Prem Health Center

Weight Management

2008-04-03T08:58:00.000-07:00

There are many approaches to dieting and many claims for great success with
various fad diets. To date, although many diets achieve effective immediate
weight loss, none has emerged as an effective tool for maintaining healthy
weight. The only definite recommendation that can be made about any diet plan is
to be sure it includes an exercise program, assuming there are no health
problems to forbid it.

The original food pyramid, with four food groups, has been replaced with an
updated food guide called "My Pyramid." This illustrates the relative
proportions of different foods that make up a nutritious, well-balanced diet
and includes exercise.
Calorie Restriction
Calorie restriction has been the cornerstone of obesity treatment. The standard dietary recommendations for losing weight are the following:
As a rough rule of thumb, one pound of fat equals about 3,500 calories. A person could lose a pound a week by reducing daily caloric intake by about 500 calories a day. Naturally, the more severe the daily calorie restriction, the faster the weight loss. Very-low calorie diets have also been associated with better success, but extreme diets can have some serious health consequences.
To determine your daily calories requirements, multiply the number of pounds of ideal weight by 12 - 15 calories. The number of calories per pound depends on gender, age, and activity levels. For instance, a 50-year old woman who wants to maintain a weight of 135 pounds and is mildly active might require only 12 calories per pound (1,620 calories a day). A 25-year old female athlete who wants to maintain the same weight might require 25 calories per pound 2,025 (calories a day).
Fat intake should be no more than 30% of total calories. Most fats should be in the form of monounsaturated fats (such as olive oil). Saturated fats (found in animal products) should be avoided.
Warning on Extreme Diets
Extreme diets of less than 1,100 calories carry health risks. They are also often followed by bingeing or overeating, and a return to the obese state. Such diets often do not have enough vitamins and minerals, which must then be taken as supplements. Most of the initial weight loss is in fluids. Later, fat is lost, but so is muscle, which can account for more than 30% of the weight loss. No one should be on severe diets for longer than 16 weeks, or fast for more than 2 or 3 days. Severe dieting has unpleasant side effects including fatigue, intolerance to cold, hair loss, gallstone formation, and menstrual irregularities. There have been rare reports of death from heart arrhythmias when liquid formulas did not have sufficient nutrients. Pregnant women who excessively diet during the first trimester put their unborn children at risk for birth defects. Of note, those whose diets include a high intake of fluids and much reduced protein and sodium are at risk for hyponatremia, which can cause fatigue, confusion, dizziness, and in extreme cases, coma and death.
Low-Fat and High-Fiber Diets
This dietary approach requires counting only grams of fat with the goal of achieving 30% or fewer calories from fat. One gram of fat contains nine calories, while one gram of carbohydrates or protein has only four calories. Fat in your diet converts more readily to fat in the body, compared with carbohydrates or proteins. Simply switching to low-fat or skimmed dairy products may be enough for some people.
There are possible drawbacks to this approach:
Some people who reduce their fat intake may not get enough basic nutrients, including vitamins A and E, folic acid, calcium, iron, and zinc. People on low-fat diets should eat a wide variety of foods and take a multivitamin supplement, if appropriate. Calcium deficiencies may be particularly harmful in women at risk for osteoporosis.
Many people start eating foods with too many carbohydrates, believing that they are not adding calories. No one should use a low-fat diet as an excuse for eating too many carbohydrates, particularly starchy foods and sugar. A high-calorie diet from any source will add pounds.
A small study in Norway found that a diet low in fat and high in carbohydrates ("carbs") increases symptoms of psychological distress, such as depression and anger. The study compared three different diets that had varying amounts of fat and carbohydrates in each. The diets contained the same amount of calories, but differed in the percentage and type of fat. People on the low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet reported more anger and depression compared with the other two diets.
Replacing fatty foods, such as cakes, cookies, and chips, with their commercial "low-fat" counterparts does not constitute a low-fat diet. These foods generally contain more sugar and hence calories, not to mention other ingredients, which have virtually no nutritional value. In fact, a 2002 study suggested that increasing sugar may, over time, reduce levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol.
Very low-fat diets may increase the risk for stroke from hemorrhage in the brain.
Some fat in a diet is essential. It should come from plant oils and fish, however, and not from animal products or hardened oils, such as margarine. Trans-fatty acids, found in hardened oils, are actually more of a risk factor for obesity than saturated fats from animal products, although both should be avoided.
Fiber and Complex Carbohydrates. In all cases, complex carbohydrates found in whole grains and vegetables are preferred over those found in starch-heavy foods, such as pastas, white-flour products, and potatoes. Fiber is an important component of many complex carbohydrates. Fiber is almost always found only in plants, particularly vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and legumes (beans and peas). One exception is chitosan, a dietary fiber made from shellfish skeletons. Fiber cannot be digested but passes through the intestines, drawing water with it, and is eliminated as part of feces content. The following are specific advantages from high-fiber diets (up to 55 grams a day):
Insoluble fiber (found in wheat bran, whole grains, seeds, nuts, and fruit and vegetable peels) has been associated with weight loss. Studies also suggest that diets rich in fiber from whole grains reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes.
Soluble fiber (found in dried beans, oat bran, barley, apples, citrus fruits, and potatoes) has important benefits for the heart, particularly for achieving healthy cholesterol levels and possibly benefiting blood pressure as well. Simply adding breakfast cereal to a diet appears to reduce cholesterol levels. People who increase their levels of soluble fiber should also increase water and fluid intake.
High-Protein, Low-Carbohydrate Diets
High-protein, low carbohydrate diets, such as the Atkins and South Beach diets, have been touted as effective ways to produce short-term weight loss. Because of their emphasis on fats and proteins, many experts are concerned about long-term health problems. A report in the March 2006 Lancet linked the Atkins diet to life-threatening complications that caused the death of one woman. The 40-year-old woman had a deadly buildup of acids called ketones in her blood, a condition called ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis can cause coma and death. Ketones are a known by-product of high protein, low carbohydrate diets. At low levels they can cause nausea, lightheadedness, and bad breath.
The long-term effects of these diets are still unknown. For example, the Atkins diet restricts some vegetables and most fruits, which are known to protect against serious diseases such as heart problems and cancer. The diet may also cause too much calcium to build up in the urine. This can increase the risk for kidney stones and osteoporosis. In addition, high-protein intake, particularly from meat, can be harmful in people with kidney problems. Individuals at risk for kidney stones, or those who have other kidney problems, should not go on high-protein diets without talking to their doctor first. Unfortunately, many people with diabetes are at risk of kidney problems, which could reverse any possible benefits a high-protein diet may bring them. Eating a lot of meat has also been associated with certain common cancers, notably prostate and colon cancers. A 2002 study suggested that such diets during pregnancy may increase the risk for high blood pressure in the child.
Still, significant studies say that such diets improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Studies in 2002 and 2003 have indicated that these diets lower blood glucose levels, which can be important in people who are diabetic. The diets also reduce triglyceride levels (unhealthy fat molecules) and increases HDL (" good") cholesterol levels. High triglyceride and low HDL levels are important risk factors for heart disease, and are common in people with type 2 diabetes. Studies are mixed on whether this type of diet reduces overall cholesterol or LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels.
Experts that promote the low carbohydrate approach argue that heart problems from obesity are due to insulin disturbances from sugar imbalances. Therefore, they believe that restricting carbohydrates is the best approach for obesity -- especially for overweight people with diabetes. More research is needed, however, to determine the long-term impact of such diets on health.
High-protein, low-carbohydrate diets include Atkins, Protein Power, Sugar Busters, and Dr. Stillman. The Atkins diet is one of the most popular and has a four-phase program:
Induction. For the first 2 weeks, individuals consume no more than 20 grams of carbohydrates a day. The diet consists of pure protein and fats. There is no fruit, bread, grains, starchy vegetables, or dairy products other than cheese, cream, or butter. This phase is not suitable for children, pregnant women, or anyone with kidney disease.
On-going Weight Loss. After the first phase, individuals continue to lose weight while they increase carbohydrate levels by five grams each day.
Premaintenance. When individuals get close to their weight goal, they add another 10 grams of carbohydrates per day as long as they do not begin to gain weight. Weight loss is very slow at this time, but the individual is now getting used to maintenance.
Maintenance. Lifetime maintenance is usually between 40 and 100 grams of carbohydrates a day, depending on steady weight level.
Anyone who chooses this diet should prefer fish or soy products to meat as protein sources. Fish may reduce leptin, a hormone associated with fat storage and heart diseases, and would be the best protein source. People on this diet should also choose monounsaturated fats (as in olive oil) over saturated fats or trans-fatty acids fat. Patients often need supplements, at least a multivitamin and possibly calcium, chromium, omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil), and other supplements.
The South Beach and Zone diets encourage healthy fats. They also allow certain carbohydrates. For example the Zone uses healthy carbohydrates (vegetables and dried beans) and unsaturated fats. The South Beach diet uses carbohydrates that have a lower impact on blood sugar levels. This is called a low-glycemic index. Low-glycemic foods include barley, dried bean and peas, milk, strawberries, and apples. High-glycemic foods include refined grains, white bread, white potatoes, and bananas and other tropical fruits. The glycemic index was developed for use in diabetes -- not for weight loss. Nevertheless, there is some evidence that foods with low glycemic indexes may produce a feeling of fullness and so discourage further eating. As with any high-protein diets, people at risk for kidney stones, or those who have other kidney problems, should avoid these plans.
Fat and Sugar Substitutes
Replacing fats and sugars with substitutes may help many people who have trouble maintaining weight. In fact, in one 2003 study, people with type 2 diabetes used the artificial sweetener sucralose and a beta-glucan fat substitute (derived from oats) as part of a low-calorie diet. At the end of the 4 weeks, they achieved better weight, glucose control, and HDL levels than those on a standard diabetic diet.
Fat Substitutes. Fat substitutes added to commercial foods or used in baking deliver some of the desirable qualities of fat, but do not add as many calories. It should be stressed that eliminating all fats from a diet can be harmful to general health.
Fat substitutes include the following:
Stanols. Stanols are plant compounds used in margarines (Benecol, Take Control). Benecol is derived from pine bark and Take Control from soybeans. Two servings a day of either brand, as part of a low-fat, diet can lower LDL and total cholesterol by impairing its absorption in the intestinal tract. Some studies have reported that the use of stanols can allow lower doses of statins (cholesterol lowering medications). Stanols do not appear to block absorption of fat-soluble nutrients or vitamins, as olestra does.
Olestra (Olean) passes through the body without leaving behind any calories from fat. Studies suggest that it improves cholesterol levels and helps people lose weight when it is used to replace a third of normal dietary fats. (Note that simply adding snacks containing olestra does not appear to have any effect on cholesterol or weight loss.) Early reports of cramps and diarrhea after eating food containing olestra have not proven to be significant. Of greater concern is the fact that even small amounts of olestra deplete the body of certain vitamins and nutrients that may help protect against serious diseases, including cancer. The FDA requires that the missing vitamins be added back to olestra products, but not other nutrients. The side health effects, if any, are unknown.
Beta-glucan is a soluble fiber found in oats and barley. Products using this substance (e.g., Nu-Trim) may reduce cholesterol and have additional health benefits.
A number of other fat-substitutes are also available. Although studies to date are not showing any significant side effects, these products' effect on weight control is uncertain, since many of the products containing them may be high in sugar.
Artificial Sweeteners. Many artificial or low-calories sweeteners are available. A 2002 study confirmed that people who consumed artificial sweeteners and reduced their sugar intake weighed less over time than those who took in similar types and amounts of drinks and food containing sugar. It should be noted that using these artificial sweeteners should not give dieters a license to increase their fat intake. Studies indicate that consuming some sugar is not a significant contributor to weight gain, as long as the total amount of calories in the diet is under control. There is some public concern about chemicals used to produce many of these sweeteners, and the side effects seen in studies using rats. Natural low-calories sweeteners are available that may be more acceptable to many people.
Saccharin (Sugar Twin, Sweet n' Low, Sucaryl, and Featherweight). Saccharin has been used for years. Some studies found that large amounts of saccharin cause bladder cancer in rats. However, the rats were fed huge amounts that do not apply to human diets. Currently there is no evidence that saccharin causes cancer in humans.
Aspartame (Nutra-Sweet, Equal, NutraTase). Aspartame has come under scrutiny because of rare reports of nervous system disorders, including headaches or dizziness, associated with its use. People with phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic condition, should not use it. Studies have not reported any serious health dangers, but some people may be sensitive to it.
Sucralose (Splenda). Sucralose has no bitter aftertaste and works well in baking, unlike other artificial sweeteners. It is made from real sugar by replacing part of the sugar with chlorine. Some people are concerned because chlorinated molecules used in major industrial chemicals have been associated with cancer and birth defects. Over 100 studies have been conducted on sucralose over a 20-year period, with no reports of such risks.
Acesulfame-potassium (Sweet One, SwissSweet, Sunette). It has been used in the U.S. since 1988 with no reported side effects.
Neotame (Neotame). Neotame is a synthetic variation of aspartame, but was developed to avoid its side effects. The association with aspartame has raised some concerns. Studies to date have reported no effects that would cause alarm, and it appears to be safe for general consumption.
D-tagatose (Tagatose). This reduced-calorie sweetener is made from lactose, which is the sugar found in dairy products and other foods. It may be especially beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. It may also have additional benefits that help the intestinal tract.
Alitame (Aclame) is formed from amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. It has the potential to be used in all products that contain sugar, including baked goods.
Stevioside (Stevia). This is a natural sweetener derived from a South American plant. It is available in health food stores. People with diabetes should avoid alcohol-based forms. It has not been carefully tested.
Other sugar substitutes being investigated include glycyrrhizin (derived from licorice) and dihycrochalcone (derived from citrus fruits).
Liquid Meal Replacements
Some studies have reported good success with meal replacement beverages (Slim-Fast, Sweet Success). They contain major nutrients needed for daily requirements. Each serving typically contains between 200 - 250 calories and replaces one meal. (Note: Using them for all meals reduces calories to a severe extent and can be harmful.)
One study reported that most subjects who had undergone a 12-week weight loss program and then used Ultra Slim Fast supplements as directed for maintenance kept off more than half their weight loss after more than 3 years. A quarter of the subjects were still losing weight.
Magnesium and Diet
Medical evidence suggests that a diet rich in magnesium could reduce a person's risk of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of problems including obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Metabolic syndrome can lead to diabetes and heart disease. A long-term study of thousands of Americans found that the risk for metabolic syndrome decreased in those who consumed the most magnesium from meals. The findings were published in the journal Circulation.
Support Groups and Behavioral Approaches
Commercial and Non-Profit Support Programs for Weight Loss. There are many different types of weight-loss program. (This report cannot address all of the many commercial and nonprofit weight-loss programs currently available, nor can it assess their claims.)
Taking off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS), a nonprofit support organization with many local chapters, is one of the least expensive programs, costing $20 a year.
Most of the commercial programs such as Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, and NutriSystem offer individual or group support, lifestyle changes and packaged meals. These programs tend to be expensive. There are few well-conducted studies on these programs. One 2003 study reported modest weight loss over 2 years with Weight Watchers compared to a self-help program. There were no differences in heart risk factors.
Cognitive Behavioral Approaches. Most support programs use some form of cognitive-behavioral methods to change the daily patterns associated with eating. They are very useful for preventing relapse after initial weight loss. The following is a typical approach:
The patient first records in a diary all activity related to eating patterns, including the times of day, length of meal, emotional states, companions, and, of course, the kind and amounts of food eaten. Most people -- even professional dieticians, according to one study -- tend to underreport their daily calorie intake. However, writing it down is still a good method for increasing a person's awareness of eating patterns. (One patient said that recording circumstances surrounding relapses was a particularly valuable guide for understanding the stresses leading to her own eating behaviors.)
The patient reviews the diary with a therapist or group to set realistic goals and identify patterns that the patient can change. For instance, if food is normally eaten while watching television, then the patient may be advised to eat in another room instead.
Good eating habits are reinforced by rewards. These rewards are other pleasures that substitute the high calorie consumption and sedentary activities.
Behavioral modification has been shown to be helpful particularly for people who have an overly strong response to the taste, smell, and appearance of food. It also may be useful for binge eaters.
Stress-Reduction Techniques. Stress reduction and relaxation techniques may be helpful for some people with obesity, such as those whose weight is related to night-eating syndrome. Changing Sedentary Habits and Exercise
Changing Sedentary Habits. Making even small changes in physical activity can expend energy. For example, simply getting up to turn the TV on and off instead of using the remote, and standing (instead of sitting) while talking on the phone may help a person lose up to five pounds a year. Other suggestions include cooking one's own food (instead of eating take-out or fast food), walking to as many places as possible, using stairs instead of escalators or elevators, and gardening. Even fidgeting may be helpful in keeping pounds off, and, in one study, chewing gum increased energy expenditure.
No one should rely on such mild activities, however, for serious weight loss. Only high levels of physical activity -- not just using up energy -- help prevent obesity.
Approach to Exercise. Exercise, which replaces fat with muscle, is the critical companion for any weight control program. In a one-year study, women who regularly averaged 3.5 days (176 minutes) of exercise each week lost significantly more weight than women who did not exercise regularly. Women who exercised more than 195 minutes a week lost nearly 7% of their abdominal fat.
People who exercise are more apt to stay on a diet plan. Exercise improves psychological well-being and replaces sedentary habits that usually lead to snacking. Exercise may even act as a mild appetite suppressant. Moreover, exercise improves overall health even with modest weight loss. In support of this, a British study found that overweight fit individuals had half the death rate of unfit trim individuals.
Be aware, however, that the pounds won't melt off magically. Losing significant weight requires both intensive exercise and calorie restriction. In addition, if a person exercises but doesn't diet, any actual pounds lost may be minimal, because denser and heavier muscle mass replaces fat. Nonetheless, regardless of weight loss, a fit body will look more toned and be healthier. In addition, exercise benefits the heart even with modest weight loss.
The following are some suggestions and observations on exercise and weight loss:
The more strenuous the exercise, the better the chances for short-term and long-term success. With intense exercise, the metabolism continues to burn calories before returning to its resting level. This state of elevated metabolism can last for as little as a few minutes after light exercise to as long as several hours after prolonged or heavy exercise.
Of the standard aerobic machines, the treadmill burns the most calories. It may be particularly effective when used in short multiple bouts during the day. In fact, frequent exercise sessions as short as 10 minutes in duration (about four times a day) may be the most successful exercise program for obese people.
Resistance, or strength, training is excellent for replacing fat with muscles. It should be performed two or three times a week.
As people slim down, their initial level of physical activity becomes easier and they burn fewer calories per mile of walking or jogging. The rate of weight loss slows down, sometimes discouragingly so, after an initial dramatic head start using diet and exercise combinations. People should be aware of this phenomenon and keep adding to their daily exercise program.
As people age, they also need to exercise more to keep off the same amount of weight.
Changes in fat and muscle distribution may differ between men and women as they exercise. Men tend to lose abdominal fat (which lowers their risk for heart disease faster than reducing general body fat). Exercise, however, does not appear to have the same effect on weight distribution in women. In one interesting study, women in aerobic and strength training programs lost fat in their arms and trunk, but did not gain muscle tissue in these regions.

http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/specialtopic/weight-management/weight-management.html

Weight Management Background

2008-04-03T08:53:00.000-07:00

A stable weight depends on a good balance between the energy you get from food and the energy you use. You use energy during the day in three ways:
As energy expended during rest (basal metabolism)
As energy used to break down food (thermogenesis)
As energy used during physical activity
Basal metabolism accounts for about two-thirds of spent energy. Your body generally uses this energy to keep your body temperature steady and keep the muscles of your heart and intestine working. Thermogenesis accounts for about 10% of spent energy.
When a person consumes more calories than the energy they use, the body stores the extra calories in fat cells. Fat cells function as energy reservoirs. They enlarge or shrink depending on how people use energy. If people do not balance energy input and output by eating right and exercising, fat can build up. This can lead to weight gain.

When energy input is equal to energy output, there is no expansion of fat cells (lipocytes) to accommodate excess. It is only when more calories are taken in than used that the extra fat is stored in the lipocytes and the person begins to accumulate fat.
Measurement of Obesity
Obesity is determined by measuring body fat, not just body weight. People might be over the weight limit for normal standards, but if they are very muscular with low body fat, they are not obese. Others might be normal or underweight, but still have excessive body fat. The following measurements and factors are used to determine whether or not a person is overweight to a degree that threatens their health:
Body mass index (BMI) (a measure of body fat)
Waist circumference (size around the waist)
Waist-hip ratio
Skin fold measurement (anthropometry)
The presence or absence of other disease risk factors (e.g., smoking, high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, diabetes, relatives with heart disease)
A person's disease risk factors plus BMI may be the most important components in determining health risks with weight.
The Body Mass Index (BMI). The current standard measurement for obesity is the body mass index (BMI). In general, a BMI of 25 - 29.9 means you are overweight. Obesity is a BMI of 30 and above. Obesity is then classified into three categories:
Class 1: BMI of 30 - 34.9
Class II: BMI 35 - 39.9
Class III: BMI of 40 and greater
These guidelines are very important for people at risk for diabetes, heart disease, or certain cancers. It is also used to determine treatment approaches such as when surgery may be appropriate. The higher the BMI, the greater the risk for significant health problems.
Calculating Body Mass Index (BMI). One's body mass index (BMI) is calculated by multiplying a person's weight in pounds by 703, dividing by the height in inches, and then dividing that number by the height in inches. The steps are as follows:
Multiply one's weight in pounds by 703
Divide that answer by height in inches
Divide that answer again by height in inches
For example, a woman who weighs 150 pounds and is five feet eight inches (or 68 inches) tall has a BMI of 22.8.
Waist Circumference and Waist-Hip Ratio. The extent of abdominal fat can also be used in assessing risk of disease. Some studies suggest that:
Women whose waistlines are over 31.5 inches and men whose waists measure over 37 inches should watch their weight.
A waist size greater than 35 inches in women and 40 inches in men is associated with a higher risk for heart disease, diabetes, and impaired functioning.
Evidence strongly suggests that more body fat around the abdomen and hips (the apple-shape) is a more consistent predictor of heart problems and health risks than BMI.
The distribution of fat can be evaluated by dividing waist size by hip size. For example, a woman with a 30-inch waist and 40-inch hip circumference would have a ratio of 0.75; one with a 41-inch waist and 39-inch hips would have a ratio of 1.05. The lower the ratio the better. The risk of heart disease rises sharply for women with ratios above 0.8 and for men with ratios above 1.0.

http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/specialtopic/weight-management/background.html

Dietary Habits that Increase Risk

2008-04-03T08:51:00.000-07:00

A number of dietary habits put people at risk for becoming overweight:
Night-Eating Syndrome. Night-eating syndrome is defined as having no appetite in the morning, insomnia, and consuming more than half of daily food intake after 6:00 PM. It is associated with obesity and is difficult to treat. Stress reduction and relaxation techniques may be helpful.
Binge Eating and Eating Disorders. About 30% of people who are obese are binge eaters who typically consume 5,000 - 15,000 calories in one sitting. To be diagnosed as a binge eater, a person has to binge at least twice a week for 6 months. Many experts believe that binge-eating carbohydrates causes an increase in a natural opiate leading to dependence on carbohydrates. Therefore, this condition should be treated as an addiction. Other eating disorders are bulimia and anorexia. Bulimia is binge eating followed by purging in order to lose weight. Anorexia nervosa is a mental illness in which the person refuses to maintain weight at the normal level. The patient with anorexia has a terrible fear of getting fat, and an abnormal perception of what his or her body looks like. Both conditions pose risks for serious medical problems, and anorexia nervosa can be life-threatening. A combined approach using behavioral therapy and antidepressants may help these individuals. Eating disorders.
Restrained Eating. Some people, mostly middle-aged women who have normal weight, have a pattern referred to as restrained eating. This pattern requires a high level of conscious control and usually maintains a lower weight. However, such restraint places these individuals at higher risk for loss of control and subsequent overeating.
Infrequent Eating. There is some evidence to suggest that eating small frequent meals uses more calories than infrequent large meals. It should be strongly noted, however, that packaged snack foods add calories and some do not produce a feeling of being full, so that people simply eat more than they should.

http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/specialtopic/weight-management/risk-factors.html

Specific Groups at Risk

2008-04-03T08:49:00.000-07:00

Anyone with Sedentary Lifestyles. Office workers, drivers, and anyone whose lifestyle involves sitting for long periods are at higher risk for obesity.

Ex-Smokers. The trend toward weight increase has followed the trend for quitting smoking. Nicotine increases the metabolic rate, and quitting, even without eating more, can cause weight gain, which may be considerable. It is important to note that weight control is not a valid reason to smoke. People in previous centuries did not smoke cigarettes, nor were they usually obese.
Shift-Workers. A recent study found that individuals who work late shifts (between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m.) tend to eat more and take longer naps than day workers and are more likely to gain excess weight.
People with Disabilities. Obesity rates are higher than average in people with physical or mental disabilities. Those with disabilities in the lower part of the body, such as the legs, are at highest risk.

http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/specialtopic/weight-management/risk-factors.html

Overweight in Children: Special Considerations

2008-04-03T08:48:00.000-07:00

Overweight in children and adolescents is rising at an alarming rate. In 2004, 19% of young children aged 6 - 11 were overweight, an increase of 8% from 1994. Among children aged 25, 13.9% were overweight in 2004, up from 7.2% 10 years earlier.
Definition of Overweight in Children
Children and adolescents are considered to be overweight if their BMI is above 95% of the children in their age and sex categories. Ethnic variations, timing of growth spurts, and higher normal fat levels around puberty can affect these measurements.
Causes and Risk Factors for Overweight in Children
Lifestyle Factors. Without educational or parental guidance, children are extremely vulnerable to the intense cultural pressures that are largely responsible for the obesity epidemic. The following are some specific problems created by the culture:
Excessive television watching plays a critical role in obesity in children. Not only is it a sedentary activity, but television also offers innumerable temptations with its advertisements for fast foods, sugar cereals, and unhealthy snacks. In one study obesity rates were lowest in children who watched television 1 hour or less a day and highest in those who watched 4 or more hours.
Sugar, particularly from soda, other sweetened beverages, and fruit juice, may be the major contributor to childhood obesity. One study reported that drinking soda regularly increases a child's risk for obesity by 60%. The average American adolescent consumes 15 - 20 extra teaspoons of sugar a day just from soda and sugary drinks. (Juice, while better than soda, is still filled with sugar.)
Less physical exercise and greater sedentary activities play another significant role in obesity in children. A high level of physical activity -- not just using up energy -- is important for weight control in young people. Unfortunately, according to one study, the annual distance walked by children has fallen by nearly 30% since 1972, partially because more parents are driving their children to school out of fear of abduction, molestation, and traffic accidents. Schools are also offering fewer opportunities for daily physical activities than in the past.
Neither the media nor the educational system has strong well-financed programs that encourage healthy alternatives, including exercise and healthy foods.
Family History. Parental obesity more than doubles the risk that a young child, whether thin or overweight, will become obese as an adult. In older children and teenagers, obesity in parents starts to count less as a predictor for body weight than their own weight. The risk for obesity may be due to environmental or genetic factors, or both.
Ethnic and Socioeconomic Factors. As in adult populations, children from lower socioeconomic groups and minority populations are at higher risk for obesity. For example, among young Mexican Americans and African-Americans, there has been an increase in overweight prevalence of about 13% to over 23%.
Factors Surrounding Birth. The following factors surrounding birth are associated with a child's weight:
Low birth weight is a risk factor for later obesity and diabetes. One theory is that humans have a "thrifty gene" that produces metabolic changes in infants with low birth weight. Such changes affect insulin and fat accumulation, in order to produce a "catch-up" weight in these young children as quickly as possible. This rapid weight gain in infancy increases the risk for obesity in children and young adults.
In a study of African-American children, having an overweight pregnant mother increased the risk for later weight gain, but low birth weight did not.
Although some small studies have reported protection against obesity from breastfeeding, evidence is weak. In a 2003 study, for example, children who were breast fed for 3 - 5 months had a lower risk for obesity, but prolonged breastfeeding had no effect. Nevertheless, given the healthful effects of breast feeding and the possibility that it may have even a slight impact on childhood obesity, it is highly recommended.
Biological Effect of Childhood Overweight on Adult Weight
Achieving a healthy weight becomes more difficult as children get older. The odds of obesity persisting into adulthood ranges from 20% in 4 year olds to 80% in teenagers. One reason for the persistence is biological. The fat cells change in number or mass depending on a person's age:
Fat cells themselves multiply during two growth periods: early childhood and adolescence. Overeating during those times increases the number of fat cells. Some people are also just born with more fat cells.
After adolescence, fat cells tend to increase in mass rather than quantity, so that adults who overeat and gain weight tend to have larger fat cells, not more of them. This growth in mass may be responsible for the greater risk of persistent obesity among teenagers compared to small children who are overweight. Losing weight after adolescence reduces the size of the fat cells but not their number, so weight loss becomes much more difficult.
Health Consequences of Childhood Overweight
Children and adolescents who are overweight have poorer health than other children. Studies are reporting unhealthy cholesterol levels and high blood pressure in overweight children and adolescents. Of great concern is the dramatic increase in type 2 diabetes in young people, which is largely due to the increase in overweight children. Overweight in children is also linked to asthma, gallbladder problems, sleep apnea, and liver abnormalities. Overweight girls are more likely to enter puberty early, according to a new study, and subsequently be at higher risk for breast cancer.
It is not clear yet how many of these childhood problems persist in people who achieve normal weight as adults. Staying overweight into adulthood certainly carries health risks.
Managing Overweight Children
Childhood obesity is best treated by a non-drug, multidisciplinary approach including diet, behavior modification, and exercise. Evidence suggests that reducing calories by only 200 - 260 per day would prevent weight gain in most overweight children. Here some tips for children who are overweight:
Limit (or avoid, if possible) take out, fast foods, high-sugar snacks, commercial packaged snacks, soda, and sugar-sweetened beverages (including too much juice).
Let children snack but make sure the snacks are healthy. Eating small frequent healthy meals (instead of two or three large ones) has been associated with being thinner and having a better cholesterol profile.
Let children choose their own food portions. One study indicated that children naturally ate 25% less when they chose their own portion size. When they were given larger portions their bite sizes were larger and they ate more.
Do not criticize a child for being overweight. It does not help and such attitudes could put children at risk for eating disorders, which are equal or even greater dangers to their health.
Limit television, video games, and computer use to a few hours a week. This can contribute significantly to weight control, regardless of diet and physical activity.
For young children, try the traffic-light diet. Food is designated with stoplight colors depending on their high caloric content: Green for go (low calories); yellow for "eat with caution" (medium calories); red for "stop" (high calories).
Try a low glycemic index diet. This may be as beneficial, and possibly more, than a standard reduced-fat diet in overweight children. Such a diet focuses on certain carbohydrates (for example, dried beans and soy), which raise blood sugar more slowly than other types of carbohydrates. This diet is sometimes used in diabetes, and as a dietary approach in overweight adults.

http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/specialtopic/weight-management/risk-factors.html

Body Weight Loss and Maintenance

2008-04-03T08:32:00.000-07:00

Even modest weight loss can reduce the risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. The simplest (but still difficult) approach to weight loss is reducing calories and exercising at least 150 minutes a week. Behavioral and mental changes in eating habits, physical activity, and attitudes about food and weight are also essential to weight management. For people who are very overweight and cannot lose weight through lifestyle changes, a number of effective weight-loss medications are available. For those with severe obesity, surgical procedures are proving to be very beneficial.

Some Tips for Losing Weight. The following are some general suggestions for dieters:
Start with realistic goals. Diet failure is extremely common, and the odds of significant weight loss are low, particularly in people with the highest weights. People who are able to restrict calories, engage in an exercise program, and get help in making behavioral changes can expect to lose between 5 - 10% of their current body weight. That is generally all that is needed to achieve meaningful health changes. Certainly, the distorted image of a super-thin female shape should not be anyone's goal.
Maintain a regular exercise program, assuming you have no health problems that will stop you. Choose a program that you enjoy. Check with your doctor about any health considerations.
Do not use hunger pangs as cues to eat. A stomach that has been stretched by large meals will continue to signal hunger for large amounts of food until its size reduces over time with smaller meals.
Be honest about how much you eat and start by recording all calories in writing. Studies suggest that when many people report their own calories intake they significantly underestimate their consumption of high-calorie and over-estimate the low-calorie foods. People who do not carefully note everything they eat tend to take in too many calories when they believe they are dieting.
Observe weekend eating. People tend to eat more on the weekends. If it is difficult to monitor all meals during the week, it be may be useful to at least track eating habits during the weekends.
Once the pounds are lost, do your best to keep the healthier weight. Make daily, even hourly, conscious decisions about eating and exercising activities. Such thinking, in many cases, can become automatic and not painful.
Don't give up, even after repeated weight loss failures. Most studies indicate that yo-yo dieting or weight cycling have no bad psychological or physical effects. Repeated dieting also does not harm the body's ability to burn calories efficiently.
Weight loss, in any case, should not be the only or even the primary goal for people concerned about their health. The success of weight loss efforts should be evaluated according to improvements in disease risk factors or symptoms, and by the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits, not just by the number of pounds lost.

(CD)

2008-01-18T10:12:00.000-08:00

Conduct Disorder (CD)

Most parents of Oppositional Defiant Disorder children feel that things can't get much worse. Well, in the event you ever felt that way I am about to put things in perspective for you. We are now going to discuss Conduct Disorder. Conduct Disorder is the most serious of all disruptive behavior disorders in children and teens.

This difficult condition affects between 1 to 4 percent of children and adolescents, is more common in boys than in girls, and occurs more frequently in cities than in rural areas.

There are chidren who show signs of Conduct Disorder very early in life, even before they begin to go to school.

Conduct Disorder often is viewed as a worse version of ODD, however there are some differences. Oppositional Defiant Disorder children tend to have worse social skills than children with Conduct Disorder. Also, ODD children may be difficult and defiant, but they usually have no desire to deliberately harm others.

Their difficult behavior is more of a result of their frustration and their lack of tolerance. Children with Conduct Disorder do intentionally cause harm to others, often for no real reason. Their antisocial behavior may include vandalism and theft, and these children terrorize their community.

Usually by the age of ten, these children have already been involved with illegal activities on a frequent enough basis that they have already had contact with the police.

Here is the official definition:

Conduct Disorder is a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which the basic rights of others or major society rules are violated.

The diagnosis requires that at least three of the following criteria be present in the last 12 months, and at least one criterion must have been present in the last 6 months.

These are:

Aggression to people and animals:

-often bullies, threatens, or intimidates others

-often initiates physical fights

-has used a weapon that can cause serious physical harm to others

(a bat, brick, broken bottle, knife, gun)

-physically cruel to animals

-physically cruel to people

-has stolen while confronting a victim ( mugging, purse snatching, extortion, armed robbery)

Destruction of property:

-has deliberately engaged in fire setting with the intention of causing serious damage

-has deliberately destroyed other's property other than by fire setting

Deceitfulness or theft:

-has broken into someone else's house, building or car

-often lies to obtain goods or favors or to avoid work

-has stolen items of nontrivial value without confronting a victim (shoplifting, forgery)

Serious violations of rules:

-often stays out at night despite parental prohibitions, beginning before 13 years of age

-has run away from home overnight at least twice without returning home for a lengthy period

-often skips school before age 13

The main thing that separates ODD from conduct disorder is the issue of danger. Oppositional defiant disorder children can be exasperating for everyone around them.

They argue, they manipulative, they cause discord between parents, and they disrupt the lives of everyone around them. But these children are not dangerous.

They do not harm others. With conduct disorder children, safety is a major concern. They are a threat to the body and possessions of those around them.

Even if your child has signs of Conduct Disorder, there is room for optimism. It used to be thought that conduct disorder children were just in the early stages of a life long path of criminal behavior.

This is not true for most children. Conduct Disorder children usually have multiple concurrent psychiatric problems.

Most commonly these children have ADHD, but many also have bipolar disorder, depression, learning disorders, and anxiety disorder. These other disorders are the key to treatment. Frequently, when you address the other problems, the Conduct Disorder behavior improves or goes away. This is true to such an extent, that treating concurrent disorders is the major key to breaking the path of a conduct disorder child to a career criminal.

Therefore, if your child does have conduct disorder, you absolutely must find out all the other problems he has and treat them aggressively.

This is another reason why a good evaluation is so essential.

If you suspect your child has Conduct Disorder, you should take aggressive action. This is not the type of condition that you want to wait around and hope your child will outgrow.

Synergy

2008-01-18T10:07:00.000-08:00

The Remedy In The Herbal Supplement

Synergy refers to the idea that the sum of the parts adds up to more (or less, in some cases) than the whole. This idea is an important one for herbalism where it is essential to combine different herbs thoughtfully and carefully in order to maximize the benefit a patient will receive.

When you combine different herbs, the result can be a great deal more powerful (and sometimes different) than any of the herbs taken individually or separately.

A well constructed formula will therefore be harmonized so that your body will not respond negatively to individual herbs but instead be able to fully accept the desired actions. Furthermore, synergy is enhanced when absorption and bioavailability of an herb is increased in a body.

It should also be noted that while herbs can work very effectively in combination due to their synergistic effects, alone they can be far less effective and sometimes produce opposite actions. For example, Ginger has an anti-ulcerogenic action which is considered to be the work of a zingerberene compound within it.

This compound was isolated and tested to measure its results. It was found that the whole ginger extract was sixty six times more effective than the zingerberene compound. The synergy of herbal remedies can actually be quantified because less of a herb is required to achieve the same effect when it is enhanced by the action of other appropriate herbs. For example, when 60 mg of Valerian is combined with 40 mg of Hops the results are the same as if the patient had been given 400 mg of Valeriana on its own.

This can be an important example as Valerian can cause stomache pain to many people in large doses, therefore the lower the dose of Valerian with the same result would be optimum in herbology. Negative synergy can apply to herbal combinations. For example, the combination of Echinacea and Andrographis enhances the immune system and is very beneficial in acute infections, however, Echinacea and Astrogalis / Huang Qi in combination can only be used in chronic conditions requiring immune stimulation and will exacerbate an acute condition.

This is why where herbal preparations are concerned it is wise to consult with an experienced and qualified herbalist rather than self prescribing. Each herb enhances the ability or action of the other ones.

If you combine Echinacea and angustifolia root you will achieve an immune enhancing result greater than taking Echinacea on its own. If you take Echinacea Purporea on its own you will receive an immune enhancing result.

However, if you add the two types of Echinacea together you will obtain at least three times that effect, not twice the effect. Putting them together gives a greater benefit than the two of them separately would give. This is the essence of synergy. Another example of how the action of herbs alters in combination is that of codonopsis (Dang Shen) and Astragalus (Huan Qi). Both of these herbs behave similarly to Ginseng and will raise your energy and tonify your Qi. However, when they are combined their main action is to increase immunity and increasing energy or tonifying Qi is secondary.

Synergistic results are also obtained when you give someone senna in conjunction with ginger. Senna will not only create a strong laxative effect, it can also cause griping stomach pains. To avoid this negative side effect of the herb, you can add ginger to the mix. By doing this, you will still obtain the laxative benefits but you will no longer have the cramping. Synergy also lowers the cost of herbal medicine because ‘assisting herbs’ reduce the amount of expensive herbs required to achieve the same result.

For example, Ginseng is an expensive herb but if you add ‘assisting herbs’ to create a much longer lasting formula that will also increase energy and tonify Qi you will be able to get excellent results, for the same or even lower cost. Phytomedicine or herbalism relies heavily on synergy to create natural medicines that promote healing in the best possible way for the patient.

The synergistic benefits of herbal combinations can be quantified and used but cannot be fully explained. That said, there is an enormous amount of evidence that synergy enhances the performance of herbs in the right combinations and is an important aspect of natural healing. Yet the market is still full of single herb products.

I believe this is due to the fact that companies rely on selling you herbs that you have heard of, not on making a forumla that is best suited for the ailment or condition. I continuously write on this subject, and the reason I learned Eastern and Western Herbology.

I use the best herbs for the job in a carfully developed, and most importantly synergenic formula. There are times that Echinacea is not the right herb for the job, there is a suitable lower cost substitute for Goldenseal in many cases, etc. Feel free to learn more at Dimmakherbs.com

Water Sanitation and Health

2007-12-23T07:21:00.000-08:00

The programme Water, Sanitation and Health supports countries in providing access to safe water and adequate sanitation for all in order to improve the health and well being of the populations. Specifically, the WSH provides:

technical and financial Provision of technical and financial support to Member States for developing policies, strategies and plans of action to improve the sustainability of water supply and sanitation systems.

Guidance and tools for sustainability of water supply and sanitation facilities with focus on :

Operation and maintenance, community management, participatory health and hygiene education transformation, Drinking water quality surveillance.

Assists countries in resource mobilization for the development of the water supply and sanitation sector.

Acts as a Secretariat for the AFRICA 2000 Initiative for Water Supply and Sanitation.

Makes collection, analysis and dissemination of information on water supply and sanitation sector monitoring through development of regional and national data bases.

Advocates for intersectoral action and expanding partnerships across different sectors, institutions and groups through networking.

Support to training and research in the field of water supply and sanitation.

Vector Biology and Control (VBC)

2007-12-23T07:14:00.000-08:00

Vision
The Regional Programme for Vector Biology and Control was established to work in close collaboration with other Division of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control (DDC) programmes with a vector control component and with the Division of Healthy Environments and Sustainable Development (DES) on environmental issues.

Mission
The VBC aims at contributing to the reduction of vector borne disease (VBD) transmission so as to impact on disease mortality and morbidity. The priority disease is malaria where at least 60% time will be spent and 40% for other VBDs.

Functions
To support countries in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of vector control activities.

To support countries in the strengthening of their capacities for vector control.

To promote and support implementation of evidence based interventions.

To contribute to the strengthening of legislative frameworks and regulation mechanisms and their application in relation to the promotion of integrated vector management.

Protection of Human Environment

2007-12-23T07:12:00.000-08:00

Inadequate shelter, contaminated food, and indoor air pollution are important environmental threats to poor households and communities in rural and urban areas.

Polluted and scarce water resources and the contamination of soils by toxic chemicals emitted by industrial, agricultural and municipal waste have drastically increased the cost of water treatment and vector control.

Despite commendable efforts by governments and development partners, 45% of African people lack access to safe water and adequate sanitation.

As a consequence, infectious diseases linked to poor environmental conditions kill one out of every five children, diarrhea and acute respiratory infections are two of the top killers of children, and cholera is endemic in at least a dozen countries in the region.

It is evident that these environmental health conditions are closely linked to poverty and the broader set of developmental challenges that countries face.

In order to address the above problems and challenges, the protection of human environment area of work covers a broad range of risk assessment and normative work.

With health and sustainable development high on the agenda, the programme ensures the:
Provision of technical guidance to countries on environmental health impact assessment
Strengthening environmental health measures and mitigation of harmful effects.

Technical support to countries in the development and implementation of pro-poor environmental and health policies and legislations.

Promotion of integrated and holistic community-based approaches that target the highly vulnerable.

Poverty and ILL Health

2007-12-23T07:08:00.000-08:00

Poverty is multi-dimensional in its causes as well as in its cures.
Poor health is a major contributor to poverty and good health status one of the means to prevent poverty or, better still, a means to overcome poverty.
For this reason, health is already considered as an important element on the international poverty reduction agenda.

The major objective of this priority domain is to address the environmental, social and economic dimensions of poverty and ill health within the framework of sustainable development practices.

To achieve this objective, the following interventions should be carried out by AFRO:
Provide technical support to Member States in formulating policies, strategies and plans of action to break the vicious circle of poverty, environmental degradation and ill health.

Provide an advocacy platform and rational guidance to Member States on equity and poverty alleviation principles for integrating health into poverty reduction programmes .

Provide operational support to countries at national, local and community levels, in the development and implementation of participatory approaches/tools for breaking the vicious cycle of poverty underdevelopment, unhealthy environment and diseases .

Develop the knowledge base through which to locate poverty and ill health in a broader political, economic, environment, social and cultural setting.

Collaborate with UN Agencies, business, NGOs and development of public awareness strategies to facilitate the formulation of community based poverty reduction projects and programmes.

Occupational Health

2007-12-23T07:07:00.000-08:00

To promote physical, mental health and social well-being of workers at work place

Functions

To provide technical support to the countries of the Region:
To prepare policies, programmes and plans of actions

To develop human resources

To support health information systems

To support community based projects

To mobilize resources for programme/project development and implementation

Long Term Health

2007-12-23T07:05:00.000-08:00

Long-term Health Development (LHD) is a new program aimed at promotion of long-term studies and planning inhealth.

LHD supports the Ministries of Health in:
Increasing awareness to long-term approach;

Developing capacities in vision formulation and long-term plans;

Developing capacity in environmental scanning and anticipation skills.

Health in Sustainable Development

2007-12-23T07:03:00.000-08:00

Trends in health development and health system performance are undergoing rapid change. The capacity of member states to provide sustainable solutions to health challenges will depend on how the capacity to provide essential care to all, and the capacity to alleviate extreme poverty evolve over time.
Given the complex nature of these challenges, it is imperative that member states adopt a long-term approach for sustainable health development.

The Health in Sustainable Development area of work aims to promote and protect human health vis-à-vis social and economic environment and development.
Its strategic objective is to influence development policy through a comprehensive understanding of the health dimensions of sustainable development and poverty reduction.

Food Safety

2007-12-23T06:59:00.000-08:00

Little in the way of foodborne surveillance is done within regional member countries; as a result the data are extremely scarce.
The high incidence and prevalence of diarrhoeal diseases among new-borns and young children are indications of the alarming food hygiene situation in member states. In addition to severe illness and death, foodborne diarrhoeal diseases cause malnutrition, which can result in stunted or retarded growth of children and also weaken resistance to disease.
Although outbreaks of acute poisoning are more and more recurrent in the region, inadequate or non-existent surveillance facilities hinder the assessment of chemical contamination on health.

A number of interrelated and mutually reinforcing set of problems keeps foodborne disease at a high level within the region at the core is poverty.
Poverty promotes the sale of affordable food in public places that unfortunately tend to be characterized by low levels of hygiene.
The lack of legislation and limited facilities for controlling the quality of imported foodstuffs further compound the challenges faced by member states.
\
The overarching goal of the food safety programme is to assist member countries to ensure consumer protection and significantly reduce the incidence of foodborne illnesses through the application of preventive and scientific based approaches and strategies.

The programme pursues this goal by:
Assisting countries to streamline food safety considerations into various health systems and programmes,

Advising member states to elaborate legislation and standards in this field,

Collaborating with national governments and international partners in the development and implementation of prevention and control strategies for foodborne disease outbreaks;

Promoting/strengthening food surveillance and assessment in member states.

Disseminating information and educational materials on food safety;

Environmental Risk Assessment

2007-12-23T06:57:00.000-08:00

The Environmental Risk Assessment programme is combination of two earlier programmes, Environmental Health Hazards (EHH) and Promotion of Chemical Safety.

The mission of the programme is to protect human health through the control, mitigation and elimination of environmental health hazards.

The programme aims to assist countries in their quest to improve public health by controlling environmental risks and hazards through cost effective means based on scientific facts and utilizing community participation.

The following components are included in Environmental Risk Assessment:
Drinking Water Quality Control

Sustainable management of chemical safety

Environmental health impact assessment and mapping

Sustainable management of biomedical wastes

Promotion of radiation safety

Other environmental health hazards of chemical safety.

Environment and Promotion of Health

2007-12-23T06:54:00.000-08:00

The Environment and Promotion of Health (EPH) programme aims to assist countries in the implementation of environmental health policies, a central focus is on tools/initiatives that have proven to be effective in making environments supportive to health, in particular the “healthy Settings approach”.

Recognizing the need for intersectoral action for sustainable health development, the programme works to promote comprehensive and partnership based approaches to systematically address environmental health concerns at the local level.

The Environment and Promotion of health programme concentrates on activities linked to healthy cities, healthy schools, healthy villages, healthy markets, etc.

It is based on the notion that health depends not only on good health services or individual lifestyles (important as these are) but on a supportive environment. Of particular concern are the most vulnerable groups in society such as children, within the context of the “Settings Approach”, the programme provides strategic guidance to ensure the rights of children to live and grow in healthy environments.

The programme pursues its goal by:
Providing technical support to countries in ensuring that health is an integral component of municipal and national plans and activities.

Assisting in resource mobilization and networking for city level projects.

Development and dissemination of promotional materials, technical guidelines and manuals.

Technical support and promotion of innovative community based-pilot activities within the framework of the settings approach – Healthy Villages, Healthy Schools, Healthy Markets etc.

Environmental Health Policy

2007-12-23T06:52:00.000-08:00

The attainment of sustainable development by creating friendly environment conducive to health can only be realized through the enhancement of an environment that is free from biological, chemical and physical hazards emanating from local, national and international sources. In this regard, environmental health plays a pivotal role in the endeavor to create and foster an environment that is safe to work, recreate and live. It is in fact one of the most essential elements and preconditions for development. The primary and principal step deemed imperative in the effort to deliver environmental health services is the development and formulation of comprehensive and sound policy in the sector.

The Environmental Health Policy (EHP) programme aims to assist countries in their endeavor to realizing the achievement of sustainable development by creating an environment conducive to health through the development and formulation of Environmental Health Policy and strengthening/development of their capacities to render sound Environmental Health Services.

The main areas of focus of EHP include:
Providing technical support to countries in the African Region in development/review of National Environmental Health Policies and development/strengthening National Capacities.

Assisting countries in the formulation of Environmental Health Policies to realize the implementation of the Regional Strategy for Health and Environment adopted during RC 52.

Assisting countries in the elaboration and review of their policies on the sector.

Assisting countries in developing Policy Implementation Strategy for proper and effective implementation of the policy.

Developing and disseminating technical guidelines and other promotional materials related to policy formulation, implementation and capacity building.

Coordination of Macroeconomics & Health

2007-12-23T06:49:00.000-08:00

Investing in health, particularly the health of the poor people, is central to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGS). Health is central to creating and sustaining the capabilities that the poor need to escape from poverty. The United Nations Millennium Development Goals set challenging, specific targets requiring urgent action and international cooperation for their achievement.

The WHO Commission on Macroeconomics and Health (CMH) consolidated the evidence for greater investment in health and set out an agenda for action at global and national levels. Before the CMH Report, economic wealth was taken as the driver of health: "As people get wealthier, they will get healthier". After the CMH evidence, health is being understood as the driver of poverty reduction. A well-planned strategy for health investments will accelerate social and economic growth. The Coordination of Macroeconomics and Health program, building upon the report of the Commission on Macroeconomics and Health, aims to support countries achieve the MDGs. It has three core themes:

focus on the poor by identifying cross sectoral strategies and cost effective options that will sustain improved health outcomes;

strengthen commitments to increased financial investment in health; and
minimize non financial constraints to the absorption of greater investments by increasing efficiency and effectiveness.

The program encourages and helps countries to prepare long term multi-sectoral investment plans, secure financing for both further preparation and for implementation of the investment plans; and provide technical support to countries for their plans in coordination with other agencies.

The program recommends the formation of a National Commission on Macroeconomics and Health or other appropriate institutional arrangements to coordinate the task of scaling up health interventions through: assessing health priorities, establishing a scaling up strategy, working together with other health related sectors, ensuring a sound macroeconomics framework, and preparing an epidemiological baseline, operational targets, and financing plan.

The key terms in CMH are investing in health for development, effective partnerships, innovative funding mechanisms, effective frameworks, inter-sectoral collaborations, and close-to-client systems.

Healthy Environments and Sustainable Development

2007-12-23T06:47:00.000-08:00

Coordination of Macroeconomics & Health
Environmental Health Policy
Environment and Promotion of Health
Environmental Risk Assessment
Health Action in Crisis
Food Safety
Health in Sustainable Development
Long Term Health
Occupational Health
Poverty and ILL Health
Protection of Human Environment
Vector Biology and Control (VBC)
Water Sanitation and Health

Taking Care of Your Heart

2007-12-19T02:10:00.000-08:00

Maybe your health care provider has told you that you are at high risk for heart disease. Or, perhaps you already have had a heart attack. Having diabetes means that you are much more likely to have coronary artery (heart) disease, a heart attack, or a stroke.
The good news is that you can take steps to prevent heart disease or reduce your chances of having another heart attack. Lifestyle changes, such as choosing foods wisely and being physically active, as well as taking medication can help.

What is coronary artery disease?
Coronary artery disease is caused by a narrowing or blocking of the blood vessels that go to your heart. It’s the most common form of heart disease. Your blood carries oxygen and other needed materials to your heart. Blood vessels to your heart can become partially or totally blocked by fatty deposits. A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to your heart is reduced or cut off.

What steps can I take to prevent coronary artery disease?
You can lower your risk by keeping your ABCs of diabetes on target with wise food choices, physical activity, and medication. Losing weight can also help you manage your ABCs and prevent heart disease. Every step you take will help. The closer your numbers are to your targets, the better your chances of preventing heart disease or cutting your risk for another heart attack. If you smoke, get help to quit.

A is for A-1-C
An A-1-C is the blood glucose (sugar) check “with a memory.” It tells you your average blood glucose for the past 2 to 3 months. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that people aim for an A-1-C below 7.

B is for blood pressure
Your blood pressure numbers tell you the force of blood inside your blood vessels. When your blood pressure is high, your heart has to work harder than it should. The ADA recommends that you keep your blood pressure below 130/80 (said as “130 over 80”) mmHg.

C is for cholesterol
Your cholesterol numbers tell you the amount of fat in your blood. Some kinds, like HDL cholesterol, help protect your heart. Other kinds, like LDL cholesterol, can clog your blood vessels and lead to heart disease. Triglycerides are another kind of blood fat that raises your risk for heart disease. The chart below gives the targets suggested by the ADA.
==============================
Type of Blood Lipid = ADA Targets
LDL cholesterol = Below 100 mg/dl
HDL cholesterol
for men = Above 40 mg/dl
for women = Above 50 mg/dl
Triglycerides = Below 150 mg/dl
===============================
What can I do to reach my ABC targets?
Making wise food choices, being physically active, and taking medications can help you reach your targets.
Make wise food choices
Many people find that changing what they eat can make a big difference in their blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. Below are several strategies for making wise food choices. Determine which ones you would be willing to try. For more information about how to make these changes, talk with your health care team.

I’ll eat less fat, especially saturated fat (found in fatty meats, poultry skin, butter, 2% or whole milk, ice cream, cheese, palm oil, coconut oil, trans fats, hydrogenated oils, lard, and shortening).
I’ll choose lean meats and meat substitutes.
I’ll switch to low-fat or fat-free dairy products.
I’ll eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
I’ll cut back on foods that are high in cholesterol (such as egg yolks, high-fat meat and poultry, and high-fat dairy products).
I’ll choose the kinds of fat that can help lower my cholesterol, such as olive oil or canola oil. Nuts also have a healthy type of fat.
I’ll eat fish two or three times a week, choosing kinds that are high in heart-protective fat (such as albacore tuna, herring, mackerel, rainbow trout, sardines, and salmon).
I’ll cook using low-fat methods (such as baking, roasting, or grilling foods or by using nonstick pans and cooking sprays).
I’ll eat more foods that are high in fiber (such as oatmeal, oat bran, dried beans and peas like kidney beans, fruits, and vegetables).
I’ll eat less salt and sodium.

Lose weight or take steps to prevent weight gain

I’ll cut down on calories and fat.
I’ll try to be more physically active than I am now.

Be physically active
Before you start a new routine, check with your health care team to find out which activities will be safe for you. Then think about how you can add more activity to your routine. If you’re just starting out, begin with 5 minutes a day and gradually add more time. Then work up to doing a total of about 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, most days of the week.

Take medications
Medications are available to help you reach your ABC targets and lower your risk of another heart attack. You may need several medications to stay on track.
Some types of blood pressure and cholesterol-lowering medications can protect your heart. Your health care provider can provide information about which medications are best for you.
Aspirin can also help lower your risk of heart disease.

Ask your provider whether taking a low-dose aspirin every day would be wise.

What can help me quit smoking?
If you’re ready to quit, talk with your health care team. They can help you find ways to quit. Joining a support group or smoking-cessation program can also help.

Heart Disease and Stroke

2007-12-19T02:00:00.000-08:00

Did you know that 2 out of 3 people with diabetes die from heart disease and stroke? Make the Link! Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke is an initiative of the American Diabetes Association and the American College of Cardiology, aimed at increasing awareness of the link between diabetes and heart disease.

Make the Link! stresses that diabetes management is more than control of blood glucose. People with diabetes must also manage blood pressure and cholesterol and talk to their health provider to learn about other ways to reduce their chance for heart attacks and stroke.

For People with Diabetes and Their Loved Ones
For Health Professionals

http://www.diabetes.org/type-1-diabetes/well-being/taking-care-heart.jsp

Lower Back Pain

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

Three out of four people experience lower back pain. A majority of these pain symptoms normally subside on their own unless they stem from serious back injuries. Keeping fit and maintaining an active lifestyle can keep lower back pain at bay. Painkillers can also alleviate pain symptoms. However, chronic back pain can develop in some people, which may make additional treatment necessary.

The Anatomy of the Lower Back The lower back is mainly composed of muscles which envelope and connect to the spine. The spine is a column made up of generally circular bones known as the vertebrae. Between each vertebra are tough elastic discs which allow the spine adequate flexibility. Fibrous ligaments connected to each nearby vertebra also work to support and strengthen the spine. The muscles that surround the spine help it accomplish a wide range of motion. Enclosed within the spine is the spinal cord which houses the nerves connecting to the brain. These nerves which intertwine within the vertebrae are responsible for sending and receiving messages from all the different body parts to the brain, and vice versa.

Types of lower back pain
1.) Simple lower back pain
The most prevalent type of lower back pain is the simple lower back pain, also known as ‘non-specific’ lower back pain. This means that pain symptoms are not caused by any other disease. A sprain, or an overstretched ligament or muscle can be a cause for pain. So can minimal disc or facet joint problems that occur between vertebrae. Even for a physician performing several tests, it is impossible to determine the cause of pain and where the pain originates from. Because of this, nearly 19 in 20 cases of acute lower back pain have been diagnosed as ‘simpler lower back pain’. A sudden onset of pain may follow the lifting of a heavy object, or after making an uncomfortable twisting motion. Some people wake up to lower back pain.
Simple lower back pain can range from minimal to severe. The pain may be concentrated on a localized region on the lower back and may spread to the buttocks and thighs. Lying prone on a flat surface can sometimes ease symptoms, but any movement of the back, like a cough or a sneeze can exacerbate the pain. Simple lower back pain is ‘mechanical’ in nature as it can vary depending on posture or movement. Simple lower back pain can ease by itself within a short period of time, in a week or two. In 3 out of 4 sufferers, pain symptoms disappear entirely or are significantly reduced in a month’s time.
Nine out of ten cases report the absence or considerable reduction of pain within six weeks. Although the pain symptoms do improve, they may reoccur periodically afterwards. Minimal twinges of pain may be felt in one instance or another after the first big bout of back pain. Other sufferers experience a persistence of these minor pains for more than a month or two, giving rise to what is known as chronic back pain.

2.) Nerve root pain
Nerve root pain is caused by a ‘trapped nerve’ from the spinal cord that is subject to compression or constriction. Arising in less than one in twenty cases, the pain is felt along the course of the nerve and may travel down the leg, calf or foot. Often symptoms are more severe in the leg or foot than it is at the nerve origin. An example of nerve root pain is Sciatica, a condition where pressure is placed on the sciatic nerve, irritating it and causing pain. Pain can range from mild to severe. Similar to simple back pain, symptoms can be alleviated by lying flat on a surface, or aggravated by back movement, coughing or sneezing. Other symptoms include tingling, numbness, and a feeling of weakness along the regions of the buttocks, leg or foot.

One of the causes of nerve irritation or pressure can stem from the inflamed conditions of a sprained ligament or muscle. Another is ‘slipped disc’, where the disc does not literally “slip”, but is manifested when its soft interior portion prolapses or protrudes out of a breach in the harder outer disc perimeter. This protrusion can put pressure on a nearby nerve and cause pain (refer to the separate leaflet on “Prolapsed Disc”). Other lesser known conditions may also cause nerve root pain.

Other Causes of Lower Back Pain
1.) Arthritis – this condition is caused by inflammation of the joints. When it occurs within the spine, it can cause back pain.
2.) Osteoarthritis – the most common form arthritis in older people.
3.) Ankylosing spondylitis – may be manifested in young adults, causing lower back pain and stiffness.
4.) Rheumatoid arthritis – can affect the spine as well as other joints in the body (refer to separate leaflet on the different types of arthritis).
5.) In less than one in a hundred cases, lower back pain can be caused by rare bone disorders, tumors, infectious diseases, and constrictions caused by other bone structures close to the spine.

Determining the Type of Back Pain
In the normal course of events, lower back pain may suddenly occur (acute onset), caused by simple low back pain. In most cases, sufferers bear with the symptoms and undertake self medication, with varying degrees of success. In case of doubt as to the cause of the pain symptoms, it is also advisable to consult with a physician for proper diagnosis.
Some symptoms may arise as a result of an underlying problem related to the pain. It is best to schedule an appointment with a doctor when the following signs are manifested:
1.) Patient is under the age of 20 or over the age of 55.
2.) Pain symptoms are constant, and are not alleviated by either lying down or resting.
3.) Pain runs through to the chest, and originates from the upper back, just behind the chest.
4.) Pain began gradually, and progressed to severe symptoms through the course of days or weeks, differentiated from simple lower back pain which can occur all of a sudden.
5.) Other symptoms may include:
• Weak leg or foot muscles.
• Numbness experienced within the region of the buttocks, around the anal area, or in a leg or foot.
• Bladder or bowel disorders, like inability to urinate or incontinence.
• Fever, loss of weight, and general feeling of poor health.
• Recent occurrence of violent injury or trauma to the back.
• An existing cancer diagnosis.
• Steroid use for more than a month.
• A generally compromised immune system (e.g., usually brought about by chemotherapy or HIV/AIDS).
• Doubt about any of the symptoms manifested.

The Rare but Critical Cauda Equina syndrome
Cauda equine syndrome is a very serious type of nerve root problem that is classified as an emergency case. Although uncommon, this syndrome leads to lower back pain, inability to urinate, numbness within the anal area, and a feeling of weakness in one or both legs. The disorder, which requires urgent medical attention, is caused when the nerves at the end of the spinal cord are subject to constriction. If left unattended, Cauda equine syndrome can permanently destroy the nerves connecting to the bladder and bowels. As soon as symptoms of this ailment put in an appearance, it is advised to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

When Tests are Needed
When a physician has made an accurate diagnosis based on physical examination and evaluation of the pain symptoms, tests are usually unnecessary. Nerve root pain that occurs suddenly and subsides after a few weeks will require no tests. X-rays or back scans will show nothing out of the ordinary for symptoms of simple lower back pain. However, when nerve root pain remains constant or severe, or if there may be a suspected underlying cause for the pain, the doctor may recommend that an x-ray or scan be taken.

Treating Simple Lower Back Pain
1.) Regular Exercise
It is important to maintain regular everyday activities despite the discomfort. Although this may initially prove difficult because of the pain, increasing one’s range of motion incrementally can be bearable if not overdone. Goal setting can be a good idea to track progress and provide encouragement. Medical advice in the past included recommendations of rest until the pain subsided. This has now been proven inconclusive as prolonged immobility increases the risk of developing chronic back pain. By continuing to move, faster recovery from pain is likely to occur. Likewise, past advice on sleeping positions - flat on one’s back on a firm mattress - has also been unproven in relieving pain symptoms. Current recommendations involve advising patients to sleep in a position and on a mattress they feel most comfortable in.

2.) Pain Medication
When pain medication is necessary, it would be better to take them on a regular basis rather than intermittently as needed. Regular doses work better to ease pain symptoms and enable increased activity in the sufferer. Some examples of pain killing medication include:
1.) Paracetamol – this analgesic works efficiently if full strength doses are taken regularly. Adult dosage amounts to 1000 mg, or two 500 mg tablets, taken four times in a day.
2.) Anti-inflammatory painkillers – some pain sufferers have discovered that these provide more effective pain relief compared to paracetamol. Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprogen, or prescription medication like diclofenac are widely available in pharmacies. However, anti-inflammatory drugs are dangerous for people suffering from asthma, high blood pressure, kidney ailments or heart disease.
3.) Industrial strength painkillers – like codeine may be taken together with paracetamol. One side-effect of this drug is constipation, and straining during hard bowel movement can worsen back pain symptoms. Constipation can be avoided by consuming fibrous food and increasing fluid intake.
4.) Muscle relaxants – work well if the back muscles are constantly tense. The muscle relaxant diazepam may be prescribed for a minimum of a few days to loosen tight back muscles that worsen back pain.

Physical treatments for Lower Back Pain
Physical remedies that include sessions with a physical therapist, chiropractor or osteopath can aid in providing short-term relief from back pain. Although not backed by scientific evidence, there have been cases where physical treatments have resulted in faster recovery from lower back pain.
Other Treatments
There are a lot of treatments for lower back pain, and programs for such should be monitored by a physician to determine whether they make symptoms worse, if pain continues for more than 4 to 6 weeks, or if the symptoms start to change. Trying different kinds of treatments for chronic back pain may be necessary until one finds a treatment that works.

Treatments for Other Types of Back Pain
Nerve root pain
The treatment for nerve root pain is similar to that of simpler lower back pain. Symptoms of this type of disorder usually disappear over a period of one or two weeks. Physical treatments may also provide temporary relief from pain. However, chronic back pain stemming from a ‘slipped disc’ may require surgery for immediate relief of the pressured or irritated nerve.

Other Causes of Back Pain
Treatment for other types of back pain would have to depend on the main cause of pain symptoms. For instance, pain caused by arthritis can be remedied by different kinds of arthritis medications.
Preventing Reoccurrence of Back Pain There has been a glut of evidence that point toward leading an active lifestyle and regular exercise as the best possible solutions to preventing back pain. Aerobic activities like walking, running or swimming can help keep the body in a general state of fitness. Although there is no supporting evidence that performing back strengthening exercises can prevent reoccurrence of back pain, it is advisable to be well-informed about proper lifting techniques to avoid injury, particularly when lifting objects while in an awkward or twisted position.

A Summary of Back Pain Tips
• Acute lower back pain, even if severe, is normally not considered critical.
• Recovery from lower back pain is a speedy process taking as little as a week.
• Although nerve root pain and prolapsed (‘slipped’) discs are an uncommon occurrence, they usually heal by themselves without requiring surgery.
• Keeping active as much as possible and continuing with routine everyday activities such as going to work, will hasten recovery from lower back pain. Limiting movement and doing little exercise will only increase the risk of developing chronic symptoms.
• Should the pain be severe, initial rest may be necessary, but incremental movement is encouraged for a speedier recovery – something that constant bed rest will not provide. Warming up the muscles through motion is preferable to having them stiffen up from long periods of immobilization.
• Bearing some measure of pain and discomfort may be necessary while returning to everyday activities. Simple lower back pain will not be aggravated by movement. In fact, constant activity will help prevent the development of chronic long-term symptoms.
• Regular use of painkillers can alleviate the pain during the recovery period.
• If pain worsens or continues for more than 4 to 6 weeks, or if other uncommon symptoms develop, it is advisable to consult a doctor immediately.

Aromatherapy and Essential Oils at a Glance

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

The word "Aromatherapy" comes from two words: "Aroma" meaning fragrance and "Therapy" meaning treatment. Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses volatile liquid plant materials known as essential oils or organic oils and other scented compounds from plants for the purpose of affecting a person's mood or health. It is a healing art based in nature and it affects the whole person-mind, body and spirit. Complete or holistic healing is ever-increasingly utilized today in every modern society. Aromatherapy is a fast growing therapy in holistic medicine. As far back as 18,000 B.C., flowers, plants, and their essences were used for healing, relaxation and energizing.

Aromatherapy was used by the most ancient civilizations: Egypt, China and India, and is reputed to be at least 6000 years old. Aromatherapy is an art as well as science of using aromatic substances usually essential oils to cure common ailments. It is also popular as a stress reliever.

Pure essential oils have an immediate impact on our sense of smell. When essential oils are inhaled, olfactory receptor cells are stimulated and the impulse is transmitted to the emotional center of the brain, i.e. limbic system. These oils are also called fragrance oils or perfume oils. The limbic system is connected to areas of the brain linked to memory, breathing and blood circulation as well as the endocrine glands which regulate hormone levels in the body. The properties of the oil, the fragrance and its effects determine stimulation of these systems. When used in massage, essential oils are not only inhaled, but absorbed through the skin as well. They penetrate the tissues and find their way into the bloodstream where they are transported to the organs and systems of the body.

Essential oils have differing rates of absorption, generally between 20 minutes and 2 hours, so it is probably best not to bathe or shower directly following a massage to ensure maximum effectiveness.

People with certain chronic illnesses or conditions should not use Aromatherapy without first consulting a doctor. These illnesses and conditions include:

-Lung conditions such as Asthma, Respiratory Allergies or chronic lung disease. Aromatic Oils may cause airway spasms.

-Skin allergies. Some oils may cause skin irritation, especially in the membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth.

-Pregnancy. Pregnant women should not use aromatherapy. Some Natural Herbal oils (such as juniper, rosemary and sage) may cause uterine contractions.

An essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled (most frequently by steam or water) from the leaves, stems, flowers, bark, roots or other elements of a plant. Essential oils, contrary to the use of the word "oil" are not really oily-feeling at all. Most essential oils are clear but some oils such as patchouli, orange and lemongrass are amber or yellow in color. These extracted oils contain the true essence of the plant it was derived from. Essential oils are highly concentrated in nature.

Like essential oils, absolute oils or Plant Extract Oils are highly aromatic liquids extracted from plants. Absolutes, however, are extracted in a complex manner that requires the use of chemical solvents that are later removed during the final stages of production. Sometimes, the hot steam or water used to distill an essential oil does not extract much natural oil from the plant or harms the precious natural oil. The solvent extraction methods are often used in these cases.

As a rule, absolute oils are more concentrated than their essential oil cousins. A very trace amount of solvent can remain in the final absolute. This indeed is a disadvantage to using absolutes as Aromatherapy focuses on the use of pure and herbal plant extract matter. Although the amount of remaining solvent is minimal, absolutes are used in true Aromatherapy with care, respect and knowledge. Essential oils should never be taken internally by anyone who is not trained, educated and experienced at doing so. Absolutes should never be taken internally by anyone because of that small amount of trace solvent that may remain.

Carrier oils also referred to as base oils or vegetable oils are used to dilute essential oils, CO2s and absolutes before applying to the skin. They carry the essential oil onto the skin. Different carrier oils offer different properties and the choice of carrier oil can depend on the therapeutic benefit being sought. These are generally cold-pressed vegetable oils derived from the fatty portions of the plant. Unlike essential oils that evaporate and have a concentrated aroma, carrier oils do not evaporate or impart their aroma as strongly as essential oils. Examples of carrier oils are sweet almond, apricot kernel, grape seed, avocado, peanut, olive, pecan, macadamia nut, sesame, evening primrose, walnut and wheat germ.

Essential oils do not go rancid. Carrier oils, however, can go rancid. Carrier oils that you purchase should be natural and unadulterated. Exceptions include buying carrier oils that have natural vitamin E added. Vitamin E acts as a natural preservative.

The world over, aromatherapy is becoming big business in beauty and health spas, fragrance and cosmetic industries. Some use pure essential oils; others sneak in the cheaper, synthetic copies but only pure essential oils can produce genuine results.

Abdominal pain

2007-11-21T02:56:00.000-08:00

Abdominal pain

You've had abdominal pain for several hours, and there doesn't seem to be any relief in sight. Should you wait it out or seek help right away?

Abdominal pain is common. Episodes often stem from overeating or eating too much of a certain type of food. Sometimes a viral or bacterial infection (gastroenteritis) is responsible. In other cases, the pain may be an early warning sign of something more serious. But, you can't always judge the severity of its cause by how much pain you feel. Cramping from a viral infection or simple gas can cause severe pain, while potentially life-threatening problems, such as colon cancer or appendicitis, may cause little or no pain initially.

Where does it hurt?

The number of organs in your abdomen and the complex signals they send can make it tough to pinpoint the cause of abdominal pain. Sometimes, the location of your pain can help narrow the list. But, it's very difficult to know the cause of the abdominal pain solely by its location, even for an experienced doctor.

Navel area

Pain near your bellybutton can be related to a small intestine disorder or an inflammation of your appendix (appendicitis).
The appendix is a small, finger-shaped pouch that projects out from your colon on the lower right side of your abdomen. If it gets obstructed, it may become inflamed and filled with pus. Without treatment, an infected appendix can burst and cause a serious infection (peritonitis). In addition to abdominal pain, appendicitis may cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fever, and the urge to pass gas or have a bowel movement.
Upper middle abdomen
The epigastric area — directly above the navel in the upper middle section of the abdomen — is where you might feel pain associated with stomach disorders. Persistent pain in this area may also signal a problem with your pancreas or gallbladder.
Upper left abdomen
It's uncommon to experience pain here. When you do, it may suggest a stomach, colon, spleen or pancreas problem.
Upper right abdomen
Intense pain in the upper right abdomen is often related to inflammation of the gallbladder. The pain may extend to the center of your abdomen and penetrate to your back. Occasionally, an inflamed pancreas, colon or duodenum can cause pain in this area as well.

Lower middle abdomen

Pain below the navel that spreads to either side may signify a colon disorder. Pain in this area may also be a symptom of kidney stones or a urinary tract infection. For women, pain in this area may also indicate pelvic inflammatory disease.
Lower left abdomen
Pain here often suggests a problem in the lower colon, where food waste is expelled. Possible causes include inflammatory bowel disease or an infection in the colon known as diverticulitis.
Lower right abdomen
Inflammation of the bowel may cause pain in your lower right abdomen.
The pain of appendicitis also may spread to the lower right abdomen. Other possible causes of lower right abdominal pain include hernia and ectopic pregnancy.

Migrating pain

Abdominal pain has the unusual ability to travel along deep nerve pathways and emerge at sites away from the source of the problem. Pain related to gallbladder inflammation, for example, can spread to your chest and your right shoulder. Pain from a pancreas disorder may radiate up between your shoulder blades. This is often called "referred pain."
Alternatively, abdominal pain may be referred pain from another condition, such as a heart attack or pneumonia.

Managing the pain
For mild abdominal pain caused by something you ate, it may help to sip water or suck on ice chips. When you feel better, try small amounts of bland foods, such as toast, applesauce or bananas. If stomach acid is an issue, an antacid may help.
When to see your doctor
Though most cases of abdominal pain aren't serious, sometimes medical treatment is essential. Consult your doctor if:
The pain is severe, recurrent or persistent
The pain gets worse
You can't eat because of the pain
You also have a high fever or chills along with the pain
Seek emergency help if:
The pain is accompanied by shortness of breath, dizziness, bleeding, vomiting or a high fever
The abdominal pain is sudden and severe
The pain radiates to your chest, neck or shoulder
You vomit blood
You find blood in your stool or your stool turns black
You find blood in your urine
Your abdomen is swollen and tender
Be prepared to describe the pain, including where it hurts and what it feels like. Proper diagnosis and treatment can help you feel your best again

http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/abdominal-pain/DG00013/METHOD=print

What is the Problem With Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. Water?

2007-11-05T04:37:00.000-08:00

Northern Virginia is growing in population rapidly and as more people move into the area, a question that is asked more and more frequently is - what is the quality of my drinking water? Individuals and families are naturally concerned with their health and drinking water is an important element of maintaining good health. Unfortunately, the quality of the water in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. is very poor and is getting worse. Contaminants, bacteria, minerals and chemicals in tap water are masked with heavy doses of chlorine and tap water, in addition to being unhealthy, tastes and smells terrible. Regulation from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not eliminate contamination but merely sets maximum levels of contaminants that can enter the human body. and cause long term damage. What is the Story With Tap Water? Tap water is municipal water that is usually pumped from a nearby river and then processed to meet EPA guidelines. The processing is usually done through a waster treatment plant with heavy amounts of chlorine added to kill remaining bacteria that processing does not catch. It is important to note that EPA guidelines are just that – they establish minimum amounts of allowed contamination that may eventually be harmful to both adults and children. In Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. the drinking water is pumped mainly out of the Potomac River and at least one waste treatment plant. Contaminants that may be present in this source water include: Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife. Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic waste water discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming. Contaminants also include pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses. In addition contaminants may include organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff and septic systems. Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities also affect local tap water. What is the source of water in Washington D.C.? The water in the Potomac River, Anacostia River, and Rock Creek flows into the District from outside jurisdictions. For example, the Potomac River begins in West Virginia, while the Anacostia River begins in Maryland. The quality of water in the District is thus affected by activities throughout the watershed. Storm water runoff from commercial, industrial, residential and agricultural sites, point source pollutants from wastewater treatment plants and industrial discharges, and combined sewer overflows from as far away as West Virginia and Pennsylvania all contribute to the quality of water in the District and Northern Virginia. What About Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO’s) CSO’s frequently occur when natural events like flooding overcome the capacity of waste treatment plants and raw sewage is pumped back into the water source like the Potomac River. During periods of significant rainfall, the capacity of a combined sewer may be exceeded. When this occurs, regulators are designed to let the excess flow, which is a mixture of storm water and sanitary wastes, to be discharged directly to the Anacostia River, Rock Creek, the Potomac River, or tributary waters. This excess flow is called Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO). Release of this excess flow is necessary to prevent flooding in homes, basements, businesses, and streets but it adds bacteria and contaminants as potential threats to tap water. Since a portion of the tap water comes from sewerage treatment plants CSO's can adversely affect the quality of our receiving waters in a number of ways: CSO's contain material which contributes to high bacteria levels in the receiving waters. Organic material in CSO's can contribute to low dissolved oxygen levels, which can contribute to a potential for fish stress or fish kills, especially in summer months; and, debris in CSO's such as plastic bottles, Styrofoam cups (otherwise known as "floatables") contribute to poor aesthetics. How Safe For Drinking is Well Water? Well water, a popular alternative to tap water particularly in Northern Virginia is subject to the same ground water contaminants, chemical discharge waste and organic waste as tap water but is not subject to any regulation whatsoever. In addition to emitting foul sulphur odors and sediment from the water Northern Virginia well water contains significant amounts of iron in the rock in some areas, particularly the Piedmont and Blue Ridge, resulting in iron "staining." Sulfide in ground water is also found in parts of the Valley and Ridge where coal or natural gas is present produces an obnoxious odor. Ground water that is a source of well water also can be contaminated by human activities. Bacteria from septic systems, and nitrate from both septic systems and fertilizer applications, are among the most common contaminants. Since well water is not subject to regulation, the potability and suitability for drinking, of a private well is the responsibility of the homeowner and many private wells are contaminated. Treating Drinking Water From Wells The Sate of Virginia strongly recommends treatment of well water with chlorine to kill bacteria in well water and, in an effort to overcome the obnoxious smell and taste of chlorine, de chlorination. Again, this process is not controlled by any state or Federal agency. Two general kinds of water treatment are disinfecting and conditioning. To ensure that the supply is free of harmful bacteria, water is disinfected. Objectionable tastes, odors, and matter are removed by conditioning. Well Water Disinfection Methods Drinking water is most commonly tested for coliform bacteria, which live in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. Coliform bacteria in a well are usually the result of a faulty septic system or contaminated surface water entering the well or water delivery system. Materials and tools used in well construction are frequently contaminated withbacteria that live in the soil and these can be introduced into the water system while constructing the well, installing components of the piping system, or servicing any part of the water supply system. The State of Virginia strongly recommends that the water system be disinfected following construction and after all repairs. Chlorination is used to disinfect private supplies because it destroys bacteria within a reasonable contact time and provides residual protection. However,ordinary levels of chlorination are not always effective in destroying Giardia cysts, which cause a severe gastrointestinal illness. Super-high levels of chlorination,boiling and filtering are the only effective methods to destroy or remove these cysts. High chlorine concentrations can have objectionable tastes and odors, and even low chlorine concentrations react with some organic compounds to produce strong, unpleasant tastes and odors. To eliminate these offensive tastes and to remove excessive amounts of chlorine, the water is then dechlorinated. Activated carbon filters are the most common devices used to dechlorinate water, remove objectionable chlorine tastes, and reduce corrosion of plumbing systems. In addition to removing taste and odor problems, reports have shown that granular activated carbon absorption is the best method currently available to remove specific organic chemicals (including some pesticide residues), and as a method for radon removal. How Safe is Tap and Well Water for Drinking? Municipalities, well owners and even the EPA claim that tap and well water in Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. is perfectly safe for drinking but one must wonder. Consider the source of tap water in light of sewage treatment, heavy chlorine additive and waste discharge in the Potomac River and one starts to wonder. Also consider that well water is subject to most of the contaminants of tap water but is unregulated as well. Is Drinking Bottled Water an Alternative to Tap or Well? The popularity of bottled water has grown tremendously as Americans seek healthy lifestyles and better tasting water. But not all bottled water is healthier than the tap or well alternative. Up to 25% of all bottled water on the market is tap water repacked in plastic bottles and bottled water that is not purified often contains minerals and other contaminants that may be harmful to your health. These contaminants are not only unhealthy and affect the taste of the water but limit storage life for emergency supplies of drinking water. Purified water however, using a distillation and oxygenation process, provides the water drinker the safest and best tasting alternative to contaminated tap and well water in Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. Distillation removes the water from the contaminants in a process that insures purity and oxygenation adds a light refreshing taste to the remaining purified water. Consider the long term health of you and your family and build a healthy lifestyle on pure drinking water.

Bodyweight Fitness

2007-11-05T04:32:00.000-08:00

5 New Turbulence Training Exercises to Help Busy Dads Burn Belly Fat Now

Gone are the days when you could spend an hour in the weight room and another 30 minutes doing cardio. With kids, there's just no time to even drive to the gym, let alone workout for more than 20 minutes. But by using the most convenient exercise equipment available – your own bodyweight – you can burn belly fat fast. And you can get your muscle definition back with simple bodyweight exercises. So, you can forget the fancy machines, expensive gym memberships, or sharing equipment with sweaty strangers. You can forget about not spending enough time with your wife or kids. You can do this workout when you wake up or before you go to sleep. You can do this bodyweight training circuit at home before or after work. You can even close your office door and do this entire workout while everyone else is out for lunch.

5 Bodyweight Training Exercises to Help the Busiest Executives Reduce Stress & Lose Fat Fast:

1. The Prisoner Squat This turbulence training bodyweight exercise stretches your chest and works your entire body, including your upper back (an area of stress for many busy dads). To perform this exercise, start with your hands behind your head, and elbows back. Pull your shoulder blades together to exercise your upper back and relieve your stress. Start with your feet shoulder width apart, and push your hips back and squat until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Sit back as if you were sitting into a chair. Pause briefly at the bottom and stand back up to the start position. Do this fifteen times.

2. The Decline Pushup This turbulence training body weight exercise is a harder variation of the regular pushup. To effectively perform this exercise, place your feet on a bench, chair, or step, so your feet are at least 6 inches off the ground. Start with your hands just wider than shoulder width apart. Brace your abs, and bend your arms to lower your chest to the floor. Stop one inch above the ground and press back up to the start position. Do this fifteen times. Feel the burn and see how ready you are for the busy day or night ahead of you.

3. Split Squats Follow the pushup with a set of split squats. To complete this turbulence training bodyweight exercise, step one leg forward. Move your other leg back so it looks like you are making a slightly larger than normal step. Do this close to a wall so you can use your hands for balance if necessary. Now, balance on your front foot and on the ball of your back foot. Your back heel will be off the ground for the entire exercise. Bend your back knee. Start the movement by dropping your hips straight down until your back knee is two inches above the ground. Press through your front leg to stand back up. Do eight repetitions for one leg and then switch sides and repeat.

4. Mountain Climbers This turbulence training bodyweight exercise works your abs, your chest, and your legs. Get into the pushup position. Brace your abs. Now lift one foot and bring your knee to your chest. Touch the foot down, and then return it to the start position. Alternate sides and complete ten repetitions for each side.

5. Stick Ups To finish the circuit, you will do a turbulence training bodyweight exercise called "Stick-ups". Stand with your feet six inches from the wall. Now place your back, butt and head flat against the wall. Put your arms overhead as if someone told you to "Stick-em up!" Keep your hands, wrists, elbows and shoulders against the wall. Now slowly slide your arms down the wall and tuck your elbows into your sides. Again, keep your arms and back against the wall. No cheating! Do this exercise twelve times. Do these five exercises in a circuit, without resting between exercises. When you've completed the circuit once, rest one or two minutes and repeat the circuit two more times. You'll feel great, boost your metabolism, and sculpt your body without spending a penny.

Apt to the Body, Apt to the Purse

2007-11-05T04:31:00.000-08:00

The Affordable Herbal Snoring Remedy

Curing or remedying the sleep disorder snoring by way of herbs is very common to numerous countries all over the world. Mostly because herbs, contrasting prescribe medicines, are apparently more holistic to the human body. Herbal medicines not only reduce snoring, it also relieves the snorer his or her pocket. Snoring is principally a widespread predicament of more or less every person in the world; even those who snore once in a while are bothered by it. The process of breathing through the mouth generates a sound that is not only disturbing but also quite shameful. Herbal medicines not only lessen one’s snoring, it will also develop regular night-time breathing and develop the air passages. But if you are taking medical prescription on a regular basis, it would be unwise to shift herbal medication abruptly. It is best that you seek advice from your physician before shifting to herbal medication. Now we shift our concentration to herbal treatment. Herbal medications help normalize the immune system and adjust the imbalance in your system. Furthermore, it also strengthens your energy as well as improves one’s wellbeing. And, is free from all forms of side-effects. However, you must bear in mind that when you use herbal medication as your treatment it will depend in accordance with the symptom that you experience. The reason for that is because each and every herbal medication is from several different sources and yields several signs and pharmacological action. Another thing that you can benefit from using herbal medication is the way it fits specific health requirements of a person. Nonetheless, when you purchase herbal medications, always opt for the traditional product that will suit your health requirements. Remember; do not opt for the regular developed product. There are some manufacturers that produce according to a single category. These days there are numerous herbal medications that do not require cooking. These herbal medications come in a dosage form that is easy to take. These particular herbal medications are come in a form of an oral solution, tablets, pills, powders, lotion, spray, liniment, tea bag, capsules and the like. Each and every single one of these herbs have dissimilar efficacy. Furthermore, taking herbal medications cost much less than those of prescribe medication. Therefore, if you want to maintain a clean and healthy lifestyle, it is recommended that you try using herbal medications. It can treat that shameful snoring problem of yours without experiencing the hassles of the side-effects.

A Change in Lifestyle

2007-11-05T04:28:00.000-08:00

A Change in Lifestyle is A Good Remedy to Stop Snoring

Almost half of the population in the United States today snores now and then. And, almost 80 percent of the couples living together in the United States sleep in a separate room, all of that because of the sleeping disorder called snoring. It is a fact, that snoring not only endangers the relationship of most couple, the sleeping disorder is also applicable to all sorts of people that have it. The effect of snoring to the social relationship of those who have it is quite serious. A mere snore has the possibility of developing into sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder wherein the individual who have it will stop breathing for about sixty long seconds. That is the reason why snoring must not be taken lightly, snoring is a life threatening malady. Also, recent studies and research shows that snoring may also lead to diabetes. The reason for that is because snoring reduces the oxygen intake of the body, as a result, the human body will then produce more catecholamines to compensate for that. And that may lead to the one of the most prominent symptom of diabetes, which is insulin resistance. Most of us probably have asked ourselves why people snore. Let is probe further. When a person sleeps, the air goes through its nose, throat and lastly the lungs. Normally, this process is unimpeded and somewhat noiseless. However, the flow of the air passage will eventually get disrupted. This is somewhat natural mainly because of certain aspects, such as clogged nose, or in some cases, the bottom of the tongue is obstructs the breathing. The most common cause of snoring is because the soft tissue in the throat or the upper palate vibrates. And once the air passage is obstructed as it goes through to the lungs, the problem arises. Loud snoring is basically the result of the hindered air flow that goes through the narrow tissue in the throat or upper palate. But how do we lessen snoring, or better yet, stop this sleeping disorder? Truthfully, there is no specific general solution for that predicament. On the other hand, numerous solutions have been made to assist individuals that are suffering from this problem. The most practical solution for that problem is by changing into a healthy lifestyle. Also, there are now numerous medications – prescribed and herbal – that not only help reduce snoring but also may eliminate the disorder once and for all. There are also some mouth and throat exercises that broaden and tighten the throat to reduce snoring.

Focal Infection

2007-11-05T04:26:00.000-08:00

Theory Supported by Other Medical Doctors.

What has been learned in the intervening years which confirms Dr. Price's contributions to mankind? Research about endondontic treatment since that time has been extensive and, for the most part, corroborates Dr.Price's discoveries. At the same time, Price's questions continue to add new dimensions to understanding problems inherent in the dental profession's effort to save teeth and keep people healthy. Let me tell you about some of the scientific research which confirms Dr. Price's major revelations and adds so much to our understanding of this subject. What follows includes a bit more technical information than I like to present to lay audiences. However, knowing some dentists and physicians will read this book because of their own interest in the subject or because of the demands of their patients, it seems necessary to include at least a minimum of scientific data to emphasize studies which support and confirm the Price discoveries. The following men made important contributions to society in this regard: Milton J. Rosenau, M.D. One of the medical greats who contributed much to our knowledge of the process of focal infection was Dr. Milton J. Rosenau, Professor of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene at Harvard Medical School In Boston. In 1939, in an article published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, Rosenau reported isolating streptococci bacteria from an ulcer in the bowel of a patient ill with "mucous colitis." He transferred the bacteria involved in the ulcer through intravenous injection into several animals and reproduced in them a similar colitis. Extensive medical work to try to locate the source of the bowel infection was solved when he found the patient had a crowned bicuspid which had a large abscess at its root end. Cultures made from the infected area were injected intravenously into a rabbit. In 72 hours the rabbit developed a bleeding, necrosing colitis which proved to contain the same family of bacteria involved in the patient's tooth. But Rosenau's experimental work didn't end there. He then planted these bacteria in some of the teeth of a dog. X-ray photographs revealed these teeth developed abscesses quite similar to those found originally in the patient. What is more, after 16 months the dog developed ulcerative colitis. To further his work, Dr. rosenau transferred into the teeth of dogs other strains of streptococci taken from patients with a variety of diseases, either acute or chronic, such as nephritis (kidney disease with stones), cystitis (bladder), stomach ulcers, arthritis, and various central and peripheral nerve diseases. Fifty-two dogs were involved and 1014 dogs who were not inoculated were used as controls. Between 47 percent and 75 percent of the animals developed the same diseases as had the patients. Dr. Rosenau was criticized that he too often found streptococcus bacteria in diseases transferred via focal infection. He pointed out the streptococcus organisms were commonly found to be responsible for the largest number of chronic cases of invalidism. You will remember that Dr. Price also found streps the most frequent oral organisms involved in causing degenerative diseases. Franklin Billings, M.D. It was Frank Billings, M.D. Dean of the Faculty, Professor and Head of the Department of Medicine and Professor of Medicine at the University of Chicago, who located and identified the first focal infection in the mouth. In 1914, Dr. Billings wrote: "Focal infection is most commonly situated in the head, but may be located in any organ or tissue." What he meant was, while it was possible for a focal infection to rise from any where in the body, its most probable starting site was in the mouth. It must be kept in mind that in the beginning, studies disclosed the transfer of bacteria from the teeth and tonsils was found to infect the heart, bone joints, kidneys, etc. As time went on, more and more organs and tissues were found to be involved in diseases which originated in the mouth. It would have been better had Dr. Billings been able to spell out the original findings and then add his new discoveries, for many people who had trouble understanding bacteria could be transferred from the mouth to other tissues opposed his frequent addition of new areas, even though it should have been obvious search addition was a new discovery. These objections were partially responsible for the focal infection theory battles which came about. Eventually Dr. Billings was to state that at least 99 percent of the focally infected diseases arose from the tonsils or teeth, and only one percent or less from all the other sources combined. Some of those other sources proved to be the sinuses, Lungs, Intestines, toenails, and tonsil tags or stumps, but keep in mind these bacteria could originate anywhere.

Prem health...What Is The Best Insomnia Hormone

2007-11-05T04:25:00.000-08:00

Insomnia is a disorder where a person is unable to sleep for extended periods of time. Lack of sleep can be dangerous because the person who suffers from insomnia is exhausted all of the time which can lead to bad judgment calls and failure to being productive. Sleep allows the body to recover and refresh itself on a daily basis. Side Effects Of Insomnia Although insomnia can strike anyone at anytime, a person who has a high-pressure job, or a lot of worry or stress is more likely to be stricken with it. When your body gets enough rest, you are able to stay more focused on the tasks of the day. Lack of sleep can cause you to have slow or delayed reactions. This is blamed for millions of auto accidents each year. There are also other affects that insomnia can cause other than lack of sleep. A person who suffers from insomnia also risks serious illness because the body’s immune system can be affected. A healthy body requires that you sleep at least eight hours a night. Studies Of Insomnia Studies have indicated that a hormone called Melatonin, referred to as the insomnia hormone, is responsible for putting the body to sleep. This hormone is produced in the pineal gland located in the brain. When the body does not produce enough Melatonin, insomnia is the result. When the correct amount of Melatonin is produced, it acts as a natural relaxant in the body and has even been proven to reduce body temperature. There is hope for those who suffer from insomnia. Medical breakthroughs happen every day. With the advances in medical science, Melatonin can now be produced synthetically. Studies have shown that the body produces Melatonin at night or in the dark. When it is released into the body, tiredness and eventually sleep occurs. Other studies have concluded that Melatonin is reduced, as we get older. What this means is that the elderly have more chance of suffering from insomnia than one of a younger age. Often times, a physician will prescribe an insomnia hormone in order for the person suffering to get the proper amount of sleep. Understanding Insomnia It is important to understand that the insomnia hormone cannot be thought of as a cure for insomnia it is only a treatment. It is crucial that you see your physician in order to rule out any underlying problems. Only he or she can determine if Melatonin is the right course of treatment for you. Insomnia is a horrible disorder that can be devastating to those who suffer from it. With medical science making breakthroughs everyday, it is one disorder that can be eliminated. With proper medication, those who suffer from insomnia can lead healthy, restful lives.

Prem health...When To Workout

2007-11-05T04:24:00.000-08:00

What should I eat? When should I eat it? And when’s the best time to work out? Should I hit the gym when I wake up in the morning, during lunch hour, or late afternoon? Everyone has a different opinion, whether they are an entrepreneur, a freelance photographer, a school teacher or a diehard fitness freak. So HCM took the query to the training professionals to get their take on the problem. Dr. JoAnn Dahlkoetter, author of Your Performing Edge and member of the medical staff at Stanford says, “The best time of day to exercise is first thing in the morning. You lower your stress and increase your metabolic level. If you wait until later in the day you may put the workout off and not do it at all.” (Website for helpful articles and success tips: www.YourPerformingEdge.com.) Dr. Yariv Rothman, a Venice, California chiropractor also prefers the A.M. workout. “A morning workout can be very helpful, especially if you’re shedding those extra pounds post pizza night.” Cardiovascular exercise or circuit training in the AM stimulates the endocrine system, releasing endorphins and enhancing mood. Dr. Rothman says, “My patients who work out in the early morning report that they have more energy throughout the day and deal with stressful situations at work better.” Guy Grundy, Mr. Australia, is a morning person, too. He says, “By training first thing in the morning you are able to take advantage of certain factors. You release more growth hormones (GH) at this time due to the low blood sugar levels. The more GH you release the better.” If you are looking to gain bulk or become more lean, your meals will be a little different. To bulk up, Mr. Australia suggests, “A high protein, high carb snack is great before the workout as you will have additional nutrients in your system while you are training.” Dr. Dahlkoetter suggests a sports bar or a bowl of oatmeal. If you are looking to drop body fat Guy Grundy offers a suggestion before pumping weights, “Go with a shake. It’s easy to digest and will ensure you have enough protein in your system while you train.” Remember, if your body is low on carbs it will use protein as an energy source. Grundy says, “I always make sure I have a little more protein in each meal as I like to stay lean and therefore eat less carbs. I build muscle and drop more body fat with this method.” The most important meal is the one immediately following your workout. You should look to get between 25-50% of your daily carbohydrate intake. And the amount of carbs needed during a post workout meal varies between people. Guy Grundy says, “My favorite is egg whites, flank steak, and three blueberry and banana multigrain pancakes.” There’s a good reason for all these carbs. After a workout your body has depleted its carbohydrate reserves. Your body is releasing more insulin, sending needed carbs back into the muscles. These calories and nutrients absorbed during post-workout meals are directed into the worn muscle mass which leads to a better gain in muscle and cell growth. Guy Grundy says, “Using creatine with your post workout meal and a high amount of water will provide even better results.” Dr. Rothman says, “Your body needs refueling as well as protein, which is necessary for muscle repair.” He suggests a turkey sandwich or a few scrambled eggs with fruit. There is a downside to the morning workout. Since muscles are still asleep from a long night’s rest, they need some waking up before strenuous exercise. Spend a few minutes warming up. This could be five minutes on the stationary bicycle and stretching exercises, which will avoid unnecessary strain on muscles and ligaments. Ryan Kravetz, a Bally Total Fitness trainer and former Team USA ice hockey forward, knows a morning workout gets the metabolism going, but he has practical concerns. “The crowd hits the gym in the early morning and late afternoon.” This is the time when people have to wait to do their bench presses or leg lifts. “The equipment is available without a wait during midday,” says Kravetz. Not everyone can jump out of bed in the morning and pump iron. There is a school of thought that agrees with Kravetz, but for a different reason. Led by Dr. Phyllis Zee of Northwestern University, this group cites a good explanation for the P.M. exercise. Muscle strength is at its peak, and people are most alert. Therefore, athletes are less apt to injure themselves. There’s some science to back this opinion, too. It has to do with circadian rhythms, our internal biological clocks. These rhythms time our sleep, wakefulness, and body temperature. During the afternoon our internal clocks have increased our body temperature by one to two degrees. Consequently, muscles are more supple lowering the risk to injury. For most people this happens between 2:00-4:00 P.M. Exercise before bedtime is frowned upon. According to Dr. Dahlkoetter, sports psychologist, “If you exercise at night, you will become dehydrated and have more difficulty sleeping.” A workout before bedtime will keep you up. Sure, you’ll be wide awake for Letterman or Leno, but you’ll have trouble waking up for that early morning appointment. Maybe it’s an A.M. workout you prefer to start the day with an energy boost. Or a P.M. workout suits you best when your muscles are warm and you need to relieve some stress. Take your pick. Choose one and stick with it. And remember to eat smart before and after you exercise. Maintaining a regular workout schedule with an appropriate diet could extend your life and definitely improve your mental and physical health.

Creating An Acid Reflux Food Plan

2007-11-05T04:22:00.000-08:00

Acid reflux or heartburn is a very painful condition that is caused by stomach acids leaking into the lower esophagus. This is treated in using several methods. In the early stages of the disease, in which the heartburn is only occasional antacids can be of some help, but in the long run like in the case of calcium carbonate, actually make the problem worse. Some other medications give only temporary (approx. eight weeks) relief. The long-term goal is to find the source and eliminate it by using allergy medications or avoiding foods that cause the problem. In this case creating an acid reflux food plan is a necessity. What foods to avoid While every person’s case is different in general the foods to avoid are: 1. Caffeinated drinks-soda, coffee, and hot/cold chocolate drinks. 2. Peppermint & Spearmint-both as drinks such as tea, and in gum, and other foods as flavoring. 3. Citrus-this would mean both drinks, like orange juice, and foods as in lemons and limes. 4. Spicy foods -raw onions, cinnamon, red and other hot peppers. 5. Chocolate-flavors and candy bars 6. Alcohol-in medicine as well as in food 7. Tomatoes- in drinks as well as in foods 8. Fried and fatty foods-this would include most fast food and junk foods. While most of these foods are causes of heartburn, it must be stressed that it might be possible that there are other foods that cause heartburn in addition to or instead of these foods. So the best acid reflux food plan is an individually created one that meets that individual’s needs. What foods to include In general, the foods to include are the ones that do not cause the symptoms. In addition, you need to be sure to get a well-balanced and enjoyable meal while still living without the others. Remember that vitamin C is required in other forms than orange juice and the citrus foods that are restricted. In this case, a supplement might be necessary in this case if other foods are not found. Grains such as whole-wheat flour, oats and others will be needed to aid in the digestive process. In addition there are several digestive enzymes available and it is advisable to take one before bed at night. One good plan is to go through your cupboard, pantry, and refrigerator and remove all offending acid reflux food. Then go back again and see what menus can be made with the items you have left. Shopping is made easier with a list of foods that do not cause heartburn. You might also look for foods from restaurant menus and try to find new foods to order while eating out. It would also be a good plan to search the Internet or the library for good cookbooks to look for healthy recipes that you are able to digest easily. While creating an acid reflux food plan may at first sound difficult, actually it is quite simple. You must find what foods are causing the problem and eliminate them. In addition, you need to determine what foods remain and learn to both create new recipes and recreate old ones from the dishes that you enjoyed in the past. This might mean ordering pizza with no sausage and onions on it or it might mean recreating an old favorite recipe.

Depression and "the Secret"

2007-11-05T04:21:00.000-08:00

A lot of people are misinformed about what "the Secret" is. They watched the movie or read the book, read what they want to into it, jumped to conclusions, and assumed they know everything there was to know. Actually the "Secret" is pretty complex and difficult to understand because it goes against everything we've been told. I have a small library on the subject, and I'm still struggling to understand it. I do know, however, that after being moderately to severely depressed most of my life, the "Secret" is the best thing I've ever heard. Why? Because it gives the depressed person some hope. Probably the most significant component of depression, if not all of it, is the feeling that you don't have control over what is happening in your world. It has been shown that making animals powerless to change their world automatically makes them depressed. The sad feeling comes from the idea that you will never be able to improve your situation, whatever it is. There is no hope for you. The "Secret" states that everyone has the ability to change their situation, and their world, even me. It says that we are all God's children, and have all been given the same power. The only difference between me and the millionaire with everything he wants is that he has figured out how to use that power. Of course, it also says that a successful person thinks positive thoughts, and feels happy. It has been said that "The one thing a depressed person hates most of all is a happy person" and that has been my experience for the most part. Being happy is obviously extremely difficult for the depressed person, but we are given an idea of how to go about achieving that. We are given some hope of achieving what we want and need most of all. It's about awareness, first of all. We first of all need to know the correct information (that we have the power to change too). Then we need to be aware of what we have been thinking. If you are aware of what you are thinking, you can change it; maybe not much, but at least a little bit. As they say, "Reach for the best feeling thought you can find". As we all know "the first step is always the hardest" and the most important thing is to be moving in the right direction, even if that movement is very slow. You may be taking one step forward, and then two steps back, but at least you will eventually get there. I won't become happy overnight but at least I am seeing an improvement in my mood. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. There is hope. It's about action, second of all. One thing that we need to take into consideration here too is that action is essential. You have to do something. You can't achieve anything even by sitting there and thinking positive thoughts. There is a joke about the guy who prayed to God that he would get a million dollars, and finally God said to him "Give me a break; go and buy a lottery ticket." The good news is that doing something, even if it is just getting out of bed, will automatically make you feel happier. And it will start a snowball effect. You will be doing more and more and feeling better and better. You will learn, from experience, that you can, indeed, make a difference. It may be a small one at first, but eventually you will get to a point where you can make significant differences, and feel wonderful about them. Depression, then, comes mostly or entirely, from the idea that we are powerless to change our situation, whatever it is. The "Secret" tells us that this idea is simply wrong. We have power. We have hope. We can change, even if it takes a while. We can influence our world, and in doing so, we can become happy again.

Prem health...Everyone Should Celebrate Their Success

2007-11-05T04:18:00.000-08:00

There have been spurts of affirmative dividends growth, purchasing power and an unbelievable swell in luxuries in the U.S. However, countless experts and laymen alike mention that we have not been living on a vivacity elevation. The disconnection between what we have and what we feel has created much interest among social scientists, psychologists and writers. It has also led to a representative amount of research in the area of jubilation. For exemplification, necessary research in the area of Complete Psychology has discovered what contributes to a sense of well-being and blessedness. One of the zestful discoveries is that there are things you can do to raise jubilation without making extensive life changes. Ongoing research and publications on cheerfulness indicate that once your basic needs are met, funds does not make you lively. Things that have the potential to make you jubilant are: Family, Friends, Meaningful work that you enjoy, Community involvement, increased giving and less getting, gratefulness for what you have and watching diminished television are just a scant things that come to mind to should bring ultimate satisfaction. While you may not deisre to put time and energy into each of these areas, there are probably a couple that would be meaningful to you. From the above list, make a commitment and plan to enrich several of these areas in your life. Some things you can do with your beloved memories to begin to feel happier are: Make a list of your popular memories from the last six months. Procure some photos or mementos to remind you of your absolute memories. Put them in a place where you can easily see them. Choose one of your treasured memories and use visual imagery or a mental picture to savor the encounter and feeling. Then, deposit the memory in your "cheerfulness account". Research also indicates that how you choose to think about things can affect your level of jubilation. The article "Sweet Remembrance" in the July 2006 question of Psychology Today pointed out how certain memories can raise your feelings of enchantment and relief you be healthier. If you require to try doing this as an exercise for yourself: Take fifteen to twenty minutes a day to think about jubilant or agreeable experiences you have had. It is especially helpful to do this before you fall asleep at night. Replay them in color in your head as if you were watching a movie. Capture the feeling that goes with it. Be sure to think of how the event felt then rather than focusing on the event being over now. To improve your mood, it is considerable to see each stupendous event as permanently enriching rather than temporary.

Premhealth..Today's Hottest Fat Burning Supplements for Men and Women

2007-11-02T05:11:00.000-07:00

It's summertime! The time of year when you want to show the most, feel the best and look ripped! In conjunction with a rigorous fitness plan and a healthy, well balanced diet, fat burning supplements have become an excellent way to optimize your results. It may just make the difference between getting to your goal a little sooner, or even surpassing your body fat goal by a few extra percentage points. Just as in weight training programs and diets, there is individuality that allows different people to get results in different ways, the same goes for supplements as well. So to help you make a better informed decision regarding what fat burners are best for you, here is some additional information about fat burning supplements, and what are the most popular supplements on the market today for both men and women wanting to make the most of achieving that slim summer look. Calotren Liquid Weight Loss Formula Calotren is an all natural protein formula that comes in liquid form, therefore it is easier to absorb and works faster than most capsules and tablets. This formula assists the body in burning unwanted body fat naturally without the use of stimulants, tricking the body, or by starvation and severe calorie reduction. It just simply supports the natural fat burning ability of the body and allows you to burn sugar more efficiently. The protein formula found in Calotren is also naturally occurring in the body. It serves a role of supporting the integrity of our muscles and joints and their ability to absorb impact. It is also linked to giving us a younger appearance as it supports healthy skin. This protein is already broken down and is readily absorbed when taken orally and its integration helps build muscle efficiently and in turn, burns fats and sugar efficiently as well. There are no stimulants such as caffeine, it is ephedra free and there are no known side effects of using Calotren as a weight loss supplement. Other benefits of Calotren supplementation may include: decrease catabolism of muscle tissue, improved workout recovery with shortened rest times between intense session, no adverse effects from stimulants such as jitters or irratic sleep patterns, increased energy, loss of body fat, and healthy younger looking skin. Take Calotren with water, usually 1 tblsp with a glass of water before bed and it should be outside of a 3 hr time frame of not eating to allow Calotren to work more effectively. You may take another serving in the morning before breakfast on an empty stomach to optimize fat burning. Calotren is unique in that it offers no stimulants, something that is hard to find in fat burning supplements that work. Lean Out by Beverly International Lean Out is a lipotropic formula that comes in a capsule form containing L-carnitine, Co-enzyme 10 and Chromium Picolinate. Co-enzyme 10 is an important fat soluble antioxidant that protects substances like cholesterol from oxidation, or the process of it being deposited on arterial walls. L-Carnitine serves two major functions as it relates to fat burning and fitness. The metabolism of BCAA's and burning fat. L-Carnitine is required for the transportation of fatty acids into the mitochondria where they serve for energy production while sparing muscle glycogen or sugar. A deficiency in Carnitine causes fatty acids to accumulate in the blood and ultimately result in more fat deposits. And many times this occurs right where you have the greatest accumulation and where you least likely would want it. In summary, L-Carnitine shifts your fuel source toward fat and thus leaves amino acids and glycogen available to build lean muscle tissue. The dosage for Lean Out and L-Carnitine supplementation is 2-4 grams in 3-6 daily doses on an empty stomach taken with water. You may find it best to cycle this supplement in a 3 week on 1 week off cycle for optimal results. Slim Quick by NxCare Slim Quick by NxCare was specially created for women wanting to burn fat and have a lean look. It is considered the best weight loss product of its kind, and designed to work for a woman's body to effectively burn fat. The quality ingredients are designed to overcome hormonal barriers that prevent most women from losing weight. For best results, in conjunction with a fitness program and healthy eating plan, Slim Quick should be taken on an empty stomach with water. One capsule in the morming before breakfast and one capsule 6 hours later. As with any supplements, they are most effective when used in conjunction with a complete fitness plan and healthy, well balanced diet. No fat burning supplement can help you lose weight and burn fat exclusively, exercise is a must. But for those who wish to optimize their results, get an edge on competition, and accelerate their fat burning ability, a fat burning supplement is the way to go. For professional advice on fitness program, diet information and nutritional supplements, liveleantoday.com is your home to help you become fit for life.

Premhealth..Body Building Products -

2007-11-02T05:09:00.000-07:00

What is best for you

So you want to be a bodybuilder? You fantasize of ripped muscles and a well defined six pack. While many dream of aspiring to the bodybuilding realm, few actually reach that pinnacle. In order to build the muscle required to become a competitive bodybuilder, one must endure a rigorous fitness routine, which include hours of weightlifting. In addition bodybuilders are required to adhere to a special diet and require a considerable amount of rest to allow their muscles to recover from the strenuous workouts. As a sport, body builders take part in competitions worldwide. Participants are judged on their muscle tone, symmetry and overall routine. There are several levels of competition from amateur to the highly respected Mr. or Mrs. Universe competition, which has spawned the successes of such figures as the Terminator, Arnold Schwarzenegger. In order to increase muscle mass, one must first decrease body fat content. One way to increase this mass in to increase the intake of protein, which is the main component of muscle. Foods such as eggs, meats, beans and legumes are high in protein content and are a staple of a body builder’s diet. Not only do these foods help to build muscle, but they also aid in repairs. An additional way to maintain a protein rich diet is by the use of Body Building Products. There are a plethora of such Body Building Products, powders and shakes readily available on the market today. They are normally an added component of a healthy body builder’s diet. Often times, given their hectic workout schedule, Body Building Products are used in the place of a regular meal. Meal replacement products are not only high in protein and low in fat; they also contain appropriate amounts of carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals in order to help sustain the athlete until their next meal. While Body Building Products were made popular by professional athletes, they are starting to find their way into the mainstream fitness market as well. Bodybuilding shakes and supplements are available in two forms. Some are ready to eat, or drink, while others require the addition of juice, water or some other liquid before they can be consumed. Some of the more common products used in the bodybuilding arena include amino acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, creatine, and thermagenics. Body Building Products can be purchased in a variety of venues such as health food stores, pharmacies and from online vendors; however, some require a doctor’s prescription before they can be acquired. The science and technology of fitness are constantly evolving. Manufacturers are creating Body Building Products that will not only provide all the necessary nutrition an athlete requires, they are also making them in formulations that taste good. It is important to remember that while these products provide the essential nutrients a body needs, they are not a replacement for a well balanced, healthy diet filled with appropriate amount fruits, vegetables, protein, grain and dairy products. Furthermore, supplements will not produce muscle mass without proper exercise. When in doubt, remember, the surest way to a healthy fit body is proper diet and exercise.

Premhealth..Easy Heart

2007-11-02T05:08:00.000-07:00

Rate Trick Gets You Fit - and Skinny Too!

Every evening in the gym, the ladies (and a few guys) can be found working purposefully on bikes, treadmills and elliptical trainers. The whir of machinery fills the air and determination is fired by visions of losing weight and getting in really good shape. Some casually browse the pages of old magazines, read the latest thriller or chat with friends as they dutifully put in their "forty five minutes" of "slow and steady". They are well-intentioned but clueless. I question the results of their efforts but decide it is unwise to offer unsolicited advice. One lady, however, is focused and pays attention to what she is doing. She periodically refers to the treadmill's glowing red display and adjusts her pace accordingly. Good for her! She is monitoring her heart rate. What she knows, that the others don't know, is that your Heart Rate is a dead accurate indicator of just how hard your body is working. This is the best way to make sure that you are exercising vigorously enough to improve your fitness level but not so hard as to overexert yourself. This is also a great way to lose weight and get really fit in the shortest amount of time. What you have to do is exercise at the correct intensity within an optimal range. This is your Target Heart Rate (THR) which is expressed as a percentage of your Maximum Heart Rate (MHR). You can calculate your personal Target Heart Rate, but this gets a bit tricky. You have to know your Resting Heart Rate (RHR) and plug it into a couple of formulas: (MHR – RHR X (50% - 80%) + RHR = THR) where (Age – 220 = MHR). You also have to know how long to exercise, at which point in the optimal range (50% to 80%) and you have to monitor your heart rate while you are working out. There are charts that estimate your THR for you but their accuracy can vary, up or down, by as much as ten percent. Confused? Don't be. Dump the math and take a low-tech approach. You already have a simple, built-in heart rate monitor that is perfectly calibrated to your body. And, you already know how to use it because it's as simple as watching your breathing. Your respiration rate is how you monitor the intensity level of your exercise and it relates very closely to your actual Heart Rate. You can use this method with any piece of gym equipment and while walking or jogging outdoors. WHAT YOU NEED TO REMEMBER is that, as your workout progresses, you may exercise at any one of three levels or zones. I will describe each zone and relate Heart Rate to how hard you will be breathing. ZONE 1. (50% - 65% OF MHR) Breathing is normal at this level and you can easily carry on a conversation with a workout partner. This is your warm-up and cool-down zone which will do little to get you fit unless you are very overweight, very out of shape or have been ill. ZONE 2. (65% – 80% OF MHR) Your breathing becomes somewhat to very noticeable. This is your training zone where you will do most of your work, develop cardiovascular fitness and burn calories. At the lower end of the range (65%), you will be able to speak to a partner easily but your speech is somewhat broken as you deliver phrases between breaths. At the top end (80%) you will be breathing very hard. Though conversation is possible, breathing may be your priority. ZONE 3. (ABOVE 80% OF MHR) Entering zone three, you begin panting and gasping for breath. This level can be hazardous for many of us and is best reserved for competitive athletes. TO GET FIT IN THE SHORTEST AMOUNT OF TIME, DO THIS: 1. Tell your doctor that you are going to begin exercising at a level where you will be breathing vigorously. Ask if, based on your physical condition, you should limit your effort and if so, to what level. 2. Warm up at a conversational pace and then increase your speed or intensity level to 70% - 75% of MHR (breathing strongly) so that after about five minutes you feel fatigue setting in. Back off and catch your breath at 65% of MHR or below. 3. Now really pick up the pace (fit walkers find a hill) and push to 75% to 80% of MHR (breathing vigorously). Hold it there, from one to three minutes, until your body is asking for a break and then slow down to 60% of MHR, or below, until you recover. Repeat, gradually increasing the number, duration and intensity of intervals as you are able. If you challenge yourself to work hard your workout should, at most, take no longer than thirty minutes. Cool down and have a refreshing drink of water. These interval workouts, using your breath to gauge intensity will work very effectively to burn calories and get you in shape. And always remember "Be Strong…. Be Lean"

Premhealth..Gym Love

2007-11-02T05:05:00.000-07:00

The place is hot and steamy, pulsing with the beat of blaring music and gyrating bodies. You see her working it across the crowded floor, and you have to meet her. A brilliant idea: you’ll buy her a drink. But wait a second - that only works in night clubs, and you’re at a health club. So while you could send a 20 oz. Tropical Xtremo Gatorade her way, that probably won’t produce the intended result, no matter how important it is to replenish fluids during strenuous exercise. What do you do? Gyms notoriously attract eye-catching people. There’s no greater concentration of sinewy muscles and tight, skimpy clothing anywhere… except maybe the adult thriller section of your local Blockbuster Video. Let’s face it, even the most average-looking gym-goer is fit and healthy, or at least will be in a few months. But while fitness clubs are a veritable bakery of available beefcakes and beefcakettes, they can actually be rather tricky places to meet people. Gyms are often chock full of cheesy pick-up artists with sleazy come-ons, or, on the other side, designer gear-wearing posers who walk around a whole lot and manage to lift very little. But there has to be some way for normal people to meet other normal people at the gym, right? The simple answer is yes, but not without keeping several things in mind - especially if your idea of a good opening line is something like “Nice shoes, wanna french?” Listen up, all you muscle-bound Casanovas out there: no matter how eager you are to begin the mating… er, dating process, you’ve got to scope out the scene. Some gyms are as flirty as all-you-can drink “body shot nite” at Club Med. Others, well, you’d probably have better luck cruising a Buddhist monastery. Look around. Are people talking… with each other… and not asking whether they can “work-in”? If that’s the case, fire up conversations at will (we’ll cover what to say shortly). But if the atmosphere is more businesslike, it’s probably best to keep minding your own. Unsolicited banter, no matter how witty, can stick out worse than a left elbow during assisted tricep dips. Next, and most importantly: you can check someone out, just don’t freak them out. It’s one thing to sneak a peek while she’s sprawled on the stretching mat, but quite another to train your penetrating gaze on her (no matter how amazing her side crunch technique might be). Among the women I’ve spoken to, the consensus is clear. One or two quick glances, and maybe even a little smile, are flattering; prolonged staring, drooling, or high-fiving your equally lecherous friends, is not. Of course, even the strongest exhibit occasional weakness - if you absolutely can’t help it, use the gym’s mirrors for a far less detectable stare. (This technique can also give you a better view of, shall we say, the traditionally hidden parts of an alluring physique.) You’ve spotted someone on the lat machine, you’ve used the mirror, and you like what you see. You’re ready to make your move, right? Hold on there, tough guy. The next step is recognizing her receptiveness. Just as exercise is a social experience, it can also be solitary and serious. Some people just want to get in and get out as quickly as possible. This is especially true at gyms where members squeeze workouts into hectic appointment schedules, or even before the workday begins. People probably aren’t looking for romance in the midst of the daily grind, and while your hormones might be awake at 6:00 a.m., it’s unlikely that someone who gets up while it’s still dark wants to meet anyone, aside from the coffee stand guy. Same can be said of those who hit the gym after work - chances are they just want to exercise, go home, and eat a salad. If some meathead wearing zebra-print Zubaz pants impedes that progress, do you think he’ll get that number (the real one)? She might have caught your eye, but you can’t assume the feeling is mutual unless she sees you and smiles back. Even then, wait an extra minute, just to make sure she’s not there with her championship kick-boxer boyfriend, who’d be more than happy to use your face as a leather focus mitt. When it comes to opening lines, we all have our stand-bys. But at the gym, inspired pick-ups like “Sagittarius, right?,” “I’m on the football team,” and “please don’t call the cops” might not work as well. True, women’s reactions vary, depending largely on delivery, making it tough to say what to say. But there are definitely techniques to avoid. Worst offender? The old “let me show you how to do that” maneuver. We’ve all seen this move in action, and might even be guilty of trying it (listen up, personal trainers). There’s nothing wrong with correcting someone’s form - unless it’s used as a pretext to ogle her body at close range, or, worse, place an “instructive” hand on it. Most men don’t mind a stranger’s touch (and probably fantasize about it), but women like it about as much as filthy bathrooms, back hair, and spitting contests. Here’s something else they hate: guys who comment on how stretchy they are. Yes, women are flexible, and flexibility is awesome - just ask Emoke Ritter, world-famous Hungarian contortionist (you’ve never heard of her?). Women understand they can bend in ways that stir the male imagination - spare yourself the embarrassment of mentioning it. The last thing a woman wants to hear from a stranger, unless you’re Leonardo DiCaprio, is “boy are you flexible.” Same goes for “great muscle tone,” “killer pecs,” or “nice ass.” Keep the focus off her body, at least out loud. Instead, comment on the book she’s reading or the music she’s listening to. Or simply ask what her name is. Talk a little. Work out a little. Established a rapport first, then you can show her the right way to do a shoulder press. Better yet, let her show you. Top 5 Least Effective Gym PIck-Up Lines 1) Is that a Detour bar in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me? 2) Nice Glutes. 3) I’d love to ask you out for a drink, but I’m on Atkins. 4) You know, my favorite exercise is pushups. They’re best done with 2 people, care to join in? 5) Hi, my name is Premsagar a. singh...

Premhealth..My Doctor

2007-11-02T05:02:00.000-07:00

Has Diagnosed Me With Ankylosing Spondylitis... I Want To Know More About It... by: Nathan Wei

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory form of arthritis that preferentially affects the spine leading to limitation of spine movement. The cause of AS is not fully known, but there is a strong genetic predisposition associated with a genetic marker called the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27. AS usually begins with back pain and stiffness in the late teen years and early adulthood due to inflammation of the sacroiliac joints (the joints that join the spine to the pelvis) and the spine. AS also has a tendency for affecting sites where ligaments attach to bone. When inflammation affects these areas, the condition is called “enthesitis.” The most common joints outside of the spine and sacroiliac joints to be affected are the hip and shoulder joints. Other joints such as the knee, wrist, ankle, and elbow can also be involved. Some patients may develop eye inflammation termed “acute anterior uveitis”. Involvement of the heart and lungs, while rare, can be a complication. There may also be an association with psoriasis or inflammatory bowel disease. Males are affected twice as often as females. Onset of symptoms after age 45 is unusual. Roughly, 15% of patients have disease onset during childhood. The earliest symptom can be a dull pain in the buttock region. This occurs as a result of sacroiliac joint involvement. Some patients may have radiation of pain down the upper part of the back of the thigh and be misdiagnosed as having sciatica. The pain at first may be one-sided and intermittent. It may also alternate, first in one buttock and then the other, but the pain, over time, becomes persistent and involves both sides. The low back area becomes stiff and painful. This may be accompanied by tenderness along the spine and in the sacroiliac joints. The back symptoms tend to worsen after prolonged periods of rest so that a patient will say their worst times are late at night and early in the morning. The symptoms improve with physical activity or exercise and worsen with rest. The back symptoms also worsen with exposure to cold or dampness. Some patients have fleeting aches and pains or tender spots that can lead to a misdiagnosis early on of fibromyalgia. Sometimes, the first symptom can be pain and stiffness in the middle part of the spine (thoracic region) or even the neck. Sometimes chest pain may be more of a symptom than low back pain. Eye inflammation in the form of anterior uveitis is the most common non-joint feature of AS. This complication occurs in 25%-40% of patients at some time during their disease. Clinical examination may or may not be helpful in the early course of the disease. The physician should examine the sacroiliac joints and the entire spine, including the neck. Chest expansion (the ability to move the chest with a deep breath) along with range of motion of the hip and shoulder joints should be measured. A search for signs of enthesitis can be helpful in making an early diagnosis of AS. The areas to search for enthesitis include the spinous ligaments, pelvis, front chest wall, bottom of the heels, back of the heels (Achilles tendon), outside of the hips, and the front of the knees just below the kneecap. This area is called the tibial tubercle. The muscles along the spine may also be tender. As the disease progresses, the spine becomes stiffer leading to loss of mobility in all directions. Chest movement also becomes more restricted. Spinal deformities slowly progress and make the spine more rigid. Some patients may develop osteoporosis. If osteoporosis accompanies the rigidity, then a particularly dangerous situation develops because this rigid osteoporotic spine is very susceptible to fracture even after minor trauma. The diagnosis of AS is based on physical exam and confirmed by imaging procedures. Symptoms, family history, and the joint exam are the most important tools early on. X-ray evidence of AS may not be evident early in the course of the disease. Patients may need to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI can detect subtle inflammatory changes in the sacroiliac joints and other areas of enthesitis early on HLA-B27 typing can be helpful in cases where AS is suspected but the diagnosis remains uncertain. In cases where AS suspected, the HLA-B27 test may allow the presumptive diagnosis of AS to be made. However, the presence of HLA-B27 should not be used to diagnose AS in the absence of other supporting history and physical exam evidence. Dr. Muhammad Khan, the world’s foremost expert in AS, has flatly stated that, “HLA-B27 testing is inappropriate in patients with back pain or arthritis in whom neither the history nor the physical examination suggests the presence of AS. A positive result in this clinical situation would still not permit the diagnosis of AS to be made because up to 8% of the general population possesses this gene.” Laboratory tests measuring inflammation are of limited value. Elevation of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or C-reactive protein (CRP) occurs in about 70% of patients with active AS. The problem is that there is not a good correlation between the elevation in these blood tests and disease activity. It may be that the increases in ESR and CRP reflect the presence of active arthritis in joints outside of the spine. Normal ESR or CRP does not exclude the presence of clinically active AS. Successful treatment of AS requires a combination of non-drug as well as appropriate drug therapies. Patient education is important and should include a life-long program of regular stretching and range-of-motion exercise. Smokers should be encouraged to stop smoking. Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is often helpful. Traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate, leflunomide (Arava), and sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), are not useful for the treatment of disease restricted to the spine. They may be helpful in patients where peripheral joint arthritis or enthesitis is present. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibiting agents, etanercept (Enbrel), adalimumab (Humira), and infliximab (Remicade) are very effective in treating AS patients. MRI studies have shown that TNF-inhibitors are capable of resolving severe inflammation in the spine as well as in peripheral joints. Whether these drugs can prevent structural damage remains to be seen. As with all forms of arthritis that require immunosuppressive therapy, close supervision of the patient is mandatory. Surgery may be required for cases of AS that don’t respond to medical therapy. Joint replacement, in the case of peripheral involvement, and corrective spinal surgery may be needed. Fortunately, today, quicker diagnosis and more aggressive medical intervention have reduced the need for surgical solutions. One other note of caution... In patients with significant neck involvement and rigidity, intubation for general anesthesia is extremely difficult and dangerous. These patients should notify the anesthesiologist in cases of elective surgery. They should also wear an ID bracelet advising of their condition.

Premhealth..Drug Rehab Could Have Saved Beloved South African Singer

2007-11-02T05:01:00.000-07:00

Brenda Fassie, the legendary South African pop singer who sold millions of records across Africa and around the world, died in a Johannesburg hospital on May 9, 2004 after spending 13 days in a coma. The post-mortem said her final dose of cocaine was the cause of death. She was only 39 years old. MaBrrr, as she was affectionately nicknamed by her fans, had tried to resolve her severe addictions over the years at various treatment centers – in fact, more than 30 times – but, unfortunately for MaBrrr and her millions of admirers, she never found a truly successful drug rehab program. Fassie, the youngest of nine kids, was named after Brenda Lee, the American singer. Her pianist mother let her earn money by singing for tourists in the streets. In 1981 at 16, Fassie left Cape Town to seek her fortune as a singer in Johannesburg’s Soweto district. Soweto, short for “South West Townships”, had long been under the grinding heel of South Africa’s white supremacist apartheid policy. Poverty, drugs, alcohol, prostitution, illness and crime were rampant, and drug rehab facilities as we know them today were virtually unknown. But there was art, there was music, there were night clubs to sing in and a vibrant culture was being created by Soweto’s people. Nelson Mandela lived there for years, as did Bishop Desmond Tutu and other famous black South Africans. Five years before Fassie arrived, Soweto police opened fire on 10,000 protesting students marching peacefully from Naledi High School to Orlando Stadium. In the events that unfolded, 566 people died. The impact of the Soweto Uprising, as it became known, reverberated throughout the country and around the world. Soweto became the stage for violent state repression and the roaring social and political oven in which Fassie forged the direction of her music – by the mid-‘90s, she was the unequivocal voice of black oppression. But she had also formed a drug addiction so strong that it managed to resist one treatment program after another. Without access to a real drug rehab, Fassie was unable to break the habit. In 2001 Time magazine dubbed Fassie “The Madonna of the Townships” and indeed she was. Fassie managed to combine ground-breaking musical success with a personal accessibility and human fallibility that drew a fierce loyalty and protectiveness from fans. Her career was studded with record sales and awards, but punctuated also by periodic scandals, recurring battles with drug addiction, and lows in her musical career that saw her written off by the press. On June 12, 2006, two years after her death, family and friends paid tribute to Fassie at the unveiling of a huge new tombstone at Cape Town's Langa cemetery. Wreaths from former president Nelson Mandela and President Thabo Mbeki – who had both visited her in the hospital where she lay in a coma – were placed on the family grave where Fassie was buried with her mother and father. The family is planning a museum in her honor, where her music and other memorabilia will be displayed. And perhaps most significant is the planned Brenda Fassie Foundation that would financially assist young drug addicts in need of a successful drug rehab program.

Premhealth..Fish Oil Benefits

2007-11-02T05:00:00.000-07:00

In the quest to achieve better health and wellness, fish oil supplements have become an increasingly popular way to take advantage of many different medical benefits. Fish oil originates from the tissues of oily fish, such as carp, herring, salmon, and fresh tuna. Today, fish oil is recommended as part of a healthy diet because of the amount of omega-3 fatty acids contained, which is known to reduce inflammation throughout the body and lessen the threat of coronary heart disease (among other things). There are two main ways to include fish oil as part of a healthy diet. The first involves the consumption of oily fish, including sardines and cod, which contain oils throughout their body and about their gut, unlike other species of fish. Depending on the species, oily fish fillets may offer up to 30% oil. Besides omega-3 fatty acids, oily fish also provides a good source of vitamins A and D. The second approach towards increasing the amount of fish oils in a diet is to purchase fish oil capsules or supplements. Many people are said to prefer the consumption of fish oil capsules because they are easy to follow and do not require laborious measurements in making sure recommended daily values are satisfied. To explore some of the many benefits associated with fish oil supplements and consumption, a few examples can be found below: Decreased Pain Levels and Inflammation Omega-3 fatty acids may posses the power to lessen inflammation in the body, as well as ease the pain associated with arthritis and cystitis. Rheumatoid arthritis patients often report an improvement in joint pains and inflammation when taking fish oil supplements. Treats Depression and Stress Some individuals have been able to ease their symptoms of depression by implementing omega-3 fish oil supplements into their diet. Fish oils have also been linked to showing promise in treating bipolar and psychotic patients. Supplements may also help to promote the overall mood of patients, and may even reduce premenstrual stress. Cardiovascular Improvements The heart, arteries, and veins may benefit from fish oil because it has been known to help lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, while at the same time improving "good" cholesterol levels. Fights Strokes and Heart Attack The threat of stroke and heart attack may be decreased with the introduction of fish oils into a diet because they may help to prevent blood clots and other damage to the heart. A decreased risk of sudden death and heart attacks has also been seen. Enhances Brain Activity Fish oil is known to boost intelligence and overall happiness in users, as well as improve the memory and ability to stay focused. In the elderly, the risk of dementia and memory loss sometimes decreases with the use of fish oil supplements. Additionally, mothers who consume or take a high amount of omega-3/fish oils during pregnancy often give birth to children with a higher IQ. Combats Childhood Disorders Children, who suffer from disorders, such as ADD and ADHD, have experienced a better quality of life when incorporating fish oil fatty acids into their diet. Additional conditions that respond to fish oils include dyslexia and compulsive disorders. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Affordable Health Insurance

2007-11-02T04:57:00.000-07:00

As health insurance costs are increasing we have to take more responsibility for our health insurance coverage. With health insurance cost rising health insurance companies are constantly coming out with new health insurance plans. New plans offer you flexibility to customize your own health insurance plan. Most health plans in the past were pre packaged health insurance plans and we ended up paying for things we never use. We know that car insurance offers us flexibility to where you can pick your limits deductibles and the types of coverage that you want. It seemed that with health insurance it took at while for health insurance companies to realize that is how they can stay competitive. The world of five dollar co pays and no deductible plans are over. Most of us and our parents come from the world where large companies paid for their health insurance plans. Large companies do have advantage of numbers; more people are part of the group the more insurance companies are competing for their business. First I want to address or health insurance quote shopping. If you are looking for some great deal a plan that covers everything for small monthly premium you are going to get scammed. Health insurance prices are health insurance prices no matter what insurance company you go with. The main difference how insurance companies compete with offering more affordable health insurance rates is by being more creative in their plan design. Stays away from “good deals” in health insurance, chances are the plans are not going to cover anything when you have claim. Then you will end up with bills from the hospital and your health insurance premiums. Health insurance companies like Assurant Health underwritten by Time Insurance offer health insurance plans where you design your own plan. It is one of the only large reputable health insurance companies to offer customizable health plans. They offer five plan designs two of them are Health Savings Account qualified health plans and the other health plans are your standard PPO (Preferred Provider Organization). What makes Assurant Health unique is that every type of plan give you opportunity to customize that plan by choosing co-pay or no co-pay option, choice of deductible, prescription drug coverage deductible, dental discount plan or dental insurance and some plan specific options. If you are looking for simple to use and simple to understand HSA account plans, Assurant is one of the first companies to offer HSA plans. When designing your own health insurance plan keep in mind of your previous health insurance usage. Choosing deductible for your health insurance plans will make the largest difference in your monthly price. Keep in mind in most cases deductible applies only to when you are hospitalized. That meant when you are admitted to the hospital. Most health insurance plans will cover you doctor visits, physical exams, prescriptions drugs and your lab work with a co-pay before you meet the deductible. If you choose a high deductible plan and something does happen to you that you end up in the hospital for something major and you do not have money at the time to cover your deductible. Every hospital will work with you by offering you payment methods. This way you can take as much time to pay off that deductible. Therefore it does not make any sense in most cases not choosing a plan with high deductible. Get health plans with high deductible and you are going to save thousands on your health insurance. Some companies like Assurant Health offer you option to where if you choose a health plans with deductible of thirty five hundred of higher you automatically qualify for two year rate guarantee. Save money monthly and avoid rate increased. Just with little knowledge and understanding of how health insurance works you save thousands with the health coverage that you need.

Pure Bottled Water and Your Body

2007-11-02T04:55:00.000-07:00

The benefits of good health cannot be overemphasized for those who wish to lead a happy lifestyle. While good health does not guarantee happiness it is certainly a key building block for a future of well being, contentment and serenity. Pure Bottled Water is a good starting point at building a healthy lifestyle. What are the basics of good health? Like most events in nature, development and maintenance of good health and a healthy lifestyle are simple in concept but take some work and dedication to achieve. * Healthy diet * Exercise * Minimize stress on a daily basis Almost all of the common diseases that threaten us today can be avoided to a great degree by eating right, adopting a program of regular exercise, and stress reduction through techniques like meditation. The Role Of Pure Water as part of a Healthy Diet. Daily consumption of pure water is essential to a proper diet. Basically, the human body can survive for extended periods without food but can only last for a few days without water. Water is the essential element of your body: water cools the body and is essential for the proper functioning of all the major body processes. Is Our Drinking Water Pure? In the whole world only 3% of all the water is drinkable and of that 3%, pollution is taking its toll. Much of the potentially drinkable water is now so polluted that it is undrinkable. Municipalities in the western word attempt to supply drinking water but only do so with contaminants and bacteria that is covered up by significant amounts of chlorine. Scholars Have Noticed There have many studies of contaminated water and its effects on the human body. Many scholars recommend the use of purified distilled water as a healthy substitute for contaminated water. Many experts have published opinions on the subject (see: Water Purification: http://mizar5.com/distill/BestPurification.html) Other experts such as Dr. Andrew Weil (http://www.aquaprix.com/archive/drw_cda.html) explore the benefits of distilled water and explode many of the myths surrounding this form of purified water. The basic question many scholars as is “Why do people harm their health with adulterated drinking water when pure water is available?” How Much Pure Water Do You Need? To stay hydrated, you need to drink at least half your body weight in ounces of pure water (spread out over the day). Therefore, if you weigh 150 pounds, you need at least 75 ounces of pure water a day. Remember, you cannot drink too much pure water-the more the better. How Do You Know If You Are Hydrated? Your urine should be almost clear once every 24 hours. Remember: Thirst is not a good guide-by the time you experience thirst, you are already 2-3% dehydrated, which means your energy is depleted by 20-30%. What Counts Towards Your Pure Water Intake? The following sources of pure water can count towards your daily quota Distilled/Oxygenated water is the best choice. Distilled water is purified and It is rated purest and cleanest by National Science Foundation, containing the least parts-per-million contaminants. Some water suppliers add oxygen in a process that enhances the pure water taste. Spring water is water bottled from a natural spring source. The majority of bottled water is spring water. Be careful of your sources because spring water is subject to the same natural and man made contamination as other unpurified water such as well and tap water. Tap or Well Water It is best to avoid tap and well water, because most North American water supplies contain a myriad of toxins including: anti-biotics, hormones, chlorine, heavy metals, and pesticides. Test all well water for contaminants because the water table that supports well water is often polluted. A high quality filtration or distillation system is recommended for all tap/well water. There are Many Forms and Qualities of Bottled Water Although bottled water is perceived as a healthier, safer choice over tap water in consumer surveys, that is not necessarily always true. Most tap water is bad for your body but many bottled waters are not purified and therefore not much better than tap water. Twenty-five percent of all bottled water is actually repackaged tap water The more a consumer knows about the realities of bottled and tap water, the better they can be about selecting water based on purity and taste. Is Bottled Best? In a recent Gallop survey, most consumers indicated they drink bottled water based on their perception it is safer and purer than tap water. Taste was the second leading reason, while bottled water's convenience was also a factor. Bottled water is considered a food, and thus regulated by Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Tap water is regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Both varieties are subject to testing for contaminants, and some bottled and most tap water contains contaminates such as bacteria, arsenic, lead or pesticides. Independent tests by groups such as the National Resources Defense Council have found: Distilled/oxygenated water however, does not contain contaminants. Other Facts: -- Sixty to 70 percent of all bottled water in the United States is packaged and sold within the same state, which exempts it from FDA regulation. One in five states does not regulate that bottled water. -- While most cities meet the standards for tap water, some tap water in 19 U.S. cities tested was found to contain arsenic, lead, and pesticides. -- In 1,000 bottles of 103 different brands of bottled water, 22 percent contained synthetic chemicals, bacteria and arsenic. Most healthy adults can tolerate trace amounts of contaminates if exposed, but some people are more vulnerable and should be more aware of their water source. These people include cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, patients who are HIV+ positive or recovering from a transplant or major surgery, and pregnant women, children, and elderly adults. Bottled water that is purified by a distillation/oxygenation process eliminates even the most minute traces of contaminants. It is best however to buy purified water from a supplier that is approved under FDA regulations. Why take a chance on your health because of the water you drink?

Does Toothpaste Help Get Rid of Acne?

2007-11-02T04:54:00.000-07:00

Home remedies for acne come in all flavors of strange. There's the egg yolk mask, handyman soap scrub, lidocaine rub and even a urine toner. And like any trial therapy, homemade treatments may work sheerly because of the placebo effect. But, does toothpaste posses any properties that support its usage as an acne treatment? The first place to begin answering this question is to consider the ingredients in common toothpastes and what effect they have on the skin. Fluoride: In almost any tube of toothpaste you'll find sodium monoflurorophosphate, or simply put, some chemical variety of fluoride. Fluoride prevents tooth cavities. But in the skin, fluoride typically causes more damage that it corrects. For example, medicals studies have reported that large does of fluoride could cause systemic poisoning. Though the amount of fluoride in tooth paste is less than one percent you may not want predispose yourself to risk. If toothpaste does help acne prone skin, it's most likely not due to the fluoride because this chemical can irritate or burn the skin and sometimes provoke skin allergies. Glycerin, sorbitol and alumina: Skimming down the list of toothpaste ingredients, we arrive at agents with the potential to delete zits like hydrated silica, sorbitol, alumina and glycerin. Silica and types of aluminum are used to treat acne via dermabrasive products. However, in the toothpaste, they are too fine to profoundly exfoliate the skin. Sorbitol is a flavoring agent while glycerin makes the toothpaste feel good in your mouth. Moving on, we come to sodium lauryl sulfate, or the toothpaste bubble maker. You don't need suds to get rid of zits. Next! Getting rid of calcium: Now we encounter sodium pyrophosphate, or some relative of this chemical resting in our toothpaste. Sodium pyrophosphate limits tartar deposits on the teeth by removing calcium and magnesium from saliva. It is with this calcium evicting phosphate that we may find a potential acne curative. Skin levels of calcium directly influence skin cell growth and differentiation. One of the traits of acne includes improper shedding of the skin or improper skin cell separation. And according to research done by Chia-Ling L. Tu and colleagues, too much calcium in the epidermis skin causes more hair follicles to grow, makes the skin more susceptible to outside attacks and increases cell growth. None of these activities help contain acne so taking away a little calcium from acne prone skin may eliminate a cluster of zits. So we allot a point to pyrophosphate as a possible acne taming agent. Try these ingredients in a better product and they will help with acne: Rounding out the toothpaste ingredients are minimal amounts of titanium dioxide and or baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). As far as the skin is concerned, these two agents are wonderful exfoliators, yet in some toothpastes, their presence may prove too small to positively affect the skin. These guys may also absorb excess facial oils which will definitely help bumpy skin heal faster. As predominant skin care ingredients, titanium dioxide and baking soda sever as wonderful dermbrasion agents, so you may want to try them in this form. In short. proving whether or not your toothpaste will get rid of acne would require some costly research and you would still have to face the ominous doubt cast by the placebo effect. Toothpaste does contain agents with the potential to control acne like pyrophosphates that improve skin cell shedding, and skin exfoliators like titanium dioxide and baking soda. The only problem is, toothpaste is formulated to treat and prevent cavities, not pimples. You really can't fully benefit from toothpaste's zit fighting agents because they are not concentrated enough. Instead, use acne products that contain right proportions of bump fighting ingredients, whether you buy them at the drug store or make them at home. Sources: Tu, Chia-Ling L; Oda, Y; Komuves, L & Bikle D. The role of the calcium-sensing receptor in epidermal dierentiation.

Using Your Health Savings Account to Pay for International Travel

2007-11-02T04:52:00.002-07:00

Thousands of U.S. citizens are taking advantage of the low cost and high quality of foreign hospitals by traveling abroad for medical treatment. The savings are often 75 percent or more, and the entire cost of treatment may even be payable with tax-free money from a Health Savings Account. Medical tourism first began to get popular in the 1990's, when people began traveling in large numbers to Brazil for cosmetic surgery. But as costs have continued to rise, thousands of Americans have been traveling overseas for real medical conditions, such as knee replacements, by-pass operations, heart valve replacements, and other serious issues. Many countries are seeing medical tourism as a good way to bring in foreign money. In many cases the quality of medicine available overseas is equal to the top hospitals in the U.S. Patients are showing up at places like the Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad, India, part of a 36-hospital chain founded by a cardiologist from Massachusetts General. A heart valve replacement may cost $50,000 to $100,000 in the U.S., and only $12,000 in India, including travel costs. Escorts Heart Institute and Research Center, in Delhi, India, is another popular medical tourist destination. It was founded by Dr. Naresh Trehan, an authority on robotic cardiac surgery formerly based at New York University. Blue Cross Blue Shield has just announced that they will pay for treatment at Bumrungrad International Hospital, in Bangkok, Thailand for individuals from South Carolina. Over 80,000 Americans received treatment there last year. The hospital boasts that over 200 of its doctors are board-certified in the U.S, and will perform a knee replacement operation for 20 percent of what it would cost in the U.S. Who Does This? Dodie Gilmore is a 60 year-old rodeo barrel-racing champ from Oklahoma. She runs a 180 acre ranch, but could no longer ride a horse because she needed a hip replacement. Her health insurance plan had an exclusion that wouldn't cover her operation, and she really didn't feel like paying the $35,000 it would cost her. Instead she and her partner flew to India where she had the surgery at the Max Institute of Orthopedics and Joint Replacement. Her physician was Dr. S.K.S. Marya, who averages one American hip-replacement patient every week. Dodie's total coast, including travel, was only $11,000. She even managed to take in a tour of the Taj Mahal. Forty to Sixty percent of those surveyed say they would consider surgery abroad if it could save them $5,000 or more. Going out of the U.S. (perhaps even just to Mexico), could be a worthwhile strategy if you have an exclusionary waiver on your policy, if you'll be having elective surgery not covered by your health insurance policy, or if you have a high deductible plan. What is the Risk? According to the Institute of Medicine, over 100,000 accidental deaths occur in hospitals every year. And that's here in the U.S. Hospitals are a dangerous place to be, and you want to spend as little of your life in one as possible. So there are risks everywhere, and probably greater risks outside the U.S. But the magic of the free-market does give you some protection. There is a lot of money flowing to countries and international hospitals that practice high-quality medicine. If a hospital does not provide quality service, you can bet its customers will go elsewhere, particularly if they are choosing among anywhere in the world. The influx of foreign patients (and money) is enticing more western-trained doctors to return home, so the choices are actually increasing, and the quality and prices continue to improve. I believe that if you use care in choosing your provider and structuring your treatment, the risks are no greater than having surgery here in the U.S. How to Research Your Options Keep in mind that most health insurance plans still will not cover for treatment outside the U.S., particularly if you are traveling specifically to receive medical care. So check with your insurer if the cost of the treatment is going to exceed your deductible. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations certifies hospitals here in the U.S. Their international division, Joint Commission International, certifies hospitals throughout the rest of the world. Make sure the facility that you are considering has been certified by them. Then check out your doctor. Confirm that he or she is English speaking, and was trained in the U.S., U.K., Australia, or Germany. Finally, consider hiring a consultant to help you choose the best hospital and surgeon for your needs. A good service will not only set up the treatment, but can also arrange all travel plans, meet you at the airport, and act as your liaison while you are being treated. If you spend money from your Health Savings Account to pay for international medical care, the amount you withdraw is tax-free. Health Savings Account regulations also allow you to cover the cost of your travel if the reason you are traveling to get medical care is not "for purely personal reasons." When choosing how to manage your health, you should carefully consider all your options. International travel is a great option for people with Health Savings Accounts.

Need to Lose Weight? Then Increase Your Metabolism…

2007-11-02T04:52:00.001-07:00

If you need to lose weight, one great way to start melting pounds away is to increase your metabolism. By increasing your metabolism, you'll be able to process food faster and therefore will store less fat in the body. In fact, with a better metabolism, you're body will even begin burning away existing fat in order to get the energy it needs to support itself. How Metabolism Works Your metabolism can either work for you or against you. The main way we all get energy is from glucose, commonly known as our blood sugar. When our blood sugar runs low, our metabolism burns the fat in our bodies in order to make more energy. However, when our blood sugar runs high, our metabolism stores fat in our bodies to use later. So now let's look at how you can get your metabolism to work for you. Go Ahead and Eat Many people believe that the key to losing weight is to stop eating. Well, that will actually have a negative effect on your metabolism. Eating less will cause your metabolism to slow down because it will sense that you don't have enough food. So when you finally eat, your blood sugar will jump through the roof and your metabolism will store the extra glucose as fat. Instead of starving yourself, eat many smaller, healthy meals that are low in calories and fat. Also, consume plenty of water, fruits, and vegetables. By eating smaller portions you'll not only curb your appetite, but you'll also trick your body into thinking that it's getting plenty of food. Therefore, your metabolism will kick into a higher gear. Then when it doesn't get the glucose it needs for energy (because you're eating healthy) then it will begin to take that glucose from the stores of fat that are already in your body. Get Yourself Moving Exercise is a guaranteed way to increase your metabolism. Always check with your doctor for what is the best exercise regime for you. Most of the time, walking as little as twenty minutes a day, will help increase your metabolism. Exercise actually helps you lose weight in two ways: First, exercise builds muscle and muscle burns calories on its own. Secondly, when you exercise your body is forced to come up with enough energy to support your activity. So, it begins burning fat in order to give the energy you need. Don't be put off when I say exercise - there is no need to be pounding away furiously on a treadmill for hours a day. A simple yet effective mini routine is all that is needed to give your metabolism a boost. Some Final Words about Losing Weight If you need to lose weight, you're certainly not alone. Millions of people are in the same boat. However, most people don't realize what it takes to first lose the weight and then to keep the weight off. If you increase your metabolism, you'll see that over time, your fat will melt off your body and your weight will gradually drop. The two best ways to increase your metabolism are to eat smaller meals more often and to exercise regularly.

Orthodontics Anti-Snoring Appliances, Do They Work?

2007-11-02T04:51:00.001-07:00

Do you have a major snoring problem? Have you tried every home remedy on the market, followed every old friends advice, family secrets or any other possible way to end this never ending nightmare? Well if this is your case let me surprise you. Have you tried your dentist? Did you know that it’s quite possible that your snoring problem is due to your jaw placement rather than some loose tissue or an enlarged uvula? Orthodontics Anti-Snoring Appliances Can be Created For You By Your dentist If your snoring problem is related to your jaw, than you should know that orthodontic anti-snoring appliance are very popular and effective to get rid of your snoring problem. You see snoring is often due to then soft tissues in your throat falling into the back of the throat, thus blocking the airways. This is exactly to prevent such thing that orthodontic anti-snoring appliances have been created. They bring the lower jaw forward and lift the soft palate to prevent it from falling back. Unfortunately this kind of device, created by your dentist, can be quite expensive. The good news is that there is an alternative for those who don’t have the money for such a “personal device”. There is an inexpensive version of the “oral splint” that is often called the “boil and bite” because it is exactly how you fit it in you jaw. The less expensive orthodontic anti-snoring appliance are made of soft plastic which soften in hot water. In order to make it fit your jaw you just need to place the oral splint into hot water for a while and then bit into the mouthpiece to mold it to your jaw. Buying this inexpensive device is a very good way to find out if this device can help you stop snoring, if it does, you should consider having one made just for you by your dentist. The Orthodontics Anti-Snoring Appliance – An Effective Snoring Solution So far the studies done on the use of orthodontics anti-snoring appliance demonstrate very good results. They have been used successfully on many users to help them get rid of their snoring problem. On the other hand theses studies also reported a small number of mild side effects such as: * dry mouth * tooth discomfort * excessive salivation Keep in mind that the complaints for these were few and must of course be counter weighed with the idea of restful sleep. If you would like to try this brand new method to help you stop snoring you should contact your dentist. On top of that make sure you see him each year to make sure you are not suffering from long term damage or dental work.

Mastering Leptin the Key to Weight Loss

2007-11-02T04:50:00.001-07:00

Leptin leapt into the headlines when it was identified in 1995 as a protein that triggers weight loss in mice. Leptin (the Greek term for thin) is a hormone released by your fat cells. When you lose fat, leptin levels drop and when you gain fat, leptin levels rise. Recent research into leptin has revealed what is likely to be very important in the control of appetite, weight loss and the regulation of body weight. Advances in leptin research and its role in the control of obesity would lead to reductions in diabetes, coronary heart disease and many forms of cancer, all of which are increased in obesity. American adults are overweight and more than 30 percent are obese. Currently 50 million Americans suffer from metabolic syndrome - a disease associated with obesity and encompassing coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes. Leptin affects our weight and our appetites. Levels of leptin rise just before a meal and fall when people are full. It is now known that leptin not only can affect the chemical responses that affect how hungry you are but also can affect the wiring of your brain. Scientists are interested in whether leptin may be manipulated to help people, especially overweight people, to lose weight and not put it back on. They know that leptin is released by fat cells and tells the brain how much fat is on the body. Once leptin has been secreted by your fat cells, it travels to the hypothalamus. This is the part of your brain that controls eating behavior. Defects in leptin signaling leads to obesity, overeating, and decreased energy output. Normally, when leptin levels in the blood go up, the brain signals us to stop eating. But since obesity isn’t the result of a lack of leptin, it is a lack of response to leptin, and obese individuals tend to have more and larger leptin-producing fat cells than thinner people, their leptin levels increase substantially with every pound of additional weight gain. This is illustrated below. Mice lacking leptin ate voraciously and grew enormously fat; leptin injections made them stop eating and slim down. The discovery led researchers to think that fat people might also lack leptin, and that it could make them lose weight. But it was not so. Scientists found that most fat people had lots of leptin, and giving them more had little effect. (The New York Times 26/11/2002). Researchers at the Oregon National Primate Research Center conducted a study in mice involving two separate groups that were fed high-fat and low-fat diets. The high-fat diet group developed symptoms of diabetes and obesity while the low-fat diet group did not. The researchers tested cells which conduct nerve impulses and found the cells behaved as if there was no leptin present, even though levels were 40-times higher than in normal mice. (Cell Metab. 2007 Mar;5(3):181-94). This is due to obese people becoming resistant to leptin’s signal. When the brain fails to sense the leptin hormone’s signal correctly it thinks that more fat is required, even though we have enough, and fat begins to accumulate while metabolism slows down. Some scientists think that either leptin is not transported through the blood-brain barrier properly or the brain is not interpreting the signals properly. With the regular discovery of hormones involved in regulating body weight it is a diverse and rapidly expanding field. My own research of the literature has revealed to me some dietary factors that block leptin from crossing the blood-brain barrier and interfere with leptin signaling. In addition, there are foods/methods that correct these problems. I will discuss these issues in due course. If this article is reproduced please ensure the link to my website is kept live. If you can't see the links hover your mouse over the words in the bio box. References Enriori PJ, Evans AE, Sinnayah P, Jobst EE, Tonelli-Lemos L, Billes SK, Glavas MM, Grayson BE, Perello M, Nillni EA, Grove KL, Cowley MA. Diet-induced obesity causes severe but reversible leptin resistance in arcuate melanocortin neurons. Cell Metab. 2007 Mar;5(3):181-94. If this article is reproduced please ensure the link to my website is kept live.

Sicko and Bill Clinton on Health and Wellness Trends

2007-11-02T04:49:00.000-07:00

Have you watched Sicko already? It is very worth doing so. In order to help put the health problem we are living in better perspective, let me share now some of the insights and advice that Bill Clinton gave us in San Francisco recently at the Healthetc event sponsored by California Pacific Medical Center and KCBS. Some of the speech highlights: 1) Clinton's great overview of key comparative data: * 16 vs 10-11: % GDP spent on health care in the US vs. other industrialized countries. This percentage difference equals around $800 billion annually! * 84 vs 100: % population with some form of health insurance in the US vs. other countries * 34 and 37: ranking of the US system as measured by health outcomes and life expectancy, respectively * 34 vs 19: % health care costs spent on administration in the US vs. other countries 2) President Clinton then outlined the 3 main problems with US Healthcare as follows, empathizing that any serious, long-term solution needs to address these 3 elements as a whole: * immoral unequal coverage, where a large percentage of citizens lack access to quality care * inefficient system: we pay more for less, as you could see in Sicko * we still focus more on disease than on health. But he is hopeful about an increasing focus on wellness, absolutely necessary to alleviate future cost pressures 3) Now, let's reflect on couple of (approximate) quotes with profound wisdom * "I am a testimonial for the best of American medicine. Given my heart problems, it is a miracle I am here with you today. These days I cannot stay more than 5 minutes in a bad mood, because I remind myself how fortunate I am simply to be alive" * (when people were clapping and cheering to easy "sound bites" while he was still trying to make a complex point) "Please stop. I don't want you to boo or cheer, simply to think on your own" Amazing words. In the afternoon, after his speech, we spent some time talking with health providers and attending some panels, such as the one put together by the Alzheimer's Association on ways to prevent or delay Alzheimer's. We were surprised at the amount of education still needed to make the medical and health community incorporate science-based advice on lifelong learning and mental stimulation on top of "traditional" advice around nutrition and physical exercise. The Alzheimer's Association is being one of the pioneers with their "Maintain Your Brain" campaign, suggesting a comprehensive set of health and wellness guidelines we should all follow: 1) Stay mentally active: "Mentally stimulating activities strengthen brain cells and the connections between them, and may even create new nerve cells." 2) Remain socially active: "Social activity not only makes physical and mental activity more enjoyable, it can reduce stress levels, which helps maintain healthy connections among brain cells" 3) Stay physically active: "Physical exercise is essential for maintaining good blood flow to the brain as well as to encourage new brain cells. It also can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and diabetes, and thereby protect against those risk factors for Alzheimer's and other dementias." 4) Adopt a brain-healthy diet: "Research suggests that high cholesterol may contribute to stroke and brain cell damage. A low fat, low cholesterol diet is advisable. And there is growing evidence that a diet rich in dark vegetables and fruits, which contain antioxidants, may help protect brain cells." No doubt, Bill Clinton would agree with the importance of these guidelines to ensure Baby Boomers can age in a healthy way and prevent the health care system from being overwhelmed with Alzheimer's related costs. Let's watch with attention what the presidential candidates propose to deal with this situation. Copyright (c) 2007 SharpBrains

Prem health..Natural Weight Loss for Good Health and Well Being

2007-11-02T02:59:00.000-07:00

Weight loss is becoming an unhealthy obsession dealing with body images, but in some cases can improve health and fitness. When weight loss is a result of eating healthy, exercising and/or taking natural weight loss supplements in contrast to synthetic prescription drugs with the risk of harmful side effects, weight loss can be effective, rewarding, and greatly improve overall health. Extra weight, especially extra fat on a person's body, applies significantly increased stresses on the heart, joints and back. These stresses can be extremely detrimental to one's health. Healthy weight loss can reduce the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, arthritis and other health problems, as well as generally extending an otherwise average life span. Recently, the scientific root cause or explanation of obesity has been revealed as being part of one's physiology. The internal functions of an obese person are different than those of a healthy person, and cause intense hunger pains and food cravings. Natural weight loss supplements can help counteract this constant hunger and lead to healthy weight loss. Unbalanced hormones are a common cause of weight gain, therefore taking natural hormone balancers and herbal supplements would help to create a healthy weight loss regimen. Restoring your health allows you to lose weight naturally, without excess frustration and effort. It's all about losing weight from the inside out. Emotional issues always accompany change, especially changes in our bodies e.g. natural weight loss. Weight loss affects our perception body image, our sense of identity i.e. who am I?, and how we feel about ourselves in general. Weight loss also effects our social relationships in that there may be people in our family or social contacts that are emotionally invested in our remaining the same i.e. overweight with all that it symbolizes e.g. friendliness, non-threatening, protective, jovial, helpful, etc. Beyond our physical health, it can be said that "size matters" cognitively and emotionally to ourselves and others. Eating and food have come to symbolize being accepted, being cared for and comfort. Having the support of others in our efforts to naturally lose weight and regain our health is a huge advantage. We have been "conditioned" to fear any kind of loss, including weight loss. Especially if what we may lose is something with which we identify i.e. use to tell us who we are. The emotions of fear, anger, anxiety and depression effect our weight. We often tend to "stuff our feelings" or numb these emotional feelings or stress by overeating. We may even overeat, thinking that will ease the physical discomfort caused by excess weight e.g. physical pain, lack of sleep, and lack of energy caused by moderate depression. To improve our overall health and support us through the process of natural weight loss and the emotional dynamics around it, we can take advantage of natural sleep aids, natural depression relief and natural pain relief health care products. Our weight and health is greatly dependent upon our having a healthy digestive system or metabolism. Our digestive system converts, on a cellular and muscular level, the foods we eat, eliminates toxins, and uses and stores glucose for energy. Natural enzymes trigger hunger signals and facilitate absorption of nutrition. Good digestion with the help of natural enzymes aids in the conversion of fat to muscle. Allergy and sensitivity to food, parasites, yeast overgrowth and emotional stress are signals of digestive disruption and inflammation. Natural essential fatty acids work to reduce intestinal inflammation, decrease harmful acids, help the liver process proteins that grow muscle, balance hormones and facilitate the elimination of toxins. Natural essential fatty acids help clear our digestive system of heavy metals, harmful bacteria, pesticides that we are increasingly encountering in our environment. Essential fatty acids along with natural fiber help us clean out the intestinal debris that harm our health and often lead to weight gain. Essential fatty acids also help our brain's neurotransmitters to function properly in order to deal with stress, emotions, and cravings that can lead to overeating and weight gain. Natural amino acids are the building blocks that make up proteins. Next to water, protein makes up the greatest part of our body weight. Amino acids help increase metabolism, build muscle, ease moderate depression, and help burn fat. Natural antioxidants help carry more oxygen to cells and muscles to help increase energy, burn fat, build muscle and process the foods we eat. Hormone balance is essential for natural weight loss. Our metabolism slows as we get older because of the decrease or imbalance of hormones. This contributes to weight gain. Hormone balance also helps us deal with stress that leads to weight gain. Proper hormone balance helps to decrease cravings and binge eating. There are many natural hormone balancing products available, e.g. natural progesterone, promensil, soy isoflavones, essential fatty acids and hormone balancing formulas. Our metabolism's primary task is to nourish our brains. We need healthy neurotransmitters to help us curb craving, ease depression, and deal with stress that lead to weight gain. Balancing our natural brain chemistry has a calming effect and allows us to feel a sens of well being and safety. There are many natural health care products to help balance brain chemistry, e.g. essential fatty acids, natural depression relief products, natural products to increase serotonin, and more. When our brain feels well and safe, it is prone to change our metabolism from calorie saving to calorie burning. Our bodies were designed to move and be active. Movement requires muscle activity. Muscle activity uses the glycogen supply found in our muscles. When this glycogen supply stored in our muscles is used, our body is forced to use stored fat as an energy source. Using this stored fat through movement and exercise, results in natural weight loss. There is no reason for us to become athletes to accomplish natural weight loss. Low impact exercise like swimming, walking, etc, can be done slowly and without strain. In order to lose real weight rather than "water weight", it is important to drink extra amounts of water when exercising. Drinking more water will also help our digestive system and metabolism to use and eliminate extra weight. Remember, the first objective, accomplished through natural weight loss, is to improve our physical and emotional health. This involves having a healthy digestive system, a healthy emotional system and a healthy nutritional system. We can build these healthy systems with natural vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants, natural digestive aid, pain relief aid, natural sleep aids, natural emotional and mood aids, essential fatty acids and many more helpful natural health care products. We need to concentrate on improving our general health, feeling good, and living well through natural weight loss, rather than constantly comparing ourselves to someone else's idea about appearance from some magazine. Physical and emotional health is primary. Appearance may be important to us, but it is secondary. Through natural weight loss, we can live well and live long.

Prem health..Powerful Anti-Aging Role Models: More are Needed

2007-11-02T02:55:00.000-07:00

Recently on "America's Got Talent" a 75 year old woman performed a song and dance routine. (This reference is not to the Rappin Granny who was outstanding.) Before she began I mentally cheered her on with, "You go girl!" I was reminded of a CD an older woman sent to me that captured her singing performance at a local nightspot. She was fantastic. And why not. if Tony Bennett at 80 something can still sing, others can do it too. As it turned out, the contestant did not have a million dollar talent. How I wish she had been sensational. Because we are living longer, healthier lives, we desperately need accomplished older role models to show us what's possible late in life. I often mention Dr. Helen Harkenss, author of Don't Stop the Career Clock, who has inspired me more than I can say. (I can't reveal her age because I don't know it, she doesn't tell, and it doesn't matter anyway. It's her accomplishments that count, not her advanced age.) Other role models of mine include 80 something David Oreck who still promotes his vacuum cleaners. Compare his sharp agile mind and youthful demeanor to that of many retirees his age whose brains and bodies have turned to mush. Then there is 90 something Art Linkletter who writes books and does almost non-stop speaking gigs. When I was interviewed for his book, How to Make the Rest of Your Life the Best of Your Life, he and I disagreed about living in retirement communities, but we got beyond that. He has a flexible open mind and can see other points of view. How about 90 plus Jack LaLanne, a testament to the benefit of lifelong super nutrition and exercise. He oozes energy. How can you watch his juicer infomercial and not want to buy two of them? Recently, I watched a video that is truly awesome. I found it in "Celebrations" the official newsletter for Older Wiser Women™. It shows 80 something Yvonne Dowlen Ice skating, and doing it very well. When I tell people I ice skate, (not very well, but determination springs eternal!) a common response is, "Aren't you afraid of falling?" Well, yes and no. I am more afraid of stepping off a curb and turning my ankle, which I have done on more than one occasion. Fear is sometimes a healthy thing. It makes us stop and think. If forces us to face reality. On the other hand, unreasonable fear keeps us from doing what we want to do and know we could do if we tried. And if only we weren't held back by a nagging inner voice that warns, "Be careful. You're too old to do that." We need role models like Yvonne Dowlen to help us overcome an age-based irrational fear of trying. The video also makes clear that if you want a youthful flexible body in your older years, you have to start early to keep what you have. You can't wait until you are 65, suddenly realize that you've almost completely lost all youthful competence and decide to try to recapture what's lost. While some improvement is always possible, the longer you wait to reclaim what's gone, the more difficult it is. A sedentary body rebels at being forced to do what it really doesn't want to do anymore. There is nothing worse than realizing "It's too late." As entertainer Eubie Blake was known to say, "If I had known I would live this long I would have taken better care of myself." Whatever age you are now is a good time to take better care of yourself. The younger you are when you start the easier it is. And it's truly helpful if you can find an inspiring role model to look to for encouragement.

Prem health..Fitness and Exercise Guide And Advice

2007-11-02T02:54:00.000-07:00

According to few insulin levels play the largest role in losing weight. Other experts determine that our body type is the key to finding the proper exercises and diet plans that work with the body. To find out your body type you will need to talk to your doctor, or else visit the World Wide Net to find answers to your questions. Other details are available over the Internet that can help you decide on which diet is best for you, as well as which exercises works best with your body. To achieve a healthier status and maintain weight diet must combine with exercise, since one without the other will not work. Combining healthy provisions with correct exercises can bring you good health and physical fitness, which will enhance your quality of life. It will also help you keep your body’s zone to a level. The body and mind is complicated, however both work together to produce results. Many experts, including theorists, doctors, scientist, and philosophers are continuing to find answers to the body’s functions. Some of the confusion comes when people diet, exercise and take care of them self, yet they still gain weight. Barry Sears wrote a compelling book titled A Week in the Zone, which produced some outstanding advice. Some of the information in the book helps us to decide on exercises and diets that suit us best, since insulin plays a large part in healthier living. The author lets us know that the hormones consequence of intakes of carbohydrates and caloric differ from the hormones that produce protein and calories. , he continues letting us know that the effects of hormones that produce fats and calories too differ in the direction of health. (p. 3) The author brings us to see that a balance is needed, yet the balance is factored by the different hormonal levels. Thus, eating healthy, giving the body proper fluids and exercising is the only answer to living a productive and quality lifestyle. One of the biggest setbacks that people adhere to is making excuses to avoid dieting and exercise. Countless of people find it easier said than done to stick with diet and exercise programs that facilitates them to remain healthy while maintaining weight. One of the largest reasons is that most people do not understand their body and its type, or have difficulty adhering to a schedule. One of the largest reasons why this happens is that many people find it difficult to plan, set goals that work, and find solutions that help the person maintain a schedule. The threesome is the ultimate tools for working toward good health and fitness. If you are uncertain of the types of exercises, this too can hold you back. Walking up and down the stairs is an aerobic exercise. Mowing the lawn is another type of exercise. Anytime the body is in motion, producing actions it is exercising. Lifting 12’ ounces of beer is not an exercise. Alcohol if overused will affect the body and mind dramatically.

Prem health..Less Stress Leads To A Better Rest

2007-11-02T02:53:00.000-07:00

In the modern world of today we are constantly being bombarded with high levels of stress and anxiety. These stresses can be physical, mental or environmental. They place an enormous strain on our physical and mental health. Most of us are aware that excessive stress can affect our ability to think straight, our digestive system, adrenal glands and heart. Research has however shown that whenever a stressful situation arises, there is a knock on effect. Firstly stress limits the blood supply going to the stomach, this hampers the digestive system and a temporary shut down of our immune system may follow. If we are overwhelmed with stress for an extended period we are likely to experience fatigue and exhaustion. Although it may not be possible to avoid these stress factors in our lives there is help available. There are many natural herbal supplements, known for they’re relaxing properties which assist in combating the harmful effects of anxiety and stress. Several herbs are usually incorporated together to make a powerful formula. We will take a look at some of the individual herbs, which go to make up some of these potent anti- anxiety supplements: - * Jujube Seeds: - hypnotic and anti-anxiety effect used for hysteria, fatigue, sleeplessness, debility and restlessness. * Magnolia Bark: - has anti anxiety, anti stress properties, lowers the cortisol, promotes relaxation and improves the mood. * Potassium: -sustains the fluid and electrolyte balance, discharges energy from carbohydrate, protein and fat, assists in conveying nerve impulses. * Magnesium: -is a trace mineral and its chief role is manufacturing and transporting energy, relaxing and contracting the muscles, assisting some enzymes with their task in the body and mixing proteins. * Valerian Root: - It supports a feeling of calmness, improves sleep, reduces anxiety levels and facilitates relaxation of the central nervous system. Valerian root is non addictive and does not cause morning tiredness. It also is useful in slowing the heart in those who have the condition known as tachycardia. * Melatonin: -is one of the most dominant antioxidants in the brain. It restores metabolism, improves the quality of sleep and slows down degenerative diseases of the brain such as Parkinson’s. Melatonin can control extreme cortical production and is therefore effectual in reducing stress levels and regulating sleep cycles. * Vitamin B complex contains Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12 are all essential vitamins for the nervous system Visit http://www.rawleigh-products.com

Acidity verses Alkalinity

2007-11-02T02:50:00.000-07:00

While I originally started to avoid this subject like the plague, I felt the need to at a minimum address it because there are so many widely differing view points on what this actually means, what to do about it and how this really affects your overall health. I was very happy to find that the Chief Science Officer at Univera LifeSciences, Steven Cherniske, had published a very informative article, “The Acid Alkaline Mystery Solved”, on this very subject. For any of you that have read any of Stephen Cherniske’s work, you will not be surprised to see that it comes complete with all the references that you could hope for and the straight hard facts on this very confusing subject. As a result of this finding I am not going to attempt to do the subject justice, by trying to recreate an article of equal caliber. Verses re-inventing the wheel I am going to simply hit some of the high points for those of you who would prefer the cliff notes version. For those that would like to read all of the details I will leave that to Stephen and his article, “The Acid Alkaline Mystery Solved”. First of all what is an Acid or for that matter an Alkaline substance? These substances are measured on a pH scale with water being neutral at 7.0. With values less than 7.0 being acid and the lower the pH value the stronger the acid. As you may have guessed alkaline (or base) substances have a value greater than 7.0 up to a maximum of 14. By now you may be wondering where our bodies should fall on this scale. First of all when we speak of an acid/alkaline balance in the body we are talking about the pH balance of our blood and tissues that should remain in a fairly narrow range of about 7.4 – slightly alkaline. The real heart of the matter here is the byproducts of the digestion of foods that we consume and absorb. The biggest contributors to the fact that ACIDOSIS is at an all time high are the facts that most Americans are consuming beef and/or poultry multiple times per day, Americans are now consuming more soft drinks than water, consumption of coffee (caffeinated & decaffeinated) and lastly the processing of many of our foods have removed all of the alkaline forming minerals. When thinking about the foods that we consume you can not take the natural state of a food as the prime indicator of how that food will interact with our bodies. As an example, most fruits when consumed will result in an alkaline ash residue once digested even though naturally they maybe very high in acid in their natural state, even oranges. The primary acid forming foods in your diet contain the minerals, sulfur, phosphorus and iron. Typically you will find these minerals in proteins, such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, grains, most nuts and soft drinks (due to the high phosphate levels).The minerals potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium form alkaline reactions in the body and are found primarily in fruits and vegetables, and so these foods are classified as alkaline forming foods. As many of you are aware the consumption of alkaline-forming vegetables and fruit is at an all-time low. This has resulted in an increase of acidosis which accelerates catabolic damage and impairs our bodies anabolic repair processes. One of the best examples is the fact that it has been known for a long time that diets high in protein greatly increase the risk of osteoporosis. While there are many theories on this subject it appears that the body is simply taking from one part of the body to help support other systems that have been depleted due to the body staying in such a high state of acidosis. In an attempt to help us make this shift in our diet Univera LifeSciences has created MetaGreens™. MetaGreens™ is extraordinary mix of land and sea vegetables, all of which are rich in alkaline minerals. I take great comfort in knowing that these greens are pesticide-free, grown on high-nutrient soil that has never been chemically fertilized. Additionally, Univera LifeSciences takes great care to ensure that the vegetables are harvested at the peak of their nutrient value and then these ingredients are processed by low-temperature dehydration to retain all the raw food goodness and manufactured in small batches to maximize freshness. While the words “stomach acid” have a negative connotations for many of you it is because you have been brain washed over the years by the non-stop advertisements about how excess stomach acid is causing all of your discomforts. While I would be able to spend days address this issue I will pass. For those of you that want to read a very well presented explanation of why our stomach acids are in fact a good thing please read Stephen Cherniske’s article. For myself I continue to rely on Univera LifeSciences Aloe Gold product to help keep my digestive track in order and functioning properly. For those of you that have not tried Aloe Gold take a moment to ask anyone that have used the product and I am very certain you will hear fantastic praises about how it has helped them with numerous digestive track disorders. I hope that you have found this latest entry to be of interest and most of informative. While I have barely scratched the surface here I hope that I have helped to clear up some of the confusion associated with the Acid Alkaline debate. For those of you that are hungry for more on this I can not recommend highly enough that you read Stephen Cherniske’s article the Acid Alkaline Mystery Solved. Reference: 1) AcidAlkalineMysterySolved - http://www.aginghealthier.com/pdfs/AcidAlkalineMysterySolved.pdf 2) Stephen Cherniske, M.S., The Metabolic Plan, The Random House Publishing Company, 2003, ISBN: 0-345-44102-8, http://www.themetabolicplan.com/ 3) Natural Health School - http://www.naturalhealthschool.com/acid-alkaline.html