Health & Fitness

How Women Can Protect Themselves From Getting Breast Cancer

2008-04-22T03:40:00.000-07:00

By : Travis Waack
Chances are you know someone - a family member, colleague, or friend who has been affected by cancer. You'll want to learn more about prevention especially if you have a history of cancer in your family. There are over two hundred different types of cancer and the most common one for women is breast cancer. The lifetime probability of a woman developing breast cancer is 1 in 9. The good news is that it is possible for women to protect themselves from breast cancer. When breast cancer is discovered and treated early, the chances for recovery are better.

Every woman should know their own breasts so that any changes are noticed soon and can be reported to a physician. Knowing your breasts includes having a mammogram every two years if you are between the ages of 50 and 69 and getting a clinical breast exam by a doctor or trained health professional at least every two years from the age of 40. Regardless of age, all women should do their own monthly breast self-examination a few days after her period. When doing breast self-examination, things to look for include: puckering of the skin, the appearance of what is sometimes called 'orange peel skin', any place in your breasts that feels lumpy or harder than the rest and bleeding from the nipples or crusting.

It is important to note that most breast problems are not breast cancer and most lumps are not cancerous. When a lump is not cancerous it is referred to as 'benign'. A cancerous lump is called 'malignant'.

While there are no cures yet, researchers have discovered that a healthy lifestyle is the best way to prevent cancer. Since cancer is a disease that starts in our cells, everything we eat and are exposed to can affect them. Choose to be a non-smoker and avoid second-hand smoke. In regards to diet, choose a variety of lower fat, high fiber foods. Studies have shown that intake of total fat, saturated fat and meat are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Maintain a healthy body weight and limit alcohol consumption. Protect yourself from the sun. At home and at work, follow health and safety instructions when using hazardous materials. The link between an active lifestyle and breast cancer prevention is as yet unclear but general health is improved when regular exercise is an integral part of a person's lifestyle.

Taking care of ourselves is an ongoing commitment that requires self-discipline and knowledge. It is well worth the effort and you'll feel much better for it.

Drinking Tea May Guard Against Ovarian Cancer

2008-04-22T03:37:00.000-07:00

By : Nicole Weaver
Consuming two or more cups of tea a day over a period of time may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer dramatically, suggests a new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. And each additional cup of tea per day appears to provide significantly more protection, investigators found.

Because tea is the second most-consumed beverage in the world, its potential health benefits could have important implications for human health and disease prevention, says the Tea Council of the USA.

"An abundance of research suggests that tea may play a role in the reduction of risk of cardiovascular disease and various types of cancer," notes Joe Simrany, president of the trade organization. "These new findings suggest that drinking tea regularly may help to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer as well. This is good news and points to yet another area where tea may have a positive effect on health."

46 Percent Lower Ovarian Cancer Risk

Researchers at Sweden's National Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, examined the association between tea consumption and risk of ovarian cancer in 61,057 women 40 to 76 years of age who took part in the population-based Swedish Mammography Cohort.

The participants completed a validated 67-item food frequency questionnaire at enrollment between 1987 and 1990, and were followed for cancer incidence through December 2004.

At baseline, 68 percent of the participants reported drinking tea -- primarily black tea -- at least once a month. During 15.1 years of follow-up, 301 women were diagnosed as having epithelial ovarian cancer. The researchers found tea consumption of two or more cups of tea per day had a significant inverse association with risk of ovarian cancer.

Specifically, women who drank two or more cups of tea per day experienced a 46 percent lower risk of ovarian cancer, compared with women who drank no tea. Each additional cup of tea was associated with an 18 percent decreased risk of ovarian cancer.

Additional Health Benefits

A multitude of research studies suggest that drinking tea may contribute to overall health. Potential benefits include the following:

- Reduced risk of heart attack and stroke, and improved blood vessel function;

- Less risk of certain cancers, including colorectal and skin cancers;

- Decreased levels of oxidative DNA damage and increases in antioxidant levels in the bloodstream; and

- Oral health benefits -- researchers believe certain compounds in tea may inhibit bacteria that cause bad breath and plaque, and the fluoride content in tea supports healthy tooth enamel.

Author Resource:- Nicole Weaver is a health journalist for
Daily News Central, an online publication that delivers breaking news and reliable health information to consumers, healthcare providers and industry professionals.

Best Herbal Remedy for Anxiety

2008-04-22T03:36:00.001-07:00

Before we look at the best herbal remedy for anxiety it's important to look at what physiological imbalances cause anxiety.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views symptoms of anxiety, nervousness, restlessness and depression as the result of blood deficiency or lack of yin. And so naturally the best herbal remedy for anxiety will include herbs that specifically build the blood and yin or fluids in the body.

Why is building blood crucial for treating anxiety permanently? An easy way to understand how the yin/yang balance affects anxiety is simple. Your body, like everything in the universe is a balance of yin and yang, or hot and cold, water and fire.

You have blood and fluids in the body or yin that is transported and transformed by yang or energy processes such as digestion, eliminating toxins and breathing. Without sufficient water or yin to hold the yang /fire it escapes and like heat, yang energy rises.

This untamed energy rises to your heart or mind causing anxiety, heart palpitations, hot flashes, headaches, hypertension and a variety of troublesome symptoms. Building blood is the first thing acupuncturists and other TCM practitioners focus on when treating patients with anxiety.

For the purpose of this article we will be investigating TCM herbs as the best herbal remedies for anxiety. They include these three herbs which specifically enrich blood and transport it to the heart; Dang Qui (Angelica Sunensis), processed Rehmannia Root (Rehmannia Glutinosa; in mandarin: Shu Di Huang) and Red Sage Root (Salvia Miltorrhiza; in mandarin: dan Shen).

Dan Qui and in combination with processed Rehmania, a warming remedy, is especially effective for conditions with signs of coldness. Red Sage root a bitter herb is more useful when there is a tendency to develop dampness or mucus excess in the body.

Another very powerful blood and yin builder although not an herb is Royal Jelly.
Royal jelly is a thick, extremely nutritious, milky-white, creamy liquid secreted by the hypopharyngeal glands of nurse bees. Queen bees live exclusively on royal jelly and it accounts for their incredible size and longevity. They average 42 percent larger and weigh 60 percent more than the worker bee. Amazingly, they live 40 times longer than worker bees, seven years as compared to seven weeks.

Royal Jelly has been used in TCM for centuries an interestingly enough is a significant source of Vitamin B12, folic acid and Iron, the nutrients most often needed to cure blood deficiencies.

Severe blood and yin deficiencies can eventually lead to chronic diseases such as diabetes. Tonifying yin is always a lengthy process as it takes many years for such an imbalance to take root.

TCM aims to re-balance the whole body-mind-and spirit system using natural alternatives such as herbs that speed up the process.

If you suffer from anxiety consider this route if you are willing to be patient for the root problem to be rebalanced permanently, this is not a quick fix alternative, neither a band aid patch job. Always consult a professionally trained practitioner before taking any herbs.

The Secret To Youthful Skin At Any Age

2008-04-22T03:33:00.000-07:00

By : Darren Craddock
The secret to youthful skin and natural anti aging is in your colon. Have you even wondered why so many celebrities go to expensive cleansing spas? Is it because they are particularly health conscious? No, it's because they are obsessed with looking young and beautiful. Luckily you don't have to be a celebrity to have youthful skin and youthful vitality. All it takes is a good colon cleansing and lots of fresh, clean, filtered drinking water.

It's not what you put on your skin that makes it youthful

Each year there are billions of dollars spent of beautifying and anti aging products. The ironic part is that the health of your skin is largely governed by the amount of water you drink, the type of food you eat and how well you body eliminates waste. If these three things are working well chances are you will have youthful skin. Anti aging begins with what you eat. When any of these areas become unbalanced then your skin will be one of the first places to show it.

Anti aging creams attack the surface but not the cause

Your skin is the largest organ in your body. It has many functions but one is the elimination of toxins. Think about it - you sweat when you have a fever or when you are hot. There are literally millions of pores all over your body with the specific ability to move toxins out of you. As you get older more and more toxins are building up inside your body. Toxins from the air we breathe, the food and water we consume and environmental exposure to a host of deadly chemicals. Youthful skin comes from healthy toxic elimination. A regular colon cleansing can help you have youthful skin and more energy.

Even food can be anti aging

Our diets are often lacking in whole grain fiber and the volumes of fresh and uncooked vegetables that it takes to clean out the gunk. Highly processed foods like white flour and sugar turn into a sticky goo once inside your belly. Most of this foodstuff is only waste since there is little nutrition to digest. Literally, every time your colon gets overloaded trying to process too much waste it has no other choice but to reabsorb the toxins into your fatty cells or try to eliminate them through your skin.

The skin is an interesting organ. It is the backup if the colon is not working. Another thing is; when we have undigested food material, if it is not liquefied enough, it sticks to the sides of the intestine. Eventually it will harden and when it hardens it also prevents the muscles around it from contracting. This dehydration coupled with the slow clogging and hardening means that less and less of the waste is eliminated. It also means that it takes more effort for your body to eliminate anything effectively. Now you can see how youthful skin and anti aging starts in the colon.

Youthful skin is a result of a healthy digestive system. Gentle colon cleansing will break down this hardened matter and remove it safely. Dehydration makes you look older than you are and makes it very hard for your skin to stay elastic and subtle.

Anti aging starts in the colon

A lot of people think that poor skin simply comes with age. Not true. We all know at least one person who looks great for their age - without plastic surgery, botox or drugs. Chances are it is because of what's going on with their colon. When your colon works efficiently - your skin will glow naturally. A good colon cleansing on a regular basis will help draw out toxins and undigested waste.

Drink plenty of fresh, filtered, clean water every day - this is the first step. Next you may want to eat a good wholesome diet -filled with fresh vegetables and lots of whole grain fibers. Then add a super green, whole food supplement that will boost your vitamin B and give you the added nutrition your body craves. Colon cleansing is one of the simplest ways of getting a healthier more youthful skin.

A lot of things go into making sure that the colon cleansing work and I would say that the number one thing is sufficient water intake. Clean, filtered water is the elixir of life - so drink your fill and enjoy natural youthful skin.

The Truth About Holistic Health

2008-04-22T03:32:00.000-07:00

By : Scott White
Holistic health is gaining momentum in the United States, but its definition is still a bit ambiguous. For some people holistic health means turning away from allopathic medicine and seeking wellness in alternative therapies exclusively; while others define holistic health as the act of treating a person as a whole, as opposed to simply treating the symptoms of a disease. Someone who suffers from chronic ear infections then, might be asked to take their antibiotics and perform another action to treat what is found to be the underlying cause. Perhaps acupuncture will relieve the infections, or a massage, or perhaps better posture will straighten things out.

Holistic health means looking for the problem behind the disease, viewing the disease as only a symptom of a larger condition. Holistic choices include things like eating right, exercise, acupuncture, massage, sleeping well, meditation, herbal treatments, as well as many others. It also means looking at every aspect of a person, treating their minds, bodies, and souls, no matter what the current problem may be. The best part is that the benefits can be seen overall.

While there are times that allopathic medicine must be brought in for the safety of the patient (a life-saving surgery or treatment for a very threatening illness), the goal of a holistic lifestyle is to prevent the need for these life-saving procedures in the first place. If you eat well and exercise you will probably not need a bypass surgery, like-wise if you meditate, you will not likely need medication to treat high blood pressure.

Holistic health means treating a person through all aspects of physical, mental and spiritual health, to make them as healthy as they can be. It is the creation of the "ideal" lifestyle, as far as your health is concerned because it is not only a treatment for poor health, but a lifestyle designed to preserve good health and keep you feeling your best long into your golden years.

There are many people who take holistic approaches to their care without applying a fully holistic lifestyle. These people are engaged in holistic health for short periods of time when it is convenient, they are the people who will grab McDonald's on their way to yoga, or who use massage to treat stress. This is not truly holistic health, since they are not treating the underlying causes of their problems, nor are they engaged in preventative measures such as proper nutrition and exercise. These people are engaged in activities that are employed by devotees of the holistic lifestyle, but are not members of that lifestyle themselves.

More people than ever are starting to realize the benefits of increasing their overall health and avoiding things or situations that cause their health and state of mind to deteriorate. An executive might scale back his job so that he can spend more time on healthier choices and increase his peace of mind by reducing his stress. A mother might make the choice to take herbal supplements for her diet and to cook for her family instead of going out. These are the kind of people who count to ten instead of exploding, they enjoy living well.

You cannot force yourself onto a holistic path. If it is not what you want to do, then you will stray from it. If you are willing to do the work, though, a holistic lifestyle can have many wonderful benefits.
Holistic health is the health of your body, your mind, and your soul, take care of yourself inside and out, and you will feel the benefits, and the best part is that you will live a good, long life feeling those benefits.

Types Of Heart Disease

2008-04-22T03:29:00.000-07:00

By : David Cowley
Today's incidents of many different types of heart disease are much higher than in the past, partly due to increased awareness and better testing techniques in diagnosing heart problems. However, today's lifestyle also plays a key role in the higher number of the signs of heart disease with a lack of proper diet, little or no exercise and smoking. Persons who are at risk of developing heart related diseases can make changes to help prevent it from becoming worse.

Of the many types of heart disease a heart attack will affect approximately one out of every 36 people, or about 7.5 million people in the United States alone. That is roughly 2.75 percent of the population that will suffer a heart attack each year. While many will survive, thanks to rapid response and modern medicine, knowing the risks and making changes to reduce those risks can save many lives.

High blood pressure is often considered one of the types of heart disease, but it may actually be the leading cause of many problems with the heart. High blood pressure causes the heart to have to work harder and it puts a strain on every part of the heart muscle. Its cause however, may not be directly related to the heart and kidney problems and other internal ailments may cause the blood pressure to increase above a normal level.

Heart Damage Due To Lack Of Blood.

The heart relies on a consistent flow of oxygenated blood and smokers often cannot deliver the oxygen to the blood. Blood picks up oxygen in the lungs and if they are filled with smoke and toxins, the blood delivered to the heart may be oxygen deficient, causing one of the types of heart disease, called ischemic heart disease. This occurs when not enough blood and oxygen reaches the heart, causing parts of it to slowly die.

One of the most common types of heart problems is rhythm disorders, affecting about one of every 18 people in the United States. This is diagnosed when a person's heart does not beat on a regular basis. While many people live with this type of heart problem with few complications, it will need to be monitored by the doctor for any changes. Heart murmurs are another of types of heart diseases that produce sounds in the heart that are not considered normal. There can be a variety of causes, including trouble with the heart valves, but many are not fatal.

Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with diseases of the heart such as Eico-Sapentaenoic Acid, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Policosanol.

Studies of the Greenland Eskimos lack of heart attacks have show that Eico-Sapentaenoic Acid (EPA) lowers blood cholesterol considerably, even more than polyunsaturated fat does. It also triggers a major drop in triglycerides. Salmon Oil is one of the best known sources of natural EPA.

Vitamin C has been shown to combat the development of cholesterol deposits in the arteries. Within a few hours after receiving vitamin C patients showed a sharp decline in the cholesterol levels of the blood.

Vitamin E supplies Oxygen to the heart and the other muscles in the body. Accelerates wound healing and aids in the functioning of the immune system.

Policosanol is a natural supplement derived from sugar cane. Policosanol promotes healthy platelet function and helps to maintain normal cholesterol levels in the human body.

Diseases Caused By High Blood Pressure

2008-04-22T03:17:00.000-07:00

By : David Cowley
There are three main diseases caused by high blood pressure. They are each life threatening and they may or may not have any symptoms other than you having high blood pressure. Many drug stores and grocery stories have blood pressure monitoring machines available to the general public for free. You should check you blood pressure every time you have you see one of these machines.

A good starting point for normal blood pressure is 120/80. The first number represents the systolic pressure. This is the maximum pressure in your arteries that is created during the contraction of the left ventricle. The second number represents the diastolic blood pressure. The diastolic pressure is the measurement of the pressure in the arteries when the heart relaxes. Signs of high pressure is when the systolic pressure is over 130 or when the diastolic pressure is over 90. You should contact your health care provider when either of these conditions occur.

Coronary Heart Disease.

The same plaque that blocks arteries to the brain can clog arteries that feed the heart causing coronary heart disease. All cells need oxygen from the bloodstream to survive, so reducing the amount of blood to the heart muscle can severely weaken or damage the heart muscle. If a blood clot blocks one of these coronary arteries of the heart, a heart attack can occur. If the blood is blocked for an extended time some of the cells of the heart will die. When too many of the cells of the heart die the heart can not pump oxygenated blood throughout the body very well and this can lead to other problems with the other organs of the human body and even death.

Kidney Damage.

Your kidneys are responsible for filtering the waste products from the blood stream that passes through them and to remove excess fluid. High blood pressure can damage the kidneys causing them to become less efficient. When the kidneys stop removing excessive fluid from the blood stream the heart will have to work harder, which in turn will cause even higher blood pressure. It is very important to break this vicious cycle as soon as possible. When a complete shutdown of the functions of the kidney or renal failure occurs, you will need to have kidney dialysis or a kidney transplant in order to survive.

Aneurysm.

Increased blood pressure will create a lot of strain on your heart and arteries. Over time the walls of the arteries will weaken and an aneurysm will result. The arteries of the human body have three layers. Then the tough outer layer of connective tissue splits and allows the two inner layers of the blood vessel balloon or bulge out an aneurysm is formed. Its like a tire of an automobile that has split allowing the inner tube to balloon outside of the protective outer tire. If the blood pressure problem is allow to continue it is only a mater of time before the aneurysm explodes.

If the aneurysm is small enough then you health care provider will monitor it and watch to see if the size changes over time. If the aneurysm becomes large enough then you may require an operation to correct the problem.

You may not have any symptoms of high blood pressure that is why it is called the silent killer. Some symptom you can watch out for are the following. Ringing in your ears. Present head aches. Pain in your chest, abdominal area or lower back. Excessive fluid retention. Heart palpation or irregular heart beat at rest.

Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with blood pressure problems such as Vitamin C, Garlic, Ginkgo Plus and Potassium.

Vitamin C has show to reduce cholesterol levels and lowers blood pressure.

Garlic counteract the usual result of high fats in the diet and to help reduce blood pressure.

Ginkgo Plus widen blood vessels, increases circulation and speeds blood flow in the capillaries.

Potassium may help prevent an increase in blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke.

Life style changes such as exercise, weight loss and proper diet can also lead to lower blood pressure.

This report is nutritional in nature and not to be construed as medical advice.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

Author Resource:- David Cowley has created numerous articles on heart disease. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to heart disease and how to treat them. Visit Heart Disease

Steps For Reversing Heart Disease

2008-04-22T02:38:00.000-07:00

By : David Cowley
For many heart patients finding a way for reversing heart disease is a dream while for others it may be a goal, which they believe may someday be available. When many professionals talks about reversing heart diseases they may be referring to the possibility of halting, or at least slowing the progression of the disease. Many cardiologists state that reversing damage done to the heart is not within the scope of today's medicine and that many surgical techniques can repair damaged blood vessels and even the heart valves, but are dubious about the use of natural medications to reverse any damage already done by heart disease.

Many heart experts claim that once a heart is broke, it is nearly impossible to fix. Valves can be replaced and vessel repaired but there is no known way to allow the body to heal on its own, as far as heart disease is concerned. Many claims of reversing heart disease focus on the effects of a person's lifestyle and diet has the future of their heart health.

For years the medical community has a drawn a direct correlation between a person's diet and heart disease. Add to that a lack of exercise and the stage is set for a heart attack. However, some medical professionals dispute the diet-heart connection as being total and point to many other ways of reversing heart disease than a vegetarian lifestyle.

Focus On Overall Individual Health.

While disputes continued over the relationship of diet and heart disease, everyone agrees that eating nutritious meals instead of nutrition-empty calories will have a beneficial effect on reversing heart disease. Exercise is also important as studies have repeatedly shown a connection between a healthy heart and a person's weight.

When a person is significantly overweight, the heart has to work harder and while under stress may simply give up, causing a heart attack. An overweight person can begin reversing heart disease by losing weight to a level that matches their height and body type. Eating healthy, balanced meals to achieve weight loss is much better for reversing heart problems than crash dieting that can starve the body of vitamins and minerals needed for health.

Lifestyle changes including eating right and exercising can go a long way towards reversing heart diseases, but once the heart muscle is damaged, there is no known way to heal it on its own. Heart transplants have been successful, but replacing the heart is in no way part of reversing heart diseases.

Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with diseases of the heart such as Vitamin E, Potassium and Phytosterols.

Vitamin E may have a role in reducing the risk of lung cancer, according to researchers at the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health. It supplies oxygen to the heart and other muscles of the body and aids in the functioning of the immune system.

Potassium may help prevent high blood pressure and protect against artherosclerosis and reduce the risk of stroke.

Phytosterols is found in flax seed and peanuts, which are suggested to help lower serum cholesterol.

Author Resource:- David Cowley has created numerous articles on heart disease. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to heart disease and how to treat them. Visit Heart Disease

Heart Disease Prevention

2008-04-22T02:35:00.000-07:00

By : David Cowley
A person considered at risk for heart attack can take steps towards heart disease prevention. It is considerably easier to prevent heart disease than it is to fix it once it happens, and for the most part lifestyle changes are needed for heart disease prevention regardless of age or health risk.

The number one method of heart disease prevention is to quit smoking. For persons who still smoke they need to cut down and should also avoid polyunsaturated fats in their diet. Vitamins A and D along with saturated fats help protect the lungs. A daily walk and about 10 minutes of exercise a day is another way to provide protection against heart related diseases. Exercising can also help with the third heart disease prevention tips of avoid becoming overweight. Eating food rich in nutrients and avoiding sweets will go a long way to providing the heart a healthy diet.

Another leading cause of heart related disease is stress and more people tend to work too hard and a person can fight against work-related stress by performing a task they enjoy doing every day. When unavoidable times of hardship and depression are apparent, supplement the diet with nutrient-rich foods and avoid fast-food meals.

Keeping Environment Free Of Chemicals.

When possible avoid chemical use and fumes that can damage the immune system. Chemicals, pollutants and pesticides can cause irrepairable harm to the body's systems and avoiding this environmental stress can be one heart disease prevention that is easy to accomplish.

Many foods that are called low fat often contain polyunsaturated vegetable oils. Refined foods are also usually void of any nutritional value and should be avoided for heart disease prevention. Foods containing white flour or refined sugar as well as chemical additives can be trouble for the heart. Eating a diet of seafood, dairy products along with meat and fats from organically grown animals can reduce many of the heart disease risk factors.

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is another common heart disease prevention tip handed out by doctors. Foods that contain phytic acids should also be avoided as they detract from the body's ability to absorb minerals in the food. Whole dairy products and whole grain should be consumed regularly as well as foods rich in protective ingredients.

Eating right and getting regular exercise is an important part of heart disease prevention but many of the steps used to prevent heart attack can also have other health benefits.

Common Vitamins and over the counter products can help with Arteriosclerosis such as Vitamin C,
Niacin and Pectin.

Vitamin C has show to reduce cholesterol levels and lowers high blood pressure. Take 1,000 to 5,000 mg daily.

Niacin is the closest thing available to a perfect treatment that corrects most causes of coronary heart disease. Niacin blocks the release of fatty acids from fat cells. Niacin plays a critical role in energy production, gene expression, and hormone synthesis. You cannot live without it. Niacin also tends to shift LDL particle distribution to larger particle size and improve HDL functioning. The intake of 3 grams Niacin for as little as two weeks can reduce serum cholesterol by 26 percent.

Pectin limits the amount of cholesterol the body can absorb. High pectin count in apples may be why "One a day keeps the doctor away".

How to Use Acupressure- 3 Points That Could Save Your Life!

2008-04-22T02:24:00.000-07:00

By : vanessa simpkins
Imagine witnessing someone you love and care about, experience a heart attack right in front of your eyes! What would you do? Obviously call 911 but in the mean time bite their fingers.

Yap, you heard correctly, biting down on the inside edges of the pinky finger's nail triggers a kind of restart action on the heart. It could save your life or someone you care about! I said "bite" not "bleed". A gentle but firm bite is all that is required to stimulate the response needed. This point is located on the heart meridian called HT9.

Acupressure is a time, tested and truly amazing alternative technique using firm but gently pressure on key points along the energy meridians. Using this technique can help you relieve stress and muscle tension, boost your immune system, release endorphins that alleviate pain and much much more!

Acupressure is gaining a lot of popularity these days. Oprah even featured a show with Dr. Oz an accredited author and alternative health practitioner. You can catch that show by visiting www.oprah.com and typing in "Dr.Oz". So how can acupressure save your life? Let's move on to the next life saving point.

Suppose someone faints at work. No problem. Try this next point located at the top of the head on the skull. Feel around until you find a little dip, exactly where the soft spot on a baby's head is located. Give that point some good pressure with your thumb, even using you finger nail to give it a pinch has proven effective. This will bring energy back "up" in the body. This point is more commonly used by acupuncturists to prevent varicose veins, prevent miscarriage and to stop a bleeding. The point is located on the Governor Vessel called GV21.

What if you are experiencing an excruciating headache and you can't get your hands on any Tylenol. No problem. Simply squeeze the fleshy part or web on your hand in between the thumb and the first finger. Called the "eye of the tiger" and "belly of the fish" these two points help to bring energy down in the body. Be it tension, anxiety or too much thinking and especially headaches, this point can do wonders for you. Hold each point together until the pain subsides. Acupuncturists often use this point to help birth a baby and so should not be used by pregnant women.

Before you go whizzing off to the drug store consider using alternative therapies like acupressure instead. It could save you time, and long waiting lines at the doctor's office. Just recently I went into a clinic for a referral to see a doctor. The waiting time was 4hrs!!! Unbelievable. I left, there's no way I was going to spend my day off in a stuffed clinic.

More and more people are turning to alternative therapies, and for good reasons. Many people are being sliced and diced by doctors. I just recently had a healthy 23yr old woman on my table tell me her doctor removed her gall bladder due to a gall stone! Common, it's crazy! Another woman had her uterus removed due to Fibroids. It just amazed me. With so many natural alternatives out there why people are still going through with painful surgeries.

Check out your options, and most importantly be well informed. Always work with practitioners you feel good about. Always follow your gut or intuition when choosing your best treatment option. I hope you have enjoyed this article and will remember what you now know about acupressure that can save your life!

Reducing Job Stress

2008-04-22T01:40:00.000-07:00

Our surroundings directly affect our health and wellness: consider that we spend 40 or more hours on the job weekly. Creating an inspiring environment for wellbeing in our working space is crucial to living a long and meaningful life.

Inner Peace on the Job: 7 Ways to Minimize Stress
Although it is not possible to eliminate stress completely, there are some things we can do to reduce it. Here are effective ways to reduce stress in your day.

1. Slow down and be in the present. It is natural to believe that the harder you work, the more you will get done. However, though it may seem paradoxical, if you work at a slow and steady pace with full awareness, you will most likely turn out better work with fewer mistakes - and feel better while doing it!

2. Set boundaries. Are you the go-to person for every favor and question that is needed in your workplace? Learn to respectfully set your boundaries and say no. Also, take a look at your calendar and make sure you are not over-scheduling yourself after work. Write in one night a week for yourself, and treat yourself to a tai chi or meditation class, a bath, or just an evening curled up with a good book.

3. Remember to breathe deeply all day. Most people who are under a lot of stress or tension breathe shallowly, up in the throat area. When you breathe deeply into your lungs, you are naturally bringing in more oxygen and activating energy in your body.

Try this to remember to breathe: set your intention to take 10 deep breaths once every hour. (If necessary, set a timer to help you remember.) It will only take a minute, but the rewards will be tenfold.

4. Bring nature inside. As much as possible, let natural light and fresh air permeate your workspace. Surround yourself with the inspiring colors of beautiful flowers, which have a powerful influence on a person's mind-set. A beautiful bouquet can lift a less-than-lovely mood and even eliminate stress. In fact, one study showed that people who sat next to an arrangement of colorful flowers were able to relax more during a five-minute typing assignment than those who sat near foliage-only plants.

5. Give yourself a time-out. Take the breaks that are given to you. In this high-paced world, people often work through their breaks, claiming they have too much work to do - this will lead to serious repercussions in the future.

Remember that you are a human, not a machine. Even a machine needs downtime for maintenance! Try taking a 15-minute powernap on your lunch break. If you only have five minutes to spare, just close your eyes. Even this brief rest can reduce stress and help you relax.

6. Meditation brings relaxation. Meditation gives your body a rest and produces slower brain waves that are similar to sleep, effectively combating tension. Regular practice of meditation, tai chi, or yoga can help you slow down and bring peace, not only in your job, but also in your life. To learn more about how to use meditation to decrease stress, click here.

7. Perk up naturally!
Skip the second latte, which stimulates your central nervous system, makes your mind race, and adds to your stress. Instead, try these simple and natural pick-me-ups:

• Take a tea break. Instead of coffee, go for teas that gently boost your energy, such as ginseng, eucalyptus, or ginger.

• Find ways to keep moving all day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Drink a glass of water from the water cooler every hour. Park your car a few blocks away from where you're going. Not only will this perk up your energy, it will also improve your mood.

• If it's a nice day outside, eat lunch outdoors or just take a walk around the block. The fresh air and the break from routine will be an invigorating addition to your workday.

• Get sustainable energy with snacks. Eat a snack at mid-morning and another one at mid-afternoon consisting of nuts, seeds, fruits, or protein-rich foods like humus made from beans will help you sustain your energy and prevent low blood sugar from setting in.

I hope you find the ways to minimize stress in your work environment! I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.

May you live long, live strong, and live happy!

-Dr. Mao

Allergic reaction

2008-04-22T01:28:00.000-07:00

My daughter’s preschool teacher sent home a memo the first week of school to let all of the parents know that one of the children in the class has a severe allergy to peanuts. We were supposed to keep this in mind for when it was our turn to provide the class treats each week. I had never had to deal with a food allergy in my family, so this was completely new to me. When it was my snack week, I went crazy trying to find something that would cause this child to have an allergic reaction. I am shocked at how many products without peanuts have warnings that they may have come into contact with peanuts at some point. However, I ended up picking out some treats that didn’t adversely affect the child and everything was fine.

We have a few allergies in my family that I am always keeping in the back of my mind. I am allergic to penicillin, which has become much milder as I’ve gotten older. Of course, that doesn’t affect me on a daily basis. My husband is allergic to cats. I had two cats when I first met him and he neglected to tell me this. Once we were married, he couldn’t hide his allergic reaction anymore. I found him sneezing hysterically one day when I returned home from work. Oddly enough, he loves cats, he just gets a stuffy allergic reaction to them. We’ve kept the cats as family members, I simply spend more time ensuring that there isn’t as much cat hair around to irritate his allergies. My daughter is allergic to bees. It didn’t take long, after one stung her as a baby, to determine that she was having an allergic reaction to the sting. She developed a rash within minutes and started to swell. As scary as it was, we have been dealing with it for 4 years now and know how to properly handle the situation if and when it
arises.

There are so many things in the world that cause an allergic reaction in so many different people and countries, it makes it difficult to narrow down the causes. Whether it is an allergy to an animal or to a food, everyone experiences their allergic reaction in different ways. You can’t always cater to every type of allergic reaction or allergy that may cross your path, but sometimes, you need to be aware of them. If you do have school age children, you should know if there are some kids that may have an allergic reaction to certain foods. If you’re having overnight guests, you may want to find out if they are allergic to your pets. If you are aware of allergies ahead of time, you may be able to avoid quite a bit of inconvenience for yourself and others. Plus, it may be appreciated much more than you could ever realize.

Health Tips About Oil: Pros and Cons

2008-03-15T22:37:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of confusing information circulating about oils. Hopefully, the tips below will help you navigate your way to the good oils that will benefit your health in the long run.

The Lowdown on Oil
Oils that originate from vegetable, nut, and seed sources provide the essential fatty acids that are critical for our nerve and brain functions. The typical vegetable oils that can be found at supermarkets have undergone chemical and heat processing that destroy the quality of the oil — bleaching, cooking, defoaming, distillation, extraction, refining, and the addition of preservatives. Additionally, many of these oils are exposed to light and air and are even potentially filled with pesticides.

All of this causes the formation of free radicals, which undermine the health benefits of consuming essential fatty acids. To ensure that you are receiving all of the possible benefits from your oil, buy organic, cold-pressed, minimally processed oils at your local health food store. Be sure that you consume oil within three months; to prevent it from becoming rancid, store your oil in the refrigerator in dark glass containers.

Fats: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
There are three types of fat: monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and saturated.

Monounsaturated fats — including olive oil, sesame oil, canola oil, almond oil, flax oil, and fish oil — are good fats. These contain essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) that are critical in brain development and function, skin health, vascular health, proper immune function, fertility, and normal physical development.

Polyunsaturated fats, such as margarine, corn oil, hydrogenated safflower oil, and sunflower oil, also contain essential fatty acids. Unfortunately, these fats are highly refined and contain large amounts of trans fat. Trans fat, created by hydrogenating vegetable oil to make it spreadable, is implicated in both cancer and heart disease.

Saturated fats are the bad kind of fat. Included in this category is butter, peanut oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and lard. These saturated fats elevate cholesterol and triglyceride levels, leading to an increased chance of heart attack and stroke. These oils are best avoided.

Two Stand-Out Oils
The essential ingredient of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil, has been found to have beneficial effects on blood lipids and it may even lower blood pressure. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 60 percent of strokes and 50 percent of heart disease are associated with high blood pressure.

Hypertension is estimated to be the cause of 7.1 million deaths per year worldwide. A recent study has concluded that olive oil intake is “inversely associated with both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.” The bottom line: consuming more olive oil is linked to lowered blood pressure.

Sesame oil — the most common oil consumed by Chinese centenarians — is enjoyed for its delicious nutty flavor and also possesses some considerable therapeutic properties. Chinese medicine lists sesame as a blood builder, a kidney and liver tonic, and a bowel protector and regulator. It is rich in phytic acid, the antioxidant that may prevent cancer. Lignan sesamin, one variety of sesame oil, appeared to radically reduce cholesterol levels in the bloodstream and liver of rats.

To benefit your health and enhance your meals, add some olive oil to your food and salads; sprinkle sesame seeds and oil into your dishes regularly. Some other excellent choices for oils include: walnut oil, flaxseed oil, and soy oil.

I hope I have cleared up some of the confusion surrounding oil. I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.

May you live long, live strong, and live happy!

—Dr. Mao

Try Natural Insomnia Relief

2008-03-15T22:33:00.000-07:00

Insomnia affects almost two out of three Americans. That's a lot of people lying awake at night! If you are tossing and turning all through the night, you are missing out on the most crucial key to maintaining your health, energy, and immunity. Read on to learn plenty of ways to be sure that you are getting the best quality sleep.

A Sleep-Enhancing Atmosphere
Of the many patients I have treated for chronic sleeplessness, one particular case stands out as an example of the powerful energetic influences our living environment can have on us. This patient lives in a lovely townhouse with an open loft space.

When she first moved into her home, she slept in a small bedroom off in a back corner, but visiting friends convinced her to sleep in the loft space. Initially, she had no trouble sleeping, but as the years wore on, she began to suffer from insomnia. Eventually, she showed up in my office seeking relief from her sleeplessness.

After trying several treatments with no noticeable difference to her sleep, I asked about her bedroom arrangement. When she mentioned the open and spacious loft with lots of light and no drapes, I realized that was the most likely culprit.

At night when you are asleep, you need to feel safe and protected in a cocoon-like atmosphere. Otherwise the sensory organs will stay awake to "guard" you from danger and the things that go bump in the night. I suggested that she try sleeping in the small bedroom; her chronic insomnia has disappeared and not returned since.

As the example above shows, it makes a huge difference to your quality of sleep that your snoozing environment is soothing. Do everything possible to establish a quiet and cozy atmosphere.

Your bedroom should ideally be located in the quietest and less trafficked area of your home. The lighting should be dim and any music that is played should be peaceful. Keep the décor minimal, with nothing busy to detract from your sleep. Colors should be in the realm of blues, greens, and grays. Do not place computers or televisions in your bedroom because they generate electromagnetic fields and positive ions that can induce agitation.

Also, consider having Fido sleep outside the bedroom; sleeping with pets often causes restless sleep because their movements will keep your body from fully relaxing into deep R.E.M. sleep.

Routines to Help You Sleep Tight
Quality sleep is critical to staying in synchronization with our biological clock. Our bodies run on biological rhythms and function best with consistent routines. To ensure restful sleep every night, form your own calming routines to help you get to sleep. Once you find an activity that works, practice it consistently to program your body for the sleep response. To listen to some of the ways to get a good night's sleep, click here.

Here are a few more helpful hints:

• Do not eat late. Your last meal should be no later than 7 p.m.

• Drink valerian or passionflower tea before bedtime every night for one month.

• Take a relaxing evening stroll an hour before bed.

• Soak your feet in hot, Epsom salt bath for 15 minutes before bedtime.

• Keep a journal at night. Emptying your thoughts onto paper helps you unburden your mind for a more peaceful sleep.

• Induce relaxation with a 15-minute meditation. Here's how: Sit comfortably at the edge of a firm seat with your back erect and your head tilted slightly downward. Place your arms gently over your lap and breathe slowly, deliberately, and gently. Keep your eyes slightly closed.

• Do not exercise for at least two hours before bed. Interestingly, people with regular exercise routines have fewer episodes of insomnia. Exercising moderately for 30 minutes daily, combined with meditation in the evening, will not only help you fall and stay asleep, but will also increase the amount of time you spend in R.E.M. sleep. For some people, exercise alone is enough to overcome insomnia.

• You might also try Calm-Fort/Sleep formula with useful herbs like lily bulbs, polygala and turmeric that help manage stress and calm the spirit while relieve restlessness and alleviate insomnia. Find out more online at askdrmao.com.

When all else fails, see your doctor because insomnia may be a sign of more serious problems.

I hope you find the ways to sleep soundly! I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.

May you stay healthy, live long, and live happy!

-Dr. Mao

Allergy Alert: Breathe Easy, Naturally

2008-03-15T22:30:00.000-07:00

Itchy, watery eyes, running nose, an aching head, and sinus congestion. Sound familiar? You may be among the 37 million people in the United States who suffer from allergic rhinitis or sinusitis. Consider combating your springtime woes naturally with these time-tested self-healing techniques.

Allergens in the Air
When your sinuses, the air-filled hollow cavities around your nose and nasal passages, become inflamed, fluid can accumulate and interfere with normal drainage of mucus in the sinuses. This condition is known as acute sinusitis. The result? You may have trouble breathing through your nose and feel your eyes and facial tissue swell up.

Your symptoms may include a headache, fever, a nagging cough, post-nasal drip, thick green or yellow discharge, and a feeling of facial "fullness" that gets worse when you lean forward; during a severe sinus infection, some people even experience a toothache.

This uncomfortable condition has many possible causes, including bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, allergies, or a deviated septum. Synonymous with spring, allergic rhinitis, commonly called hay fever, is the inflammatory result of your immune system's overreaction to allergens in the air.

Pollen is one famous offender. Other allergens include dirt, pollution, animal hair, food particles cloth fibers, and mold.

Surprising Secrets for Sinus Health
Here are some all-natural ways to gain freedom from sinus suffering.

• Clear your sinuses and your mind with a steamy stovetop spa. Add a few drops of wintergreen oil to a pot of boiling water and inhale the steam. Take care not to be burned by the vapor.

• Herbs and spices like ginger, scallion, basil, garlic, oregano, cayenne peppers, white pepper, horseradish and turmeric will have your sinus passageways unblocked in no time!

• The supplement bromelain - a papaya and pineapple-based enzyme - helps reduce histamine release, the body's natural allergic response.

• Clear your nasal passageway daily for healthy, happy sinuses. Add 1 tsp of sea salt, 1 drop of oregano oil, and 1 drop of wintergreen to a cup of warm water. Fill a small-spouted squeeze bottle with this warm solution. Squirt into one nostril at a time and blow out through the nose. Alternate nostrils.

• Press one clove of garlic, mix with 1 tsp of olive oil and soak a clean cotton ball with the oil mixture and place in nostrils after having washed the nostril with warm salt water. Leave in for 20 minutes and repeat three times a day until the symptoms clear up.

• These two simple self-massage practices that follow are incredibly effective for relieving sinus congestion. For both, sit at the tip of a sturdy chair with your back erect, spine stretched, and your head tilted slightly forward.

1. Inhale and gently press your forehead just inside the temples with your palms. Exhale and release. Repeat three times.

2. Cross your middle and index fingers by placing the tips of your middle fingers on top of the fingernails on your index fingers. Rub the sides of your nose 36 times in a circular motion, warming your fingers first if they're cold.

What you eat affects your sinus health
Avoid the foods that produce mucous and dampness: dairy products, cold and raw foods, corn (including corn syrup), and simple sugars. Choose whole grains like quinoa, amaranth and brown rice instead of wheat, rye and barley, which are typically high allergy grains. Opt for papaya, cranberries, pear, pineapple, cherries, mango, and citrus fruits. Eat more green vegetables such as artichoke, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, and spinach.

Both alcohol and smoking should be avoided during a sinus flare-up as they irritate the respiratory tract and worsen nasal inflammation. Also, sinus congestion is often worse with lack of quality rest so be sure to get plenty of sleep and keep your stress level low.

I hope that you find the ways to keep your sinuses clear and freely flowing. I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.

May you live long, live strong, and live happy!

-Dr. Mao

Weight Loss Drugs - Do They Really Work?

2008-03-07T06:55:00.000-08:00

By : John Howard
Glucofast, Nanotrim, Dynatrim and Acatrim are four important tropical medicines that are used to reduce excess body weight. All these medicines come from different manufactures that compete with each other to take over the market of slimming capsules meant for obese persons.

The manufactures who produce these pills claim that they do not use any harsh or toxic chemicals that can attract side effects while making these medicines at their laboratories. If they do not contain any chemicals, definitely all these medicines should be free from side effects that are commonly associated with prescription medicines used to reduce body weight.

The next question that should be addressed when we compare these medicines is the effectiveness of these medicines in addressing the health problem; the obesity or over weight of the body. As all of us know, it is the effectiveness of the ingredients that are used in a medicine, especially a medicine that use only natural ingredients, make a medicine safe and effective for those who consume it for a particular purpose.

Glucofast, a product of MicroNutra Health contains very effective natural ingredients that are time tested for their effectiveness to bringing down the body weight of the human beings. The natural ingredients of this medicine include Banaba Leaf extract, Bitter melon, Cayenne, Cinnamon, Commiphora mukul, Gymnema Syivestre, Juniper berries, Licorice, Yarrow leaves and Quercetin. All these ingredients that are used in making Glucofast are found to be very effective in maintaining body weight at a desirable limit. The perfect ration followed in mixing these ingredients also act as a reason behind the increasing popularity of this medicine to be used for controlling excess body weight.

The ingredients of Nanotrim, a weight control capsule from Nanonutra Labs include Vanadyl sulphate, L-Carnitne, Banaba leaf extract, Bitter Melon, Alphalipoic acid, Chromium chelate, Juniper berries, Gymnema sylvestre and Licorice. This medicine does not add many essential natural remedies that are included in Glucofast. For this reason Nanotrim seem to be less effective in brining weight under control when compared to Glucofast from MicroNutra Health.

Avatrim basically concentrate in utilising the good qualities of green tea and other potent thermogenic compounds to be utilised for controlling body weight of the persons suffering from obesity. The manufactures claim that regular use of Avatrim is good to control appetite, lower cholesterol, increase thermo genesis and to burn fat from the body slowly. When compared to Glucofast, this medicine takes a long time to bring the body weight under control and therefore is not suitable for the persons who want to get rid of the overweight problem within a limited time schedule.

When compared to Glucofast that comes to the top of the rating, Dynathin also is less effective in bringing a lasting remedy for overweight problem.

Cholesterol Medication - Be Very Careful!

2008-03-07T06:53:00.000-08:00

By : John Howard
A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of the various ingredients contained in the medicines that are used to reduce the cholesterol will help you to find the best and the most effective natural supplement to keep your cholesterol in the healthy and desirable level. The major cholesterol treatment formulas that compete with each other to capture the alternative medicines market include Cholestasys from MicroNutra Health, Vasacor from Peak Nutrition, and Cholexin from NanoNutra Labs and Resterol from Progressive Health.

All these medicines that come under the category of non prescription medicines are safe to be used by any one as they do not contain any harsh chemicals that can be deterrent to the health of the persons who consume it.

Vasacor from Peak Nutrition is a safe medicine that creates no side effects in those who takes it. Nearly fifty percent of the persons who have experimented with Vasacor responded positively to this medicine. But we have to be more definite about the impact of this medicine on the other fifty percent before we actually recommend this medicine to a person who wants to maintain his cholesterol at a healthy level by using a natural medicine.

Cholexin from NanoNutra also is a medicine experimented by many to reduce their high cholesterol level. Most of them agree that this medicine is safe to be use by all as it creates no chemical reaction in the users. When compared to many other products that are used for the same purpose Cholexin is rated better by the users.

Resterol from Progressive Health also is an alternative medicine that contains no artificial ingredients. But the feed back from the users do not place it among the top rated alternative medicines such as Cholestasys or Cholexin.

Cholestasys from MicroNutra Health is found to be the first among all the alternative medicines that are use to maintain cholesterol level of the body at the desirable level. The ingredients of this medicine include Goggul, Niacin, Policosanol, Cayenne and Garlic. It is the perfect blend of these ingredients makes Cholestasys stand apart from the other medicines that are used for the same purpose. A person who consumes Cholestasys will normally be able to see the positive signs of consuming Cholestasys within 1-2 weeks of starting medication. The feed backs from the consumers witness the satisfaction of more than 99% of the users of Cholestasys. The time tested natural herb extracts in Cholestasys is found to be very effective in lowering the LDL cholesterol level in the body and improving the HDL or the good cholesterol that found in the human body.

Tea Tree Oil - The Medicine Kit in a Bottle

2008-03-07T06:51:00.000-08:00

By : Nicky Pilkington
Tea Tree Oil has been known to the Bundjalung Tribe of New South Wales Australia for hundreds of years for its medicinal properties.

This wonder oil was only tested scientifically in the early 1920's by Arthur Penfold and found to be around 12 times more powerful than carbolic acid and yet caused no harm to the skin. It was used extensively by the Australian Defence Force during World War Two but due to the discovery of synthetic drugs did not become popular again until the 1960's.

Over the years it has proved itself as a natural antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory oil. One great development was that it was found to deep penetrate the skin cleaning it and encouraging the formation of scar tissue.

Some of the medical uses include healing blisters, reducing swelling from insect bites and stings, cleaning and healing abrasions and cuts, cures athletes foot and is very helpful in the healing of acne. It will cure a sore throat, cold sores, coughs and dental abscesses. It will solve most day to day first aid and medical problems.

It also lends to daily beauty care as putting drops in shampoo, body lotion, hand cream and in the bath will keep hair and skin clean and healthy. A couple of drops on toothpaste will prevent gum infections and bad breathe. It helps take the sting out of sunburn and softens corns and calluses.

Tea Tree Oil's anti-bacterial properties also extend use in the household chores, making the house clean and healthy. Putting drops in the humidifier will clean, disinfect and refresh the air and putting drops in the dishwasher and washing machine will kill all the germs.

Tea Trees only grow in Australia. There are many brands that are from inferior trees and not from the genuine Tea Tree whose Botanical name is Malaeuca. The name Tea Tree was given by Joseph Banks the botanist who traveled with Captain Cook and collected the leaves to make herbal teas.

Your first purchase should be made from a Health Shop until you know how to define whether it is the genuine oil or an inferior oil as the results will obviously not be the same with an inferior product.

There are many excellent websites on the internet and many excellent books which will give you all uses of this wonderful oil. You will be amazed at the excellent results you obtain and will find it is truly a medicine kit in a bottle.

Rhodiola Rosea - Fighting Stress and Anxiety

2008-03-07T06:50:00.000-08:00

By : Nicky Pilkington
Rhodiola Rosea is the latest natural remedy to join the arsenal of natural anxiety and stress reducers.

Rhodiola Rosea, also known as Golden Root, is a native plant of arctic Siberia. For centuries it has been used by eastern European and Asian cultures for physical endurance, work productivity, longevity, resistance to high altitude sickness, and to treat fatigue, depression, anemia, impotence, gastrointestinal ailments, infections, and nervous system disorders.

The first recorded medicinal applications of rodia riza (renamed Rhodiola Rosea) was made by the Greek physician, Dioscorides, in 77 C.E. in 'De Materia Medica'. Rhodiola Rosea has been included in official Russian medicine since 1969.

Despite its long history, the Western world has only recently become aware of the health benefits of Rhodiola Rosea. It has come to the attention of many natural health practitioners because of studies which tested its affects on combating anxiety and stress.

Rhodiola Rosea is considered an adaptogen. This means it has an overall stabilizing effect on the body without disrupting other functions. Its ability to normalize hormones may be effective for treating depression and anxiety.

Studies of Rhodiola Rosea show that it stimulates neurotransmitters and enhances their effects on the brain. This includes the ability for the brain to process serotonin which helps the body to adapt to stress.

Since adaptogens improve the body's overall ability to handle stress, it has been studied to identify it's effects on biological, chemical and physical stress.

A study was performed to test the effects of Rhodiola Rosea when stress is caused by intense mental work (such as final exams). Such tests concluded that using Rhodiola Rosea improved the amount and quality of work, increasing mental clarity and reducing the effects of fatigue.

The effects of Rhodiola Rosea have also been tested on stress and anxiety from both physical and emotional sources. A report by the American Botanical Council states that "Most users find that it improves their mood, energy level, and mental clarity." They also report on a study that indicated Rhodiola Rosea could increase stress tolerance while at the same time protecting the brain and heart from the physical affects of stress.

This report included details of studies which highlight the overall health benefits of Rhodiola Rosea.

The generally recommended dose is 200-600mg/day. The active properties should be a minimum 0.8 percent salidroside and 3 percent rosavin.

It is important for consumers to know that Rhodiola may be sold using other species that do not share the properties of Rhodiola Rosea, or at ineffective strengths for treatment. Anyone with depression or anxiety should also check with a health professional when treating these symptoms.

Alternative Medicine for Your Health

2008-03-07T06:48:00.000-08:00

By : James Hunt
If you're looking for alternate choices for your health other than conventional medicine the choices you have are endless. Regaining your health through alternative medicine is becoming more and more common today as people find that conventional medicine doesn't always work. Chinese medicine and medical practices are very popular among all cultures. Acupuncture has proven to be effective in the treatment of many medical conditions including cancer, arthritis, weight management, diabetes, heart disease, and pregnancy. Acupressure is also a common form of alternative medicine that is being heard about more often in western cultures. As well as acupuncture and acupressure, the use of Chinese herbal medicine is used for any number of ailments and symptoms.

The use of a variety of relaxation techniques are another form of alternative medicine that more and more people are using for use in pain control, lowering their blood pressure, controlling the symptoms of arthritis, headache control, and many other medical conditions. Some of these relaxation techniques include yoga, tai chi, meditation, visualization, chanting. Another alternative health method used by many people is managing the chakra system of the body. The chakra points are fully concentrated on until both mental and physical health is obtained. Many times this requires the use of chakra therapist to help with each level of the chakras.

When it comes to choosing alternative health options you might want to talk to a naturopathic doctor so that you can find out what choices you have for your medical symptoms or if you just want to maintain good health. Alternative medicine means feeling a strong interest in the methods that you choose. You can also look in your local natural health bookstore for books on alternative medicine so that you see the great strides that this discipline has made over the years. You might be surprised to find that this field of medicine has claimed its place in medical care as firmly as it has.

Using Natural Remedies For Constipation

2008-03-07T06:46:00.000-08:00

By : Nicky Pilkington
There are two basic types of constipation - organic and functional. Organic constipation is a result of some physical change, obstruction, or distortion in your colon. This type of constipation needs immediate attention from a doctor.

This article only covers Functional Constipation. This type of constipation is a result of not following a proper diet, drinking enough fluids, having good emotional health and not having a good lifestyle - a lifestyle that promotes good movement of digested foods through the intestines and colon.

Even though there are many definitions for constipation, constipation is simply a condition where the fecal matter traveling through your colon remains too long in your colon before traveling out the rectum.

Constipation is a symptom and not a disease. It is a condition that tells you your colon is not working properly or that you have some underlying gastrointestinal disease you are not aware of.

Constipation may be a warning that your diet and lifestyle are causing an imbalance in your body. It is a symptom that many people ignore or that many people try to eliminate by using unnatural and oftentimes dangerous drugstore laxatives.

Drugstore laxatives should be avoided when you have constipation. They can become habit-forming, damage your colon, and have nasty side effects if used too long. They sometimes have the tendency of creating the problem you are trying relieve - constipation.

To keep your body in chemical balance, it is important to use only natural remedies for constipation. Natural remedies such as herbs and foods bring into the colon those nutrients that can build up your colon and reactivate your natural peristaltic action.

As you use natural remedies, keep in mind that one particular remedy may not work for you. You may have to try a different remedy or increase dosage of the one you are using. If you supply what your body needs by using a specific remedy, then you will get results from using that remedy.

Experimenting is part of finding out what remedy is best for you. There are many different natural remedies you can choose from. Look on the internet for "natural remedies for constipation" and you will find many listings.

Keep in mind that most remedies should be used only for a short time, two to four days and not longer than 2 weeks. They should only be used for the time needed to clear your constipation. This might be just 4 or 5 times or sometimes it may take several weeks.

There are some herbal combinations that can be used for longer duration. These combinations can improve your colon's health and get your bowels moving again.

If you have constipation, the natural balance and function of your colon has been affected. But, natural remedies can bring you colon back into balance.

Herbal Remedies for Treating Acne

2008-03-07T06:44:00.000-08:00

By : Nicky Pilkington
Acne is not caused by dirt, though careful attention to hygiene helps to keep inflammation at bay. A trial done in Singapore a few years ago points to acne being caused by the failure of the body to break down and metabolize oil in the body. Why does this happen?

According to an article published by Lit-Hung Leung, MD in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine Vol. 12, Number 2, 1997, when the particular vitamin that is responsible for the job of metabolizing the oil is needed by the body for a different function - such as the development of the sex organs, eg, - a deficiency is created and there is not enough of this vitamin to do both jobs. This is why acne often shows up at puberty.

While deficiency syndromes are by and large dismissed by the main stream medical profession, Linus Pauling, in his book, How to Live Longer and Feel Better, challenges the assumption that vitamins are not needed in large amounts and provides proof through his studies of animals that optimal amounts of vitamins are needed for optimal health. For instance, he believes that Vitamin C is needed in far greater amounts by the body than most health practitioners would believe.

In the trial conducted in Singapore, pantothenic acid was given to acne sufferers at the rate of 10 grams a day divided into four equal doses. At the same time the patients were required to apply a pantothenic cream to the acne. Within a few days there was a marked reduction in the amount of oil, or sebum being secreted and after 2 weeks the acne started to heal visibly, with less new pimples appearing. In most cases, the acne was completely healed by the end of 2 months, and flare-ups were reduced considerably.

An unexpected bonus was that the enlarged pores of the face began to shrink and the skin became much finer. It was found that if the patient was an adolescent, a maintenance dose was needed until the sexual characteristics had been fully developed. That pantothenic acid is found to be present in all tissues of the body is an indication of its importance. VitaCure B5 ClearSkin is the acne product that resulted from the above trials.

Benzoyl peroxide is the main ingredient found in many over-the-counter products for treating acne. The label should be read carefully to find out how much of this chemical is actually in the product. When trying these for the first time, it is advisable to start off with the lowest dose, or skin irritation could occur, exacerbating the problem. 2.5% is usually the lowest dose and this can also cause the skin to become dry and irritated, but this problem will mostly clear up after a few days. These products are meant to be used over the whole area affected by acne, so don't just dab it on single zits.

Zinc gluconate is another herbal type of remedy for acne. It should be taken orally.

If after two months of trying herbal products the acne has not improved, a doctor's advice should be sought.

Cranberries - Simple Protection from Cancer and Heart Disease

2008-03-07T06:43:00.001-08:00

By : Nicky Pilkington
When is the last time you ate cranberries? Was it with a turkey dinner? With all the research pointing to the amazing health benefits of this simple berry, shouldn't cranberries be more than a once a year side dish?

How Cranberries Are Proving Their Strength:

The Cranberry Institute provides the results of studies and research that highlight the fantastic health benefits of the humble cranberry.

Cranberries have been used for thousands of years by Native Americans as a source of food and to extend the shelf life of dried meats. Colonial sailors also made use of the natural preservatives in cranberries (from benzoic acid) which allowed them to last through long sea voyages, and the high Vitamin C content which prevented scurvy.

Perhaps they were on to something since new research suggests that cranberries may prevent the adhesion of the e.coli bacteria - a common cause of food poisoning from contaminated meat - to the urinary tract. This 'anti-adhesion' effect may also help in preventing bacteria from causing stomach ulcers and gum disease.

Vitamin C is also a known powerful antioxidant and is being widely accepted as a means of combating the effects of free radicals in the body which can cause cancer, heart disease and other health problems. Antioxidants from cranberries are being researched for prevention of kidney stones and lowering cholesterol.

While many fruits contain antioxidants, according to research cranberries have more antioxidants than 19 commonly eaten fruits. With this news it makes sense to include cranberries into a balanced diet throughout the year.

How Can You Include Cranberries Into Your Diet?

Fresh, frozen or dried, cranberries can be eaten anytime of the year.

Adding dried cranberries to baking (such as scones, breads and cookies) is an easy way to enjoy their tart sweetness. Adding frozen cranberries to smoothies or soups can lend a mild tang to your creations. Fresh cranberries make excellent garnishes and dressings.

The easiest way to add cranberries to your diet is to drink cranberry juice. While sweetened juices have less antioxidants than unsweetened, the benefits of adding cranberry to your diet are still there. If you add unsweetened juice to sparkling water you can enjoy a refreshing spritzer.

While studies are still being conducted on the health benefits of cranberries there is no doubt that increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables in your diet will lead to a healthier body. Choosing to use a variety of berries, citrus and other fruits will ensure you are giving your body everything it needs for optimum health.

To Buy Pain Meds Online, a Dangerous Move

2008-03-07T06:40:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of people that are in pain out there today. If you are one of them, you may try to buy pain meds online. This can be for many reasons. Perhaps your doctor won't write you a prescription for your pain meds. Perhaps you can't afford to go see the doctor and get a prescription. Or maybe you are just addicted to pain meds (hopefully not) and your doctor won't give you a prescription. Whatever the reasons are, if you are going to buy pain meds online, you better be careful.

Many people want to buy pain meds online simply because it is cheaper for them. Recently, thousands of online pharmacies have popped up offering for people to buy pain meds online without a prescription. They offer to sell the medication at cost, or at wholesale prices. This sounds all and good at first, but is it really safe to buy pain meds online?

The answer is more than likely "no." This is especially true if you weren't required to provide a prescription to buy pain meds online. The safety of this purchase is not easy to determine. First off, when you buy pain meds online, how can you be sure that the drug you get it the exact one you asked for, or even if it is the correct potency? The risk for an overdose can be very high. Also these online pharmacies will let anyone buy pain meds online. They do not ask for a prescription or your medical history. They could sell it to a child, a teenager, or a person with a drug addiction. All of this will end in bad results. The FDA also states that it is illegal to purchase or distribute any form of prescription medication without having a prescription or being licensed to do so. So in essence, you are doing something illegal.

There are a few safe places to buy pain meds online. These are the online pharmacies that require a prescription and your medical and allergy history. These websites should have a verifiable street address and a toll free number with live operator assistance. They should also be a licensed pharmacy and have a way for you to check and verify their license. If the online pharmacy is lacking in any of these fields, then you should never purchase from them.

You should never buy pain meds online without a prescription. It has been proven dangerous for many reasons. The safest route is to go to your doctor and get a prescription first. If you can't do that, then purchase an over the counter pain medication. Your life and safety is much too important to risk anything else.

Author Resource:- Jay Moncliff is the founder of http://www.medsonlinecenter.info a blog focusing on the PetMeds, resources and articles. For more info on Pain Medicine visit: PetMeds

Acne Proactive Solution: Treatment to the Stars

2008-03-07T06:37:00.000-08:00

By : Jay Moncliff
You may have seen the infomercials featuring stars like Jessica Simpson and Vanessa Williams, but is the science behind the acne treatment Proactiv Solution solid? Is it all sales pitch or does this product really work?

With over one half of adult women and one fourth of adult men experiencing some form of adult acne, it is no longer just a problem associated with adolescence.

Acne occurs when a pore or hair follicle gets clogged with oil and bacteria. As more and more oil enters the follicle from the skin, the pore eventually becomes inflamed and turns into a pimple. Pimples can be whiteheads, or small white lesions below the surface of the skin, or blackheads, formed when the trapped oil and bacteria come to the surface of the skin. Both the whitehead and blackhead are considered non-inflammatory acne. Inflammatory acne can take the form of papules, pustules or cysts. These are more serious forms of acne and may cause scarring.

Acne can occur on the face, neck, shoulders, chest and back. Although your teenager may not believe it, acne is not life threatening, but it can lead to scarring, embarrassment and lack of self confidence. Most doctors agree that acne can't be cured. Several strong prescription medications are prescribed for the most severe forms of inflammatory acne, but these often have side effects.

As a solution for acne, Proactiv Solution works by helping to clear existing blemishes and stop new ones from forming, The core system is a three step system combining several different medicines to accomplish these goals. Proactive was developed by two dermatologists trained at Stanford University.

First, the benzoyl peroxide in the renewing cleanser gets down into the pores and kills the bacteria residing there. Gentle cleansing grains clear the clogs in the pores and help exfoliate the dead skin cells to prevent future clogs.

Next, the toner helps further open the pores and remove the rest of the dead skin cells. The alcohol free formula is gentle and refreshing and helps balance the skin's surface.

Finally, the repairing lotion soothes the skin, provides moisture and treats the pores with micro formulated benzoyl peroxide to protect the skin against future breakouts.

Proactiv doesn't just treat current blemishes, it works to prevent future ones by removing the bacteria and dead skin cells that can accumulate in the pores. Botanical extracts in the formulas leave skin soft and supple without the redness that accompanies most other acne treatments.

It's gentle, effective formula is unique in the industry, and testimonials from many users attest to its effectiveness. The beginning kit is priced at about $40, so it is not prohibitively expensive, although you must order it from the infomercial or online retailers. It is not available in drugstores.

If you have been suffering with acne, you may want to try Proactiv. Not only will you most likely see an improvement in your skin, you'll be in the company of stars like P. Diddy and Jessica Simpson!

Author Resource:- Jay Moncliff is the founder of http://www.acnesolutioncenter.info a website specialized on Acne, resources and articles. For more info visit his site: Acne

Glyconutrient and Phytonutrient Supplements Compared

2008-03-07T06:35:00.000-08:00

By : John Howard
Glyconutrient and phytonutrient supplements are essential in a diet where fruit and vegetables aren't present. They provide nutrients that cannot be found in any other source. The supplements are made from the skins of fruits and vegetables to provide supplementation for optimal health.

Nutri-Lite Double X is a phytonutrient supplement. It works well in providing the essential nutrients. It does not contain any glyconutrient properties though. This is a bit of a letdown as most phytonutrient supplements contain glyconutrients aswell.

The same can also be said for Metagenics Phyto Complete. It has many phytonutrients but is completely absent of all glyconutrients.

Synergistic Phytonutrient Complex is the same. These pills only contain phytonutrients and are great if that is all you are looking for, if you want something more then chose a supplement that provides both essential nutrients

Nutratose is a very powerful and effective nutrient supplement from Techmedia health. It is known as the first and complete fusion of eight essential glycol nutrients and phytonutrients that our body needs in a single package. All these glycol nutrients have blend in the most absorbable way in this medicine.

This medicine when consumed will get directly absorbed to the body through epithelial lining of your digestive tract. No other nutrient supplements now available in the market will be able to make it absorb into the body as fast as Nutratose can do. The eight essential nutrients provided in this medicine are known as phyto nutrients. All these potential nutrients with which you can improve the overall health of your body are selected from the living medicinal plants. These nutrients found in the plants are utilized in this medicine in their biologically active forms.

All the phyto nutrients that are used to make this medicine are found to be essential to for the body to achieve optimum health for its healthy maintenance of your body. When glycol nutrients are helps to cellular intercommunication phyto nutrients will facilitate cellular repair. They are also very essential for various important functions of the body including your DNA level.

When supplied with phyto nutrients it will provide nutritional support to every cell of your body in order to protect them against the cellular damages caused by free radicals. By doing so, it will help to improve the overall health of your body.

This medicine contains only natural ingredients that are essential for the body. Unlike other nutritional supplements, it does not use any fillers or starch in it. With no fillers in it Nutratose is capable of providing double or triple the volume of nutrients than other nutritional supplements that use the same ingredients.

The essential nutrients of this medicine include Mannose, Galactose, Fucose, Glucose, Xylose, N-acetyneuramic acid, N-acetylgalactosamine and N-acetyglucosamine.

Mannose in this medicine will help to support the excretion system of the body. Galactose will improve the intercellular communication of the body of the person consuming it. Focuse is an effective ingredient that can improve the nerve function of the body. It will also help to improve the health of the kidney and reproduction system. Glucose is used to enhance the memory and to improve the calcium absorption into the body of the person consuming this medicine. Xylose also will support a better nutrient absorption into the body by supporting the growth of a healthful flora in the intestine. N-acetyneuramic acid, N-acetylgalactosamine and N-acetyglucosamine are found to be helpful to improve the overall health of the body.

Candida Drugs: Some Are Deadly!

2008-03-07T06:34:00.000-08:00

By : John Howard
Hundreds and thousands of people around the world suffer from the symptoms of Candida. Fortunately for all of them there are several drugs that are available in the market. Threelac, Candisil, Candidate and Candidol are some of the names of the drugs that immediately spring to our mind when we talk about Candida.

Threelac is one of the drugs used for treating the condition of Candida, which can actually start as a simple yeast infection. Candisil is another widely used medication for Candida. Candidate is also widely prescribed in some countries for treating Candida. Although various drugs are available for treating Candida, perhaps the most effective and best possible relief can be had from using Candidol. This drug has come as a boon to people suffering from Candida.

Candida usually starts as a yeast infection which later on turns into what is known as Candida fungal overgrowth. This infection should not be taken lightly since it is known to be a silent killer. The infection is bound to become what is known as a systemic yeast infection over a period of time, if not removed. The infection can then metastasize into other forms of dangerous diseases. This is the reason why people had been seeking an effective remedy for a long time for Candida. Thanks to Candidol there is an effective drug available for fighting this type of infection.

Common symptoms of Candida include bloating, craving for sweets, skin rashes and loss of energy. Candidol works by acting on these symptoms along with addressing the problem as whole. Candidol is the most widely prescribed medication for Candida. The drug contains doctor approved proprietary formula that helps in fighting Candida. The medication, developed by Micronutra has helped millions of people suffering from Candida around the world.

Candida overgrowth is considered serious and should be immediately treated once detected. You should always inform your doctor about any other medication that you may be taking before you take Candidol. Although this is the case, Candidol is not known to interfere with other medications. The one major advantage that this drug has over other medications is that unlike most of the other drugs this is not a body cleanser. This is the reason the drug does not interfere with other medication, making it the safest bet for treating Candida overgrowth. You should treat yeast infections as soon as they begin since they could grow and move into your intestinal track very quickly. Fortunately for all of us Candidol is here to help us fight this form of deadly yeast infection.

Cholesterol Medication Compared: Are they Deadly?

2008-03-07T06:32:00.001-08:00

By : John Howard
Cholestasys, Lipid Shield, GHS plus and Cholesterol Care are the different natural supplements meant for patients suffering from high cholesterol. People who do not want to take the risk and complications of the chemical based medicines always prefer a good natural alternative to the medicines that contain toxic chemicals.

Medicines like Cholestassys, Lipid Shield, GHS plus and Cholesterol Cre come as an alternative to the chemical based medicines that we now use to lower the increased level of cholesterol in our body. If you are ready to follow a healthy life style while consuming medicines like Cholestasys you will definitely be able to bring your cholesterol to its normal level.

To pick the best among the plenty of natural cholesterol fighting formula now available in the market you should be able to understand the quality and use of the herb extracts used in these medicines.

Cholestasys, a product from MicroNutra Health is found to be very effective in reducing the increased cholesterol, if consumed in the prescribed manner. This unique preparation of valuable herbs such as Goggul, Niacin, Policosanol, Cayenne and Garilic is undoubtedly a miraculous one. As it is normal to all herb based medicines, Cholestasys also will not attract any side effects that are commonly associated with the chemical based medications used to treat cholesterol patients. The perfect mixing of these valuable herbs in Cholestasys makes it possible for the body to prevent bad cholesterol absorption into the body and to promote elimination of fat from the body. No other formula that is used to treat cholesterol is found as effective as Cholestasys now.

GHS Plus also is a cholesterol lowering formula that contains only safe natural ingredients. The various herbal extract and vitamins contained in these medicines also is safe to be used by any one without fearing about the side effects. It promises the reduction or elimination of plaque that cause heart disease.

Like Cholestasys, Healthy Choice Vitamins 'Cholesterol Care' contains a lot of essential herb extract such as Guggul Lipid, Beta-sitosterol, Red rice extract etc to make it effective in cholesterol patients.

Just like GHS plus and Cholesterol Care Lipid Shield also contains a lot of herb extracts that are commonly used as natural remedies to control various problems associated with increase in cholesterol level. The manufactures of Lipid Shield also assures lower cholesterol level if the patient is ready to follow a healthy life style while consuming this medicine.

What makes a natural medicine superior than medicines of similar nature is its perfect combination of the natural ingredients during the process of making the medicine. Then only it will be ale to bring the result that it promises to the patients who consumes it. The positive response of the patients who have used this Cholestasys makes it best among all the natural medicines that are now available in the market.

Allergy Medicine: Could Yours Be Dangerous?

2008-03-07T06:25:00.000-08:00

By : John Howard
Herbal supplements such as Claritose, Allergy Season and Allergy-C-Buffered stand apart among the medicines that are used to remedy allergy related problems due to their ability to bring recovery from allergic problems without causing any side effects to the person who consumes it. Once you come to know about the seriousness of the side effects that are associated with the consumption of chemical based remedies for allergic problems, you will never attempt to take a medicine that is made of toxic chemicals.

Non prescription herbal or natural supplements such as Claritose, Mitamins, Allergy Season and Allergy-C-Buffered are a blessing for those who suffer from problems associated with allergic reactions. You can safely use these medicines without worrying about the side effects that are common with chemical based medicines. None of these medicines are capable of producing any of the side effects that come with other medicines.

Mitamins Advanced formula uses ingredients like Magnesium, Liquorice extract, American Ginseng extract, Vitamin C and Ginger extract in it. It mainly attempts to increase the vital capacity of the lungs with the help of Magnesium which can provide a dilating effect on the bronchial muscles. Allergy-C- Buffered caps is dietary supplements intended for asthmatic patients who are free of corn and citrus products. It contains Vitamin C, Calcium and Magnesium Carbonate.

Allergy Season formula from "Sand" also is a dietary supplement meant for long term use by the patients. The ingredients of this formula include Pantothenic Acid, Bromelain, Nettle Leaf Extract, standardised grape seed and turmeric rhizome extract etc.

Claritose comes from the house of MicroNutra Health, a known company that produces a large variety of alternative medicines for various diseases. Like all other medicines that come from MicroNutra Health, this product named Claritose also is a success in eliminating the symptoms of allergies in patients. By using this medicine you will be able to regain your old self with no fear to about allergies. Asthma patients also will be able to eliminate the use of inhalers or other drugs they use to control asthma with continuous use of Claritose as per the prescription.

The ingredients in this medicine are found to be extremely good in attacking the root cause of allergic problem by strengthening the immune system of the body. The medicines that treat only the symptoms of the disease may not be able to bring the result that Claritose assures to the patients. The ingredients used in Claritose include Aloe Barbadensis, Astragali extract, Beta-Glucan, Arabinogalactan, Glucosamine Sulfate, Ghatti Gum and Guar gum. The feed backs from the persons who have consumed this medicine indicate the success of Claritose in brining positive changes in life. When compared to other medications used for the same purpose this medicine seem to be more effective in finding a permanent solution for allergic problems.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

2008-02-20T03:21:00.000-08:00

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient's medical history. A history of exposure to asbestos may increase clinical suspicion for mesothelioma. A physical examination is performed, followed by chest X-ray and often lung function tests. The X-ray may reveal pleural thickening commonly seen after asbestos exposure and increases suspicion of mesothelioma. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI is usually performed. If a large amount of fluid is present, abnormal cells may be detected by cytology if this fluid is aspirated with a syringe. For pleural fluid this is done by a pleural tap or chest drain, in ascites with an paracentesis or ascitic drain and in a pericardial effusion with pericardiocentesis. While absence of malignant cells on cytology does not completely exclude mesothelioma, it makes it much more unlikely, especially if an alternative diagnosis can be made (e.g. tuberculosis, heart failure).

If cytology is positive or a plaque is regarded as suspicious, a biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A doctor removes a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy may be done in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area is located. If the cancer is in the chest, the doctor may perform a thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small cut through the chest wall and puts a thin, lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples.

If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform a laparoscopy. To obtain tissue for examination, the doctor makes a small opening in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument into the abdominal cavity. If these procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary.

Doctors have begun testing the Mesomark assay which measures levels of soluble mesothelin-related proteins (SMRPs) released by diseased mesothelioma cells. The procedure could diagnose mesothelioma earlier than conventional methods thus improving the survival prospects for patients.^[3]

**Typical immunohistochemistry results**
Positive	Negative
EMA (epithelial membrane antigen) in a membranous distribution	CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen)
WT1 (Wilms' tumour 1)	B72.3
Calretinin	MOC-3 1
Mesothelin-1	CD15
Cytokeratin 5/6	Ber-EP4
HBME-1 (human mesothelial cell 1)	TTF-1 (thyroid transcription factor-1)

Mesothelioma Signs and symptoms

2008-02-20T03:15:00.000-08:00

Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on where the cancer occurs.

Pleural mesothelioma signs and symptoms may include:

* Shortness of breath
* Painful breathing
* Chest pain under the rib cage
* Unusual lumps of tissue under the skin on your chest
* Unexplained weight loss
* Dry (nonproductive) cough

Peritoneal mesothelioma signs and symptoms may include:

* Abdominal pain
* Abdominal swelling
* A change in your bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation
* Lumps of tissue in the abdomen
* Unexplained weight loss

Signs and symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma and mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis are unclear. These forms are so rare that not much information is available. Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis may be first detected as a mass on a testicle. Pericardial mesothelioma signs and symptoms may include difficulty breathing and fever.

Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma that has spread to other parts of the body include:

* Pain in the area where cancer has spread
* Difficulty swallowing
* Swelling in the neck and face

Mesothelioma (Causes)

2008-02-20T03:10:00.000-08:00

What are the main causes of mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is most predominantly caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers that are inhaled through the mouth and nose may eventually become embedded in the lining of the lungs, causing damage and resulting in lung cancer or asbestosis (scar tissue formation in the lungs). It has also been found that swallowing asbestos fibers could contribute to a form of mesothelioma originating in the abdomen called peritoneal mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma generally results from occupational exposure but there are instances of environmental exposure to asbestos that can cause the disease. Oftentimes second hand exposure of a family member to an asbestos workers dirty work clothes can result in that family member developing mesothelioma.

Asbestos insulation workers appear to have the highest death rate. One study reports that almost six percent of asbestos workers fall victim to mesothelioma and asbestos insulation workers are over 300 times more likely to die from mesothelioma than the general public.

Mesothelioma (Risk Factors)

2008-02-20T03:08:00.000-08:00

What are the risk factors for malignant mesothelioma?

There are several risk factors that increase the likelihood that a person will develop mesothelioma. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure. Exposure to this very harmful substance can significantly enhance the chances of contracting the disease. Other secondary factors include exposure to radiation, zeolite, simian virus 40 (SV40) and tobacco. We discuss each of these risk factors in more detail below.

Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos is the leading risk factor associated with mesothelioma. Asbestos is an insulating material comprised of magnesium-silicate mineral fibers. It was favored by builders and contractors for many years for its low heat conductivity and resistance to melting and burning. Since researchers have identified more and more links between mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos, the material is now less widely used. Prior to this discovery, however, millions of Americans have experienced serious exposure to this harmful substance.

Over 700,000 schools and buildings in the United States today contain asbestos insulation as reported by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Asbestos exposure doesn’t stop there, however. Asbestos is often found in ship yards, manufacturing facilities, railway facilities and construction sites. Blue collar workers are at the highest risk for developing mesothelioma due to occupational exposure and include those who work in mines, factories, shipyards, construction sites, railroads and for insulation manufacturers and gas mask manufacturers. The occupations most widely affected are miners, factory workers, railroad workers, ship builders and construction workers - especially those who install asbestos containing insulation. Sometimes family members related to the workers receive second hand exposure to asbestos from the dust and fibers that were brought home on the workers clothes and also become at risk for contracting mesothelioma.

Serpentine fibers and amphiboles are the 2 primary types of asbestos used. Chrysotile is a form of serpentine fiber and the most frequently used. These fibers tend to be curly and flexible. Amphibole fibers, however, are generally straight and thin and usually comprise one of five types: crocidolite, amosite, anthrophylite, tremolite, and actinolyte. The crocidolite type of Amphiboles is thought to be the leading contributor to cancer caused by asbestos. Serpentine fibers are dangerous as well, however, and have also been linked to mesothelioma.

Some research points to the fact that inhaled asbestos fibers cause a physical irritation resulting in cancer rather than the cancer being caused by a reaction that is more chemical in nature. As fibers are inhaled through the mouth and nose they are cleared from the body by adhering to mucus in the nose, throat and airways and then get expelled by coughing or swallowing. The Amphibole fibers (long and thin) do not clear as easily and it is therefore thought that they can embed into the lining of the lungs and chest and result in mesothelioma.

Asbestosis (scar tissue in the lungs) or lung cancer can also be caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. In fact, people exposed to asbestos are seven times more likely to develop lung cancer over the general public. Workers who sustain high levels of asbestos exposure are more likely to die from asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma than any other disease. It is also believed that the action of coughing up and swallowing asbestos could contribute to a form of mesothelioma originating in the abdomen called peritoneal mesothelioma. Mesothelioma has been found to exist in other organs of the body as well such as the larynx, pancreas and colon, but those instances are extremely limited compared to lung cancer incidents.

The chance of developing mesothelioma is in direct proportion to the duration and amount of asbestos exposure that an individual sustains. Those who are exposed to high levels of asbestos at a young age, for long periods of time have a greater risk of being diagnosed with mesothelioma than those who have short, low level exposure. Another important consideration is that Mesothelioma can take a long time to manifest. Often, twenty to forty years can elapse from the time of exposure to diagnosis. Genetic factors can also play a role which explains why not everyone exposed to asbestos develops and asbestos related disease.

Radiation
Thorium dioxide (Thorotrast), a substance used in x-ray tests in the past has reported links to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma. The use of Thorotrast has been discontinued for many years due to this discovery.

Zeolite
Some mesothelioma cases in the Anatoli region within Turkey have been linked to Zeolite, a silica based mineral with chemical properties similar to asbestos found in the soil there.

Simian Virus 40 (SV40)
Some scientists have found the simian virus 40 (SV30) in mesothelioma cells from humans and have been able to create mesothelioma in animals with the virus. The relationship between this virus and mesothelioma is still unclear, however, and further research is being conducted to gain clarity on this potential link.

Tobacco
Smoking alone is not linked to mesothelioma, but smokers who are exposed to asbestos have a much higher chance of developing lung cancer (as much as fifty to ninety percent higher). Research indicates that lung cancer is the leading cause of death among asbestos workers.

Mesothelioma

2008-02-20T03:05:00.000-08:00

What are the different types of mesothelioma?

Malignant Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma is an uncommon form of cancer and of all asbestos related diseases, the most serious. The symptoms associated with the disease make it difficult for doctors to diagnose. Often, by the time that a proper diagnosis is made, the disease has progressed to a point where patients do not respond well to treatment therapy. Malignant mesothelioma is caused almost exclusively by the inhalation of airborne asbestos particles. Another unique factor associated with the disease is that there can be a long latency period between the time an individual is exposed to asbestos and the actual manifestation of the disease in the form of malignant mesothelioma.

Pleural Mesothelioma – affects the chest and lungs

Malignant pleural mesothelioma often originates within the chest cavity and can, at times, involve the lung. This particular form of mesothelioma can metastasize to numerous organs in the body – even the brain - and tends to do so more frequently than not.

Pleural mesothelioma is not always easily detectable. Frequently, in the early stages of the disease, symptoms may be mild. Patients usually report pain in one area of the chest that never seems to go away, weight loss and fever. Occasionally, other symptoms are more severe and include problems with breathing due to fluid build up in the chest. A CT Scan of the chest area has proven to be the best test for identifying how far along the disease has progressed.

Frequently serum markers are used to diagnose of various forms of cancer. Mesothelioma cannot be diagnosed using this method as no serum markers currently exist. If high levels of hyaluronic acid are present it may be possible to distinguish mesothelioma from other types of cancer or to determine the effectiveness of a treatment protocol.

The survival rate for patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma typically is not high. Patients typically do not live beyond seventeen months from the onset of symptoms. Only 8% of those diagnosed with mesothelioma will live three to five years from the onset of symptoms.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma – affects the abdomen

Peritoneal mesothelioma originates in the abdomen and will frequently spread to other organs in area including the liver, spleen or bowel. Severe abdominal pain is the most common complaint that patients present to their doctor. There may also be a discomfort level with fluid build up in the abdomen as well. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include difficult bowel movements, nausea and vomiting, fever and swollen feet.

The survival rate is even worse for those diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma will patients typically surviving only ten months from time that they first started experiencing the symptoms noted above.

Pericardial Mesothelioma – affects the heart

Pericardial mesothelioma is the least common form of mesothelioma. Pericardial mesothelioma, as the name suggests, involves the heart. This rare type of mesothelioma invades the pericardium, the sac that surrounds the heart. As the cancer progresses, the heart is not able to deliver oxygen as efficiently to the body causing further decline in health at an increasingly rapid rate. The symptoms most commonly associated with pericardial mesothelioma mimic those of a heart attack: nausea, pain in the chest and shortness of breath.

Benign Mesothelioma – affects the peritoneum

Cystic mesothelioma primarily affects women of younger age and affects the peritoneum. This type of mesothelioma is not frequently diagnosed and is also not a malignant form of the disease. It is, however, extremely difficult to identify and requires specialized microscopes and immunologic techniques to aid in diagnosis.

Mesothelioma in Uncommon Sites

A form of cardiac cancer that is rarely seen involves the pericardium. Tumors associated with this type of mesothelioma are not easily detectable and patients presented with this diagnosis tend to have a very low survival rate. There have also been reports of mesothelioma involving ovaries in women and the scrotum in men. Treatment for all of these rare forms of mesothelioma will vary depending on what stage a patient has progressed to but in most all cases the projected outcome is not favorable.

Sodium: Are you getting too much?

2008-02-15T05:39:00.000-08:00

You've been trying to eat less sodium just a pinch of table salt on your baked potato and a dash to your scrambled eggs.

But a pinch and a dash can quickly add up to unhealthy levels of sodium, especially when many foods already contain more than enough sodium. About 11 percent of the sodium in the average U.S. diet comes from adding salt or other sodium-containing condiments to foods while cooking or eating. But the majority of the sodium 77 percent comes from eating prepared or processed foods that contain the mineral. So even though you may limit the amount of salt you add to food, the food itself may already be high in sodium.

Are you getting too much? Here's where sodium sneaks into your diet and ways you can shake the habit.

Sodium: Essential in small amounts

Your body needs some sodium to function properly. Sodium:

Helps maintain the right balance of fluids in your body
Helps transmit nerve impulses
Influences the contraction and relaxation of muscles

Your kidneys regulate the amount of sodium kept in your body. When sodium levels are low, your kidneys conserve sodium. When levels are high, they excrete the excess amount in urine.

If your kidneys can't eliminate enough sodium, the sodium starts to accumulate in your blood. Because sodium attracts and holds water, your blood volume increases. Increased blood volume, in turn, makes your heart work harder to move more blood through your blood vessels, increasing pressure in your arteries. Certain diseases such as congestive heart failure, cirrhosis and chronic kidney disease can lead to an inability to regulate sodium.

Some people are more sensitive to the effects of sodium than are others. People who are sodium sensitive retain sodium more easily, leading to excess fluid retention and increased blood pressure. If you're in that group, extra sodium in your diet increases your chance of developing high blood pressure, a condition that can lead to cardiovascular and kidney diseases.

How much sodium do you need?

Various organizations, including the National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine, have published recommendations for daily sodium intake. Most recommend between 1,500 and 2,400 milligrams (mg) a day for healthy adults. A lower sodium intake has a more beneficial effect on blood pressure.

If you are older than 50, are black or have a health condition such as high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease or diabetes, you may be more sensitive to the blood pressure raising effects of sodium. As a result, aim for a sodium intake at the low end of the range recommended for healthy adults. Talk to your doctor about the sodium limit that's best for you.

Three main sources of sodium

The average U.S. diet has three main sources of sodium:

Processed and prepared foods. Most sodium in a person's diet comes from eating processed and prepared foods, such as canned vegetables, soups, luncheon meats and frozen foods. Food manufacturers use salt or other sodium-containing compounds to preserve food and to improve the taste and texture of food.
Sodium-containing condiments. One teaspoon of table salt has 2,325 mg of sodium, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce has 1,005 mg of sodium. Adding these or other sodium-laden condiments to your meals either while cooking or at the table raises the sodium count of food.
Natural sources of sodium. Sodium naturally occurs in some foods, such as meat, poultry, dairy products and vegetables. For example, 1 cup of low-fat milk has about 110 mg of sodium.

Whether food comes by its sodium naturally or not, your daily intake can add up quickly when you tally the sodium from all of your meals and snacks. Here's an example of how easily sodium adds up:

Food	Amount of sodium
Breakfast
Scrambled eggs, 2 large	342 mg
Bacon, 1 slice	192 mg
Whole-wheat bread, 1 slice	148 mg
Butter, 2 teaspoons	54 mg
Total sodium for meal	736 mg

Lunch
Whole-wheat bread, 2 slices	296 mg
Ham, luncheon meat, 1 slice	350 mg
Mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon	105 mg
Dill pickle, 1 spear	385 mg
Pretzels, 1 ounce	486 mg
Orange, 1 large	0 mg
Total sodium for meal	1,622 mg

Dinner
Spaghetti noodles, 1 cup	179 mg
Spaghetti sauce, 1/2 cup	601 mg
Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon	76 mg
Green beans, canned, 1/2 cup	177 mg
Garlic bread, 1 slice	200 mg
Total sodium for meal	1,233 mg

Total sodium for the day	3,591 mg

Source: Department of Agriculture, Nutrient Data Laboratory, 2005

Be a savvy shopper: Find the sodium

Taste alone may not tell you which foods are high in sodium. For example, you may not think a bagel tastes salty, but a 4-inch oat-bran bagel has 451 mg of sodium.

So how do you identify foods high in sodium? The best way to determine sodium content is to read food labels. The Nutrition Facts label tells you how much sodium is in each serving. It also lists whether salt or sodium-containing compounds are ingredients. Examples of these compounds include:

Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
Baking soda
Baking powder
Disodium phosphate
Sodium alginate
Sodium nitrate or nitrite

How to cut your sodium intake

You may or may not be particularly sensitive to the effects of sodium. And because there's no way to know who might develop high blood pressure as a result of a high-sodium diet, choose and prepare foods with less sodium.

You can control your sodium intake several ways:

Eat more fresh foods and fewer processed foods. Most fresh fruits and vegetables are naturally low in sodium. Also, fresh meat is lower in sodium than luncheon meat, bacon, hot dogs, sausage and ham are.
Opt for low-sodium products. If you do buy processed foods, select those that have reduced sodium.
Remove salt from recipes whenever possible. You can leave out the salt in many recipes, including casseroles, stews and other main dishes. Baked goods are an exception. Leaving out the salt could affect the quality as well as the taste of the food.
Limit your use of sodium-laden condiments. Salad dressings, sauces, dips, ketchup, mustard and relish all contain sodium.
Use herbs, spices and other flavorings to enhance foods. Learn how to use fresh or dried herbs, spices, zest from citrus fruit and fruit juices to jazz up your meals.
Use salt substitutes wisely. Some salt substitutes or light salts contain a mixture of table salt (sodium chloride) and other compounds. To achieve that familiar salty taste, you may use too much of the substitute and actually not reduce your sodium intake. In addition, many salt substitutes contain potassium chloride. Though dietary potassium can lessen some of the harm of excess sodium, too much supplemental potassium can be harmful if you have kidney problems or if you're taking medications for congestive heart failure or high blood pressure that cause potassium retention.

Your taste for salt is acquired, so it's reversible. To unlearn this salty savoring, decrease your use of salt gradually and your taste buds will adjust. Most people find that after a few weeks of cutting their salt intake, they no longer miss it. Start by using no more than 1/4 teaspoon of added salt daily, then gradually reduce to no salt add-ons. As you use less salt, your preference for it lessens, allowing you to enjoy the taste of food itself.

Muscle Building Supplements - How To Choose The Right Ones

2008-02-15T05:38:00.000-08:00

By : Mike Singh

If you just walked into the health store to purchase muscle building supplements, you are probably lost, confused and being pushed a dozen products by the salesman. But, how do you know which supplements are the right products for your goals? There are various levels of muscle building supplements and some may not be right for you. But, there are a handful that are excellent choices for anyone looking to build muscle.

Remember, you don't always need these supplements to build muscle, but these will definitely accelerate you towards your goals. They work as a tool to help you increase your potential for muscular development. They help in muscle growth, and quicker recovery times. Some important ingredients of muscle building supplements are:

Protein: The protein supplements are full of amino acids which are the building blocks for your muscles. Make sure that you include a supplement that takes into account proteins. You can take up to one to two grams of protein per pound of your weight. If you don't want to take them in a pill form, get the protein through shakes or even bars. Also, look for those that contain eggs, whey, soy or casein.

Creatine: The next important ingredient in the supplement you choose should be creatine. It will help to increase muscle mass by decreasing muscle fatigue and improving muscle recovery. It helps to increase something called ATP which is an energy source that will allow you to do more reps of higher weight. It is recommended that this should be taken in cycles e.g. four weeks on it then two weeks off of it.

Micro-nutrients - multivitamins and multiminerals: Many people mistakenly assume that they are getting enough vitamins and minerals through their normal diet. Unfortunately, this is not the case. We would have to consume extremely large quantities of food to get the recommended daily intake. An easier approach would be to supplement our diet with a good quality multi-vitamin/multi-mineral supplement. If you do not have one specific mineral in your diet, this can slow down your ability to develop muscles or improve your health.

Author Resource:- Mike Singh is the publisher of http://www.1-stop-fitness.com/ On his website he provides articles about womens health and fitness and adjustable weight benches.

How to Count Calories With Your Eyes

2008-02-15T05:33:00.000-08:00

By : Marc David

Embarking on a serious fitness quest or even a journey to just be healthy can sometimes be a daunting task. And at some point, you've been told or heard that eating 5-6 frequent small meals a day is the way to go for weight gain or weight loss.

After running a fitness site and bodybuilding forum, I see a lot of confused individuals who ask this very question below about the 5-6 meal deal. They have heard about it and want to do it but when it comes to counting calories, they are not willing to measure each grain of rice.

And can you blame them?

Many times people will ask, "I know all that stuff like I need to eat 5-6 meal a day, eat less than your daily maintenance caloric and stuff like that... But what I do not know is how big the meal has to be?"

Despite what you may have heard... eating 5-6 times a day it's not that hard. It takes some discipline but it's not all that difficult and you certainly do not eat 5-6 large, American style meals. These are small, frequent meals that comprise what is termed a complete meal (protein, carb, sometimes healthy fat).

But let me go back to the beginning to continue the story...

Here's what you do:

1- Figure out how many calories per day you need to
gain/maintain/lose weight

2- Start tracking with any online nutritional tracking program.

3- Eye ball your portions. You know you had some brown rice
right? Get out a cup. Look at it. If you practice this,
you'll soon be able to eat, look at your place and just know.. that is about a cup of brown rice.

You don't have to physically measure your foods. I suppose you could but that wouldn't work so well when you eat out, go to a friends out and such. Who wants to carry around a complete set of measuring cups and spoons?

So you will need to look at measurement devices like a cup, a quarter cup and such and be able to eye ball things. Once you do this a few times at home, you will be able to visually look at a plate of food and roughly guess the portions. Once you know the portions...

Then you know how much you should enter into a calorie calculator tracking program.

And at the end of the day any good program will show what you ate in calories, protein, carbs and fats. And you'll be able to see this displayed in a graph so you know if your ratios are correct (assuming you are into or have any interested in ratios).

I personally don't carry around a cup or any type of measuring devices. But I know if I go out to eat that the chicken on my place is about the size of the palm of my hand.. times two...

.. the palm of my hand is roughly 3 ounces.

I can eye ball that chicken breast and guess it's about 6 maybe 7 ounces of chicken.

Are you getting my point?

Follow those steps above. Once you know how much you need to eat in terms of calories, you will be able to do whatever you want.

Then eat, and eye ball your portions. Quickly you will learn that in order to hit your daily calories, maybe you don't want to eat 2 cups of brown rice as it's too much. Or maybe not enough. But you can judge this and track it and that is how you will know.

Then track it. If you don't track what you eat, then you are only guessing. And those who guess get frustrated because those who guess do not know. That is why it's called guessing. So if you simply cannot or won't track, you'll always be frustrated and confused. Unless of course, you track it for the first day and forever on, eat the same portions and foods. Yuck!

The biggest mistake I see people making is:

1- They have not ever figured out the math to calculate their calories
2- They do not track what they eat
3- So they just do whatever and get whatever

If you follow the above three steps, you are almost guaranteed not to make the same mistakes that most other people make when it comes to reaching their fitness goals.

The Key to Building Muscle and Burning Fat at the Same Time

2008-02-15T05:32:00.000-08:00

By : Marc David

Doesn't weight training build muscle and increase your metabolic rate and therefore the increase in your metabolic rate reduces fat? And if so, then doesn't this mean that you have gained muscle and lost fat at the same time?

I can understand how you might be confused because it's true that the more muscle you have, the higher your metabolic rate will be and the more fat you will burn as a result of having more muscle.

My point was not that building muscle and losing fat at the same time is impossible, but that attempting to build muscle and lose fat at the same time is not as efficient because you are chasing after two conflicting goals.

Let me explain...

If you want to put on the most muscle possible, you would engage in what's called a 'bulking' diet. That is where you eat 10-15% over your maintenance level calories. The rate of muscle growth can be quite rapid at this level of caloric intake, but the rate of fat gain can often be as high as the rate of muscle gain (a 1:1 ratio).

So why would you ever want to gain fat along with the muscle? Simply because you will gain the maximum amount of muscle possible only if you stay in a caloric surplus. People who want to gain muscle and lose fat at the same time have to alternate periods of caloric surplus with periods of caloric deficit and therefore will gain muscle much more slowly.

Let's talk about cutting diets.

The goal on a cutting diet is to eat 10-20% below your maintenance calories in order to burn as much fat as possible without sacrificing muscle. On any cutting diet, some muscle loss is almost inevitable, but your goal is to maintain as much lean body mass as possible.

A beginner is much more likely to build muscle and burn fat at the same time. (That's why being a beginner is pretty cool). For a beginner, almost anything works because your body isn't used to the stress of training, so great "beginner gains"can be made with virtually any training program.

But after about 6 months, the gains slow down, then nearly stops as you become more advanced and get closer to the limits of your genetic potential.

At this point, You have to work harder and smarter in order to keep your body progressing and changing. Not counting the initial "beginners gains" growth spurt, the only ways I know of to date that you can do both (build muscle and lose fat quickly) is thru anabolic steroids or to be extremely genetically gifted.

You see, testosterone promotes leanness and it builds muscle. Having super high levels will allow you to chase both goals and do it well. Of course, that isn't a risk free path and in the U.S. it is illegal. And there are a slew of other problems with that. I just wanted to insert that point.

Is it impossible to build muscle and lose fat at the same time? Nope. It's possible. It's simply more difficult and not the most efficient approach.

There's an old proverb that says, "If you chase two rabbits, you will catch neither." Gaining muscle and losing fat require different eating methods to achieve. If you attempt to do both, you may end up in limbo going nowhere.

If you don't mind making much slower progress in muscle gains, you can put on muscle and trim down body fat. But many people want faster results, so they focus on a single goal and put all their effort and energy into that one goal.

Then when they reach a certain body fat percentage, they go the other way. Keep all the muscle they just built and lose the fat. In essence, you might start off at 200 lbs, 15% body fat but at the end, you might be 195 lbs, 9% body fat and have more muscle then you did at 200 lbs. Because you gained as much as possible, then cut away the fat. Now you are bigger but leaner.

My recommendation: Pick one goal and stick with it until you are satisfied. It's faster, easier and works better then trying to do both.

Author Resource:- Marc David is a bodybuilder and author of the, Beginner's Guide to Fitness and Bodybuilding. You can get info on Marc's e-book at: Beginning Bodybuilding. To get Marc's free e-zine, visit JustAskMarc.com

Nine Simple Ways to Increase the Intensity of Any Workout

2008-02-15T05:28:00.000-08:00

By : Marc David

Beginners usually do not need such advanced concepts simply because as a beginner, pretty much anything will work as it's new to your body. You don't need to bump up the intensity because the workout itself is usually hard enough. But for those who have worked out for quite some time, doing a simple routine doesn't cut it. And for those who are entering a competition and may be on low card, sub-maintenance calories and doing cardio twice a day, adding more and more weight is easier said then done. Where's the energy?

That's where some advanced concepts come into play.

These are ways in which you can use the same routines, but thru some clever manipulation, you need not add any weight to make it the most intense routine you've ever experienced. This is especially a good toolset to use when you've worked out for many years and find it hard to make gains or you have a prior injury that makes it difficult to lift heavy weights. Working out heavier and heavier each time, trying to break your personal best can lead to injury and stagnation.

Using some of these advanced training concepts, you can take a simple bicep curl or bench press and maximize the intensity of the exercise without adding a single pound:

1. Repetition Speeds - Rather then 1 second up and 1 second down, there's a little know fact that you can take advantage of to double the effectiveness of any exercise. That secret is slowly lowering the weight on the negative part of the movement. By utilizing this alone, you will have increased the effectiveness of any single exercise by 100%. Not only will you be working on the upward movement but you will work the muscle on the downward rather then most people who just let gravity take over. Vary your repetition speeds for an increase in intensity.

2. Tempo Variations - Have you ever seen any programs listed as 4032? That just means 4 seconds on the down motion; 0 seconds at the bottom of the movement; 3 seconds up; 2 second hold at the top. You can do all types of tempo variations to just feel the muscle working and increase the intensity. For example, how about a set of machine bench presses where it's 8032? 8 seconds down? Not super-slow but very controlled. And with a nice 2 second squeeze at the top. You can take any exercise where you've done the same weight and instantly make it much harder and more intense. Without adjusting the weight in the slightest!

3. Tension Manipulation - If you think about it, some exercises like the dumbbell side lateral raise, when the weights are truly at your side (bottom of the movement) the tension is totally off the shoulder muscles. By using tension manipulation you can stop short of this occurring. Take the leg press for example. Rather then do a full rep where you might lock out and pause at the top, how about a slow 4 seconds down, 0 seconds at the bottom, 3 seconds up, and only go ¾ of the way to the lockout, no pause and repeat. This is called "continuous tension" and it will not only increase the intensity of any exercise but it's slow, controlled and the tension is never off the working muscle.

4. Stretch Exercises - With some exercises, there is a perfect opportunity to get a deep stretch with a weight load on the muscle. The calf press is a good example. How many people have you witnesses doing calf raises quickly using momentum? Several? Next time, take a 2 second pause at the bottom and feel the stretch before doing the next rep.

5. Contraction Exercises - Again, the calf raises can be slightly altered to make it feel like somebody has put a flame torch to the back of your legs. At the top of the movement, rather the lower the weight, hold the fully contracted position for 5 seconds and squeeze! This can be done with a set of Smith Machine squats too. At the top of the movement, squeeze like you are holding a flexed pose for 2+ seconds. It's one more way of taking the same old exercise and making it different.

6. Super-Sets - Ever heard that with super-sets you can get more done in less time? It's true. Rather then do a second of barbell bench presses, followed by a 3 minute rest, and then another. How about doing a set of barbell bench presses, immediately followed by a set of cable flyes? You can get more work done in the same time period. The more work you can do in a shorter time frame is a method of making the whole workout more intense.

7. Rest Periods - Take the example above but this time, after the cable flyes, you only rest 30 seconds and repeat. Not only have you done a super-set, but you've just shortened the rest period. The intensity bar is sure to show a spike now. By lowering the rest periods, you can effectively make the workout more intense, without adding more weight. Combine this with super-setting and you can do an amazing number of sets in 60 minutes. At one point, I was able to do 48 sets for my legs in 60 minutes! That is insane.

8. Split the Splits - This only applies to individuals that might have a lifestyle where this is possible in a given day. Take for example leg training. It's very difficult to train the quads, the hamstrings and calves in a single session for the advanced athlete. But if you are able to train quads in the AM and hams and calves in the PM, then you have just obtained an optimal workout. Both are short and intense. Both allow for fully recovery. And focus can be given to particular body parts. The most common type of split of splits is on a leg day where the front of the legs are training at one time and the back of the legs trained at another. Not only is this advanced but it really requires that you have a time period when you can do this. Possibly a weekend if you are disciplined enough to take up an entire Saturday or Sunday.

9. Ascending/Descending Sets - Nothing more then increasing or decreasing the weight in a given set but do not let this technique fool you. It's a wicked way to just blast a body part. Descending sets are commonly referred to as "drop sets." For example, if you were doing dumbbell curls, you could start with a weight and do 10 reps, the move down in weight for another 8 reps, and move again and again. Ascending is just the reverse. There's no set number of moves downward up upward you can do but the maximum that is efficient is no more then 4 either way. For an interesting twist on this move, use a combination of both. Start with a given weight, use the ascending technique and then immediately use the descending technique. This makes for a giant set using both principles. And is very difficult.

By using these nine simple steps individually or in combination, you are ensured to take yourself to the next level of intensity.

How New Acne Drugs Are Developed

2008-02-15T05:27:00.000-08:00

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states its purpose in the following mission statement:

"The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. The FDA is also responsible for advancing the public health by helping to speed innovations that make medicines and foods more effective, safer, and more affordable; and helping the public get the accurate, science-based information they need to use medicines and foods to improve their health."

In 2005 the FDA provided a public draft guidance document to the pharmaceutical industry on the development of drugs to treat acne vulgaris, or acne. The draft guidance document contains the FDA's current thinking on the development of acne drugs and the methods that should be used.

Some of the guidance document information is summarized below. At the time of this writing the FDA document had not been finalized.

Types of Acne Lesions

The two major types of acne lesions are classified as non-inflammatory and inflammatory. Non-inflammatory acne lesions are more commonly known as whiteheads and blackheads. Inflammatory acne lesions include papules and pustules and are more deeply seated in the skin than the non-inflammatory lesions.

How Acne Severity Is Rated

Currently there is no standardized method for rating the severity of acne outbreaks. Several methods have been proposed, but each has its difficulties. A sample scale for rating acne severity is summarized below, from least to most severe:

0 Clear skin with no inflammatory or non-inflammatory lesions

1 Almost clear; rare non-inflammatory lesions with no more than one small inflammatory lesion

2 Mild severity; greater than Grade 1; some non-inflammatory lesions with no more than a few inflammatory lesions (papules/pustules only, no nodular lesions)

3 Moderate severity; greater than Grade 2; up to many non-inflammatory lesions and may have some inflammatory lesions, but no more than one small nodular lesion

4* Severe; greater than Grade 3; up to many non-inflammatory and inflammatory lesions, but no more than a few nodular lesions

(* worsening beyond Grade 4 is possible).

Acne Drug Treatment Study Groups

Acne drug test groups should be large enough to be statistically significant so that any claims of success and safety can be supported. Test patients are usually recruited during their most severe acne breakouts.

Acne drug trials are recommended to be randomized, blinded, multicenter trials, and other requirements will also apply. A control or placebo group should be utilized.

Furthermore, those doing testing should recruit test populations that are representative of the age, race, gender, and geographic location of acne patients in the United States.

Determining The Success Of Acne Drug Treatments

Acne severity is rated at the beginning and end of every test. Photographic evidence and/or lesion counts may also be taken. It is proposed to measure the success of acne medications as either a success or a failure, based on one of these two methods of measuring success:

1. Success meaning a rating of clear skin or almost clear (severity rating 0 or 1) within the test period; or

2. Success meaning an improvement of 2 severity grades within the test period. Under this definition, a successful test subject would have a severity improvement from 4 to 2 within the test period, as an example.

The Final Decision On New Acne Drugs

Several phases of testing are recommended for proposed acne drugs. Studies must be designed to account for effects such as test dropouts. Rigorous data analysis must be performed in conformance with FDA regulations. Only acne drug test data that has been validated and undergone quality assurance testing should be submitted to the FDA for approval.

Only through a rigorous and tightly-controlled testing and analysis procedure, followed by FDA approval, can new acne drugs be made available to the public.

The resource link below contains free information on the best ways to utilize FDA-approved prescription and over the counter acne drugs and treatments.

Source: Guidance for Industry, Acne Vulgaris: Developing Drugs for Treatment, DRAFT GUIDANCE, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), September 2005, Clinical/Medical.

Water: How much should you drink every day?

2008-02-15T04:49:00.000-08:00

How much water should you drink each day? a simple question with no easy answers. Studies have produced varying recommendations over the years, but in truth, your water needs depend on many factors, including your health, how active you are and where you live.

Though no single formula fits everyone, knowing more about your body's need for fluids will help you estimate how much water to drink each day.

Health benefits of water

Water is your body's principal chemical component, comprising, on average, 60 percent of your weight. Every system in your body depends on water. For example, water flushes toxins out of vital organs, carries nutrients to your cells and provides a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues.

Lack of water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when you don't have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions.

Nearly all of the major systems in your body depend on water.

How much water do you need?

Every day you lose water through your breath, perspiration, urine and bowel movements. For your body to function properly, you must replenish its water supply by consuming beverages and foods that contain water.

A couple of approaches attempt to approximate water needs for the average, healthy adult living in a temperate climate.

Replacement approach. The average urine output for adults is 1.5 liters a day. You lose close to an additional liter of water a day through breathing, sweating and bowel movements. Food usually accounts for 20 percent of your total fluid intake, so if you consume 2 liters of water or other beverages a day (a little more than 8 cups) along with your normal diet, you will typically replace the lost fluids.
Dietary recommendations. The Institute of Medicine advises that men consume roughly 3.0 liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day and women consume 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day.

Even apart from the above approaches, it is generally the case that if you drink enough fluid so that you rarely feel thirsty and produce between one and two liters of colorless or slightly yellow urine a day, your fluid intake is probably adequate.

Factors that influence water needs

You may need to modify your total fluid intake depending on how active you are, the climate you live in, your health status, and if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.

Exercise. The more you exercise, the more fluid you'll need to keep your body hydrated. An extra 1 or 2 cups of water should suffice for short bouts of exercise, but intense exercise lasting more than an hour (for example, running a marathon) requires additional fluid. How much additional fluid is needed depends on how much you sweat during the exercise, but 13 to26 ounces (or about 2 to 3 cups) an hour will generally be adequate, unless the weather is exceptionally warm.

During long bouts of intense exercise, it's best to use a sports drink that contains sodium, as this will help replace sodium lost in sweat and reduce the chances of developing hyponatremia, which can be life-threatening. Fluid also should be replaced after exercise. Drinking 16 ounces of fluid per pound of body weight lost during exercise is recommended.
Environment. Hot or humid weather can make you sweat and requires additional intake of fluid. Heated indoor air also can cause your skin to lose moisture during wintertime. Further, altitudes greater than 2,500 meters (8,200 feet) may trigger increased urination and more rapid breathing, which use up more of your fluid reserves.
Illnesses or health conditions. Signs of illnesses, such as fever, vomiting and diarrhea, cause your body to lose additional fluids. In these cases you should drink more water and may even need oral rehydration solutions, such as Gatorade, Powerade or Ceralyte. Certain conditions, including bladder infections or urinary tract stones, also require increased water intake. On the other hand, certain conditions such as heart failure and some types of kidney, liver and adrenal diseases may impair excretion of water and even require that you limit your fluid intake.
Pregnancy or breast-feeding. Women who are expecting or breast-feeding need additional fluids to stay hydrated. Large amounts of fluid are lost especially when nursing. The Institute of Medicine recommends that pregnant women drink 2.4 liters (about 10 cups) of fluids daily and women who breast-feed consume 3.0 liters (about 12.5 cups) of fluids a day.

Beyond the tap: Other sources of water

Although it's a great idea to keep water within reach at all times, you don't need to rely only on what you drink to satisfy your fluid needs. What you eat also provides a significant portion of your fluid needs. On average, food provides about 20 percent of total water intake, while the remaining 80 percent comes from water and beverages of all kinds.

For example, many fruits and vegetables such as watermelon and cucumbers are nearly 100 percent water by weight. Beverages such as milk and juice are also comprised mostly of water. Even beer, wine and caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea or soda can contribute, but these should not be a major portion of your daily total fluid intake. Water is one of your best bets because it's calorie-free, inexpensive and readily available.

Dehydration and complications

Failing to take in more water than your body uses can lead to dehydration. Even mild dehydration as little as a 1 percent to 2 percent loss of your body weight can sap your energy and make you tired. Common causes of dehydration include strenuous activity, excessive sweating, vomiting and diarrhea.

Signs and symptoms of dehydration include:

Mild to excessive thirst
Fatigue
Headache
Dry mouth
Little or no urination
Muscle weakness
Dizziness
Lightheadedness

Mild dehydration rarely results in complications as long as the fluid is replaced quickly but more-severe cases can be life-threatening, especially in the very young and the elderly. In extreme situations, fluids or electrolytes may need to be delivered intravenously.

Staying safely hydrated

It's generally not a good idea to use thirst alone as a guide for when to drink. By the time one becomes thirsty, it is possible to already be slightly dehydrated. Further, be aware that as you get older your body is less able to sense dehydration and send your brain signals of thirst. Excessive thirst and increased urination can be signs of a more serious medical condition. Talk to your doctor if you experience either.

To ward off dehydration and make sure your body has the fluids it needs, make water your beverage of choice. Nearly every healthy adult can consider the following:

Drink a glass of water with each meal and between each meal.
Hydrate before, during and after exercise.
Substitute sparkling water for alcoholic drinks at social gatherings.

If you drink water from a bottle, thoroughly clean or replace the bottle often. Refill only bottles that are designed for reuse.

Though uncommon, it is possible to drink too much water. When your kidneys are unable to excrete the excess water, the electrolyte (mineral) content of the blood is diluted, resulting in a condition called hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood). Endurance athletes such as marathon runners who drink large amounts of water are at higher risk of hyponatremia. In general, though, drinking too much water is rare in healthy adults who consume an average American diet.

If you're concerned about your fluid intake, check with your doctor or a registered dietitian. He or she can help you determine the amount of water that's best for you.

Dietary Supplements

2008-02-15T04:02:00.000-08:00

What are dietary supplements?

In the United States, dietary supplements are substances you eat or drink. They can be vitamins, minerals, herbs or other plants, amino acids (the individual building blocks of protein), or parts of these substances. They can be in pill, capsule, tablet, or liquid form. They supplement, or add to, the diet and should not be considered a substitute for food.

Dietary supplements are widely available in the United States in health food stores, grocery stores, pharmacies, and by mail. People commonly take them for health-related reasons. Common dietary supplements include vitamins and minerals (such as vitamin C or a multivitamin), botanicals (herbs and plant products, such as St. John's wort), and substances that come from a natural source (such as glucosamine).

Makers of dietary supplements cannot legally say that dietary supplements can diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent disease. However, they can say that they contribute to health maintenance and well-being.

People have used dietary supplements for thousands of years to help health and to treat illness. Sometimes those supplements are the basis for some of today's common medications. For example, people have used willow bark tea for centuries to control fever. Pharmaceutical companies eventually identified the chemical in willow bark that reduces fever and used that knowledge to produce aspirin.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements in the same way it regulates medication. A dietary supplement can be sold without research on how well it works.
What are dietary supplements used for?

People use dietary supplements for many health conditions.

* People often use vitamins and minerals to supplement diet and treat disease. For example, many people believe that taking vitamin C may help prevent or reduce the length of a cold.
* Research on some herbs and plant products has shown that they may have some of the same effects that conventional medicines do, while others may have no effect or may be harmful. Historically, people have used herbal medicines to prevent illness, cure infection, reduce fever, and heal wounds. Herbal medicines can also treat constipation, ease pain, or act as relaxants or stimulants.
* Researchers have studied some natural products and have found them to be useful. Glucosamine, for example, is often used in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Are dietary supplements safe?

Overall, experts consider dietary supplements to be safe.

Always tell your doctor if you are using a dietary supplement or if you are thinking about combining a dietary supplement with your conventional medical treatment. It may not be safe to forgo your conventional medical treatment and rely only on a dietary supplement. This is especially important for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding.

When using dietary supplements, keep in mind the following.

* Like conventional medicines, dietary supplements may cause side effects, trigger allergic reactions, or interact with prescription and nonprescription medications or other supplements you might be taking. A side effect or interaction with another medication or supplement may make other health conditions worse.
* Dietary supplements may not be standardized in their manufacturing. Because of this, how well they work or any side effects they cause may differ among brands or even within different lots of one brand. The form you buy in health food or grocery stores may not be the same as the form used in research.
* Other than in vitamins and minerals, the long-term effects of most dietary supplements are not known.

Instant Breakfast

2008-02-15T03:58:00.000-08:00

By Elizabeth Ward, Men's Health

In the time you spend each morning calibrating your hair gel, you could be doing something more important, with a much better payoff: eating breakfast. Mom was right (and it's okay to admit it): Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

It keeps you slim: Breakfast eaters are less likely to be overweight than breakfast skippers, and successful dieters are also more likely to be breakfast eaters.

It keeps you healthy: Eating breakfast may reduce your risk of serious illnesses like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer, and it strengthens your immune system so you're more resistant to common ailments like colds and the flu.

It keeps you sharp: Memory and concentration get a boost from breakfast. A study on children found that kids who eat breakfast score higher on tests and are less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and hyperactivity. It should help you at the office, too.

The Perfect Meal
You say you eat breakfast? Good boy. Even so, it's likely you're doing it wrong. "Most men make the mistake of eating too little in the morning, and then get so hungry they go overboard and eat a giant meal later in the day," says Evelyn Tribole, M.S., R.D., a nutritionist in Irvine, California, and author of Stealth Health.

A typical breakfast is just a couple of hundred calories, mostly in the form of simple carbohydrates that spike blood-sugar levels and leave the body starving for energy a couple of hours later.

Even a classic fiber-rich breakfast — say a cup of raisin bran with blueberries and skim milk — provides less than 300 calories and only about 10 grams of protein. An ideal breakfast needs to be much larger — between 500 and 600 calories. And it needs to be packed with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, including at least 20 grams of protein and at least 5 grams of fiber. That will give your body a high-quality, long-lasting, steady supply of energy to help you through the morning.

Here's how to hit those numbers. Each of the following meals tastes great and can be made in minutes.

Blueberry Smoothie With Toasted-Cheese Sandwich
Prep time: 4 minutes 2 slices whole-wheat bread 1/2 c Kashi Go Lean Crunch! cereal 1 c fat-free milk 1 c frozen blueberries 1 1-oz slice Cheddar cheese Pop the bread into the toaster. Dump the cereal, milk, and berries into a blender and liquefy. Stick a slice of Cheddar between the warm slices of toast and nuke the sandwich in a microwave for 15 seconds. It tastes grilled—but isn't.

Benefits: "The cheese and milk in this meal are essential for building and maintaining new muscle," says Christine Rosenbloom, Ph.D., R.D., a professor of nutrition at Georgia State University. "The whole grains in the bread and cereal will help lower cholesterol, and the minerals in the milk and cheese will help keep blood-pressure levels down." Per meal: 509 calories, 26 grams (g) protein, 75 g carbohydrates, 14 g total fat, 12 g fiber

Grab-and-Go Breakfast
Prep time: 1 minute 1 medium apple 1/2 pint fat-free milk 1 bran Vita muffin 1 pack Skippy Squeeze Stix peanut butter Slice the apple, grab the milk, muffin, and peanut butter, and go. Squeeze the peanut butter out of its pack onto your apple slices as you eat.

Benefits: Vita muffins (vitalicious. com) contain 100 percent of your recommended intake of several important nutrients, including vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, and E. Foods high in monounsaturated fats — like peanut butter — may boost testosterone levels. This meal should help you burn energy more efficiently and lift more weight at the gym.
Per meal: 506 calories, 20 g protein, 87 g carbohydrates, 12 g total fat, 15 g fiber

Minute Omelette with Toast
Prep time: 2 minutes 1 egg 3/4 c frozen spinach, thawed 1 slice Canadian bacon, diced 2 slices whole-wheat bread 1 Tbsp almond butter 1 c Welch's grape juice Stir together the egg, spinach, and Canadian bacon and pour onto a plate coated with nonstick spray. Microwave for 1 minute or until the egg is fully cooked. Toast the bread and eat it with the almond butter. Chase everything with grape juice.

Benefits: Monounsaturated fat in the almond spread will help prevent spikes and drops in blood sugar, which can leave you feeling tired or crabby. Grape juice gives you an antioxidant, called resveratrol, that not only helps lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels but also helps improve bloodflow to the heart.
Per meal: 540 calories, 25 g protein, 73 g carbohydrates, 19 g total fat, 8 g fiber

Two PB-and-Banana Wraps With Milk
Prep time: 2 minutes 2 Tbsp peanut butter 2 Eggo Special K waffles 1 medium banana 1/2 pint fat-free chocolate milk Spread a tablespoon of peanut butter over each (briefly microwaved) waffle. Divide the banana between them and roll each to make wraps. Wash down with chocolate milk.

Benefits: Eggo's Special K waffles supply complex carbohydrates, which break down slowly in the body and stimulate the production of serotonin, a calming brain chemical. The banana is packed with potassium — a heart protector.

Per meal: 570 calories, 23 g protein, 90 g carbohydrates, 16 g total fat, 7 g fiber

The Santa Fe Burrito
Prep time: 4 minutes 2 eggs 1 c Santa Fe frozen mixed vegetables (black beans, peppers, and corn) 1 flour tortilla 1/2 c low-fat shredded Cheddar cheese 1/4 c salsa Mix the eggs and vegetables and spread the mixture on a plate coated with nonstick spray. Cook in the microwave for 1 minute, stir with a fork, and microwave again until the eggs are cooked and the vegetables warm. Pile onto a flour tortilla, top with shredded Cheddar cheese and salsa, fold, and eat.

Benefits: "Without protein, guys can lose muscle mass quickly," says William J. Evans, Ph.D., a professor of geriatrics, physiology, and nutrition at the University of Arkansas. This meal is packed with it.
Per meal: 530 calories, 36 g protein, 53 g carbohydrates, 18 g total fat, 6 g fiber

Black-Cherry Smoothie and Peanut-Butter Oatmeal
Prep time: 4 minutes 1 c R.W. Knudsen black-cherry juice 1 c frozen strawberries 1 c frozen unsweetened cherries 2 Tbsp protein powder 2/3 c oatmeal 1 Tbsp peanut butter 1/2 c fat-free milk Blend the cherry juice, frozen fruit, and protein powder until smooth. Microwave the oatmeal according to the directions on the package. Stir in the peanut butter and milk.

Benefits: Men who ate at least one serving of whole-grain cereal (like oatmeal) a day had the lowest risk of dying of any cause, including heart disease, according to a 5-year study of 86,000 doctors. Cherries and strawberries are natural sources of salicylates — the active ingredient in aspirin — making them ideal for relieving stress-induced morning headaches.

Per meal: 600 calories, 27 g protein, 100 g carbohydrates, 11 g total fat, 10 g fiber

Almond-Butter-and-Raisin Sandwich With Smoothie
Prep time: 1 minute 2 Tbsp almond butter 2 Eggo Special K waffles 1 Tbsp raisins 1 Stonyfield Farm smoothie Spread the almond butter on the waffles. Sprinkle the raisins over one waffle and top with the other. Wash down with the smoothie.

Benefits: Whole-grain waffles help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and improve your body's processing of insulin and glucose, a benefit that can reduce your risk of becoming diabetic.

Per meal: 600 calories, 21 g protein, 86 g carbohydrates, 22 g total fat, 7 g fiber

New Year's Weight Loss: 6 Tips

2008-01-18T00:21:00.000-08:00

It is a time-honored tradition to make resolutions at this time of year. If your resolution is to lose weight - and keep it off, then keep reading! Here are six simple tips that will have you losing weight in a balanced and healthy way.

1. Lose weight with water.
Water is essential for everybody - it is also the key to losing weight. If you haven't been drinking enough water, your body has developed a pattern of storing water. This water retention equals extra unwanted weight.

By drinking more water, you are not only flushing out toxins, you are also teaching your body that it no longer needs to store water. Drink at least 60 ounces of water (about 8 glasses) a day. Boil water and sliced lemons, and drink this throughout the day to help with fluid retention. If you are still not sold on the merits of water, try this on for size: water is a natural appetite suppressant.

2. Soup up your weight loss program.
A simple dietary change will have you shedding pounds: eat a bowl of soup at least once a day. Nutritious, low-salt soups will nourish you as they flush waste from your body. People who eat a serving of soup daily lose more weight than those who eat the same amount of calories but don't eat soup. Go for homemade soup whenever possible, as canned soups are loaded with salt and chemicals.

3. Eat early to keep weight off.
The human body follows a circadian rhythm, which means that the same foods eaten at breakfast and lunch are processed differently than when eaten at dinner. Studies show that when you eat your daily protein and fat at breakfast you tend to lose weight and have more energy; however, eating the same things at dinner tend to increase tendencies toward weight gain. I suggest that you eat your last meal of the day by 7 p.m.

4. Eat smaller meals, more frequently.
Follow an eating schedule with five little meals every day. Eating steadily through the day keeps you from becoming famished and overeating at your next meal. Make a low-fat trail mix from raw almonds, pumpkin seeds, dried plum, and apples and have it available at all times to avoid the tempting lure of high-calorie snacks.

5. Adopt a balanced approach to your diet.
Most of the fad diet programs out there nowadays are extreme in a few recommended foods, or else deprive the body of food altogether. This works in opposition to our metabolism and the results usually don't last, producing a yoyo effect that depresses your metabolic function - not to mention your self-esteem. We are natural beings that need a balance of nutrition from all sources.

Your diet should consist of a balance of organic sources of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Instead of white rice and pasta, opt for brown rice, bulgur, millet, or buckwheat.

Eat more green, chlorophyll-rich foods such as broccoli, kale, spinach, and asparagus. Eliminate candy, sugar, soda, and all simple sugars from your diet. Excess sugar ends up being stored as fat in your body, which results in weight gain. Also, keep dairy to a minimum because most dairy products are high in saturated fat. Avoid fatty foods, processed or fried foods.

6. Walk off the weight.
The No. 1 cause of weight gain is inactivity. Physical activity is the key to speeding up your metabolism and burning excess calories. The best way to be physically active is to use your legs! Walk as often and as long as you can. Always take the stairs instead of the elevator.

Step outside during your break at work and take a walk around your building. Consider joining a local hiking club. Try taking a walk 30 minutes in the morning or 30 minutes in the early evening.

I hope this article helps you shed some pounds and add on the years! I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.

May you live long, live strong, and live happy!

-Dr. Mao

Top 5 Habits to Increase Longevity

2008-01-18T00:19:00.000-08:00

Is it really possible for anyone to live happily to 100? The good news is that your body was designed to be 100 - you just have to get out of the way.

Getting out of the way means taking an honest look at the habits and lifestyle you are living with today. Most of us have developed habits that limit our true health potential.

But don't let these bad habits of the past discourage you - it is never too late to make new choices. What you did in the past can be changed, and your body will respond in kind. What matters is what you do from this moment forward.

Top 5 Daily Habits for Your Longevity
It takes 14 to 21 days of repetitive behavior to form a new pattern in your brain. Once the pattern is formed, it becomes an automatic behavioral response.

As you develop new healthy habits, they will begin to replace bad habits. These healthy lifelong habits are adapted straight from the time-tested traditions practiced by centenarians all around the world, and I can say with certainty that they will transform and rejuvenate you!

Eat five small meals a day.
In the Western culture, meals are taken three times a day, but it is much better to eat five smaller meals. When you eat smaller portions five times a day, you deliver a steady stream of nutrients, blood sugar, and energy to your body throughout the day.

Additionally, eating this way is less taxing on the digestive and metabolic systems and also reduces your risk of heart disease.

Climb the stairs instead of using elevators.
The health benefits of a daily exercise program cannot be stressed enough. Regular exercise can help promote physiological well-being, strengthen the immune system, maintain joint mobility, increase energy - and the list goes on.

Look for opportunities all through your day to work in physical activity. Power-walk, run, or ride your bike instead of driving. Begin a daily tai chi practice. Join a gym and actually go! Practice safely and watch your health results pile up.

Laugh it up!
We know from research that laughter and joy boost immune functions, especially the production of the natural killer cells that help protect the body from illness and cancer. Laughter also increases the release of endorphins, compounds that give you a sense of well-being, in your brain. Without a doubt, joyful people live longer and healthier lives.

Drink 8 glasses of water every day.
Water is essential for all healthy body functions. Centenarians from around the globe cite their native water as the source of their health and longevity - and the scientists agree with them. What they all have in common is pure water sources located far from any city, free from chemicals and toxins.

Choose filtered water; the best filtration processes are the ones that use activated charcoal, which removes the impurities but leaves the water-soluble minerals. Also, do not store water in plastic containers because the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can leach into the water.

Unwind with meditation.
Stress is the root cause of most of the diseases that shorten our life span. In our modern society stress will continue to increase - unless you find techniques to manage it. Meditation is the best way to release tension and revitalize your being. It teaches you to breath properly, which is critical for eliminating up to 70% of your body's toxins and wastes. It also quiets your mind, lowers your stress hormones, and teaches self-discipline, which is a necessary attribute to achieving your health and longevity goals.

Try this beginning meditation:
Sit comfortably on a chair or the floor. Breathe naturally and close your eyes. Each time a thought appears, put it inside a balloon and let it fly up into the sky and disappear. Do this until the thoughts are exhausted. After a bit, your body will feel very light, and your mind will become still. The first few times it may take a while, but it will get easier and faster with practice.

I hope you use these healthy habits for years to come! I invite you to visit often and share your own personal health and longevity tips with me.

May you live long, live strong, and live happy!

-Dr. Mao

Is Teen Tanning The First Step To Skin Cancer?

2008-01-17T02:41:00.000-08:00

You've been a teenager, so you know how pressured you can be to look beautiful. While this may have included only the use of make-up or push-up bras in the past, today, the stress of needing to look pretty has taken a turn for the worst. Teens now are using tanning beds or sitting in the sun with no protection in order to get that golden-brown complex that so many seek. This is a very dangerous pastime that can result in very real medical problems down the road.

Skin cancer kills almost ten thousand people every year. Most of the people developing this disease have had exposure to the sun, many times purposefully, in order to get a nice tan. That tan isn't so nice in a few years! Skin cancer is often not diagnosed until later in life, but it usually begins with sun tanning practices that started before the age of eighteen. What's worse is that most teens don't know that or simply choose to take their chances, valuing a pretty skin color over good healthy. However, making smart skin care choices now could save their lives!

Studies have shown that over 25 percent of teens and young adults have used a tanning bed within the past year, and most of them were female. Tanning beds provide an even higher cancer rate than natural sunlight. As a person grows older, they begin to use the tanning bed more and more to achieve the tanned results, with young adults using beds more often than fourteen year olds. Surprisingly, almost all of these people know that tanning beds are bad for your skin, but they simply choose not to think about it. In a tanning bed, the UV index is around a thirteen-a very high rating. On a normal hot, summer day, the natural UV index is about eight or nine. Tanning beds also expose the body not only to the rays that have the potential to burn the skin, but also to the rays that penetrate your outer layer of skin and cause deeper damage.

Pressure to look beautiful is nothing new, but the obsession with tanning is becoming a bigger and bigger problem. By stopping these dangerous habits as soon as possible, you have a better chance of not developing skin cancer. That golden hue really isn't worth dying is it? Talk to your doctor for more information about the dangers of sunbathing and tanning beds, as well as for recommendations on spray products and lotions that can give you similar results.

Tips For Healthy Holiday Eating

2007-12-30T05:29:00.000-08:00

When the holidays arrive, many people forget all about their diets and healthy eating. Weight gains of 7 - 10 pounds are common between Halloween and Christmas. To make the holidays easier, these tips will help you with healthy eating through the season and not gaining weight.

Most traditional foods can be made low fat. Turkey is very lean without the skin, and gravy can be made without any fat. Potatoes that are served without butter can be very healthy. The beloved pumpkin pie is nutritious, although it can be made into a fatty dessert with the adding of whipped cream.

Even though the holidays are in, don't forget about the exercise. Keeping weight off during the holiday season is burning off the extra calories. You should plan a walk after meals, park farther from stores when you shop, and take a few walks around the mall before you begin shopping.

During holiday parties and at family dinners, feel free to sample foods although you shouldn't splurge. Decide on what you plan to eat in advance, then stick to your plan. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruit, low fat dressings, and slices of lean meats. Before you go to a party, eat a small snack to help curb your appetite.

If at all possible, avoid alcohol. Having too many drinks can cripple your will power, and also add excess calories to your diet. In the place of alcohol, drink water with lemon. Water can help to limit your appetite and keep you from binging. Also make sure to avoid eggnog, as each glass can have up to 300 calories.

Be flexible with your healthy eating, as one bad meal won't ruin your diet. Try to balance your calories over a few days and don't just look at one meal or day.

Which Cooking Oils Are The Best For healthy Eating

2007-12-30T05:23:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows the foods to eat that improve health, although how we cook the food can be just as important. With there being so many oils and butter products claiming to be the best, it can be quite difficult to know which ones to use and which ones to avoid.

1. Canola oil

Canola oil is a popular oil, with many physicians claiming that it has the ability to lower the risk of heart disease. The oil is low in saturated fat, high in monounsaturated fat, and offers the best fatty acid composition when compared to other oils.

You can use canola oil in sauting, as a marinade and even in low temperature stir frying. It has a bland flavor, which makes it a great oil for foods that contain many spices. Unlike other oils, this one won't interfere with the taste of your meal.

2. Olive oil

Olive oil offers a very distinct flavor with plenty of heart healthy ingedients. The oil is rich in monounsaturated fat, helps to lower cholesterol levels and reduce risk of cancer. It's also rich in antioxidants and has a very long storage life.

Even though it can be used in cooking, it's the healthiest when uncooked, such as with a salad or dipping sauce. When you use it with cooking, you should heat it on low to medium temperatures, making sure to avoid high heat.

3. Butter

Butter is one food that has been around for many, many years. Butter tastes good, and offers sources of Vitamin A and other fat soluble vitamins such as E, K, and even D. Butter is also made from natural ingredients and not chemically or artificially processed.

You can use butter with cooking, baking, or even as a spread. You can also pair it with creamy sauces, marinades, baked dishes, or even bread.

4. Margarine

Margarine was first introduced as an alternative to high fat butter. When it was first created however, it was loaded with trans fat, a substance that we now know raises bad cholesterol.

As a cooking oil, margarine tastes good, it's lower in fat than most oils and butter, and it's quite easy to spread. It's available in a variety of different products and a good source of vitamin E.

When it comes to cooking with oils, there are several at your disposal. There are many more than what is mentioned here, although the ones above are the most popular. Eating healthy involves cooking healthy food - which is where your cooking oil really takes center stage.

Eating Healthy Help For Students

2007-12-30T05:15:00.000-08:00

For students, eating at college is an entire new ball game, with late night pizza delivery and food from buggies. Even though some of these quick and simple options taste great, they are probably not healthy for a student's body.

The food choices students make can affect whether or not they are able to remain awake during class and whether or not they will come down with mononucleosis when it hits campus. The problem is not only about eating junk food, it's more about not getting the proper proteins, carbs, vitamins, and minerals that people need.

When it comes to defending against illnesses, vitamins and minerals are very important. Just because they are important, isn't a reason for students to run out and stock up on vitamins and supplements. It's best for students to get their nutrition from food.

You can find vitamin C in citric fruits, Vitamin A in milk and diary products, and vitamin E in nuts, whole wheat products, and even green leafy vegetables. This is the ideal way to get nutrition, as your body relies on these vitamins for many reasons.

When you eat on campus, skip on the soda's and go right to the juice machines. Explore the different entrees available and go to the salad bar where there are fresh vegetables. You can also try putting some broccoli and cauliflower in the microwave for steamed vegetables. There are always healthy cereals and plenty of fresh fruit available in dining halls as well.

Always remember that eating healthy isn't just about avoiding greasy foods. Eating healthy involves getting a balanced diet and getting the right nutrients and vitamins to keep your body in peak performance - or at least awake during your classes.

How To Help Fight Stress With Healthy Eating

2007-12-30T05:10:00.000-08:00

Whenever we get too busy or stressed, we all tend to make poor food choices that will actually increase stress and cause other problems. To get the most of your healthy eating and avoid stress, follow these simple tips.

Always eat breakfast - Even though you may think you aren't hungry, you need to eat something. Skipping breakfast makes it harder to maintain the proper blood and sugar levels during the day, so you should always eat something.

Carry a snack - Keeping some protein rich snacks in your car, office, or pocket book will help you avoid blood sugar level dips, the accompanying mood swings, and the fatigue. Trail mix, granola bars, and energy bars all have the nutrients you need.

Healthy munchies - If you like to munch when you're stressed out, you can replace chips or other non healthy foods with carrot sticks, celery sticks, or even sunflower seeds.

Bring your lunch - Although a lot of people prefer to eat fast food for lunch, you can save a lot of money and actually eat healthier if you take a few minutes and pack a lunch at home. Even if you only do this a few times a week, you'll see a much better improvement over eating out.

Stock your home - As important as it is to get the bad food out of your house, it's even more important to get the good food in! The best way to do this is to plan a menu of healthy meals at snacks at the beginning of the week, list the ingedients you need, then go shop for it. This way, you'll know what you want when you need it and you won't have to stress over what to eat.

Health Benefits Of Tomatoes

2007-12-29T06:44:00.000-08:00

Did you know that tomatoes were once considered poison? It's true, the tomato is a member of the nightshade family, and was at one time considered to be toxic. Tomatoes were first eaten in the U.S. in the early 1800's, when a gentleman by the name of Robert Johnson shocked his hometown by eating a basket of tomatoes in the middle of town. When he didn't die, or even get sick from the tomatoes, they became a part of the American diet.

We now know that tomatoes are not toxic, and in fact are quite nutritious. First of all, tomatoes contain a lot of vitamin C, which is quite beneficial, as you've probably heard. Vitamin C helps the body to produce collagen, an important protein skin, scar tissue, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, helping to prevent cell damage by free radicals.

Tomatoes also contain a powerful antioxidant called lycopene. Studies have shown that men consuming 10 servings of tomatoes a week cut the risk of prostate cancer by 45%. Lycopene also lower the risk of colorectal cancer and stomach cancer, and inhibits the growth of other types of cancer cells. Lycopene may also help older folks remain active.

Coumaric acid and chlorogenic acied are also found in tomatoes. These two compounds are thought to block the effects of nitrosamines, which are formed naturally in the body, but are also a strong carcinogen in tobacco smoke.

Tomatoes may also help to reduce the risk of heart disease. Tomatoes are a good source of potassium, niacin, vitamin B6, and folate. Niacin has been used for years to lower cholesterol. Potassium has been shown to lower high blood pressure. And vitamin B6 and folate are used by the body to convert a dangerous chemical called homocysteine into more benign compounds.

Vitamin K, found in tomatoes helps to maintain healthy bones. Vitamin K1 activates a protein in the bones called osteocalcin, which anchors calcium inside the bone. Without enough vitamin K, bone mineralization is impaired.

When you buy tomatoes, be sure to buy the ones with the brightest red color. This indicates high amounts of beta-carotene and lycopene. Lycopene is found in the cell walls of the tomato, so by cooking it in a bit of oil, more lycopene is fully released. Also, cooking the tomato in a bit of olive oil helps your body to absorb the lycopene. If all you can find are canned tomatoes, that's fine. Cooking and canning don't cause tomatoes to lose any of their nutritional value. So cooked and processed tomatoes are just as beneficial as fresh tomatoes.

So tomatoes, once thought to be deadly poison, are now a nutritious staple of our diet. They help to fight cancer, and they contain a good amount of vitamin C, and other vitamins and minerals. So go ahead and start adding tomatoes to your diet.

Spaghetti Sauce:

1 Tbsp olive oil 1/2 small onion, chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced (or more if you want) 1 lb ground beef (optional) 4 28oz. cans of crushed tomatoes 1 28oz. can of tomato sauce 2 tsp worcestershire sauce 1 Tbsp dried oregano 3 bay leaves

In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the chopped onion, and cook for a couple of minutes, until the onion is tender. Add the garlic, and cook briefly. Be sure not to burn the garlic.

If using ground beef, cook the meat in a skillet until browned. Drain the meat, and add it to the pot.

Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, worcestershire sauce, oregano, and bay leaves. Stir everything together, then turn the heat to medium low, and simmer for 4 hours, stirring occasionally.

Remove the sauce from the heat, and serve over pasta. The leftover sauce will freeze well.

Do You Eat When You're Not Hungry?

2007-12-29T06:15:00.000-08:00

People who eat in unhealthy ways have many bad habits in common, but number one on this list is eating when they are not really hungry. Hunger is something that happens when your body needs fuel, and it is the pang we feel in our stomachs when we haven't eaten all day, often accompanied by noises. However, even when your stomach is growling, it is important to remember that most of us have enough body fat to survive for many days. Hunger is something that is as mental as it is physical, and because of this, dieters must learn to overcome it.

Many things occur to make you think that you are hungry. Food is most often prepared in a very appetizing way, especially in restaurants or on television commercials. Food that smells or looks good does not make you hungry, it simply makes you desire food. This goes a long way when you are already eating. If you are dieting, try to stop eating when you feel satisfied, instead of continuing to eat just because the food tastes good.

A number of people also "feel hungry" when they are stressed or worried about things in life. The term "comfort food" refers to the foods we eat that make us feel better. This is usually something from our childhood or something that reminds us of a parent. When you eat because you are stressed, you are not eating because you are hungry. Therefore, stress can be a very detrimental thing to your diet. If you are trying to start a healthier lifestyle, try to reduce the stress from your life as well.

People eat when they are not hungry for a variety of other reasons as well. Often times, food is a way to relieve boredom. If you find yourself wondering to the kitchen many times a day for little snacks, this is probably the case. Simply try to stay out of the kitchen. You may also eat when you're not hungry because certain foods are associated with certain events. Popcorn, for instance, is associated with watching a movie, so you may be tempted to buy the jumbo bucket at the theatre even though you may have just eaten a satisfying dinner.

There is no easy fix to bad habits that make you eat when you're not hungry-it is simply imperative that you see food as something that can be good for your body at the right times and a harmful drug at other times. The first step in any addictive process is realizing these habits and attempting to stop.

Making The Right Healthy Food Choices

2007-12-26T07:54:00.000-08:00

Eating healthy is something we all would like to do, although it can be hard. In order to eat healthy, you must first make the right food choices. Eating healthy is all about what you eat, which makes the choices very crucial to your results.

Grains - You should consume 6 ounces of grains per day. To do this, you can eat 3 ounces of whole grain cereals, breads, rice, crackers, or pasta. You can get an ounce of grains in a single slice of bread, or 1 cut of cereal.

Vegetables - These should be varied, as you should eat 2 1/2 cups of them each day. You should start eating more of the dark vegetables, such as broccili and spinach. Carrots and sweet potatoes are good as well. You should also eat more dry beans such as peas, pinto beans, and even kidney beans.

Fruits - Fruits are very important. You should try to eat 2 cups of them each day. Focus on eating a variety, such as fresh, frozen, canned, or even dried fruit. You can drink fruit juices as well, although you should use moderation when doing so.

Milk - Milk is your calcium rich friend. For adults, 3 cups is the ideal goal. For kids 2 - 8, 2 cups is where you want to be. When choosing milk products or yogurt, you should go for fat-free or low-fat. Those of you who don't like milk or can't have it, should go for lactose free products or other sources of calcium such as fortified foods and beverages.

Meat and beans - Eating 5 ounces a day is the ideal goal, as you should go lean with your protein. When eating meat, always bake it, grill it, or broil it, as this will prevent grease from adding to the equation. You should vary your protein as well, with more fish, beans, peas, and nuts.

When cooking your food, you should also limit solid fats such as butter, margarine, shortening, and lard. These foods may add flavor to your dishes, although they can also help raise your cholesterol as well. Therefore, you should try to add these foods and any foods that happen to contain them.

To help keep your saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium low, you can check the nutrition facts label. This label can be found on the food package and will tell you all the information you need to know about the food item.

By picking your foods wisely and watching what you eat, you'll help control your lifestyle. Exercise is great as well, as it goes along perfect with a healthy eating lifestyle. No matter what your age may be, eating healthy will help you keep your active lifestyle for years and years - even help you and your health in the long run as well.

Nine Facts You Should Know About Fiber

2007-12-26T07:47:00.000-08:00

If you've been looking for a way towards a high octane diet, you'll find fiber to be exactly what you need. Even though research has shown fiber to be powerful, many people aren't taking this nutrient seriously.

To help you fuel your health with fiber, here are 10 facts to help.

1. Fiber fights diseases. A diet high in fiber can help to prevent colon cancer and heart disease. High fiber helps the body to eliminate cholesterol by binding it in the digestive tract. For thousands of years, fiber has been used to stop constipation.

2. Fiber can actually help with overeating. All high fiber foods will take longer to chew and digest, making you feel satisfied longer

3. Most popular foods don't have enough fiber. If you like the more popular foods, you probably need to increase your intake of fiber.

4. Grains offer the most fiber. Dietary fiber is actually plant matter that we cannot digest. The best sources are whole grains and concentrated grain products.

5. Kids need fiber as well. Children that are older than 2 years of age should consume a daily intake of fiber. Kids are most receptive to fiber found in fruits, vegetables, and even fortified breakfast cereals.

6. More fiber needs more water. In order to keep fiber moving through your digestive tract, you'll need to consume a lot of water. With your diet of fiber, you'll need eight or more glasses of water every day.

7. Fiber cannot be cooked out. When you cook your fruits and vegetables, don't worry about cooking the fiber out, as it stays. The fiber found in fruits and vegetables aren't just in the skin or in the peel.

8. You can get enough fiber. If you eat more than 50 grams of fiber in a day, you can get diarrhea and bloating, which can interfere with your body's absorption of other key minerals.

9. Getting the right amount of fiber in your diet doesn't have to be hard. Even though you may think so, getting the amount of fiber you need isn't very hard to do. All you have to do is eat the right foods and you'll be well on your way to a fiber rich lifestyle.

As one of the key ingredients to healthy eating, fiber is something you don't want to skip. Fiber can serve many different purposes, which were covered above. If you aren't getting enough fiber in your diet - you should do something about now instead of waiting until it is too late.

15 Easy Ways To Cut Down On Sodium In Your Diet

2007-12-26T07:33:00.000-08:00

It is practically common knowledge that eating too much salt can wreak havoc on blood pressure. But how can we eat with flavor and at the same time cut the amount of salt in our foods? Well you do not have to sacrifice flavor when you cut down on sodium if you follow these 15 suggestions:

1. Don't add salt to pasta or other starchy foods that will be topped with other foods. The toppings usually add enough flavors so that you don't even notice the missing salt.

2. Balance your salt intake. If your breakfast is high in salt, eat low- salt meals for the rest of the day.

3. Remove the salt shaker from your table and use lemon juice on food instead of salt.

4. Don't use onion salt or garlic salt as spices because they are just flavored salt. Use real onion or garlic for more flavor without the salt.

5. Avoid store-bought mixes for biscuits, cakes, pancakes, muffins, cornbread, etc. If you prepare your own, you can control the ingredients.

6. Read all labels to determine the sodium content and buy low sodium products whenever possible. Remember to avoid any sodium-containing additives.

7. Learn about the many natural herbs, spices and fruit peels that are available. You may decide to grow your own or experiment with store-bought herbs.

8. Use one of several salt-free mixtures of herbs and spices that are available for seasonings.

9. Don't use potassium chloride salt substitutes. They can increase potassium levels in your body and may even cause heart rhythm abnormalities.

10. To spice chicken dishes, add fruits such as mandarin oranges or pineapples.

11. Marinate chicken, fish, beef or poultry in orange juice or lemon juice. Add a honey glaze.

12. Marinate meat in wine or add wine to Sauces or soups. If you thoroughly cook the dish, most of the alcohol will evaporate, but the flavor will be enhanced.

13. Use fresh vegetables whenever possible. However, if you must use canned vegetables, wash them in cool water before using. Rinsing will help remove some of the salt added when processing.

14. Just a little green pepper, parsley, paprika or red pepper can add a lot of flavor to a meal.

15. Be sure to keep your meals attractive and include a variety of colors and textures. Most people are more tempted to add salt when the meal appears bland.

Allergy Tests

2007-12-26T06:38:00.000-08:00

Allergy testing involves having a skin or blood test to determine what substance, or allergen, may trigger an allergic response in a person. Skin tests are usually done because they are rapid, reliable, and generally less expensive than blood tests, but either type of test may be used.
Skin tests

A small amount of a suspected allergen is placed on or below the skin to see if a reaction develops. There are 3 types of skin tests:

* Skin prick test. This test is done by placing a drop of a solution containing a possible allergen on the skin, and a series of scratches or needle pricks allows the solution to enter the skin. If the skin develops a red, raised itchy area (called a wheal), it usually means that the person is allergic to that allergen. This is called a positive reaction.
* Intradermal test. During this test, a small amount of the allergen solution is injected into the skin. An intradermal allergy test may be done when a substance does not cause a reaction in the skin prick test but is still suspected as an allergen for that person. The intradermal test is more sensitive than the skin prick test but is more often positive in people who do not have symptoms to that allergen (false-positive test results).
* Skin patch test. For a skin patch test, the allergen solution is placed on a pad that is taped to the skin for 24 to 72 hours. This test is used to detect a skin allergy called contact dermatitis.

Blood test

Allergy blood tests look for substances in the blood called antibodies. Blood tests are not as sensitive as skin tests but are often used for people who are not able to have skin tests.

The most common type of blood test is called radioallergosorbent testing (RAST). It is used to measure the blood level of a type of antibody (called immunoglobulin E, or IgE) that the body may produce in response to particular allergens. IgE levels are often higher in people who have allergies or asthma. RAST may be used for people who cannot have skin tests, such as people who take certain medications (such as some antidepressants) that make the results of skin tests less accurate.

Other laboratory testing methods, such as an immunoassay capture test (ImmunoCAP, UniCAP, or Pharmacia CAP), may be used by your health professional to provide additional information.

Lupus - Home Treatment

2007-12-25T23:58:00.000-08:00

Home Treatment

Good self-care is essential to managing lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE). Learn to recognize your body's warning signs of a flare. Warning signs may include increased fatigue, joint pain, rash, or fever. When you notice any of these signs, take steps to control your symptoms.

Stress may trigger lupus symptoms. Keep your stress level as low as you can.

* Keep your daily schedule as simple as possible.
* Keep your list of obligations to others to a bare minimum.
* Delegate to others.
* Exercise regularly. A daily walk, for example, can reduce stress, clear your head, improve your mood, and help fight fatigue.
* Use relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, and guided imagery to calm your body and mind.

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of lupus. To fight fatigue:

* Get plenty of rest. Some people with lupus need up to 12 hours of sleep every night.
* Pace yourself. Limit tiring activities.
* Ask others for help. Don't try to do everything yourself.
* Take short breaks from your usual daily activities. Consider cutting down on work hours or getting help with parenting responsibilities, at least during periods when lupus symptoms are severe.
* Exercise regularly. Physical activity boosts energy and helps you stay in good condition. Walking and swimming are good forms of exercise for people with lupus.
* If you suspect that depression is contributing to your fatigue, get prompt treatment from your doctor, a mental health professional, or both.

Take care of your skin. Ask your doctor about the use of corticosteroid creams to relieve skin symptoms that are particularly troublesome. If you are bothered by the way a lupus rash looks on your face or if you have scars from lupus, you can try makeup, such as Covermark, to cover the rash or scars.

Ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) light triggers disease flares in up to 70% of people with lupus. 11 UVB, as from sunlight, can start or worsen skin rash, joint pain, or fatigue. To minimize your exposure:

* Avoid the sun. If you must be in the sun, cover your arms and legs, wear a hat, and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (covering both UVA and UVB rays) with a high sun protection factor (40 SPF or higher) to protect your skin. Reapply sunscreen after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. Experiment with sunscreens. Some may irritate your skin or wash off too easily.
* Avoid going out when the sun's rays are the strongest. In most areas this is between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., especially during the summer.

A healthy lifestyle not only improves your quality of life but may also reduce your chances of having more frequent and severe flares. Good self-care includes:

* Regular exercise.
* Education about lupus and self-care.
* Not smoking.
* Eating a healthful, balanced diet.
* Avoiding exposure to infections, such as colds or the flu, which can cause flares. Talk to your health professional about influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations. If you do get sick, treat the infection promptly and completely. 4
* Regular dental care.
* Regular eye examinations by an ophthalmologist.
* Developing a support system of family, friends, and health professionals.

If you have lupus and are a woman in your childbearing years, pay special attention to pregnancy-related concerns, both before conceiving and while pregnant.

Home treatment and regular checkups are sometimes sufficient for managing mild lupus or during periods of remission. Be sure to have your doctor monitor your condition on a regular basis. These regular checks are important to detecting and treating progressive organ damage.

It is important that the people in your life understand what lupus is, how it affects your life, and how you can best cope with it. Help them understand your limitations and needs when your symptoms flare. Support groups are great places to learn coping strategies from others. For information about support groups, see the Other Places to Get Help section of this topic.
Author: Kerry V. Cooke
Medical Review: Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology

Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)

2007-12-25T23:46:00.000-08:00

What is systemic lupus erythematosus?

Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE) is a chronic disease that can cause inflammation, pain, and tissue damage throughout the body. Lupus is an autoimmune disease, in which a person's immune system attacks its own tissues as though they were foreign substances. If you develop serious lupus, you may have problems with your kidneys, heart, lungs, or blood cells.

Although some people with lupus have mild symptoms, the disease can become severe. For most people, ongoing monitoring and treatment can control symptoms and prevent serious organ damage.

There are five types of lupus erythematosus: systemic, discoid/cutaneous, subacute cutaneous, drug-induced systemic, and neonatal. This topic focuses on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the most common and serious type of lupus.

What are lupus symptoms like?

Lupus symptoms vary widely, and they come and go. Common symptoms are fatigue, joint pain or swelling (arthritis), fever, and skin rash (especially with sun exposure). Mouth sores and hair loss may occur. Over time, people with lupus develop nervous system symptoms, most commonly migraine headaches. Periods of time when symptoms worsen are called relapses or flares. Periods of time when symptoms improve are called remissions. Lupus symptoms rarely disappear completely.

What causes lupus?

Lupus has no single known cause. Experts believe that a combination of factors affect the immune system and trigger a reaction that causes lupus. These factors may be environmental, such as infections or hormones, or may be inherited. A person may be born with a certain genetic makeup that affects how the immune system functions or makes him or her at risk for lupus.

How is lupus diagnosed?

Lupus can take a long time to diagnose because there is no single definitive test for lupus. A diagnosis of lupus is based on a combination of signs, symptoms, and blood tests. It is easiest to diagnose lupus if you have typical symptoms and your blood tests positive for certain proteins called antinuclear antibodies, or ANA. A positive ANA suggests possible autoimmune disease, but by itself does not confirm a diagnosis of lupus.

How is lupus treated?

There is no known cure for lupus. You can control mild to moderate lupus symptoms with proper self-care, such as appropriate rest, exercise, and avoiding sun exposure. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or antimalarial medications can also help manage symptoms.

If you have severe lupus, especially if it involves vital organs, your doctor may recommend corticosteroids or other medications that suppress the immune system.

8 Healthy Breakfast Tips

2007-12-21T03:39:00.000-08:00

A lot of studies and research has shown that kids who eat breakfast perform better in school and have a healthier diet. Eating breakfast will help promote the proper growth and maximize school performance as well.

Breakfast is often times a victim of the morning time crunch. Even though you may be tempted to skip breakfast, you can simplify your morning routine by following these 8 tips:

1. Finish homework and pack school bags at night.

2. Decide on what your children will wear to school before you go to bed and locate lost shoes for the following day.

3. In the morning, get up 15 minutes earlier.

4. Give up computer games and morning television.

5. Have healthy foods on hand. You should also shop for breakfast foods with your kids and take into account their personal preferences.

6. Set the cereal out the night before. For younger children, fill a zippered plastic bag with her portion, then add the milk in the morning.

7. Allow your children to use the microwave often, as most breakfast foods can be prepared in under 5 minutes.

8. Allow your kids to eat in the car or on the way to school.

There are several foods that you can eat for breakfast, even leftovers from supper if they are sufficient. You can eat bagels, pizza with fruit juice, pretzels, or the normal bacon and eggs that breakfast is known for. Most foods are a snap to prepare, and won't take you but a few minutes.

The next time you are in a hurry in the morning, remember that you are probably about to skip the most important meal of the day. If you follow the tips above, you'll find that you have plenty of time for breakfast.

How To Eat Healthy While On Vacation

2007-12-21T03:36:00.000-08:00

It can be very tempting to abandon your good sense of healthy eating on vacation. Although you may strive for healthy eating, it's easy to drift off and grab an ice cream cone here and there. There are however, ways to watch what you eat on vacation.

It's easier than ever these days to request a low fat or vegetarian meal on airplane flights. If you choose to instead drive to your destination, the quest to find healthy food can get a bit more complicated.

Rather than simply relying on greasy foods for nutrition, pack some nutritious foods in a cooler full of ice packs. Fruits and vegetables, crackers, yogurt, and sandwiches are all great to have with you on the road.

Once you arrive at your hotel, you should do yourself a favor and turn the minibar key down - as this helps to avoid the temptation. If your hotel offers a continental breakfast, stick to fruits, cereals, and proteins. If your hotel has a stove or microwave, consider bringing your own healthy food with you.

If you simply must eat out, do so only when you are hungry. Restaurants will usually serve large portions, so be careful. If you do go a bit over on a meal, simply cut back on the next.

If you find it hard to fit in three square meals a day, try to fit in six smaller meals or snacks, as your body needs fuel every four hours or so. When you eat out, avoid appetizers. Whatever you do, do not miss any meals.

When it's possible, you should avoid eating large meals at night. When your body gets ready for sleep and slows down, it also burns calories at a much slower pace. Never eat bread before bed, and make sure to avoid the butter. Choose fish or poultry for your meal instead, and include vegetables as a side dish.

Even though it may sound hard, eating healthy on vacation isn't really that difficult. All you have to do is use a little will power, and pass up foods that you know aren't good for you. This way, you'll enjoy healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle wherever you go.

The next time you go on a vacation, always remember that eating healthy is a way of life. You can afford to get something you crave, although you shouldn't make a habit of it. One ice cream cone or a pizza isn't going to matter - as long as you know when to stop.

17 Tips For Eating Healthy At Restaurants

2007-12-21T03:28:00.000-08:00

If you go out to a restaurant to eat, you probably watch your calories very closely. To assist you with your calorie watching when dining out, these tips will help you make the most of it.

1. Always order salad dressings or sauces on the side, as this way you have control over how much you add to your meal.

2. When you order grilled fish or vegetables, you should ask that the food be grilled without butter or oil, or prepared with very little or either or.

3. Anytime you order pasta dishes, be on the lookout for tomato based sauces instead of the cream based sauces. Tomato based sauces are much lower in fat and calories, and tomato sauce can even be counted as a vegetable!

4. You should always try to drink water, diet soda, or tea instead of soda or beverages that contain alcohol.

5. If you order dessert, share with a friend. Half of the dessert will equal half of the calories.

6. When you choose a soup, remember that cream based soups are higher in fat and calories than other soups. A soup can be a great appetizer, as most are low in calories and you fill you up pretty fast.

7. When ordering a baked potato, ask for salsa instead of sour cream, butter, cheese, or even bacon. Salsa is very low in calories and provides a healthy alternative with plenty of flavor and spice.

8. When you are full, stop eating. Listen to your body and what it tells you.

9. If you get full, take half of your meal home. The second portion of your meal can serve as a second meal later. This way, you get two meals for the price of one.

10. If you're looking to eat less, order two appetizers or an appetizer and a salad as your meal.

11. If you get a choice of side dishes, get a baked potato or steamed vegetables instead of french fries.

12. Always look for food on the menu that's baked, grilled, broiled, poached, or steamed. These types of cooking use less fat in the cooking process and are usually much lower in calories.

13. Plain bread or rolls are low in both fat and calories. When you add the butter and oil, you increase the fat and calorie intake.

14. As key ingredients to your meal, choose dishes with fruits and vegetables. Both fruits and vegetables are great sources of dietary fiber as well as many vitamins and minerals.

15. Choose foods made with whole grains, such as whole wheat bread and dishes made with brown rice.

16. If you crave dessert, look for something with low fat, such as berries or fruit.

17. Always remember not to deprive yourself of the foods you truly love. All types of foods can fit into a well balanced diet.

Quick Tips For Making Healthy Food Choices

2007-12-21T03:11:00.000-08:00

Vegetables, fruits, and grains are normally low in fat and have no cholesterol. Most are great sources of dietary fiber, complex carbs, and vitamins. The American Heart Association recommends that you eat foods that are high in complex carbs and fiber.

Below are some tips for making healthy food choices:

- Coconut is high in saturated fat, while olives are high in monounsaturated fats and calories. You should use these items sparingly to avoid getting too many calories from fat.

- When vegetable grains are cooked, saturated fat or cholesterol is often added. For example, egg yolks may be added to bread or even pasta.

- Processed, canned, or preserved vegetables may also contain added sodium. With some people, too much sodium (salt) may lead to high blood pressure. There are some food companies that are actually canning vegetables with less salt. You can look for these in the market area or choose fresh and even frozen vegetables.

- Nuts and seeds tend to be high in calories and fat, although a majority of the fat is polyunsaturated or monounsaturated. There are some varieties, macadamie nuts for example, that are also high in saturated fat.

Foods that are high in soluble fiber are a great choice as well. Examples include oat bran, oatmeal, beans, peas, rice bran, barley, and even apple pulp.

Whenever you are looking for healthy food choices, always make sure you read the nutrition label or information about the food. You can then determine what the food contains and how healthy it truly is for your body. By taking your time and making your healthy food choices wisely, you'll have a lifetime to enjoy the foods that will take care of you.

Stress Relief: 3 Tips To Reduce Work-Related Stress

2007-12-21T03:09:00.000-08:00

Are you feeling tired and burned out? Has financial worries or work stress caused you to loose that day-to-day enthusiasm that gives you “bounce” and high feelings of energy?

Sometimes in life burnout is irreversible and the original feelings of joy and enthusiasm for a pursuit will never be regained. But of course that does not mean that you will not feel excitement and enthusiasm for new pursuits in life. It is your duty to learn from your experiences and use that knowledge and take care to attend to your own needs in the future.

Below are 3 tips that can greatly reduce your levels of stress from work and tension within your working atmosphere:

1. Learn to use time-management techniques at work and be sure to include time for rest and relaxation every day. There is nothing wrong with taking many little breaks throughout the day to gather you thoughts, breath, and relieve that stress.

If you cannot get up from your desk at work every 30-60 minutes or are so embedded with a home business project that you do not want to take that many breaks, then try simply try putting your head back, stretch, close your eyes, and just breath for a minute or two before you get back to work. Sometimes that is all it takes!

2. Recognize that in order to do a good job and meet the challenges of work, you must put equal time and care into your body and spiritual needs. Without energy there is little taste in life. Without a spiritual “peace of mind” you cannot enjoy what you are working for each and every day.

Feel your body and mind like you would your stomach with food. Read motivational material, exercise, and eat nutritionally dense foods. The quality of life enhancement that you will feel from these simple steps alone will help you work harder, relieve stress, and attract more good things into your life.

3. Learn to prioritize your tasks and start delegating or outsourcing the ones that can be done by other people whom possess the talents to do so. The problem with those of us that want to be successful, whether moving up the ladder of success in the corporate world, or focusing on building a home based business, is that we tend to want to do everything ourselves.

We get so swamped with all of the little jobs that make up the big projects. We want the quality to be the same as if we were doing the job. We want to do it all. This can only spell failure. Yes, do as much as you can, but learn to “let go” by outsourcing what you can. Your stress levels will decline and your well-being will thank you for it.

Meditation As A Stress Relief Tool

2007-12-21T03:05:00.000-08:00

Do you remember seeing comedy shows or skits when you were young where someone is practicing meditation. There was usually one person closing their eyes and "ohm"ing while the other person tried to imitate them or simply made snide remarks. While we used to look upon meditation as being funny, ridiculous, or just plain odd; we now know about all the benefits it has to offer. Originally, meditation was used to focus and gain religious knowledge. Now, it is commonly used to reduce stress and live longer, happier, healthier lives.

So why is mediation so helpful for relieving stress? First of all, it helps focus the mind on something that is deeply and spiritually rooted. By focusing on one thing, you're forced to forget the world around you and all the stressors that come with it. By closing your eyes and sitting in a quiet room, you also filter out the sights and sounds that may stress you. Meditation also helps repair the physical and mental damage caused by stress. The chemicals present in your body actually change during meditation making you more relaxed and peaceful.

The relaxing benefits from above are only the short term benefits Those factors are only successful in filtering out stress that you've already experienced and making you relaxed during and after your meditating. The real benefit of meditation is its longer term effects.

If practiced on a daily basis, meditation can actually balance the levels of hormones and other stress related chemicals on a day-to-day basis; even when you're not meditating. This means that meditation will not only help you unwind at the end of a stressful day, it can also leave you more peaceful and less stressed during your long day at work.

The best part about meditation is, unlike yoga, it requires no special physical skills. While good meditation requires mental skills, you can start small and build your way up as you get more practice. Here's how to get started.

* Find a quiet room and sit in a comfortable position. There is no specific "better" position, just one where you feel comfortable and can relax.

* Close your eyes and relax your muscles. Do this by focusing on each individual muscle, starting at the feet and working your way up. Focus on the stress leaving each muscle as it relaxes.

* Begin to breathe slowly while you repeat your mantra. This can be anything from the traditional "ohm" to something you find personally important. If you are religious or spiritual, you can chant something related to your beliefs.

* If you find your mind wandering, don't beat yourself up about it; simply remain calm and return to your focus word.

* After 15 to 20 minutes, you can stop meditating and sit quietly for a few minutes before you return to your regular life.

By doing this regularly, you will train your mind and body to be more relaxed, peaceful and focused. You will find this not only affects your stress levels, but also your physical and mental functioning.

How Stress Affects Your Immune System

2007-12-21T03:01:00.000-08:00

Have you ever noticed that you tend to get sick more often when you're stressed out? Scientists have noticed this connection for a long time, but until recently they couldn't explain it. While a big project at work or the loss of a loved one isn't going to give you the flu, it can decrease the functioning of your immune system and make you more susceptible to the flu and other infections.

It may surprise you, but short term stress actually boosts the immune system. Increased immune functioning is associated with the "fight or flight" response related to short term stress you know will end. This is because our body is still trying to adapt to beat the stressor instead of just letting the stress bear down. The problem with this is that a majority of our stress is continual over a long period of time.

Long term stress is what actually decreases our immune functioning. The worst kind of stress is not only long term, but stress we think we can't control or see an end to. For example, while meeting a deadline at work may cause a decrease in our immune functioning; it's probably not as bad as stress caused by a debilitating accident. When we think the stressor is beyond our control and may never stop, our body feels it can't cope with the stress and it begins to take its toll. This kind of stress causes a drop in almost all immune functioning.

For regular, long term stressors, the decrease in immune functioning becomes greater with time. This means even if you feel you are in a position of control, long term stress such as a high power job, can build up and gradually decrease your disease fighting abilities.

Another important factor to consider when looking at the immune system and stress is that the decrease in immune system functioning is greater for people who are elderly or already sick. This is likely why older people who are severely injured or have recently lost a loved one are much more likely to die within a year than those who haven't had these circumstances.

You may think, "Well, I'll drop my stress level and I'll be fine". However, studies have show that traumatic events can stick with us and affect our immune system long after the stressor is gone. If a person was in an accident, was attacked, or experienced a traumatic loss, they can show decreased immunities years later. The best way to increase immunities in this case is to undergo treatment for the trauma.

In addition to causing a decrease in immune system functioning, stress can also make you more susceptible to other long term diseases, such as cardiovascular disease. If you want to maintain a healthy lifestyle you should include activities and a proper diet that promote a less stressful lifestyle.

Smoking And Headaches

2007-12-15T04:08:00.000-08:00

Headaches can be triggered by smoking in the following ways:

- Nicotine present in tobacco can enlarge blood vessels in the brain that will press on the nerves, bringing on a headache.

- Headaches can also be caused by enlarged blood vessels due to irritation in the nose and throat, which is true for people who are highly sensitive to smoke.

- The nerves located at the back of the throat can also be stimulated by smoking, which can worsen a headache in progress.

Second Hand Smoke

The smoke from cigarettes, tobacco, cigars and pipes can be considered as even worse than other known types of fumes, mainly because they take some time to dissipate. The longer they take to dissipate, the longer they linger more in the air. The smoke eventually clings to clothes, hair, drapes and furniture. The more time we are in contact with the smoke increases the probability for irritation to occur, and for a headache to be triggered.

What Can Be Done

If you get headaches from smoking, you can request your friends and loved ones not to smoke whenever you are around. Encouraging them to entirely give up smoking is even better, as it will prove beneficial to everyone's health.

Smoking and Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches seem to be primarily triggered by smoking; it is interesting to note that many cluster headache sufferers are also smokers. One noteworthy improvement as seen in a study of headache sufferers showed that as much as 50% cut their incidence of headaches by just smoking less than a half a pack a day, making improvement possible even without giving up smoking.

Smoking and Stress

Many people think that smoking helps them deal with stress, and they use this reason to justify their smoking. They know that stress is known to trigger migraines or headaches -- so why bother exchanging one trigger for another?

According to Allen Carr, who runs the EasyWay to give up smoking, the cigarettes themselves are actually causing the stress. In order to relieve the stress of waiting, stubbing out one cigarette just creates a need for the next one. Those who have used this method to quit mention that ever since they stopped, they are less stressed out.

Treatment for Headaches Triggered by Smoking

Treatment for smoking-induced headaches can use the same painkillers and medications for other types of headaches, but the best treatment of all is to simply stop smoking.

Smoking is now banned in many places worldwide in an attempt to encourage people to quit smoking. Even restaurants and bars, which were once thought of as safe places to smoke, have now become smoke-free areas.

The smoking ban will make a lot of difference for those who frequently get headaches from cigarette smoke, and maybe even persuade other places to clean up their air. New Jersey, which doesn't impose a ban on smoking, was shown in a recent study to have levels of indoor air pollution that were nine times as much as New York, which has the ban in effect.

Other Methods

If you do not think you can stop smoking cold turkey, their are lots of options available to aid your craving for nicotine, and to gradually ease your way to stopping smoking altogether. You can try out the following methods:

- Nicotine patches
- Nicotine chewing gum
- Nicotine inhalers
- Nicotine microtabs
- Hypnotherapy
- Acupuncture
- Allen Carr’s EasyWay

What Is A Migraine Headache?

2007-12-15T04:05:00.000-08:00

A migraine is different from a regular headache. A migraine is usually very severe, with pain on only one side of the head. It is often accompanied by extreme sensitivity to light and nausea and vomiting. Migraines are a recurring condition. Some people may have one several times a month, while some may only have one or two a year. But when a migraine happens, it can be disabling.

It is estimated that 1 in 100 people suffer from migraines. Research on migraines in the past focused on changes in the blood vessels in the brain. However, new research is being done that points to changes in the brain itself. Scientists believe that the cause of a migraine involves a complex mix of chemical changes in the brain with various nerve pathways. They are still not sure what the exact chain of events are that cause a migraine, but believe that it can be triggered by such things as stress, environmental factors, or certain foods.

There are two types of migraines. There are those with auras or those without auras. Most people will have migraines without the auras. This is called the common migraine.

If you have migraines with auras you will see flashes of light, blind spots in your vision, zigzag lines in your vision and sometimes have tingling sensations in your arms or leg. These auras usually start about 15 to 30 minutes before the migraine start and serve as a good warning sign. On occasion, the aura can last throughout the duration of the migraine.

If you have migraine headaches, you probably know what helps the pain. Everyone is different when it comes to pain relief. Some people just want to lie down in a dark, quiet, room and sleep it off. Others will take medication developed especially for migraine headaches. It is important to note, that if you suffer from migraines and haven't been to the doctor for treatment of them lately, it may be a good idea to see your doctor. There are a lot of new medications available for migraines now that weren't available ten years ago.

Children can have migraines, too. Their migraines may have started in adolescence or early adulthood. There have been incidences of migraines in children as young as 1. The good news is, migraines in children don't last as long and they typically grow out of them. With children the migraine will usually cause pain on both sides of the head. Children can also have nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity to light and sound, but have no headache pain. This type of migraine is especially difficult to diagnose and can be very frightening for the parents.

If you have migraines talk to your doctor about treatment. Eat healthy and drink plenty of water. Try to get adequate rest and reduce the stress in your life, if possible. Don't let the thought of having another migraine headache interrupt your life.

What You Need to Know About Allergies and Headaches

2007-12-15T03:08:00.001-08:00

Migraine sufferers usually think that certain foods like cheese, chocolate, red wine, caffeine and monosodium glutamate (MSG) used in types of Chinese food can trigger an allergic reaction that can bring on an attack. This isn't entirely true, as it's more of a bad reaction than an allergy. While these foods can indeed cause headaches, each individual's bodily make-up is unique, with others having a body chemistry that tends to release irritating substances when some foods are eaten.

In general, allergies by themselves don’t cause headaches, with some notable exceptions like Hay fever, which is one of the worst allergies. Hay fever is a true allergy in the sense that your body launches a massive, aggressive immune response to combat the danger it perceives when pollen is inhaled. The same holds true for dust, mold and animals, which can cause other true allergies.

The truth in all of these situations is that the headache is actually caused by the inflamed nasal passages and sinuses brought on by the allergy, commonly known as sinusitis. People who suffer from sinusitis often lose sleep, are unable to work and just feel too miserable to indulge in leisure activities. And since the problem lies with the sinuses, buying over-the-counter allergy medications won’t really help at all, so it's highly recommended that a doctor should be consulted at this point.

Sinusitis Symptoms

Sinusitis can be properly identified through its various symptoms, which can range from feeling ill with a headache or the presence of nasal discharge that is usually a yellow green color, to a general feeling of stuffiness and tiredness. A fever may also be present if the sinus infection has been going on for some time.

Acute and Chronic Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis is generally short-lived but still very unpleasant to have; acute sinusitis is most likely present in people who suffer from allergies, or can be caused by bacterial infection, such as the ordinary cold. If the source of allergy is removed, acute sinusitis could resolve itself; otherwise, acute sinusitis can persist and eventually become chronic sinusitis, which lasts longer. Chronic sinusitis, a more a difficult condition to treat, tends to recur several times within the year.

Treatment for Sinusitis

It's always a good idea to see your doctor if you think you may have sinusitis. Treatment will generally involve antibiotics, which will usually clear the problem up fast. If your sinusitis becomes chronic, your doctor will recommend seeing an immunologist who is an allergy specialist.

In order to make a proper diagnosis, a complete medical history and appropriate tests will be required to specifically tailor your allergy treatment. Sinusitis should be treated as soon as possible because it can cause further problems with the nose, eyes and middle ear for months, or even years. It is best to consult your doctor if you have any doubts.

Vertigo Treatment

2007-12-15T02:49:00.000-08:00

When to Seek Medical Care

Any signs and symptoms of vertigo warrant an evaluation by your doctor. The majority of cases of vertigo are harmless. And although vertigo can be extremely debilitating, it is easily treated with prescription medication. Have your doctor check out any new signs and symptoms of vertigo to rule out any potentially serious or life-threatening causes.

Certain signs and symptoms of vertigo may require evaluation in a hospital's emergency department:

Double vision
Headache
Weakness
Difficulty speaking
Abnormal eye movements
Altered level of consciousness, not acting appropriately, or difficulty arousing
Difficulty walking or controlling your arms and legs

Exams and Tests

The evaluation of vertigo consists primarily of a medical history and physical exam.

The history is comprised of 4 basic areas. The doctor will ask you about the following areas:
- During the exam, the doctor will want to find out if true vertigo exists. The doctor will want to know if you feel any sensation of motion. Report any nausea, vomiting, sweating, and any abnormal eye movements.
- The doctor will ask about how long you have had symptoms and whether they are constant or come and go. Do the symptoms occur when you move or change position? Are you currently taking any new medications? Has there been any recent head trauma or whiplash injury?
- Are there any other hearing symptoms? Specifically, report any ringing in the ears or hearing loss.
- Do you have weakness, visual disturbances, altered level of consciousness, difficulty walking, abnormal eye movements, or difficulty speaking?
The doctor may perform special tests such as a CT scan if a brain injury is suspected to be the cause of vertigo. The use of blood tests, specifically to check blood sugar levels, and the use of an ECG to look at the heart rhythm may also be helpful.

Self-Care at Home

Home therapy should only be undertaken if you have already been diagnosed with vertigo and are under the close supervision of a doctor.

Medical Treatment

The choice of treatment will depend on the diagnosis.

Vertigo can be treated with medicine you take by mouth, through medicine placed on the skin (as a patch), or drugs given through an IV.
Specific types of vertigo may require additional treatment and referral:
- Bacterial infection of the middle ear requires antibiotics.
- For Meniere disease, in addition to symptomatic treatment, people might be placed on a low salt diet and may require medication used to increase urine output.
- A hole in the inner ear causing recurrent infection may require referral to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for surgery.
In addition to the drugs used for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, several physical maneuvers can be used to treat the condition.
- Vestibular rehabilitation exercises consist of having you sit on the edge of a table and lie down to one side until the vertigo resolves followed by sitting up and lying down on the other side, again until the vertigo ceases. This is repeated until the vertigo is no longer inducible.
- Particle repositioning maneuver is a treatment based on the idea that the condition is caused by small stones in the inner ear. Your head is repositioned to move the stones to their normal position. This maneuver should be repeated until the abnormal eye movements are no longer visible.

Vertigo

2007-12-15T02:03:00.000-08:00

Vertigo is the feeling that you or your environment is moving when no movement occurs. Imprecisely called dizziness, the term vertigo is the specific term used to describe an illusion of movement. Unlike nonspecific lightheadedness or dizziness, vertigo has relatively few causes.

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

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common form of vertigo and is characterized by the sensation of motion initiated by sudden head movements.
Vertigo may also be caused by inflammation within the inner ear. This is known as labyrinthitis. This condition is characterized by the sudden onset of vertigo and may be associated with hearing loss.
Meniere disease is composed of a triad of symptoms: episodes of vertigo, ringing in the ears, and hearing loss. People have the abrupt onset of severe vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, as well as periods in which they are symptom-free.
Acoustic neuroma is a type of tumor causing vertigo. Symptoms include vertigo with one-sided ringing in the ear and hearing loss.
Vertigo can be caused by decreased blood flow to the brain and base of the brain. Bleeding into the back of the brain is known as cerebellar hemorrhage and is characterized by vertigo, headache, difficulty walking, and inability to look toward the side of the bleed. The result is that the person's eyes gaze away from the side with the problem. Walking is also extremely impaired.
Vertigo is often the presenting symptom in multiple sclerosis. The onset is usually abrupt, and examination of the eyes may reveal the inability of the eyes to move past the midline toward the nose.
Head trauma and neck injury may also result in vertigo, which usually goes away on its own.
Migraine, a severe form of headache, may also cause vertigo. The vertigo is usually followed by a headache. There is often a prior history of similar episodes but no lasting problems.

Vertigo Symptoms

It is very important to determine if vertigo truly exists. Vertigo implies that there is a sensation of motion either of the person or the environment. This should not be confused with symptoms of lightheadedness or fainting.

To determine if true vertigo exists, you must describe a sensation of disorientation or motion. In addition, you may also have any or all of these symptoms:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sweating
- Abnormal eye movements
The duration can be from minutes to hours and can be constant or episodic. The onset may be due to movement or change in position. It is important to tell your doctor about any recent head trauma or whiplash injury as well as any new medications you may be taking.
You may have hearing loss and a ringing sensation in your ears.
You might have visual disturbances, weakness, difficulty speaking, decreased level of consciousness, and difficulty walking.

Dust mite allergy

2007-12-07T03:45:00.000-08:00

Did you know that you could be sharing your bed with anywhere from 100,000 to 10 million dust mites? These microscopic organisms, which are related to spiders, live in many homes. Too small to see with the naked eye, dust mites thrive in warm, humid environments — eating dead skin cells and nesting in dust-collecting bedding, fabric, carpet and furnishings.

The residue that dust mites leave behind in the form of their feces and decaying bodies mixes with dust and becomes airborne. If you aren't allergic to dust mite residue, it's not harmful. But if you are, inhaling the residue can cause bothersome allergy symptoms, including wheezing, sneezing, watery eyes and runny nose.

One treatment for dust mite allergy is avoidance — that is, taking measures to minimize the number of dust mites in your home. Your doctor may also recommend allergy medications or allergy injections.

Signs and symptoms

If you have a dust mite allergy, you may exhibit the signs and symptoms of hay fever (allergic rhinitis). Dust mite allergy symptoms may include:

Sneezing
Runny nose
Itchy, watery eyes
Nasal congestion
Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat
Swollen, blue-colored skin under your eyes
Postnasal drip
Cough
Irritability
Facial pressure and pain

If you have asthma, you may also experience increased signs and symptoms of asthma,

such as:

Lung congestion
Wheezing
Shortness of breath

You may be especially prone to asthma attacks at night, when sleeping in a bed infested with dust mites.

A dust mite allergy can range from mild to severe. A mild case of dust mite allergy may result in an occasional runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing. In severe cases, the condition is chronic — resulting in, for example, persistent wheezing, sneezing, congestion and facial pressure.

Causes

As dust mites multiply, so does the residue made up of their feces and decaying bodies. If you're sensitive to dust mites, your body reacts when inhaling this residue.

During a process called sensitization, your immune system mistakenly identifies the inhale

d dust mite residue as an invader and produces an antibody against it called immunoglobulin E (IgE).

The next time you're exposed to the dust mite residue, your immune system launches an allergic reaction. The IgE antibodies trigger the release of an inflammatory chemical called histamine, which causes swelling of the mucous membranes in your lungs, nose, sinuses and eyes that results in wheezing, runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes.

The common dust mite is shown magnified approximately 2,000 times in this image.

Risk factors

The following factors increase your risk of developing a dust mite allergy:

Heredity. You're more likely to develop a sensitivity to dust mites if dust mite allergies run in your family.
Exposure. Being exposed to high levels of dust mites, especially early in life, increases your risk.
Age. You're more likely to develop allergy symptoms during childhood or early adulthood.

When to seek medical advice

If you experience signs and symptoms, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes, and you suspect dust mites or another allergen are to blame, see your doctor for an evaluation. Allergy skin tests — which expose your skin to purified extracts of allergy-causing substances — can help your doctor determine whether you have a dust mite allergy.

Screening and diagnosis

If you experience persistent wheezing, sneezing, watery eyes and runny nose, your doctor will likely recommend a puncture, prick or scratch skin test to determine whether your signs and symptoms are caused by an allergy.

In this test, tiny drops of purified allergen extracts — including an extract for dust mites — are pricked or scratched into your skin's surface. This is usually carried out on the forearm, though it may be done on the upper back in children.

Your doctor or nurse will clean the test site with alcohol, then use a sharp instrument (lancet) to introduce individual extracts into your skin's surface. This causes only little, if any, discomfort.

The drops are left on your skin for 15 minutes before your doctor or nurse observes your skin for signs of allergic reactions. If you're allergic to dust mites, you'll develop a red, itchy bump where the dust mite extract was scratched onto your skin.

The most common side effect of these skin tests is itching and redness. This usually subsides within a few hours, although it can persist until the next day.

Your doctor may also recommend allergy blood tests, especially if the allergy skin tests can't be completed.

Complications

You're more likely to develop asthma — a condition in which the main air passages of your lungs (bronchial tubes) become inflamed and your airways become narrowed — if you're already sensitive to environmental allergens, including dust mites.

If you already have asthma, dust mite allergy or exposure to dust mites can cause an increase in asthma signs and symptoms, including shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing. For this reason, taking measures to decrease the number of dust mites in your home can improve control of asthma.

Treatment

The most effective treatment for avoiding an allergic reaction to dust mites is avoidance. When you minimize your exposure to dust mites, you'll also minimize the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction — such as watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing. Adopting rigorous cleaning practices, especially in your bedroom, can help reduce dust mite residue to a level where it no longer causes bothersome problems.

Medications
When you can't control your allergic reactions to dust mites with prevention measures, your doctor may recommend or prescribe allergy medications. For allergic rhinitis, these may include:

Nonprescription medications. To counter the signs and symptoms of allergy-induced hay fever, short-acting antihistamines (Benadryl, Claritin, others), decongestants (Sudafed, Chlor-Trimeton, others) or a nasal spray containing cromolyn sodium (NasalCrom) may help.
Prescription hay fever medications. These include longer acting antihistamines (Zyrtec, Clarinex, others), nasal corticosteroid sprays (Flonase, Nasonex, others) to reduce inflammation, and the leukotriene inhibitor montelukast (Singulair), which blocks the action of leukotrienes — immune system chemicals that cause allergy signs and symptoms, such as excess mucus production.

If your dust mite allergy is causing asthma symptoms, your doctor may prescribe inhaled corticosteroids (Flovent, Pulmicort, others), long-acting beta-2 agonists (Serevent, Foradil), combination inhaled corticosteroids plus long-acting bronchodilators (Advair), and short-acting beta-2 agonists (albuterol, others), which help open up the airways in your lungs.

Immunotherapy
If your symptoms are especially difficult to control or are causing troublesome nose, eye or asthma symptoms, your doctor may recommend allergy shots (immunotherapy) to desensitize you to dust mites.

In immunotherapy, you'll receive injections of dust mite extract in increasing doses once or twice a week. Once a maintenance dose has been reached, you'll need injections every four weeks.

Prevention

Avoiding exposure to dust mites can minimize your risk of allergic reactions. While you can't completely eliminate dust mites from your home, you can significantly reduce their number. Use these suggestions:

Build a barrier. Cover your mattress and pillows in dust-proof or allergen-impermeable covers.
Maintain low humidity in your home. Aim for 30 percent to 50 percent relative humidity. A dehumidifier or air conditioner can help keep humidity low, while a hygrometer (available at hardware stores) can measure humidity levels.
Choose bedding wisely. Use synthetic materials as opposed to wool or down bedcovers.
Buy washable stuffed toys. Wash them often in hot water and dry thoroughly. Also keep stuffed toys off beds.
Wash bedding weekly. Kill dust mites by washing all sheets, blankets, pillowcases and bedcovers in hot water (130 to 140 F). Freeze nonwashable bedding overnight in a chest freezer.
Remove dust. Use a damp mop or rag instead of a dry cloth.
Vacuum regularly. Use a vacuum cleaner with a double-layered microfilter bag or a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Vacuum both carpet and fabric-covered furniture. If your allergies are severe, leave the area being vacuumed while someone else does the dirty work. Stay out of the vacuumed room for 20 minutes after vacuuming.
Cut clutter. If it collects dust, it also collects dust mites. So remove knickknacks, tabletop ornaments, books, magazines and newspapers from your bedroom.
Rethink flooring. If your dust mite allergy is severe, replace your wall-to-wall bedroom carpet with tile, wood or linoleum flooring. Also consider replacing upholstered furniture and removing fabric curtains.

Though you may be tempted to purchase an air purifier to lessen the symptoms of your dust mite allergy, you should know that air purifiers alone aren't effective for reducing dust mites. This is because dust mites aren't airborne for long periods. When they are sent into the air, they don't stay long; they're too heavy. Vigorous cleaning practices, along with the other tips above, are better bets for minimizing dust mites in your home. For some people, adding an air purifier to the steps described above can reduce the amount of airborne dust.

How To Stay Quit

2007-12-07T02:57:00.000-08:00

We have all met people who claim that 'quitting smoking is easy.' They usually say this as they are puffing on a cigarette. Sure -- it's easy to quit for an hour or a day, but it's the staying quit part which is difficult.

Perhaps one of the best motivators for staying away from cigarettes is knowing how it benefits you. According to the US Surgeon General's report the benefits of quitting smoking start almost immediately and accumulate the longer you refrain from smoking. After just 20 minutes of non-smoking your blood pressure returns to normal. Eight hours later, the carbon dioxide has been eliminated from your system. During the three months after quitting, your lung capacity increases by 30%. One year after quitting your risk of heart attack has become half that of a regular smoker. After five years your risk of stroke has normalized and after 10 years your risk of lung cancer is half that of a regular smoker.

These accumulated health benefits are the same no matter when you quit. Of course, if you quit when you are young you have a much better chance of regaining normal health within a shorter time. But even if you quit when you are 60 your life expectancy and quality of living will increase.

Unfortunately, what is going to happen 10 years down the road is often of little consequence during a spell of nicotine craving. The longer you quit smoking, however, the less often these cravings will occur. But smoking is more than just a physical addiction, it is also a behavioural habit, and long after the physical need for nicotine has been overcome you may still feel the urge to smoke in certain situations.

Identifying the situations which cause you to reach for a cigarette can be of great help in overcoming the urge to smoke. If you know, for example, that you feel like smoking at parties, you may want to avoid them for a certain period of time until you break the habit. Likewise, if situations of stress make you want to smoke, finding alternate ways to deal with stress will help you stay smoke-free.

Despite all your best efforts, you may find that you have lapsed and have taken up smoking again. If this happens, don't be discouraged -- many people have to try four or five times before they successfully quit. The most important thing is to immediately stop smoking. Even if you are in the middle of a cigarette, put it out and throw away the rest of the package. Don't get down on yourself or think that you have failed -- each time you renew your resolution to quit it becomes stronger.

Try to find moral support from family and friends. If you feel like smoking, talk to somebody about it and let them know what you are going through. Some communities have support groups for people who are trying to quit. With regular meetings and contact with other members you can support each other and offer encouragement and advice.

Some companies also offer programs for employees who wish to quit. Take advantage of all of these services -- your commitment to quit smoking is beneficial not only to yourself but also to your family, friends, and associates.

Nicotine Won’t Let You Quit Smoking

2007-12-07T02:49:00.000-08:00

Does nicotine have a strong hold over you? It’s one of the most addictives substances on the planet - found naturally in tobacco. Although not illegal, it’s equally as addictive as cocaine or heroine, two illegal drugs known for their strong addictive qualities.

When you use nicotine, your body begins to rely on it both mentally and physically. You can’t quit smoking because you have to face both the psychological and physical issues facing you at this point, which is often overwhelming for anyone.

It’s not the smoke itself that wreaks havoc on your addictions and makes it nearly impossible for you to quit smoking – it’s the nicotine that gets carried in the smoke deep into your lungs where it plants itself in your bloodstream and then moves to every available part of your body to affect your internal health.

Your heart and blood vessels, your brain, your hormones, and your metabolism are all directly affected by nicotine. Even though you may logically know the damage being done, your ability to quit smoking is diminished because the drug has the same effect as endorphins, releasing mood-elevating feelings that cause you to crave more.

But nicotine has another result. When you try to quit smoking, or even stay at the same number of cigarettes you currently smoke, your body triggers you to smoke more, telling you that you’ve become tolerant of your current usage. Nicotine can cause your body to react faster than if you were given a drug intravenously.

If you are able to quit smoking, nicotine will still reside in your body for up to four days after you stop using it. Your body will go into withdrawal, which is both a mental and physical obstacle you have to overcome.

While the physical portion of the addiction has to be dealt with through symptoms such as sleep disturbance, headaches, and dizziness, when someone quits smoking, the mental portion is noticeable when the newly ex-smoker starts dealing with depression, frustration, and anger that results from nicotine withdrawal.

Because of the pressure felt in both the mind and body, many smokers return to the bad habit so that the nicotine will erase the symptoms they’re feeling. The dilemma of withdrawal symptoms when someone quits smoking can last for days or weeks, depending on the severity of the addiction.

Eventually, the symptoms disappear and the strong hold nicotine has over the user loosens up its grip and allows the ex-smoker to break the habit for good. Most smokers have to try several times before they’re able to quit smoking forever, although many do it on the first try using smoking cessation aids.

Natural Ways To Stop Smoking

2007-12-07T02:04:00.000-08:00

There are many paths to a smoke-free living. You can use aids like patches, gum, or drugs like Zyban to help get over the physical addiction to nicotine. You may decide to quit cold turkey and suffer the withdrawal symptoms, or you may gradually cut down on your cigarette habit.

As an alternative to nicotine substitutes, you can treat the challenge of quitting the habit as an opportunity to make changes in your lifestyle for the better. At the end of the process you will not only be a smoke-free, you will have also gained new eating habits and lifestyle changes for healthier living.

Making changes to your lifestyle and eating habits is a big challenge, and requires a certain level of dedication. You will find, however, that eating healthier and living healthier also makes it easier to quit smoking. You will also develop strategies for dealing with nicotine withdrawal.

Since we are talking about several changes to your style of living, it's a good idea to take at least a week or two off your regular routine to make the changes. If you can take some time off work and get away from your regular schedule you will be exposed to fewer situations which you associate with smoking. You can also take the time to recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

A regular exercise routine is an essential part of healthy living. If you have not exercised previously, build up to it gradually. Rather than starting on an ambitious two-mile jog every morning, begin by going for long walks. As your stamina increases and your health improves you can add more vigorous activities to your exercise routine.

Healthy eating is also very important for regaining the health that may have been lost from your smoking habit. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits and cut down on fatty meats and foods high in saturated fats like fast food and desserts. Eating good-quality food can help eliminate toxins from the body faster which makes it easier to overcome your nicotine habit.

You are likely to experience symptoms from nicotine withdrawal. Nicotine is a powerful drug that affects many parts of the body but particularly the brain. Smokers become accustomed to the regular stimulation that nicotine provides, and may feel sluggish and inattentive when it is deprived. Rather than depending on nicotine substitutes to overcome the symptoms, simply take short naps whenever you feel drained.

Another symptom of nicotine withdrawal is irritability. Whenever you feel this way or are craving a cigarette, go for a brisk walk. This helps clear your mind and overcome the desire for nicotine.

You may also find that your mouth and throat feel dry or that you develop a cough or postnasal drip. This is caused by the body ridding itself of excess mucus produced because of exposure to smoke. To overcome these symptoms drink plenty of juice and water or suck on lozenges.

Cutting down on caffeine should be part of your new healthy lifestyle. There is no need to eliminate caffeine completely, but it is particularly important to avoid it after six pm. Nicotine withdrawal can cause insomnia and you do not want exasperate that by stimulating yourself with too much caffeine.

It is important to find natural ways to relax. Many people are tempted to smoke when exposed to stressful situations. It is far healthier to learn relaxation techniques like deep breathing. Nicotine withdrawal may also cause headaches which can be relieved by hot baths or gentle body movements like rolling the head.

All of these techniques are extremely helpful in overcoming the cigarette habit but they are also useful for maintaining good health. Make them part of your regular lifestyle and you will feel better, look better, and have a healthier outlook on life

What Are The Immediate Benefits When I Quit Smoking?

2007-12-07T01:25:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows that it’s obviously healthier for you to quit smoking than it is to continue your addiction to nicotine. But there are more than just long-term health benefits. Your body is immediately improved when you start inhaling clean air as opposed to the smoke from a cigarette.

Within 20 minutes after you quit smoking your last cigarette, changes begin to take place in your overall health. Your heart rate and blood pressure drop to a healthier level. Half a day later, your blood shows normal levels of carbon monoxide.

Just a couple of months after you quit smoking, you’ll notice your lung function increases. Maybe you can now walk up a flight of stairs without gasping for air. Plus, your circulation is improved.

During the first nine months after you quit smoking, you’ll notice you no longer cough as much and you’re capable of taking deep breaths. This is because the cilia in your lungs are able to move the mucus out of your lungs so they function better to clean them out and clear out infections.

When you’re celebrating your first year after quitting smoking, you should toast to the fact that your risk of coronary heart disease is cut in half from what it was when you were labeled a smoker.

Over the course of the next five years and decade after you quit smoking, your stroke risk is reduced, too. Lung cancer death rate is half that of a smoker’s and other cancers, such as those of the throat, mouth, bladder, and pancreas are cut as well.

While health is obviously an important factor in why people quit smoking, there are other immediate benefits as well. Tobacco may have damaged your physical appearance, such as causing premature aging, yellowing of the nails and teeth, and a foul odor clinging to your hair and clothes.

When you quit smoking, your skin immediately begins to repair itself and the bad smell goes away. Your breath smells fresh and you can take action to whiten your teeth using over the counter teeth whiteners.

You’ll also notice improvements in other areas of your life after you quit smoking. For instance, you’ll be able to taste food better than before and your sense of smell will be sharpened. Your reasons may be listed within this article, or you may have your own personal reasons to quit smoking. Either way, you’ll reap the rewards of your efforts once you say goodbye to tobacco for good.

Is The Nicotine Patch Right For You?

2007-12-07T01:23:00.000-08:00

Smokers find it hard to quit the habit because they are addicted to nicotine. They may also be accustomed to the habit of smoking in certain situations, but it is the nicotine which causes cravings for cigarettes. A popular method for quitting smoking is to get nicotine from sources other than tobacco. These Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRTs) include the use of nicotine gum or nicotine patches.

Both of these products release nicotine into the bloodstream. This helps to reduce the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal which include irritability, fatigue, headaches, insomnia, and the inability to concentrate. They also help control the urge to smoke cigarettes.

A nicotine patch is applied to the skin where it releases a steady stream of nicotine into the bloodstream throughout the day. This is different from nicotine gum which provides doses of nicotine only when chewed. Nicotine patches are slightly more convenient than gum, but do not provide the oral distraction that some smokers need when overcoming the smoking habit.

Patches are available in three different strengths. Heavy smokers are advised to start with the 21 mg patches, but moderate smokers could start with 14 mg patches. These beginning strength patches are used for about six weeks and then replaced with lower-strength patches for another two weeks. Heavy smokers can finish off with the 7 mg patches for an additional two weeks.

Some patches are designed to be worn for 24 hours a day, while others are only to be worn for 16 hours a day. Some people find they do not sleep well when a patch is applied to their skin, or they may experience unsettling vivid dreams. If this happens you would be advised to try the 16 hour patch.

As with any NRT therapy, it is important to stop smoking before beginning to use nicotine patches. They should be applied to an area of skin which has relatively little hair and is free from scratches or abrasions. Most people apply the patch to their upper arms, backs or thighs. To prevent skin irritation patches must be applied to a new area of skin every day, and each area should not be used more than once per week.

If the patch falls off during the day, for example when bathing or swimming, it can be replaced. Used patches must be discarded so that they cannot be retrieved by animals or children.

Some people experience mild skin irritation and itching when using nicotine patches. The skin may also turn red and become uncomfortable. If the irritation is severe and cannot be relieved by simple washing with soap and water, contact your doctor to discuss the situation. Perhaps the patch you are using is too strong, or perhaps a patch from a different manufacturer may alleviate your symptoms. It is also possible that you may have to switch to another type of NRT such as nicotine gum or nasal spray.

Nicotine replacement therapies have a relatively high rate of success. It must be remembered, however, that addiction to nicotine is only part of the smoking habit. Another big part of it is the associations made between smoking and particular situations. Many former smokers still feel the urge to light up when they are in a pub or at a party, and it is these behavioural associations to tobacco that are behind many lapses. It is important to replace the smoking habit with other healthier habits.

Popular brand names of nicotine patches include Habitrol, NicoDerm CQ, and Nicotrol.

Becoming A Smoker

2007-12-07T01:12:00.000-08:00

Smoking is strange behaviour. Almost every smoker knows that it's bad for his health, but many smokers continue the habit for decades, each year experiencing a further decline in health and well-being. Looked at rationally, smoking is quite disgusting. It stains the teeth and the fingers, causes bad breath, and creates an unpleasant environment for non-smokers.

It must be pleasurable, though, otherwise nobody would put up with the negative side of smoking. Most smokers admit that they enjoy cigarettes, and those that have managed to quit often feel that they have lost an old friend.

Tobacco is an addictive substance so it's understandable that people find it hard to quit. Less understandable is what motivates people to take their first cigarette. What is behind that decision to start smoking?

Many people start smoking when they are teenagers. The desire to fit in and be one of the 'crowd' is particularly strong during adolescence. Of course, this desire is also present in adults and can be a motivating factor behind much human behaviour. Many teenagers begin smoking because they want to be cool. If their friends smoke there's a lot of subtle (and not-so-subtle) pressure to take up the habit.

Young people may also feel that smoking makes them 'grown up' or it may be a form of rebellion against their parents and teachers. Most young people are already aware of the dangers of smoking so lecturing them about how they are harming their health can be futile.

Appealing advertising is also a big motivator in the desire to take up smoking. Tobacco ads usually depict young healthy active people taking part in fun group activities. The message is clear -- Smoke X brand and you can have this much fun too.

Adults are just as susceptible to popular images surrounding smoking. They are usually self-aware enough to know that smoking will not be the deciding factor behind social acceptance, but there is still the powerful image of the smoker as the rebel -- cool and independent. This can be alluring for some young adults, especially those who see themselves as being on the fringe.

Perhaps certain individuals are more drawn to smoking than others. There is evidence that people with a long-term outlook on life are less likely to start smoking because they know that smoking will shorten their life span and cause future health problems. On the contrary, those with shorter outlooks are more likely to smoke.

Other people turn to smoking because they are looking for a way to relieve stress. Even though tobacco is ineffective for handling stress in the long run, it does provide short-term relief. Those who have stressful jobs or who are in difficult life situations may decide to take up smoking.

Most smokers will come to a point in life where they want to quit. They may face increasing health problems and finally come to the decision to give up the habit. Unfortunately, the addictive nature of tobacco makes this a difficult task.

How Effective Is Nicotine Gum?

2007-12-07T01:10:00.000-08:00

Nicotine is the addictive substance of tobacco, and smokers become accustomed to the stimulation that nicotine provides. When smokers try to quit, the cravings that they feel are mostly due to nicotine withdrawal. A Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) can help overcome these cravings for nicotine.

Some of the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal include irritability, inability to concentrate, drowsiness, insomnia, and dry cough. An NRT like nicotine gum reduces these symptoms and allows the user to gradually cut down on the amount of nicotine his system needs to function normally. At the same time, his exposure to all of the other toxic substances in cigarette smoke is eliminated.

Of the many NRTs available, one of the most popular and easy to use is nicotine gum. Unlike patches, nicotine gum allows the user to control when and how much nicotine goes into his system. As an added benefit, it provides an oral replacement for those who need to overcome the habit of having a cigarette in their mouth.

Nicotine gum is available in different strengths. Heavy smokers are advised to start off with gum which has a relatively high amount of nicotine -- 4 mg. As dependence on nicotine is reduced, the strength of the gum can also be reduced to 2 mg. Most manufacturers offer gum in these two strengths.

The gum can be taken at certain intervals during the day to maintain a constant level of nicotine in the bloodstream, or it can be taken only when there is a craving for cigarettes. The gum is usually taken at regular intervals at the beginning of the therapy and then gradually reduced over a period of weeks.

It is advisable to consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using nicotine gum. They can offer guidelines about how to use the gum and the length of time the therapy should continue. Using nicotine gum in combination with certain medications may be contraindicated, so it is especially important to consult with your doctor if you are on any other kind of drug therapy.

Nicotine gum is used differently from regular gum. It should not be chewed continuously, but rather only until you feel a slight tingling in your mouth. When this happens, stop chewing and put the gum between your teeth and your cheek for about one minute until the tingling stops, and then again resume chewing slowly. Repeat this cycle for about 30 minutes or until there is no more taste left in the gum.

Gradually reduce the amount of gum you are using over a period of about three months. By this time, you should be taking no more than two or three pieces of nicotine gum a day. Do not continue using the gum for longer than three months.

Most people can use nicotine gum without experiencing any side effects, but adverse reactions sometimes occur. It is possible that the gum may bring on headaches, dizziness, upset stomach, and soreness in the mouth. If these conditions persist consult with your doctor. More severe side effects include seizures and difficulty breathing. If this happens, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.

Thousands of people have found NRT to be an effective aid to quitting smoking. The nicotine replacement method you decide on is a personal preference, but chewing gum has the advantage of being easy to use and providing doses of nicotine when it is most needed.

Manufacturers of nicotine gum include Nicorette and Rite Aid.

Dangers Of Smoking

2007-12-07T00:48:00.000-08:00

Almost everybody knows that smoking is bad for the health. Images of blackened lungs line school hallways and hospital waiting rooms, but despite this people continue to take up smoking. This may have to do with the pervasive romantic image of smoking -- an image that has nothing in common with reality.

There are many ways to take tobacco. You can chew it, inhale it through the nose, and smoke it in the form of cigars or cigarettes. No matter how it's taken it is dangerous, but because smoking is the most popular way to consume tobacco it has also received the greatest attention from the medical field and the media.

When a smoker inhales a puff of cigarette smoke the large surface area of the lungs allows nicotine to pass into the blood stream almost immediately. It is this nicotine "hit" that smokers crave, but there is a lot more to smoke than just nicotine. In fact, there are more than 4000 chemical substances that make up cigarette smoke and many of them are toxic.

Cigarette smoke is composed of 43 carcinogenic substances and more than 400 other toxins that can also be found in wood varnish, nail polish remover, and rat poison. All of these substances accumulate in the body and can cause serious problems to the heart and lungs.

Cancer is the most common disease associated with smoking. Smoking is the cause of 90% of lung cancer cases and is related to 30% of all cancer fatalities. Other smoking-related cancers include cancers of the mouth, pancreas, urinary bladder, kidney, stomach, esophagus, and larynx.

Besides cancer, smoking is also related to several other diseases of the lungs. Emphysema and bronchitis can be fatal and 75% of all deaths from these diseases are linked to smoking.

Smokers have shorter lives than non-smokers. On average, smoking takes 15 years off your life span. This can be explained by the high rate of exposure to toxic substances which are found in cigarette smoke.

Smokers also put others at risk. The dangers of breathing in second-hand smoke are well known. Smokers harm their loved ones by exposing them to the smoke they exhale. All sorts of health problems are related to breathing in second-hand smoke. Children are especially susceptible to the dangers of second-hand smoke because their internal organs are still developing. Children exposed to second-hand smoke are more vulnerable to asthma, sudden infant death syndrome, bronchitis, pneumonia, and ear infections.

Smoking can also be dangerous for unborn children. Mothers who smoke are more likely to suffer from miscarriages, bleeding and nausea, and babies of smoking mothers have reduced birth weights or may be premature. These babies are more susceptible to sudden infant death syndrome and may also have lifelong health complications due to chest infections and asthma.

It is never too late to give up smoking, even those who have smoked for 20 years or more can realize tremendous health benefits from giving up the habit.

Use Hypnotic Treatment For Depression

2007-12-07T00:42:00.000-08:00

If you are depressed and are looking for ways to cure yourself of this problem, using hypnotic treatment for depression will get you out of this low state of mind by altering your self image and lifestyle for the better. Hypnotic treatment for depression will empower you in general and arm you with the resources you need to come out of your depressed state of mind.

The cause of depression is not primarily biological, even though it is popularly believed to be. This is a myth. All depression is not rooted in biology – only some is. Most of our anxieties, phobias and traumas that lead to depression are based in personal and deeply ingrained beliefs. Hypnotic treatment for depression has the ability to retrain the unconscious mind into learning new behaviors and beliefs that will lead to dispelling depression.

Hypnotic treatment for depression will help to modify the deeply held belief and make change possible. A change of state is crucial to coming out of depression, and the persistent low mood and depressed state of mind can be altered using hypnotic treatment for depression. Hypnosis is deeply involved in the causality and treatment of depression.

The creation and maintenance of a belief system is done via hypnotic phenomena, thus the treatment of depression lies in changing these deeply held beliefs using hypnotic treatment for depression. It is a myth that hypnosis can be dangerous to depressed people; in fact the polar opposite is true as hypnotic treatment for depression helps to cure depression by reaching deep into its roots and eliminating or altering the same. The only and very important exception is for those who are so severely depressed that they are suicidal and/or in a stage of de-compensation.

Hypnotic treatment for depression helps to alter and improve deeply ingrained beliefs about the client’s past, future, present, and even their parents (because the childhood experiences form central part of the depression experienced in adulthood). Perceptions of current events, issues of faith, conflict, insecurities, anxiety, and feelings of worthlessness can all be addressed using hypnotic treatment for depression.

Many depressed people go through the additional problems of insomnia, weight problems, stress, smoking, lack of confidence, diabetes, ignorance about how to go about curing their depression, resentment and anger – all of which hypnotic treatment for depression can solve, through diligent and consistent focus and practice.

It is advisable not to jump into all this at once, but take baby steps. First, address the insomnia using hypnotic treatment for depression. Feeling better will lead to a happier frame of mind; move on to more problems, going into deeper and deeper perceptions and experiences until you reach the core of the problem and then solve it using hypnotic treatment for depression.

Most importantly, hypnotic treatment for depression will change your perception regard depression, your own self image, your life and the reasons that make you feel depressed. Hypnotic treatment for depression will help you along, and keep giving you ideas on how to get better, while giving you hope for a better future the whole time.

Lifetime Fitness: On Your Way to a Healthier You

2007-10-20T01:55:00.000-07:00

Many people end up abandoning perfectly good fitness programs and weight-loss regimens before they even lace up their sneakers.

Why? Because in a world filled with fast food, instant messaging, and a five-second disease-tracking device, anything without a quick payoff goes against the grain of the typical American instant gratification ethic. While it would be nice to actually drop inches in just a few days like what most miracle ads proclaim, managing weight and losing weight through physical fitness is a slow and steady process that takes time and commitment.

Setting weight management goals for yourself can be a good motivator. Gradual weight loss, for those people who wish to shed off some extra pounds, is usually the safest.

That is why health and fitness experts had come up with the idea of lifetime fitness in order to teach people set realistic goals. These lifetime fitness programs generates dietary regimens that cut your normal calorie consumption for your weight by 500 to 1,000 per day, so will burning the same amount with exercise. In turn, this will definitely encourage healthier weight loss.

Lifetime fitness teaches you how to maintain a physically fit body at the same time enjoy and live a happy, contented life. It gives you the chance to strike a balance between the two (exercise and diet), and make exercise, be it team sports, cycling, or walking, something you will truly enjoy.

That is why lifetime fitness embodies the concept that making a long-term healthy lifestyle change is essential to keeping the pounds off once they are gone.

To know more of the advantages and benefits that lifetime fitness can bring, here are some facts that you need to know:

1. Lifetime fitness programs offers you the most comprehensive and wide-ranging fitness and health encounter with quality services, in which the customers will feel gratified.

These fitness programs provide you the right method in maintaining health, build up and encourage your competence, and take care of your family's physical fitness as well.

2. Because the goal of lifetime fitness is to provide you with long-term achievements as far as physical fitness is concerned, these programs utilizes numerous fitness equipments that will tone and manage your health and the different parts of your body.

There are fitness equipments that will give your cardiovascular system a lift. You can also opt for some sports facilities that will provide you with an alternative way of being physically fit.

3. Lifetime fitness programs and centers also provides nutritional products such as food supplements that will aid in the formation of good blood cells and tissues thereby making your body at its pink of health.

Lifetime fitness centers and programs also provide you with up-to-date fitness magazines that do not only give substantial information about fitness and health but inspirational stories as well. These articles will give you an insight on how to make you life balance and how to live a life that is healthy and fit.

Indeed, staying fit and healthy can be a long and winding road and there are instances wherein you may find your enthusiasm fading occasionally. Nevertheless, with the comprehensive programs provided by lifetime fitness plans, you can start heading back to the right track of a healthier you.

Fight Against Insomnia

2007-10-20T00:13:00.000-07:00

By : Kevin Pederson

Lack of sleep may not seem to be a harmful disorder for many, but due to this the body clock and many of its functions go for a toss. There are different types of insomnia that need to be identified and treated accordingly.

Insomnia & ways to avoid it
The lack of adequate and restful sleep can be termed as insomnia. It is not defined by the number of hours a person sleeps but by the lack of it. The inability to fall asleep makes the person prone to other diseases.

Signs and Symptoms
Finding it difficult to fall asleep at night? Well, this could be one of signs. The other sign is you fall asleep but won't be able to sleep at a long stretch; you will keep getting up in intervals. Due to this your morning will be lethargic and fatigued.

Problems faced
As the sleep is incomplete, the day suffers due to this. You are tired and drained out without much to look forward. The level of concentration is very less and you might suffer from other sleep disorder problems like sleep apnea, narcolepsy and restless legs syndrome.

Types of Insomnia
A person is affected by primary or secondary insomnia. Primary insomnia means that the person having sleep problems are not directly related to any other health problems. Secondary insomnia means that the persons sleep is affected by the health problems faced by him. These can be any problems like stomach ache, depression, heartburn, arthritis, asthma and many other diseases.

Insomnia can be classified into three categories short term (acute insomnia), chronic (constant insomnia) and intermittent (on and off). When the short term insomnia occurs on daily basis it would be termed as intermittent. It will be termed chronic when such an occurrence happens every night and lasts for a long time.

Some factors which cause insomnia are
1. Old age
2. Prevalent in female gender
3. Stress
4. Depression
5. Odd working hours
6. Long naps in the afternoon
7. Change in environment/surroundings
8. External noise
9. Jet lag
10. Excessive consumption of caffeine/cigarettes
11. Alcohol and many more.

Some Methods to avoid Insomnia
You may not need any treatment if you have acute or intermittent insomnia. These can be cured with some good sleeping habits. The chronic insomnia can be prevented with some medications recommended by your doctor as well as some relaxation exercises, sleep restriction therapy and reconditioning. The numbers of hours may vary from person to person; some may find it okay to sleep for 6 to 7 hours.

Relaxation Therapy
These are some unique methods to remove or reduce anxiety and other tensions in the body. It helps the person to relax as to gain a undisturbed sleep. This requires practice, but the end result is worthwhile.

Sleep Restriction Therapy
By the name itself it means that you are restricting on you sleep time. It starts with a short duration of sleeping time during the night. As days go by the duration will be increased until the normal sleep time is reached.

Reconditioning
Mind plays an important part as it has to remember the association of bed with your sleeping time. You should not use it for any other activities like reading and etc. The other condition is one should go to bed when one is feeling sleepy. During this process one should avoid naps and go to bed at the same time each day. This would create the link with your bed and sleeping time.

Some good habits to practice

1. Sleeping at the same time each night as well as waking up the same time each day.
2. Avoid stimulants like caffeine, nicotine and alcohol before going to bed
3. Regular exercise helps in keeping away insomnia
4. Have a light snack instead of a heavy meal before bedtime
5. Relax yourself by reading a book or listening to music before going to bed
6. Take a warm bath
7. Sleep on a firm bed
8. Drink warm milk or herb tea
9. Sleep on your back
10. Get a massage

The First Step to Successfully Stop Smoking

2007-10-20T00:05:00.000-07:00

By : Lill Hawkins

Few things in life are as difficult as stopping smoking. The tobacco addiction has been compared to heroin addiction, though I have talked to counselors who work with heroin addicts and smokers and they have assured me that tobacco addiction, while strong, is not really as powerful or difficult to manage as heroin addiction. But one thing both addictions have in common, in fact, that all addictions have in common, is that once a human being is addicted to a substance, the addiction, though it may be managed, lasts for a life time. So if you are a smoker today you will be a smoker for life. You may stop smoking for years, but if you start to smoke, thinking you will smoke occasionally, then you will soon find yourself right back where you started, wishing you had never tried to smoke a little. It is the same as if you were managing an alcohol addiction, a reformed alcoholic can't take "just one drink," and a reformed smoker can't take "just one puff."

The worst part of stopping smoking is the immediate withdrawal symptoms which may vary from person to person, but are found in almost every incidence of smoking cessation. The first 72 hours are the critical hours when smokers find it the hardest to stick with the stop smoking plan. Therefore, it is important to look ahead and make plans for how you will deal with the symptoms. That should be the first step in your stop smoking program. Ask yourself, "What will I do if I crave a cigarette?" If there are times when you are more likely to smoke, like after a meal, while driving, while out drinking with friends, for instance, then you should plan ahead and think of ways to deal with those situations. Having a clear plan that you can fall back on will make your chances of quitting a lot better.

The old saying, "Those who fail to plan, plan to fail," certainly applies to many misguided attempts to stop smoking. One mistake that smokers often make is thinking that they will think of something creative when the time comes to deal with a strong urge to smoke, or they ignore that possibility and disregard the danger of giving in to the urge to smoke. If you don't manage your smoking habit, then your smoking habit will soon be managing you. Isn't that what has been happening all along?

Very few people manage to stop smoking on their first try. It often takes several attempts before the smoker successfully handles the addiction. The reason for this is twofold. First, when you first try to stop smoking you don't know exactly what to expect. You may have heard other people talk about their attempts and experiences, but since no two people are exactly alike, you still don't know for sure how your attempts to stop smoking will feel or affect you. Secondly, since you don't know what it feels like to stop smoking it is difficult to plan ahead for ways that you will deal with cravings and other urges that may occur.

Once you have attempted to stop smoking a few times you will know how your body reacts to nicotine deprivation and the psychological affect of giving up smoking. So it is wise to consider each attempt, whether completely successful or not, as a positive step toward stopping smoking. The first few attempts are trial runs, training efforts, and learning experiences. Each experience, no matter how painful or frustrating, can be looked at as a valuable lesson and that will help to relieve the frustration and disappointment of a failed attempt.

Another valuable resource that should not be overlooked is the advice of people who have been able to stop smoking and professional counselors who help with addictions. Their advice and support can help you to avoid some of the pitfalls. When you decide to stop smoking you are making one of the biggest and potentially life saving decisions of your life, so using every possible aid at your disposal makes good sense. It all starts with a good plan.

Traditional And Natural Cancer Treatment Options

2007-10-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

While there's a whole gamut of cancer treatment options available; which is the best one to use depends upon the type of cancer as well the stage that the cancer has reached. Though the prevailing trend is to resort to more traditional cancer treatment options, cancer patients are not restricted to them. There are a variety of alternative and natural options (some new, some old) for treating cancer.

Traditional Cancer Treatment Options

Traditional cancer treatment options are often referred to as cut, poison and burn (surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation).

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy, which involves the use of chemical agents or drugs to destroy cancerous cells, forms the core treatment of malignancies. These drugs work by targeting fast-growing cells and the type and combination of drugs depends upon the type of cancer. Though chemotherapy has been proven to be effective, it can give rise to a host of side-effects including hair loss, fatigue, diarrhea, loss of appetite, anemia or low red blood cell count, neutropenia or low white blood cell count, mouth sores and shortness of breath.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy ionizing radiation from varied sources including x-rays, gamma rays, protons and neutrons to shrink tumors and kill cancerous cells. It is used almost half of all cancer patients; either by itself or in combination with other cancer treatments. External-beam radiation therapy, which involves using radiation that is emitted from a machine outside the body is more common than internal radiation therapy, in which a radioactive material is implanted in the body near the tumor or cancer cells.

Surgery

Surgery often entails a biopsy, which is done for diagnostic purposes. Surgery that is done to remove the cancerous tissues is often followed by chemotherapy or radiotherapy, which reduces the risk of the cancer recurring and also to destroy any cancer cells that may be left behind in the affected part of the body.

The kind of surgery depends on which part of the body has been affected by cancer as well as the extent of the cancer. In breast cancer patients the options could include lumpectomy, in which only the lump is removed; segmentectomy, in which part of the breast is removed or mastectomy, in which the entire breast is removed.

Alternative Cancer Treatment Options

Traditional cancer treatment options form only art of the story. An increasing number of health professionals are now exploring alternative cancer treatment options that encompass the whole individual.

Nutrition Therapy

Maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet that includes foods rich in antioxidants and beta-carotene, is the best way to provide your body with the nourishment it needs to fight cancer. Proper nutrition helps minimize nausea and fatigue that are the main side-effects of traditional cancer treatments and are a critical component of the healing process.

Buah Merah or Red fruit, found primarily in the Indonesian island of Papua, has very high levels of anti-oxidants, beta-carotene and tocopherol and offers hope to all cancer patients. Beta-carotene and tocopherol have strong anti-carcinogenic properties and help by boosting the immune system and retarding the growth of cancer-causing cells. Buah Merah also contains Omega 3 and Omega 9 as well as linolenat, oleat, dekanoat and linoleat acids; all of which act as active medicinal compounds and also help in the prevention of diabetes mellitus, heart diseases, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, hepatitis and HIV/AIDS.

Naturopathy

Naturopathy is a system of treatment that focuses exclusively on using the healing powers of nature such as sunlight, water and air. It is supplemented with therapies such as massage as well as a wholesome diet. Naturopathy is by and large a holistic kind of treatment and includes homoeopathy, ayurveda, therapeutic nutrition, hydrotherapy or botanical medicine. It is based on the belief that the body is self-healing and will recover and repair by itself spontaneously if it is given a healthy, conducive environment.

Pain Control

Though, to a certain extent medication can be used to manage pain, Acupuncture is gaining popularity as a means to control the pain experienced by cancer sufferers. The pain could be brought on by the cancer itself or as a side-effect to the cancer treatment. Prevalence and severity of pain depend on the extent, location and type of cancer as well as pain threshold of the person afflicted by cancer.

Increased Risk Factors To Developing Prostate Cancer

2007-10-19T23:43:00.000-07:00

By : Evelyn Lim

Prostate cancer is a disease that affects more than 200,000 men each year in the United States. A detection often occurs at the fairly advanced rather than the early stages. This happens as most men are not aware about what early symptoms to look out for. In some cases, symptoms do not show up until much later.

It is therefore important that men who are at higher risk to getting prostate cancer have proper tests done. For most forms of cancer, early treatment can increase survival and recovery rates. Hence, it is possible to treat prostate cancer successfully, if cancer cells can be arrested early enough before spreading to the rest of your body.

Age. Age is the biggest risk factor. This disease usually strikes when men hit over fifty years of age. You should therefore go for a regular prostate exam once you hit about 40 years of age. If you are over 40 and never have had your prostate checked, you need to bring it up with your doctor.

Family History. If you have a family member who has had prostate cancer, your risk to this form of cancer increases. In fact, your risk rises if the family member with the prostate cancer is your father or grandfather. So, it is important that you let your doctor know about your family history. This may mean that you should do more regular check ups.

Race. Studies indicate that racial identity plays a part in increased risk levels to getting prostate cancer. African-Americans appear to be most at risk, according to official statistics. The next group of males is Americans and Europeans. Interestingly enough, Asians from the East and Southeast areas are least likely to get prostate cancer.

Diet. More studies are being conducted lately to examine the link between diet and prostate cancer. Although no direct relationship has clearly been established at this point in time, it is true that when you try to eat healthier, your chances for cancer of any type are generally reduced.

Even if you have increased risks to getting prostate cancer, this does not necessarily mean that you will definitely develop one. You can mitigate your chances by being healthy through proper diet and regular exercises. Regular exercises also help in ensuring that you are well equipped with a greater ability to fight off diseases, including cancer.

The Basics Of Breast Cancer

2007-10-19T23:14:00.001-07:00

By : Ann Knapp

It's a fact that every day, cells in your body divide, grow and die. Most of the time they do it in an orderly manner. But sometimes they grow out of control. This type of cell growth forms a mass or lump called a tumor. Tumors can either benign or malignant.

Benign tumors are not cancerous. But left untreated, some can pose a health risk, so they are often removed. When these tumors are removed, they typically do not reappear. Most importantly, the cells of a benign tumor do not spread to other parts of the body or invade nearby tissue.

Malignant tumors are made of abnormal cells. Malignant tumor cells can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. A malignant tumor that develops in the breast is called breast cancer.

To continue growing, malignant breast tumors need to be fed. They get nourishment by developing new blood vessels in a process called angiogenesis. The new blood vessels supply the tumor with nutrients that promote growth. As the malignant breast tumor grows, it can expand into nearby tissue. This process is called invasion. Cells can also break away from the primary, or main, tumor and spread to other parts of the body. The cells spread by traveling through the blood stream and lymphatic system. This process is called metastasis.

When malignant breast cells appear in a new location, they begin to divide and grow out of control again as they create another tumor. Even though the new tumor is growing in another part of the body, it is still called breast cancer. The most common locations of breast cancer metastases are the lymph nodes, liver, brain, bones and lungs.

There are genes that control the way our cells divide and grow. When these genes don't work like they should, a genetic error, or mutation, has occurred. Mutations may be inherited or spontaneous. Inherited mutations are ones you were born with - an abnormal gene that one of your parents passed on to you at birth. Inherited mutations of specific genes, such as the BRCAI and BRCA2 genes, increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer.

Spontaneous mutations can occur within your body during your lifetime. The actual cause or causes of mutations still remains unknown. Researchers have identified two types of genes that are important to cell growth. Errors in these genes turn normal cells into cancerous ones.

You need to be aware that cells may be growing out of control before any symptoms of the disease appear. That is why breast screening to find any early changes is so important. The sooner a problem is found, the better a your chance is for survival.

Experts recommend that women 40 years and older have a mammogram every year. If you have a history of breast cancer in your family, talk with your doctor about risk assessment, when to start getting mammograms and how often to have them. If your mother or sister had breast cancer before menopause, you may need to start getting mammograms and yearly clinical breast exams before age 40. It is important for all women to have clinical breast exams done by a health care provider at least every three years starting at age 20 and every year after age 40 and to do breast self-exams once every month starting by age 20.

There Are Many Different Types of Cancer

2007-10-19T23:10:00.000-07:00

By : Nick Johnson

In its most general terms, cancer is a word used to describe the occurrence of cells in any part of the body or on the external skin to grow out of control and in a dis-ordered manner. Normal cells are able to regulate their growth and division, but cancer cells do not have this ability. There are many different types of cancer, many of which are more treatable than others, but all forms of cancer share at least one common feature: they are abnormal cells.

Sometimes, different types of cancer consist of very different types of abnormal cells. This is why different types of cancer are treated with different medications and procedures. For example, the treatment for breast cancer is completely different from the treatment a mesothelioma patient receives.

In terms of mesothelioma, a tumor begins to form when the cells on the mesothelium begin to grow abnormally and out of control. Normally, these abnormal cells do not know how to stop dividing and they grow and grow until a lump or a tumor can be seen. Eventually, the tumors begin to inhibit the functioning of the normal cells. When this occurs, a person's body does not work as it should, and the person becomes dangerously ill.

Mesothelioma is a cancer that produces tumors, and when just a few cells from the tumor break away and travel through the blood stream, they can land in another area and begin growing. This is called metastasis, and is an extremely common occurrence with malignant mesothelioma.

The general public is constantly cautioned about what causes an increased risk of developing cancer. In general, risk factors boil down to habits (i.e. smoking and drinking, excessive sun exposure), family history, health conditions, and the environment in which a person works and lives. In the case of mesothelioma, it has been determined that almost every single case is due to the unprotected exposure and inhalation of asbestos particles at any time during a person's life.

A diagnosis of any form of cancer, including mesothelioma, can only be diagnosed by way of a biopsy. For a biopsy, doctor will take a tiny sample of the cells causing a lump, tumor or suspicious group of cells, and look at it under microscope. While tests such as x-rays and other imaging scans can see masses or lumps, they can not determine the type of cells that make up abnormal growths. When a doctor looks at the cells under a microscope, it can be determined if the cells are cancerous, and usually what type of cancer is present.

The Facts About Breast Cancer

2007-10-19T23:04:00.000-07:00

By : Ann Knapp

The causes of breast cancer are not completely understood, although it is clear that a woman's age, gender and lifetime exposure to estrogen and her age at the time of her first childbirth can play an important role. Because no one knows exactly what causes breast cancer, there is absolutely no way to prevent it. However, there are steps that every woman can take that may make developing this cancer less likely.

Did you know:
- The older a woman is, the more likely she is to get Breast Cancer?

- White women are more likely to get it than women of any other racial or ethnic group? They also have a better chance of survival, primarily because their cancer is usually detected earlier.

- African American women are more likely to die from this cancer than white women.

- Men can get breast cancer too, although it is rare. Less than one of every 100 cases in the U.S. occurs in men.

- In 2006, it is estimated that men will account for 1,720 cases of breast cancer.1

All women are at risk. Known risk factors like having a family history of breast cancer, starting menopause after age 55 or never having children account for only a small number of new cancer cases every year.

That means that most women who get breast cancer have no known risk factors except being a woman and getting older.

Typical questions you might have about breast cancer include:
I have a family history of breast cancer. Does that mean I'll develop it, too? Just because other family members have had it doesn't mean that their disease was inherited. Only about 5 to 10 percent of all breast cancers occur because of inherited mutations.2

If I am diagnosed with breast cancer, what are my chances for survival? The 5-year survival rate for all women diagnosed is 90 percent.2 This means that 90 out of every 100 women with breast cancer will survive without a recurrence for at least five years.

Most will live a full life and never have a recurrence. Your chances of surviving are better if the cancer is detected early, before it spreads to other parts of your body. In fact, when breast cancer is confined to the breast, the 5-year survival rate is 98 percent.2

The best way to find it, especially in its earliest stages, is to routinely check your breasts for signs and symptoms of the disease.

There are three basic methods:

Mammograms. These are X-ray pictures of the breast. They can find breast cancer in its earliest stages, even before a lump can be felt. All women 40 and older should have a mammogram every year. If you are younger than 40 with either a family history, or other concerns talk with your health care provider about when to start getting mammograms and how often to have them.

Clinical breast exam. This is performed by a health care provider who carefully checks your breasts and underarm areas for any lumps or changes that may be present. Many women have a clinical breast exam performed when they get their Pap test. Women should have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years between the ages of 20 and 39 and every year starting at 40.

Breast self-exam (BSE). This involves two main steps: looking at and feeling your breasts for any change from normal. If you notice any change in the normal look or feel of your breasts, see your health care provider. All women should perform monthly BSE by age 20. BSE should be done once a month, a few days after your period ends. If you no longer have periods, do BSE on the same day each month. At your next appointment, ask your health care provider to show you the steps for BSE.

Simply being a woman is the most important risk factor for breast cancer. But remember, there is no one cause. If you are concerned about your breast cancer risk, discuss your options with your doctor.

Known, probable risk factors:
- Being a woman
- Getting older
- Having a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 breast cancer genes
- Having a previous biopsy showing hyperplasia or carcinoma in situ
- Having a family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer
- Having high breast density on a mammogram
- Having a personal history of breast or ovarian cancer
- Starting menopause after age 55
- Never having children
- Having your first child after age 30
- Being overweight after menopause or gaining weight as an adult
- Having more than one drink of alcohol per day
- Currently or recently using combined estrogen and progestin hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Having your first period before age 12

PANDORA is pleased to announce its continued support of Susan G. Komen For The Cure. For 2007, a guaranteed minimum contribution of $25,000 and a portion of the sales from the pink ribbon charm will go to the organization.

For each pink ribbon charm sold, PANDORA will donate a percentage of the proceeds to Susan G. Komen For The Cure to help eradicate breast cancer through research, education, screening, and treatment.

Adopt A Vegetarian Detox Diet For Cancer Prevention

2007-10-19T23:02:00.000-07:00

By : Sandra Kim Leong

Cancer is a stealthy and dangerous disease that is not well understood. There have been links made between cancer and high risk behaviors, but there is no clear recipe for either the development of or the avoidance of cancer. Many naturopathic doctors, however, say that cancer prevention is possible when you adopt a detox diet.

A detox diet can help you to cleanse and remove toxins from your body. Naturopathic doctors suggests that cancer is likely to result when you have too much toxins in your body. A detox diet is primarily vegetarian. Vegetarian foods are biochemically more acceptable to your body as compared to junk food like potato chips and diet pepsi. They are fiber rich and are better able to help you cleanse waste products much better.

A vegetarian detox diet can help you with lowered risks when it comes to cancer. Whether you are looking out for your future and you have never had cancer or you are recovering from cancer, getting into a vegetarian diet may be a good consideration.

The Meat Association
Meat has been linked with the risk for developing cancer. Red meat is especially notorious for being listed among the offenders. While no one is certain why the meat is linked to cancer, there are a few theories.

When red meat is grilled or broiled , it is blackened on the outside. Charcoal is also suspected to be a carcinogen. When you eat the blackened surface of your hamburger or steak, you are actually eating charcoal.

Another theory is that the animals reared nowadays for human consumptoms are often fed with hormones to hasten growth. It could be that those hormones continue to work after the cow is dead. Instead of stimulating healthy muscle growth though, they start to affect healthy cells negatively. Chickens and pigs are also similary fed hormones nowadays. Hence, consider switching or eating more vegetarian foods for cancer prevention.

Health Benetifs Of Antioxidants
Antioxidants are chemical compounds found in many of the plant foods that you eat. They work together with your natural defenses to combat disease. They are especially useful when it comes to promoting healthy tissue growth rather than cancerous tissue growth.

Spinach as well as blueberries, apples and several other plant foods are rich in antioxidants. The great news is that these foods are highly nutritious and are also very flavorful.

Cleansing Foods
To improve your health and for cancer prevention, select a plan that emphasizes on foods that can help you to remove bowels easily and on an everyday basis. A vegetarain detox diet ought to fit the bill!

4 Steps for You to Help Yourself During Chemotherapy

2007-10-19T22:48:00.000-07:00

By : Dave Saunders

Chemotherapy is a word that causes dread in most who hear it. It is a time of stress as well as risk. If you, or someone you know, are facing chemotherapy, these four simple steps may help get through the process with better spirits and better results as well.

1. Tell your doctor if you get side effects from treatment

You can't expect the possibility of relief from side effects if you do not share them with your doctor. Be sure to communicate with your doctor. Some people keep a health journal during and after treatment to improve the information you have to present to your doctor if problems arise more gradually. Discuss what you might keep in a health journal that might improve the effectiveness of your treatment.

2. Ask your doctor before you take any other medicine

All drugs operate by manipulating some normal cell function. This includes the chemotherapy drugs as well. These manipulations may conflict with the intended effects of your chemotherapy treatment. Even herbals, or an over the counter pain reliever can lead to unintended consequences. Always inform your doctor before taking any other medications.

3. Take care of your health

There are many things you can do to support the natural ability of your body to restore, protect and defend itself from the effects of injury and disease. Seek to improve your diet, find ways to reduce other sources of stress in your life and be thankful for the hope and opportunity you have because of your treatment. These things can have a remarkable affect on your body and your feeling of good health.

4. Talk about your feelings

These are stressful times. Don't keep your feelings bottled up. People you know and love are probably feeling stress too. Help each other by being open about what you are going through. By being open with others, you can feel more in control of the stress and trepidation you're feeling, instead of those things being in control of you.

Self-help can never take the place of professional health care. Ask your doctor and nurse any questions you may have about chemotherapy. Also don't hesitate to tell them about any side effects you may have. They want and need to know.

Viral Infection Headaches And Meningitis

2007-10-19T22:38:00.000-07:00

While many types of virus such as the common cold and flu can cause headaches, meningitis is one viral infection that people fear the most.

Meningitis is an dangerous infection in the membrane surrounding the brain. Infections of this type mostly cause inflammation that places pressure on the nerves, bringing on severe headaches. Other symptoms stemming from the inflammation include fever, severe headaches and confusion. In cases where meningitis is severe, the affected person can have brain damage, strokes and seizures, and even die.

Causes of Meningitis

A bacterial infection or a virus is the main cause of meningitis. While the body can usually fight and beat an infection, once the bacteria or virus reaches the bloodstream, it could get into the brain and spinal cord fluid. It will then affect the nerves before moving into the brain itself, causing inflammation and swelling. This swelling is the most dangerous stage, as it kills nerve cells and causes bleeding. Since the brain is primarily a soft organ in a hard container that is the skull, the brain will push against the walls of the skull as it swells, leading to serious damage.

Meningitis can be caused by many factors, including bacterial infection, viral infection, fungal infection, reaction to medication or medical treatment, lupus, some forms of cancer and trauma to the head or back.

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is considered as the most dangerous type of meningitis, and while rare, it can eventually cause death. Bacterial meningitis is caused by an infection in the upper respiratory tract. The infection then spreads through the blood vessels to the brain. In some cases, the infection heads directly to the meninges during a trauma or injury. The danger here lies with the blocked up blood vessels inside the brain, which could trigger a stroke and lead to brain damage.

Viral Meningitis

Known as the most common form of meningitis in the United States, viral meningitis is typically caused by types of viruses known as enteroviruses. Enteroviruses often enter the body via the mouth. They then proceed to the brain where they multiply. An individual infected with viral meningitis have the virus in his or her mucus, saliva and feces.

Viruses that can cause this type of meningitis include chickenpox (varicella zoster), flu, mumps, HIV and genital herpes.

Potential Risks

While anyone can get viral meningitis, people whose immune systems are weak, like those with HIV or those taking immunosuppressant medications, are highly susceptible to contracting viral meningitis.

Symptoms of Meningitis

Initial symptoms of meningitis are similar to the flu, usually lasting around between one and two days. In some cases, a rash will be present. Other symptoms to look out for include the sudden onset of fever, severe headache, stiff neck and aversion to light.

Treatment for Meningitis

A speedy treatment is required for bacterial meningitis for a successful recovery. Medication will also involve antibiotics that will be provided intravenously if the infection is severe. In the case of viral meningitis, antibiotics won't be of much help, as they don’t destroy viruses. Resting at home or in a hospital will be beneficial.

Oxygen Therapy And Headaches

2007-10-19T22:31:00.000-07:00

For cluster-type of headaches, oxygen therapy can be effective. The benefits of oxygen therapy is not known by many doctors, and the same goes for insurance companies, who are hesitant to pay for this type of treatment. (In some cases, a letter from your doctor can sometimes help to persuade them.)

Effectiveness of Oxygen Therapy

Fifty percent of cluster headache sufferers are helped by oxygen therapy. Even though this looks like a good result, the other 50% are not helped at all. If you tend to suffer from cluster headaches and you are interested to try out oxygen therapy, it is best that you request your doctor to arrange a trial run for you.

History of Oxygen Therapy

As early as 1939, oxygen has been studied as a possible treatment for headaches. Eighty percent of migraine headaches were either helped or stopped by the oxygen treatment, as discovered by Dr. Alvarez at the Mayo Clinic. To get a 100% amount of oxygen, the patients wore masks during treatment. Not only was oxygen therapy found to work on treating cluster headaches; it was also found to be effective in relieving other types of headaches. Oxygen therapy was found to be most effective when administered at the first sign of a migraine. However, it is unfortunate that the study did not provide more details as compared to recent and thoroughly conducted studies.

100% Oxygen

Perhaps the first important study of oxygen therapy's effectiveness in treating cluster headaches was carried out by Dr Kudrow (father of Lisa Kudrow, the actress who played Phoebe in Friends). Kudrow, who also suffers from migraines, treated 52 out-patients with 100% oxygen. He came up with extremely encouraging results:

· In at least seven out of ten attacks, 75% of the patients experienced a "complete or almost complete cessation of head pain within 15 minutes."

· Those under 50 years of age responded to the oxygen treatment well as compared to those over 50.

· 62% of the test patients that responded to the treatment felt better after seven minutes of inhaling the oxygen.

Better than Air

In a study done by Dr Fogan, he showed that it was the oxygen itself that was helping, rather than the mask or tank. People who inhaled pure oxygen showed definite improvement than inhaling air.

How Oxygen Therapy Works

Even though oxygen therapy works, exactly why it works remains unclear. It is known that both migraines and cluster headaches involve an increase in the flow of blood to the brain. Oxygen can cause a drop in blood flow, so there would be fewer enlarged blood vessels and less pressure on nerves in the brain, resulting in relief.

Side Effects of Oxygen Therapy

Smokers seem to comprise a majority of people who have cluster headaches, which could be potentially dangerous, as lighting an open flame next to an open oxygen tank will result in an explosion.

According to Dr Kudrow's study, 25% of his patients experienced rebound headaches after oxygen therapy. Other than that, oxygen therapy has no other known side effects.

Ergotamine

Ergotamine, which is commonly used for headaches, has many drawbacks and side effects, among them are feeling and being sick, a sense of unreality and leg cramps. Ergotamine cannot be used on people with high blood pressure, have peripheral vascular disease and infections. Unlike Ergotamine, oxygen does not cause these side effects, so anyone can use it.

What Causes Migraine Headaches?

2007-10-19T22:08:00.000-07:00

A migraine is a severe headache that is recurring. You may experience migraines monthly or once or twice a year. Migraines can be accompanied by extreme sensitivity to lights and sounds, nausea and vomiting. A severe migraine will be disabling to most people. Migraines have long been a sort of medical mystery. Researchers are not sure of the exact cause of migraines, but over the years have constructed a few theories. This article is going to look at the possible causes of migraine headaches.

A lot of researchers think that migraines are caused by an imbalance in the complex systems of nerves in the brain and neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain responsible for pain perception and emotions.

Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters that researchers have studied. It has been proven that when you have a headache, your levels of serotonin drops. This in turn will cause the trigeminal nerve in your brain to release neuro peptides. These chemicals will cause the blood vessels on the outside covering of your brain to swell and the resulting pressure will produce a headache. This is the assumed mechanism of how a headache develops, but what causes this to happen.

Your headaches may be the result of certain triggers. The triggers that can produce a migraine are:

- Certain foods can trigger a migraine in a lot of people. Common food triggers are alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, aged cheeses, monosodium glutamate and other canned or processed foods.

- Sometimes skipping a meal can bring on a migraine also.

- Intense physical activity, including sex, can trigger a migraine. Too much sleep or too little sleep can also be a trigger.

- Stress is a big factor in triggering migraines. If you have worked hard all week and are starting to relax on the weekend, it may be ruined by a weekend migraine headache.

- Any type of change in your environment such as, the weather, temperature, barometric pressure and even a change in the time zone, can trigger a migraine.

- Some people are overly sensitive to all types of sensory stimulus such as, bright lights and certain smells. Certain perfumes or flowers have been known to trigger migraine pain.

- Women who are going through hormonal changes will be more at risk for developing a migraine. Researchers aren't sure why the fluctuations of hormones will trigger a migraine, but the incidences of migraines seem to increase right before or during a woman's period.

- Certain medications have been know to trigger migraine headaches.

If you are having frequent migraine headaches, try to pinpoint the trigger for them. Try keeping a journal of everything that you eat or do that's out of the ordinary each day. When you have a migraine read back through your journal and try to identify a possible trigger. If you haven't started treatment for migraines, see your doctor. He can prescribe medicine that will decrease the migraines or make them less intense. Don't suffer in pain anymore, find the cause of your migraine headaches.