and breaks down the nutrients and drugs into forms that are easier to use for the rest of the body. More than 500 vital functions have been identified with the liver. Some of the more well-known functions include the following:
* production of bile, which helps carry away waste and break down fats in the small intestine during digestion
* production of certain proteins for blood plasma
* production of cholesterol and special proteins to help carry fats through the body
* conversion of excess glucose into glycogen for storage (glycogen can later be converted back to glucose for energy)
* regulation of blood levels of amino acids, which form the building blocks of proteins
* processing of hemoglobin for use of its iron content (the liver stores iron)
* conversion of poisonous ammonia to urea (urea is an end product of protein metabolism and is excreted in the urine)
* clearing the blood of drugs and other poisonous substances (toxins)
* regulating blood clotting
* resisting infections by producing immune factors and removing bacteria from the bloodstream
When the liver has broken down harmful substances, its by-products are excreted into the bile or blood. Bile by-products enter the intestine and ultimately leave the body in the form of feces. Blood by-products are filtered out by the kidneys, and leave the body in the form of urine.
in case of severe ALD all the following functions gets hampered, hence sometimes in acute conditions the treatment gets complicated
Alzheimer’s Disease&
Alzheimer’s Disease
What is it?
Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of a condition called dementia. Dementia is a general decline in mental ability, such as memory, language skills, judgment, and concentration. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, which means symptoms occur gradually and become worse over time. It is named for the German doctor who first described it, Alois Alzheimer.
Who gets it?
Alzheimer’s disease affects most commonly affects those over the age of 65, although it has been diagnosed in people in their 40s and 50s.
What causes it?
The degeneration of parts of the brain, which destroys brain cells, causes the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. However, at this time researchers are not sure what causes this degeneration. Those with a family history of Alzheimer’s are more likely to develop the disease as they age, so there is a gene abnormality that causes the disease in some people. Researchers are looking for links between Alzheimer’s disease and the environment, lifestyle, nutrition, and viruses.
What are the symptoms?
Alzheimer’s usually progresses in three stages, with each lasting anywhere from one to several years. The first symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is usually mild forgetfulness. Someone in the early stages may find him or herself unable to find the right word, recall where something was placed, or recall someone’s name. It may be difficult to concentrate. At this point, symptoms are so general that they do not signal a serious problem or have a great impact on day-to-day functioning. As the disease progresses to the second stage, the forgetfulness becomes worse, making it difficult to function at work, remember directions, or to even make it through the day without difficulty. The person may be restless and unable to sleep at night. His or her personality may change considerably, with increasing anxiety and decreasing emotions. By the late stages of Alzheimer’s, patients suffer from extreme confusion and memory loss. They are unable to recall the names of close friends and family or recent events, and cannot function socially or perform basic daily personal care. Late-stage Alzheimer’s patients may have hallucinations and delusions.
How is it diagnosed?
Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed by taking a complete medical history and performing a thorough physical examination. Alzheimer’s is generally suspected when there is a gradual deterioration in mental ability. The doctor will perform tests, such as blood tests and brain scans, to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. The doctor will also ask the patient a series of questions to test his or her mental status. One type of test of mental status is called neuropsychological testing, which is a standardized test of memory, concentration, and visual-spatial skills. Because a definite diagnosis can only be made by performing an autopsy after death, patients are diagnosed with “probable” Alzheimer’s. An autopsy of brain tissue, however, will show areas of abnormal tissue, called plaques, made up of abnormal proteins; a loss of nerve cells; and areas of tangles in the nerve cells that remain in patient’s with Alzheimer’s disease.
What is the treatment?
At this time, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Treatment focuses on maintaining the best possible quality of life for the patient by providing a supportive environment. Memory aids, such as calendars and other daily reminders of time and place, can help the patient feel more secure and reduce confusion. There are some medications that, when used in the early stages of this disease, can slow memory loss in some patients for a limited amount of time. However, these drugs are used with caution because of potential side effects. Other drugs may be prescribed to treat anxiety, sleeplessness, depression, and hallucinations, as necessary. In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, it is important to help the patient maintain as much independence as possible. As the disease progresses, it may be necessary to seek the help of a home healthcare aid, an adult daycare, or nursing home. While there is currently no treatment to prevent or stop the progression of Alzheimer’s, researchers are continuing to study this disease and test new drugs. There is a possibility that certain types of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s.
Self-care tips
A diagnosis of probable Alzheimer’s is devastating for someone who has been accustomed to living an independent life. It is important to provide the patient with emotional and physical support as he or she adjusts to living with this disease. Keeping the daily routine consistent and as stress free as possible is helpful. Because depression is so common in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, you should be aware of the signs of depression and seek help for the patient as soon as possible. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be demanding and discouraging, especially when the loved one does not remember who you are. Your doctor or local social services agency can direct you to support services to help make this time a little easier. Also seek legal advice so it is clear who has the power to make medical and financial decisions once your loved one is no longer able to do this for him or herself. If you have a family history of Alzheimer’s disease, see your doctor for regular checkups. An early diagnosis is important, especially as the medical community learns more about this disease and its treatment. While there is no way to prevent this disease, you can lower your risk and protect yourself from many illnesses by following a healthy diet that is high in fiber and antioxidants and low in saturated fat, and participating in regular physical exercise. Performing activities that stimulate your brain on a regular basis, such as crossword puzzles, word searches, or memory games, may also help maintain mental ability longer.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
Alcoholism & Alcohol Abuse
Alcoholism & Alcohol Abuse
Also Known As: Alcohol Dependence
What is it?
Alcoholism is a disorder that is characterized by an excessive dependence upon and craving for alcoholic beverages. This dependence affects every aspect of the alcoholic’s life - socially, personally, and professionally – and can lead to physical and psychological harm to the alcoholic and often to those around him or her. Many people consider alcoholism and alcohol abuse to be the same. However, a person who abuses alcohol does not crave alcohol or become dependent on it. The alcohol abuser has a pattern of excessive drinking that results in poor judgment and recurring social, legal, or professional consequences of the abuse. Prolonged alcohol abuse often leads to alcoholism.
Who gets it?
Anyone who drinks alcohol can fall into the trap of alcoholism. However, people who have a family history of alcohol abuse disorders are more likely to also have this disorder. Men are more likely to become alcoholics than women. Adolescents are at higher risk for alcohol abuse because of the tendency to binge drink.
What causes it?
Many factors can contribute to alcoholism and alcohol abuse. These can include depression, a disruptive home life, peer pressure, and job problems. Those with a family history of alcoholism may have a genetically inherited lower sensitivity to alcohol, which means they can drink more without feeling the effects. It is difficult to separate the effects of environment and heredity as a cause of alcoholism.
What are the symptoms?
Alcoholics have an uncontrollable craving for alcohol. While they may recognize that their use of alcohol is self-destructive and hurts others, they are unable to resist the compulsion to drink and are unable to control the amount of alcohol they drink at one time. With time, alcoholics need to drink more and more to feel good because they develop a tolerance for alcohol. An alcoholic who suddenly stops drinking will develop withdrawal symptoms, similar to a drug addict. These might include weakness, tremors, sweating, and nausea. More serious withdrawal symptoms include seizures, hallucinations, and delirium tremens (DTs). The DTs is a severe onset of anxiousness, confusion, and delirium, accompanied by high fever, that can be fatal if untreated. Untreated alcoholism can damage just about every organ in the body. Complications of alcoholism can include liver damage (cirrhosis), brain damage, heart failure, persistent tremor, depression, malnutrition, stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, decreased sex drive, bleeding in the esophagus, and certain cancers, particularly of the throat, liver, pancreas, and esophagus. Many alcoholics have a thiamine deficiency, which can cause Korsakoff’s and Wernicke’s syndromes.
With Korsakoff’s, the patient cannot remember recent events. Wernicke’s is characterized by a loss of coordination and abnormal eye movements. Abusing alcohol can also result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, memory loss, slurred speech, and difficulty with coordination. Pregnant women who drink are more likely to have children with birth defects (fetal alcohol syndrome), and drunken drivers are more likely to cause accidents that may result in death. Alcoholics are also more likely to commit suicide, or physically harm another person. People who abuse alcohol, but are not alcoholics, drink to the point where their good judgment is impaired. These people usually have a pattern of letting drinking interfere with personal or professional responsibilities, binge drinking, or drinking and driving. These patterns are also true of alcoholics.
How is it diagnosed?
Doctors define moderate alcohol use as up to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women and the elderly. To diagnose alcoholism or alcohol abuse, your doctor will ask you about your drinking habits. How often do you drink? How many drinks do you have per day or week? How do you feel if you don’t drink? Do you drink in the morning to relieve a hangover? The doctor will want to know why and when you are more likely to drink, if you have felt guilty about your drinking, if you ever experience withdrawal symptoms as a result of not drinking alcohol, if you find yourself choosing to drink over other activities, and if your drinking has had an effect on your job performance and personal relationships, or has resulted in legal problems. The doctor will take your medical history and perform a physical examination. He or she may order blood tests.
What is the treatment?
Someone who is an alcoholic or abuses alcohol regularly must stop drinking all together. There is no cure for alcoholism that allows the patient to drink socially without relapses into old habits. Successful treatment requires behavioral therapy and a strong support system. Because of this, treatment programs must have family participation, if possible. During treatment, your doctor will monitor your progress. Treatment begins with detoxification, which is a medically supervised program to rid the body of the toxic effects of the alcohol. Detoxification results in mild to severe withdrawals symptoms. Patients suffering severe withdrawal symptoms may be treated in a hospital setting with sedative medications to help relieve symptoms and intravenous (IV) fluids to replace those lost through nausea and vomiting. These fluids often include essential nutrients, such as thiamine, that are typically low in alcoholics. Detoxification is followed by rehabilitation, which helps restore the patient’s physical and mental health. Most alcoholics benefit from a program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, that provides peer support and step-by-step guidance for abstaining from alcohol. Some patients take a prescription drug, such as disulfiram, which causes extremely unpleasant side effects if combined with alcohol, or naltrexone, which helps curb alcohol craving. People who are not alcoholics, but abuse alcohol, are also treated with behavioral therapy to help them examine the reasons they drink, face the consequences of their drinking, and find ways to avoid those situations.
Self-care tips
People who are diagnosed alcoholics or alcohol abusers face a life-long recovery process. While it is not uncommon to experience a relapse, it is important to seek the support you need to continue to be alcohol-free. Because teenagers are in the highest risk group for alcohol abuse, it is extremely important for parents to educate their children about the dangers of alcohol consumption and provide a model of healthy behavior in terms of alcohol use.
What is it?
Alcoholism is a disorder that is characterized by an excessive dependence upon and craving for alcoholic beverages. This dependence affects every aspect of the alcoholic’s life - socially, personally, and professionally – and can lead to physical and psychological harm to the alcoholic and often to those around him or her. Many people consider alcoholism and alcohol abuse to be the same. However, a person who abuses alcohol does not crave alcohol or become dependent on it. The alcohol abuser has a pattern of excessive drinking that results in poor judgment and recurring social, legal, or professional consequences of the abuse. Prolonged alcohol abuse often leads to alcoholism.
Who gets it?
Anyone who drinks alcohol can fall into the trap of alcoholism. However, people who have a family history of alcohol abuse disorders are more likely to also have this disorder. Men are more likely to become alcoholics than women. Adolescents are at higher risk for alcohol abuse because of the tendency to binge drink.
What causes it?
Many factors can contribute to alcoholism and alcohol abuse. These can include depression, a disruptive home life, peer pressure, and job problems. Those with a family history of alcoholism may have a genetically inherited lower sensitivity to alcohol, which means they can drink more without feeling the effects. It is difficult to separate the effects of environment and heredity as a cause of alcoholism.
What are the symptoms?
Alcoholics have an uncontrollable craving for alcohol. While they may recognize that their use of alcohol is self-destructive and hurts others, they are unable to resist the compulsion to drink and are unable to control the amount of alcohol they drink at one time. With time, alcoholics need to drink more and more to feel good because they develop a tolerance for alcohol. An alcoholic who suddenly stops drinking will develop withdrawal symptoms, similar to a drug addict. These might include weakness, tremors, sweating, and nausea. More serious withdrawal symptoms include seizures, hallucinations, and delirium tremens (DTs). The DTs is a severe onset of anxiousness, confusion, and delirium, accompanied by high fever, that can be fatal if untreated. Untreated alcoholism can damage just about every organ in the body. Complications of alcoholism can include liver damage (cirrhosis), brain damage, heart failure, persistent tremor, depression, malnutrition, stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, decreased sex drive, bleeding in the esophagus, and certain cancers, particularly of the throat, liver, pancreas, and esophagus. Many alcoholics have a thiamine deficiency, which can cause Korsakoff’s and Wernicke’s syndromes.
With Korsakoff’s, the patient cannot remember recent events. Wernicke’s is characterized by a loss of coordination and abnormal eye movements. Abusing alcohol can also result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, memory loss, slurred speech, and difficulty with coordination. Pregnant women who drink are more likely to have children with birth defects (fetal alcohol syndrome), and drunken drivers are more likely to cause accidents that may result in death. Alcoholics are also more likely to commit suicide, or physically harm another person. People who abuse alcohol, but are not alcoholics, drink to the point where their good judgment is impaired. These people usually have a pattern of letting drinking interfere with personal or professional responsibilities, binge drinking, or drinking and driving. These patterns are also true of alcoholics.
How is it diagnosed?
Doctors define moderate alcohol use as up to two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women and the elderly. To diagnose alcoholism or alcohol abuse, your doctor will ask you about your drinking habits. How often do you drink? How many drinks do you have per day or week? How do you feel if you don’t drink? Do you drink in the morning to relieve a hangover? The doctor will want to know why and when you are more likely to drink, if you have felt guilty about your drinking, if you ever experience withdrawal symptoms as a result of not drinking alcohol, if you find yourself choosing to drink over other activities, and if your drinking has had an effect on your job performance and personal relationships, or has resulted in legal problems. The doctor will take your medical history and perform a physical examination. He or she may order blood tests.
What is the treatment?
Someone who is an alcoholic or abuses alcohol regularly must stop drinking all together. There is no cure for alcoholism that allows the patient to drink socially without relapses into old habits. Successful treatment requires behavioral therapy and a strong support system. Because of this, treatment programs must have family participation, if possible. During treatment, your doctor will monitor your progress. Treatment begins with detoxification, which is a medically supervised program to rid the body of the toxic effects of the alcohol. Detoxification results in mild to severe withdrawals symptoms. Patients suffering severe withdrawal symptoms may be treated in a hospital setting with sedative medications to help relieve symptoms and intravenous (IV) fluids to replace those lost through nausea and vomiting. These fluids often include essential nutrients, such as thiamine, that are typically low in alcoholics. Detoxification is followed by rehabilitation, which helps restore the patient’s physical and mental health. Most alcoholics benefit from a program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, that provides peer support and step-by-step guidance for abstaining from alcohol. Some patients take a prescription drug, such as disulfiram, which causes extremely unpleasant side effects if combined with alcohol, or naltrexone, which helps curb alcohol craving. People who are not alcoholics, but abuse alcohol, are also treated with behavioral therapy to help them examine the reasons they drink, face the consequences of their drinking, and find ways to avoid those situations.
Self-care tips
People who are diagnosed alcoholics or alcohol abusers face a life-long recovery process. While it is not uncommon to experience a relapse, it is important to seek the support you need to continue to be alcohol-free. Because teenagers are in the highest risk group for alcohol abuse, it is extremely important for parents to educate their children about the dangers of alcohol consumption and provide a model of healthy behavior in terms of alcohol use.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
SMOKING ~ KILL !!!!!!!!!!
Smoking is one of the worst things kids or adults can do to their bodies. Yet every single day nearly 4,400 kids between the ages 12 and 17 start smoking. Why? There's more than just one simple answer. Some kids may start smoking just because they're curious. Others may like the idea of doing something dangerous - something grown-ups don't want them to do. Still others might have grown up around lots of people who smoke and they might think it's the way to act like an adult. You've probably heard that smoking and tobacco use can cause cancer and heart disease. That's true, but sometimes kids can't really think that far into the future to worry about an illness they might not get for 20 years. So let's talk about the problems that might affect kids more quickly: bad breath yellow teeth smelly clothes more colds and coughs difficulty keeping up with friends when playing sports empty wallet - cigarettes and tobacco products are very expensive! Let's find out more about cigarettes and tobacco. What Are Smoking and Smokeless Tobacco? Tobacco (say: tuh-ba-ko) is a plant that can be smoked in cigarettes, pipes, or cigars. It's the same plant that's in smokeless tobacco, known as dip, chew, snuff, spit, or chewing tobacco. Smokeless tobacco is not lit and breathed in like tobacco in cigarettes, pipes, and cigars. Instead, smokeless tobacco is put between the lip and gum and sucked on inside the mouth. Tobacco contains nicotine (say: nih-kuh-teen), a chemical that causes a tingly or good feeling - but that feeling only lasts for a little while. Nicotine is also addictive (say: uh-dik-tiv). That means that if you start to use nicotine, your body and mind will become so used to it that you'll need to have it just to feel OK. Anyone who starts smoking could become addicted to it. If you're addicted to something, it's very hard to stop doing it, even if you want to. That's why so many adults have a hard time quitting smoking. Why Is It So Bad for You? Cigarettes and smokeless tobacco kill hundreds of thousands of Americans every year. You know those rubber bracelets that were created to bring attention to different causes? The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids created a red one with the number 1,200 on it. Why 1,200? That's the number of people who die each day due to smoking. The nicotine and other poisonous chemicals in tobacco cause lots of diseases, like heart problems and some kinds of cancer. If you smoke, you hurt your lungs and heart each time you light up. It also can make it more difficult for blood to move around in the body, so smokers may feel tired and cranky. The longer you smoke, the worse the damage becomes. The Other Cost of Smoking Using tobacco eats up a lot of money, too. A pack of cigarettes costs $4, on average. That means, even if you buy just one pack a week, you'll spend $208 in a year. Some people smoke a pack a day, which adds up to $1,460! That's a lot of CDs, computer games, and clothes. What's It Like? Usually, people don't like smoking or chewing tobacco at first. Your body is smart, and it knows when it's being poisoned. When people try smoking for the first time, they often cough a lot and feel pain or burning in their throat and lungs. This is your lungs' way of trying to protect you and tell you to keep them smoke free. Also, many people say that they feel sick to their stomachs or even throw up. If someone accidentally swallows chewing tobacco, they may be sick for hours. Yuck. What if My Friend Smokes? If you have a friend who smokes or uses tobacco, you can help him or her by encouraging the person to quit. Here are some reasons you can mention: It will hurt his or her health. It will make his or her breath stinky. It will turn his or her teeth yellow. It will give him or her less endurance when running or playing sports. It's expensive. It's illegal to buy cigarettes when you're underage. If you think it will help, you could print out articles like this one for your friend. He or she may be interested in learning more about the dangers of smoking. But the person also could be a little angry. No one likes to hear that they're doing something wrong. If your friend gets upset, don't push it too much. In time, he or she may realize you are right. In the meantime, it could help to talk with a parent or a school counselor to say you're worried about your friend. When your friend is ready, a grown-up can help him or her quit for good. If your friend decides to quit, support him or her Smoking, inhalation and exhalation of the fumes of burning tobacco. Leaves of the tobacco plant are smoked in various ways. After a drying and curing process, they may be rolled into cigars or shredded for insertion into smoking pipes. Cigarettes, the most popular method of smoking, consist of finely shredded tobacco rolled in lightweight paper. About 46 million people in the United States smoke an estimated 420 billion cigarettes each year. Until the 1940s smoking was considered harmless, but laboratory and clinical research has since confirmed that tobacco smoke presents a hazard to health. Smoke from the average cigarette contains around 4,000 chemicals, some of which are highly toxic and at least 43 of which cause cancer. Nicotine, a major constituent of tobacco smoke, is both poisonous and highly addictive. According to the American Cancer Society, smoking is the most preventable cause of death in America today. II History Printer-friendly version of section | Edit this section European explorers who arrived in the Western Hemisphere in the 1500s observed Native Americans smoking tobacco plant leaves in pipes. The colonists who followed them grew tobacco plants as a cash crop for export, and smoking became part of European culture by the 1600s. Most tobacco was consumed in pipes and cigars or as snuff (finely pulverized tobacco inhaled into the nostrils). This pattern changed by the early 20th century, by which time smokers consumed more than 1,000 cigarettes per capita each year in the United States and some European countries. The general attitude of society was that smoking relieved tension and produced no ill effects. During World War II (1939-1945) American physicians endorsed sending soldiers tobacco, and cigarettes were included in the field ration kits of U.S. armed forces personnel until 1975. Some scientists noticed, however, that lung cancer, which was rare before the 20th century, had increased dramatically since about 1930. The American Cancer Society and other organizations initiated studies comparing deaths among smokers and nonsmokers over a period of several years. All such studies found increased mortality among smokers, both from cancer and other causes. In addition, experimental studies in animals showed that many of the chemicals contained in cigarette smoke are carcinogenic. In 1962 the U.S. government appointed a panel of ten scientists to study the available evidence concerning the health effects of smoking. Their conclusions were included in the 1964 surgeon general’s report, which stated that “cigarette smoking is a health hazard of sufficient importance in the United States to warrant appropriate remedial action.†Smoking in adults, measured as an average number of cigarettes smoked per year, began to decline steadily after the 1964 report and has fallen more than 40 percent since 1965. III Health Effects of Smoking Printer-friendly version of section | Edit this section About 442,000 people in the United States die each year from illnesses caused by cigarette smoking. Smoking accounts for nearly 90 percent of lung cancer deaths. Additionally, smokers are at increased risk for cancer of the larynx, oral cavity, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas. One-third of smoking-related deaths are caused by coronary heart disease or chronic airway obstruction. Smoking also increases the risk of stroke by 50 percent—40 percent among men and 60 percent among women. Other research has shown that mothers who smoke give birth more frequently to premature or underweight babies, probably because of a decrease in blood flow to the placenta. Babies born to mothers who smoke during pregnancy are also at increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome. Cigar and pipe smoke contains the same toxic and carcinogenic compounds found in cigarette smoke. A report by the National Cancer Institute concluded that the mortality rates from cancer of the mouth, throat, larynx, pharynx, and esophagus are approximately equal in users of cigarettes, cigars, and pipes. Rates of coronary heart disease, lung cancer, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis are elevated for cigar and pipe smokers and are correlated to the amount of smoking and the degree of inhalation. Studies have found that cigarettes are addictive because an unknown component of tobacco smoke appears to destroy an important brain enzyme known as monoamine oxidase B (MAO B). The enzyme is vital for breaking down excess amounts of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that triggers pleasure-seeking behavior. Smokers have decreased levels of MAO B and abnormally high levels of dopamine, which may encourage the smoker to seek the pleasure of more tobacco smoke. Even nonsmokers are at risk from smoking. Recent research has focused on the effects of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS)—that is, the effect of tobacco smoke on nonsmokers who must share the same environment with a smoker. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that exposure to ETS, which contains all the toxic agents inhaled by a smoker, causes 3,000 lung cancer deaths and an estimated 35,000 deaths from heart disease per year among nonsmokers. Secondhand smoke can aggravate asthma, pneumonia, and bronchitis, and impair blood circulation. The smoking habit and addiction to nicotine usually begin at an early age. In the United States, more than 90 percent of adults who smoke started by age 21, and nearly half of them were regular smokers by the age of 18. Despite increasing warnings about the health hazards of smoking and widespread bans on smoking in public places, smoking remains common among teenagers and young adults. In 2001 surveys of students in grades 9 through 12 found that more than 38 percent of male students and nearly 30 percent of female students smoke. Although black teenagers have the lowest smoking rates of any racial group, cigarette smoking among black teens increased 80 percent in the late 1990s. Advertisements aimed at a young audience are largely blamed for this new generation of smokers. IV Quitting Smoking Printer-friendly version of section | Edit this section Studies of former smokers show that their risk of dying from smoking-related disease decreases with each year of abstinence. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), smokers who quit smoking before the age of 50 reduce their risk of life-threatening disease by half after just one year, compared with those who continue smoking. Other benefits of quitting smoking include more disposable income, admission to social activities and institutions that ban smoking, and often, lower health insurance premiums. Nonetheless, to quit smoking is difficult, most likely because smokers crave the effect of the nicotine in the smoke. The U.S. surgeon general declared nicotine an addictive drug comparable to other addictive substances, including cocaine, heroin, and alcohol, in its ability to induce dependence. Overall, tobacco smoking causes about 20 times the number of deaths in the United States than all other addictive drugs combined. Smoking cessation methods are plentiful, and many books and products are available to help an individual stop smoking. Many smokers turn to group help because of the support and understanding provided by other former smokers or people trying to quit. Most successful group-help techniques involve a challenge and reward system that also bolsters the self-discipline of the former smoker. A number of nicotine replacement products are available to help a person quit smoking. Nicotine patches are small, nicotine-containing adhesive disks that must be applied to the skin. The nicotine is slowly absorbed through the skin and enters the bloodstream. Over time, a smoker uses nicotine patches containing smaller and smaller doses of nicotine until eventually the craving for nicotine ends. Nicotine gum works in a similar manner, providing small doses of nicotine when chewed. A nicotine nasal spray is a physician-prescribed spray that relieves cravings for a cigarette by delivering nicotine to the nasal membranes. Also available by prescription, the nicotine inhaler looks like a cigarette; when puffed, the inhaler releases nicotine into the mouth. An approach combining three different smoking cessation therapies has found remarkable success. This approach combines an antidepressant drug called bupropin, marketed under the brand name Zyban, with a nicotine replacement product and counseling. While less than 25 percent of smokers who use nicotine replacement products alone remain smoke-free for more than a year, 40 to 60 percent of smokers using this combination approach achieved this milestone. In the United States, the first direct action to curb smoking after the U.S. surgeon general’s 1964 report on smoking was the mandate of a warning on cigarette packages by the Federal Trade Commission. This warning took effect in 1964 and was strengthened in 1969 to read: “Warning: The Surgeon General Has Determined That Cigarette Smoking Is Dangerous to Your Health.†A stronger sequence of four alternative warnings was developed in 1984. In 1971 all cigarette advertising was banned from radio and television, and cities and states passed laws requiring nonsmoking sections in public places and workplaces. This trend has continued and smoking is now banned at the federal and state levels in most government buildings and in many private businesses. As of February 1990 federal law banned smoking on all domestic United States airline flights under six hours in duration. By 1998 more than 90 percent of nonstop flights between the United States and all foreign countries were also smoke free. In 2002 President George W. Bush signed into law the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act. The law bans smoking within any indoor facility used for childhood education. By 2003 a number of states (including New York, Connecticut, Maine, and California) and cities (including Boston, Massachusetts and Austin, Texas) passed laws banning smoking in all bars, restaurants, and clubs. The tobacco industry has been increasingly criticized for its role in encouraging smoking, particularly in young people. Various lawsuits have been brought against tobacco companies to reclaim damages due to disease or death associated with smoking. The first major successful suit occurred in March 1996 when the Liggett Group, a consortium of companies, agreed to pay damages to five states. An onslaught of litigation against the tobacco industry followed. In part to avoid potentially ruinous lawsuits filed by states, in 1998 the tobacco industry and attorneys general from 46 U.S. states agreed to a $206-billion settlement. The settlement, to be paid over 25 years, will be used to compensate states for the costs of treating smoking-related illness, to finance nationwide antismoking programs, and to underwrite health care for uninsured children. The tobacco industry must also contend with a barrage of lawsuits filed by individual smokers and their families seeking damages for smoking-related health problems and deaths. Across the United States, such lawsuits have had mixed results. In several cases, juries have cleared the tobacco companies of all responsibility. While several other cases have resulted in large awards for the plaintiffs, few hold up under the appeals process. Tobacco industry representatives long denied that nicotine is addictive and that there is a link between smoking and poor health. In recent years, however, cigarette makers have faced increased pressure from smoking-related lawsuits and federal regulators to accept prevailing scientific opinions about the health risks of smoking. In late 1999 Philip Morris, now known as Altria, the nation’s largest cigarette maker, publicly acknowledged that smoking is addictive and causes serious health problems. This latest admission was considered a way to make it more difficult for those who have recently started smoking to claim they were unaware of the dangers if they choose to sue cigarette companies. In 2003 an Illinois judge ordered Philip Morris to pay $10.1 billion in damages for using misleading advertising campaigns suggesting that cigarette brands marketed as “low tar†or “light†are safer than regular brands. Numerous scientific studies prove that the use of low-tar cigarettes do not reduce the risk of developing smoking-related disease, and the judge found that Philip Morris intentionally disregarded consumer rights by spreading disinformation. Nicotine: A Powerful Addiction If you have tried to quit smoking, you know how hard it can be. It is hard because nicotine is a very addictive drug. For some people, it can be as addictive as heroin or cocaine. Quitting is hard. Usually people make 2 or 3 tries, or more, before finally being able to quit. Each time you try to quit, you can learn about what helps and what hurts. Quitting takes hard work and a lot of effort, but you can quit smoking. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Good Reasons for Quitting Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you will ever do. You will live longer and live better. Quitting will lower your chance of having a heart attack, stroke, or cancer. If you are pregnant, quitting smoking will improve your chances of having a healthy baby. The people you live with, especially your children, will be healthier. You will have extra money to spend on things other than cigarettes. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Five Keys for Quitting Studies have shown that these five steps will help you quit and quit for good. You have the best chances of quitting if you use them together. 1. Get ready. 2. Get support. 3. Learn new skills and behaviors. 4. Get medication and use it correctly. 5. Be prepared for relapse or difficult situations. 1. Get Ready Set a quit date. Change your environment. 1.Get rid of ALL cigarettes and ashtrays in your home, car, and place of work. 2.Don't let people smoke in your home. Review your past attempts to quit. Think about what worked and what did not. Once you quit, don't smoke—NOT EVEN A PUFF! 2. Get Support and Encouragement Studies have shown that you have a better chance of being successful if you have help. You can get support in many ways: Tell your family, friends, and co-workers that you are going to quit and want their support. Ask them not to smoke around you or leave cigarettes out. Talk to your health care provider (for example, doctor, dentist, nurse, pharmacist, psychologist, or smoking counselor). Get individual, group, or telephone counseling. The more counseling you have, the better your chances are of quitting. Programs are given at local hospitals and health centers. Call your local health department for information about programs in your area. 3. Learn New Skills and Behaviors Try to distract yourself from urges to smoke. Talk to someone, go for a walk, or get busy with a task. When you first try to quit, change your routine. Use a different route to work. Drink tea instead of coffee. Eat breakfast in a different place. Do something to reduce your stress. Take a hot bath, exercise, or read a book. Plan something enjoyable to do every day. Drink a lot of water and other fluids. 4. Get Medication and Use It Correctly Medications can help you stop smoking and lessen the urge to smoke. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved five medications to help you quit smoking: 1.Bupropion SR—Available by prescription. 2.Nicotine gum—Available over-the-counter. 3.Nicotine inhaler—Available by prescription. 4.Nicotine nasal spray—Available by prescription. 5.Nicotine patch—Available by prescription and over-the-counter. Ask your health care provider for advice and carefully read the information on the package. All of these medications will more or less double your chances of quitting and quitting for good. Everyone who is trying to quit may benefit from using a medication. If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, nursing, under age 18, smoking fewer than 10 cigarettes per day, or have a medical condition, talk to your doctor or other health care provider before taking medications. 5. Be Prepared for Relapse or Difficult Situations Most relapses occur within the first 3 months after quitting. Don't be discouraged if you start smoking again. Remember, most people try several times before they finally quit. Here are some difficult situations to watch for:  Alcohol. Avoid drinking alcohol. Drinking lowers your chances of success. Other Smokers. Being around smoking can make you want to smoke. Weight Gain. Many smokers will gain weight when they quit, usually less than 10 pounds. Eat a healthy diet and stay active. Don't let weight gain distract you from your main goal—quitting smoking. Some quit-smoking medications may help delay weight gain. Bad Mood or Depression. There are a lot of ways to improve your mood other than smoking. If you are having problems with any of these situations, talk to your doctor or other health care provider. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Special Situations or Conditions Studies suggest that everyone can quit smoking. Your situation or condition can give you a special reason to quit. Pregnant women/new mothers. By quitting, you protect your baby's health and your own. Hospitalized patients. By quitting, you reduce health problems and help healing. Heart attack patients. By quitting, you reduce your risk of a second heart attack. Lung, head, and neck cancer patients. By quitting, you reduce your chance of a second cancer. Parents of children and adolescents. By quitting, you protect your children and adolescents from illnesses caused by second-hand smoke. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Questions to Think About Think about the following questions before you try to stop smoking. You may want to talk about your answers with your health care provider. 1. Why do you want to quit? 2. When you tried to quit in the past, what helped and what didn't? 3. What will be the most difficult situations for you after you quit? How will you plan to handle them? 4. Who can help you through the tough times? Your family? Friends? Health care provider? 5. What pleasures do you get from smoking? What ways can you still get pleasure if you quit? What is Secondhand Smoke? Secondhand smoke (SHS), sometimes referred to as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), is a mixture of the smoke given off by the burning ends of a cigarette, pipe, cigar, bidis, and kreteks (sidestream smoke) and the smoke emitted at the mouthpiece and exhaled from the lungs of smokers (mainstream smoke).1,2 The widespread practice of smoking in buildings exposes nonsmoking occupants to combustion by-products under conditions where airborne contaminant removal is slow and uncertain. Over the past two decades, medical science has shown that nonsmokers suffer many of the diseases of active smoking when they breathe secondhand smoke. Environmental Tobacco Smoke contains at least 250 chemicals known to be toxic or cause cancer. Unfortunately, the general public’s exposure to secondhand smoke is much higher than most people realize. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Working to Reduce Secondhand Smoke Exposure In January 2000, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services launched Healthy People 2010, a comprehensive, nationwide health promotion and disease prevention agenda. Healthy People 2010 contains 467 objectives designed to serve as a road map for improving the health of all people in the United States during the first decade of the 21st century. Several of these objectives relate to tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke. One objective is to reduce nonsmoker exposure to secondhand smoke from 65% to 45% nationwide by 2010.
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Cigarette can disfigure your heart
WASHINGTON: Exposure to prolonged puffing can perk up levels of a stress hormone in the heart that can potentially reshape the left ventricle,
according to new research.
In a Chicago University (Illinois) [CUI] study using rats as animal model, a five-week exposure to cigarette smoke was associated with the activation of enzymes called mitogen-activated protein kinases that govern cell growth and survival in heart muscle.
Activation of these enzymes may be a key event in cigarette smoke-induced heart injury, said Mariann Piano, professor of bio-behavioural health science in the CUI College of Nursing, who led the study.
"Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 different chemicals, one of which is nicotine," Piano said. "However, the effect of nicotine on the initiation and progression of cigarette smoke-mediated cardiovascular events remains controversial."
To date, small clinical trials of nicotine replacement therapies have not shown increased cardiovascular risk, even in patients with cardiovascular disease, Piano said. This suggested the need to study cigarette smoke as a whole, according to a Chicago release.
In the new study, rats were exposed either to cigarette smoke or to normal room air. After five weeks, the animals were examined by echocardiography. Heart tissue was examined under the microscope and by Western blot analysis, used to detect specific proteins in tissue samples.
The results showed exposure to cigarette smoke was associated with significant changes in the shape of the left ventricle, the heart's main pumping chamber, and an increase in the levels of the activated forms of the enzymes in the heart muscle.
Researchers also found increased levels of norepinephrine, a hormone released when a stressful event causes any of a host of physiological changes, in urine samples taken from the animals.
The study was published in the November issue of the European Journal of Heart Failure.
All forms of oral tobacco contain chemicals known to cause cancer (carcinogens). These products can cause cancer of the mouth, pancreas, and esophagus (the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach). Oral and smokeless tobacco also cause many other health problems, such as gum disease, destruction of the bone sockets around the teeth, and tooth loss. They cause bad breath and stained teeth, too.
What are the risks of using smokeless tobacco?
Smokeless tobacco products are not a safe substitute for tobacco smoking. Harmful health effects include:
oral (mouth) cancer
pancreatic cancer
addiction to nicotine
leukoplakia (white sores in the mouth that can become cancer)
receding gums (gums slowly shrink away from around the teeth)
bone loss around the roots of the teeth
abrasion (scratching and wearing down) of teeth
tooth loss
stained teeth
bad breath
Smokeless tobacco may also play a role in heart disease and high blood pressure. Men who switched from cigarettes to snuff or chewing tobacco in a large American Cancer Society study had higher death rates from heart disease, stroke, cancer of the mouth and lung, and all causes of death combined than former smokers who stopped using all tobacco products. It is unclear whether the heart disease was caused by the smokeless tobacco products in this study, because there have been few large, long-term studies to identify all of the health problems caused by these products.
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_10_13X_Quitting_Smokeless_Tobacco.asp?sitearea=PED
A New Cigarette Hazard: ‘Third-Hand Smoke’
Research
A New Cigarette Hazard: ‘Third-Hand Smoke’
Parents who smoke often open a window or turn on a fan to clear the air of second-hand smoke, but experts now have identified another smoking-related threat to children’s health that isn’t as easy to get rid of: third-hand smoke.
That’s the term being used to describe the invisible yet toxic brew of gases and particles clinging to smokers’ hair and clothing, not to mention cushions and carpeting, that lingers long after smoke has cleared from a room. The residue includes heavy metals, carcinogens and even radioactive materials that young children can get on their hands and ingest, especially if they’re crawling or playing on the floor.
Doctors from MassGeneral Hospital for Children in Boston coined the term “third-hand smoke” to describe these chemicals in a new study that focused on the risks they pose to infants and children. The study was published in this month’s issue of the journal Pediatrics.
“Everyone knows that second-hand smoke is bad, but they don’t know about this,” said Dr. Jonathan P. Winickoff, the lead author of the study and an assistant professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School.
“When their kids are out of the house, they might smoke. Or they smoke in the car. Or they strap the kid in the car seat in the back and crack the window and smoke, and they think it’s okay because the second-hand smoke isn’t getting to their kids,” Dr. Winickoff continued. “We needed a term to describe these tobacco toxins that aren’t visible.”
Third-hand smoke is what one smells when a smoker gets in an elevator after going outside for a cigarette, he said, or in a hotel room where people were smoking. “Your nose isn’t lying,” he said. “The stuff is so toxic that your brain is telling you: ’Get away.’”
The study reported on attitudes toward smoking in 1,500 households across the United States. It found that the vast majority of both smokers and nonsmokers were aware that second-hand smoke is harmful to children. Some 95 percent of nonsmokers and 84 percent of smokers agreed with the statement that “inhaling smoke from a parent’s cigarette can harm the health of infants and children.”
But far fewer of those surveyed were aware of the risks of third-hand smoke. Since the term is so new, the researchers asked people if they agreed with the statement that “breathing air in a room today where people smoked yesterday can harm the health of infants and children.” Only 65 percent of nonsmokers and 43 percent of smokers agreed with that statement, which researchers interpreted as acknowledgement of the risks of third-hand smoke.
The belief that second-hand smoke harms children’s health was not independently associated with strict smoking bans in homes and cars, the researchers found. On the other hand, the belief that third-hand smoke was harmful greatly increased the likelihood the respondent also would enforce a strict smoking ban at home, Dr. Winickoff said.
“That tells us we’re onto an important new health message here,” he said. “What we heard in focus group after focus group was, ‘I turn on the fan and the smoke disappears.’ It made us realize how many people think about second-hand smoke — they’re telling us they know it’s bad but they’ve figured out a way to do it.”
The data was collected in a national random-digit-dial telephone survey done between September and November 2005. The sample was weighted by race and gender, based on census information.
Dr. Philip Landrigan, a pediatrician who heads the Children’s Environmental Health Center at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, said the phrase third-hand smoke is a brand-new term that has implications for behavior.
“The central message here is that simply closing the kitchen door to take a smoke is not protecting the kids from the effects of that smoke,” he said. “There are carcinogens in this third-hand smoke, and they are a cancer risk for anybody of any age who comes into contact with them.”
Among the substances in third-hand smoke are hydrogen cyanide, used in chemical weapons; butane, which is used in lighter fluid; toluene, found in paint thinners; arsenic; lead; carbon monoxide; and even polonium-210, the highly radioactive carcinogen that was used to murder former Russian spy Alexander V. Litvinenko in 2006. Eleven of the compounds are highly carcinogenic.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/03/health/research/03smoke.html?_r=1&em
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
What is it?
An aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of an artery, usually the aorta. The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body. It receives all the blood from the left ventricle of the heart, and continues from the heart, through the chest, and on to the abdomen. It supplies blood to every organ in the body, except the lungs. An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) affects the segment of the aorta that runs through the abdomen.
Who gets it?
Abdominal aortic aneurysm is common in older adults. There appears to be a genetic link because this type of aneurysm tends to run in families. People who smoke cigarettes are more likely to die from a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm than nonsmokers.
What causes it?
Abdominal aortic aneurysm usually occurs in people with atherosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries. As the arteries harden, the wall of the aorta is damaged and weakened. The pressure of the blood flow inside the aorta causes the weakened wall to bulge outward. High blood pressure also contributes to weakened aortic walls.
What are the symptoms?
Abdominal aortic aneurysm may not cause any symptoms at first. When symptoms do occur, they include a pulsing sensation in the abdomen, and pain ranging from mild to severe. Pain may be located in the abdominal, back, or groin area. Sudden, excruciating pain in the lower abdomen and back pain usually indicates a ruptured aorta, which needs to be treated immediately.
How is it diagnosed?
Because abdominal aortic aneurysms may not cause any symptoms until the condition has progressed, they are usually diagnosed by chance during a routine physical examination. The doctor may feel a pulsing, tumor-like mass in the middle of the abdomen. If the aneurysm is about to rupture, it may hurt or feel tender when pressed. It is important to determine its size because the larger the aneurysm, the greater the risk of rupture. The most commonly used test is an abdominal ultrasound, a painless procedure in which a small scanning device is pressed against the abdomen. Sound waves bounce off the internal organs and produce a picture on a video screen. The picture shows the size and length of the aneurysm.
What is the treatment?
Treatment depends upon the size of the aneurysm. If the aneurysm is less than 4 cm (1.5 in) wide, surgery is not necessary, but your doctor will monitor it carefully for an increase in size. Aneurysms between 4 and 5 cm (1.5 - 2 in) wide may be treated with surgery if you and your doctor determine that is the best course of treatment. Aneurysms that are larger than 5 cm (2 in) or are causing symptoms are always treated with surgery, unless it is considered risky because of other health problems. The surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen, removes the aneurysm, and repairs it with a synthetic patch, called a graft. This type of surgery has a very high success rate. There is also another type of surgery called endovascular grafting, which involves inserting a thin tube called a catheter through a groin artery into the abdominal aorta. The catheter's tip holds a deflated balloon that is covered by a tightly folded graft. When the catheter is in position, the balloon is inflated, which causes the graft to open to span the length and width of the aneurysm. Devices at each end of the graft secure it to the inner wall of the aorta to strengthen the wall and prevent it from rupturing. This surgical method may not be available at all hospitals at this time and is only used for non-emergency repairs. Emergency surgery is performed when the abdominal aortic aneurysm has ruptured or is about to rupture. Because a ruptured aneurysm causes internal bleeding, there is a risk of damage to internal organs, such as the kidneys, because their blood supply is interrupted. If a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm is not treated, it always results in death.
Self-care tips
You can reduce your risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm by not smoking and keeping your blood pressure under control. If you have an abdominal aortic aneurysm that does not need to be treated by surgery at this time, keep regular appointments for ultrasound scans of the aneurysm to monitor it for changes in size. Some aneurysms can grow larger in a matter of months. If you have had surgery to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm, it is good to know that they usually do not occur again, and that you are not at any greater risk for developing aneurysms in other areas of the body.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
Global Handwashing Day. 31/12/2008
Today is Global Handwashing Day. The Day, designated by the United Nations as part of its on-going International Year of Sanitation, is aimed at improving hygiene practices among the people.
The Day would be celebrated as the centrepiece of week-long activities, starting from October 15, that are expected to mobilise millions of people in more than 20 countries around the world for the cause.
The guiding vision of Global Handwashing Day is a local and global culture of handwashing with soap. Although people around the world wash their hands with water, very few wash their hands with soap at critical moments (for example, after using the toilet, while cleaning a child, and before handling food).
According to UNICEF, Children are highly susceptible to the diseases caused by a lack of effective sanitation and poor hygiene. More than 5,000 children under the age of five die every day as a result of diarrheal diseases, caused in part by unsafe water, lack of access to basic sanitation facilities and poor hygiene.
By washing hands with soap, families and communities can help reduce child morbidity rates from diarrheal diseases by almost 50 per cent, it added.
The inaugural Global Handwashing Day focuses on children and schools. After learning about improved hygiene behaviour in schools, children can act as agents of change by taking these messages home to their families and communities.
Handwashing with soap, particularly after using the toilet and before eating, could significantly impact health, survival, child mortality, and help reduce poverty. Stepping up investment for water, sanitation and hygiene will speed the achievement of all eight Millennium Development Goals, UNICEF said in a press statement.
yOGA POSES
Shoulder stand: the queen of poses
The shoulder stand is rightly referred to as the queen of poses. Barring those suffering from extreme ailments like hyperthyroidism, toxic conditions, cardiac ailments, or spinal column injury or pain, it is recommended for most ailments. As the Sanskrit name suggests (Sarvangasana), it is a pose which works out the entire body.
While most other inversions are regarded as 'heating' or 'stimulating', this pose is regarded as 'cooling' or calming. The effort of inversions is muted in this pose, since the body is well supported by the strong shoulders. The gush of blood to the head is the reason why this pose is regarded as a powerful de-stress tool.
It is used as therapy in most digestive ailments due to the massaging effect on the abdomen from the anti-gravity drag it creates; it soothes haemorrhoids; relieves bloating or oedema and varicose veins. It is a preventive in neck problems because it really powers the neck by giving it traction. It tones the entire spine, preventing aches all along it.
The pressure on the thyroid boost metabolism, improving digestion and aiding weight loss. The immune system and the respiratory system are also worked out powerfully, thus preventing infections and boosting lung capacity.
Shameem Aktharyogacharya trained with the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, instructs you on five poses that work the legs.
This article only attempts to enthuse readers towards yoga practice and complement your existing practice. Yoga is best learnt under the personal guidance of a teacher
Viparita Karani mudra (Psychic union pose)
To do this lie on your back, feet touching from inside, legs together, palms flat on ground beside the body. Inhale. Exhaling push your palms against the ground and hoist hips off the ground. Weight should rest on elbows. Hips should rest lightly on open hands. Hold for a few seconds, breathing normally. Exhale, drop hips back to ground, by gently lowering spine first, back to the ground. Then drop the legs. Rest for some time.
After regular practice you must increase duration in the pose to three minutes or so
Benefits[/B]: This is a powerful pose, possibly even than the classic shoulder stand. That is because there is less pressure on the thyroid, so you enjoy the benefits of a shoulderstand without its aggravations. It is said to be anti-aging, and death-defying. It has immense spiritual value, since it is said to lock the psychic energy within the body.
Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand)
To do this, do as shown in Psychic union pose, palms flat on ground. But after assuming the above position, you may bend the legs at the knees, to adjust the body so that it becomes more perpendicular to the floor (as shown in the photograph alongside). Continue normal breathing throughout. Hold pose as long as possible.
To end pose, place palms back on ground, lower the hips back, releasing the spine gently back on the mat.
Note: This is an advanced pose, and may be only attempted after viparita karani mudra has been mastered.
Avoid: During menstruation, toxic conditions, severe ailments of spine, heart, circulatory system.
Benefits: Tones the entire body, as explained in the introduction.
Nirlamba Sarvangasana (Unsupported shoulderstand)
This is an advance pose that may only be attempted by regular practitioners. Assume the viparita karani mudra as explained earlier. Release the hands from their supporting position under the hips, and hold them aloft, as shown, on
Benefits: Tones the entire body, as explained in the introduction.
Ardha padma sarvangasana (Half-lotus shoulderstand)
Do the viparita karani mudra as above. Fold right leg at knee, placing back of right foot against left thigh. Hold the pose for as long as is comfortable. Release the leg; repeat the sequence for other side. This is not such a difficult practice and may be attempted by those who can comfortably hold the shoulderstand for three minutes or so.
Benefits[/B]: Tones the entire body, as explained in the introduction
Padma sarvangasana (Lotus shoulderstand)
This is an advanced pose, and may be attempted only by those who already do the lotus comfortably. Do as above, fold legs, weaving them into the lotus. Hold for as long as if comfortable. You may untangle the legs, straighten them back into the classic shouderstand to end the pose by lowering hips and then legs back to the ground.
Benefits: It gives a powerful stretch to the abdomen, toning it.
REIKI
| INTRODUCTION TO REIKI |
Reiki is a Japanese form of healing that is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. What makes Reiki unique is that it incorporates elements of just about every other alternative healing practices such as spiritual healing, auras, crystals, chakra balancing, meditation, aromatherapy, naturopathy, and homeopathy.
Reiki involves the transfer of energy from practitioner to patient to enhance the body's natural ability to heal itself through the balancing of energy. Reiki utilizes specific techniques for restoring and balancing the natural life force energy within the body. It is a holistic, natural, hands-on energy healing system that touches on all levels: body, mind, and spirit.
Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a Japanese word representing universal life energy, the energy which is all around us. It is derived from rei, meaning "free passage" or "transcendental spirit" and ki, meaning "vital life force energy" or " universal life energy".
| WHAT IS REIKI |
Reiki practitioners channel energy in a particular pattern to heal and harmonize. Unlike other healing therapies based on the premise of a human energy field, Reiki seeks to restore order to the body whose vital energy has become unbalanced.
Reiki energy has several basic effects: it brings about deep relaxation, destroys energy blockages, detoxifies the system, provides new vitality in the form of healing universal life energy, and increases the vibrational frequency of the body.
The laying of hands is used in Reiki therapy also as in spiritual healing. There is a difference though. In spiritual healing, a person with a strong energy field places his or her hands above a particular part of the recipient's body in order to release energy into it. So, here the healer is the one who is sending out the energy. In Reiki, however, the healer places the hands above the recipient; however, it is the recipient that draws the energy as needed. Thus, in this case, the individual being healed takes an active part in the healing process as opposed to having a passive part in spiritual healing. The individual takes responsibility for his or her healing. The recipient identifies the needs and cater to them by drawing energy as needed.
Although there are a few positions in which the practitioner is in contact with the patient (such as cradling the head), most Reiki treatments do not involve actual touching. The practitioner holds his or her hands a few inches or farther away from the patient's body and manipulates the energy field from there.
| HISTORY OF REIKI |
Reiki is believed to have begun in Tibet several thousand years ago. Seers in the Orient studied energies and developed a system of sounds and symbols for universal healing energies. Various healing systems, which crossed many different cultures, emerged from this single root system. Unfortunately, the original source itself was forgotten.
Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese Christian educator in Kyoto, Japan, rediscovered the root system in the mid- to late 1800s. He began an extensive twenty-one-year study of the healing phenomena of history's greatest spiritual leaders. He also studied ancient sutras (Buddhist teachings written in Sanskrit). He discovered ancient sounds and symbols that are linked directly to the human body and nervous system which activate the universal life energy for healing.
Usui then underwent a metaphysical experience and became empowered to use these sounds and symbols to heal. He called this form of healing Reiki and taught it throughout Japan until his death around 1893.
The tradition was passed through several grandmasters of reiki such as Dr. Chujiro Hyashi, Hawayo Takata, and Phyllis Lei Furumoto.
There are many forms of reiki being practiced now. The two principal ones are: "the Usui System of Natural Healing" and "the Radiance Technique."
The Usui System of Natural Healing balances and strengthens the body's energy, promoting its ability to heal itself.
Reiki is useful in treating serious serious illnesses as well as others. Examples are: sports injuries, cuts, burns, internal diseases, emotional disorders, and stress-related illnesses.
Reiki was introduced to the Western world in the mid-1970s. Since then its use has spread dramatically worldwide.
| REIKI ENERGY |
Reiki energy is regarded as life energy at its most effective-with the maximum vibration. It is considered to have an almost divine quality and as such includes everything, in a world where problems and disorders are deemed to be due to the feeling of detachment from the world. There is no division of Reiki energy into positive and negative forms but when a person undergoes a session of therapy, they allow the energy to be taken into themselves with beneficial effects. Essentially, those receiving Reiki energy decide subconsciously just how much of the life energy is taken in.
Those who use Reiki regularly often find they are more joyful, lively and their own in-built energy is enhanced-almost as if their batteries had been fully charged! Existing conflicts within the person are broken down and there is a greater vitality, leading to relaxation and a stimulation of the body. As this improvement develops, the natural processes of renewal and removal of toxins are enhanced and rendered more effective, ultimately opening up more of the body to the life energy.
Body organs such as the skin, and protective systems such as the immune system are improved providing the individual is prepared regularly to undertake Reiki and in the first place to undergo an attunement or initiation into Reiki energy. The initiation is merely a means whereby the universal life energy is bestowed through the Reiki master. The master acts as a channel and a link with God to release the healing power.
An initiation is not absolutely essential but it allows the individual access to the universal life energy, which is used rather than their own life energy. Also, an initiation conveys a greater capacity for using Reiki energy, with no associated tiredness and further, it provides a protective mechanism against any negative manifestations.
| INITIATION OR BECOMING A REIKI MASTER |
Through a series of attunements, part of the initiation process for new Reiki practitioners, a Reiki master employs the ancient sounds and symbols that attune an individual's nervous system to a higher level of energy. A level is reached in which the students , neither highly trained nor especially gifted, can experience more energy flowing through their hands, giving them the power to heal themselves and others.
Reiki is taught in three levels or degrees. In Level I or First Degree, the participant receives attunement or initiation to the Reiki energy by the Reiki master. This permanently guides the person to greater healing power. The student learns how to do full body treatments on self and others.
In Level II or Second Degree, the participant receives attunements which increase the strength of the practitioner's Reiki energy. This primarily involves learning the sounds and symbols which are used in advanced Reiki bodywork and absentee healing.
In Level III or Third Degree, the participant receives third-level empowerment and the ' final symbol'. It is taught mainly for personal growth. A person who has completed the third level is able to give the Level I Reiki attunement.
| WHO DOES THE REIKI MASTER INITIATION? |
Practitioners study with Reiki masters to learn how to access ki and become a channel for its transmission. Students learn basic healing patterns and the "laying on of hands" for themselves and others. More advanced practitioners may use absentee healing-which involves practicing Reiki on someone from a long distance, such as a different part of the country- or goal-oriented healing to address specific problems.
| THE USE OF WHOLE-BODY REIKI |
Since, a disease or disorder in one area will inevitably affect the whole body, the use of Reiki is best applied to the whole-body, to cleanse and revitalize the complete system.
The implementation of Reiki is highly ritualized and ceremonious. Many practitioners undertake a particular routine before commencing a regime of whole-body treatment. The main elements are briefly described
| PREPARING FOR WHOLE BODY REIKI |
REMOVE JEWELRY
Jewelry contains items such as stones (semi-precious or precious), metal rings or chains, leather thongs or a variety of other objects. Many of these will attract energies that may interfere with the life energy of Reiki. Items such as watches create a closed circuit that reduce the flow of life energy. Earrings are especially a problem. The pierced ears interfere with the flow of energy. The ears are very important in many therapies such as acupuncture that utilize meridians and must be kept unencumbered.
WASH HANDS
There are two reasons for washing hands. First, there is the physical effect of cleaning. It makes the hands pleasant to feel for the recipient of Reiki. Hot, sticky hands should be avoided in Reiki as they are not conducive to the state of relaxation being sought.
The second benefit relates to the aura surrounding the body. This aura may be affected by contact with objects, people, etc over the course of the day and washing removes such influences, which could, in sensitive people, have an adverse effect.
SAY A PRAYER
It is helpful at this stage to recite a short prayer asking for healing and to concentrate upon and acknowledge your aims, self-perception and those of the person upon whom your hands will be placed. The prayer makes you ready to enter into the relaxation process.
EVEN OUT THE AURA
This is a means of gently making contact and starting the therapy. It involves a number of steps.
#Ask the person to lie down.
#Sit beside the person; put your left hand on your sacrum.
#With your right hand held about 6-9 inches(15-25 cm) above the body and #palm facing down, move your hand along the length of the body from the #head to the toes.
#Return the hand to the starting point using a circular motion along the side of #the body.
#Repeat this three or four times.
This process can be repeated after the Reiki therapy when your left hand can be placed on the sacrum of the recipient.
ENERGIZE
When each Reiki therapy session is complete the whole body may be energized via the root chakra. The hand is held vertically above the body and then quickly moved from the pelvis to the head.
THE PRACTICE OF WHOLE-BODY REIKI
BEFORE THE WHOLE-BODY REIKI TREATMENT
There is great scope for variation in the number and sequence of positions used for whole-body treatment. It will depend greatly upon the practitioner and what is felt to be best for the recipient, but no one sequence can be deemed the best one for all. It is important to be certain that your client/partner is not suffering from any illness or condition that might require the attention of another health professional. Reiki has its particular uses but it is unwise to try to address problems that clearly fall beyond its scope. The client can easily ask advice from their doctor, or other professional, as to whether they should undergo Reiki therapy.
The extent of each session of Reiki will vary depending upon circumstances and the individual receiving treatment. Certain positions may be better left out of the sequence or therapy may be focused on a particular area to help relieve blockages or deal with tension. If the recipient is currently on a regime of medication then a shorter session may be appropriate.
Similarly, if dealing with a small child or an elderly or infirm person, it is probably wise to limit the therapy to a session of 15 to 20 minutes. In all cases the Reiki practitioner should be sensitive to and aware of the condition, needs and well being of the recipient.
POSITIONS IN THE REIKI THERAPY
The hands are clearly the 'instruments' of healing in Reiki. The position in which the hands are placed on the recipient is important. However, it may be varied depending on the circumstances. Just placing the hands on the appropriate part of the body is sufficient.
Reiki can be effected through clothing, as the energy will flow the clothing. But many people prefer to have no material obstacles to the therapy.
THE HEAD
The hands are placed either side of the nose, with the palms covering the eyes; the thumbs rest by the bridge of the nose and the fingertips cover the cheeks and reach the upper lip. This arrangement covers the sinuses, eyes, Pituitary gland, and teeth. It is useful for dealing with colds, sinusitis, eye complaints, allergies, fatigue and general discontent.
Another position is to place the hands over the ears, with the fingertips extending down the jaw-line to the neck, encompassing the ears including the semi-circular canals, responsible for balance. The effect also extends to the pharyngeal area. Diseases and problems of these organs such as colds, trouble with balance, hearing loss, etc. are dealt with in this position.
For relieving conditions such as headaches, colds, asthma and circulatory problems, place the hands on the back of the head. It also promotes relaxation.
THE CHEST AND ABDOMEN
There are many variations for the chest and abdomen; we will only discuss a few here.
The arrangement for the thymus, heart and lungs is as follows: one hand is laid across the thymus and the other at 90 degrees starting just below and between the breasts. The thymus is a bi-lobed gland in the neck. It is an important part of the immune system. This arrangement therefore reinforces the immune system and helps the lymphatics, the heart, lungs and counters any general debility.
Another technique is to place the hands on either side of the navel and slightly to one side. The stomach and digestive organs are the focus of attention here and the conditions/symptoms addressed are the digestion and the metabolism. Specifically, this treatment will combat nausea, heartburn, gastrointestinal diseases and indigestion. Because the presence of such conditions often results in tension and worry, the relief of symptoms will similarly help relieve anxiety and depression.
There are two other positions that are worth exploring: Here, the hands are placed in a position similar to that used to focus on the stomach and digestive organs but further away from the body midline. Approach the body from the right side of the recipient. Place your left hand around the base of the ribcage. In this position, we are dealing with the gall bladder and liver. This position is for diseases and conditions of these important organs and associated problems of a metabolic nature. The liver is a vital organ in the process of removing toxins from the body. Hence this arrangement is very important for healing those ailments.
The position related to this one is essentially a reflection where the hands are placed on the left side of the body to encompass the area of the bowels, spleen and some of the pancreas. Here, diseases of these organs such as indigestion and healthy blood are all dealt with.
Another position involves focusing on the appendix, intestines and urinogenital organs. The hands are placed where the pelvic bones are covered and meet over the pubic area. This is used for the healing of a number of ailments associated with the appendix, intestines and urinogenital organs. It is also useful for the treatment of allergies, general debility, problems of a sexual nature and related to weight. It is believed to reinforce the immune system.
THE BACK
Here again, there are a number of positions that are used. In one such position, the hands are placed across the shoulder blades at mid to upper point, to influence the intestines, lung, heart and various muscles in the neck and shoulder region. This will help lung and heart diseases, muscular tension, headaches and related conditions.
If the hands are placed lower down the back, around the midriff (on the lower ribs) this position will accommodate the kidneys and adrenal glands. (The adrenal glands are situated one each on the upper surface of each kidney and are important because they manufacture hormones that control a variety of body functions.)Warning:
Please consult a qualified practitioner before you start with Reiki especially if you are suffering from serious conditions or diseasesBENIFITS OF WHOLE BODY REIKI
A REINFORCING EFFECT
The whole body Reiki is used to treat the whole body to achieve relaxation. It facilitates the removal of blockages in energy flow and the dispersal of toxins.
Long-term practice of whole-body Reiki will restore the general condition of the body. The energy channels are opened to allow the body to deal properly and naturally with both stress and the build-up of toxins. It will help you to cope with anxiety and depression.
Reiki therapy is also useful when you are recovering from an illness. Reiki will provide the additional energy required to recover from the illness. It will also reinforce the effects of any other method of natural healing. It can be used as a supplementary therapy as it is a truly complementary system of treatment.
REDUCTION OF SIDE EFFECTS
Reiki therapy can be a very useful adjunct for anyone taking a course of drugs. It can help reduce some of the side effects of drug therapy. Reiki helps the body in the recovery after drug therapy, after surgery and after chemotherapy. In all these cases, Reiki therapy supplies the body with extra life energy, enabling the body to bounce back more quickly from the burdens of surgery and chemicals.
In some cases, use of Reiki therapy after an operation will lessen pain. It will accelerate the natural healing processes. The key to success is that the therapy be undertaken on a regular basis. When a person is enjoying good health, the regular therapy increases the body's built-in defenses which manifests itself as a confidence and outward harmony in dealing with everyday events. It bestows a greater ability to deal with stressful situations. You will gain a positive outlook on life. Once the blockages and toxins have been removed from the system, the scope for personal advancement and growth becomes available. In general, the better metabolic functioning afforded by Reiki therapy means that benefits and improvements may be experienced in many ways.
IS REIKI EFFECTIVE?
The vast majority of reports on the effectiveness of Reiki appear in popular rather than scientific literature. Proponents of Reiki cite the growing body of research in the field of Therapeutic Touch as evidence of the therapeutic transfer of energy through touch.
One California study showed that Reiki can increase hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. The study compared 47 people participating in Reiki training and a small control group of 9 healthy medical professionals. The study found a significant increase in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels among the Reiki group and no significant change in the control group.
Closer look at your Hair
Closer look at your Hair
Q: What is hair made of?
A: Hair contains keratin, a fibrous protein. Each hair grows out of an indentation in the scalp called a follicle. At the bottom of each follicle is the papilla, which contains a rich blood supply. The papilla produces hair cells that progress up the follicle and harden into hair.
Q: It is widely believed that hair grows faster when cut. Is that true?
A: No, some people imagine that hair is fed by the body in the same way the limbs of a tree are nourished by the trunk. But once hair grow out of the scalp, it is a dead substance. Trimming the hair, therefore, does not affect its growth.
Q: Why does hair turn Gray?
A: The inner layer of the hair contains a pigment that gives hair its color. As the pigment cell die, the hair turns gray. It's part of the aging procss. Premature graying might be caused by genetics or illness. It is a myth, however, that hair will turn gray overnight. Pigment is deposited below the scalp. So time is required for the gray hair to grow (about one half inch a month) and appear on the surface of the head.
Q: What are the reasons for hair loss?
A: Hair loss is a part of natural cycle of hair. On average, everyone sheds an estimated 50 to 80 hairs daily. But male pattern baldness has a hereditary basis and seems to be caused by a hormonal imbalance, resulting in permanent hair loss. Abnormal loss of hair is called alopecia.
Q: Some say that hair is a mirror of a person's health. Have you observed this?
A: Yes, Below the scalp, blood feeds the hair. So healthy hair may reflect a well nourished blood supply. However, a person who eats poorly or overindulges in alcoholic beverages may find that his hair becomes limp and weak, since his blood supply cannot properly nourish his hair. Hair loss or weak hair can even be an early sign of illness or pregnancy.
How to Keep Your Scalp and Hair Healthy
Q: Describe how to shampoo the hair and scalp.
A: Experience has shown that the majority of people with dry scalp problem shampoo the scalp too often. Of course, the oil in your hair attracts dirt and skin debris and can plug the oil ducts leading to the follicles. So regular shampooing is necessary. But these natural oils also protect your skin against harmful bacteria and seal in needed moisture. By shampooing too often, you are robbing your scalp of this protective layer and creating problems like dry scalp. Most experts recommend shampooing whenever one's scalp or hair is soiled. People with oily hair should shampoo more often than those with normal or dry hair.
When shampooing, massage your scalp. This rids the scalp of dead cells and promotes proper circulation of the blood, which feeds your hair. Remember to rinse throrughly! If you didn't rinse your hands after washing them with soap, your skin would dry and crack. Similarly, if shampoo is not properly rinsed off, the scalp can be some dry and flaky.
Q: How can a dry scalp be treated?
A: Drink lots of water, and eat nutritious meals. This hydrates your skin and nourishes the blood supply. Use a mild shampoo, and massage your scalp regularly. Some people also use leave-in conditioners and lotions to moisturize the scalp.
Styling Your Hair
Q: What should a person keep in mind when visiting a hairstylist?
A: If you want to change your hairstyle, bring a picture to the style you want and perhaps of the style you don't want. Frankly express your wishes and the amount of time you are willing to put into hair care each day, since some hairstyles require more attention than others. Keep in mind that it usually takes two or three visits for a hairstylist to get to know your hair and to establish good communication with you. So don't give up on your stylist too quickly.
What Your Hair Reveals
Hair care and styling are forms of self-expression. Hair has been cut, extended, straightened, curled, colored, and variously styled to meet fashion trends, religious beliefs, and even social and political agendas. Take a closer look at your hair. What does it reveal about you? Healthy hair that is tastefully styled adorns its wearer and is admired by others.
Avian influenza frequently asked questions
Avian influenza frequently asked questions
What is avian influenza?
Avian influenza, or “bird flu”, is a contagious disease of animals caused by viruses that normally infect only birds and, less commonly, pigs. Avian influenza viruses are highly species-specific, but have, on rare occasions, crossed the species barrier to infect humans.
In domestic poultry, infection with avian influenza viruses causes two main forms of disease, distinguished by low and high extremes of virulence. The so-called “low pathogenic” form commonly causes only mild symptoms (ruffled feathers, a drop in egg production) and may easily go undetected. The highly pathogenic form is far more dramatic. It spreads very rapidly through poultry flocks, causes disease affecting multiple internal organs, and has a mortality that can approach 100%, often within 48 hours.
Which viruses cause highly pathogenic disease?
Influenza A viruses1 have 16 H subtypes and 9 N subtypes2. Only viruses of the H5 and H7 subtypes are known to cause the highly pathogenic form of the disease. However, not all viruses of the H5 and H7 subtypes are highly pathogenic and not all will cause severe disease in poultry.
On present understanding, H5 and H7 viruses are introduced to poultry flocks in their low pathogenic form. When allowed to circulate in poultry populations, the viruses can mutate, usually within a few months, into the highly pathogenic form. This is why the presence of an H5 or H7 virus in poultry is always cause for concern, even when the initial signs of infection are mild.
Do migratory birds spread highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses?
The role of migratory birds in the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza is not fully understood. Wild waterfowl are considered the natural reservoir of all influenza A viruses. They have probably carried influenza viruses, with no apparent harm, for centuries. They are known to carry viruses of the H5 and H7 subtypes, but usually in the low pathogenic form. Considerable circumstantial evidence suggests that migratory birds can introduce low pathogenic H5 and H7 viruses to poultry flocks, which then mutate to the highly pathogenic form.
In the past, highly pathogenic viruses have been isolated from migratory birds on very rare occasions involving a few birds, usually found dead within the flight range of a poultry outbreak. This finding long suggested that wild waterfowl are not agents for the onward transmission of these viruses.
Recent events make it likely that some migratory birds are now directly spreading the H5N1 virus in its highly pathogenic form. Further spread to new areas is expected.
What is special about the current outbreaks in poultry?
The current outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza, which began in South-East Asia in mid-2003, are the largest and most severe on record. Never before in the history of this disease have so many countries been simultaneously affected, resulting in the loss of so many birds.
The causative agent, the H5N1 virus, has proved to be especially tenacious. Despite the death or destruction of an estimated 150 million birds, the virus is now considered endemic in many parts of Indonesia and Viet Nam and in some parts of Cambodia, China, Thailand, and possibly also the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Control of the disease in poultry is expected to take several years.
The H5N1 virus is also of particular concern for human health, as explained below.
Which countries have been affected by outbreaks in poultry?
From mid-December 2003 through early February 2004, poultry outbreaks caused by the H5N1 virus were reported in eight Asian nations (listed in order of reporting): the Republic of Korea, Viet Nam, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Indonesia, and China. Most of these countries had never before experienced an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in their histories.
In early August 2004, Malaysia reported its first outbreak of H5N1 in poultry, becoming the ninth Asian nation affected. Russia reported its first H5N1 outbreak in poultry in late July 2005, followed by reports of disease in adjacent parts of Kazakhstan in early August. Deaths of wild birds from highly pathogenic H5N1 were reported in both countries. Almost simultaneously, Mongolia reported the detection of H5N1 in dead migratory birds. In October 2005, H5N1 was confirmed in poultry in Turkey and Romania. Outbreaks in wild and domestic birds are under investigation elsewhere.
Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Malaysia have announced control of their poultry outbreaks and are now considered free of the disease. In the other affected areas, outbreaks are continuing with varying degrees of severity.
What are the implications for human health?
The widespread persistence of H5N1 in poultry populations poses two main risks for human health.
The first is the risk of direct infection when the virus passes from poultry to humans, resulting in very severe disease. Of the few avian influenza viruses that have crossed the species barrier to infect humans, H5N1 has caused the largest number of cases of severe disease and death in humans. Unlike normal seasonal influenza, where infection causes only mild respiratory symptoms in most people, the disease caused by H5N1 follows an unusually aggressive clinical course, with rapid deterioration and high fatality. Primary viral pneumonia and multi-organ failure are common. In the present outbreak, more than half of those infected with the virus have died. Most cases have occurred in previously healthy children and young adults.
A second risk, of even greater concern, is that the virus – if given enough opportunities – will change into a form that is highly infectious for humans and spreads easily from person to person. Such a change could mark the start of a global outbreak (a pandemic).
Where have human cases occurred?
In the current outbreak, laboratory-confirmed human cases have been reported in four countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Viet Nam.
Hong Kong has experienced two outbreaks in the past. In 1997, in the first recorded instance of human infection with H5N1, the virus infected 18 people and killed 6 of them. In early 2003, the virus caused two infections, with one death, in a Hong Kong family with a recent travel history to southern China.
How do people become infected?
Direct contact with infected poultry, or surfaces and objects contaminated by their faeces, is presently considered the main route of human infection. To date, most human cases have occurred in rural or periurban areas where many households keep small poultry flocks, which often roam freely, sometimes entering homes or sharing outdoor areas where children play. As infected birds shed large quantities of virus in their faeces, opportunities for exposure to infected droppings or to environments contaminated by the virus are abundant under such conditions. Moreover, because many households in Asia depend on poultry for income and food, many families sell or slaughter and consume birds when signs of illness appear in a flock, and this practice has proved difficult to change. Exposure is considered most likely during slaughter, defeathering, butchering, and preparation of poultry for cooking.
Is it safe to eat poultry and poultry products?
Yes, though certain precautions should be followed in countries currently experiencing outbreaks. In areas free of the disease, poultry and poultry products can be prepared and consumed as usual (following good hygienic practices and proper cooking), with no fear of acquiring infection with the H5N1 virus.
In areas experiencing outbreaks, poultry and poultry products can also be safely consumed provided these items are properly cooked and properly handled during food preparation. The H5N1 virus is sensitive to heat. Normal temperatures used for cooking (70oC in all parts of the food) will kill the virus. Consumers need to be sure that all parts of the poultry are fully cooked (no “pink” parts) and that eggs, too, are properly cooked (no “runny” yolks).
Consumers should also be aware of the risk of cross-contamination. Juices from raw poultry and poultry products should never be allowed, during food preparation, to touch or mix with items eaten raw. When handling raw poultry or raw poultry products, persons involved in food preparation should wash their hands thoroughly and clean and disinfect surfaces in contact with the poultry products Soap and hot water are sufficient for this purpose.
In areas experiencing outbreaks in poultry, raw eggs should not be used in foods that will not be further heat-treated as, for example by cooking or baking.
Avian influenza is not transmitted through cooked food. To date, no evidence indicates that anyone has become infected following the consumption of properly cooked poultry or poultry products, even when these foods were contaminated with the H5N1 virus.
Does the virus spread easily from birds to humans?
No. Though more than 100 human cases have occurred in the current outbreak, this is a small number compared with the huge number of birds affected and the numerous associated opportunities for human exposure, especially in areas where backyard flocks are common. It is not presently understood why some people, and not others, become infected following similar exposures.
What about the pandemic risk?
A pandemic can start when three conditions have been met: a new influenza virus subtype emerges; it infects humans, causing serious illness; and it spreads easily and sustainably among humans. The H5N1 virus amply meets the first two conditions: it is a new virus for humans (H5N1 viruses have never circulated widely among people), and it has infected more than 100 humans, killing over half of them. No one will have immunity should an H5N1-like pandemic virus emerge.
All prerequisites for the start of a pandemic have therefore been met save one: the establishment of efficient and sustained human-to-human transmission of the virus. The risk that the H5N1 virus will acquire this ability will persist as long as opportunities for human infections occur. These opportunities, in turn, will persist as long as the virus continues to circulate in birds, and this situation could endure for some years to come.
What changes are needed for H5N1 to become a pandemic virus?
The virus can improve its transmissibility among humans via two principal mechanisms. The first is a “reassortment” event, in which genetic material is exchanged between human and avian viruses during co-infection of a human or pig. Reassortment could result in a fully transmissible pandemic virus, announced by a sudden surge of cases with explosive spread.
The second mechanism is a more gradual process of adaptive mutation, whereby the capability of the virus to bind to human cells increases during subsequent infections of humans. Adaptive mutation, expressed initially as small clusters of human cases with some evidence of human-to-human transmission, would probably give the world some time to take defensive action.
What is the significance of limited human-to-human transmission?
Though rare, instances of limited human-to-human transmission of H5N1 and other avian influenza viruses have occurred in association with outbreaks in poultry and should not be a cause for alarm. In no instance has the virus spread beyond a first generation of close contacts or caused illness in the general community. Data from these incidents suggest that transmission requires very close contact with an ill person. Such incidents must be thoroughly investigated but – provided the investigation indicates that transmission from person to person is very limited – such incidents will not change the WHO overall assessment of the pandemic risk. There have been a number of instances of avian influenza infection occurring among close family members. It is often impossible to determine if human-to-human transmission has occurred since the family members are exposed to the same animal and environmental sources as well as to one another.
How serious is the current pandemic risk?
The risk of pandemic influenza is serious. With the H5N1 virus now firmly entrenched in large parts of Asia, the risk that more human cases will occur will persist. Each additional human case gives the virus an opportunity to improve its transmissibility in humans, and thus develop into a pandemic strain. The recent spread of the virus to poultry and wild birds in new areas further broadens opportunities for human cases to occur. While neither the timing nor the severity of the next pandemic can be predicted, the probability that a pandemic will occur has increased.
Are there any other causes for concern?
Yes. Several.
• Domestic ducks can now excrete large quantities of highly pathogenic virus without showing signs of illness, and are now acting as a “silent” reservoir of the virus, perpetuating transmission to other birds. This adds yet another layer of complexity to control efforts and removes the warning signal for humans to avoid risky behaviours.
• When compared with H5N1 viruses from 1997 and early 2004, H5N1 viruses now circulating are more lethal to experimentally infected mice and to ferrets (a mammalian model) and survive longer in the environment.
• H5N1 appears to have expanded its host range, infecting and killing mammalian species previously considered resistant to infection with avian influenza viruses.
• The behaviour of the virus in its natural reservoir, wild waterfowl, may be changing. The spring 2005 die-off of upwards of 6,000 migratory birds at a nature reserve in central China, caused by highly pathogenic H5N1, was highly unusual and probably unprecedented. In the past, only two large die-offs in migratory birds, caused by highly pathogenic viruses, are known to have occurred: in South Africa in 1961 (H5N3) and in Hong Kong in the winter of 2002–2003 (H5N1).
Why are pandemics such dreaded events?
Influenza pandemics are remarkable events that can rapidly infect virtually all countries. Once international spread begins, pandemics are considered unstoppable, caused as they are by a virus that spreads very rapidly by coughing or sneezing. The fact that infected people can shed virus before symptoms appear adds to the risk of international spread via asymptomatic air travellers.
The severity of disease and the number of deaths caused by a pandemic virus vary greatly, and cannot be known prior to the emergence of the virus. During past pandemics, attack rates reached 25-35% of the total population. Under the best circumstances, assuming that the new virus causes mild disease, the world could still experience an estimated 2 million to 7.4 million deaths (projected from data obtained during the 1957 pandemic). Projections for a more virulent virus are much higher. The 1918 pandemic, which was exceptional, killed at least 40 million people. In the USA, the mortality rate during that pandemic was around 2.5%.
Pandemics can cause large surges in the numbers of people requiring or seeking medical or hospital treatment, temporarily overwhelming health services. High rates of worker absenteeism can also interrupt other essential services, such as law enforcement, transportation, and communications. Because populations will be fully susceptible to an H5N1-like virus, rates of illness could peak fairly rapidly within a given community. This means that local social and economic disruptions may be temporary. They may, however, be amplified in today’s closely interrelated and interdependent systems of trade and commerce. Based on past experience, a second wave of global spread should be anticipated within a year.
As all countries are likely to experience emergency conditions during a pandemic, opportunities for inter-country assistance, as seen during natural disasters or localized disease outbreaks, may be curtailed once international spread has begun and governments focus on protecting domestic populations.
What are the most important warning signals that a pandemic is about to start?
The most important warning signal comes when clusters of patients with clinical symptoms of influenza, closely related in time and place, are detected, as this suggests human-to-human transmission is taking place. For similar reasons, the detection of cases in health workers caring for H5N1 patients would suggest human-to-human transmission. Detection of such events should be followed by immediate field investigation of every possible case to confirm the diagnosis, identify the source, and determine whether human-to-human transmission is occurring.
Studies of viruses, conducted by specialized WHO reference laboratories, can corroborate field investigations by spotting genetic and other changes in the virus indicative of an improved ability to infect humans. This is why WHO repeatedly asks affected countries to share viruses with the international research community.
What is the status of vaccine development and production?
Vaccines effective against a pandemic virus are not yet available. Vaccines are produced each year for seasonal influenza but will not protect against pandemic influenza. Although a vaccine against the H5N1 virus is under development in several countries, no vaccine is ready for commercial production and no vaccines are expected to be widely available until several months after the start of a pandemic.
Some clinical trials are now under way to test whether experimental vaccines will be fully protective and to determine whether different formulations can economize on the amount of antigen required, thus boosting production capacity. Because the vaccine needs to closely match the pandemic virus, large-scale commercial production will not start until the new virus has emerged and a pandemic has been declared. Current global production capacity falls far short of the demand expected during a pandemic.
What drugs are available for treatment?
Two drugs (in the neuraminidase inhibitors class), oseltamivir (commercially known as Tamiflu) and zanamivir (commercially known as Relenza) can reduce the severity and duration of illness caused by seasonal influenza. The efficacy of the neuraminidase inhibitors depends, among others, on their early administration ( within 48 hours after symptom onset). For cases of human infection with H5N1, the drugs may improve prospects of survival, if administered early, but clinical data are limited. The H5N1 virus is expected to be susceptible to the neuraminidase inhibitors. Antiviral resistance to neuraminidase inhibitors has been clinically negligible so far but is likely to be detected during widespread use during a pandemic.
An older class of antiviral drugs, the M2 inhibitors amantadine and rimantadine, could potentially be used against pandemic influenza, but resistance to these drugs can develop rapidly and this could significantly limit their effectiveness against pandemic influenza. Some currently circulating H5N1 strains are fully resistant to these the M2 inhibitors. However, should a new virus emerge through reassortment, the M2 inhibitors might be effective.
For the neuraminidase inhibitors, the main constraints – which are substantial – involve limited production capacity and a price that is prohibitively high for many countries. At present manufacturing capacity, which has recently quadrupled, it will take a decade to produce enough oseltamivir to treat 20% of the world’s population. The manufacturing process for oseltamivir is complex and time-consuming, and is not easily transferred to other facilities.
So far, most fatal pneumonia seen in cases of H5N1 infection has resulted from the effects of the virus, and cannot be treated with antibiotics. Nonetheless, since influenza is often complicated by secondary bacterial infection of the lungs, antibiotics could be life-saving in the case of late-onset pneumonia. WHO regards it as prudent for countries to ensure adequate supplies of antibiotics in advance.
How is avian influenza detected in humans?
Avian influenza cannot be diagnosed by symptoms alone, so a laboratory test is required. Avian influenza is usually diagnosed by collecting a swab from the nose or throat during the first few days of illness. This swab is then sent to a laboratory, where they will either look for avian influenza virus using a molecular test, or they will try to grow the virus. Growing avian influenza viruses should only be done in laboratories with high levels of protection. If it is late in the illness, it may be difficult to find an avian influenza virus directly using these methods. If this is the case, it may still be possible to diagnose avian influenza by looking for evidence of the body's response to the virus. This is not always an option because it requires two blood specimens (one taken during the first few days of illness and another taken some weeks later), and it can take several weeks to verify the results.
What are the implications of avian influenza to human health?
Two main risks for human health from avian influenza are 1) the risk of direct infection when the virus passes from the infected bird to humans, sometimes resulting in severe disease; and 2) the risk that the virus – if given enough opportunities – will change into a form that is highly infectious for humans and spreads easily from person to person.
How is avian influenza in humans treated?
Studies done in laboratories suggest that the prescription medicines approved for human influenza viruses should work in treating avian influenza infection in humans. However, influenza viruses can become resistant to these drugs, so these medications may not always work. Additional studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of these medicines.
Does seasonal influenza vaccine protect against avian influenza infection in people?
No. Seasonal influenza vaccine does not provide protection against avian influenza.
Should I wear a surgical mask to prevent exposure to avian influenza?
Currently, wearing a mask is not recommended for routine use (e.g., in public) for preventing influenza exposure. In the United States, disposable surgical and procedure masks have been widely used in health-care settings to prevent exposure to respiratory infections, but the masks have not been used commonly in community settings, such as schools, businesses, and public gatherings.
Can I get avian influenza from eating or preparing poultry or eggs?
You cannot get avian influenza from properly handled and cooked poultry and eggs.
There currently is no scientific evidence that people have been infected with bird flu by eating safely handled and properly cooked poultry or eggs.
Most cases of avian influenza infection in humans have resulted from direct or close contact with infected poultry or surfaces contaminated with secretions and excretions from infected birds. Even if poultry and eggs were to be contaminated with the virus, proper cooking would kill it. In fact, recent studies have shown that the cooking methods that are already recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for poultry and eggs to prevent other infections will destroy influenza viruses as well.
So to stay safe, the advice is the same for protecting against any infection from poultry:
* Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw poultry and eggs.
* Clean cutting boards and other utensils with soap and hot water to keep raw poultry from contaminating other foods.
* Use a food thermometer to make sure you cook poultry to a temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit Consumers may wish to cook poultry to a higher temperature for personal preference.
* Cook eggs until whites and yolks are firm.
We have a small flock of chickens. Is it safe to keep them?
Yes. In the United States there is no need at present to remove a flock of chickens because of concerns regarding avian influenza. The U.S. Department of Agriculture monitors potential infection of poultry and poultry products by avian influenza viruses and other infectious disease agents.
Avian Influenza Infection in Animals
What animals can be infected with avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses?
In addition to humans and birds, we know that pigs, tigers, leopards, ferrets and domestic cats can be infected with avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses. In addition, in early March 2006, Germany reported H5N1 infection in a stone marten (a weasel-like mammal). The avian influenza A (H5N1) virus that emerged in Asia in 2003 is evolving and it’s possible that other mammals may be susceptible to infection as well. CDC is working closely with domestic and international partners to continually monitor this situation and will provide additional information to the public as it becomes available.
Can domestic cats be infected with avian influenza viruses?
While domestic cats are not usually susceptible to influenza type A infection, it is known that they can become infected and die (both experimentally and naturally) with avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses and, in a laboratory/research setting can spread the virus to other cats. It is not known whether domestic cats can spread the virus to other domestic cats under natural conditions.
How do cats become infected with avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses?
All of the cases of influenza A (H5N1) infection in domestic cats reported to date have been associated with H5N1 outbreaks among domestic poultry or wild birds and are thought to have occurred by the cat eating raw infected birds.
How commonly have cats been infected with avian influenza A (H5N1) viruses?
During the avian influenza A (H5N1) outbreak that occurred from 2003 to 2004 in Asia, there were only several unofficial reports of fatal infections in domestic cats. Studies carried out in the Netherlands and published in 2004 showed that housecats could be infected with avian influenza A (H5N1) and could spread the virus to other housecats. In these experiments, the cats became sick after direct inoculation of virus isolated from a fatal human case, and following the feeding of infected raw chicken. In February 2006, Germany reported that a domestic cat had died from influenza A (H5N1) infection. That cat lived in the northern island of Ruegen, where more than 100 wild birds are believed to have died of the disease. The cat probably got sick by eating an infected bird.
What about infection in large cats, like tigers?
Large cats kept in captivity have been diagnosed with avian influenza as well. In December 2003, two tigers and two leopards that were fed fresh chicken carcasses from a local slaughterhouse died at a zoo in Thailand. An investigation identified avian influenza A (H5N1) in tissue samples. In February and March 2004, the virus was detected in a clouded leopard and white tiger, respectively, both of which died in a zoo near Bangkok . In October 2004, 147 of 441 captive tigers in a zoo in Thailand died or were euthanatized as a result of infection after being fed fresh chicken carcasses. The cats are thought to have gotten sick from eating infected raw meat. Results of a subsequent investigation suggested that at least some tiger-to-tiger transmission occurred in that facility.
Can cats spread H5N1 to people?
There is no evidence to date that cats can spread H5N1 to humans. No cases of avian influenza in humans have been linked to exposure to sick cats, and no outbreaks among populations of cats have been reported. All of the influenza A (H5N1) infections in cats reported to date appear to have been associated with outbreaks in domestic or wild birds and acquired through ingestion of raw meat from an infected bird.
What is the risk to humans or other species from cats infected with avian influenza H5N1 virus?
There is no evidence to date that cats can spread H5N1 to humans. No cases of avian influenza in humans have been linked to exposure to sick cats, and no outbreaks among populations of cats have been reported. All of the influenza A (H5N1) infections in cats reported to date appear to have been associated with outbreaks in domestic or wild birds and acquired through ingestion of raw infected meat.
What is the current risk that a cat in the United States will become infected with influenza A (H5N1)?
As long as there is no influenza A (H5N1) in the United States, there is no risk of a U.S. cat becoming infected with this disease. The virus circulating in Asia, Europe and Africa has not yet entered the United States. CDC is working closely with domestic and international partners to continually monitor this situation and will provide additional information to the public as it becomes available.
If avian influenza A (H5N1) is identified in the United States, how can I protect my cat?
As long as there is no H5N1 influenza in the United States, at this time there is no risk of a U.S. cat becoming infected with this disease. In Europe, however, where H5N1 has been reported in wild birds, poultry, several cats, and a stone marten (a member of the weasel family), the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control has issued preliminary recommendations for cat owners living in H5N1-affected areas. Additionally, the Food and Agriculture Organization has produced guidance for areas where H5N1 HPAI has been diagnosed or is suspected in poultry or wild birds.
Where can I find out more information about avian influenza infection in cats?
For more information about avian influenza in cats, see Avian influenza — Frequently asked questions (from the American Veterinary Medical Association).
Can dogs be infected with avian influenza?
While dogs are not usually susceptible to avian influenza viruses, the avian influenza A (H5N1) virus that emerged in Asia in 2003 has been documented to infect other carnivore species (e.g. cats, tigers, leopards, stone martens). This has raised concern that this strain of avian influenza A (H5N1) virus may be capable of infecting dogs. An unpublished study carried out in 2005 by the National Institute of Animal Health in Bangkok indicated that dogs could be infected with the virus, but no associated disease was detected. This limited information is not enough to determine definitively whether dogs are susceptible to the virus. CDC is coordinating with USDA, veterinary associations, and other partners domestically and internationally on this issue and will provide additional information to the public as it becomes available.
How would dogs be infected with avian influenza A (H5N1)?
There is not enough information available about avian influenza A (H5N1) infection in dogs to know how infection would occur. Affected domestic cats in Europe appear to have become infected by feeding upon raw infected poultry or wild birds. If dogs are susceptible to avian influenza A (H5N1), infection may be by the same route.
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/gen-info/qa.htm
TORONTO — In a groundbreaking world first, Toronto doctors have used a new technique to repair and rejuvenate injured donor lungs and successfully transplanted them into a patient. The technique, which involves placing the lungs in a bubble-like ventilation unit outside the donor's body, opens up the possibility that many more people in need of transplants will be able to get the life-saving surgery. Currently, only about 15 per cent of donor lungs are healthy enough to be transplanted, said Dr. Shaf Keshavjee, director of the lung transplant program at Toronto General Hospital, who led the research team that developed the "ex vivo" procedure. "In this technique, we're able to set up the situation where the lung can start to recover already from the injuries that had been inflicted on it in the donor and start to recover and work better," Keshavjee said Friday at a news conference to announce the breakthrough. "More importantly, we can actually monitor that and prove that the lung is better before we transplant it," he said, adding that the technique would allow surgeons worldwide to "easily double or triple the number of (donor) lungs used today." The Toronto XVIVO Perfusion System, a see-through chamber with a retractable lid for housing the lungs, has been dubbed the "little SkyDome" because of its resemblance to Toronto's Rogers Centre. Attached to the unit is a ventilator that pumps in oxygen - as if the organs were breathing inside someone's chest - and a bloodless solution providing proteins and nutrients. Traditionally, lungs are removed from a brain-dead donor and then kept cool, allowing them to remain usable for transplant for six to eight hours. But while on ice, the static lungs are slowly dying and deteriorating, Keshavjee said. With the new technique, the fragile organs are kept at room temperature and stay viable for at last 12 hours. "What we're doing now is using strategies of regenerative medicine to say, well, can we actually not shut the organ down, but keep it alive, keep it so it's working, so its regenerative properties which are natural in the organ to recover from the injury can actually be working while the organ's outside the body?" The new system was used to give the gift of breath earlier this month to 56-year-old Andy Dykstra of London, Ont., who had been waiting for a lung transplant since July 30. Dykstra was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease five years ago. Last year, his COPD became so bad that he could no longer work and the slightest exertion left him breathless. When he was offered the "reconditioned" lungs, he jumped at the chance. "I knew this was for me. I had to have this," he said by phone from London. "Now being transplanted, I'm just full of life. I can breathe easier. Life is sweet." "And I'm looking forward to having a productive life again, to be able to watch my daughters grow up and hopefully be able to witness their marriage and grandchildren coming around," said an emotional Dykstra. Keshavjee said Dykstra was able to breathe without a ventilator two days after his Dec. 5 transplant and left the hospital Wednesday, 12 days after the operation. Dr. Gary Levy, head of the hospital's multi-organ transplant team, said he believes the new restorative technique could be applied to expand the number of other organs available for transplant, such as livers, kidneys and hearts. For example, only 20 to 30 per cent of livers are currently healthy enough to be used, he said. "We've a goal of doing 1,000 solid organ transplants a year here at this centre," said Levy, adding that lung transplants could possibly be doubled to 200 per year. He said the researchers' goal is to deal with the shortage of donor organs and to use gene therapy and other regenerative medicine techniques to modify donor organs so they can be transplanted without recipients having to take life-long anti-rejection drugs. Toronto General Hospital has been a pioneer in the field, with a team led by Dr. Joel Cooper performing the world's first successful single-lung transplant in 1983. The patient lived for six years before dying of kidney failure at age 64. Cooper's team performed the first successful double-lung transplant three years later. Despite advances in the last 20 years - including a huge drop in surgery-related death rates among lung-transplant recipients - Keshavjee said that about 20 per cent of patients in need of replacement organs die while on the transplant waiting list. A Canadian Institute for Health Information report this week showed that 299 people died while waiting for a lung transplant between 1997 and 2006. However, the number of lung transplants increased to 171 in 2006 from 93 in 1997, while the three-year survival rate has improved to 80 per cent in 2003 from 60 per cent in 1997, CIHI said. Reference Source - The Canadian Press, Canada | |||
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is not responsible for the repercussions for any advice that is taken.Any opinions expressed by a member are those of the member alone, and are not to be attributed to SHIRE CHIN TRAVEL STATION WEB.
SHIRE CHIN TRAVEL STATION WEB. Section acknowledges that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything posted.Postings may contain fact, speculation or rumour. We use reports from the Web that are believed to belong in the public domain
Information at this site is general information provided for educational or reference purposes only and is not a substitute for professional care. It may not be accurate, current or complete . No information obtained on this site should be relied on as the basis for treating or diagnosing conditions, symptoms, or illness and all queries should be directed to your health professional.
SHIRE CHIN TRAVEL STATION WEB. Health section acknowledges that Before taking any advice check with your Doctor SHIRE CHIN TRAVEL STATION WEB.
is not responsible for the repercussions for any advice that is taken.Any opinions expressed by a member are those of the member alone, and are not to be attributed to SHIRE CHIN TRAVEL STATION WEB.
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