Takingcare

What Causes Cardiovascular Diseases?

2009-01-04T00:19:00.000-08:00

One of the major causes of cardiovascular disease in most cases is the
formation of plaque in the blood vessels. The plaque can lead to the
clogging of the blood vessels causing death, disability, or strokes. Strokes
are caused by ruptured blood vessels leaking blood into the brain.

Here are some symptoms of stroke:

1: Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, particularly if it is
on one side of the body
2: Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding. Sudden difficulty
with walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
3: Sudden trouble seeing from one or both eyes
4: Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Dimming the Shine of Oily Skin

2009-01-03T02:33:00.000-08:00

If you have oily skin — you’re lucky! Oily skin has great advantages.
Your skin will probably be less likely to wrinkle, age, and sag. On
the other hand, it may feel greasy and develop shiny patches even a
short time after you wash it. The highest concentration of sebaceous
glands is in the T-zone, and the excess sebum from this area
plus the sweat glands on the skin can make your skin look even
greasier and shinier. (Take a look at Chapter 4 to see the T-zone.)

But you can temporarily squelch the shine with many products now
available such as blotting papers, oil-absorbing powders, and foundations.
Even the application of medicated prescription products
such as retinoids and benzoyl peroxide are temporary cosmetic
maneuvers that remove the surface oil. The deeper oils (sebum) are
bound to keep flowing despite what you do to the surface.

You can try tackling T-zone oiliness with Clinac O.C. (Oil Control)
Gel, which can be purchased without a prescription. It mops up
excess sebum without drying the skin. In addition, if you’re looking
for a matte finish, you can try a “mattifier,” a shine-stopping product
that helps absorb oil on your face and, ideally, prevents oil
from breaking through. The following are a few suggestions:

** Neutrogena Pore Refining Mattifier Shine Control Gel

** Lancome Pure Focus T-Zone Mattifier

** Loreal Hydra Mattify

Prevent skin damage

2009-01-02T07:58:00.000-08:00

The best way to prevent skin damage from the sun besides moving
to the Antarctic — oops, never mind, I forgot about the hole in the
ozone layer there — is to avoid excessive exposure to UV and the
sun. You can accomplish this by following these tips:

1: Shun the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m, especially during late spring and summer when the
sun is most intense.

2: Wear protective headgear such as a hat with a wide brim to protect your face, head, and
the back of your neck. You can also wear a baseball cap, long-sleeved shirts, and long
pants.

3: Be aware of reflected light from sand, water, or snow.

4: Avoid tanning parlors.

5: Slather on the sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater — at least 30 minutes before sun
exposure, even on cloudy, hazy days.

6: Reapply sunscreens liberally and frequently at least every two to three hours, and after
swimming or sweating.

7: Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVB (the burning rays) and UVA
(the more penetrating rays that promote wrinkling and aging).

If you’re a person of color and have the dark spots of PIP, they’re
often further darkened by sun exposure. A broad-spectrum sunscreen
will offer you the best protection.

Exploring Your Largest Organ

2009-01-01T07:21:00.000-08:00

You may not really think of the skin as an organ, like the heart and
lungs. To many people, skin seems more like a simple cover to prevent
their insides from falling out. An organ is a somewhat independent
part of the human body that performs a specific function.
Once you know that, you can see that the skin is an organ, because
it performs the following specific functions (in addition to others):

1: Protects your body from infection

2: Serves as a waterproof barrier between you and the outside
world

3: Shields you from the sun’s harmful rays

4: Provides cushioning like a shock absorber that defends you from injury

5: Insulates your body and keeps your temperature right around a cozy 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit
(37 degrees Celsius)

6: Acts as an energy reserve

7: Alerts you to potential harm through your sensations of touch and pain

8: Repairs itself (that’s why cuts heal)

9: Produces vitamin D

Common Signs of a Sleep Disorder

2008-12-31T20:14:00.000-08:00

Look over this list of common signs of a sleep disorders, and
talk to your doctor if you have any of them:

1: It takes you more than 30 minutes to fall asleep at night.

2: You awaken frequently in the night and then have trouble falling back to sleep again.

3: You awaken too early in the morning.

4: You frequently don’t feel well rested despite spending 7–8hours or more asleep at night.

5: You feel sleepy during the day and fall asleep within 5 minutes if you have an
opportunity to nap, or you fall asleep at inappropriate times during the day.

6: Your bed partner claims you snore loudly, snort, gasp, or make choking sounds while you
sleep, or your partner notices your breathing stops for short periods.

7: You have creeping, tingling, or crawling feelings in your legsthat are relieved by moving
or massaging them, especially in the evening and when you try to fall asleep.

8: You have vivid, dreamlike experiences while falling asleep or dozing.

9: You have episodes of sudden muscle weakness when youare angry, fearful, or when you laugh.

10: You feel as though you cannot move when you first wake up.

11: Your bed partner notes that your legs or arms jerk often during sleep.

12: You regularly need to use stimulants to stay awake during the day.

13: Also keep in mind that, although children can show some of these same signs of a sleep
disorder, they often do not show signs of excessive daytime sleepiness. Instead, they may
seem overactive and have difficulty focusing and concentrating. They also may not do their
best in school.

Potentially life-saving tips for avoiding drowsy driving

2008-12-30T22:23:00.000-08:00

1: Be well rested before hitting the road. If you have several
nights in a row of fewer than 7–8 hours of sleep, your reaction
time slows. Restoring that reaction time to normal often takes
more than 1 night of good sleep, because your sleep debt
accumulates after each night you lose sleep. It may take
several nights of being well rested to repay that sleep debt
and ensure that you are ready for driving on a long road trip.

2: Avoid driving between midnight and 7 a.m. Unless you are
accustomed to being awake then, this period of time is when
we are naturally the most tired.

3: Don’t drive alone. A companion who can keep you engaged
in conversation might help you stay awake while driving.

4: Schedule frequent breaks on long road trips. If you feel
sleepy while driving, pull off the road and take a nap for
15–20 minutes.

5: Don’t drink alcohol. Just one beer when you are sleep
deprived will affect you as much as two or three beers
when you are well rested.

6: Don’t count on caffeine. Although drinking a cola or a cup
of coffee might help keep you awake for a short time, it won’t
overcome excessive sleepiness or relieve a sleep debt.

7: Opening a window or turning up the radio won’t help you stay
awake while driving. Be aware of these warning signs that you
are too sleepy to drive safely: trouble keeping your eyes
focused, continual yawning, or being unable to recall driving the
last few miles. Remember, if you are short on sleep, stay out of
the driver’s seat!

Fat Loss: Diet of a day for 175-200 pound person .

2008-12-30T11:14:00.000-08:00

Breakfast: three scrambled eggs and one cup of steamed broccoli + 2 tsp. fish oil, 2 tbsp. acai juice, and 3 tsp. Greens+.

Snack: a handful of mixed nuts

Lunch: one serving (palm size) of salmon with a spinach salad topped with veggies and drizzled with olive oil.

Snack: 4 ounces of cheese

Dinner: one serving of grass fed beef with steamed asparagus + 2 tsp. fish oil, 2 tbsp. acai juice, and 3 tsp. Greens+.

Snack: 20 grams of dark chocolate

Stress

2008-12-29T11:42:00.001-08:00

Stress related conditions:-

1: Allergies and Asthma.
2: Back pain.
3: Cardiovascular problems.
4: Dental and periodical problems.
5: Depression.
6: Emotional outburst (rage, anger, crying, irritation).
7: Fatigue.
8: Gastrointestinal problems (digestive disorders, bowel problems, and so on)
9: Headaches.
10: Herpes recurrences (especially in women).
11: High blood pressure.
12: High cholesterol.
13: Immune suppression (predisposing us to viruses such as cold and flu, infections, autoimmune disorders, and cancer).
14: Insomnia.
15: Loss of appetite and weight loss.
16: Muscular aches and pain.
17: Premature aging.
18: Sexual problems.
19: Skin problem and rashes

General cures for Colds and Flu

2008-12-28T21:30:00.000-08:00

1: Wash your hands with an antibacterial soap.
2: Don’t cover your hands sneezes and coughs with your hand.
3: Get rid your cloth handkerchiefs.
4: Don’t touch your face with germ laden hands.
5: Use disinfectants at home and work.
6: Use paper cups in the bathroom.
7: Don’t share your toothbrush.
8: Change towels often when there’s a cold or flu in the house.
9: Keep the sick room healthy.
10: Humidity your surroundings.
11: Drink plenty of fluids.
12: Use a saline nasal spray.
13: Breathe through your nose, not your mouth.
14: Dab undedicated petroleum jelly in each nostril.
15: Be antisocial.
16: Get fresh air.
17: Get a flu, especially if your are in a high risk category.
18: Eat foods containing ‘Photochemical’.

Positioning Your Body While Computing.

2008-12-28T08:56:00.000-08:00

o Ensure that your hands, wrists, and forearms are in a row,
straight, and almost parallel to the floor.

o Ensure that your head and torso are in-line with head slightly
bent forward, facing towards the front, and balanced.

o Ensure that your shoulders are at ease with upper arms hanging
normally at the sides of your body.

o Ensure that your elbows are close to your body and bent
between 90 and 110 degrees.

o The feet should be either supported by a footrest or should be
relaxing on the floor.

o While leaning back or sitting in a vertical position, ensure that
your back is supported fully with firm hold on the lumbosacral
area.

o Your seat should be well padded in order to support your hips
and thighs.

o Ensure that your knees and hips are in almost the same height
with your feet slightly forward.

Adolescence

2008-12-25T22:34:00.000-08:00

The term adolescence comes from the latin word ' adolescere' means 'to grow' or 'to grow to maturity'.
The term adolescence has a broader meaning that is physical, mental, emotional and social maturity. The adolescence period is between 13 and 18 years of age.
Adolescence shows the following characteristics:-
1: It is the most period of life-- Adolescence is one of the period in, which both immediate effects and long term effects are important. It is important from both physical and the psychological point of view.

2: It is transitional period-- It is a passage between childhood and adulthood. Childish things are put away and new patterns of behaviour are learnt.

3: It is a period of change-- Physical changes, changes in attitude and changes in behaviour also occur in this period. social and moral changes also occur in this period.

4: It is a problem age-- Boys and girls do not struggle independently with their own problems. They are not confident about solving problems. They except their parents to be with them.

5: It is time of searching identity-- In the early years of adolescence, conformity to a group is still important to boys and girls. Gradually they begin to search for an identity. It is by use of, status symbols like cars, clothes, money etc. and maintaining their identity with peer groups.

6: Absence of Realism-- Adolescence has a tendency to look at life through rose-tinted glasses. They see themselves and others as they would like them.

7: Secondary sexual characters-- In adolescence there is development of secondary sexual characters in both the sexes, e.g. In males, increased muscular and bone growth causing increased height, deeping of voice and appearance of hair on face, chest and over the pubis etc. While enlargment of breasts and broadening of buttocks due to fat hormones at puberty.

Typhoid

2008-12-25T04:48:00.000-08:00

Typhoid is an infectious disease. Typhoid fever is caused by the enteric bacteria.
Modes of transmission:-
1: Water-- The contaminated water transmits the typhoid bacillus by the faeco-oral route. In poor sanitation areas, the infected faeces on the foot of flies can transfer in the water. With the consumption of such contaminated water, the bacteria enter into the body of normal person.
2: Food-- Different types of food get contaminated by vectors like house flies. When the bacteria (pathogens) sit on food products, they get contaminated. When such contaminated food is eaten by a person it causes the infection.
3: Milk-- The infection rarely occurs through milk and other dairy products, which are inadequately pasteurised.

Typhoid can be prevented by taking following measures:-
1: Sewage treatment
2: Pasteurization of milk
3: Proper handling of food
4: Education must be given trough mass media.

Treatment:-
1: Instructions for preventing the sprea of contagious disease should be carefully followed.
2: The diet of patient should consists of milk,cram, vegetables, soups, fruit juices.
3: The mouth and teeth of patient should be kept vey clean.
4: Tepid spong bath is essential to reduce high fever.

Aurvedic Medicines (Aloe vera)

2008-12-25T04:10:00.000-08:00

Aloe vera, commonly known as Indian aloe in English, Korphad in Marathi, Ghikumari in Hindi and Kanya in Sanskrit. Leaves are used in medicines. The plant is is a perennial Herb. It grows in very dry and poor soil.

**Uses of Aloe vera:-
1: Tender leaves mixed with powder mixed with powder of cumin seed and sugar candy is an excellent remedy in dysentery with blood stools.
2: Leaf juice mixed with opium and applied to forehead relieves headache.
3: Leaf juice mixed with oil and boiled makes a fine fine hair oil used for sleeplesness.
4: Leaf juice with turmeric is given in glandular enlargment, sleen diseases.
5: Its piles are good against muscular pain.
6: A salad of leaves is given to cure indigestion, constipation and flatulence.

Photo captued by me!!

Disease?

2008-12-24T08:52:00.000-08:00

The normal functioning of the body distributed by any reason is called disease. Disease are divided into main two types:-
1: congenital-- congenital disease are unborn.
2: acquired-- acquired disease are developed after the birth. Communicable or infectious and non-communicable or non-infectious are the types of acquired disease.
Disease causing agent are physical, chemical, mechanical or biological substances. Biological agents are viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoans, trematodes, cestodes, nematodes. Some arthropods act as vectors like mosquitoes, flies. Chemical agents are pollutants, alcohol, tobacco, urea and hormones.
The transmission of diseases occur by two methods viz. direct transmission and indirect transmission. Direct transmission can ouccer from mother to child. Indirect transmission of diseases can occur through pathogen.

Population explosion on health

2008-12-23T23:21:00.000-08:00

'Population explosion' can be described as rapid increase in growth of human population in a very short period of time.
The 'Impact of population explosion on health' is the most dangerous thing caused by population. Some of them are mentioned below:-
1: There is a direct relationship between food, housing, sanitation and health.
2: Due to increase in population , people depend upon inadequate and unbalanced food.
3: Thus people become weak and susceptible to various diseases.
4: Due to poor sanitation and malnutrition, people become victims of communicable and infectious diseases.
5: Children of of low income are generally affected.
6: Due to industrialization and urbanization, there is pollution of air and water, which creates several health problems.
7: The major problem created is that it affects the national economy and progress of the country.

India stands 2nd in population.I also live in India, so I know there are numerous problems faced by India in last few years.
Some pictures describing about it!!

Preventive measures against 'HIV'' and Treatment

2008-12-23T21:46:00.000-08:00

Preventive measures:-

1: Educating the people especially in the high risk groups.
2: Use of disposable needles and syringes or use of sterilized needles and syringes.
3: Before transfusion, the donar's blood must be screened.
4: Use condoms during sexual contact.
5: Avoid the use of common razors, tooth brushes, needles and syringes.
6: Avoid sexual contact with multiplepartners, prostitutes and homosexual partners.
7: Infected mother should avoid conception.
8: Use of mass media, AIDS control programme, slogans etc.

Treatment:-

AIDS is not a curable diseases. But some drugs extend the life of patient,
1: Ribovirin
2: AZT(Azidothymidine)/ZDV (Zidovudine).

Symptoms and Preventive measures of 'Cancer"

2008-12-23T10:31:00.000-08:00

** The symptoms of cancer are also 'warning signs' or 'danger signals' of cancer:-

1: Change in bowel or bladder habit.
2: A persistent cough or hoarseness.
3: A lump or hard area in the breast
4: Blood from any body opening and unusual or excess bleeding during menstrual cycle.
5: Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing.
6: Sudden loss of body weight.

**Preventive measures:-

1: Avoid use of carcinogenic chemicals like synthetic colours.
2: Chewing or smoking of to tobacco should be avoided.
3: Avoid alcoholism.
4: Heavy taxation on tobacco, tobacco products and alcohol.
5: Avoiding excessive radiation.
6: Industrial workers should be protected from radioactive substances.
7: Cancer education is essential to motivate people for early diagnosis and timely treatment.
8: Legislative and restrictive measures i.e ban on industries which release carcinogens. Smoking is prohibited in public places, theaters, hospitals, educational institutes etc.

My view over 'Weight Loss'

2008-12-23T04:05:00.000-08:00

Why is losing weight important for fat people? Over-weight people suffer from a greater tendency for serious diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Being over weight lowers your energy levels and you get tired soon. Being over weight has a bad affect on both your physical and mental health.
Beginners Guide to Losing Weight

Selecting the correct weight loss diets and weight loss exercise programs is very important. There are several such weight loss programs and it is important to choose the right one specific to your own personal requirement. Read the weight loss program guide carefully to ensure that it is suitable for you. Remember the recommend diet and exercise programs musst not be too difficult for you, otherwise you may quit the program before completing it. Once you select a weight loss program start on it as soon as possible. Ensure that you stick with the weight loss program (diet and exercise) right to the end otherwise you may not get much benefit. Once your weight loss goal has been achieved, do not fall back on your old bad food habits. Do not stop any exercise program. This will ensure that you maintain your healthy weight for a long time to come.

Diet Tips for Weight Loss

* Never skip breakfast. This is your most important meal of the day.
* Never sleep for at least one hour after a meal.
* If you like sweet sugary foods, then eat fruits instead of bakery sweets.
* Prefer honey over sugar
* Increase the amount of vegetables in your diet.
* Reduce high calorie foods and eat salads and yogurt instead.
* Do moderate exercise for at least half an hour four to five times a week. Jogging, cycling and brisk walking are very good as weight loss exercises.

Exercise for Weight Loss

Cardio exercises are good for weight loss. Low intensity cardio exercise over a long period burns more fat for fuel. However, high intensity cardio over a short period will increase metabolism rate over a longer period. So the best exercise plan for weight loss is to mix low intensity cardio exercise with hight intensity cardio exercise. Your personal weight trainer can advice you on the ratio bewteen the two type of exercise suitable for you.
Weight Loss Pills

Many people are looking for fast weight loss. Weight loss via diet and exercise takes time. Weight loss pills can ensure rapid weight loss. Around the 1950s period amphetamine derivatives were used as diet pills for weight loss. During the 1990s, the drug fenfluramine became popular amongst weight watchers. In the last few years dexfenfluramine is a common pill used for weight loss. It combines the older fenfluramine drug along with the newer phentermine. These drugs altered the level of the brain chemical serotonin. This lead to a reduced feeling of hunger and an increase in metabolism.

Weight loss and diet pills should be used with caution. They are known to have bad side effects such as leading to high blood pressure and other health hazards. If you intend to use diet pills or weight loss pills, consult your physician before using them.

The safest way to lose weight is through exercise and normal diet control.

Know more about High Blood Pressure

2008-12-22T00:06:00.000-08:00

1 :3 Little-Known Culprits Behind 'Mystery Cases' Of High Blood Pressure
When it comes to determining the cause of high blood pressure, modern medicine remains largely in the dark. The majority of high blood pressure cases are still considered a mystery and are labelled essential hypertension which as many a medical student has joked in the past means: Essentially, we dont have a clue. And while its true that hypertension drugs do reduce high blood pressure, regardless of the cause, theyre still not correcting the underlying problem. Not to mention that nearly all of them have multiple unwanted side effects ranging from fatigue to impotence.

2 :High Blood Pressure: Discover Nature's Own Blood Pressure Regulators That Can Help Ward Off A Heart Attack Or Stroke
The number of people suffering from hypertension is growing at an alarming rate there are currently thought to be as many as ten million Britons suffering from the condition. One of the main culprits is our increasingly sedentary lifestyles including a lack of exercise, smoking, stress, and poor diet (typically high in sugar and saturated fats), which goes hand in hand with another risk factor, obesity.

3 :High blood pressure: An easy way to keep your blood pressure down
According to a recent study conducted in Spain, an increased intake of vegetable protein and cereal fibre could reduce the risk of hypertension by up to 50 per cent.

4 :High blood pressure: Train your mind to improve your health
Close your eyes and think of a spoon.

5 :High Blood Pressure: Milk Proteins could be useful
In the UK, about half of people over 65, and about 1 in 4 middle-aged adults, have high blood pressure.

6 :Sodium: Optimising Your Sodium and Potassium Levels with Potensium Could Help You Control High Blood Pressure
Most of us are aware that we have too much salt in our diet.

7 :Painkillers- NSAIDs - the list of side effects grows
Correct me if Im wrong, but we take painkillers to help us dont we?That is as simple as it should be, but as an HSI member you are probably well aware of the side effects and risks associated with taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

8 :High Blood Pressure: Lower Your Blood Pressure with Milk Protein in Just a Few Hours
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, affects one person in every five in the UK.

10 :Blood Pressure: Why it's important to know your blood pressure
The Blood Pressure Association charity estimates that over 16 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with high blood pressure.

11 :Hypertension: The B vitamin that could lower your risk of hypertension
High blood pressure isnt a disease, in the same way that a high fever isnt a disease - its a sign that something else is wrong.
Cholesterol: How To Lower Your Cholesterol And Protect Your Heart Without Harmful Statin Drugs
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), on average 9 out of every 100 adults will die from a heart attack, while another 21 will suffer from a heart attack but survive.

12 :High Blood Pressure & Diet: Simple Ways To Lower Your Blood Pressure
Treating high blood pressure (hypertension) is not the same as treating a disease; high blood pressure is a symptom that indicates the presence of a larger health problem.
Low Blood Pressure Dangers - Media Coverage Ignores Health Risk
'The lower your blood pressure, the better off you are.' That is a quote by Dr. Ramachandran S. Vasan of the Boston University School of Medicine, in an Associated Press (AP) story that I came across. It's the type of 'one-step-too-far' statement we see all too often in health care. Low blood pressure doesn't make you feel healthy - it makes you feel weak, tired, and light-headed. When blood pressure remains too low for extended periods, it can cause damage to the liver, heart, and other organs. It can even cause death...

13 :High Blood Pressure Drugs: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Blood Pressure Drugs - And How To Avoid Them
I met Bobbi when I was about 35 years old.

14 :Hypertension
The Tibetans are known for living long, healthy lives.
Blood Pressure: Lower Your Blood Pressure And Reduce Your Risk Of Stroke, Diabetes And Heart Disease
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of today's major medical problems.

Cell Phone Cancer Precautions

2008-12-21T02:54:00.000-08:00

Ten Precautions

1. Do not allow children to use a cell phone except for emergencies.

2. While using your cell phone, keep the device away from the body as much as possible. Use the speaker phone, wireless Bluetooth headset or a hands-free ear piece.

3. Avoid using your cell phone in places where you could expose others to the phone's electromagnetic fields--like on a bus.

4. Avoid carrying your cell phone on your body. Place it away from your body while sleeping.

5. If the cell phone is carried on the body, position the keypad toward the body and the back of the phone toward the outside.

6. Biological effects are directly related to the duration of exposure (phone usage). Cut it short and just use the phone for very short conversations. For long conversations, use the land line (corded phone). Even the portable phones use electromagnetic fields.

7. Switch sides while using the cell phone.

8. Don't use your cell phone when the signal is weak or while moving in a car or train because this forces the phone to increase its power by making repeated attempts to connect to a new relay antenna.

9. Use text messaging instead of making a phone call.

10. Use a phone with the lowest SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) possible. Search the internet for "sar ratings cell phones."

The International Expert Committee calls on cell phone companies to "provide independent access to records of use so that appropriate studies can be carried out." Until the radiation from cell phones and other devices is stopped, all of us need to take precautions. This is especially true for parents.