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Emergency Symptoms – Don’t Ignore Them

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 09:38:13 +0000

From time to time people get sick. A little rest and relaxation usually gets them back on track; feeling better. When symptoms don’t seem to dissipate after a few days in bed, it just might be time to take a closer look at what the problem is. Physicians say in some cases common symptoms are ignored, but shouldn’t be. In fact, there are situations where turning a blind eye to the symptoms leads to emergency care being required.

Weight Loss – Is it an Emergency?

It is not unusual to lose a little bit of weight when you are fighting the common flu or cold; however, if your weight loss is significant or rapid then it could be a sign of something more serious. If you’ve lost up to 10 per cent of your weight in the last 6 months you need to see a doctor. You could be having difficulty absorbing nutrients. This is called malabsorption disorder. Other conditions associated with sudden weight loss include cancer, overactive thyroid, diabetes, liver disease, and depression.

Fever

When you have a fever that just doesn’t want to subside it should also be checked out by a doctor. The general rule is after 3 days. A high fever can be a sign of infection such as a urinary tract infection, kidney infection, throat infection or even tuberculosis. Untreated the infection can spread to other parts of the body. Some forms of cancer have also been associated with lingering fevers. Fevers don’t normally constitute an emergency, yet in the case of small children a very high temperature can lead to convulsions.

Headaches

Three quarters of Americans suffer from occasional headaches. Some of these people complain that the pounding in their head and temples is often part of a virus that has them confined to the couch for a few days. Close to 30 million Americans suffer from debilitating migraines. Many are being treated by professionals and applying preventative approaches. If you don’t have a history of migraines and have excruciating head pain or a headache that just won’t go away, it shouldn’t be ignored. It might be a monster size headache called “thunderclap”, meningitis or a ruptured brain aneurysm. According to John Hopkins Medical Institute half of all ruptured aneurysms cause sudden death.

Fatigue and Toxins

When we are tired, irritable, lose our appetite, have digestive problems or become more susceptible to illness, we could be suffering from fatigue. We all become exhausted, particularly when we push ourselves too hard. Preventative steps can be taken to avoid this unpleasant feeling. Certain illnesses such as the flu or bacterial and viral infections can create fatigue too. However, if fatigue lasts a long time it could be a sign of a long list of conditions; too many to outline here, but one of the popular theories about chronic fatigue is that it has a strong link to toxins. We are exposed to a large number of toxins through food, water, household products and the environment. Some studies show that even low dose exposure to many toxins can have an impact on our immune systems. Toxins have been connected to a number of autoimmune conditions. Scientists say the toxins interfere with the immune system’s ability to protect our body from foreign invaders so environmental factors become more of a risk in predisposing us to autoimmune disease and other illnesses.

Prolonged Pains

Having the same aches and pains for a long period of time could also be a sign that something just isn’t right. If your pain is in your joints or you notice swelling, redness or tingling for example, you should seek medical attention. This could be a sign of an auto immune problem or some other serious medical condition. There are over 80 different types of autoimmune disorders and many rheumatologists will tell you that the sooner they are treated, the better chance you have of leading a normal life. Several studies have also shown that aches and pains can be associated with vitamin deficiencies, most notably, a lack of vitamin D. Not having enough vitamin D can put you at higher risk for a whole host of diseases.

While doctors don’t want people to race to the emergency department every time they get a fever and ache or pain, they do want them to take note of how long their symptoms persist, and be aware of what is normal and what is not.

Does Coffee Cause Damage to Your Eyes?

Bel Marra Health — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 04:52:13 +0000

Glaucoma is an eye health disorder characterized by damage to the optic nerve and a gradual loss in eyesight. Glaucoma is the second greatest cause of blindness in America, and aging, nearsightedness, high blood pressure, diabetes, and an injury to the eye can call increase your likelihood for developing it. According to a recent study conducted at the Harvard School of Public Health, America’s favorite way to kick start the day may also increase your risk for developing this eye health disorder.

The Facts About the Eye Health Industry

Coffee is an 18 billion dollar a year industry in the U.S. and 54% of Americans drink it on a daily basis. And if you are a coffee drinker you might be advised to think twice, because there is a now an interesting study regarding coffee and the development of glaucoma. Harvard researchers noted that Scandinavian Countries have the highest caffeinated coffee consumption rates as well as the highest rates of exfoliation glaucoma, which is the primary cause of open-angle glaucoma. This prompted the researchers to conduct a study in order to determine whether or not there is a possible correlation between the two.

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The Study on Damage

The study was conducted on approximately 79,000 females and 41,000 males. All were at least 40 years old and had been given regular eye examinations from the 1980’s onward. The researchers asked the participants about their coffee habits and then compared their consumption habits to their eye health related medical records. The researchers found that the individuals who drank three or more cups of caffeinated coffee daily had a markedly higher risk of developing exfoliation glaucoma compared to the individuals who did not drink coffee at all. Although previous studies have found a small link between caffeine consumption and increased glaucoma risk, the researchers of this particular study were unable to find any association between glaucoma risk and the consumption of other caffeinated products such as tea, soda or chocolate.

Conclusion and What it Means for Eye Health

Although this study is alarming, it should be noted that numerous scientific studies have found coffee to contain health promoting properties. Coffee contains antioxidants and consuming it regularly is recommended by some health professionals as a preventative measure against high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, myocardial infarction and diabetes. Also, a single study is not enough to determine a coffee/eye damage correlation with absolute certainty because there is an infinite number of variables that may come into play. For instance, individuals with a high coffee intake may tend to work more irregular hours which can interfere with circadian rhythms, and circadian rhythm interruptions may be linked to poor eye health. Also, a high coffee intake may be associated with higher stress levels which can affect eye health negatively. As such, Jae Hee Kang, the author of this study warns that “Because this is the first study to evaluate the association between caffeinated coffee and exfoliation glaucoma in a U.S. population, confirmation of these results in other populations would be needed to lend more credence to the possibility that caffeinated coffee might be a modifiable risk factor for glaucoma.”

Essential Oils for Your Aging Skin?

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 05:07:45 +0000

If you happen to glance and the mirror and see dull, aging skin you may want to consider using essential oils to help repair the damage that you see. Even if you don’t see dull skin or wrinkles today, you may want to consider using essential oils as a preventative measure from damage that can be caused to your skin over time. In addition to the wonderful benefits that essential oils provide your skin with, they may also provide dry, damaged hair with some benefits as well. Investing in certain essential oils may help to reverse skin and hair damage and may act as a preventative measure against future damage.

What are Essential Oils and Can They Really Prevent Damage?

An essential oil is a liquid that comes from the leaves, bark, stems, flowers or root of a plant. Essential oils are highly concentrated and contain a distinctive scent or “essence” of the plant from which it was it was derived. There are a wide variety of essential oils and the composition and scent of each individual oil provides different physiological and physical benefits. In general, the benefits of essential oils are obtained either by inhaling the oil or by applying diluted oil to the skin. The essential oils are diluted using with a carrier oil such as almond oil, grapeseed oil, or other similar oils before being applied to the skin. It is important to remember that the quality and price of a particular essential oil can vary greatly depending on a number of factors including how rare the plant is, the country of origin of the oil, and quality control of the oil supplier.

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While there are many essential oils available for you to purchase, if you’re looking to have more youthful looking skin and shinier, healthier looking hair, there are a few tops picks for oils that you should consider investing in.

For Your Aging Skin

Carrot Seed Oil – helps to rejuvenate your skin providing a smoother complexion and helps to soften wrinkles caused by aging skin. The high level of carotol present in this oil is responsible for the anti-aging benefits of the oil. In addition to its’ anti-aging effects, carrot seed oil can also be used to help treat other skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and other skin irritations.

Neroli Oil – has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties that help to heal scar damage. It also helps to reduce wrinkles that are often seen with aging skin.

For Your Dull Hair – Try to Avoid Damage

Lavender Oil – helps to encourage hair growth and is also beneficial for treating dandruff and psoriasis of the scalp. Lavender oil has balancing, regenerative, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties and is found in many different types of hair formulas.

Rosemary Oil – also encourages hair growth and has also been used to treat hair loss (alopecia) when it is mixed with lavender, cedarwood and thyme in a base of jojoba and grapeseed oil. Additionally, rosemary oil helps treat dandruff and psoriasis of the scalp.

For Aging Skin and Damaged Hair

Tea Tree Oil – has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties that help to moisturize and protect the scalp from damage. Tea tree oil can also be used as a preventative measure for acne prone skin, as well as for the occasional acne flare-up.

Sage – also encourages hair growth as well as cleansing and purifying the scalp. Additionally, it can help to balance oils in the scalp and normalize hormone levels. In addition to the benefits that sage has for healthy hair, it can also be used to reduce the look of scars and help with the regeneration of skin cells. It’s important to remember that sage oil should not be used by children or pregnant women.

Rosehip Seed Oil – is used as carrier oil and contains anti-oxidants, including Vitamin C that act in a preventative or reversible way to repair damage to the skin that is caused by scarring. The anti-oxidants in the rosehip see oil work by correcting the damage that is caused to the superficial layers of the skin. Rosehip seed oil also contains a high level of essential fatty acids which help to improve the elasticity of aging skin which helps to repair skin damage after injury. Another valuable feature of the essential fatty acids is that it helps to keep aging skin moisturized by creating an outer barrier of emollients that doesn’t allow moisture to escape. Rosehip seed oil may also provide regeneration to the scalp and hair although this has not been seen in laboratory studies as of yet.

Understanding Free Radicals

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 11:46:16 +0000

Free radicals are now considered the biggest accelerator of aging. Although you are likely familiar with the term, if you really want to avoid falling victim to free radical damage, you need to know exactly where they come from, what they do to your body and how to neutralize them. Below is an in depth explanation of free radicals and their antidote — high ORAC foods.

The Science Behind Free Radicals

Free radicals are atoms with an odd number of electrons in their outer shell, which means that they contain an electron that is unpaired. This is problematic because electrons like to be paired, and they steal electrons from surrounding molecules or structures in order to become a pair and gain stability. In so doing, they create a new structure with unpaired molecules, which causes a chain reaction with countless additional free radicals being formed. This process destructs living cells and damages the DNA contained within them. Uncontrolled free radical damage not only accelerates aging, it also damages your cells.

Where Free Radicals Come From

Exposure to environmental toxins such as air pollution, cleaning chemicals, paint fumes and cigarette smoke all cause the generation of free radicals in your body, and so too can overexposure to sunlight. Toxins found in alcohol and most sources of water also cause the formation of free radicals. According to many alternative healthcare practitioners, the typical American diet is the greatest cause of free radical formation in the body. This belief is not farfetched either; a recent scientific study found that the consumption of sugar measurably increases the formation of free radicals and other studies have confirmed that fried foods increase free radical levels in the body. Unfortunately, because of the toxic pestiside residue found within them, even immune system boosting health foods can contribute to free radical damage.

ORAC: The Antidote to Free Radicals

In order to understand ORAC value you must first understand antioxidants. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and prevent them from causing death and destruction to your cells and DNA. ORAC is the acronym for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, and an ORAC score is the measurement of the antioxidant capacity of different foods and supplements. Foods, beverages and supplements with a high ORAC value are considered the best antidote to free radicals. The higher the ORAC score, the better the food item is at neutralizing free radicals and protecting the body from the damage that free radicals cause.

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Although all fruits and vegetables contain a medium to high ORAC value, on a gram to gram basis, spices tend to surpass produce. Cloves, oregano, rosemary, thyme, cinnamon, turmeric, parsley, nutmeg and basil all yield extremely high ORAC scores. When it comes to fruit Acai yields the highest ORAC score. Although Acai is not available in most North American grocery stores, it is available in liquid and supplement form, and many alternative healthcare practitioners recommend drinking or supplementing with it as a preventative measure against free radical damage. Finally, dark cocoa, berries, cherries, plums, apples, peaches and grapes, as well as artichokes, garlic, broccoli, cabbage and almonds, are all considered high ORAC foods. In order to maximize the efficacy of these high ORAC foods, you should always buy organic, because the pesticide residue on non-organic items can offset their antioxidant yielding benefits.

The Effect of Female Hormones on Dental Health

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 04:23:11 +0000

Female hormones are generally associated with the reproduction and pregnancy. Estrogen, for example, is the female reproductive hormone responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle. A lower production of estrogen each month thus increases the likelihood of pregnancy in a woman. On the other hand, progesterone is another hormone is that associated with pregnancy, allowing the uterus to build its epithelial lining that protects and supports a developing fetus. Both estrogen and progesterone are also used as preventative treatment in hormone replacement therapy of elderly women suffering from post-menopausal symptoms.

The Recent Report That Could Have You Visiting Your Dentist

According to a recent medical report published in the Swedish Dental Journal, estrogen may also be involved in the maintenance of the tooth and thus possibly decrease the need for emergency treatment by a dentist. The production of estrogen in the body also serves as a natural preventative measure against inflammation of a tooth, also known as periodontitis. For a dentist, this condition is often requires immediate treatment because it may further progress to a more serious dental condition. Severe periodontitis, if left untreated by a dentist, may result in the loss of teeth. When this happens, a dentist will often recommend the use of dentures to assist an individual in chewing food and maintaining a generally pleasing appearance to the public. A dentist understands that maintaining healthy teeth may also influence the quality of life of an individual. It is thus important to lead a healthy lifestyle and regularly visit the dentist for preventative dental check-ups.

The recent medical report explained that each estrogen molecule interacts with a protein receptor that is present on the surface of a cell. Upon interaction, the estrogen receptor generates signals that are transmitted to various other molecules in the cell, which in turn trigger a cascade of reactions that are important for maintaining a healthy body and serve as a preventative action against infection and inflammation.

One of the reactions triggered by the presence of estrogen include the interleukins, which are components of the immune system that help combat infection. Interleukins may be considered as inherent preventative molecules of the body that fight microbes that may have invaded cells. In terms of an inflammation of a tooth, the production of estrogen may decrease the chances of progression of bacterial invasion in the oral tissues of the body.

The recent medical article also presents findings from animal studies that involved the production of estrogen in tooth development and inflammation. These studies showed that supplementation of mouse feed with estrogen served as a preventative measure against tooth inflammation, as well as the maintenance of the reproductive system of the test animals. Research using animal models also showed that estrogen supplementation in the diet also enhanced the immune system of the animals, thus decreasing the chances of bacterial strains to further proliferate in the mouth of the mice. These results suggest that estrogen may serve as a preventative treatment not only against disorders of the reproductive system, but also against tooth inflammation and other disorders.

Tooth Care Has New Importance

The information presented in the recent medical report may help the general public in understanding that estrogen can also be used as a preventative measure against tooth inflammation due to bacterial infections. This may also decrease the need of visiting a dentist for treatment of gum diseases. The interaction of estrogen with protein receptors on the surface of body cells triggers several molecular reactions that help in the body’s defense against microbes. The report may also assist every dentist is recognizing the importance of estrogen in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. For the lay reader, the lessons offered by the medical report may increase one’s awareness of the usefulness of estrogen for preventative tooth health, as well as decreasing the chances of needing a dentist to conduct emergency treatments for pain due to dental ailments.

How to Know if You Smell

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 05:02:20 +0000

Worrying that you have an unpleasant body odor can negatively affect your self esteem. The last thing that you need to be worried about when you’re at work or out with friends is a nagging thought that you smell a little “funny”. Learn about the ways to determine if you smell, as well as the causes, treatment and preventative measures you can take when it comes to unpleasant body odors.

Sometimes it may be hard to tell if you smell; here are some health tips you can use to figure out if you smell unpleasant.

1. Smell your clothes – once you’re home, have a shower, have a bite to eat and then take a sniff of your clothes from the day. If they have an unpleasant odor, it may mean that you have a body odor issue.

2. Take a look at your diet – if you tend to eat a lot of garlic, onions, curry, and spices the odor your body gives off may be unpleasant to others.

RELATED READING: How Many People Actually Eat Healthy?

3. If you tend to sweat a lot, chances are you don’t smell wonderful

4. Ask a trusted friend of family member – tell your friend that you’re concerned that you may have an odor issue and ask them for their opinion. Be sure to tell them you need to hear the truth, that you won’t be offended

If you determine that you do have an unpleasant order, the next step is determining the cause of the odor.

There are various causes of body odor ranging from poor hygiene to immune system deficiencies. Unpleasant body odor can sometimes be a signal that you may a serious underlying medical condition. Causes include: excessive sweating, poor hygiene, liver or kidney failure, uncontrolled blood sugar levels (diabetes), oral conditions (cavities, gingivitis, etc.), diet (eating lots of garlic, onions, etc.), infections (yeast infections, sexually transmitted diseases, urinary tract infections, etc.), metabolism issues, tumors, certain drugs, toxins, alcohol, and/or smoking. Determining the cause of your odor is the first step in the prevention and treatment of unpleasant body odor.

If you have determined that you have an unpleasant odor, there are a number of health tips to follow to help reduce the odor including: adopting a more thorough hygiene regimen by showering regularly using soap, applying deodorant with an antiperspirant and changing your diet to eliminate overly smelly foods. If these health tips don’t seem to get rid of the odor, it’s time to see your doctor. Your doctor will make sure that you don’t have a serious medical condition. Your doctor will run blood tests, liver function tests, may take a chest x-ray, may take CT scans and may perform other tests to rule out serious medical conditions. Treatment will be directed at the cause of the odor. For example, someone with an infection will be prescribed antibiotics while someone with diabetes will need proper management. Working with your doctor to determine a proper treatment for your body odor will help you gain your self confidence back.

Preventative Steps You Can Take

If you notice that you have an unpleasant body odor, you can follow preventative health tips to prevent it. First, you have to determine the cause of your body odor. Taking medications to control any medical condition under doctor supervision may be necessary. Regularly brushing your teeth and visiting your dentist for preventative care will help to prevent oral problems that may be causing an unpleasant odor. Practicing good hygiene is an important preventative step to ensure that excess bacteria are washed away from your body. Ensuring that you wash and dry all areas of your body (including between toes, and your belly button) is an important health tip as some areas can harbor bacteria. If you tend to sweat excessively showering a couple of times a day may be a necessary preventative measure. Sweat itself doesn’t smell; the unpleasant smell occurs when the sweat mixes with the bacteria on your skin. So making sure your skin is clean and dry will help to keep it smelling fresh.

It’s important not to ignore this slightly embarrassing issue. Addressing it and taking the appropriate preventative steps will help to keep you smelling fresh and will keep you self confidence high.

The Top Places Germs Hide

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 05:21:09 +0000

It’s no secret that germs are everywhere. Those microscopic organisms can be helpful, but then again they can cause serious illness in plants, animals and humans; they can even lead to death. Microbiologists say it is wise for us to educate ourselves about where germs are concealed. Some of the top places they hide may surprise you, but knowing where they lurk will allow you to protect yourself.

Microbes, pathogen, fungi, microscopic organisms; whatever you like to call them they are germs, and we are all used to them lurking around our toilet bowls and our kitchen garbage bin. Research shows they can also be found in and around the products built to keep us clean.

Cleaning Machines and Your Immune System

According to microbiologists at New York University, your dishwasher can serve up a heaping helping of bacteria if you aren’t careful. The damage can happen more than one way. The gasket on the door can be full of fungus or black yeast, and/or a bacterium accumulates when dishes are left unwashed for a few days. This happens when the temperature inside the machine isn’t hot enough to kill off all the microorganisms. If plates sit and become crusty you should rinse them with a mild bleach solution first before running them through the dishwasher. Microbiologists say a mixture of bleach and water can also be used to occasionally clean out the door gasket.

Washing machines are just as bad. Studies show that feces get left behind by undergarments. The feces then spread to the next load and of course to humans. The best preventative approach is to wash all underwear in one load using hot water. You can then run another load with just bleach to rinse out any lingering feces.

Personal Hygiene and Your Immune System

It is hard to imagine that your immune system may have to fight off an attack due to your toothbrush; however, a study in Microscopy and Technique says it is true. Apparently, if you leave your toothbrush out and you don’t have a low-flow toilet, flushing it can cause aerosolized droplet splatter that can cover those bristles. You can either run your toothbrush through the dishwasher, (remember to keep it germ free) or keep your brush in a closed cabinet.

While you are in the bathroom be careful not to use a towel that has been hanging there for more than 2 or 3 days. Whether they have been used to dry hands or an entire body, once they get damp they collect bacteria. The preventative tip here is to wash them every few days with hot water and put them in a hot dryer.

Here are a few other places that can force your immune system to start fighting germs.

• ATM machines

• Computer keyboards

• Sponges

• Gas pumps

• Money

• Shopping cart handles

• Light switches

• Remote controls

It is common knowledge that kitchen counters and cutting boards are a breeding ground for bacteria, but most people assume that since the microscopic organism tend to like warm temperatures, the refrigerator is safe. Not so according to science experts at St. Louis University. They say when meat for example leaks onto some vegetables, bacteria can grow and suddenly your fridge can make you ill.

Microbiologists say they don’t expect people to live in a bubble and fear health damage due to germs every minute of the day. They say when you really stop and think about it, common sense tells you where the nasty protozoa might be living, and preventative measures can always be put in place.

The Effect of Nicotine on Parkinson’s

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 06:57:33 +0000

For decades, society has looked at smoking as a harmful act that is strongly associated with the development of lung cancer. Smoking has also been linked to the increase in risk for cardiovascular diseases and thus, general health tips often discourage the use of cigarettes. The prime addictive chemical present in cigarettes is nicotine, which imparts a mild feeling of euphoria to the smoker. For others, chewing tobacco increases the release of nicotine into the mouth, thus imparting a stronger sensation of feeling good.

The Negative Nicotine Association

The negative implications of nicotine have been largely based on the other damaging chemicals that are released from cigarette smoke. For example, carbon monoxide emitted by cigarettes may interact with the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of cells. Carbon monoxide may thus inflict damage to cells, increasing the risk for cancer development. Formaldehyde is also present in cigarette smoke and thus, cigarette smoking may be potentially hazardous to human health. Health-focused government agencies and non-government organizations have thus actively campaigned health tips, especially that against smoking, as a preventative measure against lung cancer and other types of chronic illnesses. In addition, most health tips have suggested the incorporation of regular exercise and consumption of fruits and vegetables to maintain a healthy body.

Despite the negative implications of nicotine and cigarette smoking, a recent medical report published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation highlighted the preventative action of nicotine against this neurodegenerative disease. This neurodegenerative disorder is characterized by uncontrolled shaking of specific parts of the body, such as the arms and legs. In addition, patients have a peculiar gait, generally presenting with an arched back. The signs and symptoms of this disease start around the age of 50, yet for some individuals, these may appear earlier. And since this neurodegenerative disease involves the brain and nerves of the body, most people afflicted with this disease also suffer from a loss of memory. To date, there is a need to find a cure for this disease, including preventative measures that may delay its progression.

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According to the recent medical report, the use of nicotine in patients with a neurodegenerative disease may result in improvements in motor activities, including standing and walking. Using a mouse model to study the effects of nicotine on various characteristics associated with neural degenaration, the research study showed that the behavior of mice improved after introduction of nicotine. Examination of the brain and nerve cells of the mice also showed improvements in cellular structure, suggesting the nicotine may have a preventative role in the progression of this neurodegenerative disease. Furthermore, additional nerve cell types, such as a microglia and astrocytes, which are generally lower in number in patients with Parkinson’s disease, increased in number in the mouse animal models. These findings thus strengthen previous notions that nicotine may also serve as a preventative regimen against specific chronic diseases.

This recent medical report presents a very interesting standpoint in terms of smoking and the chemical components that are emitted by cigarettes. For the longest time, society has considered smoking as harmful to human health. The investigation of mouse models has shown that neurodegenerative diseases may still be addressed by specific preventative measures of nicotine. It is highly likely that in the near future, additional research studies will be conducted involving human subjects. However, it will also be interesting to find out how health groups would react to the idea of including cigarette smoking as opposed to the use of just the nicotine in the list of health tips to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Diseases That Aren’t Just for Older Folks…

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 06:39:37 +0000

Some painful afflictions that you associated with your parents or grandparents could strike you or your children much sooner than you thought possible.

Cancer

There are certain forms of cancer that young people are known to get such as lymphoma or leukemia, but both breast cancer and melanoma are forms of the disease that can strike the young. Most breast cancer cases occur when a woman is 45 or older, yet it is not unheard of for a younger woman to fight the disease. Preventative measures can be taken to help you avoid the risk though. Here are a few health tips you can follow:

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Exercise regularly

• Limit alcohol intake

• Learn about your family medical history

Melanoma or skin cancer has always been considered a problem for men and women in the 50 plus range, but doctors are now treating many people in their twenties and even teens. Some medical journals blame the tanning bed craze. They say that tanning beds can triple your chances of getting melanoma. Preventative steps like avoiding tanning beds, limiting your time in the sun, and making sure you use proper sunscreen outside are suggested. Oncologists say a few simple measures will avoid an emergency reaction later on.

Bones

Having strong bones gives you good posture, strength and balance. Sadly, over 30 million Americans have osteoporosis, a disease that makes the bones weak and brittle. It often leads to broken bones. Osteoporosis is one of the biggest reasons that elderly people need to be rushed to the emergency department. Doctors now report that the disease is hitting people as young as 50. The finger is being pointed at lack of exercise. Studies also show that smoking and alcohol can contribute to brittle bones. The best preventative action is to strengthen your skeleton with walking, climbing and jogging. Of course avoiding tobacco and excessive consumption of alcohol is also advised.

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Over 5 million Americans over the age of 65 suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, but what is more startling… it is not just a disease that strikes the elderly. People in their 40’s have been known to get Alzheimer’s disease. Early onset of the disease often means quicker progression of the illness. Scientists are not sure why this happens. They do believe; however, that if you stimulate your brain by learning new languages, new musical instruments, new technology, as well as keep up a good exercise routine, you are less likely to face the disease.

When part of your brain dies due to lack of blood flow it is called a stroke. Smoking doubles your chances of having a stroke. If you are in your twenties or thirties and you are a heavy smoker, you are putting yourself at risk. People who are in this age range and have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or are obese are also putting themselves at risk.

Other Ailments –Is There a Preventative

Twenty years ago it was referred to as “adult onset diabetes”, but today type 2 diabetes can be found in youngsters. Research indicates that obesity and inactivity are the reasons more and more people are being diagnosed at an earlier age. Years ago young people only suffered from type 1 diabetes. Today, some studies show as much as a 5th of the newly diagnosed type 2 cases are young people. Experts say preventative steps need to be taught to kids earlier.

Health tips are recommended to prevent a long list of ailments that you would normally see only older people face. Have you ever met a 20 or 30 year-old with gout? It can happen. Rheumatologists say binge drinking, obesity and sudden weight loss from crash dieting can cause gout in younger people.

Many doctors believe with life-style adjustments we have the power to avoid emergency situation; including the onset of some of the diseases mentioned above.

The Worst Places for Women’s Health

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 06:33:04 +0000

The well-being of American women continues to be a source of concern, especially following the release of recent data on the worst states for women’s health.

No one sets out to damage their own health; however, it seems that in many cases a lack of understanding or a lack of services puts women in certain states in a position where they are doing just that; damaging their bodies.

According to data collected by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the National Women’s Law Institute, in some areas of the United States heart health, physical fitness, cancer care, and general health are ignored.

West Virginia and Mississippi

Known for its rugged mountains and fertile valleys, West Virginia is picture perfect…just ask anyone who has visited the state. Sadly, many women who live there put their health at risk. Mississippi, famous for its magnificent river, is much the same. In both of these states obesity among women is very high. In West Virginia the problem is so significant that the state has received funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for preventive programs to help curb the problem. The health crisis in Mississippi is exasperated by the fact that women also have a high rate of smoking and chronic illness.

Louisiana and Arkansas

Also in the southern part of the U.S, just south of Arkansas is Louisiana. Here unhealthy eating is an issue and thus obesity is high. Unfortunately, there are also 9.7 infant deaths here for every 1,000 live births. Many women living in neighboring Arkansas share the problem of being overweight, but they also have a very high rate of smoking, heart disease and diabetes. Interestingly, the state does offer a lot of anti-smoking programs free. For reasons unknown, a lot of preventative measures are ignored.

Tennessee and Kentucky

Tennessee has the highest rate of death due to breast cancer and a very high rate of stroke among women. Life expectancy in 36 of 95 counties in the state of Tennessee declined between 1987 and 2007. Kentucky has a declining life expectancy for women, which surprises a lot of people who view the state as progressive. The state has a good healthcare system, but it turns out that many women do not have health insurance.

Wyoming and Idaho

The green grass of Wyoming attracts thousands of tourists, retirees and movie stars every year, but women there often have to travel up to 100 miles just to get a mammogram. Breast and cervical cancer screening rates are among the lowest in the country. Idaho; known as the gem state, also has a lingering cancer issue. It has the lowest percentage of women over the age of 49 who have had mammograms in the past two years. Perhaps part of the problem is that the state has the lowest number of practicing physicians.

Texas

This state has many of America’s fastest growing cities, yet health issues still seem to penetrate deep in the heart of Texas. Women in Texas could be putting themselves and their unborn children at risk. They tend to shy away from pre-natal care and from getting health insurance. There is also a high rate of Chlamydia in Texas. The sexually transmitted disease can lead to infertility. Simple, preventative steps can be taken to avoid the bacteria.

Health care professionals insist that in many cases damage can be undone, and they point out that Healthy People 2020 will do a lot to educate women. Healthy People 2020 is a set of national health related goals and objectives to improve the well-being of all Americans.

Cell Phones – Do They Really Damage Your Health?

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 06:06:11 +0000

Cell phones are drilled into our heads as a necessary part of everyday life. With all of the advertising campaigns and big box stores trying to entice your business, naturally telecommunications was a good place to start taking jabs when the time came. Most of those jabs came in the way of health concerns. There has been talk, all the way through to old-wives tales that say using your cell phone can cause anything from radiation damage, to brain function issues, and even cancer.

What could be considered a huge breakthrough for people who, like most, are avid users of their cell phones – is that a large review has shown that radiation from mobile phones poses no damage to your health.

Cell Phones and Cancer Risk – Not to Mention Fear of Damage

Considering dozens of other studies have very different results this has some people scratching their heads. The big argument appeared to lie in the apparent dangers in the radio waves. The report by the Health Protection Agency’s (HPA) advisory group said that scientists found no conclusive proof that radio waves from cell phones cause brain damage, radiation damage or cancer. However there was one catch, and that is that the research didn’t go back far enough to count the people who had been using their cell phone for longer than 15 years.

The study was of particular significance because the group of researchers looked at hundreds of other studies on cell phones and their effects on health, which is one of the largest published research studies that looked at so many other resources.

That Means ‘Current’ Cell Phones Don’t Do Damage

Researchers and experts are quick to say that there are limitations on the study, but evidence does conclude that cell phones show no universal harm if the frequency levels are used within acceptable guidelines. And most commonly manufactured cell phones are perfectly acceptable.

But that does leave one big door open in terms of potential damage. The report went so far as taking some preventative measures in regards to future damage. Researchers are saying that there needs to be a close eye kept on phone manufacturers to make certain that future phones fall within acceptable ranges, and people that have used phones for longer than 15 years are monitored for damage as well.

Leading the Fight – The Soda Ban

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 09:48:38 +0000

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention more than one-third of American adults are obese. Obesity leads to a number of health related problems including heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Both health and government officials are always looking for preventative approaches; ways to curb obesity. One preventative measure is soda bans.

New York City appears to be leading the fight when it comes to the soda ban. In the spring of 2012 the Mayor proposed banning sugary drinks from restaurants, stadiums and street carts that are more than 16 ounces. The ban would apply to big drinks that contain 25 calories per 8 ounces. If a restaurant were to break the ban it would lead to a fine of two-hundred dollars. Mayor, Michael Bloomberg has said the ban is needed to help fight obesity.

Trying to Act as a Preventative?

A number of studies, including one conducted at UCLA back in 2005 directly link the drinking of soda pop to obesity. The researchers in California stated the problem is that people are drinking soda like it is water and soda has no nutritional value.

In many cases consumers develop something called “leptin resistance” when they drink too much soda. This resistance makes them crave even more sugar. The obesity issue that could result is further amplified by the fact that there are no vitamins and minerals in soda pop. Some may argue that there aren’t any vitamins and minerals in water either; however, water does hydrate us, where as soda is not good at hydrating.

Not everyone thinks a soda ban is the right preventative step when it comes to controlling obesity. There are some nutritional experts who say juice is just as bad as soda and that fast food also needs to be addressed. Those who support the New York ban argue that you have to start somewhere.

The Centre for Consumer Freedom, an organization that supports the restaurant and beverage industries immediately lashed out at the idea of a soda ban in New York calling the city’s Mayor a Nanny, as opposed to a leader.

New York isn’t the only state that sees soda as a health issue though. Here is what is happening in other areas across the United States:

• Los Angeles: considering a ban of soda in vending machines at libraries and parks

• Chicago: some hospital cafeterias are taking soda out of vending machines and replacing them with healthier alternatives.

• Richmond California: residents will soon vote on whether they want the city to implement a one-cent-per ounce tax on beverages with added sugar.

•Boston: several hospitals are reducing soda options at vending machines. In Cambridge, Massachusetts the public health department is examining a ban similar to New York City’s soda ban proposal.

A report by the American Medical Association estimates that 46 per-cent of the nations consumption of added sugar comes from beverages. However, many doctors treating people with obesity say a soda ban should just be the beginning; that other preventative steps need to be taken to ensure healthy weight and good intake of vitamins and minerals. Obesity costs the American medical system 190 billion dollars a year and it costs citizens their lives.

Why Seniors Are Safer Driving Than Doing This

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 10:04:24 +0000

Over the next 20 years the number of elderly drivers on the road is expected to double in the United States. This may set off alarm bells for the average motorist since traditionally the elderly have been labeled as the most dangerous drivers. While research does show their declining physical and mental abilities turn them into conservative drivers, new information seems to suggest seniors are a lot better off behind the wheel than walking.

A study conducted by the University of Plymouth in the UK concludes that people over the age of 70 are five times more likely to get hit by a car when walking then those in their twenties; however, elderly drivers are no more likely to die behind the wheel than those in their twenties.

According to the Journal of the American Geriatric Society, in 2009 older adults accounted for close to 40 per cent of pedestrian deaths. The question suddenly becomes, how do we make roads safer for elderly pedestrians so that emergency room doctors don’t keep seeing them?

Dr. David Carr is considered one of the leading experts on older driver assessment. He’s conducted a lot of research through the University of Washington in St. Louis Missouri. He says cities should focus on protecting the elderly as pedestrians to keep them out of the ER, instead of trying to come up with more ways to restrict them as drivers.

The Emergency Behind the Situation

Putting preventative measures in place is not that easy. As we age, our body alignment and balance become less stable, our vision is not as sharp, and some of us have reduced hearing ability. The UK researchers say that when elderly people cross the street it is particularly risky because many of them can’t judge speed or distance very well.

As we get older we can incorporate certain exercises into our daily routine to improve our flexibility and balance. These exercises can improve our confidence and reduce our risk of tripping or falling. People who exercise on a regular basis are less likely to have to visit their local ER.

Preventative Steps to Keep You Out of the ER

Preventative steps become a little more challenging once an elderly person has been diagnosed with a cognitive impairment. There has been some research that suggests brain training can reduce the number of crashes seniors are involved in by as much as 50 per cent. During a “brain gym” study at the University of South Florida, elderly participants worked with flashing targets on computer screens and pattern recognition to solve problems. The participants were tracked for 6 years to see how many accidents they were in and if they were responsible. The results indicated that those who trained their brains were less likely to cause a crash.

While the UK study seems to indicate that walking is more of a concern for elderly than driving, there is no denying that as people get older their ability to operate vehicles declines. Just days after the study was released to the media, an elderly driver in Los Angeles backed up and ran over 9 children and 2 adults near an elementary school. All had to be rushed to the hospital’s emergency department. Four of the kids were seriously injured.

In recent years the UK, the United States and Canada have placed more emphasis on the renewal of licenses for the elderly. Many states, including New York are developing preventative campaigns; programs to educate seniors about the challenges of driving as they get older. As for pedestrian safety, in the United States it falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Highway Administration. The FHWA has launched its own pedestrian safety program and encourages all cities across the country to implement it.

How to Handle Your Sweaty Feet

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 09:48:37 +0000

There are over 200,000 sweat glands in our feet so it is no wonder that many people struggle to control sweaty, smelly paws. There are cases where people have Hyperhidrosis; a medical term for sweating feet. For some people, keeping the sweat at bay is a real challenge.

There are a number of reasons for sweaty, smelly feet. It could be a simple case of strain, such as standing too long or a response to exercise. The moisture can also be due to the hot weather and poor footwear. Often time’s adolescents experience sweaty feet because they have over-active sweat glands during hormonal changes.

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The exact cause of hyperhidrosis is unknown, but scientists believe that sweating is controlled by our nervous system, which reacts suddenly in situations of stress so there could be a link, especially if you are prone to sweat in the first place.

Many preventative steps can be taken to help you avoid the embarrassment that comes with sweaty, stinky feet. In the past some people have reverted to strong medications, injections and even sweat gland surgery to deal with the problem. In recent years researchers have discovered some natural health methods that are effective is staving off the discomfort and stench that sweaty feet present.

Putting Preventative Measures in Place

It is used throughout the world as a cooking spice and in China is considered an important medicinal ingredient, but now many natural health experts suggest ginger can help people who suffer from sweaty feet. They say you should mash fresh ginger and place it in a cloth, run the cloth over warm water to get the juices flowing then take the cloth with the pulp and rub it onto your feet right after you have showered. It not only eliminates odor it keeps the feet from sweating.

Studies have been conducted on other herbs including sage. It turns out that sage tea, which contains a large amount of tannic acid, can neutralize odor causing bacteria. It has become popular for people with sweaty feet to soak their toes in a large bucket of water with 5 or 6 sage tea bags in it. Once the water is boiled and the tea seeped, they wait for the bucket to cool down and then place their feet in it and soak for about 30-minutes.

Vitamins and Minerals and How They Can Be Used …

Food plays such a large role in our over-all health and research shows that it applies to sweaty feet as well. Yes…your feet are what you eat. Studies in the United States and Asia show that eliminating certain foods from our diet help reduce sweat. Below is a list of food items you might want to reduce or remove from your diet if you have a problem with sweaty, smelly feet.

• Spicy food

• Coffee

• Alcohol

• Garlic

• Onions

• Caffeinated teas

• Soda pop

For some people, eliminating certain foods is enough of a preventative measure to do the trick, while others need something more. This is where vitamins and minerals might help. Vitamin B complex for example, supports both a healthy immune and nervous system. Research shows that sweating can cause you to lose important vitamins and minerals.

Physicians say you can’t discount some of the home remedies that we all know. Placing a couple of teaspoons of baking soda or cornstarch inside shoes works for some people. Others say soaking their feet in salt water prevents sweating.

If you have sweaty feet whatever method you decide to try, be certain it is safe and keep in mind that without basic hygiene your feet will not stand a chance. Foot specialists say you must wash your feet and toes daily with soap and water and dry them thoroughly. They suggest wearing socks that are made of cotton and changing shoes regularly to reduce moisture. If you have any concerns don’t be afraid to ask your doctor about seeing a podiatrist.

What Your Doctor Won’t Tell You: Vaccines

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 06:11:19 +0000

Each year, millions of people around the world avail of vaccines against infections that seasonally emerge. The flu vaccine, for example, is commonly administered each year as a preventative treatment against the development of influenza. The administration of the flu vaccine is based on the principle that the deactivated flu virus in the vaccine will trigger the body’s immune system to produce antibodies against this microorganism. The immune system is the body’s defense system that combats different types of infections that are caused by the entry of pathogens into the body. Administration of the flu vaccine may also prevent damage to other parts of the body. Preventative treatment using the flu vaccine to induce activity of the immune system is thus considered as a helpful regimen to achieve a healthy body.

According to a recent medical report published in the journal Vaccine, the use of the flu vaccine as a preventative treatment against health damage may also pose risks to certain individuals. The report showed that the preventative H1N1 vaccine may only be beneficial to some individuals, but may not be effect to people who are undergoing hemodialysis. It is important to understand that the preventative treatment against the H1N1 virus generally involves the introduction of approximately 15 micrograms of the inactivated virus, in the hope that this may prevent health damage. The inactivated virus induces the immune system to produce specific antibodies against the H1N1 virus, thus preventing the body from succumbing to the actual infectious disease that may result in health damage. However, hemodialysis patients, who are usually at their advanced adult years, may not be as reactive to the vaccine as younger and healthier individuals.

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The Immune System Study

The research study involved approximately 110 patients undergoing hemodialysis, as well as 173 healthy subjects, who were all administered with the preventative H1N1 flu vaccine. All study participants were screened to be free of flu symptoms, thus indicating that the introduction of the preventative flu shot may assist in preventing health damage that may occur upon infection. After administration of the preventative vaccine, the study participants were then tested in terms of their production of antibodies against the flu virus. The level of antibodies produced by the immune system may serve as a direct indication on whether the preventative treatment was indeed effective in preventing health damage related to flu infection. A higher amount of antibodies produced by the immune system will thus show that the preventative vaccine was effective, whereas a low level of antibodies will indicate that the vaccine was ineffective.

The results of the study showed that the hemodialysis patients showed a lower amount of antibodies produced by their immune system. This observation suggests that despite the use of the preventative treatment against health damage due to the H1N1 virus, hemodialysis patients may still be prone to H1N1 infection and other similar diseases. This observation may be quite alarming because this shows that this specific population may suffer from further health damage related to flu infections. In addition, the administration of the H1N1 vaccine may also not induce the immune system to produce the appropriate antibodies that will combat the microorganism.

The recent medical report suggested that there is a need for further studies on whether certain populations, such as those undergoing hemodialysis, will need multiple vaccinations to activate their immune system, as compared to the general healthier public. It may also be possible that a higher dose be administered to hemodialysis patients, yet it will also be important to determine whether a higher vaccine dose will not impart additional damage to the rest of the body. Although the current dose used for immunization does not result in side effects, it may also be helpful to determine if the immune system is still capable of dealing with higher amounts of the vaccine, to prevent unnecessary damage to one’s health.

Debunking Grandma’s Home Remedies

Sat, 04 Aug 2012 08:22:56 +0000

We all like to think that Grandma knows best, but the reality is that some of her home remedies just don’t work. While well intentioned, in certain cases home remedies do us more harm than good.

One age-old home remedy for constipation is castor oil. Derived from the castor bean plant, it has always been suggested that taking it on a regular basis would make you, well…regular. According to the Mayo Clinic it is a powerful laxative, but if you use it regularly it can cause cramping and diarrhea or it can have the opposite impact and aggravate your constipation. It turns out that your body can become dependent on it in order for you to have a bowel movement.

The Immune System Impact

Doctors suggest that there are other preventative measures you can take so that you don’t experience constipation in the first place. Consuming a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fiber, fruits, vegetables, and water is the best approach.

Another old home remedy that you may have heard about is butter for burns. Whenever the Red Cross hears this they put up red flags. They say if you put butter on a burn it does nothing to sooth or heal the problem, in fact it can make it worse by causing infection. The Red Cross suggests simply treating burns with cool water, and if severe, seek medical attention.

The Most Guilty Offender – Cold and Flu “Remedies”

The most common ailment is the cold and flu. We have all experienced it when our immune system is run-down. While there are a number of natural preventative measures we can now take to protect ourselves, there are still going to be times when we get the cold and flu. If grandma or someone else tells you to “feed a cold and starve a fever”, you might want to re-consider. Doctors now say that this adage makes no sense. They insist that your body needs energy to fight off the illness. A lack of nutrients robs the body of energy and much needed vitamins and minerals to fight off impending infection. Many physicians say the problem is that you might not feel like eating.

Hot Toddies have been used by Americans for centuries as a form of relaxation and as a cold reliever. One of the original ingredients in the authentic hot toddy is lemon juice. People claimed it was the magic ingredient because it cut through mucus; however, there is no scientific evidence to support this theory.

Whenever you have been running a fever due to the cold and flu or some other type of illness, you may have been advised to take a cold bath. For years doctors and nurses would tell new mothers to give their teething babies a cool bath to help lower their fever. Now modern day practitioners believe it can cause a person to shiver, which can actually raise internal temperature and make the fever worse.

Acne is the most common skin disease in America. Sixty million people in the United States have it. Serious acne starts out as little pimples and for years people have been treating it with toothpaste. This home remedy is popular, but is could be hurting you. Certain toothpastes contain an antibacterial compound called triclosan. It is a common ingredient in acne treatment products, yet many types of toothpaste have other ingredients that irritate the skin and can cause more redness.

Do you have a toothache? Try biting down on a clove. That’s what many people do to fight the annoying pain. Unfortunately, this home remedy hasn’t really been proven. Some people say it doesn’t work at all, while others claim it gives them relief for a few minutes and then the pain returns. No studies have been conducted to support the idea that cloves curb toothaches.

Apple Cider Vinegar has been used since the beginning of recorded history for ailments, but if you’ve been told to swallow a few teaspoons of it to soothe heartburn, don’t bother. Physicians claim it doesn’t work.

There are many home remedies, both old and new that you will hear about, but until they have been scientifically proven or your doctor indicates they are safe, it is best not to experiment.

The Unexpected Problem Causing Blood Clots

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 06:11:55 +0000

For years, we have simply considered tooth loss as an issue involving a deficiency in calcium and the progression of aging. The consumption of food items rich in calcium such as milk and dairy products were thus considered as preventative measures against tooth deterioration and frequent visits to the dentist. However, recent studies have shown that dental problems are strongly associated with cardiovascular disease, including blood clots, thus prompting the need to identify preventative measures against poor general health. In a recent report by Dr. Watt and colleagues in the journal PLoS One, dental problems may also be used as indicators for heart conditions including blood clots.

Treatment and Preventative Measures to Avoid Blood Clots

The study was based on the fact that the occurrence of dental caries and other diseases of the teeth represented chronic conditions that may influence the quality of life of an individual. In addition, cavities that are not given immediate treatment by a dentist may also result in inflammation of the gums that surround the teeth. These sites are also optimal places for bacteria and other microorganisms, thus eventually resulting in systemic conditions that require medical treatment. A dentist often prescribes antibiotics as treatment for infected gums, and possibly anti-inflammatory medication as treatment for swelling. As preventative measure, patients are often encouraged to regularly brush their teeth to remove food residues in the mouth. Based on this association, it is thus important to examine the relationship between dental problems and cardiovascular diseases in order to design preventative schemes for a healthy body.

The report of Dr. Watt showed that the occurrence of dental problems that include symptoms of inflammation triggers the occurrence of bacterial infections. The dentist often performs treatment by giving antibiotics, yet it is also important to understand that the mere occurrence of an infection can also affect the immune system. Poor oral health may also include the loss of teeth, which is also an indicator of weak gums that are unable to provide the essential nutrients for the maintenance of teeth. As preventative measure against dental problems, it is therefore essential to lead a healthy lifestyle, including the consumption of food items that are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Good diet is also a preventative action against frequent visits to the dentist for the treatment of teeth ailments.

The study involved the participation of approximately 16,144 subjects who were examined in terms of dental health and other lifestyle components such as diet, exercise, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Other factors such as socioeconomic status, sex, and marital status were also reviewed. The occurrence of heart diseases and other systemic medical conditions were also collected. All these variables were examined in order to identify relationships between oral health and specific lifestyle and health conditions. The information generated from the study may also facilitate in the design of preventative measures against heart disease including blood clots, as well as to identify the best treatment scheme for conditions often examined by a dentist.

What Ties Oral Care and Blood Clots?

The results of the study showed that dental problems, which equate to more visits to the dentist, increased the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases. The study did not consider regular prophylaxis as a visit to the dentist, and thus only included dental problems such as tooth loss, cavities, and gum problems. Frequent visits to the dentist are generally based on the need for treatment for a painful cavity, or the need for treatment for gum problems. However, study participants who generally led a healthy lifestyle did not find the need to visit the dentist unless for regular teeth cleaning. The correlation between good dental health and leading a healthy lifestyle thus showed an effective preventative scheme against cardiovascular diseases.

The report has shown that good oral health may also serve as a preventative approach against heart disease and blood clots. Teeth are generally the least likely part of the body that are given attention by people, yet this study gives robust proof that the need for treatment of dental problems may also represent the cardiovascular condition of an individual. Eating healthy food items and exercising may thus help as preventative actions against cardiovascular and dental diseases, possibly decreasing the need for treatment of specific medical conditions.

Tongue Color Can Predict Your Health

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 05:19:38 +0000

It might not necessarily a traditional way to predict your health, but there research is now showing that in terms of preventative and treatment options, it could have some serious validity. The state and color of your tongue is now being said that it could give you a pretty good indicator of what’s going on inside your body, and even provide an accurate picture of future health.

While some healthcare practitioners might be skeptical, there are alternative therapies that lend credence to the idea (such as naturopaths, and certain areas of Chinese Medicine).

As a general rule, the tongue of a healthy person has a pink hue and has a light coating. As soon as your tongue changes color or texture, it could be due to a range of issues.

It Shouldn’t Be Your Only Plan of Attack for Treatment – But as a Preventative It Could Help

Below is an idea of what the tongue says about your health.

If Your Tongue is Pale:

Many naturopaths will say that a tongue that has a pale color could mean that your blood is lacking in hemoglobin, which is the iron-containing protein found in red blood cells. This color of tongue could lead to feelings of being overtired, or lethargic..

If Your Tongue is Bright Red:

Experts indicate that a tongue that is bright and reddish in color can indicate you are lacking in certain nutrients. One of the main culprits could be a lack of iron, which is essential for the formation of red blood cells.

If Your Tongue is Purple:

There is some research that supports that a tongue purple in color could be the sign of high cholesterol. Some naturopaths claim that a purple tongue can indicate bronchitis which cuts down on how much oxygen gets into your lungs. When you notice this color of tongue, it is always wise to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

While it could be a good starting point for treatment, or awareness that can act as a preventative, as with any assessment method, the color of your tongue won’t be used as the sole point of diagnosis, but it could help to give people an idea of the status of their health.

The Dangers of Obesity in Breast Cancer Treatment

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 05:04:11 +0000

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer amongst American women and although the death rate for it is dropping, breast cancer still remains the second leading cause of cancer-related death for women in America. Given the fact that 34 percent of Americans are obese and that 1 in 8 women will eventually suffer from breast cancer, correlations between weight and the effectiveness of different types of breast cancer treatment therapies are definitely worth investigating.

Breast Cancer and Obesity

A recent breast cancer study found anastrozole (an aromatase inhibitor drug) that is considered markedly more effective as a breast cancer treatment amongst the general population than its predecessor tamoxifen, is actually no more effective when it comes to the treatment of obese women. With this study in mind, researchers at the Institute of Cancer Research in London and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation set out to examine whether tamoxifen is simply more effective for obese women or if aromatase inhibitor drugs are simply less effective for obese women then they are for women with a lower body mass.

The purpose of anastrozole and other aromatase inhibitor drugs is to lower estrogen levels. These drugs are helpful for breast cancer treatment because over 66 percent of breast cancer tumors require estrogen to grow and survive and the drugs block the production and action of estrogen in the body. For the Institute of Cancer Research study, the scientists prescribed a 6 month course of aromatase inhibitor drugs to 54 postmenopausal women with estrogen related breast cancer. The body mass and estrogen levels of the women were measured both before and after the study. The researchers found that although anastrozole did lower the estrogen levels of the obese women with breast cancer, the levels of estrogen in these women still remained twice as high as the levels found in women of normal body weight after treatment. These findings suggest that breast cancer treatment may not be a one-size-fits-all type of therapy and that the most effective and appropriate form of breast cancer treatment therapy may be dependent upon a women’s body mass index.

The Study – Obesity and Breast Cancer Treatment

According to Professor Alan Ashworth, Chief Executive of The Institute of Cancer Research, “Aromatase inhibitors have played an increasing role in breast cancer treatment over the past decade, so it is important to understand the factors that affect how well they work in individual women in order to allow doctors to choose the best possible drug from the range available.” Senior author Professor Mitch Dowsett adds “Our findings are based on laboratory studies, so we would need to carry out clinical trials to tell us whether women with a higher BMI would benefit from changes to their treatment. Women with higher BMIs should certainly not be alarmed by this finding or stop taking their treatment. Our study takes us a step closer to understanding which of the treatment options available might be the most suitable for individual women.”

All breast cancer drugs come with a range of unwanted side-effects and none of them provide any guarantees of effectiveness. Until more research is done, your best bet for surviving breast cancer is preventing the development of it in the first place. Some preventative breast cancer measures that you can take include eating a high fiber, whole-foods based diet, reducing your intake of alcohol and minimizing your exposure to toxins such as the BPA found in plastic food containers and the parabens found in cosmetics. Perhaps the two most vitally important preventative steps that you can take however, are exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy body weight—both of which help to dramatically reduce circulating estrogens levels.

How the Length of Your Fingers Can Predict Cancer

Sat, 21 Jul 2012 06:24:39 +0000

This is an article that is certain to have people gazing at their hands. A recent study has shown that there is a link between finger length potential for cancer. It’s a study that could have people scratching their heads. The study, that was published in the British Journal of Cancer study found men whose index finger was longer than their ring finger were much less likely to develop the disease.

The research was deduced after comparison of over 1500 male hands. The men in question were all prostate cancer patients, who were compared with the hands of 3000 healthy men.

Valuable Preventative Prostate Cancer Information

All of this information was provided by the University of Warwick and the Institute of Cancer Research. The authors of one of the reports, Professor Ros Eeles says people shouldn’t get too excited, that with something as dangerous and life threatening as prostate cancer, there is no doubt that more studies will need to be completed. The repercussions, as it stands are that this information could be used as a way to at least assess prostate cancer risk, or used for preventative measures.

An important piece of information to remember is that the length of fingers doesn’t change, so the amazing discovery could be due to a relation in the sex hormone levels that appear before birth. What can be seen from these results and applied to prevention methods, as well as future cancer research is that it is possible that being exposed to less testosterone before birth could results in a longer index finger, researchers are saying that this could mean there is a chance that prostate cancer can be protected against as a man gets older.

Prostate Cancer Information

In the majority of cases of prostate cancer, it is slow growing. There are male patients who say there is never any symptoms present.

The National Institutes of Health provides extensive information on the subject. They say prostate cancer is the most common cause of death from cancer in men over age 75, and that the disease is rare in men younger than 40. High risk groups include African-American men (interestingly men of this ethnicity are also more likely to develop the disease at all ages). Other high risk men include men over the age of 60 who have a father or brother with prostate cancer.

The study in terms of how cancer relates to finger length was funded by the charities Prostate Action and Cancer Research UK. Authors are quick to say that the subject deserves some thought when it comes to future prevention ideas, men who have short index fingers shouldn’t panic, more than half of all men have this as well.

Embarrassing Secrets You Need to Tell Your Doctor

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 04:59:41 +0000

Many times people are embarrassed to mention little details about themselves to their doctors that they think could reflect negatively on them. When it comes to your health, no detail is too small or too embarrassing. Reveal all to your doctor; keeping secrets doesn’t benefit you or your health care at all.

As a Preventative Measure – Tell Your Doctor These Things:

1. You’ve stopped taking the medication that they prescribed – if you don’t tell your doctor that you’ve stopped, they will think it’s not working and possibly prescribe you a higher dosage or a new medication. If you don’t take the medication, you are at risk of suffering adverse outcomes from the condition that needs to be treated. For example, if you’re supposed to be taking a medication for heart disease and you don’t, you are increasing your risk of suffering a heart attack.

2. You’re taking natural supplements – many people are afraid to tell their doctors that they are experimenting with natural supplements as part of their daily routine. Reasons for taking natural supplements vary from preventative reasons to natural treatment reasons. This can pose a danger because some natural supplements can negatively interfere with prescription medication that you are taking. Just because they are called natural supplements, does not mean that they don’t have side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor every name and dosage of the natural supplements that you are using.

3. Your sexual history – while this may be an uncomfortable subject, it is definitely something that your doctor needs to know. As your number of sexual partners increases, so does your chance of getting a sexually transmitted disease. Sexual preferences can also increase your risk for certain conditions. Based on the information that you provide, your doctor can determine the need for testing and screening that is best for you.

4. Your bathroom habits – maybe there’s blood in your stool or maybe you’re frequently constipated. Whatever is going on in the bathroom that is out of the ordinary for you needs to be mentioned to your doctor. Colorectal cancer is much more treatable if caught early.

5. You’re feeling blue – many people are embarrassed about possible problems with their mental health and don’t mention symptoms of depression to their doctor. But you should, your emotional health can affect your physical health. There are many treatment options available to get you through periods in your life when you’re feeling depressed.

6. Your “real” diet and exercise regimen – a healthy diet is essential for overall health, including heart health. Don’t lie and tell your doctor you’re eating a heart healthy diet and exercising regularly if you’re not. Keeping a journal of what you eat and when you exercise will help to give your doctor an overall picture of your real lifestyle. Tweaks can be made if necessary, and a referral to a nutritionist or personal trainer can be made as a preventative measure if warranted.

7. Your family history – you may not want your doctor to know that your dad has heart disease and has suffered a heart attack, or that your mom is an alcoholic and is depressed but these are things that they need to know. There are conditions, such as heart disease that run in families. Sharing an accurate family history with your doctor will allow them to develop a preventative plan for your healthcare. Keeping secrets about your family isn’t protecting your family members and it’s definitely not protecting you.

8. You’re seeing other doctors – whether it’s another medical doctor, or an alternative care provider such as a naturopath or chiropractor, let your doctor know. Many people seek out alternative healthcare providers as a preventative step for better health. Making sure that all of the members on your healthcare team are on the same page will ensure that you are getting the best healthcare possible.

Keep in mind that your doctor isn’t there to judge you, be as honest as possible with them for the best health care results. If you do feel that you are being judged, perhaps it’s time to look for a new doctor.

Is Your Own Home Triggering Your Allergies?

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 05:46:13 +0000

In the last few decades, there has been a growing concern for the quality of indoor air that circulates in homes. Respiratory health problems have been reported to be associated with the quality of the materials used in the construction of homes, including allergic reactions to paint and other building materials. The amount of time spent indoors in the past several years has also increased, based on the improvement in computer technologies that allow people to communicate and perform other tasks within the confines of their homes. For other individuals who are simply spending more time in the home, such as stay-at-home moms and young children, the exposure to indoor air is higher and thus it would be interesting to find out if their should indeed be any concern for harmful factors that may affect the body’s immune system. Preventative measures should also be performed to decrease the occurrence of respiratory disorders caused by features in the home.

Preventing Allergies to Protect Your Immune System

According to recent medical report published in the journal Environmental Health, specific conditions in the home such as dampness and the presence of mold may increase the likelihood of developing disorders involving the respiratory system such as asthma, as well as problems of the immune system, including allergic reactions. The level of moisture inside a home is mainly influenced by various factors, including the type of materials used during construction and the extent of maintenance of the establishment. During the construction of a home, certain preventative measures against moisture accumulation may be adapted, including the use of high quality materials that inhibit the seepage of water through surfaces during rainy days. The use of waterproof paint to coat the surfaces of walls may also serve as a preventative measure against moisture accumulation inside the home. In terms of home maintenance, regular checks on the surface quality of walls around the house may also act as a preventative measure against increasing moisture within the home.

The recent report employed a measurement index that examined various features in the home that could contribute to the level of dampness and production of molds. This study was fueled by the need to identify causes of medical disorders involving the immune system, such as allergic reactions and other hypersensitivity responses of foreign particles in the air. By using this measurement index in evaluating approximately 891 homes in New Zealand, the research study showed that dampness and mold were the key features that increased the incidence of respiratory diseases such as asthma, and other disorders of the immune system, including allergic reactions. Based on these observations, preventative schemes may then be designed to directly resolve the quality of air inside homes.

The Results of the Immune System Study

The study showed that dampness decreases air ventilation in the home, thus triggering the development of allergic reactions to various tiny particles present in the air. The immune system may also be further affected by these allergic reactions, activating other cells of the immune system in producing proteins and antibodies that are designed to combat foreign materials that enter the body.

In the case of the presence of mold on the walls and other surfaces inside the home, it is possible to develop allergic reactions against pollen produced by these harmful microorganisms. In addition to this direct response by the immune system, mold on various surfaces can also generate toxins that could either desensitize the nerve cells of the body or trigger cell destruction. It is thus important to identify areas in the home that are damp or harbor the presence of mold and perform preventative measures in eradicating these features.

According to the New Zealand study, dampness and the presence of mold in the house has been strongly associated with an 11% increase in the incidence of asthma. The development of wheezing and difficulty in breathing is more evident among children and this may be attributable to their immature immune system, which has not been extensively involved with allergic reactions. It is also possible for adults with asthma to experience further deterioration in health when they constantly generate allergic reactions and other responses involving the immune system. Preventative schemes against mold and moisture in the indoor air of homes may therefore improve general health.

Majority of the homes in New Zealand are comprised of timber, which is the most frequent material to which moisture and mold adhere. It would thus be a preventative measure to fully insulate the walls and other surfaces of homes to prevent allergic reactions and other immune system disorders. Another preventative measure against allergic reactions such as asthma would be to replace the ventilation system in the home, allowing better circulation of the air. This preventative action may also prevent the unnecessary activation of the immune system to foreign particles in the air.

Beating the Odds if Disease Runs in the Family

Bel Marra Health — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 04:07:57 +0000

There are numerous diseases that can run in your family. When a disease runs in the family it essentially means that more than one person in the family has the same condition. While this can be caused by gene mutations, in some cases ailments can take place in families due to environmental factors. The good news; if a disease runs in your family it doesn’t mean you have to fall victim to it.

Preventive Steps

Taking preventative steps can help you avoid the problems that your relatives have experienced. This includes good nutrition, regular exercise, and smart choices in your day to day living. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the best preventative approach is to get to know your family history.

There could be features in your family history that are unusual or that have not been openly discussed. Some examples are listed below.

• Disease that normally doesn’t impact a certain gender (breast cancer in a male family member)

• Ailments that take place at an early age (10 or 20 years before most people suffer from a heart attack)

• Combinations of diseases (breast and ovarian cancer)

While it isn’t always a pleasant subject to go over, exploring the family medical history can help put your mind at ease. You will know that you have put all the preventative measures in place; you will know that you have done everything you can to protect yourself from disease.

Here is what you can do to learn more about your family medical history:

• Talk to relatives

• If possible look at death certificates

• If possible look at medical records

• Find out the age of disease onset and age of death for family members

• Share all information with your doctor

While it is true that you can’t change your genetic make-up, doctors and nutritionists argue that you can change your lifestyle to ward off diseases. Getting proper sleep and the right vitamins and minerals is essential. If you are struggling with your diet, don’t be afraid to ask for help. A certified nutritionist or dietician can guide you when it comes to what vitamins and minerals you might be lacking. You can avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Another smart preventative step would be to get cancer screening tests that detect problems at an early stage when they are more treatable. Screening tests can also test for high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

While the most common preventative path is maintaining a healthy lifestyle, some people do opt for genetic testing. This involves testing your DNA to determine if your genes may cause any kind of illness. Often times people turn to genetic testing when they start to show symptoms of a disease that runs in the family. Some young couples, who are planning to have a family, but have a history of a genetic disorder, will have the testing done to see if they carry a copy of the altered gene that would put a child at risk of getting the same disorder.

Very few people can say that there are not at least one or two medical issues in their family tree. Finding out the health problem in your family is the first step and then it is up you to implement a good preventative plan.

Avoid the Itch. Natural Mosquito Repellants.

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 04:35:52 +0000

The annoying buzzing on your patio may make you want to head inside, but you shouldn’t let mosquitos ruin your summer! There are some natural mosquito remedies as well as preventative methods that you can use to help repel those nasty mosquitos.

Treatment and Natural Mosquito Remedies

There are a number of natural options that you can utilize to help keep the mosquitos away, including:

1.Lemon Eucalyptus Oil – a 40% concentration will act as a good mosquito repellant according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, it should not be used on children under the age of 3. A product called Repel is a lemon eucalyptus repellant that is available on the market.

2.Geranium Oil and Soy Bean Oil – a study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that Bite Blocker (which contains geranium oil, soy bean oil and coconut oil) provided lasting protection against mosquitos.

3.Citronella – citronella candles, lotions and sprays may provide limited effectiveness. Ideally citronella should be used in combination with another repellant product.

4.Vitamin B1 – there is some evidence that taking 75-150mg of vitamin B1 daily during the summer months may help to change your natural scent and help to keep mosquitos away. However, it should be noted that the research has not been conclusive, but it won’t hurt to try.

Preventative Measures for the Pesky Critters

Research is continually being conducted on other preventative remedies to repel against mosquitos. Fennel, thyme, clove oil, celery extract, neem oil and garlic look promising; however, additional research is needed to determine the effectiveness of these natural remedies.

If you utilize the natural mosquito remedies above and find that the mosquitos are still annoying you, there are preventative steps you can take to minimize your exposure to these bugs, including:

1. Avoid dusk and dawn – according to the CDC, dusk and dawn are the peak times for mosquitos. Either stay inside during these hours or apply additional repellant and take other preventative measures to protect yourself.

2. Wear protective, light coloured, clothing – wearing long sleeves, pants and socks is one of the easiest preventative steps that can be taken to prevent a mosquito bite. Additionally, avoid dark coloured clothing as it attracts mosquitos.

3.Shower after exercising – after exercising you give off more carbon dioxide and lactic acid. Both of these substances attract mosquitos. Generally speaking, after exercising you skin will likely be moist. Mosquitos are attracted to moisture. So step in the shower after a workout to protect yourself.

4. Get rid of standing water – as mentioned above, mosquitos are attracted to moisture. Small amounts of water will attract them and standing water will allow them to reproduce.

5.Avoid scented perfume, soaps, detergents – fruity and floral scents attract mosquitos. A simple preventative steps is to use unscented body and hair products as well as unscented detergents.

If you utilize a combination of the mosquito repellants and preventative measures, you will help to prevent bites.

Treatment for Mosquito Bites

If you don’t have success with the preventative measures above and you’re bitten by a mosquito, the first line of treatment is to wash the area with soap and water to lessen the effect of the bite. The next line of treatment is to apply an ice pack if swelling occurs after the bite. Additional home treatment can include applying a topical ointment, such as a cortisone cream, to the bite area. This type of treatment will help reduce the swelling and itching. If the bite area continues to be itchy, treatment with an over-the-counter antihistamine may provide relief. If you notice that the redness, swelling or itchiness of the bite area gets worse over time, even with treatment at home, you should consult your healthcare practitioner. Additionally, if you notice a fever or other signs and symptoms that you feel are associated with the mosquito bite, consult your healthcare practitioner in case you need further treatment.

Unfortunately, during the summer months, we need to live with pesky mosquitos. Taking preventative steps will help to protect you and your family from suffering too many bites and will allow you to enjoy the nice weather.

Preventing Serious Disease – Before it’s Too Late

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 05:56:18 +0000

We live in a fast-paced world and often times that means people slip into some unhealthy habits, such as eating fast food, not getting enough sleep or not paying attention to dental hygiene. Now a report in the American Journal of Medicine indicates that following healthy habits can prevent disease. Five different studies support the theory.

Preventative Medicine for Cancer

Preventative medicine in nothing new, so doctors say Chinese studies linking good eating habits to preventing some forms of cancer should not surprise people. Scientists from Xian China discovered that eating fresh fish regularly reduced colorectal cancer by at least 12 per-cent. The risk reduction for rectal cancer was 21 per- cent. In looking at fish as a preventative measure, they examined no less than 41 cancer studies conducted between 1990 and 2011.

It is no secret that smoking causes cancer. It is also no secret that kicking the habit can be a real challenge for many people, but if you have the will to give it a try, it just could save your life. Medical experts at Montreal’s McGill University say that the use of smoking cessation aids like acupuncture and hypnotherapy can significantly increase the ability to cease smoking.

Food as a Preventative Measure

Although some fish has been known to have contaminants in it from water, according to Harvard Medical School, the benefits when it comes to preventative health far outweigh any of the risks involved in consuming fish that comes from a reputable supplier. Harvard research concludes that consuming fish on a regular basis can help “ward off” heart problems, mental disturbances and prostate cancer. Harvard officials go as far as to call fish a “potent” health food.

At any age our bodies depend on essential vitamins and minerals to maintain good health. As we age there is more likelihood that we will face deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. Natural supplements often become a lifeline for people who can’t seem to get all the essential vitamins and minerals through their daily diet. Recent studies show that vitamin K and selenium deficiency can actually contribute to age-related diseases, including cancer, heart disease, immune function and brain function. Once your doctor has assessed what vitamins and minerals are lacking in your body, certified nutritionists can help you determine what supplements are best.

Oral Health

A number of studies in North America have pointed out that good oral health is a good preventative step if you want to have good overall health. Now research in other parts of the world seems to support this notion. A study at Taipei Veterans General Hospital in Taiwan examined the health of over 10 thousand patients that received regular tooth scaling and another 10 thousand who did not get tooth scaling. They discovered after following the patients for about 7 years, that those who did receive tooth scaling had a lower incidence of stroke and cardiovascular disease.

Don’t Forget Exercise

According to the Department of Health and Human Services exercise has proven to be a good preventative tool when it comes to many chronic diseases. Getting into the habit of regular exercise and outdoor activity can reduce the risk of heart attack, high blood pressure and a long list of ailments associated with obesity.

Preventive measures or healthy living habits can take time to implement, but once you start them, they quickly become routine; a routine that could ultimately save your life.

How Infection Can Lead to Cancer

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 06:11:20 +0000

Despite the ominous nature of cancer, scientists have been unable to develop any sort of preventative measure to effectively block cancer development and thereby eliminate cancer risk. Despite some gaps in our understanding of cancer, scientists have pinpointed a variety of factors that increase cancer risk and some of the most well known include: smoking, sunlight, ionizing radiation, certain chemicals, alcohol abuse, poor diet, obesity, hormonal issues and genetics. Researchers have also recently discovered that infections increase cancer risk. In fact, one in six cancer cases and 20 percent of all cancer deaths are caused by potentially preventable or treatable infections.

Cancer Prevention and Cancer Risk – What it Means

The way in which infections lead to cancer development is still not completely understood, however a recent MIT study published in the online edition of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (the week of June 11) has managed to shed some light. For the study, the MIT researchers analyzed mice that were infected with H. hepaticus, for 20 weeks. H. hepaticus is a type of bacteria that causes infected mice to develop a condition that closely resembles inflammatory bowel disease in humans. Throughout the study, the researchers kept tabs on a dozen different varieties of damage which was caused to DNA, RNA and proteins. They also measured the amount of tissue damage that was occurring and kept track of which genes were being turned on and which were being turned off as a result of the infection.

Infection and Cancer Development

The infection caused the mice to developed chronic inflammation of the liver and the colon, and some of the mice developed full blown liver cancer. The researchers also discovered that the level of damaged products present in the DNA and RNA, correlated with the level of inflammation; a discovery which could potentially help them to predict chronic inflammation and maybe even cancer risk , in patients with colon, liver or stomach infections.

Another important discovery that was brought to light through this study was that the colon and the liver respond in different ways when they are infected. For instance, when subjected to DNA damage, the DNA systems in the liver were more active than they were in the colon. Also the neutrophils in the colon secrete a substance (hypochlorous acid) which is meant to kill bacteria. This is problematic because the hypochlorous acid that is secreted not only damages DNA, RNA and protein it also leaks into surrounding tissue and damages the cells that line and protect the colon. “It’s possible that we have kind of a double whammy [in the colon]. You have this bacterium that suppresses DNA repair, at the same time that you have all this DNA damage happening in the tissue as a result of the immune response to the bacterium,” says Dedon, one of the four senior authors of the paper.

As a Preventative Mechanism

As a result of the study, researchers now believe that chronic inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infections, is one of the biggest stomach, liver and colon cancer risk factors. This discovery leaves scientists hopeful for the development of a preventative mechanism that will help to halt cancer development. “If you understand the mechanism, then you can design interventions,” states MIT professor of biological engineering, Peter Dedon. “The comprehensive and innovative study should help researchers better understand many types of cancer. I can’t remember ever seeing a paper that brought so many aspects of research to the table in one report,” adds James Swenberg, a professor of environmental sciences and engineering at the University Of North Carolina School Of Public Health.

Does Your Hygiene Really Affect Your Immunity?

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 05:30:24 +0000

In 1989, Dr. David Strachan proposed the hygiene hypothesis as the mechanism responsible for the development of the body’s immune system. According to Strachan, when an individual is exposed to viral and bacterial infections early in life, such as that during infancy, the chances of developing allergies during adulthood would be smaller. The hygiene hypothesis of early exposure to bacterial infections thus serves as a preventative measure against severe diseases involving the immune system.

The Effect of the Hygiene Hypothesis on Your Immune System

Since the release of the research article on the hygiene hypothesis, several reports supporting the concept of early exposure to viral and bacterial infections as a preventative mechanism against allergies generated by the immune system have emerged. For example, it has been reported that children interacting with each other and thus possibly transmitting viral bacterial infections possess a more developed immune system, as compared to children who have less exposure and interactions with other kids. These include children who have more siblings or those who are regularly sent to day care. Children who had acquired viral and bacterial infections early in life have thus apparently acquired a preventative method of building their immune system, thus lowering their chances of suffering from an allergic disease later in life.

According to a recent report published in the journal Public Library of Science (PLoS), early viral or bacterial infections, through the involvement of the immune system, delay the development of a hypersensitivity reaction of a child’s body. This observation may be preventative against allergic reactions produced by the immune system, thus protecting the body from severe viral and bacterial infections.

The Results of the Immune System Study

In a study involving approximately 283 children with ages ranging from two to seven years old, physical examination was performed to identify signs of early infection to Candida albicans, a pathogenic fungi that commonly afflicts patients positively diagnosed with cancer or AIDS. C. albicans generally occurs among patients with poor immune system, thus lacking a preventative mechanism against the entry and infection to this agent. This fungus initially infects the mouth and the genital areas of a patient and then rapidly spreads throughout the body, often resulting in death. The study also examined the thickness of the skin in the triceps area, which often manifests any signs of fungal infection. Questionnaires were also completed by the parents of the children to collect information regarding family size, administration of BCG vaccination, and medical history of viral or bacterial infections during early infancy.

What This Means for Bacterial Infections

The results of the study showed that the children who were earlier exposed to viral or bacterial infections were strongly associated with a delayed allergic response to the fungal pathogen, C. albicans. This observation thus suggested that the immune system of these children possessed a preventative capacity against viral and bacterial infections. The study also showed that children who have been earlier hospitalized during their infancy due to viral or bacterial infections were less likely to produce an allergic reaction to C. albicans. This preventative mechanism of the immune system appeared to be a more effective method against viral and bacterial infections, as compared to the administration of antiviral or antibacterial drugs.

This recent medical report provides useful information in understanding the role of immunity to various types of disease, thus allowing biomedical researchers to design preventative schemes against infections and specific conditions such as autoimmune diseases. Immunity can effectively protect the body from the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms, yet it is also important to determine the actual timing of infection. The medical report suggests that the immune system needs to be activated early in order to generate a preventative scheme against immune disorders. Through this mechanism, the immune cells may produce specific antibodies that would interact and destroy foreign bodies circulating with the body. This preventative mechanism may also play a role in decreasing the morbidity and mortality rates associated with immune disorders.

Common Oral Health Questions Answered

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 05:02:15 +0000

For decades doctors have known that oral health can have a big impact on your general health. How you take care of your teeth and gums could determine whether or not the rest of your body will be in good shape. As the public becomes more aware of this connection, doctors and dentists face a barrage of questions about oral health.

Common Questions Your Dentist Hears Every Day

The most common oral health questions tend to focus on preventative advice. People want to know how to avoid problems with their teeth and having to make those extra trips to the dentist. Here are some common questions a dentist gets.

Q- Is fluoride really necessary?

A- Children need fluoride to protect their teeth from bacteria and sugar. Those who wear braces also need it to protect their teeth against white spots, also referred to as de-mineralization. A dentist will tell you, it is difficult for people with braces to access all the parts of each tooth during oral care. Fluoride helps those who are prone to root cavities and tooth sensitivity too. If you suffer from dry mouth for medical reasons you can also benefit from using fluoride because it can prevent cavities and infection.

Q- How do I prevent cavities?

A- Tooth decay is a common condition. The only ailment that occurs more often is a cold. Tooth decay leads to tooth loss in young people quite often. Tooth decay is what causes cavities. Preventative steps can be taken to avoid damage like cavities. The basic measures include brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, eating nutritious meals and avoiding snacks. Snacking increases the time that acids are in contact with the surface of the tooth. As an added preventative measure you can talk to your dentist about supplemental fluoride to strengthen your teeth.

Q- What can be done to avoid gum disease?

A- Every dentist has seen the damage of gum disease. Gum disease is caused by bacteria growing in your tooth and gum area. The bacteria irritate your gums causing them to swell and bleed. Smoking and the use of spit tobacco can also cause gum disease. Sometimes poor oral hygiene can also contribute to the problem. Flossing can significantly reduce your risk of gum disease. In recent years studies have shown that dried licorice root is effective in killing the bacteria that causes gum disease. There is also evidence that people who lack Vitamin C in their diets are at risk of developing gingivitis. Vitamin C has antioxidants that can repair connective tissue. Vitamin D is also helpful because it has anti-inflammatory effects. If you consume enough Vitamin D you could reduce your risk of swollen gums.

Q-Why do I have bad breath and how do I get rid of it?

A- Bad breath can come from food particles, poor oral health, improper denture cleaning, periodontal disease or smoking products. It could also be a sign of a medical problem with the stomach, lungs and bloodstream. Alcohol and some prescription medications can contribute to the problem as well. Here are a few preventative tips that will go a long way in helping you kill that bad breath: floss and rinse every day, don’t forget to brush your tongue, and see your dentist on a regular basis.

While preventative action is the key to good overall health, most medical professionals agree that it is even more true when it comes to oral health. Eating nutritious foods, brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding sugary snacks, and visiting a dentist on a regular basis has proved to make a big difference for a lot of people.

Study – Cancer Survivors Die From Other Things.

Sat, 16 Jun 2012 05:02:59 +0000

If you are a cancer survivor you know that cancer prevention can consume your life. However, recent research shows that approximately half of all cancer survivors die of non-cancer causes. This new research shows that cancer survivors should not only worry about new cancer development but should also be concerned with taking preventative steps to protect their overall health.

Cancer Prevention isn’t the Only Concern…

The researchers evaluated 1,807 cancer survivors that had participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys Study (NHANES). Breast, prostate, cervical, lung and colorectal cancer development were the most common form of cancer in the study group. The participants in the study were followed for more than 18 years. Over the course of the study, 776 of the participants died – 51% from cancer and 49% from non-cancer causes. Heart disease was the most common cause of non-cancer death in the group, accounting for over two thirds of the non-cancer deaths. Chronic lung diseases were responsible for 15%, Alzheimer’s disease 4% and diabetes 4% of non-cancer related deaths. The researchers found that the longer a survivor lived after the initial cancer development and diagnosis, the more likely they were to die from another disease.

The researchers state that once cancer development has been diagnosed, doctors as well as survivors pay less attention to taking preventative steps to protect against other diseases and complications; the focus is usually placed on cancer prevention. The researchers stress that with nearly half of all cancer survivors dying of an un-related condition, preventative measures should be taken to protect other aspects of their health. A more wholistic approach addressing cancer prevention as well as other preventative measures for good health should be established with cancer survivors.

Development of Cancer is Still Scary

Many of the steps for cancer prevention, including not smoking, reducing exposure to alcohol, exercising regularly as well as eating a healthy diet are also preventative steps to take to protect against other health conditions. Since heart disease accounts for over two thirds of non-cancer related deaths in survivors, taking preventative measures to prevent this disease is vital. Preventative measures that you can take to prevent heart disease include:

- Eating a heart healthy diet

- Regularly exercising

- Decreasing cholesterol levels

- Managing stress

- Quitting smoking

- Managing blood pressure

- Controlling diabetes

- Maintaining a healthy weight

By implementing these preventative measures against heart disease, you are decreasing your risk of death from this condition, as well as others including cancer.

If you are a cancer survivor, cancer prevention is always going to be in the forefront of your mind. Taking steps to prevent future cancer development is important, but taking other preventative health steps is just as important to your overall health and well-being.

City Kids More Likely to Suffer Allergies

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 14:19:26 +0000

Allergic reactions are caused by hypersensitivities to an otherwise benign substance. Allergic reactions can be triggered by almost anything, and two of the most prevalent forms of allergies include seasonal allergies and food allergies. It is estimated that one out of every 13, or 8 percent of American children suffer with food allergies and this number is on the rise. Some of these children have multiple food allergies and 39 percent of them have an allergy that is so severe, that it is considered life threatening.

Urban vs. Rural – Allergic Reactions

Previous studies have found that people living in urban areas as opposed to rural areas, have a higher likelihood of developing allergic reactions and allergic conditions such as eczema, asthma and seasonal allergic rhinitis. In addition, the results from a new study that will be published in the July issue of Clinical Pediatrics, suggest that city living increases the likelihood for food allergies in children.

The study was conducted by Ruchi Gupta, M.D., an assistant professor of pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a physician at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, and his colleagues. The researchers analyzed 38,465 children under the age of 18, living in urban centers, metropolitan cities, urban outskirts, suburban areas, small towns and rural areas. To ensure accurate results, they controlled for race, ethnicity, gender, age and household income.

The researchers found that nearly 10 percent of children living in urban centers had food allergies, while only 6.2 percent of children living in urban areas suffered from allergic reactions to food. They also found that urban children were twice as likely to be allergic to peanuts and three times as likely to be allergic to shellfish as the rural living children. Of all of the states, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, Alaska, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and the District of Columbia, had the highest percent of children with food allergies. “We have found for the first time that higher population density corresponds with a greater likelihood of food allergies in children,” said Gupta.

Much Different Than Seasonal Allergies

The exact reason why city living increases ones susceptibility to allergies is unknown; however one hypothesis is that the overabundance of pollutants in urban areas may trigger the allergic reactions. Another hypothesis is that infants who grow up in rural areas are exposed to certain bacteria that help to protect them from developing hypersensitivities to allergens.

Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for food allergies offered by mainstream medicine and although scientists have many theories, including this most recent city living hypothesis, they have no definitive explanation as to what makes people develop allergic reactions to otherwise harmless substances. “This shows that environment has an impact on developing food allergies. Similar trends have been seen for related conditions like asthma. The big question is — what in the environment is triggering them? A better understanding of environmental factors will help us with prevention efforts,” says Gupta.

Although this study is insightful, packing up and moving to the suburbs is not a practical solution for most. While more research is being done, you may want to consider seeking the council of a preventative medicine practitioner, such as a naturopathic doctor, in order to address allergic reactions without the use of harmful drugs.

What Your Tongue Can Tell You About Disease

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 05:22:49 +0000

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a type of preventative medicine that has been practiced in China for over 5,000 years. TCM is based on an understanding of the laws of nature as well as the balance, flow and harmony of vital energy in the body. TCM is considered a holistic modality of medicine because it addresses the root cause of a person’s illness and TCM practitioners do not believe in causing more damage by merely masking a person’s symptoms with drugs. Thanks to a gravitation towards holistic medicine over the past couple of decades, TCM practices have become more popular in North America and TCM may soon become even more common and accessible thanks to a new preventative health software application primed to hit the market in approximately one years’ time.

The Preventative Health Tool

TCM practitioners use the appearance of the tongue as a means of assessing ‘zheng,’ which is a measure of the physical health status of a person’s body. The researchers at the University of Missouri have recently developed computer software that provides health tips to people by analyzing images of their tongues in order to identify hot or cold zheng. According to Dong Xu, chair of MU’s computer science department in the College of Engineering and study co-author “Knowing your zheng classification can serve as a pre-screening tool and help with preventive medicine. Our software helps bridge Eastern and Western medicine, since an imbalance in zheng could serve as a warning to go see a doctor. Within a year, our ultimate goal is to create an application for smartphones that will allow anyone to take a photo of their tongue and learn the status of their zheng.”

Why This Software Could Act as a Preventative

The software works as a preventative health tool and generates health tips by taking into account the color of the tongue and the tongues coating. Yellow or red shaded tongues are a sign of too much hot zheng, while a white coating on the tongue is a classic sign of too much cold zheng. It is important to note that hot zheng and cold zheng do not refer to body temperatures; instead they refer to a number of symptoms associated with the health of the body as a whole, says Xu, who is on the faculty of the Bond Life Sciences Center.

Some signs of cold zheng include: clear urine, loose stools, a sensation of coolness and chills in the limbs, a preference for hot environments and warm foods, faint flushing in the face, and a high pitched voice. Some signs of hot zheng may include: fever, dark colored urine, red eyes, excessive thirst, constipation, dry tongue, rapid pulse, burning pain sensations and diaphoresis.

In order to generate this software the scientists analyzed the tongues of 263 gastritis patients and 48 healthy volunteers. The gastritis patients had previously been classified as either predominantly cold zheng or hot zheng and the scientists used the previous classification in order to assure the accuracy of the new automated software. “As we continue to work on the software we hope to improve its ability,” study co-author Ye Duan said. “Eventually everyone will be able to use this tool at home using webcams or smartphone applications. That will allow them to monitor their zheng and get an early warning about possible ailments.”

Ringing Ears Not Just for Old Folks

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 05:31:13 +0000

Can you speak louder please? Hearing loss has been long considered as a feature common among the elderly, yet according to a recent medical report, hearing loss can also occur in the younger, general population. According to the report published in the British Medical Journal, hearing loss may also be caused by specific occupations that are strongly associated with loud noises. It is thus important to understand and identify specific factors that trigger early symptoms of hearing loss in order to adopt preventative measures to decrease the risk of deafness. Knowing possible causes of progressive hearing loss may also help in the design of treatment schemes for hearing loss.

Ringing in the Ears and Hearing Loss

One general complaint that is strongly associated with hearing loss is ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus. This condition involves the hearing a sound even in the absence of an acoustic source. Tinnitus may thus be annoying to some individuals and can also become distracting, thus prompting these individuals to seek medical treatment to decrease this uncomfortable sensation and to learn of preventative measures against deafness. For others, ringing in the ears may disturb sleep patterns, resulting in physical and emotional imbalances due to the lack to rest that may be caused by these noises. It is thus important that the appropriate treatment for ringing in the ears be given as soon as possible, as a preventative measure against more serious complications.

It has been suggested that tinnitus may represent the existence of physical damage in the inner region of the ear, namely the cochlea, which is responsible in the transmission of sound waves to the brain. The continuous stimulation of the cochlea by the nerves in the ear may thus result in the perception of sound, even in the absence of a source. For certain individuals, the treatment for damaged cochlea involves the use of hearing aids, which amplifies the sound and thus augments hearing loss. The use of hearing aids may also serve as preventative scheme against accidents that may be caused by a decrease in hearing due to ringing in the ears.

According to the medical report, ringing in the ears may also occur in the general population, especially when exposed to environments that are characterized by loud noises. Construction workers, who are often operating machines that emit loud noises, are thus more likely to experience tinnitus and are thus in need of preventative schemes against noise exposure. The absence of treatment of and preventative measures against continuous exposure to loud noises may eventually result in the development of hearing loss. Ringing in the ears may also be caused by exposure to toxins, infections, and diseases and thus it is important that proper and effective treatment be given to patients as a preventative measure against the development of deafness.

What is Causing Ringing Ears?

The medical report lists a number of conditions that are strongly associated with experiencing ringing in the ears and possibly hearing loss if preventative measures against the causative factors are not controlled. It is also possible to design treatment schemes for ringing in the ears, which may usually focus in decreasing the loud noises that continuously surround these individuals at work or at home. Using a study population consisting of approximately 49,948 adults, the investigators conducted a survey on the type and nature of occupation of these study participants, taking note of noise exposure and other factors that may play a role in the development of ringing in the ears and ultimately, hearing loss.

The results of the study showed that the type of occupation plays a role in the development of tinnitus. This information may be used in the design of treatment plans for tinnitus patients, decreasing the discomfort associated with this auditory condition. More importantly, the report showed that a major preventative measure against ringing in the ears involved self-reporting of the existence of loud noise, thus allowing the workplace’s management to control the amount of noise exposure for these individuals. Among the male study participants, those working at construction sites were identified to be at high risk for ringing in the ears.

Interestingly, female study participants who led a generally inactive lifestyle were shown to be more likely to experience ringing in the ears. Although the discrepancies between genders may be quite stunning, the results of the study may provide information in the design of treatment schemes for ringing in the ears. For example, the use of ear protectors may serve as preventative equipment against damage to the ears. On the other hand, physical exercise may be suggested as another possible treatment for inactive women suffering from ringing in the ears. It is thus important to be aware of continuous noise exposure and to control its occurrence, if possible, in order to decrease the risk of tinnitus and deafness.

The Healing Properties of Lemons

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 05:51:12 +0000

The humble lemon is amongst a list of powerful healing foods used in preventative medicine for a variety of health promoting purposes. Lemons are nutritional powerhouses; they are very low in calories, sugar and carbohydrates and high in vitamin C, phytonutrients and flavonoids (a compound with potent antioxidant properties). They also contain vitamin A, the B-complex vitamins, magnesium, copper, choline and potassium.

Lemon as an Illness Preventative

Many of the healing properties associated with lemons stem from the measurable amount of vitamin C found within them. Vitamin C is not only one of the most important antioxidants in nature; it is also the primary water-soluble antioxidant found in the human body. The antioxidants in lemons scavenge free radicals and in so doing, they prevent free radicals from causing damage and death to your cells and DNA. Vitamin C is well known to help to boost the immune system as well.

Lemons are not amongst the top healing foods merely because of their vitamin C content—their health benefits extend much further. They are an excellent source of the mineral potassium, which is essential for smooth electrical transmission in the nervous system and brain. A deficiency in potassium has been linked to anxiety, depression and memory problems; as such, the regular consumption of lemons may help to prevent these disorders. Potassium is also essential for cardiovascular health.

The Ultimate Healing Food?

According to Elson, Haas, MD, in his book “Staying Healthy with Nutrition,” lemons are also excellent cleansers, detoxifiers and rejuvenators. In fact, drinking a warm glass of lemon water on an empty stomach daily upon rising is an excellent and easy way to cleanse and to prevent toxins from causing damage to your body. Lemon juice is such a great cleansing agent because it helps to promote both digestion and elimination and in so doing, it reduces circulating toxins.

Not only are they fragrant and affordable, but with the variety of fantastic uses for this functional food, isn’t it time you stocked up next time you are at your local supermarket?

Drinking Alcohol to Lower Risk of Liver Disease

Thu, 31 May 2012 07:33:15 +0000

Warnings about high alcohol consumption are nothing new; they’ve been handed down from generation to generation. In the United States alone, 27,000 people die every year from cirrhosis of the liver; however, a national team of scientists have made an interesting discovery about modest alcohol consumption (considered to be two drinks or less per day). They say they’ve determined it can in fact lower your risk of liver disease.

A Preventative for Liver Disease?

Alcohol as a preventative tool for liver disease sounds outrageous, but the researchers were curious about the effect of modest alcohol on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Also referred to as NAFLD, it is the most common liver disease in North America. Those who suffer from it have a much higher risk of cirrosis and liver cancer. It is also known as a risk factor for heart disease.

During the study involving liver disease participants, the scientists discovered what they call “compelling” evidence that modest alcohol consumption reduced the chances of the patients developing more severe forms of NAFLD. They reported the risk was cut in half. They admit that they can’t fully explain why alcohol acts as a preventative measure, yet they speculate it has something to do with the beneficial impact that alcohol can have on lipid levels, as well as the fact that alcohol can increase good cholesterol. Good cholesterol tends to be low in people who suffer from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Potential Anti-Inflammatory Effect on the Liver

Like most liver diseases, NAFLD sufferers experience inflammation. The immune system can’t seem to overcome pro-inflammatory action within the liver. Numerous studies in the United States and Europe have touched on the notion that modest alcohol can be a preventative tool when it comes to inflammation. Tests on both lab mice and humans have shown that one to two drinks a day can have an anti-inflammatory impact on the liver.

When people think of liver disease, the word cirrhosis comes to mind; however, according to the American Liver Foundation there are close to 100 different liver diseases. In most cases the liver attempts to repair itself, but the immune system is compromised and that makes it difficult for the organ to recover from damage, especially if it is self-inflicted. The vast majority of NAFLD cases are caused by poor diet. This type of liver disease tends to develop in people, who are overweight, obese, have high cholesterol or who suffer from diabetes. In some cases there are no symptoms, but in other cases people experience fatigue, nausea, jaundice, itching, abdominal pain and even fluid buildup in their legs.

What Does This Have to Do With Liver Disease?

The notion that moderate amounts of alcohol could lower the risk of liver disease comes as a surprise to those who have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. They have always thought avoiding alcohol would be a good preventative step, but now the old saying, “everything in moderation” comes into play.

The researchers involved in the national liver disease study are encouraged by their findings, but realize more investigation will take place. Meanwhile, those who specialize in the treatment of liver disease continue to advise patients to strengthen their immune system, eat healthy and exercise regularly.

Theories on Hot Tub Therapy

Thu, 24 May 2012 06:53:14 +0000

The heat and buoyancy of hot tubs have been known to help people with uncomfortable aches and pains. Some who suffer from arthritis, fibromyalgia, and diabetes brag about the hot tubs therapeutic abilities, yet there is also evidence to indicate sitting in a hot tub can damage your health.

According to the Mayo Clinic when the air sacs in the lungs become irritated and inflammation sets in, it is called pneumonitis. This inflammation created by pneumonitis can hamper the delivery of oxygen to your bloodstream. Studies indicate that pneumonitis is associated with specific varieties of mold and bacteria, which can lead to an infection in the lungs known as mycobacterium avium. As more cases develop physicians are referring to it as “hot tub lung”.

Why Certain Preventative Measures Need to be Taken

Here’s how hot tub lung happens: a hot tub is filled with water that is brought to a high temperature, the water becomes contaminated and bubbles form in the contaminated water from the force of the hot tub jets. These bubbles burst when they rise to the surface dispensing the bacteria into the air. You then breathe in the air, bacteria included.

Part of the problem is that a lot of hot tub owners do not change the water or filters in their hot tubs as often as is recommended. Researchers have discovered that the bacteria can multiply quickly if the chlorine levels drop and pH rises. The good news is that so far studies seem to show that the bacteria infestation is happening with indoor hot tubs, not units that are outdoors.

The symptoms of “hot tub lung” can be similar to the common cold or in some cases more severe. Chest tightness and shortness of breath is always concerning and can be associated with infections from the tubs. Preventative steps can be taken so that you don’t have to get rid of your hot tub. Following a healthy tip or two will go a long way in keeping your tub bacteria free.

• Maintain proper amounts of chlorine

• Drain and scrub tub with bleach solution at least once a month

• Keep surfaces and decks around the hot tub clean

• Always shower or bathe before using the hot tub

Taking preventative measures ahead of time seem like a small nuisance compared to the discomfort of a lung infection. A lung infection; if left undiagnosed, can lead to serious organ damage. Another healthy tip for indoor hot tub users…if you have what seems to be stubborn cold-like symptoms, fever and chills, talk to your doctor about getting a chest x-ray or CT scan. Both of these tests can detect pneumonitis. The sooner you get attention, the more chance you have of avoiding any permanent damage.

Hot tub lung does not form overnight. It is normally detected in frequent hot tub users. However, there are other types of hot tub bacteria that can cause health issues, including rashes. Again, the best preventative measure is careful control of chlorine and acid levels in the hot tub.

Damage to Your Body

Recent studies have linked too much chlorine in indoor swimming pools to lung problems. Researchers from France and Canada discovered that indoor swimmers had airway damage and scar tissue in their lungs. There is a concern that with warnings about “hot tub lung”, the pendulum will swing the other way; that people will start putting too much chlorine in their hot tubs in an attempt to avoid lung infections. While we may all have our own ideas when it comes to preventative maintenance, following hot tub guidelines when it comes to cleaning is the safest approach.

If you already suffer from heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes, a final healthy tip would be to consult with your doctor before entering a hot tub. You could be avoiding further damage to your body

Stress Can Make Cancer Worse

Tue, 08 May 2012 05:34:09 +0000

The idea of living with cancer can be challenging enough but did you know that feeling stressed out or anxious can further aggravate cancer? In a recent medical report published in the journal Public Library of Science (PLoS), the influence of stress and anxiety was shown to increase the number of cancer cells, thus inducing cancer progression.

Cancer Risk and Preventative Measures

Cancer is a severe medical condition that involves the abnormal division of cancer cells in a particular organ or part of the body. In certain cancer cases, the multiplication of cancer cells may be due to a mutation that was caused by exposure to harmful chemicals in the environment or in certain activities such as smoking or alcohol drinking. In other cancer patients, the emergence of cancer cells may be due to a defective gene that was transmitted through heredity. Regardless of route of cancer emergence, it is still important for each individual to be aware of his or her cancer risk and adapt preventative measures to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Preventative measures could help. Some say diet is the key to cancer prevention. Exercise can also serve as a preventative activity against development of cancer cells. Exercise promotes blood circulation, thus allowing the body to receive this important gas, which also plays a major role in most repair reactions inside cells, thus decreasing cancer risk. Getting enough sleep each day can also be a preventative measure against most diseases, will also decrease cancer risk, and at the same time allow the body to recharge after a full day’s work. Sleep is also a natural preventative method against the development of cancer and other medical disorders.

However, it is also important to understand that the effects of the abovementioned preventative measures to lower cancer risk can be useless if a person maintains a high level of stress or anxiety. According to the PLoS report, the continuously high levels of anxiety and stress can offset various cellular activities in the body, which are preventative against cancer cells and can potentially decrease cancer risk. Using cancer-induced mouse models that would represent human subjects with skin cancer or melanoma, these scientists subjected these animals to chronic stress and monitored various cellular and molecular events throughout the experimentation.

The results of the study showed that the immune system of the chronic stress-exposed mice with skin cancer was at a lower level, thus allowing these animals to develop additional medical conditions aside from melanoma. It has also been earlier reported that cancer cells generally develop when the immune system of a person is incapable of fighting foreign bodies or pathogens that have entered the bodies through infection. The study also showed that the lymph nodes of the mice, or the organs that are responsible for producing antibodies against foreign pathogens, were poorly functioning, as compared to cancer-induced mice that were not subjected to chronic stress. All these observations suggested that cancer risk and progression has increased in the presence of chronic stress.

The medical report contributes helpful information on the control of division in cancer cells, decreasing cancer risk, and identifying an additional preventative measure against cancer. Stress and anxiety therefore does not only affect the mental health of an individual, but can also increase the number of cancer cells, resulting in further progression of the disease. With stress and anxiety, the quality of life of a cancer patient can also deteriorate. Decreasing cancer risk by leading a stress- and worry-free life may be another natural preventative method against the development of cancer cells.

Taking Charge of Your Asthma Attacks

Fri, 04 May 2012 05:17:16 +0000

Asthma is a chronic condition that involves inflammation of the airways that are responsible for normal breathing. When you have an asthma attack, the muscles surrounding your airways tighten, making it difficult to breathe. This can causes wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and tightness of your chest. Allergic reactions are a common trigger for asthma attacks. The severity of symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the person. It is imperative that you take preventative steps to help minimize the risk of suffering an asthma attack.

Your Immune System and Allergic Reactions

The main job of your immune system is to protect your body from viruses and bacteria that you’re exposed to. In individuals that are prone to allergic reactions the antibody IgE that is part of the immune system is overly reactive meaning that it attacks substances that aren’t harmful. These substances are referred to as “allergens”. IgE antibodies cause the body to suffer allergic reactions when its’ exposed to these allergens. Common substances that cause allergic reactions are: pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, cockroach feces, and many others. Additionally, exposure to environment irritants can also trigger an asthma attack. Common irritants include cigarette smoke, dust, strong chemicals and perfumes, cold air and air pollution. Common symptoms of allergic reactions include sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes. If you suffer from asthma, many of these allergens and irritants may trigger an asthma attack. It is important to take preventative measures to avoid having a potentially serious asthma attack.

RELATED READING: The Down Low on Cigarette Alternatives

Preventing Asthma Naturally

If you suffer from allergies and asthma, there are a number of preventative steps you can take to reduce your chance of exposure to allergens and irritants, including:

1. Stay away from cigarette smoke – this is the most important preventative step that you can take as cigarette smoke is a serious trigger for most people with asthma

2. Keep furry pets out of your home

3. Use mattress and pillow covers to reduce exposure to dust mites

4. Replace carpet with hardwood, laminate or an easy to clean floor covering

5. Vacuum your home regularly

6. If you have mold in your home, get it removed

7. Keep the humidity level in your home between 35-50%

8. Fix leaks in your home as leaks allow mold to form

9. Pay attention to air quality readings and limit your time outdoors if the air quality is poor

10. Use unscented personal hygiene and cleaning products

Some of these preventative tips require effort and money to correct, but they will be worth it in the long run if you or a loved one suffers from allergic asthma.

Normal immune system responses are vital in protecting you against serious infection however, if your immune system is overly reactive it can cause you to suffer from allergic reactions. If these allergic reactions cause you to suffer an asthma attack, you are potentially at risk of serious problems. It is therefore important that you take preventative measures to avoid substances and situations that may trigger a reaction. By utilizing the preventative recommendations mentioned in this article, you will be minimizing your risk of suffering from a serious asthma attack

Country Life: The Way it Reduces Your Risk of Allergies.

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 05:51:42 +0000

An allergy is an abnormal reaction of the immune system, in response to an otherwise benign substance. Allergies are one of the leading chronic diseases in Canada and the U.S., with an estimated 55% of the total population testing positive to at least one allergen. Unfortunately those numbers are on the rise, and food allergies in particular are becoming ever more prevalent amongst the general population. Conventional medicine offers no cure for allergies and no preventative measures when it comes to contracting them. Fortunately, a recent study led by researchers at the University of Bristol’s School of Veterinary Science, has made a discovery that could eventually lead to preventative actions which can be taken during infancy in order to prevent allergies from developing.

The study which was published in the February 2012 edition of the Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Journal, found that growing up on a farm results in immune system alterations that reduces an individual’s risk for developing allergies and allergic reactions. According to lead researcher Dr. Marie Lewis:

“Many large-scale epidemiological studies have suggested that growing up on a farm is linked to a reduced likelihood of developing allergic disease. However, until now, it has not been possible to demonstrate direct cause and effect: does the farm environment actively protect against allergies, or are allergy-prone families unlikely to live on farms?”

The Study

The study was conducted on piglets because they contain many of the same genetics, immunity functions, metabolic mechanisms and physiological aspects as humans. There were two sets of piglets; the first of which was nursed by their mothers and reared on a farm. Their siblings on the other hand, were fed formula milk and spent their early life in an extremely hygienic isolator unit, in order to mirror the sterile lifestyle and environment that human babies are most often raised in.

According to the study, the piglets raised on the farm demonstrated a reduced antibody response to novel food proteins when they were weaned. In other words, they were less likely to experience allergic reactions to a common food allergen. The researchers concluded that early-life exposure to certain environmental components of farms, positively impacts regulatory mechanisms of the immune system and thereby helps to reduce the risk for developing allergies.

The Science

The researchers found that the farm-raised piglets had a reduced number of stimulatory T-lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) in their intestinal tissues. This is significant because T-lymphocytes are the immune cells that fuel the immune system responses that ultimately cause allergic reactions. The farm raised piglets also had higher numbers of regulatory T-cells, which are a subgroup of T-lymphocytes that reduce inflammation and regulate the immune system. More specifically, regulatory T-cells help to prevent an over-reaction by the immune system and immune disorders such as allergies are thought to be caused, at least in part, by low amounts of the regulatory T-cells.

Conclusion

More research needs to be done in order to determine the exact way in which farm living works as a preventative measure against the development of allergies. Previous research has found that intestinal bacteria (acquired in infancy) play a pivotal role in the development of a healthy immune system and perhaps the farm environment allowed for a greater flourishing of the beneficial bacteria. The researchers at Bristol’s School of Veterinary Science speculates that factors such as aerial contaminants, antigens from bedding, social and maternal interactions and early nutrition may also have played a preventative role in the development of allergies in the farm raised piglets. Whatever the explanation, Dr. Lewis and her research associates are optimistic that further investigations will eventually lead to a way to prevent not only allergies, but all types of immune system disorders.

Ineffective Ways Your Allergies Are Being Tested

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 05:43:49 +0000

Currently, more than half of the North American population suffers with at least one type of allergy, and the numbers are on the rise. Allergic reactions to foods and environmental aggravators can result in a variety of bothersome symptoms, including: nasal congestion, asthmatic attacks, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, headaches, fatigue, hives and other types of skin rash, puffy eyes and anaphylactic episodes.

Almost any substance can provoke allergic reactions, and identifying personal allergens is vital, in order to keep symptoms under control and prevent further damage to your health. Unfortunately, the two most commonly used methods of detecting allergies are outdated and often yield false results. In fact, two leading allergists– Robert Wood of the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center and Scott Sicherer of Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York, are now advising all Doctors to avoid using these two traditional allergy tests as a stand-alone means of diagnosis.

Skin Prick and Allergy Blood Test Basics

Most allergic reactions are thought to be caused by the activation of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in response to a substance that the individual’s body has identified as harmful.

The skin prick test involves pricking the skin with minute amounts of an allergen and noting how the skin reacts. If a hive-like wheal at the injection site appears, it shows that the individual’s immune system has created IgE antibodies in response to that substance, and it is supposedly indicative of an allergy. Allergy blood tests, on the other hand, involve withdrawing blood and measuring the levels of specific IgE antibodies that are circulating within it. There are many problems with these two types of tests however.

Why These Tests are Futile

According to Wood and Sicherer in the January 2012 issue of Pediatrics Journal, the activation of IgE antibodies merely indicates sensitivity to that substance; it does not necessarily mean that there is an actual allergy to it. In fact, many patients who test positive to substances during the skin prick or blood test do not actually demonstrate any allergic reactions when exposed to the allergen outside of the clinic. According to past research, false positives are so common that up to 8% of children test positive for peanut allergies when given the skin prick or blood test, and yet only 1% of them demonstrate any clinical symptoms.

Another problem with these tests is that they have no way of foretelling what type of allergic reactions a person will experience, nor do they reveal how severe the allergy actually is, which could leave a severely allergic individual extremely vulnerable to extreme or even fatal allergic reactions. In addition, skin prick and blood tests are unable to detect antibodies to medications and are therefore useless when it comes to the detection of drug allergies. Additionally, certain medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants as well as corticosteroids, can prevent an IgE reaction from occurring and an individual’s allergy may remain undetected when given these two tests. Furthermore, commercial tests vary in sensitivity and different laboratories may interpret test results in different ways, possibly yielding very dissimilar results.

Finally, food sensitivities and food allergies are becoming increasingly common in North America, and the blood test and skin prick test are particularly ineffective at detecting them. According to allergy specialist L. DuBuske, the accuracy of skin food tests in predicting food allergies can be as low as 50%. Moreover, when it comes to food sensitivities, the blood test and prick test are pretty much useless because food sensitivities do not provoke an IgE response. Instead, consuming a food that you are sensitive to causes your immune system to create an overabundance of IgG antibodies and the blood test and skin prick test do not measure IgG levels.

Conclusion

As mentioned earlier, it is extremely important that allergies are accurately diagnosed. Continuous exposure to an unidentified allergen, can not only wear out and damage your immune system, it can also damage your overall health and diminish your vitality. Unfortunately, when it comes to detecting environmental allergies, there aren’t currently any tests which yield more reliable results. However, when it comes to food allergies, you should talk to your doctor about undergoing a food challenge, which is considered the gold standard for diagnosis. Finally, if you suspect that you have food sensitivities, talk to your healthcare practitioner about having an ELISA test done, or consider following an elimination diet; both of which can help you to identify the offending foods.

Allergies: Are You Making it Worse?

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 04:18:42 +0000

Spring is here and this seasonal change often brings in various types of allergic reactions. Sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose are a few examples of allergic reactions that develop during seasonal changes. For other individuals, allergic reactions can further develop into more serious medical conditions, such as asthma, which is characterized by labored breathing caused by the constriction of blood vessels in the pulmonary system.

As a preventative measure to allergic reactions, several medications are now available in the market. Some of these preventative schemes involve the control of the production of histamines, which are nitrogen-based compounds that are released by our cells when exposed to specific seasonal factors that cause allergic reactions. For example, pollen and dust can be cause allergic reactions to certain people, whereas pet hair from dogs and cats can trigger a response in others.

There are also preventative drugs that facilitate the widening of the blood vessels of the pulmonary system, helping a person with seasonal allergic reactions to breathe better. These preventative drugs are also administered to people with asthma and other allergic reactions to external factors.

For some individuals, air filters also lessen the presence of particulate matter in the air that could cause seasonal allergic reactions. This mechanical preventative measure is often installed in homes, offices, and other establishments, with the expectation that these tiny particles are caught within the mesh of fibers of the filters, instead of being inhaled by individuals present in the area.

Now if you adapt all these preventative measures against seasonal allergic reactions, will these totally result in better pulmonary breathing? A recent study published in the journal PLoS ONE showed that there are certain inconspicuous acts that may increase the risk for developing allergies and thus do not increase the preventative effect on pain or fever. In the scientific report, the use of paracetamol was shown to be associated with a higher predisposition to allergies. Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is an analgesic drug that is commonly used as a preventative measure for headaches and fever. Paracetamol has arguably been considered to be a safe drug, with some claims allowing it to be administered to children and pregnant women.

The study involved monitoring more than 1,000 pregnant women for three years, including collecting information on seasonal allergies and the frequency of intake of paracetamol. Common examples of seasonal allergies consisted of eczema and hay fever, which are caused by allergens in the environment. The study was performed in Ethiopia, which is a developing country that would most likely involve the simplest preventative measures for treating pain and fever. In addition, the Ethiopia-based study also removes the impact of air pollution caused by automotive and factory effluents, which are also known to produce pulmonary disorders in exposed individuals. The inclusion of pregnant women also removes the effects of taking other medications, since these study participants are generally unable to take other drugs during pregnancy.

The report showed that the study participants often take paracetamol as a preventative medication for pain and headache, unknowing that this act could increase the occurrence of seasonal allergies. In addition, paracetamol is a very cheap medication that can easily be procured even in a developing country. However, the study showed that a higher frequency of paracetamol exposure was associated with a greater incidence of seasonal allergies, thus showing that the use of this medication is not a total preventative measure for relief. The study has also mentioned that aside from paracetamol, aspirin has also been reported to increase the risk for developing asthma and seasonal allergies. So if you are contemplating on taking a couple of Tylenol caplets for your headache that is associated with seasonal allergies, this preventative measure is proving not to be as effective as originally thought.

Avoiding Germ Threats in Your Kitchen

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 10:10:29 +0000

Every year millions of people get sick from eating food, including dishes prepared in their own kitchens. Some germs are simply a nuisance while others can be dangerous. Getting to know the top threats in your kitchen can help you put a preventative plan in place to avoid illness.

Tops threats

• Your hands: we have all heard how washing hands is a good preventative measure when it comes to cold and flu. Health officials across the country say the same applies if you want to avoid contaminating your food. Although it makes common sense, nurses who still visit schools say they see children and teachers picking up their food with dirty hands all the time, putting their immune system to the test.

• Sponge or cloth: germs such as salmonella and e-coli collect on your kitchen sponge or cleaning cloth. Studies have shown that over 100 different types of germs, including those associated with mold and yeast can be found on kitchen sponges so replace them at least every 2 weeks and clean them regularly. One way to sterilize them is to microwave them for 2 minutes.

• Cooking temperature: the more you cook something the less likely it is to have bacteria in it and thus the less likely you are to compromise your immune system.

• Cutting boards: cooked food, fresh fruit, and vegetables can get contaminated if you place them on a cutting board that was used for uncooked meats and fish. A good preventative measure would be to use separate cutting boards for meat/fish/produce/ and cooked foods.

• Drains: Bacteria like moist areas to hide away in so drains are full of bacteria. They can be cleaned out with some baking soda and a little scrubbing with an old toothbrush.

• Fridge temperature: to avoid cold and flu like symptoms or worse ailments, make sure your refrigerator doesn’t dip below 40 degrees F. The colder temperature slows the growth of bacteria.

There are other threats that you bring into the kitchen. For example, many consumers like to shop with reusable grocery bags; however, tests have shown that bacteria can build up in the cloth or plastic and contaminate your next purchase so make sure you wash those bags after each trip to the market. Another preventative tactic is to keep raw meat, fish, and poultry away from the ready to eat food in your grocery cart.

According to studies on food borne illness, the majority of kitchen germs cause a cold and flu like reaction. Often time’s people don’t even know they have a food borne sickness, they think they have the actual cold and flu. Doctors say sometimes germs weaken the immune system so that the body can’t fight off any annoying viruses that are going around.

Preventative steps such as the ones outlined above can go a long way in keeping your kitchen clean and safe, especially for people who are in a high risk category. High risk includes people who have serious illness or chronic diseases. They have difficulty fighting off food borne illness due to a weakened immune system.

When it comes to buying groceries, storing food, and cleaning your kitchen there are several preventative measures you can take to maintain safety. Government websites like Health Canada provide detailed information on food storage, cooking, and defrosting. Preventative health messages are also posted at www.befoodsafe.ca, including information about food recalls in Canada.

Food experts agree that a little care in the kitchen can keep you germ free and that means the cold and flu, as well as serious illness can be held at bay.

Boost Your Immunity the Natural Way

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 05:32:43 +0000

Whether you’re looking to fight off the seasonal flu, common cold or just want to be healthier, there are natural ways to boost your immune system. An immune system that is functioning properly has all the tools needed to fight off illnesses such as the seasonal flu and common cold. Additionally, a healthy immune system can help to defend your body against more serious diseases such as the swine (bird) flu and cancer. There are a number of ways to naturally improve your immunity. Additionally, preventative steps can be taken to minimize your risk of infection so that your immune system doesn’t encounter the germs in the first place.

Change your Diet

For effective immune system support, eat a diet that is rich in antioxidant foods. Many fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants. Next, choose healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fatty fish, flax seed and krill oil. Adding garlic and ginger to your diet will also help to naturally boost your immunity. Stay hydrated….with water!

Water is necessary for your body to function properly and to keep your immune system in top form. If you don’t consume enough water your body will become fatigued, your skin may become dry, you may start to suffer with headaches and this may leave your body in a state where it is unable to fight off illnesses including the flu.

Adding Herbs and Supplements to your Diet

While research has been inconclusive on whether Vitamin C can improve immunity, there is research that has shown that this vitamin can help to reduce the number of colds a person gets. The catch here is that it needs to be taken regularly, not just when you start to feel a cold coming on. Herbs such as Echinacea and elderberry help to reduce the duration of your cold symptoms. Taking these at the first sign of a cold make help to reduce the time that you suffer.

Eliminate Allergens

The first step to eliminating food allergens is to determine what foods you are allergic or intolerant to. This can be done by visiting an allergist or a naturopath. Once the allergen is identified, the allergist or naturopath will help you to desensitize yourself or help you to eliminate it from your diet all together. Once these allergens are removed from your system, your immune system will be able to function properly and focus on killing germs such as the seasonal flu.

Take Part in Regular Exercise

Moderate exercise, such as brisk walking for 20 to 30 minutes a day, can help to mobilize your white blood cells. These cells are responsible for guarding against infections such as the seasonal flu.

Reduce Exposure to Environmental Toxins

One of the best preventative steps that you can take for your health in general is to limit your exposure to toxins in the environment. Exposure to pollution in the air, cigarette smoke, cleaning products, etc. for prolonged periods of time will stress your immune system. A stressed immune system will leave you more susceptible to illnesses such as the seasonal flu. Try to buy environmentally friendly and natural cleaning products to decrease your exposure to toxic chemicals. While they may be a little more expensive than traditional cleaning products, it’s an easy preventative measure that you can take to protect yourself.

Learn to Cope with Stress

While occasional stress can actually help to build your immune system, chronic stress can suppress your immune system. For some individuals, stress is seasonal – for example, some people experience more stress around the holidays while others have more stress around tax time, etc. A preventative step that you can take is to learn how to deal with the stress in an appropriate way. Suggestions to deal with stress include meditation, yoga, physical activity, or speaking with a counsellor, etc.

Wash your Hands!

One of the easiest and most cost-effective preventative measures to stop the spread of illnesses, such as the seasonal flu is to wash your hands. It may seem simple, but many people do not practice effective hygiene routines such as hand washing.

Get enough sleep

Another preventative measure to avoid getting sick is to get a full 8 hours of sleep. In addition to feeling more rested and alert, it will help to stabilize your immune system.

Get an Adjustment

Another preventative measure to help boost your immunity naturally is to visit a chiropractor. Your nervous system is what is responsible for proper functioning of your immune system. A chiropractic adjustment will help to restore normal functioning of your nervous system allowing it to function properly to help fight against illnesses such as the seasonal flu. “Maintenance” chiropractic care means preventative care – you regularly visit your chiropractor for adjustments, even when you don’t have pain. This natural approach to health care is another preventative step that you can take to ensure your immune system is functioning at its’ highest potential year-round.

These suggestions will help you to naturally improve your immune system. Even if you follow some of the tips, you will likely notice an improvement in your resistance to infection.

Fight Bacteria with Something You Use Daily

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:12:57 +0000

Warm toast and honey, honey-garlic chicken, honey-roasted almonds…there are numerous food combinations that contain natures sweet nectar, but now people aren’t just eating honey, they are also turning to it to fight bacteria.

There is evidence that shows honey can fight bacteria and be used as a preventative measure when it comes to certain illnesses. Researchers at the University of Ottawa have found benefits in using honey for health. They say sinusitis for example; can damage the membranes in the sinus cavities by making them inflamed, causing a stuffy nose, sinus pain and headaches. The positive news… tests with honey proved to kill the bacteria causing the sinusitis.

During the study, the Ottawa researchers tested two honeys; Manuka made from tea tree bushes in New Zealand and Sidr from the Sidr tree in Yemen. They singled out two types of bacteria and discovered that honey not only was effective in killing the bacteria, it worked better than antibiotics. Their data showed that Sidr honey was 91 per cent effective in killing one type of bacteria.

This isn’t the only study that has come up with positive results. Researchers in the United Kingdom discovered that Manuka honey was effective in fighting 3 kinds of bacteria that tend to infect wounds. They see this as a preventative breakthrough in the spread of infection. The scientists involved in this study believe the honey’s preventative ability comes from the fact that it will not allow microbial growth. They are going as far as to say that it may even be able to reverse resistance to some antibiotics. More research is underway looking at both curative and preventative possibilities.

Scientists have been studying how honey works on the human body; how damage to the human body can be repaired by this sticky substance that we normally eat. So far what they’ve discovered is that Manuka honey keeps some bacteria from being able to attach themselves to tissue. It also prevents bacteria from forming biofilms, which germs commonly use as protection against antibiotics.

Nutritionists confirm that honey contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes that can nourish the body and boost the immune system. We seem to hear more now about people having immune system problems. This can be attributed to not getting enough of the right vitamins and minerals, so it comes as no surprise to researchers that people who consume honey on a regular basis have reported an improvement in their immune system. When your immune system is not functioning properly it can lead to all kinds of health problems. Many issues related to the immune system are difficult for doctors to treat.

The common flu is also a sign of a weak immune system. Even though the cold and flu is a virus, studies show honey can help attack respiratory infections caused by bacteria. When some people are suffering from cold and flu they put honey in their tea in an attempt to boost their immune system, and as a preventive measure. Flu sufferers have also been known to drizzle honey on food items such as fresh fruit. For centuries the Egyptian and Asian cultures have believed that honey can fight flu and colds.

The influence of ancient civilizations is obvious. A trip to your local market or pharmacy is proof of that. You will find preventative health products made with honey, products that focus on the immune system and items that are sold to fight the common cold and flu. A few examples are listed below:

Honey throat lozenges
Hot honey liquid drinks
Honey throat sprays
Honey lemon liquid Cold & Flu

Doctors warn parents that infants under the age of one shouldn’t be given honey because it has the potential be become toxic in their underdeveloped intestinal tract and can cause serious damage or death.

Researchers and nutritionists are also sending out a warning: Don’t treat wounds with commercially sold honey. Unlike medical-grade honey, store-bought honey could have spores or microbes in it that could make the infection worse; causing more damage to your body.

Superbugs

Taking preventative measures can keep you from getting sick, but in some cases, especially for those who are already ill, avoiding exposure to superbugs can be hard. Hospital patients who have a weak immune system are already susceptible to superbugs. The damage that superbugs cause can be devastating. Superbugs start with a skin infection and flu symptoms and can turn into pneumonia or a deeper infection that spreads into the bones, lungs or bloodstream. Although hospitals have put preventative policies in place, this type of flu has been known to spread rapidly. Doctors have learned that honey can make superbugs more susceptible to antibiotics. Much more investigation is needed, but right now the thinking is that a combination of antibiotics and honey could be helpful in fighting these superbugs.

Bacterial infections can be serious so they need to be treated carefully. When you have flu like symptoms it is important to seek professional advice. Taking matters into your own hands could cause permanent damage or worse…cause the infection to spread to vital organs. As researchers with the Mayo Clinic have pointed out, honey as a preventative measure along with exercise, proper diet and other professionally approved remedies is okay. They insist a lot more investigation is required to suggest honey can cure serious bacteria related infections.

Teams of scientists around the world seem fascinated with the potential honey presents. They are not only looking at ways honey can repair damage from bacterial infections, but they are examining the use of honey in attacking well-known germs that can cause serious illness such as streptococcus, salmonella, and e-coli.

While honey can’t be considered a cure-all today; with more research, scientists will be able to guide doctors and patients on how to treat the damage done by bacteria, and lead us to more preventative measures that can boost our immune system as a preventative against the flu, and the damage it causes.

Staying Allergy-Free… Indoors

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:58:50 +0000

As springtime kicks into gear, amid the improved moods and budding flowers will be one of the most frustrating things in the world. Allergies. But for every allergen that is outside, there is another possibility inside. Indoor allergens are a huge problem and affect probably about the same number of people as pollen and ragweed.

Inside houses, shops and automobiles you may find dust, dust mites, animal hair and other well-known allergens. It can be difficult to get a grip on the dust in your house, and far more difficult to get rid of the microscopic mites that feed off flakes of dead skin within the folds of your bed.

Not long ago, a European study analyzed more than 3,500 samples of dust from homes all across the continent. Researchers checked for how concentrated the levels of dust mites were and then checked out each home to search for factors that influenced the level of dust mite allergens. They found mites in the vast majority of homes, just as any study would find, because the truth is that most of us have dust mites living and breathing somewhere under our roof. They found the following risk factors contributed to higher amounts of mites: dampness in the bedroom, poor ventilation in the bedroom, the bedroom being on a lower floor, and having an aging mattress.

These are risk factors that can be changed. The researchers suggest that if you suffer indoor allergies, which are most often triggered by dust mites, replacing your mattress on a regular basis (perhaps every five years) and making your bedroom better ventilated can go a long way toward cutting down on your allergic symptoms. Both of these changes make life difficult for those little mites — and ventilating in winter months is particularly effective.

Another group of researchers also decided to look in to indoor allergens. This time the culprit was cat fur. If you are allergic to cats, and obviously don’t have one in your home but still seem to suffer allergic symptoms, it might be because these allergens can be in a house that does not have cats. That’s what a group of scientists found after checking out dust samples from nearly 3,000 mattresses.

Not shocking was the fact that homes with cats had considerably more allergens than houses that either never had felines or had one in the past. But households that never had cats can still have cat allergens, and high levels of them, if they are within towns where lots of people have feline companions. People who visit the home can bring cat allergens inside on their clothes, for one. And there was one last interesting link: homes in which people smoke will have higher levels of cat allergens. Smoke and allergens bind together to create greater concentrations in dust scattered around the house.

That would be a decent buffet for mites. If you have indoor allergies, take easy steps to prevent the sneezing, the sniffling, the watery eyes and the coughing.

What Does a Chronic Cough Mean?

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 04:31:18 +0000

Many people, including medical professionals, believe that chronic cough is linked to another condition. It is symptom of something, rather than a condition in itself. But is this correct? U.K. researchers have come out saying that this may be false and, worse, could be preventing the development of new treatments.

A new study has looked closely at the issue of chronic cough, with two groups of researchers from different institutions writing papers. Chronic cough is one that lasts longer than two months; a true nagging cough that does not seem to vanish on its own regardless of how much cough syrup you guzzle. Estimates are rough, but anywhere from nine percent to 33% of adults are afflicted by chronic cough. Cigarette smoking is a big risk factor, as smokers are at about a three times greater risk of suffering chronic cough.

The causes of this kind of cough are many. Infections, bacterial or viral, acute or chronic, could be the cause. Other possible causes include airway problems, foreign bodies caught in the throat, tumors, heart disease and the use of pharmaceuticals (especially ACE inhibitors). Whatever the cause, chronic cough is one of the biggest reasons why people see doctors. For lung specialists, anywhere from one to four out of every 10 patients will present with a chronic cough.

The researchers suggest that doctors need to clearly diagnose the problem. They need to take into consideration illnesses that are both common and rare. Sometimes the problem is the cough itself. Chronic cough could be causing swelling or transforming tissues in the airway. This, in turn, makes the cough reflex more acute and causes a long-lasting cough. Treating a chronic cough, they say, is twofold. First, you must identify if there is an underlying condition and deal with it. Second, you must help the throat and airways become less sensitive to cough.

The other study in “The Lancet” looked at how chronic cough can be managed. These researchers wondered how valid it is to say that chronic cough is usually tied to asthma, acid reflux or conditions in the upper airway. They think maybe a chronic cough can’t be treated just by treating the condition believed to be causing it.

They believe that research into effective cough treatments is being hampered by the belief that you can simply treat that underlying condition. This is, they say, “…jeopardizing the development of improved treatments.”

The researchers are calling for more research and better treatments. For now, if you suffer from a cough that lasts longer than eight weeks, ask your doctor or specialist to do two things: 1) Help diagnose any condition that may be causing it; 2) And help make your irritated throat less sensitive to the harsh reality of a cough. Because that in itself could make your cough keep on going.