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Archive for March, 2011

Neck and Back Pain Prevention Tips

March 30th, 2011 No comments

Whether it’s called carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive stress injury, or cumulative trauma disorder, wrist, hand, elbow, shoulder, neck and back injuries continue to be an almost unavoidable plague for workers using computers in manufacturing, service and office settings. The latest statistics show that two-thirds of workers will experience a repetitive stress injury as a result of the work they do everyday, costing employers millions in lost time and medical expenses. Ideally we should all try to limit the number of hours we spend plugging away at the keyboard, but unfortunately for most of us that is not an option.

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However there are a number of small steps that everyone can take to help to protect your body and prolong your working life. With just a few simple adjustments you can prevent taking unnecessary medications or even surgeries. We have listed some general ergonomic recommendations below, however because everyone has their own personal needs, we recommend having your spine checked by a professional to determine what your specific ergonomic needs may be.

The single most important change you can make without too much difficultly is to ensure that your computer monitor is at eye level or even slight higher to ensure that you are not looking downward all of the time. The monitor should be about 18-30 inches away and positioned along with the keyboard directly in front of you. Frequently used items such as a mouse or phone should be placed within an arms reach, and if possible a headset should be used for the phone.

As for chair recommendations, a chair height that allows for the proper upper body position is of the utmost importance. Your chair should have adjustable arm rests that allows for your shoulders to stay relaxed and your elbows resting at a 90 degree angle, with your knuckles, wrist and top of the forearms forming a straight line. Your feet should be flat on the floor and if the height of your chair does not allow this, a foot rest should be used. Your chairs’ backrest should provide firm support for the inward curve of the lower spine (lumbar) and outward curve of the upper spine (thoracic).

neck and back pain

Lastly, it is important to monitor the amount of time you spend sitting at your desk. It is important to take at least a short break every 30 minutes, even if you simply stand up and stretch your back, neck and shoulders for 30 seconds. This brief rest will also provide your eyes with the break they require as well.

If these steps do not resolve the symptoms you are feeling a short course of chiropractic care or physical therapy can quickly resolve problems caused by repetitive stress injuries. If these injuries go neglected or untreated for a prolonged period of time, they may worsen enough to require surgery.

What Are The Causes of Anxiety and Panic Attacks?

March 30th, 2011 No comments

There are many causes of anxiety. The causes fall into genetic, environmental or brain chemistry categories. This really covers a wide spectrum when trying to diagnose anxiety. None of them are inclusive and not all are definitive indicators if you will suffer anxiety. They are a guide line for a doctor to follow.

causes of anxiety

The genetic causes of anxiety are passed on through the family. If one of your parents had anxiety it stands to reason you might have it also. Did your mother worry excessively over little things that she couldn’t change? Do you find yourself doing the same things? Maybe it wasn’t your parent but a grandparent that worried about things excessively. This is an indication that you might have anxiety at some point in your life. Its not written in stone that you will, just that you might have it.

Anxiety has been show in different levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters can’t function in their movement of messages from one nerve cell to another if they are out of balance. This causes anxiety because the brain is not functioning properly to handle the messages it receives. When the nerves receive the proper message at the proper time a persons mind works on an even level and the body along with the mind are in balance. Which makes it easier to deal with the stress of everyday life.

The environmental causes of anxiety can be the loss of a loved one or even moving to a new home.

The mind starts to worry excessively about factors that can’t be changed or even those that are so small to not effect other people. The causes of anxiety in our environment will be triggered by stress.

panic attack and it causes

The stress causes abnormal reactions to everyday things. The littlest thing can cause stress in some people thus creating one of the many causes of anxiety. If you find that a loss in your life causes you to feel over whelmed to the point of not functioning everyday then you might have anxiety.

The causes of anxiety are not written in stone and they cover a broad spectrum from brain chemistry to environment to genetics. Each of these can be a contributing factor or the root cause of anxiety. Each one must be looked at to discover the problem and how to deal with it. The causes of anxiety do not mean a person can’t learn to live a well rounded life.

Categories: Anxiety Tags: ,

How To Maintain A Youthful Glow

March 30th, 2011 No comments

As we age, the youthful look that once helped us feel beautiful fades. No amount of makeup or plastic surgery operations can restore the glow we once had. However, if we maintain our health, it will help us look our best no matter our age. It is much easier to accept a few wrinkles or gray hair if our inner light still shines through in our smiles and eyes. There are numerous things you can do to maintain your appearance and look healthy and happy no matter what your age. If you have a healthy smile, your entire face will light up. In addition to regular visits to your dentist, consider undergoing a teeth whitening service. This will brighten your smile and help you feel more confident every time you look in the mirror.

Gray hair is often the most annoying thing about your appearance growing older. It is also one of the easiest things to fix. You can purchase dyes to color your hair for as little as three dollars. Many of these color treatments last several months and specifically target the gray hairs that show your age. Many women do not mind a salt and peppered look and prefer to leave their hair natural, but if you are looking for a quick, inexpensive, easy way to brighten your look, altering your natural hair color or highlighting the grays to another color may be just the answer.

youthful glow

One of the best ways to maintain your youthful glow is to stay in shape. Exercise keeps your body feeling great, it reduces the risk of disease, illness and injury, and it expels the toxins from your body in a healthy manner. You will look and feel younger after your first workout. If you have already been exercising on the regular basis, but still not feeling your best, you may need to up the ante. Increase the time you workout each day, intensify the workout or change what you are doing. If you usually job, try an aerobics class. If you pump iron, go ahead and try your hand at yoga for a few weeks.

Water is one of the best things you can do for your body and keeping your skin and body hydrated is a great way to keep it functioning as it did when you were a child. Water flushes the toxins from your system and keeps your skin cells supple and plump. This means that drinking water can actually help you prevent wrinkles. In addition to any pricey skin creams you may invest in, be sure to drink at least eight glasses of water every day.

Perhaps the most important thing you can do to stay young and young at heart is to spend time with people who are happy and skating into their middle and golden years with a zest for life. People who are embracing life will keep you feeling motivated to do the same. If you want to maintain a youthful glow and an enthusiasm for life, surround yourself with friends who feel the same.

Categories: Health Care Tags:

Insomnia – Suggestions for Overcoming It

March 30th, 2011 No comments

A good night’s sleep is absolutely necessary for a healthy body and lifestyle. Unfortunately, forty percent of the world’s population suffers from sleeplessness, more commonly referred to as insomnia, and ten percent of those are considered chronic. Insomnia is defined as a difficulty in being able to fall asleep, maintain sleep throughout the entire night, or perceived poor quality of sleep. The average person spends one third of their life sleeping so care should be taken to ensure that the sleep we get is quality, restful and refreshing to the body. Insomnia can affect adults, teenagers and children alike.

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Victims of short term insomnia can take a few steps to eliminate this condition. If left unattended it can last several weeks and cause stress in your daily life until corrected. There can be multiple causes of short term insomnia, such as eating or drinking the wrong foods, alcohol use and noise to name a few. The following suggestions may help you achieve a sound sleep.

Avoid Eating and Drinking Before Bed

If you are experiencing short term insomnia, you should avoid eating two to three hours before going to bed. Do not eat a large meal because it may make your digestive system work overtime and therefore make it more difficult to fall asleep. Eliminate coffee, tea, colas and other beverages containing caffeine and replace them with water. Reducing alcohol intake prior to turning in for the night will also help you get a better night’s sleep.

Avoid Unnecessary Noise

Leaving the television or radio on at night may cause a distraction that prevents you from dropping off to sleep or can cause intermittent waking during the night. Cut them off an hour before retiring for the night. Research has shown that our minds tend to think about the things we have seen or heard prior to going to bed, especially if we see very graphic violence, hear a very sad story or see an advertisement for something we are interested in purchasing. Quiet time before retiring for the night can eliminate such distractions.

Prepare a Sleeping Schedule

Most doctors recommend getting at least eight hours of sleep every night. The actual amount of sleep each individual requires may vary. Know how much sleep you need get each night and prepare a schedule to allow for the amount of sleep you require every night. Avoid taking a nap when you get home from work as this may cause you to be unable to fall asleep at your regularly scheduled bed time. Going to bed and waking up according to your normal schedule will help your internal clock to return to normal.

Sleeping Environment

Your bedroom should be properly ventilated and completely dark at night if you are experiencing short term insomnia. Light can still penetrate your eyelids even when closed which can cause you to unconsciously close them tighter and create undo tension when you are trying to fall asleep. It is a good idea to dim the lights in your house an hour or so prior to retiring for the night. This will assist your body in increasing your melatonin levels. Melatonin, a hormone produced by the brain, helps in controlling our sleep and wake cycles. Trace amounts of it can be found in vegetables, grains, meats and fruits. Purchase a comfortable mattress that gives your body the support it needs. Refrain from taking your laptop or work related items into the bedroom.

overcoming insomnia

Relax

Physical or mental tenseness and stress can prevent you from getting the proper amount of sleep. Take a walk or get some mild physical exercise before retiring for the night. A warm bath or body massage may also help you relax and get a good night’s sleep. An oil massage can work wonders to sooth your body and mind after a stressful day at work.

These simple suggestions will help you eliminate short term insomnia and achieve a better night’s rest. A proper night’s sleep is essential in restoring your energy levels and helps you feel rested and more energetic in the morning once again. Those suffering from chronic insomnia should seek the advice of a doctor to overcome this disorder.

Categories: Sleep Tags: ,

Gene Mutation Also Causes Diabetes

March 28th, 2011 No comments

Type 2 diabetes or better known as onset diabetes for some is a non-insulin dependent abnormality which can be distinguished by high blood sugar in the perspective of insulin resistance and lack of insulin. Type 2 Diabetes is the milder form of diabetes but it is also the most widespread as it affects about 250 million people around the globe. It can easily be handled with just exercise alone. Scientist believes that it is the result of the ever-growing technology. People become so reliant on the technology that they have given up the old ways which requires manual work. The outcome of being lazy is disease as the body becomes weak and has become obese. Another factor that contributes to diabetes inheritance, scientist believes that the child of diabetic parent has more chances of being diabetic compared to those bore by a healthy parent.

gene mutation

Now, based on the new study that is conducted by Antonio Brunetti, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy and associates, genetic material as well play a part on diabetes onset. According to the research, the gene HMGA1 is a crucial controller of insulin receptor (INSR) gene expression.

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Brunetti, together with his associates performed a study to determine the association of HMGA1 with type 2 diabetes. They gathered a total of 8938 patients from different countries that are all suffering from type diabetes. Each of the inherited DNA were analyzed for mutation.

The researchers found out that the occurrence of HMGA1 is high is great for type 2 diabetic patients.

This is not the first study that shows that a gene is one of the sources of diabetes. Back in 2000, scientists were able to identify the Beta3-adrenergic receptor gene also plays a role in type 2 diabetes development. Beta3-adrenergic receptor gene produce a protein in fat cells which is involve in determining how much fat will your body burns as it rest. It encourages the body of a person to become severely fat. Obesity gives way to developing diabetes in adulthood.

gene mutation causes diabetes

With the new findings people are better than ever understand and manage diabetes. Further studies are needed to prevent genetic mutation from affecting diabetes development but this is definitely a good start. Someday drug manufacturers are able to produce drug that could limit or even stop genetic mutation from happening but now people will have to avoid diabetes through exercise and making a healthy habit.

The information may also lead to therapy that stops diabetes, if not could perk up the health of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Can Andropause Be Treated?

March 25th, 2011 No comments

It is a well known fact that women experience a stage called menopause especially during their late 40′s to their early 50′s. The menstrual cycle that occurs every month stops permanently and the body loses its ability to produce hormones by estrogen. The same thing happens to men when they cross the age of 35 and the hormone producing rate in their bodies decrease.

The hormone called testosterone is responsible for providing the male with a good sex drive. As the testosterone production in the body decreases, the urge to have sexual intercourse with the partner also hits a low. Some may even put on weight during the initial stages of andropause. Another common effect is the erectile dysfunction (ED) problem, i.e. when a man can’t sustain an erect penis during sexual intercourse.

andropause and you

Andropause also causes psychological changes such as mood swings and a feeling of depression without any reason. Men usually become fussy and irritable during this stage. They also feel much stressed over the smallest issue. Activities such as swimming, paying badminton or partying with their friends don’t appeal to them anymore.

Most people tend to hide the fact when they discover the symptoms of andropause setting in. They feel that they will be ridiculed and pitied for their condition. Contrary to common belief andropause can be treated successfully. Don’t make the mistake of neglecting it because time plays a vital factor in this case. Any kind of delay slows down the success rate quite a bit.

andropause

With a combination of herbal and medical treatments, you can get back the “feel-good” factor in your life. Proper medication will ensure that there is a significant rise in the production of testosterone so the urge of indulging in sexual intercourse with your partner will come back. Taking medicines will also increase blood circulation in the body and you will regain your energy levels. The surge in energy levels will allow you to enjoy all the extra-curricular activities that you used to indulge in.

Are you going through andropause? Don’t worry because help is at hand – all you need to do is visit androhrt.com and ask for a free consultation with their doctors. Be it testosterone replacement or anti-ageing therapy, you will be provided with the best possible treatment here. The doctors will go out of their way to make sure that your condition is addressed with the utmost care and concern. You will feel different within just a few weeks. Live a healthy and happy life once again.

Lose Weight Safely and Naturally

March 25th, 2011 No comments

Most people who want to lose weight want to do it fast and easy. As a result, they fall prey to weight loss schemes that don’t work, surgical procedures that are potentially dangerous, and unnatural pills that wreak havoc on their bodies. They want weight loss solutions that offer quick fixes for something that they’ve spent a lifetime accumulating!

lose weight safely

Losing the pounds is the crucial first step. Jumpstarting one’s way to weight loss is often the most difficult. But once you’re able to reach your desired body weight, an even more complex issue is maintaining it. While admittedly challenging, most of the methods that can keep the weight off are natural, safe and proven effective. Unlike weight loss scams that offer results for little or no effort, these techniques require a committed individual’s active participation.

One natural way to keep the weight off is to eat breakfast! In the constant rush to beat morning traffic, breakfast is often the most neglected meal of the day. This slows down the body’s metabolic action and decreases calorie burn. As every Weight Loss 101 student knows, a fast metabolism is the key towards burning the fat and losing the weight. By eating a well-balanced morning meal to begin your day, you’re revving up your body’s metabolism so it can burn the fat.

Another natural way to keep the pounds at bay is to continue with your exercise regimen. Strength training is recommended at least three times a week so you can lose fat and build muscle at the same time. Calisthenics is also the preferred regimen for those who wish to burn the fat without going to the gym. These anaerobic exercises rev up your metabolism to the point that you’re still burning the fat even after your exercise session. Walking 10,000 steps also keeps the weight off even as it lowers high blood pressure and prevents certain forms of cancer.

Getting enough sleep is also important in maintaining a healthy weight. If you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces increased amounts of cortisol and insulin. Elevated levels of these substances impair your body’s ability to process carbohydrates which slows down your metabolism that, in turn, lowers your body’s fat burning ability.

natural weight loss

If you want to keep the weight off for life, you’ve got to live healthy, too. Continued stress has been shown to contribute to muscle loss and emotional eating. This can harm your body and put on those extra pounds. Know when you’ve had enough and recharge when you feel you’ve taken on a little too much.

Finally, by eating and drinking foods that naturally burn fat, you’ll also keep the weight off naturally and safely. Green tea has ECGC that boosts the body’s fat burning ability. You can lose as much as 50 more calories per day if you guzzle down 2 to 4 cups. Plus, its antioxidant powers protect from certain diseases like cancer. Chili peppers have capsaicin that speeds up the metabolic rate, albeit temporarily. Other natural fat-burning foods include oatmeal, Vitamin-C rich fruits, tuna, sardines and lean pork and beef. Of course, you’ve got to watch your portions, too. And if you want to indulge in those “unhealthy” favorites, do so once in a while and at decent amounts.

Glycation and Food Allergies

March 25th, 2011 No comments

Researchers from France’s University of Burgundy (Rapin and Wiernsperger 2010) have confirmed that protein or lipid glycation produced by modern food manufacturers is linked to food sensitivities.
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Glycation is produced during the manufacturing of food products, specifically when sugars and protein-foods are heated to extremely high temperatures during cooking or filling. During glycation, sugars bind to protein molecules. This produces a glycated protein and glycation end products, both of which have been implicated in cardiovascular disease, diabetes, some cancers, peripheral neuropathy and Alzheimer’s disease (Miranda and Outeiro 2010).

food allergy

In Alzheimer’s disease, one of the products of a glycation reaction is the amyloid protein. Glycation end products introduced to the cerebrospinal fluid have been directly implicated in the process of amyloid plaque build up among brain cells.

Glycation also takes place within the body. This occurs especially in diets containing high levels of refined sugars combined with considerable amounts of cooked or caramelized proteins.

To this we can add the sugar-laden Western diet. Today, nearly every pre-cooked recipe found in the mass market grocery stores contains refined sugar. Even many processed organic foods contain organic cane syrup – a form of sugar that may not be as refined as white sugar, but is definitely refined, and stripped of the natural plant fibers in cane or beets.

Today, many brands are trying to white-wash the massive refined sugar content of their products by calling their sugar content “all natural.” This is a deception, because nature in the form of fiber has been unnaturally stripped away from their refined sugar. This is hardly a “natural” proposition. Nature attaches sugars to complex fibers and nutrients in such a way that prevents them from easily attaching to proteins. Sugars that are cooked and stripped of their fibers become immediate glycation candidates within the body.

As our digestive system combines these sugars with proteins, many of the glycated proteins are identified as foreign by IgA, or IgE antibodies in immune-burdened or inflammatory intestines. Why are they considered foreign? Because, as we’ve mentioned, glycated proteins and their AGE end products damage blood vessels, tissues, brain cells and also stimulate cancerous cells. So the immune system is simply trying to protect us from our own diet!

There is no surprise that glycation among foods-and the glycation that occurs within the body as a result of the heavy consumption of refined proteins and sugars-is connected with the increase of allergies among Western societies over the past few decades. This has occurred with the increased consumption of overly-processed foods and manufacturing processes that pulverize and strip foods of their fiber; and blend denatured proteins and sugars using heating processes.

We should note that a healthy type of natural glycation also takes place in the body to produce certain nutrient combinations. Unlike the glycation produced by food manufacturers, this type of glycation is driven by the body’s enzyme processes, resulting in molecules and end products the body uses and recognizes. When glycation is driven by the body’s own enzyme processes, it is technically called glycosylation.

Categories: Allergies Tags: ,

Is Bariatric Surgery for Me?

March 25th, 2011 No comments

People who struggle with obesity may have another option: weight loss surgery or bariatric surgery. Though weight loss surgery can increase one’s life span, decrease risk for various diseases and generally improve health, it is not a viable option for everyone. There are limitations and considerations including money, physically candidacy, and ultimately bariatric surgeon approval.

bariatric surgery and you

Typically bariatric surgeons sees weight loss surgery as the “last resort,” one last chance (yet powerful chance) that people who are at an increase risk of disease and stroke to alleviate their risk(s). The first requirement is that these surgeries are only offered to people struggling with obesity, people who have tried traditional methods of weight loss and failed.

To be physically qualified for weight reduction surgery, physicians normally require a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30.0 or higher. Though having a BMI of 30 doesn’t instantly qualify for weight loss surgery, higher BMIs has a better chance of being qualified for Bariatric Surgery. Body Mass Index’s of 40-50 or higher are seen as “good candidates.” Other characteristics of a good bariatric surgery include people who have a serious, elevated-risk for disease or a life threatening condition caused by their obesity. Age requirements is normally 18-65, but could be offered to younger teens if there is a special consideration.

bariatric surgery

Though these procedures can generally give patients a better quality of life, it is very expensive compared with dieting or exercise routines. Sometimes patients may qualify for insurance to cover the expense, but most of the time it’s the patients responsibility. Average weight loss surgery costs, depending on the type of procedure done, can vary from $18,000 to $35,000 in the United States. Because of this high cost, a new emerging trend is taking place all over the world: going over borders or overseas to preform bariatric surgery.

Bariatric Surgery done in Mexico offers patients the same surgery in United States, for a significant reduction in costs. Average surgeries can range from $8,000 to $15,000 in Mexico. Even though bariatric surgery done in Mexico is less stringent, the same general rules apply.

Even though you may qualify in terms of money and the requirements, the decision to have bariactric surgery should not be taken lightly. Most bariatric surgeries are non-reversible and carries significant risks (mostly stemming from the surgical aspect). Before seriously considering this type of procedure it is wise to contact a trained professional to guide you to a decision.

Causes of Constipation – Diet and Remedies

March 25th, 2011 No comments

It is presumed that there are 5 major causes of constipation. Constipation is some thing that numerous people cope with for numerous years. As you understand, constipation is a typical dilemma and at some stage, almost everyone will cope with it in their lifetime. Also, you may possibly be stunned that it is also one of the most explored subject areas on the web as far as health-related matters. Numerous individuals ask, what leads to constipation?

Based on almost everything that is out there here is a glance at the prime 5 causes of constipation.

constipation

Fiber

Not having adequate fiber in your diet plan is by far the major cause of constipation. Fiber is significant to the entire body for numerous factors, the most significant reason is that it enhances your digestion of food. Fruits have a lot of fiber. Numerous people that cope with constipation may possibly find that they aren’t eating ample fruits. Make sure to consume a great deal of fruit. There are many varieties of cereal that consist of substantial fiber. So if you are looking to reduce constipation consume as much fruit as you can.

Medications

Medicines are intended to assist us but they also have side effects. One of the countless side effect of several prescription drugs is constipation. Some over-the-counter medications may possibly trigger constipation you should always study the brands. The over the counter medicine can range from cold medicines to pain medicine. The ideal way to prevent just make certain you only take medications that you definitely need to take. In addition, if you find out that one of your medications is triggering this side effect. If this happening to you, communicate with your medical doctor and try looking for an alternate medication.

Habit

Are you in the practice of having to go to the toilet but controlling it? This could at some point head to complications with constipation. It is necessary to go to the restroom each time you need to. Failing to do so can result in a diminished desire of having to go to the restroom. This of course turns to constipation.
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Hormones

Believe it or not, hormones could also have an impact on your toilet routines and lead to constipation. A very good instance is when women are menstruating it may possibly be a far more tough time and constipation may maximize. If you are coping with constipation and are using hormones this is also an additional reason why you may possibly have enhanced constipation.

Diseases

Although it is uncommon, constipation can also be triggered by a illness that may influence the brain or spinal cord. Although you should never jump to a conclusion, if you are coping with long-term constipation you ought to always go to the medical doctor just to be risk-free.

A balance diet will help you live a better life and including fruits and vegetables will help your over all health. Fiber is the one things that should be a constant in your diet if you want to avoid constipation. If your constipation you should consider a doctor that specializes in constipation.