Medical News

Bad breath is a lot more complicated than we think it is. Most people automatically assume that when a person’s breath stinks, the culprit is always poor hygiene. While most cases can be attributed to failure to brush and floss regularly, for some there are underlying health concerns that cause their breath to smell terrible. There are millions of people seeking treatment for bad breath which is why we see tons of products in the market that promise to get rid of the problem forever. Some work and some don’t.

To eliminate mouth malodor, you have to know what’s causing it first. It’s almost impossible to find a solution if you fail to get to the root of the problem. We can readily say that the easiest solution would be to brush and floss your teeth every after meal and clean your tongue. What if you have tooth decay or abscessed tooth? What if what you actually need is dental filling? In this case, no matter how many times you brush, your breath will smell like feces all the time. For this situation, the most effective treatment for bad breath I can recommend is going to your dentist and have the problem fixed.

If you have gone to the dentist and they told you that everything is fine, the awful smell coming from your mouth may just be caused by bacteria buildup. You can try oxygenated toothpaste and a mouthwash specifically intended to keep bad breath at bay. If commercial products do not work for you then it’s time to go back to basics.

You may not know this but baking soda has proven to be an effective treatment for bad breath for centuries. It actually works by changing the pH level in your mouth. Baking soda transforms your mouth into an environment that rejects anaerobic bacteria. These bacteria cause your breath to smell through their waste products. Baking soda is especially beneficial for people who are suffering from gingivitis (another bad breath culprit).

To use baking soda as a treatment for bad breath, put the solution on your toothpaste and start brushing as usual. After brushing, rinse your mouth with water and make sure you eliminate all baking soda from your mouth. If you don’t like this method, you can always mix the solution with your toothpaste so you’ll still have that minty taste while you brush.

You can also create a homemade mouth rinse by mixing one part peroxide with one part water and then add a pinch of baking soda and a pinch of salt.

This article in particular is important to me, simply because I have lived through the trauma of suffering this horrid affliction and feel it necessary to inform other people.

Being asthmatic all of my life, eczema seemed to be its constant companion. (Not atopic I hasten to add) When I was younger and indeed up to my early 20′s the doctors concluded that worry or stress brought it on. In my opinion an easy diagnosis, seeing as how the same reasons were given to my constant severe asthma attacks.

What was strange is that when eczema flared up it was not always the same, sometimes it was wet and oozed, another time it was dry

The term “Atopic” refers to a personal and family tendency to develop eczema. What you will find written today! But at this part in writing I have to make it clear that never in over 30 years was my eczema ever referred to as Atopic, simply eczema.

It is best to establish at this junction that although at the time my parents were mystified as to not knowing any family member having either! Until one year at 13 years old, we went on a family holiday through what at the time was referred to as “Eastern Block” countries our destination was Poland to visit my grandfather whom my father had not seen since the war. It transpired that he was asthmatic and also had eczema.

At least the mystery was cleared up. The Irony here though was that through asthma I became familiar with the inside of a Polish hospital. Apparently it can skip a generation, as it did with me and subsequently, luckily, my daughters do not suffer from either, albeit the possibility is there unfortunately for their children.

For the past 25 years my asthma is under control and so is the eczema. At least that is what I thought.

3 years ago, whilst having my 20 minutes sunlight around the pool (the best way to get your daily dose of Vitamin D) read my article on sunlight. My foot started to itch around the heel. My first thought was that I had been bitten, but it did not look like an insect bite and therefore concluded it was a bout of eczema. No need to worry it would pass quickly.

For my sins I have to admit to using cortisone cream, which long term is not a good idea and would not recommend it as it seriously thins the skin(as it has done to my shins) the skin in this area is paper thin.

Days went by and instead of disappearing as it usually did, it started to spread. No amount of cream aided the healing.

It spread from my heel, all around my both feet up my legs, both my arms, back. As it got around the neck area it seemed to have an urgency to make it’s way to my scalp.

Eczema does not like water or soap particularly, so I took to having quick showers using organic and natural products.

Now I became panicky and did not know what to do for the best. In the end my husband made me agree to consult a private skin care professional. (Not cheap) Feeling optimistic, we sat in front of the individual, who quickly diagnosed the problem as being Atopic eczema. He had no idea what caused it, but thought it might be leather shoes, but really was not sure and other than writing a prescription for some cream did not want to elaborate further, apart from concluding by saying, “Should it not go completely or begin to spread again, please make another appointment.” Needless to say I did not.

Bear in mind this was the height of summer and my choice of footwear has always been Dr Scholl sandals. My gut instinct was to dismiss this theory.

After suffering the disfigurement for 3 months it began to subside as mysteriously as it came. Rightly or wrongly I put this down to radical changes made in my eating habits and the choice of products used on my skin.

*I decided to be radical and changed my diet to vegetarian/vegan
*Using natural 100% Aloe Vera to wash my skin

Because it began on my feet, each day I exfoliate and rub Eskimo cream into the skin to stop it from becoming dry.

Note: Even the national eczema society has no idea what the trigger is and suggests each individual learn to manage the discomfort in daily life.

No solace there then! In my opinion you are generally if not always, left to deal with things yourself. Below is what they say may trigger Atopic eczema

• Soap and detergents
• Skin infections
• House dust mites and their droppings
• Animal fur, hair and saliva
• Pollens
• Overheating
• Rough Clothing

Many people with atopic eczema find that there is a connection between eczema and stress, although whether the stress causes the eczema or vice versa is less clear.

The weather is wet and windy, the days and nights are dark and gloomy and the hot summer days are another year away. For many the winter months can dampen a mood but for others it can lead to outright depression.

Known as seasonal affective disorder this winter depression is generally thought to be related to the darker days that occur during the winter months and those with this type of depression experience symptoms such as difficulty waking up in the morning and wanting to sleep longer then usual, have an increased appetite that often leads to weight gain and generally feel down beat and unmotivated day after day.

For others Christmas day itself is an especially depressing time of year. For most Christmas is a time filled with warm welcomes, laughter with friends and family and plenty of eating and drinking with an optimistic view of the following New Year.

Two classic symptoms of depression are a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities and social withdrawal and when feeling depressed finding the motivation to get involved in the festivities and force a smile can be difficult if not impossible for some. For those with depression in the winter who have few friends or family Christmas day is often spent alone and isolated and consumed with feelings of loneliness, worthlessness and overwhelming sadness with thoughts such as ‘the world would be better of without me’ and ‘life isn’t worth living’.

Help and Treatment for Winter Depression:

For those with seasonal affected depression using a light box for a few hours a day has for many been highly effective in eliminating or at least reducing their symptoms of depression. Antidepressants are also commonly prescribed for those with seasonal affected depression as they are for those with depression in general. Cheap canadian cialis

These do however take a number of weeks to take effect and for some the side-effects from medication is intolerable and discontinued. For those that can not tolerate the side-effects from prescription antidepressants or for those with mild to moderate symptoms of depression using natural remedies for treating depression may be effective in brightening their mood. Generic viagra online

For those that do not suffer from depression but feel concerned about someone who does then the best advice is to show them you care, invite them around for a Christmas meal and drink. If the offer is declined make the effort to phone them Christmas day and remake the offer and remind them you care. Making the offer whether accepted of declined can make all the difference.

Goals play a huge role to your fat reduction effort. Bear in mind a well-planned and realistic goal for this journey can help you be motivated and focused. Goals can be your benchmark towards your trip to your change in lifestyle.

Most of all, the weight-loss goals that you need to create must not be unrealistic in a way that you’re planning to lose 10 lbs every week, that is challenging to achieve. The failure to make it work usually leads you to feel discouraged and frustrated. Because of this you will surrender your diet program plans. Listed here you will know the most effective weight-loss goals.

The first thing to keep in mind is to personalize your goals. This means you have to set your goals within your capacities and limitations. Make sure to consider your personal enthusiasm, accessible time, health concerns and fitness level. Building your expectations in accordance with your personal condition can assist you attain your goals.
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Ask for fat reduction goals that are realistic. Shedding pounds doesn’t happen overnight, it may occur gradually and progressively. Typically, it would be ideal to plan to lose 1 or 2 lbs weekly. You’ll need to burn 500 -1,000 calories that you consume on a particular day. Also, don’t expect to lose that fast. Deal with your process goal than the outcome goals. Process goal means doing an exercise regularly, while outcome goal is your aim to weigh 125 lbs. In losing weight, there’s a changing process that involved such as habits and behaviors. However, ensure that your process goal is true for your personal goals and it should be realistic also.

Consider your short-term and long run goals are also helpful means for your fat loss journey. Short-term goals means sticking on your daily activities on losing a few pounds, it is also your stepping-stone towards long-term goals. A healthy and long-term weight reduction is a continuous process for reaching your goals.
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If you are formulating your goals, it would be beneficial to write it down in the paper. This is crucial because you have to be specific with the information on how you can start your weight loss endeavor. Most of these are your schedules, workout buddy, foods and snacks that you need to cut as well as the time you will start. Lastly, if you feel you are losing confidence, re-asses your goals again, so that you can get back to track on your journey to in losing weight.

While having high total cholesterol is not good for a person, there is a cholesterol level where higher is better. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) is the “good” cholesterol in the blood. It accounts for transporting excess cholesterol from the body tissue and arterial blood vessels to the liver.

The liver combines cholesterol with lipoproteins to be used in a variety of body functions and building of tissue. A lipoprotein is really a combined unit of fat on the inside which is surrounded by protein on the outside

Lipoproteins are used to carry cholesterol through the blood stream and away from the arteries that it can harm. Since cholesterol is water-insoluble, the bloodstream cannot make it unless of course it’s converted into a water-soluble form. That’s where water-soluble lipoproteins go into the scene. They mix with cholesterol to create water-soluble models that move through the blood stream.

These lipoproteins mostly are of two kinds: low-density or LDL and high-density lipoproteins or HDL. Medical professionals make reference to the cholesterol moved by High-density lipoprotein as HDL cholesterol.

So, when medical professionals talk of High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, they mean High-density lipoprotein-bound cholesterol. Technically LDL and HDL are not cholesterol per se; they just provide transportation to move cholesterol through the bloodstream.

Because of its ability to transfer cholesterol HDL has been labeled good cholesterol. This transportation helps prevent plaque (a tough fatty deposit) about the inner walls of major arterial blood vessels delivering bloodstream towards the organs. Raising these HDL levels can go a long way in preventing heart attacks, strokes and other health related problems.

Researchers have lately learned that low HDL cholesterol level in a person has definitely been determined to be an independent risk factor of various cardiovascular diseases. HDL levels below 40 mg/dL for males and below 50 mg/dL for females are thought of as low. These levels are independent from total cholesterol and LDL levels. Many patients are still at risk of heart disease because they may have low HDL levels while also maintaining low LDL levels.

So how exactly does one enhance the High-density lipoprotein cholesterol level and keep the entire cholesterol and LDL levels low? Ideally, a High-density lipoprotein more than 50 mg/dL for males and 60 mg/dL for ladies is recognized as being a good level. Many people, however, can push the HDL levels of cholesterol up by looking into making some lifestyle changes.

To boost your High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, it is important to become active multiple times a week. Following a daily walking, weight lifting or exercise program can help raise the HDL levels. Also stopping smoking and changing your diet are two other keys to raising these levels.

When changing the diet it is best to avoid food high in saturated fat. Egg yolks, red meat, butter, cookies, whole milk and fried foods are packed with saturated fat and can prevent one from raising these HDL levels. Adding items such as fish, vegetables, nuts, olive oil and beans can help one raise these levels and lose excess body weight.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung condition. It can affect you at any age but most commonly develops at childhood. When asthma occurs, the airways in your lungs are narrowed down which unfortunately, limits the airflow to your lungs. The narrowing of the airways is caused by inflamed and swelled-up airway lining and is what causes the drastic effects of asthma.

Asthma has many easy to spot symptoms that may start appearing from the early years of childhood. They are well known and can show up in pretty much anyone.

These symptoms usually include:

• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Dry coughs

The actual cause of asthma is unknown but there are certain things we know that may increase the risk of asthma. These may include:

• If you have a parent with asthma, this may increase your risks of asthma itself.
• Exposure to certain environments
• Air pollution
• Obesity

There are various treatment options for asthma that usually depends on the severity of the condition. They include:

• Inhaled corticosteroids
• Long-acting beta agonists
• Combination inhalers
• Ipratropium
• Theophylline
• Leukotriene modifiers

Asthma is usually very common in children under the age of 5. If it is not treated from its early stages, children can be limited to all the fun they deserve I their childhood. There are signs you can look for in your children that may be symptoms of asthma. Usually, symptoms start to appear before the child reaches the age of 5 but there have been cases that have proved otherwise.

Symptoms may include:

• Wheezing
• Frequent coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness or pain in the chest area
• Laboured breathing
• Re-occurring headaches
• Loss of appetite

If your child ever experiences any of these symptoms, take them to your doctor as soon as possible as the symptoms tend to get worse over time. The doctor will create what’s called an asthma action plan. The doctor will prescribe some medications to help decrease the symptoms.

There are many risk factors that can increase the chances of a child getting asthma. Some are listed here but these are not the only risk factors you have to take into consideration.

Some of these risk factors may include:

• Exposure to allergens such as air pollution, dust and second-hand smoke
• Family history of asthma or allergies
• Low birth weight
• Exposure to smoke
• Parents who smoke
• Series of lung infections

Eucalyptus oils are typically found and sourced from Australia which is where eucalyptus trees grow in which this essential oil is extracted from. It has been suggested that Australian Aborigines were the first to discover this natural remedy and were known to have used it for a range of medicinal purposes including treatment for respiratory problems and muscle pain relief. Uses for eucalyptus oil are not only restricted to health and healing, but as an air freshener within the home, as a beauty treatment and an aromatherapy aid for maintaining general well being. Read on to discover how you can benefit from its numerous curative properties

Respiratory Problems

Eucalyptus oil has proven very effective when dealing with respiratory problems such as congestion, asthma, and bronchitis because it contains strong anti-inflammatory and decongestant qualities.

*Simply apply a couple of drops on a cloth or handkerchief and inhale regularly. Alternatively you can add a few drops to your evening bath

Fever and Flu

Eucalyptus oil has been and is still widely used as a remedy to relieve fevers caused by infectious diseases. This essential oil also helps to improve lung function and reduce phlegm and therefore relieves symptoms and effects associated with the flu, common cold, and sinus infections.

*Make a cold compress and apply to the back of the neck, forehead, or chest. Be sure to only use a minimal amount as excess dose may cause a chilling sensation

Muscle Pain

Eucalyptus oil is a very common and popular form of massage treatment for relieving muscle pain and stress. This essential oil will help to soothe and alleviate stiffness, tense muscles, and even more serious conditions such as nerve pain and sprained ligaments. By massaging the oil directly on the problem area results in an almost instant relief.

*Using too much eucalyptus oil directly on the skin can cause irritation. Mix a few drops together with other massage oils before applying

For Hair

Eucalyptus oil can be massaged directly into the scalp to stimulate blood flow. This can help to prevent hair loss and promote new hair growth. Perhaps not the most common oil for hair, but it can still be beneficial.

If you want a more effective oil try something like almond, coconut, castor or olive oil for hair.

Mouth Wash

Eucalyptus oil contains strong germicidal qualities which help to fight off and kill bacteria. By using the oil on a daily basis it will prevent bacteria build up therefore preventing the formation of cavities while also keeping your mouth clean and odourless. Eucalyptus oil also provides relief for a sore throat by reducing irritation and discomfort.

*To use the oil as a gargling solution simply mix a few drops with warm water, gargle for a few minutes, spit out and rinse. Avoid swallowing.

Wounds and Bites

Eucalyptus oil contains powerful antiseptic qualities and for this reason is very effective for treating wounds, insect bites, stings, burns, and rashes. This essential oil has also proven to be very effective for use as an insect repellent.

* To treat the above conditions, apply a few drops of the oil to the bandage or dressing before covering the wound or effected area.

Aromatherapy

Eucalyptus oil acts as a nervous system stimulate which promotes concentration, enhances focus, and improves the ability to stay alert. This essential oil features a calming effect and helps to revitalise the mind, body, and soul. Eucalyptus contains rejuvenating qualities which help to relieve mental fatigue, tiredness, and lethargy.

*Apply a drop of eucalyptus oil to pulse points

Oils are one of the safest, most effective and natural ways to promote hair growth, prevent hair loss and generally improve hair health.

We all accept that aging is an inevitable part of living and so are its ailments. But with advancements in science, it is now possible to treat and even prevent some of these ailments from hampering your enjoyment of life in your golden years. So here are some of those ailments and how you can fight them.

Heart problems

As you age, so does your heart. The blood vessels especially become less efficient in doing their work at this age. Also the heart tends to get large and the pumping action decreases. Hence all these lead to problems like high blood pressure and heart failure.

The best way to treat these problems is by staying healthy. In fact, it is something you should start doing in your prime so that your arteries are not clogged with fat as you reach your 60′s. A change of diet and lifestyle at this age also helps to prevent the heart from becoming worse. The most obvious changes are giving up smoking and other substance abuses. The amount of fat you eat should be drastically cut down as well as your sodium intake. So processed foods have to go and you have to eat more vegetables, fruits and whole grains to fortify your body. If you are overweight, reduce your weight by exercising regularly. However, light exercises must be done as too much exercise can put a strain on your heart.

Stroke

It is the leading cause of death for people over 65 around the world. Two kinds of stroke are seen in most cases; the Ischemic stroke which happens to 85% of people, and Hemorrhagic stroke that happens to 15%. The former is a sudden block of blood supply to the brain which results in brain damages leading to paralysis. In the latter, an artery suddenly ruptures leading to internal hemorrhage and subsequent death.

Surgery may help in the case of Ischemic stroke which can reverse the paralysis and thus prevent disability for the senior. But it is only possible if the patient reaches the hospital within 3 hours. That is why it is very important that you learn about strokes and their symptoms so that you can respond accordingly.

The hemorrhagic stroke is very hard to reverse and if the patient survives, the damages can become permanent. So a sufferer has to be on the operating table within 3 hours to help combat a hemorrhage stroke.

Again, change in lifestyle can help prevent a stroke. Those with high blood pressure are especially vulnerable; so if you have this problem, try to lower your blood pressure and also take your medications regularly to prevent an escalation. It has been seen in research that those who use olive oil regularly in their food, have less chance of stroke than those who don’t. So make such changes in your diet to avoid getting a stroke.

Just because you are old doesn’t mean you have to take everything old age throws at you! Science has shown us the reasons for most common ailments that plague as it this age; it is up to you on how well you use that information to stay healthy as long as you live.