Best and Worst Halloween Eats

It's Halloween today. Am as excited as everyone of you reading this at the moment are. Duing my daily dose of a scoop of health tips I pounced upon something very relevant for today and definitely interesting.Let's talk and learn about Halloween's best and worst eats.

Pretty ironic that the premise of Halloween is built around two opposite sides of the food spectrum; pumpkin and sugar-laden candy!

First, the lowdown on PUMPKIN

Pumpkin is a nutrition powerhouse, it’s low in calories, loaded with nutrition, fat free and can be mixed into oatmeal, yogurt, and incorporated into bread, muffins and pancake batter. Pumpkins are also about 90 percent water and brimming with beta carotene, potassium and fiber.

One cup of canned pumpkin puree provides 80 calories, 0 fat, 7 grams fiber, 588 milligrams potassium and more than 300 percent of the daily value for beta carotene. Not bad! Pumpkin seeds are also somewhat of a super food – they’re an excellent source of magnesium which has several proposed health benefits such as decreased risk of heart disease, diabetes plus magnesium can help treat migraines.

Now for the dark side, CANDY.

If you have kids, there’s no escaping it. So here are some pointers to help manage the onslaught of sweets.

Feed ‘em real food first!

Don’t send kids out trick-or-treating hungry. Make sure they have a full dinner before they take off on their journey. The hungrier they are, the more candy they will eat en route.

Lose extracurricular sugar.

Pay special attention to the amount of sugar your kids are ingesting from other sources during the day – avoid soda and sugar cereals since you know they’ll be eating lots of candy.

Get them exercising.

Have your kids walk and walk and walk as they trick-or-treat.

Let them enjoy their candy.

Halloween and candy go hand in hand, so let your children enjoy the one-day sugar rush. However, I recommend putting a cap on the total amount that they eat and encouraging them to wait until they get home from trick-or-treating to dig in. I allow my own kids five favorite pieces.

You may also want to have them count out 10 extra favorites to save for the following few days. Then establish a system, perhaps one piece with their lunch and one after dinner.

Get rid of your leftovers by Nov. 1:

* Donate to a local charity, school drive, or church.
* Give to your doorman, if you live in an apartment.
* Leave goodie bags in the mailbox for your postman, or in the milk box for your milkman.
* Dump it. Don’t feel guilty

Ref : Article by Joy Bauer

Picture courtesy:www.spookynite.com

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Get regular Eye exams

People who may not require contact lenses or glasses still need regular eye exams to diagnose and prevent eye problems.

Fairview Health Services says you should have an eye exam:
* At least once between ages 20 and 29 if you do not wear glasses or contacts.
* At least twice between ages 30 and 39 if you do not wear glasses or contacts.
* Every two to four years between ages 40 and 64.
* Every one to two years after age 65.
* More regularly if you have certain conditions, such as diabetes; risk factors for glaucoma such as family history or being of African-American descent; or symptoms such as blurred vision or eyestrain.

Ref : Health day ( yahoo health)

Picture : as featured in -"Forward March Hare"-Jones/1953

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Beware of Fat-free Foods

In the calorie conscious environment of today, we often choose foods and drinks with label "zero calories". Zero calories seems to attract our attention irrespective of the taste of this product as compared to the high calorie version of the same. I recently read an interesting article on fat free foods which I'd love to share with all.


People with high LDL (so-called "bad") cholesterol levels are told to lower their fat intake, and this warning understandably attracts them to foods labeled as "low-fat" or "fat-free." But be careful, because not all fat-free or low-fat packaged foods are the healthy foods they are touted to be.


To maintain a desirable taste in these foods, food manufacturers often replace the fat in the original version with large amounts of sugar. As a result, some of these "low-fat" products contain as many, or even more calories than the original product!





In addition, some of these low-fat foods contain trans fats, which not only raise LDL cholesterol but also lower protective HDL cholesterol. And don't forget taste, as in the miserable taste of fat-free margarine.


In fact, the American epidemic of obesity has partly been attributed to the introduction of thousands of these low-fat foods, which tempt people to eat more of them because the reduced fat content is assumed to make the foods healthier. For a time, a television ad mentioned that Hershey's syrup was low in fat and told listeners they could "pour it on."


As usual, my recommendation is to check food labels for the calories and trans fat content per serving. Remember, if you don't control portion sizes, you can gain weight even with a low-calorie food.


If you're really serious about lowering the fat in your diet, you can't go wrong by eating more fruits and vegetables, beans, whole grains, legumes, and skim milk.

Ref: article by Simeon Margolis (Yahoo health)

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Healthy Breakfast:The best way to begin your day

It might be the last thing on your morning to-do list, or it might not be on your list at all. But a healthy breakfast refuels your body and jump-starts your day. So don't overlook this important meal. Select healthy options that fit your taste and lifestyle, and put breakfast back into your morning.

The benefits of a healthy breakfast :

Breakfast not only starts your day off right, but also lays the foundation for lifelong health benefits. People who eat a healthy breakfast are more likely to:

* Consume more vitamins and minerals and less fat and cholesterol
* Have better concentration and productivity throughout the morning
* Control their weight
* Have lower cholesterol, which reduces the risk of heart disease

Breakfast is especially important for children and adolescents. According to the American Dietetic Association, children who eat a healthy breakfast are more likely to have better concentration, problem-solving skills and eye-hand coordination. They may also be more alert, creative and less likely to miss days of school.

Best bets for a healthy breakfast :

A healthy breakfast should consist of a variety of foods, for example, whole grains, low-fat protein or dairy sources, and fruit. This provides complex carbohydrates, protein and a small amount of fat — a combination that delays hunger symptoms for hours.

Whether you opt for traditional options, such as yogurt, whole-grain muffins or ready-to-eat cereal, or less typical foods, such as leftover vegetable pizza or a fruit smoothie, you can get the nutrients and energy you need to start your day.

Traditional fare offers many options

To make a healthy breakfast each day, choose one item from at least three of the following four food groups:

* Fruits and vegetables.

Fresh fruits and vegetables, 100 percent juice without added sugar

* Grains.

Whole-grain rolls, bagels, hot or cold whole-grain cereals, low-fat bran muffins, crackers, or melba toast

* Dairy.

Skim milk, low-fat yogurt cups or low-fat cheeses, such as cottage and natural cheeses

* Protein.

Hard-boiled eggs, peanut butter, lean slices of meat and poultry, or fish, such as water-packed tuna or slices of salmon

For a healthy breakfast on the go, munch dry, ready-to-eat cereal with a banana and drink a small carton of low-fat or skim milk. The best cereals are those that are higher in fiber. If counting calories, choose cereals that are lower in calories.

Oatmeal is another good choice, but it may be a challenge if you're on the run or at work. One cup of plain, cooked oatmeal has about 4 grams of fiber and 130 calories. And don't forget eggs, including hard-boiled eggs, which are easy to take with you. The yolk does contain cholesterol, but eggs are full of nutrients, including protein, vitamins A and B-12, folic acid, and phosphorus.

Nontraditional fare counts, tooIf you dislike regular breakfast foods, try something different, such as:

* Leftover vegetable pizza

* Fresh fruit topped with low-fat yogurt and crispy whole-grain cereal

* Vegetables, salsa and low-fat shredded cheeses wrapped in a tortilla

* A smoothie blended from exotic fruits, some low-fat yogurt and a spoonful of wheat germ

* Whole-wheat crackers with low-fat cheese

* A microwaved potato topped with broccoli and grated Parmesan cheese

Think low-fat and fresh lean meats or even fish, low-fat milk products, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. The combinations are limited only by your imagination and taste.

Eating out can be healthy

* You can even make healthy breakfast choices at fast-food restaurants. Whole-grain bagels, rolls and English muffins are better for you than fat-filled doughnuts, scones, croissants or biscuits.

* Skip the oversized breakfast sandwiches, bacon, sausage and whole milk.

* Working in your morning meal

If your excuse for missing breakfast is lack of time, figure out what you'll eat the night before and get up 10 minutes earlier to enjoy it. Or pack something to take with you.

Think you're saving calories by skipping breakfast?

Chances are you'll be ravenous by lunchtime, which may lead you to eat more. Or your hunger at midmorning may tempt you to indulge in a high-fat treat that someone brought to the office.
Your morning meal doesn't have to mean loading up on sugar, fat and cholesterol. Making nutritious breakfast choices can set you up for healthier eating all day long.

Are you regular with your breakfast? Do you skip it too ??

Do share your personal experiences & views on my article...

Ref: Mayoclinic.com
Picture courtesy: dailymail.co.uk

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Teens & Asthma

How will asthma affect a teen?

If you have been diagnosed with asthma, don't think you need to stop playing sports or doing the activities you love! Control your asthma by making it part of your daily routine. You can live your life normally if you:

* Avoid asthma triggers
* Take your medications
* Recognize your limitations and seek help when you have a flare-up

How can a teen avoid asthma flare-ups?

Exposure to certain triggers, like pollen or dust mites, can prompt an asthma attack. Identify which asthma triggers lead to your flare-ups. The following are tips for how to avoid and control asthma triggers:

* Dust mites

Dust mites are small insects that are attracted to household dust. They often cause allergies and asthma flare-ups, so take the following precautions to keep them in check:
* Keep your room clean and try to dust every couple weeks. The more stuff lying around, the more places that dust and mites can collect!
* You spend a lot of time in your bed (think of how much time you devote to sleeping). Therefore, your bed is the most important place to keep dust- and mite-free. Wash your sheets every week in hot water to get rid of any dust that might have collected. In addition, buy dust-mite-proof covers for your pillows and mattress.
* Carpets are a great place for dust and mites to collect and hide. Get rid of rugs or ask your parents if you can replace your carpet with hardwood floors or something that doesn't collect dust. If you keep your carpet, vacuum it at least once a week.

* Pets

* Pets with fur or feathers can also trigger asthma flare-ups. Having a pet in the room may make your asthma worse.
* Don't get a pet if you notice that your asthma worsens around them. If you already have one, keep your bedroom pet-free.
* If you have friends with pets, suggest that they come over to your house (lots of people have pet allergies and use this excuse!), or wash your hands after playing with their dog or cat. If you can, change your clothes as soon as you get home.

* Pollen

The weather report usually lists the pollen count. If the pollen count is high, don't stay outside for too long. Shower and changes clothes so any pollen doesn't stay on you.

* Mold

Mold loves to grow in damp places, so the most important rooms to watch are your bathroom and the basement. Keep damp areas clean and watch out for water leaks.

* Cold, dry weather

Cold, dry weather can exacerbate your asthma symptoms. Wear a hat and wrap a scarf around your nose and mouth so that you're breathing warm, moist air.

* Colds and Flu

Nobody likes being sick, and having asthma can make it worse. Try not to share drinks, food, or lip balm with other people.
Wash your hands often to get rid of germs.

* Smoke

Smoke is bad for your lungs, which means it's bad for your asthma. Don't smoke, and try to avoid second-hand smoke as much as possible. Sometimes even the smell of smoke - not even the smoke itself - can cause an asthma flare-up.

Patrick Galette, 18, who was diagnosed with asthma at age two, follows many of these guidelines. "I bought bed covers, avoid cats, and don't spend as much time outside when there's a lot of pollen," he says. "But, asthma hasn't stopped me from doing what I want to do."

How can a teen remember his medications?

Make it part of your routine

The most important part of controlling your asthma is to regularly take your asthma medications. Make it part of your morning or evening routine - when you brush your teeth or with breakfast or dinner. "I keep my medication next to the door," says Patrick. "That way, before I leave, I see my medication and remember to take it."

Take the correct dose

Consistent dosages are also key. Don't discontinue your asthma medications because you're feeling fine - that means your medication is working! So if your symptoms improve, that's a sign you've been doing a good job - but not a sign to stop your medications. If you become more lax about controlling it, asthma can become a problem again.

On the other hand, don't take more medication than usual just because your symptoms are worse one day. If you are concerned that your dosage is not high enough, talk to your doctor.

Keep an inhaler with you, wherever you go

Like your keys, cell phone, or wallet, always bring your quick-relief inhaler with you, no matter where or for how long you go. You never know when you might need it.

Playing sports

Many varsity, collegiate, professional and Olympic athletes have asthma - more than you might think! If your asthma is in control, it shouldn't bother you for most of the time.

Choosing a sport

Talk with your doctor about which sports are safe to play with asthma. If you are concerned, you might want to avoid sports that require running for long periods of time - like basketball - and choose a sport that has more lulls, like baseball. Swimming is a great sport for people with asthma because the pool is warm and humid, the perfect conditions for your lungs.

Talk to your coach

If you do play a sport, let your coach know that you have asthma. It shouldn't be a cause for discrimination against you - asthma doesn't prevent you from being a great player. However, by letting your coach know your condition, he or she will know what to do if your asthma starts to flare up.

Take precautions

Make sure to warm up properly, and take a break if your asthma starts acting up. It's better to take a short break early than to keep pushing yourself and end up having an asthma attack. Try to recognize your symptoms that precede an asthma attack. This way, you know when to stop and take your medication before it becomes anything worse.

"My asthma used to be really bad when I was younger," says Patrick, "and prevented me from playing sports. But now it doesn't stop me from doing regular things. If my friends are playing basketball, I'll go play with them, just not push myself as hard."

Take your inhaler with you

As always, keep an inhaler in your gym bag for emergencies. Your doctor might also recommend using it before practice or games as a preventative measure.

How can a teen deal with his parents?

Your parents only want what's best for you, so even if you feel they are too involved in your asthma care, don't get offended. They might have some good advice about controlling your asthma. Your medications and treatment should be a discussion among you, your doctor, and your parents. Taking your asthma medications should be your responsibility, but your parents may want to remind you, in case you forget. They may suggest using a peak flow meter, which can assess the condition of your asthma. Even if you are feeling fine, a peak flow meter can tell you if your breathing is getting worse, which might be a sign that you are about to have a flare-up or that your medication isn't working.

If your parents give you a hard time about your asthma, discuss it with them. They might be concerned that you're over-exerting yourself, or they might be trying to have more control over the situation. If you show them that you're responsible by taking your medications regularly and avoiding asthma triggers, they'll understand that they don't need to watch over you all the time - you know how to ask for help, when needed.

Ref: Children's hospital Boston (Yahoo health)

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Insomnia - Management & treatment

When to seek medical advice :

If insomnia has been interfering with your daytime functioning for a month or longer, see your doctor to determine what might be the cause of your sleep problem and how it might be treated.

Screening and diagnosis :

Insomnia can be difficult to diagnose because the kind of sleep patterns and degree of daytime fatigue that some people consider indications of insomnia other people consider normal.
Your doctor may ask you questions about your sleep patterns, such as how long you've experienced your symptoms and whether they occur every night. Your doctor may also ask about whether you snore, how well you function during the day, whether you take any medications and whether you have other health disorders. You may be asked to complete a questionnaire to determine your wake-sleep pattern and your level of daytime sleepiness.

It's possible that your doctor may suggest you spend a night at a sleep disorders center. These centers are accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. A team of people at the center can monitor and record a variety of body activities during the night, including brain waves, breathing, heartbeat, eye movements and body movements. But for most people whose main complaint is insomnia, polysomnography does not provide useful information.

Complications :

Sleep is as important to your health as a healthy diet and regular exercise. Whatever your reason for sleep loss, insomnia can affect you both mentally and physically.

The impact can be cumulative. People with chronic insomnia are more likely than others to develop psychiatric problems, such as depression or an anxiety disorder. Additionally, lack of sleep slows your problem-solving skills and may make you take unnecessary risks. Long-term sleep deprivation may increase the severity of chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

Insufficient sleep can also lead to serious or even fatal accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 100,000 crashes each year are due to drivers falling asleep at the wheel.

Treatment :

If self-help measures don't work or you believe that another condition, such as depression, restless legs syndrome or anxiety, is causing your insomnia, talk to your doctor.He or she may recommend insomnia treatments that may include behavioral therapies or medications to promote relaxation and sleep.

Behavioral therapies

Behavioral treatments teach you new sleep behaviors and ways to make your sleeping environment more conducive to sleep. Some studies have shown behavioral therapies are equally or more effective than sleep medications. They can also be used in combination with prescription sleeping medications.

Medications

Taking prescription sleeping pills, such as zolpidem (Ambien), eszopiclone (Lunesta), zaleplon (Sonata) or ramelteon (Rozerem), until there's less stress in your life may help you get to sleep until you notice benefits from behavioral treatments. Ramelteon is the newest sleep medication, and it doesn't appear to have the same risk of dependency and rebound insomnia that the other sleep medications do. However, all of these medications may cause severe allergic reaction, facial swelling and complex sleep-related behaviors such as sleep-driving and preparing and eating food while asleep.

Doctors generally don't recommend relying on prescription sleeping pills for more than a few days because they may cause side effects, and developing your ability to sleep without the help of medication is the goal. In addition, sleeping pills can, rarely, be habit-forming and become less effective after a while.

The antidepressant trazodone (Desyrel) also may help with insomnia. Over-the-counter sleep aids contain antihistamines that can induce drowsiness. They're OK for occasional sleepless nights, but they, too, often lose their effectiveness the more you take them. Many sleeping pills contain diphenhydramine, which can cause difficulty urinating and a drowsy feeling in the daytime.

Coping skills

No matter what your age, insomnia usually is treatable. The key often lies in changes to your routine during the day and when you go to bed. Try these tips:

* Stick to a schedule.

Keep your bedtime and wake time on a constant schedule.

* Limit your time in bed.

Too much time in bed can promote shallow, unrestful sleep. Try to cut the time you spend in bed by one hour a night for two weeks to see if it helps you sleep.

* Avoid trying to sleep.

The harder you try, the more awake you'll become. Read or watch television until you become very drowsy, then go to bed to sleep. Get up in the morning at the same time as usual.

* Hide the bedroom clocks.

Set your alarm so that you know when to get up, but then hide all clocks in your bedroom. The less you know what time it is at night, the better you'll sleep.

* Exercise and stay active.

Get at least 20 to 30 minutes of vigorous exercise daily, preferably at least five to six hours before bedtime.

* Avoid or limit caffeine, alcohol and nicotine.

Caffeine after lunchtime and using nicotine can keep you from falling asleep at night. Alcohol, while it may initially make you feel sleepy, can cause unrestful sleep and frequent awakenings.

* Reset your body's clock.

If you fall asleep too early and then wake up too early, use light to push back your internal clock. During times of the year when it's light outside in the evenings, go outside for 30 minutes or obtain light via a medical-grade light box.

* Check your medications.

If you take medications regularly, check with your doctor to see if they may be contributing to your insomnia. Also check the labels of over-the-counter products to see if they contain caffeine or other stimulants, such as pseudoephedrine.

* Don't put up with pain.

If a painful condition bothers you, make sure the pain reliever you take is effective enough to control your pain while you're sleeping.

* Find ways to relax.

A warm bath or light snack before bedtime may help prepare you for sleep. Having your partner give you a massage also may help relax you.

* Avoid or limit naps.

Naps can make it harder to fall asleep at night. If you can't get by without one, try to limit a nap to no more than an hour and don't nap after 3 p.m.

* Minimize sleep interruptions.

Close your bedroom door or create a subtle background noise, such as a running fan, to help drown out other noises. Keep your bedroom temperature comfortable, usually cooler than during the day. Drink less before bedtime so that you won't have to go to the toilet as often.

Complementary and alternative medicine

Melatonin is a widely used over-the-counter supplement that's marketed as a way to help you overcome insomnia. However, your body already produces melatonin, releasing it into your bloodstream in increasing amounts starting at dusk and tapering off toward the morning, and it's not clear that adding more melatonin will help you sleep. More research is needed to help evaluate how melatonin works and its potential long-term risks.

Valerian is another dietary supplement purported to be a sleep aid. However, a recent government review of studies done on valerian found the evidence was inconclusive.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is funding studies on both melatonin and valerian to better assess their safety and whether they are effective sleep aids.

Be sure to talk with your doctor before taking any herbal supplements.

Ref: Mayoclinic.com

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Insomnia

Introduction :

Nearly everyone has occasional sleepless nights, perhaps due to stress, heartburn, or drinking too much caffeine or alcohol. Chronic insomnia is defined when you have problems falling asleep, maintaining sleep, or experience nonrestorative sleep that occurs on a regular or frequent basis, often for no apparent reason.

How much sleep is enough varies from person to person. Although 7 1/2 hours of sleep is about average, some people do well on four to five hours of sleep. Other people need nine to 10 hours of sleep each night.

Insomnia can affect not only your energy level and mood, but also your health as well because sleep helps bolster your immune system. Fatigue, at any age, leads to diminished mental alertness and concentration. Lack of sleep caused by insomnia is linked to accidents both on the road and on the job.

Insomnia is a common problem that may be temporary or chronic. As many as one in 10 Americans have chronic insomnia, and at least one in four has difficulty sleeping sometimes. But that doesn't mean you have to just put up with sleepless nights. Some simple changes in your daily routine and habits may result in better sleep.

Signs and symptoms :

Insomnia symptoms may include:

* Difficulty falling asleep at night
* Waking up during the night
* Waking up too early
* Daytime fatigue or sleepiness
* Daytime irritability

Typical Sleep Patterns :

The bed graphs show the typical sleep patterns through a night for an 18-year-old and a 75-year-old, with the pie charts showing totals for the different stages of sleep. They illustrate that as you get older you spend less time in deep (delta) sleep and more time awake.

Common insomnia causes include:

* Stress.

Concerns about work, school, health or family can keep your mind too active, making you unable to relax. Excessive boredom, such as after retirement or during a long illness, may occur and also can create stress and keep you awake.

* Anxiety.

Everyday anxieties as well as severe anxiety disorders may keep your mind too alert to fall asleep.

* Depression.

You may either sleep too much or have trouble sleeping if you're depressed. This may be due to chemical imbalances in your brain or because worries that accompany depression may keep you from relaxing enough to fall asleep.

* Stimulants.

Prescription drugs, including some antidepressants, high blood pressure and corticosteroid medications, can interfere with sleep. Many over-the-counter (OTC) medications, including some pain medication combinations, decongestants and weight-loss products, contain caffeine and other stimulants. Antihistamines may initially make you groggy, but they can worsen urinary problems, causing you to get up more during the night.

* Change in your environment or work schedule.

Travel or working a late or early shift can disrupt your body's circadian rhythms, making you unable to get to sleep when you want to. The word "circadian" comes from two Latin words: "circa" for "about" and "dia" for "day." Your circadian rhythms act as internal clocks, guiding such things as your wake-sleep cycle, metabolism and body temperature.

* Long-term use of sleep medications.

If you need sleep medications for longer than several weeks, talk with your doctor, preferably one who specializes in sleep medicine.

* Medical conditions that cause pain.

These include arthritis, fibromyalgiaand neuropathies, among other conditions. Making sure that your medical conditions are well treated may help with your insomnia.

* Behavioral insomnia.

This may occur when you worry excessively about not being able to sleep well and try too hard to fall asleep. Most people with this condition sleep better when they're away from their usual sleep environment or when they don't try to sleep, such as when they're watching TV or reading.

* Eating too much too late in the evening.

Having a light snack before bedtime is OK, but eating too much may cause you to feel physically uncomfortable while lying down, making it difficult to get to sleep. Many people also experience heartburn, a backflow of acid and food from the stomach to the esophagus after eating. This uncomfortable feeling may keep you awake.

Insomnia and changes of aging :

Insomnia becomes more prevalent with age. As you get older, changes can occur that may affect your sleep. You may experience:

* A change in sleep patterns.

Sleep often becomes less restful as you age, but a lack of restful sleep isn't a normal consequence of aging. You spend more time in stages 1 and 2 of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and less time in stages 3 and 4. Stage 1 is transitional sleep, stage 2 is light sleep, and stages 3 and 4 are deep (delta) sleep, the most restful kind. Because you're sleeping more lightly, you're also more likely to wake up. With age, your internal clock often advances, which means you get tired earlier in the evening and consequently wake up earlier in the morning.

* A change in activity.

You may be less physically or socially active. Activity helps promote a good night's sleep. You may also have more free time and, because of this, drink more caffeine or alcohol or take a daily nap. These things can also interfere with sleep at night.

* A change in health.

The chronic pain of conditions such as arthritis or back problems as well as depression, anxiety and stress can interfere with sleep. Older men often develop noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia), which can cause the need to urinate frequently, interrupting sleep. In women, hot flashes that accompany menopause can be equally disruptive.

Other sleep-related disorders, such as sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome, also become more common with age. Sleep apnea causes you to stop breathing periodically throughout the night and then awaken. Restless legs syndrome causes unpleasant sensations in your legs and an almost irresistible desire to move them, which may prevent you from falling asleep.

Sleep problems may be a concern for children and teenagers as well. In addition to many of the same causes of insomnia as those of adults, some children and teenagers simply have trouble getting to sleep or resist a regular bedtime because their inherent (circadian) clocks are more delayed. When the clock on the wall says it's 10 p.m., their bodies may feel like it's only 8 p.m.

Article continued.......... (read about,screening advise,treatment and more in my next article )

Ref: Mayoclinic.com

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Does obesity cause stress, or stress cause obesity?

Are you overweight and feel that your health may be contributing to high levels of stress in your life? Obesity and stress go hand in hand with on another. However, obesity is never the real problem. It is generally the result of your problem. The real cause of obesity is usually hidden beneath the surface. It will generally turn out to be one or all of the following:

1. Stress
2. Boredom
3. Pressure
4. Poor Self Image
5. Tense Lifestyle

As much as 40 percent of the population in North American is obese. By obesity we mean that a person is more than ten percent above their ideal weight. Your ideal weight is one hundred pounds for the first five feet in height, and then five pounds per inch after that for women. For men, you should start at 115 pounds.

Thus a five-foot-six-inch woman should weigh approximately 130 pounds; a six foot man should weigh 175 pounds. Of course there may be wide fluctuations for build and frame, but you will know you are at your right weight if you feel your fittest and look your best in your bathing suit. Obesity is simply an imbalance in arithmetic. In order to be obese, you must take in more calories that you burn off. These excess calories are stored as fat. There is just no other way around that truth, it is fact.

One of the most common findings associated with obesity is denial. You may have heard of overweight people who say I can gain weight just by looking at food. This is generally denial.For example, I once had a good friend who was obese and always complained about how his coworkers could all eat large lunches and still stay thin, while he only had a small salad and water, yet gained weight.This fellow honestly believed that his problem was simply bad luck and a slow metabolism. But after a long and emotional conversation with my friend, he finally admitted that when he is out of the public eye (at home) he dives into donuts by the dozen, eats an entire pizza at one sitting, and all other food items are eaten double or even triple the amount a normal serving would be for you and me.

Obese people often deny that they are big eaters, and insist on remembering details of only the very modest of lunches, such as the occasional grapefruit and the few slices of meat that they consumed during their days. If you are on this train ride of stress due to being obese, and the stress of denial that ensues, then consider looking further into changing your lifestyle habits to that of a healthier, fitter, and less stressed person.

The main cause of obesity is overeating. However, not many people know the causes of overeating. And, the answer to this question is stress. Many people today, especially young people, are now living a hectic and stressful lifestyle. Because they live this kind of life, they tend to eat comfort foods to get rid of stress.

Stress can make you feel hungry even though you just ate. Because of this reason, you will tend to eat more portions and fast food chains are serving food portions that are high in fat, sugar and salt 700 percent larger than what is recommended by dietitians and nutritionists.

Over the past two decades, stress has increased in an alarming rate. Studies also found that along with the increase of stress, obesity also followed closely. Try and ask yourself about being stressed. After eating a hearty breakfast, you set off for work. On your way to work, you experience being stuck in a traffic jam. You will see that it will stress you out and it will also make you hungry an crave for food even though you just ate a big breakfast just less than an hour ago.
As you can see, stress is a large contributor to obesity.This is something we term as Emotional eating. Because of this, it is very important for you to live a stress free lifestyle as much as you can. You can consider exercising as it can reduce stress or you can also try to meditate.

There is so much you have to change in your life today in order to avoid experiencing stress and at the same time, avoid gaining weight until you become obese. Through exercise and by eating only when you need to, you will decrease stress plus it can also decrease your risk on becoming obese.
Remember this and you will live a happier and healthier life. Defeat obesity by first defeating stress.

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Burns : First Aid

To distinguish a minor burn from a serious burn, the first step is to determine the degree and the extent of damage to body tissues. The three classifications of first-degree burn, second-degree burn and third-degree burn will help you determine emergency care:

First-degree burn :

The least serious burns are those in which only the outer layer of skin (epidermis) is burned. The skin is usually red, with swelling and pain sometimes present. The outer layer of skin hasn't been burned through. Treat a first-degree burn as a minor burn unless it involves substantial portions of the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or a major joint.

Second-degree burns :

When the first layer of skin has been burned through and the second layer of skin (dermis) also is burned, the injury is termed a second-degree burn. Blisters develop and the skin takes on an intensely reddened, splotchy appearance. Second-degree burns produce severe pain and swelling.

If the second-degree burn is no larger than 2 to 3 inches in diameter, treat it as a minor burn. If the burned area is larger or if the burn is on the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or over a major joint, get medical help immediately.

For minor burns, including second-degree burns limited to an area no larger than 2 to 3 inches in diameter, take the following action:

* Cool the burn :

Hold the burned area under cold running water for at least 5 minutes, or until the pain subsides. If this is impractical, immerse the burn in cold water or cool it with cold compresses. Cooling the burn reduces swelling by conducting heat away from the skin. Don't put ice on the burn.

* Cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage :

Don't use fluffy cotton, which may irritate the skin. Wrap the gauze loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Bandaging keeps air off the burned skin, reduces pain and protects blistered skin.

* Take an over-the-counter pain reliever :

These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Never give aspirin to children or teenagers.

Minor burns usually heal without further treatment. They may heal with pigment changes, meaning the healed area may be a different color from the surrounding skin. Watch for signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, fever, swelling or oozing. If infection develops, seek medical help. Avoid re-injuring or tanning if the burns are less than a year old — doing so may cause more extensive pigmentation changes. Use sunscreen on the area for at least a year.

Caution

Don't use ice :

Putting ice directly on a burn can cause frostbite, further damaging your skin.

Don't break blisters :

Broken blisters are vulnerable to infection.

Third-degree burn :

The most serious burns are painless and involve all layers of the skin. Fat, muscle and even bone may be affected. Areas may be charred black or appear dry and white. Difficulty inhaling and exhaling, carbon monoxide poisoning or other toxic effects may occur if smoke inhalation accompanies the burn.

For major burns, dial 911 or call for emergency medical assistance. Until an emergency unit arrives, follow these steps:

1. Don't remove burnt clothing. However, do make sure the victim is no longer in contact with smoldering materials or exposed to smoke or heat.

2. Don't immerse severe large burns in cold water. Doing so could cause shock.

3. Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement). If there is no breathing or other sign of circulation, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

4. Cover the area of the burn. Use a cool, moist, sterile bandage; clean, moist cloth; or moist towels.

Ref : Mayo clinic

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Body Odour

Body odour is a smell produced by a person's body that many other people find unpleasant.

What causes it?

Body odour is caused by a natural process involving sweat that occurs on the skin's surface.

Sweat is odourless, but if left on the skin the bacteria that normally live there break it down. This process releases chemicals that give it an unpleasant smell.

Some areas of the skin, such as the armpits and genitals, are more likely to produce body odour, because the sweat glands there are slightly different to those elsewhere in body. These glands produce proteins and oily substances that bacteria feed on.

Sweat elsewhere in the body is mostly salty water, which bacteria don't thrive on so easily.
The feet produce their own characteristic odour. We tend to wrap them in socks and shoes, making them hot and humid and allowing fungi, as well as bacteria, to flourish.


What are the symptoms?

The symptom of body odour is an unpleasant smell that may be worse in hot and sweaty conditions. The actual smell varies from person to person. The 'recipe' of sweat is individual.

Body odour may be influenced by diet. Certain foods, such as curry, garlic and strong spices, contain chemicals that may be excreted in the skin.

The smell almost always disappears with a shower or bath, but can return rapidly, especially if a person puts on unwashed clothes covered in old sweat and bacteria.


Who's affected?

Young children rarely have body odour, because the specialised glands in the armpits and genital areas don't become active until puberty.

At puberty, sweat glands develop under the stimulation of hormones and protein. Oil production by the skin in the armpits and genital areas also increases. Body odour may then become a problem, especially if hygiene is poor.

Most people can easily recognise body odour. Unfortunately, the person who has it may be so accustomed to their smell they don't notice.

What's the treatment?

Body odour is often easily treated. Take regular baths or showers, at least once a day. After puberty, using an antiperspirant can help to reduce sweating, and some also inhibit bacterial growth. This is rarely needed with younger children.

Fresh clothes should be worn every day, and clothing should be washed at as high a temperature as possible, then dried as quickly as possible. Bacteria can survive in damp clothing and produce a characteristic smell.

Feet should be washed regularly, dried thoroughly and treated with antifungal powder if necessary. Avoid closed, sweaty shoes such as trainers, and wear fresh cotton socks or keep feet bare in open sandals as often as possible.

Avoiding very spicy food may also help.

A medical diagnosis isn't usually necessary.

Sweaty Feet - How to combat this common problem ?

One of the reasons why feet tend to get very sweaty is that nature designed them that way for a reason. Our feet have more sweat glands per inch of skin than any other part of the body, and these glands produce sweat all the time, not just when it's hot or when you exercise as other parts of the body do.

By producing lots of sweat, the skin stays moist and, therefore, supple. In this way, the skin of the foot can withstand all the constant flexing, squashing and squeezing that goes on with every step we take. Without a lot of sweating, the skin on our feet would rapidly become very dry and cracked, and walking could become very painful.

However, sometimes sweating is simply too excessive. But this is rarely the main problem - what bothers most people is their feet become very smelly because of the sweating.
So you need to tackle the problem on two fronts: trying to reduce sweating and stopping them smell.

Reducing sweating:

Excess stress on the feet can aggravate sweating. Ensure shoes fit properly and rest your feet up as much as possible, especially if you have a job which tends to keep you on your feet.

Getting too hot will make the sweating worse. Keep your overall body temperature cool, especially in hot weather. Most importantly, allow the skin on your feet to 'breathe' by taking off shoes and socks and going barefoot as much as possible, or investing in open-toed sandals (there are some very fashionable ones around at the moment for both women and men). Leather shoes are much better than ones with man-made materials.

Socks should be made of a material which absorbs water well, such as cotton or wool. Throw out those nylon socks right now!

Use an astringent or talcum powder on your feet every morning after your shower. Try different ones to find the one which suit you best. Alternatively, you can try using surgical spirit.

Beating the pong:

Wash your feet regularly with tepid water, at least every morning and evening (when you get home from work is a good idea) and never put dirty socks back on again - fresh ones please!

Throw out shoes as soon as they get whiffy, or try treating them with products from your chemist.

If you have any foot problems, such as athlete's foot, treat this immediately and regularly.

If these simple measures don't help, or if you have additional problems with the skin on your feet such as athlete's foot, it may be worth making an appointment with your local chiropodist who can offer specialist advice.

Most people manage to keep sweaty smelly feet under control if they make an effort.

Ref : Dr Trisha Macnair in BBC health.co.uk

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Depression Self Help Tips

Depression Self-Help Tip #1: Changing negative thinking

Depression puts a negative spin on everything, including the way you see yourself, the situations you encounter, and your expectations for the future. But while depression causes negative thinking, negative thinking also triggers and fuels depression, causing a vicious cycle that’s tough to escape.

Making it even tougher is the fact that our negative thoughts can be so automatic that we’re not even aware of them or that we can choose to control them.

The pessimistic thinking of depression is based on cognitive distortions that transform neutral, impersonal, or even positive events or situations into negative ones.

Top Ten Cognitive Distortions that Lead to Depression

* All-or-nothing thinking :

There’s no middle ground. You’re either a hero or a loser. The situation is either ideal or a disaster. If you make any mistakes at all, you look at yourself as a failure.

* Overgeneralization :

Generalizing from a single negative experience, expecting it to happen over and over again in all situations. If you got turned down for one job, no company will ever hire you.

* The mental filter :

Dwelling on the negatives while filtering out all the positives. For example, you got an A on a term paper, but all you can think about is the one small criticism your professor made.

* Diminishing the positive :

Coming up with reasons why positive events don’t count. If you were praised at work for a great presentation, you tell yourself that you just got lucky or it was an easy job that anyone could have aced.

* Jumping to conclusions :

Despite any proof to back it up, you go straight to a negative interpretation of events. You act as either a mind reader (assuming that someone is reacting negatively to you) or a fortune teller (you “know” that things will turn out badly).

* Magnification or minimization :

Also known as the binocular trick. You either magnify problems, blowing them way out of proportion, or you minimize your own achievements and positive qualities until they seem insignificant.

* Emotional reasoning :You buy into the idea that the way you feel reflects reality. If you feel like you’re worthless, that means it’s true.

* 'Should' and 'must' statements : You constantly beat yourself over the head with the things you should or shouldn’t do. This rigid to-do list of “shoulds” and “musts” leads to guilt, shame, and stress.

* Labeling and mislabeling : You label yourself according to what you do or don’t do. If you make a mistake, you slap on a negative label (failure, idiot, loser). These labels stick, long after the negative event is forgotten.

* Personalization : You assume guilt and responsibility for things that are outside your control. Whenever something goes wrong, you blame yourself.

If you’re depressed, cognitive distortions are probably part of your lifelong pattern of thinking. But you can’t break this bad habit by “just thinking positive.” Happy thoughts or wishful thinking won’t cut it. Rather, the trick is to replace negative thinking with realistic thinking. You can do this by identifying the cognitive distortions you tend to use, and systematically challenging them with the facts. This is a key component of cognitive behavior therapy, one of the most successful treatments for depression.

Ways to change negative thinking for the better:

* Think outside yourself.

Ask yourself if you’d say what you’re thinking about yourself to someone else. If not, stop being so hard on yourself. Think about less harsh statements that offer more realistic descriptions.

* Keep a “negative thought log”.

Whenever you experience a negative thought, jot down the thought and what triggered it in a notebook. Review your log when you’re in a good mood. Consider if the negativity was truly warranted. For a second opinion, you can also ask a friend or therapist to go over your log with you.

* Replace negatives with positives.

Review your negative thought log. Then, for each negative thought, write down something positive. For instance, “My boss hates me. She gave me this difficult report to complete” could be replaced with, “My boss must have a lot of faith in me to give me so much responsibility.”

* Socialize with positive people.

Notice how people who always look on the bright side deal with challenges, even minor ones, like not being able to find a parking space. Then consider how you would react in the same situation. Even if you have to pretend, try to adopt their optimism and persistence in the face of difficulty.

Depression Self-Help Tip #2: Cultivating supportive relationships

As human beings, we have a biological need to feel connected to others. Depressed human beings need the support of other people even more. On your own, it’s difficult to maintain perspective and sustain the effort required to succeed in treatment. But when you’re depressed, retreating into your shell is more appealing than socializing. The problem is that social isolation fuels depression and makes it even worse. When they’re alone, depressed people tend to revert to negative, unrealistic thinking, which only exacerbates feelings of worthlessness, shame, and alienation.

Maintaining relationships and incorporating social activities into your life is therefore one of the most important coping strategy for depression.

To get the social connection and support you need:

* Turn to trusted friends and family members.

In your depressed state, you’ve probably retreated from your most treasured relationships. However, it is these relationships that can get you through this tough time. Communicate your needs to the people you love and trust. Ask for help when you need it.

* Join a support group.

Find a group you can of other people working toward depression recovery. Being with others in the same boat can go a long way in reducing your sense of aloneness. You can also encourage each other, give and receive advice on how to cope, and share your experiences.

* See a therapist.

Therapy can help keep you on track with depression recovery. A supportive, thoughtful therapist can help you work through issues the depression has caused, change negative ways of thinking, and explore the root of your depression.

Depression Self-Help Tip #3: Healthy lifestyle habits

There is an undeniable link between physical and mental health. Depression can cause physical symptoms such as aches and pains, frequent illness, weight loss or gain, and insomnia. But on the flip side, making healthy lifestyle choices can dramatically improve your mood.

* Regular exercise.
* Healthy sleep habits.
* Daily sunlight.
* A nutritious diet.
* Avoiding alcohol and drugs.

Regular exercise can alter your brain chemistry by increasing serotonin levels and lead to feelings of wellbeing. According to Better Health Channel other factors that may help explain the benefits of exercise include:

* Taking an active role in your own recovery boosts your self-esteem
* Some forms of exercise, like team sports, are also social events.
* Physical activity burns up stress chemicals, like adrenaline, which promotes a more relaxed state of mind.
* Enjoying exercise may be distracting enough to break the vicious cycle of pessimistic thinking.

Exercise as an Antidepressant :

The following six exercise tips offer a powerful prescription for boosting mood:

1. Exercise now…and again. A 10-minute walk can improve your mood for two hours. The key to sustaining mood benefits is to exercise regularly.

2. Choose activities that are moderately intense. Aerobic exercise undoubtedly has mental health benefits, but you don't need to sweat strenuously to see results.

3. Find exercises that are continuous and rhythmic (rather than intermittent). Walking, swimming, dancing, stationery biking, and yoga are good choices.

4. Be wary of competitive sports. Exercise that pits people head-to-head with opponents may be too stressful, leading to a bad mood in the face of defeat.

5. Add a mind-body element. Activities such as yoga and tai chi rest your mind and pump up your energy. You can also add a meditative element to walking or swimming by repeating a mantra (a word or phrase) as you move.

6. Start slowly, and don't overdo it. More isn't better. Athletes who over train find their moods drop rather than lift.

Source: Adapted from 'Johns Hopkins Health Alerts '

Depression Self-Help Tip #4: Reducing stress

Stressful life events are hard for everyone, but stress poses a particular risk for who are depressed or prone to be. Not only can stress prolong or worsen depression, but it can also trigger it. In fact, stress is a major factor in depression relapse following recovery. In order to get over depression and stay well, it’s essential to learn how to minimize and cope with stress.

Coping with the Stress that Triggers Depression :

1) Identify your stressors :

Figure out all the things in your life that are stressing you out. Examples include: work overload, unsupportive relationships, substance abuse, taking on too much, or health problems. Once you’ve identified your stressors, you can make a plan to avoid them or minimize their impact.

2) Go easy on yourself :

Many depressed people are perfectionists, holding themselves to impossibly high standards and then beating themselves up when they fail to meet them. You can battle this source of self-imposed stress by challenging your negative ways of thinking.

3) Plan ahead:

If you know your stress triggers and limits, you will be able to identify and avoid many landmines. If you sense trouble ahead, protect yourself by dipping into your wellness toolbox and saying “no” to added responsibility.

4) Learn how to relax :

Since some stress is inevitable, knowing how to deal with it is important. There are many relaxation techniques that can help, including yoga, deep breathing, and meditation. Mindfulness meditation is particularly effective for relieving depression and stress.

Ref: helpguide.org

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Recovering from Depression

Depression drains your energy, hope, and drive, making it difficult to do what you need to feel better. But while overcoming depression isn’t quick or easy, it’s far from impossible. You can’t beat it through sheer willpower, but you do have some control—even if your depression is severe and stubbornly persistent. The key to depression recovery is to start small and build from there. Feeling better takes time, but you can get there if you make positive choices for yourself each day and draw on the support of others.

Making a depression recovery plan :

Recovering from depression requires action. But taking action when you’re depressed is hard. In fact, just thinking about the things you should do to feel better can be exhausting: Exercise… Eat right... Sleep right... Get out into the world… Be more social... Stop thinking negatively... Do things that you enjoy…

You probably already know that these things will help you overcome depression. But that doesn’t make them any easier. After all, when it’s tough to get out of bed in the morning, taking on anything more than the bare minimum for daily survival is overwhelming. This is the Catch-22 of depression recovery. The symptoms of depression (such as fatigue, hopelessness, clouded thinking, and self-loathing) make it difficult to take the necessary steps to wellness. There is a difference, however, between difficult and impossible.

If you understand what it takes to cope with and overcome depression, neither underestimating the illness nor your own capacity to heal, you can make a workable plan for recovery. A realistic recovery plan involves taking responsibility for the choices and changes you do have control over, while avoiding self-blame and guilt over the mistakes you’ve made or the things you can’t control.

Taking baby steps :

The key to depression recovery is to draw upon whatever energy and resources you do have. Start with small goals. You may not have much energy, but you probably have enough to take a short walk around the block or pick up the phone to call a loved one.

If you’re severely depressed, focus on adding more activity into your life. You don’t need to start training for a marathon to get a benefit. Activities can be as small as going out into the sunshine for ten minutes when you’d rather stay inside on the couch, taking a shower and getting dressed, or grabbing coffee with a friend.

Take your recovery day by day, be patient, and reward yourself for each accomplishment. Baby steps are fine. Put enough of them together and you’ll find yourself well on the way to getting out from under depression’s shadow.

Ten Steps to Accomplishing a Depression Recovery Goal

1. State as clearly as possible in a positive manner what it is that you want to create in your life.

2. Be clear why you want this and how your life will be different once you achieve this goal.

3. Understand what you have going for you to help you achieve this goal.

4. Understand the challenges that exist.

5. Be especially aware of the negative self-talk that sabotages and undermines your attempts to succeed.

6. Be clear about what you need to achieve this goal in terms of skills, resources, support systems, etc.

7. List the 3-5 major actions that you need to take to start moving toward this goal.

8. Think of ways to care for yourself as you work to achieve this goal.

9. Stay focused on what you want to create, not on the difficulties you might be having.

10. Be easy on yourself! Have fun! Enjoy the journey!

Developing a “wellness toolbox” :

The idea of a wellness toolbox can be helpful as you plan for recovery. For your wellness toolbox, come up with a list of things that you can do, or have done in the past, to relieve your depression. Include any strategies, activities, or skills you can use for a mood boost. The more “tools” for coping with depression, the better. Try and implement a few of these ideas each day, even when you’re feeling good.

A few wellness toolbox ideas for coping with depression:

* Talk to a supportive friend.
* Spend some time in nature.
* List what you like about yourself.
* Write in your journal.
* Read a good book.
* Watch a sitcom or funny movie.
* Take a long, hot bath.
* Listen to music.
* Get a massage.
* Take care of a few small tasks.
* Enjoy the company of a pet.
* Do something nice for someone else

Doing things you enjoy (or used to) :

While you can’t force yourself to have fun or experience pleasure, you can choose to do things that you used to enjoy. Pick up a former hobby or a sport you used to like. Express yourself creatively through music, art, or writing. Go out to dinner or a movie with friends. Take a day trip to a museum, the mountains, or the ballpark.

Push yourself to do things, even when you don’t feel like it. You might be surprised at how much better you feel once you’re out in the world. Even if your depression doesn’t lift immediately, you’ll gradually feel less sluggish and blue as you make time for fun activities.

Ref : helpguide.org

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The facts about antibiotics

Important medical information about antibiotics including how they work, when you need them and when you don't and a few simple rules to remember.

Antibiotics are prescribed medications that fight against infection.

Penicillin was the first antibiotic. Scottish scientist, Alexander Fleming, discovered the drug in 1928. Called the “First Miracle Drug” Fleming made this discovery when he noticed, that bacteria could not survive on a plate that contained a mold commonly found on bread. Scientists learned to extract the penicillin from the mold and purify it. It became available to the general public in the early 1940s.

Proper use of antibiotics can stop infection and save lives, while improper use of these types of medicine can be more harmful than helpful. Therefore, knowing when and when not to take antibiotics is all too important.

Antibiotics are not recommended for a cold or flu, because this medication only works against fighting infections caused by bacteria. Viruses cause illnesses such as a cold, flu, soar throat or coughs. Antibiotics do not cure viruses or infections caused by viruses and should not be taken in these instances. Most often it is just best to allow a cold or the flu to run its course. The average cold or flu lasts up to two weeks or more. Should cold or flu-like symptoms persist for more than four weeks it would be wise to consult your doctor.

In most cases, antibiotics either kill bacteria or cause them to cease in growth. However, in some cases certain bacterium grows becoming stronger than the antibiotic and the medicine is unable to work against them. These forms of bacteria are called “bacterial resistant,” because they are in fact resistant to antibiotics. A resistance to antibiotics usually occurs when a patient has used antibiotics either too often or improperly.

There are several factors involving inappropriate use of this medication, leading to antibiotic resistance.

One factor has been the misuse and/or over use of antibiotics by humans and in the use of these types of medication in animals and agriculture.

In 1954 two million pounds of antibiotics were produced in the U.S. In the year 2000 this figure exceeds 50 million pounds. Human consumption for treating medical problems accounts for about half of the antibiotics consumed every year in the U.S. It is assumed that only half that amount is used appropriately and administered correctly to cure bacterial infections.
Human misuse comes in several forms. In some countries, antibiotics are available over the counter. Therefore individuals in many cases diagnose themselves improperly and take antibiotics too often becoming immune or resistant to the drug. Unfortunately, when resistance becomes a clinical problem in under developed countries, very often these people do not have access to expensive drugs suitable as substitutes.

Another form of misuse is the failure to complete the prescribed course of antibiotics. Often people are prescribed an antibiotic for a ten-day period. The antibiotic goes to work and begins fighting the infection. In a few days the patient begins to feel better and discontinues the medication. The problem is that though the antibiotic has overpowered the bacteria, causing the person to feel better, it hasn’t completely killed the infection that only rally and becomes stronger should the medication be terminated. The bacterium then builds a resistance to this particular antibiotic. Therefore, it is always important to complete the course of antibiotics prescribed by your physician.

Yet another form of misuse is by patients who demand antibiotics from their doctors. An unaware patient may provide a physician with false symptoms to obtain the drug they believe will cure them. Notably, many physicians concede to misguided patients who demand antibiotics to treat colds and other viral infections that cannot be cured by the drugs.

As previously mentioned the same drugs prescribed for human therapy are widely exploited in animal husbandry and agriculture. Over 40 percent of the antibiotics manufactured in the U.S. are given to animals. Some of that amount goes to treating or preventing infection in animals. However, the largest portion of antibiotics used is mixed into feed to promote growth in animals. While antibiotics do promote growth in animals it is safe to say that this prolonged use in animals will make the animals antibiotic resistant over a period of time and also have this effect in those ingesting them.

In agriculture, antibiotics are applied in an aerosol form and applied to acres of fruit trees. This use is for controlling or preventing bacterial infections. While, high concentrations of antibiotics may in fact kill all the bacteria on the trees at the time of spraying, lingering antibiotic residues can promote the growth of resistant bacteria

Sometimes bacteria finds a way to fight the antibiotic you are taking and your infection simply won't go away. When antibiotic resistance develops, your doctor must prescribe a different, stronger antibiotic in order to fight the infection. A few types of resistant bacteria are untreatable, but in most cases these types of infections can be treated using stronger medications that need to be administered intravenously in a hospital.

So what does this mean to the average person and how can an individual protect themselves and family members from developing a resistance to antibiotics?

Here are a few rules you can remember to limit the development of antibiotic resistance:

1) Do not demand antibiotics from your physician.

2) When given antibiotics, take them exactly as prescribed.

3) Always complete the full course of prescribed medication.

4) Never take antibiotics prescribed for another person or share your leftover antibiotics with another person.

5) Do not save pills for later use.

6) Use soaps and other products with antibacterial chemicals according to their proper guidelines, when administering to a sick person whose defenses are weakened.

7) Always wash your hands properly to reduce the chance of spreading infection.

8) The majority of foods causing diseases are raw or undercooked foods of animal origin such as meat, milk, eggs, cheese, fish or shellfish. To lessen the chance of infection, always wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Also avoid raw eggs and undercooked meat.

Some bacteria are now resistant to several antibiotics these forms are known as 'multi-drug resistant.’ Though we cannot entirely stop resistance from occurring we can do a lot to slow it down and stop it from spreading. Patients and physicians must look after the antibiotics we have by using them carefully.

Individually we can do this by not taking antibiotics when we don't need them. We now know that many infections get better just as quickly without antibiotics.

We also know that most colds last about two weeks and end with a cough and colored sputum.

You need to see your doctor, if your cough lasts more than three weeks, or you become very short of breath or develop chest pains. You should always see your doctor if you are worried about your symptoms. However, don't necessarily expect an antibiotic to be prescribed. Your doctor may suggest an alternative treatment to help relieve your symptoms.

Remember that by not using antibiotics unnecessarily, they are more likely to work when you need them.

Ref: http://njnj.essortment.com/ healthmedicine_rnig

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Alcohol Equivalence

The alcohol content of a standard drink of beer, dinner wine, or distilled spirits (either straight or in a mixed drink) are equivalent.

1) To a breathalyzer, they are all the same.
The health benefits associated with drinking in moderation are also similar for beer, wine and spirits. The primary factor associated with health and longevity appears to be the alcohol itself.
Knowing about equivalence can help you drink in moderation.

2) For example, you won't be fooled by the misleading term "hard liquor," which implies that drinking distilled spirits leads more quickly to intoxication than other alcohol beverages.

Tips for Drinking in Moderation :

* Know your limit. If you are not sure, experiment at home with your spouse or some other responsible individual. Explain what you are attempting to learn. Most people find that they can consume one drink per hour without any ill effects.

* Eat food while you drink. Food, especially high protein food such as meat, cheese and peanuts, will help slow the absorption of alcohol into your body.

* Sip your drink. If you gulp a drink, you lose the pleasure of savoring its flavors and aromas.
Don't participate in "chugging" contests or other drinking games.

* Accept a drink only when you really want one. If someone tries to force a drink on you, ask for a non-alcohol beverage instead. If that doesn't work, "lose" your drink by setting it down somewhere and leaving it.

* Skip a drink now and then. Having a non-alcoholic drink between alcoholic ones will help keep your blood alcohol content level down, as does spacing out your alcoholic drinks.

* Keep active; don't just sit around and drink. If you stay active you tend to drink less and to be more aware of any effects alcohol may be having on you.

* Beware of unfamiliar drinks. Some drinks, such as zombies and other fruit drinks, can be deceiving as the alcohol content is not detectable. Therefore, it is difficult to space them properly.

* Use alcohol carefully in connection with pharmaceuticals. Ask your physician or pharmacist about any precautions or prohibitions and follow any advice received.

Remember...

A glass of white or red wine, a bottle of beer, and a shot of whiskey or other distilled spirits all contain equivalent amounts of alcohol and are they same to a Breathalyzer. A standard drink is:
- A 12-ounce bottle or can of regular beer
- A 5-ounce glass of wine
- A one and 1/2 ounce of 80 proof distilled spirits (either straight or in a mixed drink)

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Stem Cells in The Spotlight

What is a Stem Cell?

A stem cell is a cell whose job in the body is yet not determined.Every single cell of the body 'stems' from this cell, hence the name. Stem cells have a lot of potential,they can become any kind of cells.But, until it receive a signal,it has to wait patiently and divide slowly.

When a stem cell receives a signal,it begins to differentiate or change into it's destined cell type.

The signals tell him to turn on certain genes and make new proteins.These new proteins help him to look and act like the cells he is supposed to become.By the time he finishes diferentiating,he would have stopped dividing too.

Did you know that several stem cell therapies are routinely used to treat disease today?

These include:

* Adult Stem Cell Transplant: Bone Marrow Stem Cells
* Adult Stem Cell Transplant: Peripheral Blood Stem Cells
* Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cell Transplant

Adult Stem Cell Transplant: Bone Marrow Stem Cells

Perhaps the best-known stem cell therapy to date is the bone marrow transplant, which is used to treat leukemia and other types of cancer, as well as various blood disorders.

Why is this a stem cell therapy?

Leukemia is a cancer of white blood cells, or leukocytes. Like other blood cells, leukocytes are made in the bone marrow through a process that begins with multipotent adult stem cells. Mature leukocytes are released into the bloodstream, where they work to fight off infections in our bodies.

Leukemia results when leukocytes begin to grow and function abnormally, becoming cancerous. These abnormal cells cannot fight off infection, and they interfere with the functions of other organs.

Successful treatment for leukemia depends on getting rid of all the abnormal leukocytes in the patient, allowing healthy ones to grow in their place. One way to do this is through chemotherapy, which uses potent drugs to target and kill the abnormal cells. When chemotherapy alone can't eliminate them all, physicians sometimes turn to bone marrow transplants.

In a bone marrow transplant, the patient's bone marrow stem cells are replaced with those from a healthy, matching donor. To do this, all of the patient's existing bone marrow and abnormal leukocytes are first killed using a combination of chemotherapy and radiation. Next, a sample of donor bone marrow containing healthy stem cells is introduced into the patient's bloodstream.
If the transplant is successful, the stem cells will migrate into the patient's bone marrow and begin producing new, healthy leukocytes to replace the abnormal cells.

Adult Stem Cell Transplant: Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplant

While most blood stem cells reside in the bone marrow, a small number are present in the bloodstream. These multipotent peripheral blood stem cells, or PBSCs, can be used just like bone marrow stem cells to treat leukemia, other cancers and various blood disorders. Since they can be obtained from drawn blood, PBSCs are easier to collect than bone marrow stem cells, which must be extracted from within bones. This makes PBSCs a less invasive treatment option than bone marrow stem cells. PBSCs are sparse in the bloodstream, however, so collecting enough to perform a transplant can pose a challenge.

Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cell Transplant

Newborn infants no longer need their umbilical cords, so they have traditionally been discarded as a by-product of the birth process. In recent years, however, the multipotent-stem-cell-rich blood found in the umbilical cord has proven useful in treating the same types of health problems as those treated using bone marrow stem cells and PBSCs.
Umbilical cord blood stem cell transplants are less prone to rejection than either bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cells. This is probably because the cells have not yet developed the features that can be recognized and attacked by the recipient's immune system. Also, because umbilical cord blood lacks well-developed immune cells, there is less chance that the transplanted cells will attack the recipient's body, a problem called graft versus host disease.

Both the versatility and availability of umbilical cord blood stem cells makes them a potent resource for transplant therapies.

What is the Goal of Stem Cell Research?

Why don't we live forever?

Because we get sick?

Because we get old?

Because we get hurt and can't heal?

All of these are correct. Each one results from a failure of the body's ability to grow, maintain or repair itself - functions that depend on our stem cells.We know how stem cells form the basic building materials for the human body. This makes them good candidates for restoring tissues that have been damaged by injury or disease.
For decades, researchers have been studying the biology of stem cells to figure out how development works and to find new ways of treating health problems.

How would stem cell therapy work?

The goal of any stem cell therapy is to repair a damaged tissue that can't heal itself.
This might be accomplished by transplanting stem cells into the damaged area and directing them to grow new, healthy tissue.
It may also be possible to coax stem cells already in the body to work overtime and produce new tissue.
To date, researchers have found more success with the first method, stem cell transplants.

Ref : Learn.Genetics at the Utah University

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