HEALTHY LIVING

SWINE FLU - signs and prevention

2009-06-24T19:25:00.003+05:30

Swine flu is a respiratory infection,caused by swine flu virus (h1n1 pandemic virus), which got it name because it is thought to be originated from some species of pigs. What makes swine flu dangerous is its initial symptoms mimic the normal seasonal flue a lot. so here is an article about how to identify signs of swine flu and how to prevent it.

Symptoms - general

1. the first symptom is runny nose or stuffy nose , mimicing a normal flu.
2. high fever with chills.
3. sore throat with cough.
4. headache, body ache .
5. vomiting and diarrhea.

specific

6. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
7. Fast breathing or trouble breathing.
8. sudden dizziness and confusion.
9. Bluish or gray skin color .
10. fever with rash.

PREVENTION

1. The foremost thing is to identify the symptoms as early and consult doctor.
2. Be prepared and be in good health. Take adequate nutrients and water.
3. dont travel to the infected belt.
4. avoid aircraft travel.
5. wear a face mask when traveling through the risk zones.
6. get adequate sleep and rest.
7. be hygenic, wash your hands often. use an handcuff while sneezing.
8. get vaccinated if your are in an endemic belt.
9. if you want any more information, read

SUGAR and SKIN

2008-02-13T19:09:00.002+05:30

Many are unaware of the dull effects sugar can cause to their skin. From olden times itself sugar is linked to dull and wrinkled skin.If you take sugar in excess, the additional sugar in your bloodstream attaches to proteins in your skin, molecules called AGEs form.
ACCORDING to Karyn Grossman, M.D., a dermatologist at Grossman Dermatology in Santa Monica, Calif,"it actually makes the skin move less well. It makes it more brittle and more rigid."
The more sugar you eat, the more AGEs you develop.
"One of the most interesting sugars that actually causes a lot of AGEs in the skin is high fructose corn syrup and fructose syrup," Dr. Grossman says.
so sugar likers all around, be aware, eating sugar not only causes health problems but also affect your beauty.

HEALTH BENIFITS OF DRINKING ALCOHOL

2008-02-05T09:54:00.000+05:30

People around the world live the with misconception that alcohol is very bad for health,but the fact is that, like any other edible substance,it not the content that matters, but the amount. These i talk based on the different studies conducted by proffessionals specialised in this field.
David J. Hanson, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Sociology at the State University of New York at Potsdam, is the expert on alcohol, and writes that moderate drinkers tend to have better health and live longer than those who are either abstainers or heavy drinkers. He cites research that shows that moderate drinkers:
* Have fewer heart attacks and strokes.
* Have lower incidence of hypertension, peripheral artery disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and the common cold.
* He also links moderate (sensible!) drinking to a lower risk for a myriad of other conditions, ranging from Parkinson’s disease to “poor physical condition in the elderly."
ACCORDING TO RESEARCHERS, alcohol acts by the following mechanism
* Improving blood lipids by raising “healthy” HDL cholesterol and lowering “lousy” LDL cholesterol;
* Decreasing “stickiness” of blood lowering risk for blood clots and increasing the process of “fibrinolysis,” improving the process that dissolve blood clots;
* Decreasing heart spasm and increasing coronary blood flow;
* Reducing blood pressure and blood insulin;
* Increasing estrogen.

BEER vs RED WINE
BEER contains-nutrient B vitamins, such as B12, folic acid and niacin, as well
as antioxidants, such as polyphenols and ferulic acid.
RED WINE HAS- antioxidants such as resveratrol, which researchers say are beneficial in preventing harmful elements in the body from attacking healthy cells. Resveratrol is also found in peanuts, blueberries and cranberries.

THE QUANTITY
AS i told earlier what matters is quntity, wheather its redwine or beer. still there is not a approved does for safe drinking. but having one dring a day or on alternate days is assumed safe.Don’t think you can save all the drinks for the week to drink on Saturday night. That’s a problem! A daily rather than weekly amount is suggested.

It's healthier to drink a small amount daily than to binge (more than 4 drinks for men, more than 3 for women) on weekends or special occasions.

CONTRA-INDICATED
The following people are advised not to take alcohol
* Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive.
* People who plan to drive or engage in other activities that require
attention or skill.
* People taking medication, including over-the-counter medications.
* Recovering alcoholics.
* People under the age of 21.

FINALLY the above article is not advice anybody to start drinking, to me it is always safe to stay away from alcohol,so people who do not drink should not start for health reasons. People who drink more than two drinks a day should cut back.

IN ABILITY TO EXPRESS EMOTIONS MAY BE THE CAUSE FOR YOUR SLEEP DISTURBANCES

2008-01-24T10:05:00.000+05:30

IN a recent study researchers found a link between inability to express feelings and emotions with sleep disturbances.the study was conducted in both sexes and in apparently healthy people. THE main reason for this is not investigated, but the soundness of mind.This association is sex-specific in that it is modulated differently by depression, obesity and education in men than in women. This is probably the reason for lack of sleep disturbance in those who fall in love.

LOW VIT-E MAY CAUSE PHYSICAL DECLINE IN AGED

2008-01-24T09:55:00.000+05:30

In a research at YALE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, they found out that a low concentration of vitamin E in the blood is linked with physical decline in elder persons.The odds of declining in physical function was 1.62 times greater in persons with low levels of vitamin E compared with persons with higher levels.Even though various micronutrients assosiation with physical decline are tested,only vit-E showed some assosiation. antioxidants including vitamin E may prevent or reduce the propagation of free radicals in the human body, which are associated with physical decline. This may help reduce muscle or DNA damage and the development of pathological conditions like atherosclerosis.

TIPS FOR QUITING SMOKING

2008-01-09T12:37:00.000+05:30

1. Think of the resons for quing smoking and list them if possible.
2. Fix a date for total quiting ,stick to that date and try to reduce
the number of cigaretts to that day.
3. Each day, postpone lighting your first cigarette by one hour and
also try to postpone ,whenever you get the urge.Try doing some
thing interesting.
4. Tell all your friends and family that you've already quit - you'll be
embarrassed if they catch you smoking.
5. Stop carrying or hoarding cigarettes - at home, in your bag or at
work. Don't 'borrow' any.
6. Change your surroundings when the urge to smoke seizes you.
Research has shown that even a short walk can quash nicotine cravings.
7. Avoid the stimulations, take a light meal.When your desire for a cigarette
is intense, clean your teeth or wash your hands to reinforce how pleasant
it is not to smell of smoke.
8. Instead of smoking after meals, get up from the table and brush your
teeth.Try to avoid alcohol, coffee and other drinks that you associate
with smoking.
9. Identify the trigger - exactly what was it that prompted you to smoke?
Decide now how you'll cope with it next time.
10. Think about how much your life improved after quiting smoking.

ENERGY EFFICENT BULBS TO CAUSE MIGRANE

2008-01-03T19:50:00.000+05:30

According to a British migraine lobby group, energy efficient light bulbs could be causing migraines.

The British Migraine Action Association says such bulbs trigger migraines in some sufferers because of the flickering, or the low intensity of the light, which causes eye strain.

.Now a days most countries are banning old type of bulbs as they cause energy wastage and increased heat.But studies shows that these bulbs are not good for eyes.

The lighting industry however says that the latest bulbs do not flicker but concerns have also been raised by epilepsy charities about an increased risk of seizures from energy-saving bulbs.

The bulbs use approximately a quarter of the energy of conventional bulbs.

FORGIVENESS TO IMPROVE WELL BEING

2008-01-03T19:40:00.000+05:30

In one study, people who focused on a personal grudge had elevated blood pressure and heart rates, as well as increased muscle tension and feelings of being less in control. When asked to imagine forgiving the person who had hurt them, the participants said they felt more positive and relaxed and thus, the changes dissipated. Other studies have shown that forgiveness has positive effects on psychological health, too.

Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting, condoning or excusing whatever happened. It's acknowledging hurt and then letting it go, along with the burden of anger and resentment.

Four steps that are included in most approaches to learning forgiveness are-

-- Acknowledge the pain and anger felt as a result of someone else's actions. For forgiveness to occur, the situation needs to be looked at honestly.

-- Recognize that healing requires change.

-- Find a new way to think about the person who caused the pain. What was happening in that person's life when the hurt occurred? Sometimes, the motivation or causes for the incident have little to do with those most affected. For some people, this step includes saying, "I forgive you."

-- Begin to experience the emotional relief that comes with forgiveness. It may include increased compassion for others who have experienced similar hurt.

SPEED UP YOUR BRAIN

2007-12-03T11:25:00.000+05:30

  According to a new book,u can speed up your brain by
             *eating plenty of dark chocolate
             *take cold meat for breakfast
             *have plenty of sex.

not only this also avoid
            *taking cannabis
            *watching soap operas
            *hanging  out with serial complainers
            *pursuing fat free diet.

                                      Appart from the above certain day to day activities like cuddling a baby,cheating at school.reading loud,pursuing bussiness degree studies also can increase your sharpness.
                           so to every one out there my advice is to follow the above tips and have a healthy life style and there by make your brain sharp.the above data are based on research by experts.

TIPS FOR A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP

2007-12-02T23:23:00.000+05:30

TIPS FOR A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP

* Follow a consistent bedtime routine.

* Establish a relaxing setting at bedtime.

* Get a full night's sleep every night.

* Avoid foods or drinks that contain caffeine, as well as any medicine that has a
stimulant, prior to bedtime.

* Do not go to bed hungry, but don't eat a big meal before bedtime either.

* Avoid any rigorous exercise within six hours of your bedtime

* Make your bedroom quiet, dark and a little bit cool

*Get up at the same time every morning.

RED WINE CAN PROTECT PEOPLE FROM MICROBES

2007-10-15T22:11:00.000+05:30

A US study reveals that drinking red wine and red grape juice may protect people from common food-borne illnesses
In a study, researchers examined the effect of reseveratrol ( the substance responsible for red wines colour) as well as ethanol and pH on common food pathogens such as E-coli,salmonella typhi, listeria monocytogens and H.pylori

They discovered that in addition to ethanol, reseveratrol and pH may inhibit the pathogens

Numerous white wines also were tested, but yielded no positive results, the researchers said.

"It's not just ethanol in the red wine that is inhibitory toward food-borne pathogens, but other factors which include the pH of the wine — because wines are a little acidic, and possibly the phytochemicals may have an effect," said Mustapha, noting that grape juice produces similar results.

BEWARE BEFORE TATOOING

2007-10-15T22:04:00.000+05:30

Getting a tattoo can pose serious health risks if it's not done properly. The procedure should only be performed under regulated, sanitary and professional conditions.

Infection, including HEPATITIS and skin infections.
Allergic reaction to inks.
Bumps or nodules that may form around the tattooed area, called granulomas.
KELOIDS-- abnormal scar growth.
In rare cases, swelling may occur during an MRI
Inability to completely remove the tattoo if you ultimately decide you don't want it.

MIGRANE WITH AURA IN MIDLIFE PREDICTS STROKE IN LATER LIFE

2007-10-13T23:44:00.000+05:30

New-onset migraine headache with visual aura during middle-age is associated with a high risk of cortical and cerebellar infarcts 25 years later.

This is the latest finding from the long-term, population-based Reykjavik (Iceland) Study, which was presented here this week during the 132nd annual meeting of the American Neurological Association by principal investigator Dr. Ann I. Scher, currently at Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, Maryland.

The Reykjavik Study began in 1967 and involves community-dwelling individuals born between 1907 and 1935. In 2002, study subjects were asked to also participate in the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility-Reykjavik Study (AGES-RS).

Among the findings:

- One to two symptoms of migraine were reported by 14.2% of men, 22.2% of women and 18.7% overall.

- Three or more symptoms of migraine were reported by 1.5% of men and 6.7% of women.

- Visual aura was reported by 3.7% of men and 7.9% of women.

- Sensory aura was reported by 0.3% of men and 2.5% of women.

- Both visual and sensory aura were reported by 0.3% of men and 1.8% of women.

"Midlife migraine with or without aura was associated with late-life cortical infarcts," Dr. Scher announced, with an odds ratio of 1.81.

Headache with visual aura was independently associated with late-life cortical infarct (OR=2.35), cerebellar infarct (OR=1.82) and total brain infarcts (OR=1.65).

Subcortical infarcts did not correlate with symptoms of migraine, with or without visual aura, and sensory aura did not correlate with brain infarcts, Dr. Scher observed.

"The relationship between mid-life headache with visual aura and late-life infarcts was not explained by measured cardiovascular risk factors," she added.

PREGNANCY MAY SLOW HIV PROGRESSION

2007-10-13T23:30:00.000+05:30

Among HIV-infected women receiving HAART, pregnancy appears to reduce risk of progression to AIDS, and multiple pregnancies tend to reduce the risk even more, researchers report in the October 1st issue of the Journal of Infectious Diseases.

"This apparent dose-response relationship supports a possible protective effect of pregnancy on disease progression," senior investigator Dr. Timothy R. Sterling .

Dr. Sterling of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee and colleagues assessed this relationship during the HAART era in an observational study of 759 women, of whom 541 (71%) had received HAART.

In all, 139 (18%) had at least 1 pregnancy and there was no difference in HAART duration by pregnancy status. The women were followed from 1997 to 2004.

During follow-up, 11 pregnant women (8%) and 129 non-pregnant women (24%) progressed to AIDS or death. After controlling for factors including baseline CD4+ lymphocyte counts and HIV-1 RNA levels, pregnancy was associated with reduced risk of progression (hazard ratio, 0.40).

Analysis of data on 81 pregnant women and 81 matched non-pregnant women showed that the pregnant group had a lower risk of progression both before pregnancy (hazard ratio, 0.10) and after the event (hazard ratio, 0.44).

The apparently protective effect of pregnancy, the researchers conclude, "could be the result of the healthier immune status of women who become pregnant or could possibly be related to a beneficial interaction between pregnancy and HAART."

ASTHMA IN OVERWEIGHT CHILDREN

2007-10-13T23:06:00.000+05:30

Overweight children seen in the ER for an asthma flare-up are more likely to be admitted to the hospital than their non-overweight peers, according to a report in the October issue of Pediatrics. Moreover, this finding holds true regardless of illness severity.

"This is the first study in children to examine the relationship between overweight and hospital admission during asthma exacerbations," lead author Dr. Christopher L. Carroll, from connecticut Children's Hospital in Hartford.

Dr. Carroll said his team was "somewhat surprised" by the main finding. "It suggests that obese children respond more slowly to therapy for acute exacerbations."

The findings are based on a retrospective chart review of all children, older than 2 years of age, who presented with an asthma flare-up to the researchers' ER in 2005. Only children without other chronic medical conditions were included in the analysis. Overweight children were defined as being in the 95th or higher percentile of weight-for-age.

Overall, 813 children made 884 ER visits for asthma exacerbations during the study period, the authors report. Of these visits, 238 (27%) resulted in a hospital admission, including 33 (4%) ICU admissions.

Increasing asthma severity was associated with hospital admission, whereas age, gender, and poverty were not, the report indicates.

Of the ER visits made during the study, 682 (77%) involved a normal weight child and 202 (23%) involved an overweight child. On average, overweight children were older (8.5 vs. 7.3 years) and were more likely to come from an impoverished area (37% vs. 28%).

No significant differences in asthma severity or in the ER treatment received were noted between overweight and normal-weight children. Nonetheless, 34% of ER visits involving an overweight child resulted in hospital admission compared with 25% of visits made by a normal weight child (p = 0.01).

The main message for clinicians is that "overweight children with asthma have significant health-related consequences as a result of their being overweight," Dr. Carroll said.

Parents of the overweight children out there beware . One more danger of obsity

LIPSTICK CONTAINS LEAD

2007-10-12T12:28:00.000+05:30

ATLANTA (Reuters) - Lipsticks tested by a U.S. consumer rights group found that more than half contained lead and some popular brands including Cover Girl, L'Oreal and Christian Dior had more lead than others, the group said on Thursday.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics said tests on 33 brand-name red lipsticks by the Bodycote Testing Group in Santa Fe Spring, California, found that 61 percent had detectable lead levels of 0.03 to 0.65 parts per million (ppm).

Lipstick, like candy, is ingested. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, a coalition of public health, environmental and women's groups, said the FDA has not set a limit for lead in lipstick.

One-third of the lipsticks tested contained an amount of lead that exceeded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's 0.1 ppm limit for lead in candy -- a standard established to protect children from ingesting lead, the group said. Thirty-nine percent of the lipsticks tested had no discernible lead, it said.

"It's critical that manufacturers reformulate their product," said Stacy Malkan, a co-founder of the coalition. "It's possible to make lipsticks without lead, and all companies should be doing that."

Lead can cause learning, language and behavioral problems such as reduced school performance and increased aggression. Pregnant women and young children are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure, the group said in its statement. Lead has also been linked to infertility and miscarriage, it said.

Procter & Gamble Co's makes Cover Girl brand and France's L'Oreal is one of the largest cosmetic companies in the world.