Articles of health

Symptoms and Types of Depression

2009-11-19T15:19:55.341+05:30

Have you ever felt so sad sometimes without knowing what the real cause is? Do you happen to experience such a mood disorder of someone close to you? Whether we admit it or not, depression not only affects our behavior but our relationships as well. This unusual state of sadness may be experienced not only by an adult but also by teenagers and children, a man or a woman.

Depression which is a kind of mental state that is characterized by feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, apathy, fatigue, and pessimism actually has different types. Along with this, persons who were identified as having depression usually have several symptoms.

There are actually five types of depression which are most common. This includes major depression which is a combination of symptoms that hinder the ability to work, study, sleep, eat and perform enjoyable activities. Dysthymic disorder, a less severe depression that happens for 2 years or more but can prevent a person from functioning normally or can prevent him from feeling good. Another type is the psychotic depression which happens when a severe depressive illness is accompanied by some form of psychosis, such as a break with reality, hallucinations, and delusions. If a new mother develops a major depression within one month after delivery, then it’s another type which is known as postpartum depression. Lastly, there is also what we call as SAD or seasonal affective disorder. This type of depression is characterized by the beginning of a depressive illness. This usually happens when there is less natural sunlight or during the winter months.

But how can we really detect when a person is suffering from depression? By identifying some symptoms, you will know that a person is in the state of depression. A person is depressed when he is usually sad, anxious, or has an "empty" mood. Always feel hopeless or worried or the feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness. Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities once enjoyable, including sex; having difficulty to concentrate or in making decisions, or remembering; trouble sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping; decreased energy; fatigue; feeling "slowed down" and also the changes in appetite or weight or both. And worst, depressed person can possibly have thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts; or may feel restlessness or irritability and the relentless physical symptoms, like headaches, chronic pain and digestive disorders that do not respond to scheduled treatments.

So if you’re looking for the best depression treatment, it is best to consult your primary care provider. Go and see your psychiatrist. You may also have some talk therapy with a psychologist who can also help treat your sadness. Although there are lots of alternative and natural treatments to depression like exercise, relaxation or meditation, it is still best to see a psychiatrist.

Fact Or Myth: Males Are Becoming More Female?

2009-11-19T15:17:31.359+05:30

At first, my attention was caught when I saw this article. From the title itself, my curiosity was touched. Also, I was interested to read the entire article because I somewhat believe that it is really happening nowadays. Although I also would like to know if it’s true since the symptoms are really rampant. Maybe, once you’ll know the result of the studies, you will definitely say, “Yeah, I think it’s true.”

Well, I think this is not a simple issue. I simply believe that because many of us are now being aware of our environment, we are also conscious that this is really happening. What I’m talking about here is the recent study that resulted in finding that males of all species are now becoming more female. Choosing between a fact or a myth, don’t you think that this issue is really a fact? Well in my own point of view, whether I am not a scientist at all, I believe that it is indeed, a fact.

The major question about this environmental concern is that, what causes such changes to happen? According to various studies, being exposed to the unregulated chemicals in the environment causes male species to acquire more feminine characteristics. And since humans have similar sex hormone receptors to those of the animals, the indication and transformation pattern is also the same.

The type of chemicals that were found to have such unusual effects to the animal and human genders is also known as the “gender-benders”. This include substances like Phthalates, chemical found in vinyl flooring, detergents, automotive plastics, soap, shampoo, deodorants, fragrances, hair spray, nail polish, plastic bags, food packaging, garden hoses, inflatable toys, blood-storage bags, and intravenous medical tubing. Another one is the Bisphenol A, a common ingredient in many plastics. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) which is a chemical found in grease- and water-resistant coatings like Teflon. An insecticide and a fungicide found to Methoxychlor and Vinclozin. Also, Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) which is known to be potent endocrine disrupters. The Bovine growth hormones which are commonly added to commercial dairy that make premature adolescence. Soy products may also affect as well as the MSG which is a food additive and last but not the least is the fluoride.

More information has been released for us to be aware of this wide range of health hazards. And if these studies can impose strange changes within our male population, I think we must do something to avoid the worst scenario. Since male infertility is on the rise and fewer boys have been born, world population is at risk. Besides, can you imagine that we’ll soon be living in a world with only female population?

Which offers less food calories: Restaurants or Fast Food?

2009-11-19T15:16:43.064+05:30

Comparing the energy content of meals being served from a fast food and restaurant has now become the subject of a recent study. When you compare the foods you usually order in some fast food chains or your favorite restaurant to those that you are preparing at your own home, the latter are smaller and have less calories.

The result of this study was based from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Continuing Survey of Food Intakes by Individuals. This organization assessed a large sample of information regarding nutritional intake to produce such result.

And as a result, fast food meals were found to be more energy dense than a sumptuous meal from a table service restaurant. However, fast food meals are offered in a smaller amount as well. Therefore, as compared to any other average meal from a restaurant, the typical fast food meal offers lesser calories.

But then, the long believed issue was changed when restaurants probably reduced their food consumption throughout the end of the day. And this is maybe because of the difference in energy density. In the end, the result may be fast foods offer more calories on the food they serve than those we usually eat in a fancy restaurant.

But in a healthier point of view, both the fast food and restaurant meals though won’t prevent you from eliminating potential toxins from your food. It’s just that you need to control your serving size.

America's Top 20 Worst Foods

2009-11-19T15:16:01.841+05:30

I recently posted this topic, “Who offers less food calories, is it restaurant or fast food?” I want to share this info that I found in MensHealth.com. It’s all about the 20 worst foods in America .20. Worst Fast-Food Chicken MealMcDonald’s Chicken Selects Premium Breast Strips with creamy ranch sauce830 calories55g fat(4.5g trans fat)48 g carbsAdd soda and large fries this meal is equal to 1,710 calories.19. Worst Drink30 fl oz Jamba Juice Chocolate Moo'd Power Smoothie900 calories10 g fat183 g carbs(166 g sugars)18. Worst Supermarket MealWhole pie of Pepperidge Farm Roasted Chicken Pot Pie1,020 calories64 g fat86 g carbsFor a better pie you might buy Swanson's pot pie with 400 calories only.17. Worst "Healthy" BurgerRuby Tuesday Bella Turkey Burger1,145 calories71 g fat56 g carbs16. Worst Mexican EntréeChipotle Mexican Grilled Chicken Burrito1,179 calories47 g fat125 g carbs2,656 mg sodium15. Worst Kids' MealMacaroni Grill Double Macaroni 'n' Cheese1,210 calories62 g fat3,450 mg sodium14. Worst SandwichLarge Quizno’s Classic Italian1,510 calories82 g fat3,750 mg sodium106 g carbsThis sandwich is big, either buy a small one or cut it in half and save the half for later.13. Worst SaladOn the Border Grande Taco Salad with Taco Beef1,450 calories102 g fat78 g carbs2,410 mg sodium12. Worst BurgerCarl's Jr. Double Six Dollar Burger1,520 calories111 g fat11. Worst SteakLonestar 20 oz T-bone1,540 calories124 g fatIf you add a Lonestar's Signature Lettuce Wedge plus baked potato you’ll get a 2,700 calorie with this.10. Worst BreakfastBob Evans Caramel Banana Pecan Cream Stacked and Stuffed Hotcakes1,540 calories77 g fat(9 g trans fat)198 g carbs(109 g sugars)9. Worst DessertChili's Chocolate Chip Paradise Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream1,600 calories78 g fat215 g carbs8. Worst Chinese EntréeP.F. Chang's Pork Lo Mein1,820 calories127 g fat95 g carbsThis dish provides more than 1,100 calories fat content alone.7. Worst Chicken EntréeChili's Honey Chipotle Crispers with Chipotle Sauce2,040 calories99 g fat240 g carbs6. Worst Fish EntréeOn the Border Dos XX Fish Tacos with Rice and Beans2,100 calories130 g fat169 g carbs4,750 mg sodium5. Worst PizzaUno Chicago Grill Chicago Classic Deep Dish Pizza2,310 calories162 g fat123 g carbs4,470 mg sodium4. Worst PastaMacaroni Grill Spaghetti and Meatballs with Meat Sauce2,430 calories128 g fat207 g carbs5,290 mg sodiumThe requirements calorie for an entire day satisfies this meal.3. Worst NachosOn the Border Stacked Border Nachos2,740 calories166 g fat191 g carbs5,280 mg sodium2. Worst StarterChili's Awesome Blossom2,710 calories203 g fat194 g carbs6,360 mg sodium1. The Worst Food in AmericaOutback Steakhouse Aussie Cheese Fries with Ranch Dressing2,900 calories182 g fat240 g carbs[...]

The Difference that ‘World AIDS Day’ has Made

2009-11-19T15:14:00.574+05:30

Last December 1, the whole world was re-united for the 20^th anniversary of the World AIDS Day. Accompanied with this year’s theme, “leadership – from all sectors, including government, but also leaders among individuals and families, communities, non-profits and other organizations.”

All HIV/AIDS victim and even those who do not suffer stand up and participate in this event. Not just for the symbol of red ribbon, not just for the donations and fundraising ideas but also for the voluntary works of all soft-hearted individuals who find time to get involved on this special event. Even bloggers joined this event with the same mission – to make the world a better place. Bloggers found time to make a difference by attempting to harness the power of the blogosphere. This is in cooperation with NIDA and AIDS.gov, both of these organizations recognize the leadership of Bloggers Unite. Together with the bloggers, the mission to prevent and stop the spread of HIV/AIDS has been successful.

With around 33 million people infected by HIV, it is really important that the community work together just by being part of the ever growing leaders who fight against the spread of AIDS. Through words, voices and simple actions, HIV/AIDS can be gradually prevented and treated. And this is what happened during the World AIDS Day. A lot of bloggers became a part of this organization. They added a badge to their own blog to show the world that they have joined thousands of bloggers as well with one comparable aim – to answer the call for action to recognize World AIDS Day 2008.

Chemotherapy: Boon or Bane?

2009-11-19T15:13:25.015+05:30

Chemotherapy, also called chemo, is the common term for medicines used to treat cancer. The treatment destroys cancer cells, keeps them from growing and spreading, shrinks the size of a tumor or relieves cancer symptoms.

Chemotherapy has given hope to numerous cancer patients. However, a recent study by The National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD) shows that chemotherapy can often do more harm than good. This is the main reason why doctors are now being advised to be more careful in offering chemo as treatment, particularly to cancer patients.

The NCEPOD study revealed that for more than 600 cancer patients who died within a month upon receiving treatment, 27% got worse and died faster after undergoing chemotherapy.

Though chemotherapy is the usual course of treatment for cancer nowadays, Dr. Joseph Mercola is not convinced that it is the best option. Though it may lengthen a patient’s life by a couple of months in some cases, it can also end up killing them prematurely

Chemotherapy may do more harm than good to a cancer patient due to its effects on the body’s cells. Yes, this conventional treatment can kill cancer cells but it can also destroy healthy cells at the same time. Chemo prevents the rapid reproduction and division of cells which are found in bone marrow, cells in the digestive system and reproductive system as well as cells found in hair follicles.

Fortunately, there are natural, safer and more effective alternatives to chemotherapy. Dr. Mercola recommends the use of Vitamin D, healthy lifestyle choices and emotional management for the treatment and prevention of cancer.

Calcitriol is the most powerful steroid hormone in your body and is produced in the tissues of individuals with optimum levels of Vitamin D. It has been shown to fight cancer because it stimulates cell differentiation and controls cell proliferation.
Since cancer patients usually have low levels of Vitamin D, it is crucial for them to optimize their levels of this nutrient.

Cancer patients should be given up to 80-90 ng/ml of Vitamin D to help optimize their levels. The proper diet, exercise and healthy choice of food will also boost the patient’s resistance. And, avoiding negative and stressful emotions will definitely make a cancer patient feel much better. Make sure that the patients feel positive. Help them keep their faith and always give them hope.


These are just some of Dr. Mercola’s recommendations in the fight against cancer. Cancer is a deadly disease but we are not powerless against it.

Amazing Pictures to Keep you Healthy

2009-11-19T15:12:47.160+05:30

Now, here’s the fun stuff. Why don’t we settle for some time and make an exciting wrap up of all these healthy posts. Aside from giving you articles with informative approach, try this one and we’re sure to give you some healthy insights while being entertained.I’ve actually received an email from one of my friends and learned about these attached pictures. It’s so cool that I would like to share all of it so everyone can see these artistic creations as well. Imagine how the creators of these images come up with such a very nice idea. Not only are these images so amusing but also denotes a healthy option for you to remember. Just like the apple made in a butterfly form which simply signifies the familiar quote, “an apple a day, keeps the doctor away”. Isn’t it funny that you can recognize the importance of a healthy diet while putting a smile on your face? If you still don’t believe that these exciting things can happen, why don’t you take a look on these astonishing pictures? Have fun![...]

How Broccoli Fights Cancer

2009-11-19T15:03:13.939+05:30

Just a few additional portions of broccoli each week could protect men from prostate cancer. Researchers believe a substance called isothiocyanate in the broccoli sparks hundreds of genetic changes, activating some genes that fight cancer and switching off others that fuel tumors. Prostate cancer kills more men than any other kind except for lung cancer. Each year, 680,000 men worldwide are diagnosed with the disease and about 220,000 will die from it. The benefit derived from broccoli would likely also be available from other cruciferous vegetables that contain isothiocyanate, including Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, arugula, watercress and horseradish.Back then, animal studies had shown that glucoraphanin -- a precursor to sulforaphane – boosts cell enzymes that protect against molecular damage from cancer-causing chemicals. Sulforaphane had also been shown to mobilize natural cancer protection resources, reducing the risk of malignancy. Now, in this current PLoS study, they’ve been able to validate the actions of sulforaphane in humans as well. Broccoli (as compared to other cruciferous vegetables) has a particularly powerful type of sulforaphane, which the researchers believe gives broccoli its particular cancer-fighting properties. It appears that broccoli contains the necessary ingredients to switch ON genes that prevent cancer development, and switch OFF other ones that help it spread. The power of food in normalizing chronic disease and helping you achieve optimal health is quite profound and one of the reasons that I chose a career of natural health. How Much Broccoli do You Have to Eat to Reap These Benefits? Previous studies have indicated that people who consume more than one portion of cruciferous vegetables per week are at lower risk of prostate cancer. In the study above, the participants ate four extra servings of broccoli per week for one year. The researchers collected tissue samples over the course of the study and found that the men who ate broccoli showed hundreds of beneficial changes in genes known to play a role in fighting cancer! That’s pretty impressive. What’s even more impressive is the fact that you don’t have to make that drastic of a change to reap the benefits. After all, one serving of broccoli equates to about two spears. So we’re only talking approximately 10 spears a week, folks. That’s it! Is Broccoli the Right Choice for You? While I believe foods, especially vegetables, are a far smarter choice to treat serious health challenges like cancer than using most drugs, all foods may still not be the right choice for you. And even though vegetables are one of the healthiest food categories on the planet, not all vegetables are beneficial for everyone. This is where a deep appreciation of nutritional typing will assist you in selecting the best vegetables for you. One of the most serious mistakes is for a protein type to consume many dark green vegetables. This tends to over-alkaline your system and worsens rather than improves your health if you’re a protein type. This is despite the many beneficial phytonutrients that are present. I am very familiar with this mistake as it’s one that I made prior to understanding nutritional typing. However, other cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, which happen to be beneficial for protein types, can also have a similar effect. I want you to be aware of just how important it is to understand your body at a deeper level, because if you are a protein type and were to eat broccoli, the other effects of broccoli might push your metabolic biochemistry in the wrong direction and thus override its benefits. The best way to understand specifically what foods are ideal for your body in particular is to learn your nutritional type. When you eat properly for your particular type, you will experience increased daily energy, improved e[...]

Exercise, a Healthy & Hearty Solution!

2009-11-19T15:00:37.492+05:30

Exercise daily and live a healthy life! This is the usual words we can hear from doctors, nutritionists and health-conscious individuals. Without any doubt, this healthy fact is absolutely true.

Exercise is an activity wherein you perform physical work exerting your muscles in various ways to keep your body healthy and fit. Exercise, especially if practiced daily provides outstanding effects on your body system through proper blood circulation. Keeping your heart healthy is the top priority why most physicians require a person to exercise. Of course, exercise should also be supported with a healthy diet. In doing this, it will surely keep you fit and away from illnesses simply because your heart functions to its maximum strength all the time.

The heart is a muscular organ responsible for pumping blood through the blood vessels by repeated, rhythmic contractions. And as we grow older, our heart deteriorates and become less active. However, to keep our heart from functioning well even as we age, we must know how to provide ourselves with proper nutrition and of course, a daily dose of exercise.

In fact, research shows that older people who did endurance exercise training for about a year ended up with metabolically much younger hearts. This is according to the study conducted at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis .

So to keep you from being young and vibrant, exercise is simply the best solution. The key to your heart’s youthful metabolism is already yours to live out!

Simple Facts about Krill Oil

2009-11-19T14:59:51.647+05:30

Krill oil is actually a new and improved way to increase the quality of your Omega-3. Krill are small shrimp or prawn-like creatures that feed the world's most mammoth animals -- the great whales. Seals, penguins, sea birds, squid and fish also depend on krill for their nutritional needs. Indeed, krill oil contains omega-3 fatty acids which are class of compounds reported to aid in lowering both cholesterol and blood pressure when used as a dietary supplement.

It is a proven fact that increasing your intake of omega-3 oils can improve your overall health. Based on studies, there are two most important fats in Omega-3 that ensures a healthy heart and provide immune system and mood support for an individual. And these are none other than DHA and EPA.

Aside from this healthy Omega-3, there are many other healthful supports where krill oil has been recognized. Giving you a healthy heart is the number one effect. And this significant effect is also supported by a lot of other positive results. This includes the following:

* Support for concentration, memory & learning
* Blood sugar health
* Healthy joints, with an increase in joint comfort
* Fighting your signs of aging
* Healthy brain and nervous system function and development
* Protection for cell membranes
* Cholesterol and other blood lipid health
* Healthy liver function
* Relief of normal PMS symptoms
* Bolstering your immune system
* Healthy mood support
* Optimal skin health
* Improved quality of life when compared with fish oil

It is also known that krill oil is better than fish oil simply because it gives much better absorption than the latter one. Krill oil also has superb antioxidant protection; pollution-free; has a renewable source for an ongoing supply; it has safe processing method and no fishy aftertaste, reflux or other side effects.

Isn’t it great how krill oil can stabilize your daily metabolism while making sure that you can attain that healthy lifestyle?! Maybe it’s the main reason why people do love krill so much.

Berries - Your Overall Fruit

2009-11-19T14:59:00.214+05:30

If you are asking what fruit is best for your health, the answer is berries. Berries have a good reputation when it comes to health-giving nutrients. These little fruits are packed of phytochemicals to normalize and improve health. I have listed here all berries that I know as well as their benefits.

Blueberries

Blueberries ranked number one antioxidants as compared to other fruits and vegetables. Blueberries are rich in antioxidant called anthocyanins rich in memory enhancers even as you grow old. It can help protect against urinary-tract infection also known as UTI, age-related health conditions, brain damage caused by stroke and cancer. This also helps fight the build-up of bad cholesterol that leads to heath diseases and stroke. Bilberry, a European blueberry, is known to prevent blindness and mascular degeneration.

Raspberries

Raspberries are another perennial bush-type plant that is rich in healthy nutrients. This small fruit contains ellagic acid which is a compound that contains anti-cancer properties. It is also a good source of fiber which can gradually help in digestion. This is beside the fact that raspberries are also good for the heart and bones. Red raspberries on the other hand can treat a lot of illness including hangovers, flu, fevers, gum disease, upset stomach, diarrhea, menstrual problems, vomiting and inflammation.

Marionberry

These are the bright purple type of blackberries. These berries contain antioxidants and are full of vibrant berry flavor. A native bush from Oregon, large berries is said to capture the best attributes of both berries and yields an aromatic bouquet and an intense blackberry flavor. Its juicy taste and bouquet are described as earthy, sweet and tart. It is also a good source of antioxidants. Marionberries are better for immunity because it controls the unstable oxygen compounds in our bodies which are commonly associated with heart disease and aging.

Strawberry

The most common, luminously red, heart-shaped type of berries is an adaptable fruit that grow in all manner of climates. Ancient Romans believed that these berries alleviate the symptoms of melancholy. Strawberries are also known to enhance the radiance of the skin with its antioxidant compounds. It is also a good source of Vitamins like Vitamin C, K, vitamin B5, B6, potassium, manganese, folic acid, riboflavin, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acid which is good for the heart.

To sum it all up, people must learn to try and include all or even some types of berries on their meals. It’s because these types of fruits are not only sweet and nutritious, but also gives total amount of body benefits through its polyphenol content. Polyphenols help increase the levels of nitric oxide which is a molecule that produces positive body effects like having a healthy heart. Polyphenols that helps relax blood vessels are surely found in different types of berries.

For those who like Broccoli

2009-11-19T14:57:33.396+05:30

As per USDA Nutrient database result, here is the list of nutritional value per 100g (3.5 oz) of Raw Broccoli (edible parts). This percentage is also the recommendations for adults. Energy 30 kcal 140 kJ Carbohydrates - 6.64 g Sugars - 1.7 g Dietary fiber - 2.6 g Fat - 0.37 g Protein - 2.82 g Water - 89.30g Vitamin A equiv. - 31 μg ---3% β-carotene 361- μg ---3% Thiamin (Vit. B1) - 0.071 mg ---5% Riboflavin (Vit. B2) - 0.117 mg ---8% Niacin (Vit. B3) - 0.639 mg ---4% Pantothenic acid (B5) - 0.573 mg ---11% Vitamin B6 - 0.175 mg---13% Folate (Vit. B9) - 63 μg ---16% Vitamin C - 89.2 mg---149% Calcium - 47 mg ---5% Iron - 0.73 mg ---6% Magnesium - 21 mg ---6% Phosphorus - 66 mg ---9% Potassium - 316 mg---7% Zinc - 0.41 mg ---4% Do you eat Broccoli? Me, I rarely eat this vegetable because most of the food I eat doesn’t have broccoli on its recipe. I don’t have much idea about this vegetable. All I know is that vegetables are good for my health. But now, I have an idea how important broccoli is. Broccoli is rich in multiple nutrients with anti-cancer properties containing diindolylmethane and selenium. Broccoli is a high source of vitamin C and soluble fiber that helps fight cancer. Maybe this is the reason why more and more people want to eat this vegetable when boiled and steamed or even more popular to be eaten when raw. Now we know the role of broccoli in our life. I want to share this Broccoli recipe I found at EatingWell. This recipe is called Ginger Broccoli. This recipe is low in calorie, low in carb, low sodium, low cholesterol, low sat fat, can make your heart healthy and can also improve a healthy weight. It can be served together with steamed cold sesame noodles or Asian dumplings.[...]

Health Problems can be caused by Hidden Allergies

2009-11-19T14:55:13.666+05:30

Do you have allergies on food, chemicals, mold, pollution and more? If you are suffering with these allergies, have you consulted your doctor? What are their possible solutions?

You can watch educational video tapes by Dr. Rapp regarding the method of allergy testing called Provocation/Neutralization. With this, you will see the dramatic and physical changes that are happening in kids and adults. According to Dr. Mercola, Dr. Rapp is an expert in this field and she can explain how everything that surrounds us can make us sick. She also said that chemical exposure can cause cancer, autism, ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), muscular conditions and infertility. But, we are unaware of this, right?

She also explains how people can avoid these environmental toxins as discussed in her site. It is an excellent source to find ways to avoid this toxin because she’s been studying about this for a long time. All of us know that if we have itchy eyes, runny nose and hives or itchy skin, these are certainly allergies. But, what we do not know is, allergies can affect any part of our body.

Not all allergies will give you an immediate reaction. To avoid all of this to happen, you have to do a detective work. You must track down everything you are exposed to. If you think it is because of the food you eat, you must track down or have a diary of what you have eaten or about to eat. This will not be easy especially if you eat processed food. All the food you eat must be listed, even your vitamins, for you to easily track what really causes your allergies.

In the long run, you will also be the one to get benefits from it. This is just a simple solution to get rid of the wrong ways and undo things that will bring your body negative effects. Allergies may be seen as an ordinary body response. Some allergies are not that dangerous but when it reacted with other symptoms, it may lead into sort of inconvenience on your part. So it is better to prevent it from happening before it will cause you more pain. As we said, prevention is better than cure.

Risk of Rare Lymphoma might be caused by Silicone Breast Implants

2009-11-19T14:53:51.972+05:30

Today woman are conscious about their body. They always want to look great. One thing they really want is to have a big breast that’s why most women want to have a breast implant. Some of them don’t care about the danger just to have the perfect body they desire. While some may be a little concerned and yet they still want to have a breast implant.

I want to share this for all ladies out there. Particularly those who are having a second thought to undergo a breast enlargement especially if it is a silicone breast implant. A study shows that woman who has a silicone breast implant may have a high risk of developing few forms of lymphoma. Lymphoma is a form of cancer that originates in the lymph nodes. Lymphoma also contains cells which are sometimes found in the blood. But it also tends to form solid tumors in the organs or lymph system from where cancer is initially diagnosed. However, the possibility of having a cancer is as little as 0.1 to 0.3 for every 100,000 women who undergo silicone breast implant each year.

For the past years, the silicone breast implant produces so many controversies. It has been stopped because they say it can cause cancer, certain autoimmune diseases or other health problems.

In fact, one of the recent studies about this issue has been revealed. It educates the people especially women who are quite interested in such breast enlargement process. This pertains to the studies being done by the Netherlands Cancer Institute in Amsterdam. The group searched a national database in Netherlands. They have searched for all cases of lymphoma in the breast, a form of cancer being diagnosed between the years 1990 to 2006. And through their studies, they found out about 11 patients with ALCL. Five of these eleven patients had breast implants one to 23 years before they have been diagnosed.

For me, it’s not the breast that will make a person more attractive. There are other ways to standout. Being a good person and God-fearing are still the best personalities or traits that will make a person more attractive. Always remember that everything that we have is God’s gift to us. We don’t have to change it and instead, we should take care of it.

Breast Cancer Prevention's Dirty Little Secret - I found this at the website of Dr. Mercola. It might be useful for you, girls and maybe for men as well. So I decided to put here the link so you can also get free report.

Sudden Death, and Other Top Heart Disease Symptoms to Avoid

2009-11-19T14:51:10.135+05:30

By Dr. Joseph Mercola with Rachael Droege More Americans die from heart disease than from any other cause. You may be familiar with the common symptoms--chest pain, pain in one or both arms, shortness of breath--but about half of all heart-related deaths result from sudden cardiac death (SCD), with little or no warning. In other words, there are no warning chest pains. You just drop dead and die. You may be at risk for SCD even if your cholesterol is normal and you feel healthy. Half of all SCD events in the United States, about 125,000 per year, occur in people with no history of heart disease. So what is the cause? In some cases SCD can be triggered by a massive heart attack, but the underlying cause is a disruption in the heart’s electrical system that interrupts the heart’s normal rhythm, also known as a cardiac arrhythmia. Along with sudden death, there are other, lesser known, symptoms of heart problems such as: Unexplained dizziness or fainting spells, or light-headedness Nausea, vomiting or lasting discomfort after meals, similar to heartburn symptoms Toothache Pain in the armpits A sudden, severe headache Fatigue with no known cause Heart palpitations A sudden change in vision, particularly if in only one eye Swelling of the feet, ankles, legs or abdomen Persistent coughing Breaking out into a cold sweat Pressure/discomfort in the chest Numbness or weakness in the legs, arms or face, especially if on only one side Back, neck, abdomen or jaw pain A sudden change in your ability to speak or understand speech No symptoms at all--up to 25 percent of heart attacks produce no symptoms If you notice any of these symptoms, even if they appear to be slight, you should seek medical attention. But, your best bet is to prevent heart disease from ever occurring, and one of the best ways to do that is by optimizing your intake of omega-3 fats in fish oil. This is one simple, natural solution that even the traditional medical community cannot dispute. Study after study, like these two published in JAMA and NEJM in 2002, shows that supplementing the diet with omega-3 reduces the risk of sudden death, heart attack and stroke. According to an article on Dr. Jay Cohen’s Web site, "we began learning about fish oils in the late 1970s, when studies showed that Eskimos, despite fat-laden diets, had substantially fewer heart attacks than westerners." Dr. Cohen is the author of "Over Dose: The Case Against the Drug Companies", and I interviewed him last year regarding his book. He makes some good arguments in his article that the media is intentionally overlooking fish oil as a solution in favor of the statin drugs, which don't help to prevent sudden death at all. All fish oils are not the same,[...]

Chest Pain: Causes and Treatment

2009-11-19T14:49:55.246+05:30

Chest pain is the severe pain and squeezing, crushing and pressure felt in the chest that can last for a few minutes. If the pain moves into your neck, arm, left shoulder or jaw, it can already be considered as a serious condition. That’s why for most cases, even though chest pain is non-cardiac in origin, it is still generally considered as a medical emergency. Interior organs such as the heart, lungs, esophagus, muscle and bone, and even the skin can cause chest pains. Part of the pain may come from other body parts due to the complex nerve distribution in the body. An acute myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, is a serious cause of chest pain. Other life-threatening causes of chest pain include angina, a condition where there is an imbalance distribution between the oxygen demand of the heart and the amount of oxygen delivered via the blood; aortic dissection or a tear in the inner lining of the aorta; pulmonary embolismspontaneous pneumothorax or collapsed lung; perforated viscus or a hole or tear in the wall of any area of the gastrointestinal tract; and cocaine-induced chest pain. Other conditions that are not immediately life-threatening, including pneumonia, acute pericarditis, and disorders of the esophagus, mitral valve prolapse, costochondritis (the inflammation of the cartilage between the ribs) and herpes zoster or shingles (a reactivation of the viral infection that causes chickenpox) may also cause chest pain. Fortunately, anyone who suffers mild or even severe chest pain should not worry too much because a lot of treatment may be done to relieve the pain. The first thing a person suffering from chest pain should do is to seek medical treatment. However, if the patient is still at home waiting for the ambulance, one way to reduce the pain is through first aid. If the chest pain has become unbearable, have the patient chew an aspirin. It is better for the patient to chew the pill before swallowing it. If the pain does not subside, give the patient another tablet. There is no evidence that shows that taking two tablets of aspirin has any side effect. If someone is suffering from angina, give him nitroglycerin tablets and put it under his tongue while calling for an ambulance. More treatments may be done but if it involves sensitive body parts like the heart and lungs, it is best to consult a doctor because x-rays, blood tests or sometimes electrocardiogram and CT pulmonary angiogram are usually needed to determine the real cause of chest pain. Knowing the medical history of the patient is the most important tool. If you suffer chest pains, consult your doctor immediately. It pays to know the cause as soon as possible than risk getting any worse.[...]

8 Natural Ways to Avoid Physical Pain

2009-11-16T13:08:48.988+05:30

Are back pain, knee and shoulder pain, joint pain or other kinds of chronic pain typically give you problems that affects you not only physically but emotionally as well?According to the phone survey being held all over the US country, these are basically the most common physical pains being recorded to severely affect the daily routine of a person. Also, according to a separate phone research by the Americans Living with Pain Survey (ALPS), 45% out of 800 adult Americans said that pain negatively impacted their personal relationships while 51% believed that the pain they felt affected their work productivity and 61% of them said that it affected their daily routine.Now here’s the big deal. How can we ever avoid experiencing such a disturbing pain every now and then in a manner that we no longer have to take some medications? Are there things that we can do to simply eradicate this stressful situation without the need to buy and take in drugs that were prescribed by our doctors? Well, the answer is yes. There are several ways to stop the pain in a natural way.For most of our folks who are frequently disturbed by the devastating back pain or other chronic pains, try to read along these helpful methods. Take note of these eight natural ways to reduce and eliminate pain, without relying on over-the-counter drugs or other medicines being recommended by your physician.1. Deep and Proper Sleeping/Relaxation2. Prayer/Meditation3. Stretching4. Reduce/Prevent Inflammation5. Regular Exercise6. Chiropractic7. Massage Therapy8. Hot or Cold PacksPhysical Pain: 8 Non-Drug Tactics to Eliminate Back, Joint & Other PainFor the majority of Americans, pain -- either chronic or the kind that comes and goes -- is a way of life. More than half of us suffer from physical pain, which means that if you were to stop someone randomly on the street and ask "Are you in pain?" chances are high that they'd say yes. This finding comes from a nationwide phone survey of over 1,200 Americans, sponsored by Stanford University Medical Center, ABC News and USA Today. Back pain was the most common type of pain reported, followed by knee and shoulder pain, joint pain and headaches. The majority of Americans feel chronic or intermittent pain. Have we begun to accept life with pain as inevitable? When pain strikes, about 80 percent of Americans reach for over-the-counter drugs or home remedies to help. 60 percent have also tried other pain-relief methods including prescription drugs, bed rest and prayer. More than 10 percent of adults now rely on prescription painkillers everyday (interestingly, the survey reported that prayer and prescription drugs worked best, and equally well, in addressing Americans' pain). And the pain is more than just a mere nuisance, as it can severely impact people's work, relationships, mood and more. "Pain has been a hidden disease; it has not received as much attention as other diseases. But now there's a growing recognition that pain really is not just the sensation we have--it's something that interferes with every one of us, with life," said Raymond Gaeta, M.D., associate professor of anesthesia at the Stanford School of Medicine and director of pain management services at Stanford Hospital & Clinics. A separate phone survey of 800 adults, the Americans Living with Pain Survey (ALPS), found similar results. Two out of three respondents said that their pain led to stress and irritability, while: 45 percent said pain negatively impacted their personal relationships51 percent s[...]

Improve Your Body and Brain with Proper Exercise

2009-11-16T13:05:11.067+05:30

Exercise is one thing we need to have a good health, especially if we are getting older. Exercise helps us:

• to have a better sleep
• lose, gain or maintain weight (depends on what we need)
• Improve our resistance to fight infections
• Lower the risk of diseases like cancer, heart disease and diabetes
• Makes us smarter, it helps our brain to work better

To be successful with this exercise you should look for a proper program that you think will suit you and stick to it. It is always useful to have plans or guide on how you will implement your exercise. Below is the list of recommendation by Dr. Joseph Mercola you should remember when exercising.

• Listen to your body
• Be consistent
• Start with walking if you are overweight
• Increase your intensity regularly
• Do anaerobic training!
• Try running
• Try an elliptical machine
• Incorporate strength training to optimize your health benefits
• Exercise correctly to optimize weight loss
• Swim, but avoid chlorinated pools
• Try bicycling, but be aware of safety measures
• Stick with it!

I’m sharing this article especially to those people who are always working and are always stressed. At work you need energy for your brain and body. You need both of this in order to perform well. You need time to unwind or save some time to give your body and brain some exercise and rest. I wish there are companies that give special kind of benefits like giving their employees an exercise program. This will make their employee physically fit and make their brain perform well.

Coconut Oil, the Smartest Cooking Oil

2009-11-16T13:03:27.690+05:30

Not all kinds of oil give you fat and unhealthy effects. Just like any other kinds of oil that were extracted from your favorite veggies and other fruits, coconut oil also has this healthy content which gives simple magical effects to your overall good health. Coconut can be seen as a very common type of fruit especially in tropical countries. But did you know how functional it is, knowing that a lot of things can be done just with the use of a coconut oil? In fact, studies show that coconut oil has become the smart alternative to those other oils that we’re using. It’s simply because a lot of benefits can be obtained from using a coconut oil. This includes the following: * Promoting your heart health * Supporting the proper functioning of your thyroid gland * Supporting your immune system health * Promoting weight loss when and if you need it * Providing you with an immediate energy source * Supporting a healthy metabolism * Helping to keep your skin healthy and youthful looking Aside from this, the latest survey as done by mercola.com denotes that fresh shores extra virgin coconut oil can provide several other health benefits like: * Gained peace of mind knowing they were making the smartest oil choice * Loved the taste and the enhanced flavor added to their food * Embraced the improvement made to their skin when used as a lotion For your skin… * Smoothing and moisturizing effects * Promoted skin elasticity * Convenient eye make-up remover * Use in shaving applications And for the most important effects above all, coconut oil is known to be the dieter’s best friend. The reason behind this is that coconut oil help stimulate your metabolism. And when it comes to the content that we pertain to as the “miracle” ingredient, coconut oil also contains lauric acid which is also found in mother’s milk. As we all know, breast milk enhances the immunity of a baby because it is packed with nutrients and other disease-fighting ingredients. And since coconut oil also has lauric acid, it gives similar effects especially when it comes to strengthening your immune system. So if you’re a choosy one when it comes to your brand of coconut oil, then you just have to look for the following requirements: * Certified organic by USDA standards * No refining * No chemicals added (including hexane) * No bleaching * No deodorization * No hydrogenation * Made from traditional coconut palms only, no hybrid or genetically modified (GMO) varieties * Made from fresh coconuts, not the dried "copra" used in cheap oils * Made without heat processing[...]

Beware Apple with Becox Wax

2009-11-16T13:02:25.836+05:30

I got this from an email sent to me by one of my friends. It tells us that we should be careful when eating apples. The letter indicates that the apple is more than one year old and to make it look fresh, they coated it with becox wax. Is this true or not? Well, I try to search for becox wax but I didn’t obtain any information about becox wax. What I got is just the same story that I shared with you today. That’s why I’m confused if I have to believe this email. Well, if you know something or you find something that will serve as a proof with this story you might share it with me so we can share it to everyone else. I just want our buddies to live healthy and safe. This is the message and images I got with that email. Read it and share your thoughts to me. Do you believe it or not?Be Careful when eating apples Please don't eat the skin of the apple because it's coated with wax. Check before you eat many of the fruits. WAX is being used for preservation purposes and cold storage. You might be surprised especially apples from USA and other parts are more than one year old, though it would look fresh. Becox wax is coated, preventing bacteria to enter. So it does not get dry. Please Eat Apples after removing the wax as demonstrated below. Please follow this and let know others..........With this information that is fast spreading all over the internet, I suggest that you must also be careful in buying and eating apples. Who knows this message might be real. If you want to make sure, bring a cutter and do the same thing like in the image, if they will allow you when buying at the supermarket. LOL. Just kidding![...]

Another Cell Phone Health Issue

2009-11-16T12:59:06.150+05:30

Here comes another issue about cell phone. The last time I wrote about cell phone is my post entitled as "Is it true that Cell Phones are the next Cigarettes? "

Now, two scientists made a thorough study and discussed that cell phones double the risk of brain cancer and other diseases like acoustic neuromas. Acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor that particularly damages the hearing nerve. In their study, they also said that people who uses cell phone before the age of 20 has more than 5 times chances to develop brain cancer rather than those who didn’t. Indeed, those who use cell phone before the age of 20 are 50% higher of getting brain cancer rather than those who didn’t, said Lennart Hardell who reanalyzed this study.

Dr. Herberman sent warning to his colleagues and advises by providing a public statement. He told everyone not to let their children use cell phone if it is not an emergency.

On Dr. Joseph Mercola’s comment regarding this issue, he stated list of effects we can get from the radio waves transmitted by cell phones and maybe some other wireless device. They can cause brain tumors, harm blood cells and cause cellular changes, damage your DNA, cause nerve-cell damage, accelerate and contribute to onset of autism, trigger Alzheimer’s disease, damage your eyes, can cause sleep disruptions, fatigue and headaches. If ever you didn’t get brain cancer, possible risk like headaches, dizziness and impotence are some other things that you might get using these devices.

It’s been a long time since I first hear the effects of this radiation. My parents keep on telling me to move away from television when I was a kid. They don’t want me to be exposed on too much radiation. Now, this issue has never been stopped because of some device that also releases radiation. For some of us, we really don’t know if it is bad or not. But, it’s not bad to listen to others saying it is bad for our health. We better be aware and consider preventing some things that is bad for our health in order to keep ourselves healthy and strong. There’s always a choice, if you want to listen to them and want to leave longer, why not do what they say. It’s not that you will no longer have to use your cell phone anymore but you have to limit yourself in using those devices.

Symptoms Checker Tool

2009-11-16T12:57:05.431+05:30

I am an internet savvy. I’m interested in several topics especially about anime, sports, entertainment, gadgets, PC accessories, health and more. I was surfing the net and do the usual things that I do, look and read articles.

I suddenly came across the MSN site and check the link about health. Then I found an interesting link which is the “Symptom Checker”. I click and tried it because this looks helpful for me.

I want to share it with you because I know, not everyone is using MSN. Mostly, people are using Google, Yahoo or any other widely used search engines. Me, I often use Google. For others, I’m sure some of them are using Yahoo while some uses other search engines. There are several search engines on the internet and most of us didn’t actually know what these search engines can actually provide for us.

You can find the tool here - http://health.msn.com/symptoms/. What you will find in this link is the list of body parts where you can choose any of it. If you click one part of the human body, a menu will appear. And inside that menu is the list of symptoms you might have or sometimes feel. Click any symptoms and you will see the description about it and a question that is answerable by yes or no. If the answer is “no”, just continue reading. If you choose yes, you will find a red, yellow and green square marks on the left. These marks will serve as levels on how serious your illness is.

For me, this tool is like a first aid kit which can prevent any illness or diseases to get you from any serious situation. There are other tools listed here http://health.msn.com/tools-and-resources/. You can check and use the tools that you think you will need. Who knows, these tools might be the one you are exactly looking for to help you have a healthy living?!

Good Effects of Natural Health Products

2009-11-16T12:56:09.901+05:30

These days, many people are using natural health products. They say that these products are much effective and safe for some certain diseases. Natural health products are said to be good for heart disease, cancers, and other kinds of diseases even on your skin. They can be a supplementary for the nutrition you lack or was lost in you.

Now, why this natural health product is getting more popular? It is because they are all-natural and were known to have no side effects that can harm your body and health. With this reason and while doing some activities that are good for you, it is probably the best way to become healthy. Using these products as a supplementary, eating healthy foods and proper exercise will make you fit, healthy and have a longer life.

Now, everyone can have a chance to live healthy. Don’t be afraid to test these products ‘coz I know, these natural health products are safe and effective. Just make sure to buy products that are all-natural. Well, you just need some research, doctor’s advice and the people around you to help you choose and think the most safe, proper and effective products.

Just to add a little info, you may refer to the links on this post. Don’t be afraid to try these all-natural products. If it is not effective on you, then try something else and who knows, it may be the one you are looking for.

Health Risks of Melamine Contamination

2009-11-16T12:54:19.772+05:30

News quickly spread across the globe about the hazardous effects of melamine especially those contents that were discovered in Chinese milk products. Dairy products and especially infant milks were the major goods that are said to have contained this unhealthy substance. This wide-spreading catastrophe that hits the world particularly on 54,000 children in China was now considered as one big threat to ones health. The root of this issue is the unlawful use of melamine in milk products. Melamine is actually a kind of chemical used as a component in plastic. Therefore, it should only be used in manufacturing plastic goods and the likes. No amount of melamine is safe to be added in infant formula. According to the FDA research, for us to determine the risk of melamine contamination, a certain standard procedure has to be followed. Melamine content will only be safe when the level of this chemical is less than 2.5 parts per million. This stated fact is even supported by Dr. Stephen Sundlof who is the director of the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. He added, "If you had 1 million grains of sand, and they're all white sand, and you had two grains that were black -- that's what that means" So if there is an ample amount of melamine added to a milk formula, worst scenario may happen. The small crystals present in the melamine powder can block the small tubes in the kidney. Once blocked, tendency is to stop the production of urine which causes kidney failure and worst, death. And though melamine has also been shown to have carcinogenic effects in animals, there is still insufficient evidence for the carcinogenic risk in humans. But the mere fact that it’s dangerous, production of such must be prevented. This is the major reason why the outbreaks of milk products from China which are known to have melamine contents have spread vastly to several nations especially in Asia. The terrible situation of several children in China alarmed the public especially for those parents who have kids and for newly-born babies who depends most on milk supplements. And the best way for these nations to stop this adverse incident to happen again is by destroying and prohibiting contaminated milk products from China that were included on the list. Also, a lot of standard procedures were now implemented to prevent such unpleasant incident to occur once more.[...]

Is it true that Cell Phones are the next Cigarettes?

2009-11-16T12:54:47.795+05:30

Several studies have been done to this famous and most commonly used modern communicating device - the cellular phone. Just like cigarettes, scientists have been threatened on the issue on whether there is an adverse effect of using just any kind of mobile phones.

Mobile phones were widely used across the globe and you can even find it with different brands and models. With approximately 3 billion people utilizing this portable machine and no signs of health risks have been proven, it’s really hard to find out if there are things that we need to worry about cell phones.

Recent studies in United States with regards to health problems in using cell phones have emerged. This includes the probable risk of cancer which is a serious medical condition that most of us wouldn’t want to acquire.

However, most of these cell phone studies have been stopped due to the fact that government considered it as a resolved case. Also, the US government no longer provides financial support to perform further investigations on this matter.

But one of the famous scientists like Michael Kelsh claims that bringing these studies to an end could be a mistake after saying that, “It was 15-20 years after people began smoking that we saw concerns associated with it.” Indeed, cell phones have become the most conventional products being used for more than a decade now and any undesirable effects will take longer years to appear.

Maybe on the scientist’s point of view, this cell phone health risk is still unsettled and needs further studies.

On our end, it’s a good thing that even if we use our mobile phones for a long time now, we haven’t been hit by any health issues that would trigger a more serious problem.

However, according to Dr. Mercola, the evidence against cell phones is already far too compelling to ignore and we shouldn't wait for a definitive study to come out, but more on the side of being safe rather than feel sorry in the end.

Well, this really makes sense especially if you want to completely protect yourself.

So, what do you think? Is cell phone risk a fact or a myth?

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