Kidney Stones

Kidney Stones
If I have a Kidney stone when should I call a doctor?
If you have a kidney stone, you may already know how painful it can be. Most kidney stones pass out of the body without help from a doctor. But sometimes a stone will not just go away. It may even get larger. Your doctor can help.
You should call a doctor when you have:
extreme pain in your back or side that will not go away
blood in your urine
fever and chills
vomiting
urine that smells bad or looks cloudy
a burning feeling when you urinate
These may be signs of a kidney stone that needs a doctor's care.
What is a kidney stone?
A kidney stone is a solid piece of material that forms in the kidney out of substances in the urine. A stone may stay in the kidney or break loose and travel down the urinary tract. A small stone may pass all the way out of the body without causing too much pain. A larger stone may get stuck in a ureter, the bladder, or the urethra. A problem stone can block the flow of urine and cause great pain.
Are all kidney stones the same ?
No. There are four major types of kidney stones.
The most common type of stone contains calcium (KAL-see-um). Calcium is a normal part of a healthy diet. The calcium that stays behind joins with other waste products to form a stone.
A struvite (STROO-vite) stone may form after an infection in the urinary system. These stones contain the mineral magnesium (mag-NEE-zee-um) and the waste product ammonia (uh-MOH-nyuh).
A uric (YOOR-ik) acid stone may form when there is too much acid in the urine. If you tend to form uric acid stones, you may need to cut back on the amount of meat you eat.
Cystine (SIS-teen) stones are rare. Cystine is one of the building blocks that make up muscles, nerves, and other parts of the body. Cystine can build up in the urine to form a stone. The disease that causes cystine stones runs in families.
What do kidney stones look like?
Kidney stones may be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a pearl. Some stones are even as big as golf balls. Stones may be smooth or jagged. They are usually yellow or brown.
What can my doctor do about kidney stones?
If you have a stone that will not pass by itself, your doctor may need to take steps to get rid of it. In the past, the only way to remove a problem stone was through surgery.
Now, doctors have new ways to remove problem stones. The following sections describe a few of these methods.

Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery is now more popular that ever with reality TV shows such as extreme makeover increasing public awareness about cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery procedures. Although in the past cosmetic surgery was only availble to the rich and famous, it is now becoming popular amongst the general public.
The Medic8 guide to cosmetic surgery aims to provide a comprehensive non-biased overview of cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures, the benefits, the risks involved and what you could expect from the cosmetic surgery procedure that you are intrested in.
What is Cosmetic Surgery?
Cosmetic surgery involves having a surgical procedure carried out by a plastic/cosmetic surgeon to improve the "look" of a particular part of your body. Cosmetic surgery can not only improve physical appearance but it can also have emotional and psychological effects. Procedures such as breast enlargement or a facelift could have a great influence on an individual's self esteem and confidence levels.
Cosmetic Surgery has its risks
As with any surgical procedures there are risks involved and it is important that before undergoing any cosmetic surgery procedures that you are fully aware of all the potential risks and potential side effects and discuss these with your surgeon.

Otitis Media (Ear Infection)

Otitis Media (Ear Infection)
What is otitis media?
Otitis media is an infection or inflammation of the middle ear. This inflammation often begins when infections that cause sore throats, colds, or other respiratory or breathing problems spread to the middle ear. These can be viral or bacterial infections. Seventy-five percent of children experience at least one episode of otitis media by their third birthday. Almost half of these children will have three or more ear infections during their first 3 years. Although otitis media is primarily a disease of infants and young children, it can also affect adults.
Are there different types of otitis media?
Yes. There are two main types. The first type is called acute otitis media (AOM). This means that parts of the ear are infected and swollen. It also means that fluid and mucus are trapped inside the ear. AOM can be painful.
The second type is called otitis media with effusion (fluid), or OME. This means fluid and mucus stay trapped in the ear after the infection is over. OME makes it harder for the ear to fight new infections. This fluid can also affect your child's hearing.
How does otitis media happen?
Otitis media usually happens when viruses and/or bacteria get inside the ear and cause an infection. It often happens as a result of another illness, such as a cold. If your child gets sick, it might affect his or her ears.
It is harder for children to fight illness than it is for adults, so children develop ear infections more often. Some researchers believe that other factors, such as being around cigarette smoke, can contribute to ear infections.
Why are more children affected by otitis media than adults?
There are many reasons why children are more likely to suffer from otitis media than adults. First, children have more trouble fighting infections. This is because their immune systems are still developing. Another reason has to do with the child's eustachian tube. The eustachian tube is a small passageway that connects the upper part of the throat to the middle ear. It is shorter and straighter in the child than in the adult. It can contribute to otitis media in several ways.
The eustachian tube is usually closed but opens regularly to ventilate or replenish the air in the middle ear. This tube also equalizes middle ear air pressure in response to air pressure changes in the environment. However, a eustachian tube that is blocked by swelling of its lining or plugged with mucus from a cold or for some other reason cannot open to ventilate the middle ear. The lack of ventilation may allow fluid from the tissue that lines the middle ear to accumulate. If the eustachian tube remains plugged, the fluid cannot drain and begins to collect in the normally air-filled middle ear.
One more factor that makes children more susceptible to otitis media is that adenoids in children are larger than they are in adults. Adenoids are composed largely of cells (lymphocytes) that help fight infections. They are positioned in the back of the upper part of the throat near the eustachian tubes. Enlarged adenoids can, because of their size, interfere with the eustachian tube opening. In addition, adenoids may themselves become infected, and the infection may spread into the eustachian tubes.
Bacteria reach the middle ear through the lining or the passageway of the eustachian tube and can then produce infection, which causes swelling of the lining of the middle ear, blocking of the eustachian tube, and migration of white cells from the bloodstream to help fight the infection. In this process the white cells accumulate, often killing bacteria and dying themselves, leading to the formation of pus, a thick yellowish-white fluid in the middle ear. As the fluid increases, the child may have trouble hearing because the eardrum and middle ear bones are unable to move as freely as they should. As the infection worsens, many children also experience severe ear pain. Too much fluid in the ear can put pressure on the eardrum and eventually tear it.

ASTHMA IN CHILDHOOD

Asthma is one of the commonest chronic medical conditions to affect children and it has been affecting an increasing number of children in the past 10 years.
Children with asthma, like adults with asthma, should see a doctor for treatment of their asthma. Treatment may include allergy testing, finding ways to limit contact with things that bring on asthma attacks, and taking medicine.
Young children will need help from their parents and other caregivers to keep their asthma under control. Older children can learn to care for themselves and follow their asthma self-management plan with less supervision.
Asthma medicines for children are like those adults use, but doses are smaller. Children with asthma may need both a quick-relief (or "rescue") inhaler for attacks and daily medicine to control their asthma. Children with moderate or severe asthma should learn to use a peak flow meter to help keep their asthma under control. Using a peak flow meter can be very helpful because children often have a hard time describing their symptoms.
Parents should be alert for possible signs of asthma in children, such as coughing at night, frequent colds, wheezing, or other signs of breathing problems. If you suspect that your child has asthma or that your child's asthma is not well controlled, take your child to a doctor for an exam and testing.
Your doctor will choose medicines for your child based on the child's symptoms and test results. If your child has asthma, you will need to go to the doctor for regular followup visits and to make sure that your child uses the medicines properly.

How To Minimize Hair Loss After Gastric Bypass Surgery

Since the biggest reason we lose hair after surgery seems to be a lack of nutrients getting to our hair follicles, then it makes sense that getting more nutrients to our hair will minimize hair loss.

Nothing will keep you from losing any hair at all. Even without weight loss surgery, you lose a certain number of hairs every day. Afterwards, you’re going to lose more. It cannot be prevented.

But there are things you can do that seem to help. First off, be sure you’re getting all of your protein. My doctor recommended 60 grams or more a day. I’ve found 80 to be a better number, both for weight loss and for my hair. (Many other doctors recommend 80 as a minimum.)

Hair is built with protein. That’s what it’s made of. So making sure you’re taking in enough protein will help keep your hair healthy. At least, healthier.

TIP: Even a full year after gastric bypass, I find it impossible to get 80 grams of protein from diet alone. I’d never survive without shakes and protein snacks.

This website focuses exclusively on protein for bariatric patients. They’ve got items I haven’t seen anywhere else, and daily specials that can be fantastic - including free samples every now and then! Drinks, powders, cereals, chips - you name it, they’ve got it:

Facts and figures on malaria

Nairobi -Malaria is a vector-borne, infectious parasitic disease transmitted from human to human by mosquitoes. It is the leading killer of children under five and infants in Africa. According to the World Health Organization's latest figures, an estimated 247 million cases of malaria worldwide led to nearly 881,000 deaths in 2006.
Some 91 per cent of those deaths were in Africa and 85 per cent of the deaths were children under the age of five. This is equivalent to 2,051 children dying each day.
According to the Global Fund To Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, almost half the world's population, some 3.3 billion people, is at risk of malaria. This number is increasing due to deteriorating health systems, growing drug and insecticide resistance, climate change, and war.
Malaria is estimated to take over 1 per cent off Africa's Gross Domestic Product each year, costing the continent around 12 billion dollars.
Of 647 million people at risk in Africa, 39 per cent were covered by insecticide treated nets in 2007. However, only 23 per cent of children and 27 per cent of pregnant women actually slept under a net, according to the WHO.
The World Health Assembly has set a target of 80 per cent mosquito net coverage by 2010- a goal highly unlikely to be achieved.
The malaria parasite enters a human host through an infected Anopheles mosquito. It then develops until it can be passed on to the next mosquito which bites the infected human, beginning the cycle again.
Symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting and other flu-like symptoms. If drugs are not available for treatment or the parasites are resistant to them, the infection can rapidly kill. (dpa)

4.7% Pakistanis infected with hepatitis C

High rate of prevalence of hepatitis in Pakistan is mainly because of less effective awareness campaignsThursday, July 02, 2009Muhammad QasimRawalpindiA total of 7.4 per cent Pakistanis population is infected with hepatitis of which 2.6 per cent are infected with hepatitis B while 4.7 per cent with hepatitis C. Estimated cost of universal treatment of 11.34 million patients of hepatitis in Pakistan amounts to more than Rs250 billion.The high rate of prevalence of hepatitis in Pakistan is mainly because of less effective awareness campaigns run in the past and poor preventive measures adopted by our population. It is more alarming keeping the fact in mind that hepatitis is a curable disease and prevention from it is possible.Professor of Medicine at Rawalpindi Medical College and President-elect Pakistan Society of Hepatology Dr. Mohammad Umar expressed this while speaking at a seminar on hepatitis held here in a local hotel Wednesday.Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Memorial Society (MKRMS) organised the seminar in collaboration with Pakistan Society of Hepatology and Pakistan Society of Gastroenterology, with main objective of creating awareness among public about treatment and prevention of hepatitis. The seminar was fourth of a series organised on the subject by MKRMS.In the seminar, Dr. Umar, Professor Dr. Hamamatul Bushra Khar of RMC, General (r) Tasawwar Hussain, Professor Tashfeen Alam of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences and Professor Saleem Qureshi elaborated different aspects of hepatitis A, E, B and C and their complications.Dr. Umar said that hepatitis, a disease known to mankind since 500 BC, could be divided into two groups, hepatitis A & E and hepatitis B & C. “Hepatitis A & E are mainly caused by consumption of unhygienic food and unsafe drinking water while spread of hepatitis B & C is nothing to do with foodstuff,” he said.He added that the spread of hepatitis A & E could easily be checked by creating awareness among public on consumption of clean drinking water and hygienic food. “Use of cut fruits from open markets, locally prepared ‘sharbats’, milk and milk products on sale in unhygienic conditions and foodstuff from vendors should be avoided not only to prevent hepatitis A & E but also to prevent gastroenteritis.”He said that safe drinking water is a must to avoid hepatitis. “Boiling of water for drinking every time costs much, so we should adopt scientific rather simple methods to make water germs free. You should add 100 grams of bleaching powder to one litre of water and boil it. After boiling, store the concentrate (boiled one) in a clean jar, and each time, add only three spoonfuls of the concentrate in 10 litres of water to make it purified. Three spoons of concentrate make 10 litre of water safe to drink without any further boiling,” he explained the way of purifying drinking water without boiling each time.Talking on causes of spread of hepatitis B & C, he said use of used syringes, unsafe sexual relations, unscreened blood transfusions, shaving with contaminated razor, tattooing, contaminated instruments of ‘footpath dentists’, unsafe intravenous infusions, wastes in hospitals’ wards and improper blood sample collection are among major factors contributing to spread of the disease. “I believe that by adopting simple preventive measures, we can control the spread of the disease,” he said.He said that his team has developed a website — www.rawalianresearch.org — for providing guidelines not only to patients but also to junior doctors who should be much careful while advising medication to patients. “Culture of unnecessary medication, use of injection and blood transfusion should be eliminated.”While speaking on the occasion, Dr. Bushra Khar supported Dr. Umar’s point of view on prevention and control of hepatitis in Pakistan. “Prevention and control on a disease having more than seven per cent occurrence among population is responsibility of the state yet without creating awareness among public the problem could not be eliminated.”She said that in Pakistan, the contamination increased with increase in population. “Without controlling population, the problem could not be resolved as we have meagre resources available in Pakistan.” She added that prevention from hepatitis B is 100 per cent possible through administration of hepatitis B vaccine that costs not more than Rs600.General (r) Tasawwar Hussain while speaking to audience, however, presented a new concept saying that the occurrence of hepatitis B & C has increased with the increase in number of healthcare facilities across Pakistan. “It convinced me to believe that unnecessary or unsafe pricking at the healthcare facilities is one of the major causes of spread of hepatitis in Pakistan and it should be discouraged religiously by medical professionals.”Studies reveal that Pakistan is at number two around the globe where population has maximum number of unnecessary injections. After the lectures from experts, questions and answers session was held

What is low blood pressure?

Many people worry about low blood pressure (hypotension), but probably don't need to.
Some people have a blood pressure level that is lower than normal. In general this may be good news - because the lower your blood pressure is, the lower your risk of stroke or heart disease. However, in a few cases, having low blood pressure can cause problems, so you might need to speak to your doctor or nurse.

Dark Circle Under Eyes

Dark circles occur under eyes due to a combination of reasons. It is noticeable under the eye, as people get older. As we age and receive more sun damage to our facial skin, the thin skin under the eye can become thinner and wrinkled, which allows the veins in the fat pad under the eye to become more prominent. As the skin here is slightly darker than the rest of your face, any changes in health show up immediately in this delicate area. Some people think that they occur because they are either tired, or as a result of sun exposure. This is not typically the case. Sometimes the dark spots can be hormonal, but often they are just hereditary.

Sometimes the dark spots are caused by the reflections or shadows cast by the bulges of fat that occur naturally in the lower eyelids as people get older. If the bulging of fat is the cause of the dark circles under the eyes, then cosmetic surgery to remove the fat bags is the only approach that is typically effective, other than concealer makeup. There are many contributing factors that make dark circles around the eyes more noticeable.

Cholesterol and Diet

Breakfast:Every proper diet begins with a healthy breakfast. People who eat whole grain, fiber rich cereals have been shown to have the lowest cholesterol levels. Butter and Margarine:Butter has a high level of saturated fat. Margarines and trans fats should also be restricted. Smart Balance Buttery Spread has been proven to improve cholesterol levels, contain no trans fatty acids..naturally, and can be used as a replacement for butter or margarine.Fish:Fish provides essential omega-3 fatty oils which are beneficial to the heart. Cold water fish, especially wild Alaskan salmon, herring, and mackerel are best and should be a dietary staple. If fish oil supplements are your choice, 10 grams per day are recommended. Oats, Oat Bran, and Fiber - Nature's Necessities:Eating a bowl of oat bran cereal or oatmeal daily can reduce your risk of heart disease by nearly 50 percent because of the fiber richness it contains. That's good news! Just by following this one healthy tip is one of the most effective ways of maintaining proper cholesterol levels. Studies that compare the value of oatmeal to oat bran conclude both products have roughly the same cholesterol lowering effectiveness.And don't forget your fresh fruits. Many fresh fruits have high fiber content and even antioxidant benefits. Strawberries and blueberries are referred to as power house foods! And a banana day is a good thing too!Blueberry leaf extract contains a natural antioxidant .Whole grains breads provide more fiber in your diet than white breads which contain processed flour where the nutrients are depleted.Another way to enrich the fiber content of your diet is to include a fiber supplement. These supplements have been shown to reduce cholesterol levels:
Psyllium
Guargum
Glucomannan
Gum Karaya
PectinIt is always best to consult your health care provider before taking supplements, especially if you are taking prescription drugs. Do not take psyllium if you are presently taking the prescription drug digitalis or nitrofurantoin. Because fiber has a natural absorption characteristic it is recommended that mineral supplements or prescription drugs be taken at a separate time from when the fiber is consumed. Be sure to drink plenty of water when taking fiber supplements.Garlic and Onions - Natural and Beneficial:Garlic and onions have demonstrated beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system.They can lower overall cholesterol levels. Garlic and onions prevent blood platelets from clumping together and forming blood clots. They also act as antioxidants.Odorless garlic supplements are available.Celery - Cholesterol lowering and fiber too!Eat your celery! It's good for snacks. Fill it with organic nut butter and raisins, the monosaturated fats in nuts are beneficial for balancing cholesterol as well.Olive Oil - Helps to keep your cholesterol in checkHealthTips4Boomers.com recommends our favorites: Newman's Own Olive Oil & Vinegar dressing and Wishbone Olive Oil Vinaigrette dressing for your salads. Using these dressings on your green leafy salads that include spinach are an excellent way of getting olive oil and vinegar into your diet. Spinach is a powerful antioxidant.Cinnamon - Who would have thought a spice would lower cholesterol!Cinnamon benefits blood sugar health but it helps balance cholesterol as well. Add it to your oatmeal, sprinkle it on toast. It may also have a medical application in preventing and combating diabetes, and high triglyceride levels. Cinnamon is also available in supplement form.

to Lose Weight

1. Start out slowly but steadily:One of the biggest problems people encounter when starting a fitness program is rapidly depleted motivation after only a few weeks due to an overly ambitious fitness program. Attempting to do too much too fast is worse than doing nothing at all! Because then you feel like exercise is too hard and it is just not for you.Start out slow, maybe just shooting for 1 or 2 workouts a week. Once you have successfully added that to your normal routine, then attempt to slowly add to your fitness program. Plus, most people do not need to exercise more than 3-4 times a week. That does not mean you can not exercise more; it is just not necessary. 2.Design a detailed plan and set attainable targets: Always have a detailed plan! In order to reach your health and fitness goals, you must have a road map to follow. With a well thought out plan you are much more likely to be successful!Set realistic, attainable targets. You must have tangible, quantifiable, short and long-term goals so you can measure and assess your progress. Too many people have totally unrealistic expectations of what to expect from an exercise and nutrition program. The best way for you to understand what is realistic and attainable is to talk with fitness professional, not to buy into the “hype” of infomercial and diet and fitness products that are blatantly misleading.3.Maintain a journal: Keep a journal! This is one of the most important things you can do. If you are not tracking what you are doing, how will you know what worked? You should keep track of all your exercise and also each day’s food intake. 4.Take out time for exercises: You must be accountable! Set exercise appointments with yourself if you are not working with a personal fitness trainer. Use your appointment book to set aside times for exercise, just like you do for meetings or events. Do not let things get in the way. Nothing is more important than your health! If you do not have your health you can not effectively do anything. Mothers often say that they can not find time to exercise because they have to take care of their children. Its really hard but whatever your situation is, making the commitment to exercise and your health ARE possible, and very important. Plus, it sets a great example for the children5.Fit physically; Act perfectly:Remember the benefits of exercise. Being physically fit affects every aspect of your life: you sleep better, eat better, love better, overcome stress better, work better, communicate better, and live better! Remember how good it feels to finish a workout, and how great it feels to meet your goals! 6. Exercise safely and correctly: So much time is wasted doing, at best, unproductive exercise, or at worst, dangerous exercise. Educate yourself on how to exercise correctly. It could be for just a few sessions to learn the basics, or it could be for a few months to learn everything. It’s completely up to you. But statistics prove that those who understand how to exercise correctly get better, faster results. 7. Enjoy your exercise:For example, if you hate doing strength training, try to find ways to make it more enjoyable. The key is you should enjoy it, and if you don't you need to look for other exercises or activities to replace whatever it is you don't enjoy.If you don't enjoy it, how do you expect to stick with it?8. Make time to stretch: It has so much benefit and takes very little time. So many people suffer from various aches and pains of which most can be eliminated by basic stretches! Try to spend at least 5 minutes after each workout stretching. 9.Make your eating habits good: Do not think you need to exercise 5 days a week! Many people feel they are getting fat because they are not exercising. Totally not the case! Exercise is not the answer! It is all in your eating habits. However, exercise can aid in burning body fat, plus there are numerous health benefits. Think of exercise as a bonus.First look at your eating habits, such as: when you eat, what you eat, how much you eat, where you eat, and how often you eat.Never skip breakfast, or any meal! If you want to maximize your fitness or fat-loss efforts you have got to eat breakfast! So many people skip breakfast, and it is the worst thing you could ever do when it comes to fat-loss. Skipping meals throws your blood sugar all out of whack and it sets you up to store your next meal as fat, almost guaranteed!10. Eat fat to lose fat:Healthy fats are necessary to your body for numerous reasons: regulating hormonal production, improving immune function, lowering total cholesterol, and providing the basics for healthy hair, nails, and skin.The key is to eat the right types of fats. The “good’ fats are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats like olive oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, and avocados, to name a few. The “bad” fats are partially hydrogenated oils, and trans fats. Most processed foods contain large amounts of these bad fats.11. Drink plenty of fresh, clean water:The recommended daily intake of water is 8 glasses, or 64 oz. You should even be drinking even more if you are active or exercise regularly.And no, soda, juice, coffee, and tea DO NOT count! Nearly every chemical process place in your body, takes place in water! Proper blood flow and digestion are both affected by how much water you drink, and poor blood flow and digestion can be linked to numerous health conditions.12. Stabilize your blood sugar:If you want to burn fat and prevent your body from putting it back on, you must stabilize your blood sugar. In order to do this you need to eat small, balanced meals or snacks every 2-3 hours.Fasting, skipping meals, and overly restrictive diets will enable you to lose weight – in the short run. The weight you lose is primarily water weight and muscle tissue, and in the long run has opposite effect of what you want. When you restrict your diet, your body instinctively thinks it’s being starved and shifts into a protective mode by slowing down the metabolism and storing nearly all calories as body fat. Plus, losing muscle tissue is the last thing you want to do. Muscle burns calories, even while you sleep. You should be focused on increasing, or at least maintaining muscle tissue.13. Focus on increasing muscle tissue:Muscle burns calories, so if you want to increase your metabolism, you have to increase your muscle. The best way to do that is with progressive strength training. That doesn't mean you have to join a gym, buy expensive fitness equipment, or follow some bodybuilding workout program; it simply means you need to challenge your muscles! You can do that at home in just 15-20 minutes, 2-3 times a week

Healthy Heart

To reduce risk of heart attack, eat healthy and low fat diet. Develop a pattern of eating that will stomach without damaging your heart, but sometimes its hard to figure out which food is good for us.Try to cut back on foods that are high in saturated fat, total fat, and cholesterol.If you have a family history of high cholesterol or you have a diagnosed high blood cholesterol level, you should take a more vigorous approach to your diet.Food with High Fats & Cholesterol:Saturated fat increases your blood cholesterol level more than anything else in your diet; Most of the saturated fat you eat probably comes from animal products. Dairy products made from whole milk -- including butter, cheese, milk, cream, and ice cream -- and the fat in meat and poultry skin contain very high amounts of saturated fat.There are also some vegetables that are high in saturated fats, including coconut oil, cocoa butter, palm kernel oil, and palm oil.What to Eat:Instead of meats like sausage, bacon, and processed high-fat cold cuts, eat fish, poultry, and leaner cuts of meat, but be sure to remove the fat and skin before eating. It's ok to eat up to six ounces of these daily. You should also cut down on organ meats, such as liver, kidney, and brains.Replace butter with margarine (the softer the less saturated fat) or vegetable oil. Drink skim or one percent milk instead of whole milk and eat nonfat or low-fat cheese and yogurt. Substituting egg whites, which are cholesterol and fat free, for whole eggs or egg yolks will also help improve your heart health.The way you prepare your food also affects its nutritional value. It's better to boil, bake, roast, or poach your foods than to fry them. Vegetable oils are great to use instead of butter for sautéing vegetables. You should try to eat six to 11 servings daily of breads, three to five daily servings of vegetables; two to four daily fruits servings; cereals, rice, and pasta; two to three servings daily of milk, yogurt, and cheese; and two to three servings daily of meat, poultry, fish, dry beans and peas, eggs, nuts, and seeds. Your diet should focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains cereals, breads, rice, and pasta. With a little effort, you can start cooking up healthy and delicious meals in no time.

Chicken-Pox Tips

Chicken-Pox Vaccine
Risks or side effects of the new chicken-pox vaccine?

Answer: 'The chicken-pox vaccine is usually well tolerated,' says E. Lawrence Hoder, MD, from the Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine at Lahey Medical Center in Burlington, Massachusetts. 'The most common side effects associated with the vaccine are pain and redness at the injection site.'
Other reported side effects include respiratory tract illness, chills, fever, irritability, fatigue, sleep disturbance, gastrointestinal disturbance, rashes, itching, and joint and muscle aches, although these symptoms have not yet been positively identified as being vaccine related. Approximately three to five percent of vaccinated individuals develop a chickenpox-like rash within 5 to 30 days from vaccination.
CausesChicken pox is caused by exposure to a highly contagious airborne varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The illness typically begins with fever, malaise and a rash. The rash begins as flat red patches that evolve into patches with a central blister, the classic “dew drop on a rose petal.” These patches then dry and scab. New eruptions occur daily for four to seven days. The average child gets a total of 500 chicken pox sores.
Complications in healthy children are unusual but include secondary skin bacterial infections, neurologic complications, hepatitis and Reye’s Syndrome (a serious illness that can cause recurrent vomiting, liver problems and seizures). For most children, chicken pox will be a fairly benign illness. The economic consequences due to lost time at work for caregivers usually far outweighs any health risk. For adults and immunocompromised persons, however, infection with chicken pox may cause severe complications, such as pneumonia that requires hospitalization.
“Once a person has had chicken pox, he or she will usually have a lifelong immunity to the disease,” says Dr. Hoder. “Rarely, however, a person will experience a second, milder case of chicken pox later in life.” It is important for parents to understand that having the vaccine may not provide such protection. The need for revaccination has not yet been determined. Similar to measles vaccine, a “booster” dose may be required.
VaccinationsCurrently, the American Association of Pediatricians recommends a vaccination for all susceptible children greater than one year of age. As of August 1998, the State of Massachusetts requires the vaccine (or a physician-certified reliable history of chicken pox) for entrance into daycare or preschool for children who are 19 months or older and who were born on or after January 1997; by the 1999-2000 school year, vaccinations will be required for entrance into kindergarten or for those children already in school, for entrance into 7th grade.
When Not to VaccinateThe chicken pox vaccine should not be administered to adults or children who have the following conditions:
A history of hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine, including gelatin
A history of an allergic reaction to neomycin
Blood disorders (other than simple anemia) or cancer
A condition or treatment resulting in an immunosuppressed state, for example, immunoglobulin deficiency, AIDS, or corticosteroid therapy
A family history of an immunodeficiency
Active, untreated tuberculosis
Any illness that produces a fever
Pregnancy (or a considered pregnancy in the three-month period following administration of the vaccine)
PrecautionsIndividuals who receive the vaccine should avoid taking aspirin (salicylate) for at least six weeks after the vaccination. Because vaccinated individuals may be able to transmit the virus to close contacts, vaccinated persons should avoid close association with susceptible, high-risk persons. This risk of transmission is probably small and is more likely to occur if the vaccinated individual developed a rash after vaccination.

Overview of Asthma Medications

There are two types of asthma medications: quick relief medications for acute flare-ups, and those for long-term control, to prevent future attacks. Medications for long-term control are to be taken as directed by your doctor, every day, even when you are not having symptoms. Most asthma medications are inhaled so they can act directly on the inner wall of airways.
Your doctor may prescribe a combination of an inhaler that provides the quick relief of a bronchodilator and the long-term prevention of a corticosteroid.
Medications for flare-ups
These medicines are called bronchodilators or beta agonists. Inhaled bronchodilators provide immediate relief during an asthma attack. You use them when you already have the symptoms - shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing or chest tightness. They are rapid acting, "rescue" medicines. Type of inhaler, frequency of use and number of puffs are all decided by your doctor. Bronchodilators:
Work quickly and last for varying periods of time. Short-acting albuterol lasts only four to six hours. Long-acting salmeterol lasts up to 12 hours.
Open narrowed airways and relieve bronchoconstriction (spasms of the airways).
Do little to reduce the chronic inflammation that makes bronchial tubes overly sensitive.
Help stop asthma attacks once they've begun, and are used as needed.
Can be prescribed to prevent an asthma attack before exercise or during allergy season, both of which can trigger flare-ups.
Long-term control
If you have chronic asthma, the condition is always with you. The inhaled steroids are to be taken every day, possibly with other medications, to prevent attacks and even help to manage a current flare-up.
Anti-inflammatory medications prevent asthma flare-ups. They are often taken every day. Some people find it useful to take them as part of a daily routine, such as when getting up in the morning or when having breakfast. Continue to take asthma medications even if you are feeling fine and coughing only a little.
Corticosteroids are not the same as anabolic steroids used by body builders. On the contrary, the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) recommends the use of corticosteroids as a safe and effective way to prevent acute asthma attacks.
Dry powder or aerosol are the commonly prescribed forms and can take a week or more to start working fully. Inhaled corticosteroids:
Are most effective medications to prevent swelling and irritation in the lining of inflamed airways.
May help reduce your need for inhaled bronchodilators.
Block the chemicals in your body that cause inflammation.
Have minimal side effects when used for short periods of time.
Mast cell stabilizer
Mast cell stabilizers work by preventing the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. Mast cells play an important role in the body's allergic response. In an allergic response, an allergen stimulates the release of antibodies, which attach themselves to mast cells. Following subsequent allergen exposure, the mast cells release substances such as histamine - a chemical responsible for allergic symptoms.
Cromolyn is a non-steroidal inhaler used for prevention of asthma. Cromolyn inhalers are especially useful in exercise-induced asthma, and are recommended for use before exposure to an anticipated trigger, especially exercise.
Leukotriene modifiers
Antileukotrienes, also known as leukotriene inhibitors or modifiers, are among the newest oral anti-inflammatory medications. The body processes leukotrienes, chemicals that cause inflammation, as part of the reaction to an allergen.
Leukotriene inhibitors, such as montelukast, are tablets that prevent the action of inflammatory substances. Taken by mouth every day, these drugs help to prevent the potentially life-threatening processes during an asthma attack that lead to airway narrowing: fluid retention, mucous buildup and smooth muscle constriction in the airway wall.
Like corticosteroids, they are used to prevent future asthma flare-ups, so it is best to make these drugs as part of your daily routine if prescribed by your doctor. Leukotriene inhibitors:
May be useful as a primary treatment to control mild persistent asthma or as add-on therapy with moderate or severe persistent asthma.
Block the recognition of allergens, thereby avoiding the usual cascade of symptoms.
May have side effects that include headache and nausea, and they may interact negatively with other drugs, such as blood thinners.

How to Eat a Healthy Breakfast on the Go

Step 1
Take breakfast with you - stash a whole-grain bagel or muffin, a hard-boiled egg, yogurt or a small jar of peanut butter and some fruit in your bag and take it with you to work.
Step 2
Shop in advance. Buy fresh-squeezed juices in small containers, whole-grain unsweetened cereal that just needs hot water added, eggs to hard-boil. This way you'll have breakfast ready every morning to take along to work, or you can eat it in the car.
Step 3
Be creative. Take along a slice of leftover pizza, or pack up a leftover casserole.
Step 4
Buy breakfast on your way to work if you don't have time to pack up a breakfast or eat before leaving the house. Check out stores and cafés near your house and en route to work. Check their hours and pick ones that will be open early. Avoid buying sweet pastries and doughnuts, which provide empty calories and will set you up for a massive energy slump.
Step 5
Opt for low-sugar, high-fiber, high-protein choices. Choose a bagel and cream cheese, a whole-grain fruit-juice-sweetened muffin, scrambled eggs on an English muffin or a slice of quiche.
Step 6
Read labels on the popular breakfast and energy bars. Many are very high in sugar and not as healthy as they appear.
Step 7
Eat something in the morning even if you are not very hungry. A banana or apple is a healthy snack, or you could have a slice of whole-grain toast. These are quick and easy to eat at home, take along or buy on the run.

10 Essential Health Tips

He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything." -Arabian Proverb1. Move MoreMake it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster. Think 'move' in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's great when you're up to it. Meanwhile, move more. Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha…. Then do it!2. Cut FatAvoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning machine…. Then be one!3. Quit Smoking The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960 when the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health, Americans have been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently, we've seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn your children of the false romance or 'tough guy' stance of Hollywood smokers. Thought for the day: Give up just one cigarette…. the next one.4. Reduce Stress Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e.,Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible. Thought for the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds….then float on them. 5. Protect Yourself from Pollution If you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It's a good pollution and dirt from the street deterrent. Thought for the day: 'Smoke gets in your eyes'…and your mouth, and your nose and your lungs as do pollutants….hum the tune daily.6. Wear Your Seat BeltStatistics show that seat belts add to longevity and help alleviate potential injuries in car crashes. Thought for the day: Buckle down and buckle up.7. Floss Your TeethRecent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth flossing. Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it's because people who floss tend to be more health conscious than people who don't? Thought for the day: Floss and be your body's boss.8. Avoid Excessive Drinking While recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for men) can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer. Thought for the day: A jug of wine should last a long time.9. Keep a Positive Mental Outlook There's a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Thought for the day: You can't be unhappy when you're smiling or singing. 10. Choose Your Parents Well The link between genetics and health is a powerful one. But just because one or both of your parents died young in ill health doesn't mean you cannot counteract the genetic pool handed you. Thought for the day: Follow these basic tips for healthy living and you can better control your own destiny.

Pregnancy

So you're going to have a baby! Whether you are pregnant or are planning to get pregnant, you will want to give your baby a healthy start.
You need to have regular visits with your healthcare provider. These prenatal care visits are very important for your baby and yourself. Some things you might do when you are pregnant could hurt your baby, such as smoking or drinking. Some medicines can also be a problem, even ones that a doctor prescribed. You will need to drink plenty of fluids and eat a healthy diet. In early pregnancy, you may get morning sickness, or nausea. You may also be tired and need more rest.
Your body will change as your baby grows during the nine months of your pregnancy. Don't hesitate to call your health care provider if something is bothering or worrying you.
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What Is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a section of heart muscle becomes blocked. If the flow of blood isn’t restored quickly, the section of heart muscle becomes damaged from lack of oxygen and begins to die.
Heart attack is a leading killer of both men and women in the United States. But fortunately, today there are excellent treatments for heart attack that can save lives and prevent disabilities. Treatment is most effective when started within 1 hour of the beginning of symptoms. If you think you or someone you’re with is having a heart attack, call 9–1–1 right away.
Overview
Heart attacks occur most often as a result of a condition called coronary artery disease (CAD). In CAD, a fatty material called plaque (plak) builds up over many years on the inside walls of the coronary arteries (the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to your heart). Eventually, an area of plaque can rupture, causing a blood clot to form on the surface of the plaque. If the clot becomes large enough, it can mostly or completely block the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the part of the heart muscle fed by the artery

Figure A is an overview of a heart and coronary artery showing damage (dead heart muscle) caused by a heart attack. Figure B is a cross-section of the coronary artery with plaque buildup and a blood clot.
During a heart attack, if the blockage in the coronary artery isn’t treated quickly, the heart muscle will begin to die and be replaced by scar tissue. This heart damage may not be obvious, or it may cause severe or long-lasting problems.
Severe problems linked to heart attack can include heart failure and life-threatening arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). Heart failure is a condition in which the heart can’t pump enough blood throughout the body. Ventricular fibrillation is a serious arrhythmia that can cause death if not treated quickly.
Get Help Quickly
Acting fast at the first sign of heart attack symptoms can save your life and limit damage to your heart. Treatment is most effective when started within 1 hour of the beginning of symptoms.
The most common heart attack signs and symptoms are:
Chest discomfort or pain—uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest that can be mild or strong. This discomfort or pain lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.
Upper body discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
Shortness of breath may occur with or before chest discomfort.
Other signs include nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), vomiting, lightheadedness or fainting, or breaking out in a cold sweat.
If you think you or someone you know may be having a heart attack:
Call 9–1–1 within a few minutes—5 at the most—of the start of symptoms.
If your symptoms stop completely in less than 5 minutes, still call your doctor.
Only take an ambulance to the hospital. Going in a private car can delay treatment.
Take a nitroglycerin pill if your doctor has prescribed this type of medicine.
Outlook
Each year, about 1.1 million people in the United States have heart attacks, and almost half of them die. CAD, which often results in a heart attack, is the leading killer of both men and women in the United States.
Many more people could recover from heart attacks if they got help faster. Of the people who die from heart attacks, about half die within an hour of the first symptoms and before they reach the hospital.

How do cigarettes damage health?

Cigarettes contain more than 4000 chemical compounds and at least 400 toxic substances.
When you inhale, a cigarette burns at 700°C at the tip and around 60°C in the core. This heat breaks down the tobacco to produce various toxins.
As a cigarette burns, the residues are concentrated towards the butt.
The products that are most damaging are:
tar, a carcinogen (substance that causes cancer)
nicotine is addictive and increases cholesterol levels in your body
carbon monoxide reduces oxygen in the body
components of the gas and particulate phases cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).
The damage caused by smoking is influenced by:
the number of cigarettes smoked
whether the cigarette has a filter
how the tobacco has been prepared.

Diet for Oily Skin

Take a diet rich in proteins but restricted in sugar, fluids and salt.
Take plenty of leafy green vegetables and fresh fruits.
Have your blood brought up to par by the suitable administration of necessary vitamins, iron and similar substances.
Even a slight deficiency in vitamin B2 can cause oily skin. Nutritional yeast, wheat germ and organ meats provide both vitamin B5 and vitamin B2. Other good sources of vitamin B2 are whole grains, beans, nuts, and royal jelly. Buckwheat, black beans and whole rice are excellent to supply the body with iron and rejuvenate pate skin.
Drink plenty of quality water to keep the skin hydrated and flush out toxins.
Reduce the amount of fat in your diet. Avoid pork and fried and highly seasoned foods. Consume no animal fats, or heat-processed vegetable oils.
Do not cook with oil. Do not eat any oils that have been subjected to heat, whether in processing or cooking. If a little oil is necessary, such as in salad dressing, use cold-pressed canola or olive oil only.
Do not drink soft drinks or alcoholic beverages. Avoid sugar, chocolate, and junk food.

WEIGHT LOSS TIPS Losing those last 15 pounds

If you want to lose 5 kg, it will take a minimum of 3 weeks. Don't do anything drastic -- that is, don't completely change your life to lose 5 kg. I have some suggestions for you that will help you lose weight gradually in a healthy way:1) Drink only water -- no teas, coffees, Coca Cola, juices, etc. Water has zero calories and will help you body flush out the excess fat as you lose weight. I am not familiar with Zera water, but if it has zero calories, go on drinking it.2) Eat the same foods you always eat, but eat only 1/2 as much as you usually eat. I have found that you will not lose weight by making a big change to your diet. By eating the same food but only 1/2 as much, you will be able to enjoy your usual diet but you will reduce the amount of calories you ingest. You must eat to give your body fuel to keep it working, so fasting is NOT the way to lose weight. In fact, when you fast, your body over-reacts to the food deprivation and will change your chemistry so that it will hold on to your fat for protection. If you are too hungry when you cut your food by half, try eating 2/3 of your usual portions. YOU MUST EAT TO STAY HEALTHY.3) To tone your thighs, take long, brisk walks. Your pace should be faster than normal but not as fast as running. You want to get your heart pumping a little faster than normal but you do not want to put too much stress on your heart. You should walk for about 45 minutes to an hour a day, and if you can find a few gentle hills, your walk will be additionally slimming. Going up and down hills is a great way to tone your legs.4) To tone your tummy, try this twice a day:* While sitting in an upright position on your chair, tighten your abdominal muscles and breathe in.* Hold this position for 10 seconds.* Breathe out and release the abdominal muscles.* Repeat this exercise 30 times.

10 Tips to Healthy Eating and Physical Activity For You

Start your day with breakfast.
Breakfast fills your "empty tank" to get you going after a long night without food. And it can help you do better in school. Easy to prepare breakfasts include cold cereal with fruit and low-fat milk, whole-wheat toast with peanut butter, yogurt with fruit, whole-grain waffles or even last night's pizza!

Get Moving!
It's easy to fit physical activities into your daily routine. Walk, bike or jog to see friends. Take a 10-minute activity break every hour while you read, do homework or watch TV. Climb stairs instead of taking an escalator or elevator. Try to do these things for a total of 30 minutes every day.

Snack Smart.
Snacks are a great way to refuel. Choose snacks from different food groups—a glass of low-fat milk and a few graham crackers, an apple or celery sticks with peanut butter and raisins, or some dry cereal. If you eat smart at other meals, cookies, chips and candy are OK for occasional snacking.

Work up a sweat.
Vigorous work-outs—when you're breathing hard and sweating—help your heart pump better, give you more energy and help you look and feel your best. Start with a warm-up that stretches your muscles. Include 20 minutes of aerobic activity, such as running, jogging or dancing. Follow-up with activities that help make you stronger such as push-ups or lifting weights. Then cool-down with more stretching and deep breathing.

Balance your food choices—don't eat too much of one thing.

You don't have to give up foods like hamburgers, french fries and ice cream to eat healthfully. You just have to be smart about how often and how much of them you eat. Your body needs nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, fat and many different vitamins and minerals such as vitamins C and A, iron and calcium from a variety of foods. Balancing food choices from the Food Guide Pyramid and checking out the Nutrition Facts Panel on food labels will help you to get all these nutrients.

Get fit with friends or family.
Being active is much more fun with friends or family. Encourage others to join you and plan one special physical activity event, like a bike ride or hiking, with a group each week.

Eat more grains, fruits and vegetables.
These foods give you carbohydrates for energy, plus vitamins, minerals and fiber. Besides, they taste good! Try breads such as whole-wheat, bagels and pita. Spaghetti and oatmeal are also in the grain group.
Bananas, strawberries and melons are some great tasting fruits. Try vegetables raw, on a sandwich or in a salad.

Join in physical activities at school.
Whether you take a physical education class or do other physical activities at school, such as intramural sports, structured activities are a sure way to feel good, look good and stay physically fit.

Foods aren't good or bad.
A healthy eating style is like a puzzle with many parts. Each part—or food—is different. Some foods may have more fat, sugar or salt while others may have more vitamins or fiber. There is a place for all these foods. What makes a diet good or bad is how foods fit together. Balancing your choices is important. Fit in a higher-fat food, like pepperoni pizza, at dinner by choosing lower-fat foods at other meals. And don't forget about moderation. If two pieces of pizza fill you up, don't eat a third.

Make healthy eating and physical activities fun!
Take advantage of physical activities you and your friends enjoy doing together and eat the foods you like. Be adventurous—try new sports, games and other activities as well as new foods. You'll grow stronger, play longer, and look and feel better! Set realistic goals—don't try changing too much at once.

Health and Fitness Make the Difference Between Living Well and Living

Quality of life is what we all want. Good health helps us achieve a high quality of life. Fitness makes us want to live it every day. If you agree with these three premises, keep reading.The Purpose of Health and Fitness Tips To inform you of new developments in the health and fitness fields is our aim. We'll do the research; we have the resources. You get the results. The name of the game is 'current' and 'relevant' for today. Forget all the excess baggage of the so-called fitness gurus.Become Healthier and Fitter FasterWhile we know you are interested in becoming healthier and fitter or maintaining the health and fitness you have, we also know you have limited time to devote to it. We therefore pledge to you a fast, simple method to hop aboard the fitness fast train. Get on track with the facts.Health Professionals, Medical Doctors and Health and Fitness Writers and Editors Make Up Our StaffOur staff experience in the booming Health and Fitness field adds up to more than 100 years. Not that anyone is age 100 or even close, but we all plan to live that long. We want to make sure we have company. So we invite you along for the ride. We'll spur you on and help you over the rough spots to your own fitness destination.Diet and Exercise are Keys to Healthy LivingBut you know all this. So our aim is to give you the shortcuts, the little-known tricks and proven methods to help prevent boredom and hopelessness in your quest for good health. Our high tech world has advanced in the fitness field also. In fact, so fast that we want to get the information out to you yesterday. That's what the Health and Fitness Tips Site is all about…the latest up-to-the-minute-in-the-zone information for your health and fitness. The Health and Fitness Tips NewsletterIs a free weekly newsletter that is delivered straight to your email box. It's short, to the point, and it's absolutely free. This newsletter contains one weekly health and fitness tip that will get you on the right track. Click here and become one step closer to your health and fitness goals for the year 2002!