July 2010

Hereditary Causes and Treatment of Anemia There are many reasons people develop anemia. Sometimes people become anemic if they have a chronic condition, such as cancer or kidney disease. For these patients, treating anemia is part of the overall care of their condition.

Other times, anemia can be caused by a hereditary condition that occurs because of small variations in a patient’s genes. Genes are located in every cell and are instructions that your cells follow to complete different processes that take place in the human body. Each person receives a copy of genes from their parents and sometimes variations or flaws in the genes can be passed along as well. In this case, some very specific flaws that are inherited from your parents can lead to anemia.

Making Red Blood Cells
Like many processes in the human body, making new red blood cells is very complicated with many steps. Because it is so complex, there are many things that can go wrong. When something in the process of making new red blood cells (called erythropoiesis) goes wrong, a patient can develop anemia.

How your body uses the iron and vitamins it acquires from food is also an important aspect of making red blood cells. When the body cannot absorb iron or certain vitamins properly or is unable to incorporate them into hemoglobin, red blood cells may not be created fast enough or created at all. Hemoglobin is the iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body. Also, doctors determine if a patient is anemic by measuring their hemoglobin level.

Anemia Symptoms and Resources
Anemia is a condition that can make you feel tired, fatigued, weak, dizzy, irritable, short of breath or depressed. With anemia, you may also have pale skin, brittle nails, chest pain, a coldness in your hands or feet, or a rapid heartbeat. Some people with anemia also have a desire to eat ice or other peculiar things, experience sexual dysfunction, or have trouble concentrating or performing mental tasks.

The National Anemia Action Council focuses on anemia that is caused by iron deficiency, vitamin deficiency, aging, surgery or by acquired chronic conditions like cancer, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, heart disease, hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, and rheumatoid arthritis. These types of anemia are known as iron deficiency anemia, vitamin deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease. NAAC has numerous resources devoted to these types of anemia, including basic education in our Information Handouts, Anemia FAQs, Symptoms Quiz, and the new interactive tutorial Blood and Bone Marrow Basics. For a more in-depth look at anemia as it relates to specific conditions, check out some of the other Feature Articles.

Several other organizations listed in our More Health Resources section deal with many types of anemia that are caused by hereditary conditions. Some of these hereditary conditions are briefly described below.

Hereditary Conditions Causing Anemia
Certain hereditary variations in a person’s genes can lead to incorrect or decreased production of red blood cells. This can cause red blood cells to not last as long in the blood, not be as effective transporting oxygen from the lungs to different parts of the body, or not be created at all. Listed below are some hereditary conditions that cause anemia through various genetic mechanisms.

Sickle Cell Anemia is a disease where the body makes red blood cells that are shaped like a crescent moon or the letter “C” when they are depleted of oxygen. These abnormally-shaped cells do not flow as well through the circulatory system and last for only 10-20 days compared to about 120 days for healthy, normal-shaped red blood cells. The body continually makes new red blood cells, but anemia develops because sickle cells do not last very long. Sickle cell disease affects 72,000 people in the United States and is most common in people of African descent.

Thalassemia is a condition where the body does not properly construct one of the proteins needed to make hemoglobin. Moderate to severe anemia can occur if one of these proteins is defective or missing. Hemoglobin is located in red blood cells and transports oxygen from the lungs to muscles and organs throughout the body. Thalassemia can be treated with transfusions and iron chelation therapy and may be curable with a bone marrow transplant.

Fanconi Anemia is a condition in which the bone marrow can fail to produce red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. The lack of enough red blood cells will lead to anemia, but can be treated with a bone marrow transplant. These patients are also often born with a variety of other genetic defects and are also very susceptible to developing cancer, including acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), head and neck, esophageal, gastrointestinal, vulvar and anal cancers. Diagnosis of Fanconi Anemia normally occurs in children 10-15 years old, but may be first recognized in adults.

Diamond Blackfan anemia is a condition in which the bone marrow fails to produce enough red blood cells. The condition usually develops at an early age, with most patients being diagnosed within the first year of life. Several types of facial or physical abnormalities can also be present in patients with the condition. Diamond Blackfan anemia is also referred to as congenital pure red cell aplasia, congenital hypoplastic anemia and Aase syndrome.

Shwachman Diamond syndrome is a rare condition affecting the digestive enzymes in the pancreas and the creation of blood cells in the bone marrow. Decreased red blood cell production and white blood cell production can lead to anemia and recurrent infections, respectively. Infants four to six months often begin to show symptoms, including feeding problems and slowed growth. The condition is similar to cystic fibrosis and is usually diagnosed within the first few years of life.

Red cell membrane disorders can cause instability in cellular structure, resulting in abnormally shaped red blood cells. The most common form is hereditary spherocytosis. Characterized by round or sphere-shaped red blood cells, hereditary spherocytosis is the most common inherited anemia in people of northern European descent.

Hereditary elliptocytosis, a different form which can vary widely in severity, causes patients to have a large number of oval or elliptical-shaped red blood cells. This form is common in people of African and Mediterranean descent.6 Hereditary stomatocytosis is a third form of these disorders that can cause patients to have mouth-shaped red blood cells which do not properly transport sodium and potassium in and out of the cell. Some patients with these membrane disorders may not have noticeable symptoms.

G6PD deficiency is a hereditary condition in which the body cannot produce enough glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), an important enzyme that protects red blood cells from destruction by certain chemicals or drugs. G6PD deficiency is the most common enzyme deficiency in the world, affecting more than 400 million people usually of African, Asian, Mediterranean or Middle-Eastern descent. Patients with this condition often develop anemia that is triggered by an infection or an exposure to toxins, drugs or chemicals.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is a condition where patients are predisposed to bleeding at places where their arteries and veins are improperly connected. Due to significant blood loss or reoccurring bleeding, often from the stomach or intestines, patients can develop anemia.

Additional Hereditary Conditions
Although this article listed some of the more common hereditary conditions that can lead to anemia, patients with any condition which can decrease the function of the bone marrow, red blood cell production or the ability of the digestive system to absorb vitamin B12 or iron are at-risk of developing anemia. Other notable conditions and classes of conditions which can affect patients in this manner include dyskeratosis congenita, congenital dyserythropoietic anemias, and congenital B12 malabsorption syndromes.

Although not a cause of anemia, hemochromatosis is an iron-related hereditary condition in which the body absorbs more iron from the food than it needs. Because there is no way for the body to get rid of the excess iron, it is stored in various organs like the liver, heart and pancreas. If untreated, the increasing levels of stored iron can cause organs to become diseased. Also known as iron overload disease, hemochromatosis is one of the most common genetic disorders in the United States.10 The Iron Disorders Institute, which specializes in hemochromatosis, is the spotlight organization for the July 2009 issue of Anemia Watch.

Screening and Treatment of Hereditary Anemias
Because hereditary anemia is determined by the make-up of your genes, there are various ways in which your doctor can detect if you have one of these genetic variations. The presence of anemia, as determined by a below normal hemoglobin level, is one important indicator that you may have a hereditary or chronic condition that causes anemia. These methods of detection are usually referred to as genetic screening tests and involve precise analysis of the structure of your genes, but are not available yet for all hereditary anemias. To help your doctor diagnose your anemia, be sure to tell him or her if your family has a history of any of the hereditary conditions listed above. This history can indicate if you are at-risk for carrying one of the genetic variations which can cause anemia.

There are many different types of treatment for hereditary anemias which counteract the body’s inability to sustain healthy levels of red blood cells and minimize the anemia-related symptoms patients often experience. If you are diagnosed with a hereditary anemia, close communication with your doctor will help him or her provide additional information and the treatment that is best for you based on what is causing the anemia.

source: anemia.org

Most fabulous health benefits of eating fruits empty stomach

We all think eating fruits means just buying fruits, cutting it and just
popping it into our mouths. It's not as easy as you think. It's important to
know how and when to eat.

What is the correct way of eating fruits?

IT MEANS NOT EATING FRUITS AFTER YOUR MEALS! FRUITS SHOULD BE EATEN ON AN
EMPTY STOMACH.

If you eat fruit like that, it will play a major role to detoxify your
system, supplying you with a great deal of energy for weight loss and other
life activities.

FRUIT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FOOD. Let's say you eat two slices of bread and
then a slice of fruit. The slice of fruit is ready to go straight through
the stomach into the intestines, but it is prevented from doing so.

In the meantime the whole meal rots and ferments and turns to acid. The
minute the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach and
digestive juices, the entire mass of food begins to spoil.

So please eat your fruits on an empty stomach or before your meals! You have
heard people complaining - every time I eat watermelon I burp, when I eat
during my stomach bloats up, when I eat a banana I feel like running to the
toilet etc - actually all this will not arise if you eat the fruit on an
empty stomach. The fruit mixes with the putrefying other food and produces
gas and hence you will bloat!

Graying hair, balding, nervous outburst, and dark circles under the eyes all
these will not happen if you take fruits on an empty stomach.

There is no such thing as some fruits, like orange and lemon are acidic,
because all fruits become alkaline in our body, according to Dr. Herbert
Shelton who did research on this matter. If you have mastered the correct
way of eating fruits, you have the Secret of beauty, longevity, health,
energy, happiness and normal weight.

When you need to drink fruit juice - drink only fresh fruit juice, NOT from
the cans. Don't even drink juice that has been heated up. Don't eat cooked
fruits because you don't get the nutrients at all. You only get to taste.
Cooking destroys all the vitamins.

But eating a whole fruit is better than drinking the juice. If you should
drink the juice, drink it mouthful by mouthful slowly, because you must let
it mix with your saliva before swallowing it. You can go on a 3-day fruit
fast to cleanse your body. Just eat fruits and drink fruit juice throughout
the 3 days and you will be surprised when your friends tell you how radiant
you look!

KIWI: Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E & fiber. Its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.

APPLE: An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low vitamin C content, it has antioxidants & flavonoids which enhances the activity of vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke.

STRAWBERRY: Protective Fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits & protect the body from cancer-causing, blood vessel-clogging free radicals.

ORANGE : Sweetest medicine. Taking 2-4 oranges a day may help keep colds
away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessens
the risk of colon cancer.

WATERMELON: Coolest thirst quencher. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione, which helps boost our immune system. They are also a key source of lycopene - the cancer fighting
oxidant. Other nutrients found in watermelon are vitamin C & Potassium.

GUAVA & PAPAYA: Top awards for vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber, which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene; this is good for your eyes.

Middle Back Pain - Key Points To Know

Middle back pain can be a real problem, especially in these times. People running this way and that never bothering to take care of themselves as they should. If you know someone that has back problems then you should try to help them. Sympathize with how painful middle back pain can be. It can mean a lot if you just try to understand their problem.

Help your friend understand that unless they have suffered a severe trauma such as a break, that their middle back can be alleviated. With an exercise program that focuses on reducing the pain, your friend will be on the road to better back health. This will however require them to put in the time and effort needed to getting better.

Also be sure to educate yourself and your friends about the spine. The middle spine, also known as the thoracic spine, has 12 vertebrae. It is curved to allow room for the lungs and heart and also to support weight. The curve is often exaggerated by hunching over a computer. So be sure to take breaks from your pc once in a while and do some stretches. After all being straight as a stick can lead to problems.

This slouching issue throws off the natural curve of the neck because the head will have to extend to read the monitor. This will result in problems later in life. You have most likely seen old people on the street with extremely slanted necks. Being slouched over a desk was this cause of this issue.

Regrettably, if the curves in the spine are not proportionate, they will push your muscles to work more. This happens because the spine cannot fully support you like it should, so it burdens the muscles attached to it to assist more.

Being able to have a healthy back is a blessing though. For many people, they lack the muscular endurance to hold their spine in proper alignment. This leads to all sorts of back problems, and health issues. Sometimes it can even cripple them for the rest of their lives. Remember to exercise and stretch your back muscles properly.

There are people who do not enjoy good back health at all. They are so wound up and tense which causes the muscles to tires quickly. This is often because they are stressed out and constantly ready to pursue something. If you can imagine a tightly wound up spring, it is great for short-term use, but not much after that.

The best technique to train the muscles that control the middle back is to condition them to work together. Some will relax, while others contract. Additionally they must support your spine’s alignment so that they spine can safely and easily sustain your body weight in a relaxed way.

A good posture program will instruct your body to attain proper posture. Training your body to hold good posture for a long time will eventually lead to no pain.

You can simply enjoy having great posture, and a pain-free back. All you need to do is keep practicing healthy habits to keep it in good condition.

source: abouthealtharticles

Tips to Maintain a Healthy Type 2 Diabetes A study finds that many type 2 diabetics don't follow nutrition guidelines. Here's how to do better

A diagnosis of type 2 diabetes means lifestyle changes that can be frustrating but are important for a long, healthy life. At the top of the list is adjusting to a type 2 diabetes diet, but a new study of overweight and obese diabetics, published in August in Journal of the American Dietetic Association, suggests that diabetics often don't follow recommended nutrition guidelines.

Ninety-three percent of participants consumed more calories from fat than they should, 85 percent consumed too much saturated fat, and 92 percent took in too much sodium. Researchers compared what study participants reported eating to the recommendations in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Institute of Medicine's Dietary Reference Intakes. These guidelines call for no more than 30 percent of a person's daily calories to come from fat, for example, and no more than 10 percent from saturated fat.

"You displace other healthy foods if you consume high levels of fat, [and] fat is high in calories," cautions Mara Vitolins, the study's lead author. Vitolins is an associate professor and vice chair of the department of epidemiology and prevention at Wake Forest University's School of Medicine. The research serves as a heads-up to all type 2 diabetics—not just the newly diagnosed—since it found that people who had lived with diabetes for the longest periods of time were no more likely to maintain a healthy diet than people who'd had the disease for shorter periods. Whether you were diagnosed many years ago or only recently, here are seven tips for starting and maintaining a healthy type 2 diabetes diet:

Figure out what you're eating. To replace high-fat foods in your diet with low-fat foods, first write down everything you eat and then analyze your list, advises Sue McLaughlin, president for healthcare and education at the American Diabetes Association. Some online tools, such as the ADA's My Food Advisor, can help you determine what your actual intake is and where you are lacking in nutrients. As you analyze your food intake, "choose one or two of the highest fat-content foods and replace them with a colorful serving of fresh fruit or vegetables," says McLaughlin. By doing this, she says, "you have decreased your fat and calorie intake and increased your intake of fiber and vitamins and minerals and moved one step closer to improving blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and overall health."

Get serious about your fruits and vegetables. Strive for two servings of fruits and three servings of vegetables per day, Vitolins suggests, and two servings of dairy and six servings of grains. And try to stick with low-fat dairy products and grains. The study showed that less than half of study participants took in the minimum recommended daily servings of fruits, vegetables, dairy, and grains.

Plan your meals. Careful planning can prevent mindless eating. Adults should get 45 to 65 percent of their calories from carbohydrates, 10 to 35 percent from protein, and 20 to 30 percent from fat, Vitolins says. For some people, diabetic diet planning tools, such as counting carbohydrates and the create-your-plate method (which involves drawing imaginary lines on your plate to divide it into three sections, then putting nonstarchy vegetables in one section and starchy foods and meat/protein in the other sections), may be useful for meal planning.

Don't assume you know everything. Just because you've been diabetic for a long time doesn't mean that nutrition education won't help you. "In my opinion, people with type 2 diabetes may not be getting the amount of nutrition education they need to consume a healthful diet," Vitolins says. "I think people with type 2 diabetes need nutrition education 'boosters' or continual re-evaluations of their food intake over time." Ask your doctor for a referral to a dietitian or nutritionist if you think you could use a refresher.

Develop a support system. Identifying a person who McLaughlin calls a "champion"—someone who will listen and provide support for the healthy changes that you are trying to make—can be beneficial for diabetics. Ask this person to encourage you to consume healthy foods and engage in physical activity as a part of your daily life.

Be picky about where you eat. Select restaurants that specialize in healthy foods or that are willing to substitute high-fat foods for healthier ones.

Find advice online. There is a wealth of nutritional advice online for type 2 diabetics. Among McLaughlin's favorites: the ADA's My Food Advisor, a calorie and carbohydrate counting tool, the American Dietetic Association's Web site, MyPyramid.gov, and the National Diabetes Education Program.

Along with refining your dietary habits, it's important to take stock of your physical activity. You should "do something that requires you to move the large muscles in the body [arms and legs] for a goal of 30 minutes or more, five days a week or more," McLaughlin recommends. Research shows that restricting calories alone will result in loss of lean muscle mass and body fat, while a program of both exercise and calorie restriction should lead to a loss that is primarily body fat.

source: health.usnews

Women Should Attain a Healthy Weight Pre and Post Pregnancy The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is claiming that women ought not to diet when pregnant, however, they should try to attain a healthy weight pre and post pregnancy.

Several celebrities' having undergone quick weight loss after pregnancy can create additional pressure on women to lose weight by inappropriate means.

Women ought to try to attain a healthy weight after birth and it is not necessary to ‘eat for two’ when pregnant.

Women should not diet while pregnant, but should aim for a healthy weight before and after pregnancy, NICE has said.

Obese women who become pregnant are more likely to develop complications during pregnancy and childbirth, according to NICE. These complications include gestational diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, pre-eclampsia and thromboembolism.

NICE specifically decided not to make recommendations about the amount of weight women ought to gain during pregnancy as there was apparently not enough evidence upon which to base any recommendations.

source: diet.co.uk

Excess calcium may boost heart attack risk

A recent study shows that calcium supplements could create a greater risk for heart attack.

he millions of people who take calcium supplements to strengthen aging bones and ward off osteoporosis may be putting themselves at increased risk of a heart attack, a new study has found.

Older people who take at least 500 milligrams of calcium daily--less than the amount in a typical one-a-day calcium pill--are 30 percent more likely to have a heart attack than those who take no calcium at all, the study estimates.

But people taking calcium supplements should not stop without consulting their doctor, says John Baron, M.D. a professor of medicine at Dartmouth Medical School, in Lebanon, New Hampshire, and a co-author of the study. More research is needed to confirm and clarify the results, he says.

The modest benefit that calcium supplements have on building bone density and reducing bone fractures may not justify the heart risks for most patients, Baron and his colleagues suggest. Bone loss and fractures are a major health concern among older people.

The findings, published in the journal BMJ, have some experts questioning whether calcium supplements should be used as widely as they are now, especially by elderly women, who suffer disproportionately from both heart disease and osteoporosis.

Sharonne Hayes, M.D., the director of the Women's Heart Clinic at the Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota, says that in the past she did not discourage any of her patients from taking calcium supplements. Now, she says, she will try to determine whether her patients have a calcium deficiency before making a recommendation either way.

"Up until this point, there was no evidence of harm," says Hayes, who was not involved in the new research. "Now there needs to be a good reason to use [supplements]."

In the study, researchers combined data from 11 clinical trials in which patients were randomly assigned to receive calcium supplements or placebo pills. In all, the trials included nearly 12,000 people who were followed for an average of about four years. Most were women, and the average age was 72.

About 2.7 percent of the participants taking calcium had heart attacks during the trials, compared with 2.2 percent of those taking a placebo. This translated into an increased risk of between 27 percent and 31 percent, depending on how the researchers analyzed the data.

Although the increase in risk associated with calcium supplements was small, it could represent a large number of additional heart attacks in the general population because of how many people take the supplements, the authors note.

Baron was surprised by the findings. "Calcium supplements have been widely used for quite a while," he says. "Other studies have suggested, if anything, that [calcium] might have a protective effect."

The findings do not imply that people should reduce the amount of calcium in their diet, Hayes stresses. Calcium is found in vegetables, fortified cereal, and dairy products such as milk and yogurt, which are an important source of vitamin D in addition to calcium.

"Calcium isn't bad," she says.

John Cleland, M.D., a cardiologist at Hull York Medical School, in the United Kingdom., says that calcium supplements are helpful for "very few" patients.

They may be beneficial for some children, some pregnant women and people with proven calcium deficiency (a relatively rare condition), says Cleland, author of an editorial accompanying the study. But, he adds, "there's no evidence for use in older people" who do not have calcium deficiencies.

Doctors should not recommend calcium supplements for patients with osteoporosis unless the patients are also taking an effective osteoporosis treatment, Cleland and his co-author conclude.

It's unclear how calcium supplements might increase heart attack risk. They may contribute to the hardening of arteries (atherosclerosis) by increasing calcium levels in the blood, or they may cause changes to blood flow. Hormone responses caused by calcium may also be involved, the study notes.

The study leaves several unanswered questions for future research. The researchers only included patients who were taking calcium supplements but not vitamin D supplements, for instance. That combination--often found in a single pill--is common and may have a different effect than calcium alone on heart risk, as vitamin D is believed to promote heart health.

source: cnn

Diet 'more effective' than drugs in delaying diabetes

Compared to taking anti-diabetes drugs, adopting a healthy diet and regular exercise are more effective in staving off diabetes for a decade, a new study finds.

According to the study published in The Lancet, lifestyle changes resulting in small but long-term weight loss is twice as effective as drug treatment for preventing type 2 diabetes.

Following a healthy diet combined with a half an hour of exercise five days a week reduces the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 58 percent.

Taking metformin -- a drug commonly used to treat diabetes, conversely, lowers the risk of the condition by nearly one-third.

While lifestyle intervention postpones the onset of diabetes by four years, the delay time would be about two years in those taking medication.

The benefits of intensive lifestyle intervention were reported to be stronger among the elderly.

"There seems to be no short cut, and a persistent and prolonged intensive lifestyle intervention seems to be the most effective way to travel on it," said Anoop Misra, a specialist in diabetes in New Delhi.

Despite the fact that lifestyle and metformin are both useful for delaying or preventing diabetes, scientists concluded that dieting is more effective than medication.

SOURCE: presstv.ir

Dementia: Rare Brain Disorder Is Highly Hereditary New research shows that a rare brain disorder that causes early dementia is highly hereditary. The study is published in the November 3, 2009, issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

The brain disorder, called frontotemporal dementia, is formerly known as Pick's disease and destroys parts of the brain, leading to dementia, including problems with language or changes in behavior and personality. The disease often affects people under the age of 65.

"Knowing your family's health history may be one way for people to better predict their risk of developing dementia," said study author Jonathan Rohrer, MRCP Clinical Research Fellow at the Dementia Research Center at the University College London in the United Kingdom.

For the study, blood was drawn from 225 people who were diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. The people were asked about family history of dementia and given a score of one through four. A score of one represents a person who had at least three relatives with dementia and an autosomal dominant inheritance, meaning that an affected person has one mutant gene and one normal gene and has a 50-percent chance of passing the mutant gene and therefore the disorder on to their offspring. A score of four represents a person with no family history of dementia.

The study found that nearly 42 percent of participants scored between a one and a 3.5, meaning they had some family history of dementia. However, only 10 percent had an autosomal dominant gene history.

The people in the study also had their DNA tested for five gene mutations thought to cause frontotemporal dementia. Mutations were found in two of the five genes.

"Many people were still found to have a strong family history of dementia even without having any of the five known gene mutations, suggesting that there are still unknown genes that cause frontotemporal dementia," said Rohrer.

"Discovering new genes and gene mutations could provide another key to unlocking the doors to new treatments and prevention strategies for dementia."

The study also found that behavioral problems associated with frontotemporal dementia were the most likely to be hereditary, while language problems were the least likely to be hereditary.

The study is supported by the United Kingdom Department of Health's NIHR Biomedical Research Centers, the Medical Research Council UK and the Alzheimer's Research Trust in the United Kingdom.

SOURCE: sciencedaily

Medical device problems hurt 70,000+ kids annually CHICAGO -- More than 70,000 children and teens go to the emergency room each year for injuries and complications from medical devices, and contact lenses are the leading culprit, the first detailed national estimate suggests.

About one-fourth of the problems were things like infections and eye abrasions in contact lens wearers. These are sometimes preventable and can result from wearing contact lenses too long without cleaning them.

Other common problems found by researchers at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration include puncture wounds from hypodermic needles breaking off in the skin while injecting medicine or illegal drugs; infections in young children with ear tubes; and skin tears from pelvic devices used during gynecological exams in teen girls.

Malfunction and misuse are among possible reasons; the researchers are working to determine how and why the injuries occurred and also are examining the prevalence in adults. Those efforts might result in FDA device warnings, depending on what they find, said study co-author Dr. Brock Hefflin.

The most serious problems involved implanted devices such as brain shunts for kids with hydrocephalus (water on the brain); chest catheters for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at home; and insulin pumps for diabetics. Infections and overdoses are among problems associated with these devices. Only 6 percent of patients overall had to be hospitalized.

Dr. Steven Krug, head of emergency medicine at Chicago's Children's Memorial Hospital, said the study highlights a trade-off linked with medical advances that have enabled chronically ill children to be treated at home and live more normal lives.

Home care can be challenging for families; Krug says he has seen children brought in because catheters were damaged or became infected.

"Health care providers need to be aware of these kids and their devices and how to recognize or diagnose" related problems, Krug said. He was not involved in the study.

The study appears in Pediatrics, published online Monday.

Hefflin and lead author Dr. Cunlin Wang work in the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health. They note there has been recent concern about medical device safety in children, particularly since many devices intended for adults are used in children.

The researchers analyzed medical records from ER visits reported in a national injury surveillance system. Based on data from about 100 nationally representative hospitals, they estimated that 144,799 medical device-related complications occurred during 2004 and 2005, or more than 70,000 yearly.

Almost 34,000 problems were linked with contact lenses in the two-year period. The rest were scattered among 12 other categories including general medical devices such as needles and catheters, gynecology devices and heart devices.

Hefflin said the study is the first to evaluate device-related injuries in children only. It did not include device problems in already hospitalized children.

source: washingtonpost

Angelina Jolie's Unveils Its Beauty Secret

It's simpler than you think, and anyone can do it. Angelina Jolie recently revealed what makes her so beautiful.

Click here to see the video to find out what it is!

Wouldn't it be awesome if Angie let us know on a regular basis what life was like in the Jolie-Pitt household, including beauty tips? Well, the actress just joined Twitter! Unfortunately, she won't be tweeting anytime soon.

"Jolie had her people obtain the account for her so no one else could have that username," a source tells UsMagazine.com. "There was actually someone else using @AngelinaJolie but Angelina requested the account suspended and took it over."

Bummer! Maybe someday she'll change her mind and tell us non-Hollywood types what we can do to be more like her.

source: starpulse

Healthy Diet Foods to Prevent Hair Loss Resulting Hair Regrowth

There are probably a thousand different things you can do to prevent hair loss. Some people spend loads of money on hair regrowth products while others choose to go for a variety of home remedies to avoid this sign of aging. However, what a lot of people seem to neglect is the importance of what they eat when it comes to caring for their hair.

Based on scientific research, a healthy diet is also necessary to ensure the healthy growth of hair. For one thing, the vitamins and nutrients in certain food products are able to contribute greatly to the growth as well as the prevention of hair loss.

Eggs

The protein, vitamin B-12 and biotin present in eggs are essential in the promotion of healthy hair. Aside from being easy to prepare, a lot of recipes also make use of eggs so it wouldn't be difficult at all to include this particular food product in your everyday diet. Boiled, poached, fried, or any other style of cooking will do; eggs will surely be helpful in the prevention of hair loss.

Other Forms of Poultry

It is also important to incorporate other types of poultry into your diet because of the protein they provide. This particular mineral is necessary in keeping the hair healthy so you may want to think about eating more chicken. However, be wary of how these are cooked as oily foods (i.e. deep fried) will bring more harm than good. Roasted or baked poultry will definitely be better as you are able to absorb more protein without the unwanted cholesterol.

Beans

Beans are another healthy source of protein. Moreover, beans also have other helpful minerals such as iron, calcium and biotin. Of the three, biotin is probably the most important when it comes to hair care as this mineral prevents the hair from being too brittle.

Salmon

The last source of protein we will be mentioning on this list is salmon fish. A lack of protein will result in hair strands that grow at a slower rate so be sure to stock up on protein. Salmon for instance, is another excellent source of this mineral as are the other food products mentioned earlier. In salmon, we also find other vitamins such as iron and vitamin B-12, which are both very beneficial for the scalp's health.

Go Nuts

Selenium is another essential mineral for the prevention of hair loss and it is most commonly found in nuts. This mineral helps promote a healthier scalp and they are usually present in all sorts of nuts including almonds, pecans, cashews, and walnuts.

Leafy Greens

The vitamin C and vitamin A found in leafy green vegetables are necessary in improving the body's immune system. A healthy immune system results in a body that is able to combat harmful bacteria - including those that may be harmful to our hair. Especially those that have a darker shade of green, veggies are able to secrete an oily substance that serves as the hair's protective layer. Next time, think twice before saying no to that salad.

source: bestsyndication

Worried about heart attacks, try this heart quiz If you are male and you're worried about heart attacks, try this quiz.

1. Are you a non-smoker?
If not, be warned! Cigarette smoke contains over 850 nasty things many of which cause serious damage to your heart. Result? A pack of cigarettes gives you twice the risk of a heart attack and five times the risk of a stroke.

2. Do you take regular exercise?
If not, be warned! A man who leads a sedentary lifestyle has twice the risk of a heart attack.

3. Do you limit your consumption of very-high-fat food?
[Like roast lamb, minced beef, rashers, sausages, burgers, takeaways, fried food, pastries, mayonnaise, cream-cakes, crisps and chocolate] If not, be warned! This type of food contains saturated fat which is a major culprit in heart disease.

4. Do you eat 3/4 daily helpings of fruit & 3/4 helpings of veg?
If not, you should! Why? Because these foods offer significant protection against heart disease. If you smoke, you should eat even more: I suggest 5 helpings of each. Sadly, both Ireland and the UK eat comparatively little fruit and vegetables and have a huge number of heart deaths.

5. Do you eat regular helpings of oily fish, like mackerel, sardines, herring and salmon?
If not, you should! Why? Because oily fish contains a unique type of fat that according to experts actually reduces the risk of heart disease.

6. Do you manage to avoid regular stress?
If not, be warned! Your chances of a heart attack can double in the 60 minutes following a stressful event.

7. Do you watch your weight?
If not, be warned! Being 28 pounds (2 stone) overweight doubles your risk of heart disease. It also doubles the risk of strokes, and quadruples the risk of diabetes. To give you a rough idea of when you're at risk, an 'average' six foot tall man is 28 pounds (2 stone) overweight at about 217 pounds (15' stone). A man of 5 feet 10 inches, at about 208 pounds (14 stone 12 pounds).

8. Do you avoid heavy-drinking sessions?
If not, you should! Why? Because alcohol is a poison which robs your body of several important vitamins and minerals which protect your heart. One glass of wine or a pint of beer a day may be beneficial, but more is risky and indulging in heavy-drinking sessions is asking for trouble.

9. Do you eat a balanced diet?
If not, you should. Why? Because there are about 45 nutrients which help to keep us healthy and they all work together. A balanced diet has lots of fruit, vegetables, bread, potatoes, cereal, fish, chicken and beans, plus a modest selection of low-fat dairy products and a small amount of lean red meat. No more than 100g (4oz), twice a week.

RESULTS
Ideally, you answered Yes to all of these questions. And if not to all, then to seven of them at least, especially if you are over 30 years of age. If you didn�t, I strongly recommend a visit to your local health clinic for a cholesterol test. It�s a simple, quick procedure and the nurse will be able to give you all the necessary advice.

Finally, ask your wife to answer this quiz, as well. Although her risk of heart disease is much lower before the menopause, afterwards it�s a different story. In fact, heart disease is the most common cause of death for woman over 50.

Top 5 Healthy Foods You Should Be Eating Daily

Yogurt is also loaded with protein and has solid amounts of vitamin B12, riboflavin and potassium in it.

The five foods presenting here are ones that you should be eating everyday.

Loaded with essential vitamins and nutrients, these "super" foods provide the body with everything it needs to thrive.

Tomatoes

Main vitamin or nutrient: Lycopene

If you don’t have them growing in your back yard, chances are, you have them in your fridge. Tomatoes are a simple staple that many generations across many different cultures have and continue to use widely. It is estimated that the average person eats around 80 pounds of tomatoes per year. These red bulbs make a perfect accent to a wide variety of foods. They are available year round, canned or fresh, and they are relatively inexpensive. But the best part about tomatoes is that they are one of the healthiest foods you can give to your body.Tomatoes are composed of lycopene, a carotenoid that gives them their ruby red color.

Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant with cancer fighting properties that has shown to be effective in preventing both prostate and breast cancer. Like other antioxidants, lycopene destroys free radicals in the body that may otherwise damage cells and they slow down the aging process. Tomatoes are also relatively high in vitamins A and C, which are great for fighting colds, and they have small amounts of fiber, potassium, niacin, and other trace minerals as well.

Yogurt

Main vitamin or nutrient: Live, active bacterial cultures and calcium

Yogurt is a staple in most households. Your mom probably fed it to you as a kid, and she was a smart lady in doing so because yogurt is not only very high in calcium, which keeps your bones and teeth strong and healthy, but it is rich in live bactierial cultures. These active cultures usually refer to Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermaophilus, which are two organisms that convert pasteurized milk into yogurt during the fermentation process. Never thought living organisms in your food could be good for you? The live microbes found in yogurt encourage the right type of bacteria to flourish in your digestive system, which allows you to process food and absorb nutrients better.

Furthermore, these organisms are helpful in building a strong immune system and they have the potential to lower cholesterol. Studies are being conducted to prove their effect on fighting certain types of gastrointestinal illness, certain infections and cancer as well.Yogurt is also loaded with protein and has solid amounts of vitamin B12, riboflavin and potassium in it. Plus, it comes in a variety of flavors, which means that you can mix it up everyday without getting tired of it.

Avocados

Main vitamin or nutrient: Potassium and glutathione

It’s time to take guacamole off of your "do not eat" list. Long considered a threat to the waistline because of its high fat content, avocados now top the list of healthy foods you should eat everyday. Avocados are extremely high in potassium and are a great source of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that destroys free radicals in the body. Free radicals are responsible for promoting disease and accelerating aging in the body.In addition to the high levels of glutathione that avocados contain, they also have a high monounsaturated fat content, which means they have the ability to lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol in the body.

These benefits have been shown to improve the heart health of those living with high blood pressure and diabetes. Avocados are also high in vitamin E, which is another antioxidant that protects the cells and helps regulate cholesterol levels.Although avocados provide the body with many critical nutrients, don’t overdo it. They are high in fat, so eating them in excess can add inches to your gut over time.

Dark, leafy greens

Main vitamin or nutrient: Calcium

Dairy products are not the only way to ensure you’re getting enough calcium. Believe it or not, dark, leafy greens including spinach, kale, arugula, and Swiss chard are great ways to ensure you’re giving your bones what they need.Calcium is integral in building and maintaining healthy bones and teeth and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Added to that, calcium is important in regulating the heart’s rhythm, the transmission of nerve impulses and blood clotting functions in the body.

Dark, leafy greens are also loaded with vitamin A, C and fiber, which are other essential vitamins the body needs everyday. To take advantage of all of these healthy benefits, make sure you order the salad on the side of your main dish instead of French fries.

Salmon

Main vitamin or nutrient: Omega-3 fatty acids

We know, it’s hard to eat fish everyday, but after you read this next section, you might want to reconsider.Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, a group of essential polyunsaturated fats. These fats are considered essential because the body cannot create them, they can only be obtained through food. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to improve heart health, protect against degenerative disease and reduce inflammation in people who consume regular amounts in their diet. Additionally, these healthy fats are thought to improve cognitive and behavioral functions and, in some cases, can effectively reduce symptoms caused from certain psychological disorders, including depression.In addition to the high omega-3 content, salmon is also a great source of protein and is lower in fat than other types of meat. It is rich in niacin, vitamin B12, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin B6.

Although healthy, salmon and other types of oily fish can occasionally contain trace amounts of heavy metals such as mercury and other toxins. These toxic levels are not as high as those found in other types of fish, and most of the health risks are typically associated with pregnant women or children, but it is important to read labels and try to purchase wild salmon whenever possible.

Eat Them Daily, Feel Good Forever

There you have it — our first list of healthy foods that you should be eating everyday if you want to improve and maintain your health. Even if you exercise, you need to supply your insides with the good stuff to keep a healthy body. Eating the foods listed above everyday will ensure that your body gets what it needs to function properly. So go on, grab your grocery list and make sure you add these five items to it. You'll thank me when you hit 60 and you're feeling better than you did at 20.

source: foxnews

Intake of healthy vegetarian diet during pregnancy prevents diabetes in unborn child

The need to eat healthy food during pregnancy for the health of unborn child is a well established fact. Recent study has shown that intake of vegetables during pregnancy can reduce the risk of Type 1 Diabetes in the child.

During type 1 diabetes, certain cells in the pancreas fail to produce insulin hence leading to insulin deficiency.

The recent study was based on the data collected from 6,000 five-year-olds. Children who are at higher risk of developing type-1 diabetes generally have high level of antibodies in blood, which attack insulin-producing cells.

Data analysis indicated that three percent children had high levels of antibodies or completely developed type 1 diabetes at the age of five.

The risk of developing type-1 diabetes was double in children whose mother’s consumption of green vegetables was very low. Children whose mother had green vegetables daily during pregnancy had lowest risk of type-1 diabetes.

Researcher and clinical nutritionist Hilde Brekke from Sahlgrenska Academy in Sweden said that this is the first study to show a link between vegetable intake during pregnancy and the risk of the child subsequently developing type-1 diabetes.

source: topnews.in

Household Insecticides May Be Linked to Autoimmune Diseases New research suggests a link between women's exposure to household insecticides -- including roach and mosquito killers -- and the autoimmune disorders rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

The scientist did not find a direct cause-and-effect relationship between insecticide exposure and the illnesses, and it's possible that the women have something else in common that accounts for their higher risk. But epidemiologist Christine Parks, lead investigator of the study, said the findings do raise a red flag.

"It's hard to envision what other factors might explain this association," said Parks, an epidemiologist with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences who was to present the study over the weekend at the American College of Rheumatology annual meeting in Philadelphia.

Previous research has linked agricultural pesticides to higher risk of rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, two diseases in which the immune system goes haywire and begins to attack the body. Farmers, among others, appear to be vulnerable.

Parks and her colleagues wanted to find out whether smaller doses of insecticides, such as those people might encounter at home from either personal or commercial residential use, might have a similar effect.

The researchers examined data from a previous study of almost 77,000 postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79. Their findings were to be released Monday at the American College of Rheumatology's annual scientific meeting in Philadelphia.

Women who reported applying insecticides or mixing them -- about half -- had a higher risk of developing the two autoimmune disorders than women who reported no insecticide use. This was the case whether or not they had lived on a farm. Those who used or mixed the insecticides the most -- judged by frequency or duration -- had double the risk.

Even so, the risk of developing the diseases remained very low. Overall, Parks said, about 2 percent of older adults develop the conditions.

Parks said the insecticides that the women used included insect killers, such as those designed to eradicate ants, wasps, termites, mosquitoes and roaches. They didn't include insect repellents.

There are some caveats to the research. For one, it's not clear exactly what products the women used or when. "Over time, there have been major changes in what products were available for home use," Parks said.

And while researchers tried to take into account the influence of factors like age that may boost a woman's risk of getting autoimmune diseases, it's possible they missed something that boosted the risk of illness.

Could gardening, which often entails insecticide use, be a contributing factor? That's possible. But Parks said a lot of insecticide use takes place inside the home, not outside in the garden.

For now, she said, the findings indicate the need for "more research on environmental risk factors and better understanding of what factors might explain these findings, what chemicals might be associated with these risks."

She declined to speculate on how insecticides might cause problems in the body.

"I would recommend that people read the labels and take precautions to minimize their personal exposure" to insecticides, she said. "This is the case regardless of whether these results are implicating a chemical that's on the market now or was before."

source: ajc

Changing Your Sexual Routine Benefits Sexual Health

This sex tip has had many variations over the years, but the central theme is about disrupting your regular sexual patterns. If that doesn’t sound like that much fun, stick with me, regardless of the outcome, trying this one out usually brings interesting (and sometimes hilarious) results.

Most people who have been in long term monogamous relationships experience a feeling of being stuck at one point or another.

For some it’s a steep or gradual decline in sexual activity, for others it’s a feeling a boredom after doing the same thing over and over again. One of the theories about why this happens is that humans naturally learn and habituate their sexual behaviors and sexual response, so once we find something that works for us we simply do it over and over again. Not surprisingly, we can end up feeling like we’re in a sexual rut, as if this is our one and only way of having sex, or getting sexual satisfaction.

But nothing could be further from the truth. We just don’t force ourselves to expand what sex could be like, or explore our own sexual potential, because we quite reasonably are drawn to what’s comfortable and what works.

This sex tip is designed to jolt you out of your comfort zone. The idea is to do things that are completely unexpected and incongruous with your usual sexual patterns. The results may not be immediately apparent, but if you stick with these exercises eventually you may find they inspire new thoughts and desires. The first tip involves breaking up the way you physically have sex.

Take random breaks
Most people start sex play and then follow it right through to a conclusion (usually one person or everyone having an orgasm). This pattern relies on the expectation of where sex will go, and a conscious or unconscious map of how you get there. It’s like a short story with a beginning, middle, and end. But it’s like a story you’ve read a thousand times, so you know what happens just before it starts, you know the clues that it’s about to shift from beginning to middle, and middle to end, and of course you know how it’s going to end.

To try something different, for a week or two, agree that both you and the person you’re having sex with, will randomly stop sex in the middle of it for a short break.

The break shouldn’t be so long that you lose your interest or momentum (so probably no more than a few minutes), but it should be long enough that you pull yourself out of the moment. Regardless of what’s going on, how hot and heavy it is, each of you should stop the sex at least twice during a single sexual encounter.

Call a break, stop what you’re doing, and just be there together for a few minutes. You may just hold each other while you’re catching your breath, you may take this moment to talk about something, or you may lie there silent. You should stay together physically during the break even if you don’t talk. Don’t feel pressure to say something during the break, just pay attention to what you’re thinking, and what your body is feeling.

At some later point, when you’re not having sex, try to share with your partner what the breaks are like:

1. Do they just feel stupid?

2. Do you notice anything that you hadn’t before about what you were thinking or feeling?

3. Do the breaks change the way the sex feels?

4. What’s it like to not know when the other is going to call a break?

Remember that the point of this is simply to be disruptive and stretch out the possibilities of what sex can be. There isn’t a specific goal of changing your sex life in one way or another. It may seem a ridiculous thing to do (particularly if you’re at a really good part) but you can always make sure you end with a bang, even if it takes you longer to get there.

source: about

Top 10 Vital Conditions Your Doctor Wont Be Able To Tell

The Top 10 vital signs your doctor might miss out.

SOME MEDICAL CONDITIONS CAN BE MISDIAGNOSED OR COMPLETELY MISSED, SO IT'S VITAL TO KNOW ABOUT MORE UNUSUAL SYMPTOMS.

1 Ovarian cancer

THERE are 4,000 deaths from ovarian cancer in the UK each year, according to the charity Cancer Research UK. If it's detected early, survival rates can be up to 80 per cent. But, tragically, in 60 per cent of women, the condition isn't diagnosed until in its advanced stages.

Recent research reveals that symptoms appear earlier than once thought but are often mistaken for minor conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. So be extra vigilant if you have a personal or family history of ovarian, breast or colon cancers, are post-menopausal and you've never had children.

Watch out for: Stomach pain, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, back pain, tiredness and needing to pass water more often than usual.

Check it out: See your GP as soon as possible. You should be given an internal examination and possibly diagnostic scans. If you have a family history of the disease, ask about screening.

2 Underactive thyroid

THIS affects one in 50 women and one in 1,000 men, and may be hereditary or triggered by stress, infection, pregnancy or medication. Symptoms are often put down to depression, especially postnatal depression, or other hormonal problems.

"Confusion arises when thyroid hormone levels test normal but the body can't use them properly," says Professor Nadir Farid, of London's Welington Hospital.

Watch out for: Tiredness, weight gain, mental fatigue, dry skin, thinning hair, depression, constipation, heavy, irregular periods and sensitivity to the cold.

Check it out: This is easily controlled with medication but if not diagnosed it can lead to heart disease, infertility and anaemia. See your doctor for a blood test. If results are normal but you still have unexplained symptoms, ask for a referral to a hormone specialist.

3 Whooping cough

FAR from being an "extinct" disease, a recent Oxford University study found that 40 per cent of children visiting their GPs with persistent coughs showed signs of the disease. And, according to the Health Protection Agency, one in four youngsters admitted to hospital didn't receive correct treatment.

Watch out for: A persistent cough with a whooping sound and possibly vomiting.

Check it out: Make sure your baby is fully vaccinated as whooping cough is most dangerous in children under a year old, potentially leading to pneumonia and death. Vaccination protection isn't life-long so if you or your child gets the above symptoms, ask your doctor for a blood test.

4 Carbon monoxide poisoning

LEAKS from faulty gas appliances, fires and central heating result in 30 carbon monoxide poisoning-related UK deaths a year. "You can't hear, see or smell it and the symptoms of mild poisoning may be similar to cold viruses," explains GP Dr Rob Hicks.

Watch out for: Headaches, nausea, dizziness, sore throat and dry cough, followed by tiredness, confusion, difficulty breathing, memory loss and co-ordination problems.

Check it out: Poisoning can be confirmed by a blood test. Prevent leaks with a carbon monoxide alarm and have chimneys, flues and gas appliances checked every year by a CORGI registered fitter.

5 Hepatitis C

THE symptoms of this potentially fatal liver disease often don't show for years. According to the Hepatitis Trust, 500,000 Brits are infected but only one in seven know it.

It's passed on through infected blood so you could be at risk if you had a blood transfusion or organ transplant before July 1992, I injected drugs, had a tattoo, piercing or acupuncture with dirty instruments. You can also catch it from unprotected sex.

Watch out for: Tiredness, sore muscles, headache, nausea or loss of appetite. Around a third of the patients develop cirrhosis of the liver up to 20 years after the virus has been caught, leading to liver failure.

Check it out: If you're at high risk, get a blood test. Drugs cure 60 to 80 per cent of sufferers.

6 Heart disease in women

WOMEN complaining of chest pain - a key heart disease symptom - are less likely to be given investigative tests and more likely to die of the disease than men, according to a study by University College London.

It's traditionally thought of as a male ilness despite the fact that it is responsible for the deaths of one in four women, whose symptoms can be mistaken for stress or depression.

Watch out for: Dull chest pain and feeling generally unwell are more common in women. Men are likely to get the "classic" sharp chest pain and pain down the left arm. Other signs include breathlessness, nausea and anxiety.

Check it out: "See your GP for a heart health assessment if you have a close relative who suffered from heart disease before 55 if a man or 65 if a woman," says cardiac nurse specialist Michaela Nuttall.

"Other risk factors are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking, drinking, fatty diet, inactivity and stress."

Seek medical help if you experience symptoms listed above.

Treatment may involve drugs or a procedure called an angioplasty to widen blocked arteries.

7 Parkinson's disease

FIVE to 10 per cent of patients with this degenerative disease of the nervous system, are misdiagnosed with other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or frozen shoulder, according to medical journal Neurology. And the Parkinson's Disease Society claims that only one in four GPs has any expertise in the condition. Risk factors include age and exposure to pesticides. It's also more common in men and can be hereditary.

Watch out for: Trembling on one side of the body, such as the hand when at rest, stiffness, stooped posture, difficulty walking, poor sense of smell and depression. However, 30 per cent of sufferers may not experience a tremor.

Check it out: Ask your GP to refer you to a neurologist for a definite diagnosis. If the symptoms don't improve with medication, get a second opinion.

8 Multiple Sclerosis

MULTIPLE sclerosis destroys nerves and damages the brain's messaging system, affecting movement, speech, sight and memory.

There are 85,000 UK sufferers and diagnosis is difficult as symptoms may come and go. There's also no definitive test and it's often confused with other auto-immune diseases (where the body attacks its own tissues) or chronic fatigue syndrome. If a close relative has MS, your risk may be slightly higher.

Watch out for: Blurred or double vision, fatigue, tingling, dizziness, lack of co-ordination, tremors and concentration problems, typically between the ages of 20 and 40.

Check it out: Early treatment can slow the disease's progression. You should be given an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan and be referred to a neurologist.

9 Polycystic ovarian syndrome

UP to one in four women have, polycystic ovarian syndrome - multiple cysts on the ovaries - but it only causes problems in 15 per cent. The condition is due to a hormonal imbalance that sometimes prevents ovulation, reducing fertility. However, it's often missed because it tends to start in teenage years and many of the symptoms are common in puberty.

Watch out for: Weight gain that's difficult to shift, irregular periods, acne, infertility, excess body or facial hair.

Check it out: Correct diagnosis through blood tests and ultrasound is important because PCOS can increase the risk of miscarriage, coronary heart disease, diabetes, depression and fatty liver.

According to Prof Farid: "The contraceptive Pill is often prescribed to control symptoms but it doesn't address the real problem, which is insulin resistance. If sufferers lose weight, they'll lessen this resistance and the drug Metformin can further lower` it."

10 Meningitis

BACTERIAL meningitis causes inflammation of the brain and may lead to blood poisoning. It's easy to miss because early symptoms are similar to flu - prompt treatment is vital. Children under one or young adults aged 15-19 are most at risk and it's more common in winter.

Watch out for: High temperature, fever, vomiting, headaches and tiredness. Babies may make a high-pitched moan, have a blank expression, blotchy complexion or bulging fontanelle (soft spot on the head). Children or adults may have a stiff neck, aches and pains, confusion and dislike of bright lights. Another possible symptom is a rash that doesn't go when you press on it with a glass. Check it out: Go straight to your nearest accident and emergency department if you're concerned. If you've seen a doctor and are still worried, don't be afraid to ask for a second opinion as the condition can be fatal. Emergency treatment with antibiotics and hospital visits are vital.

source: mirror

New Innovations in Weight Loss Surgery

By Susan Brady

Obesity surgery has been shown to be the only long-term effective means of weight loss for morbidly obese patients, typically working far better than diet, exercise or drugs, but as with any surgery there are risks, chief among them surgically opening the abdomen and a resulting scar. But there are less invasive methods, including a new procedure developed by a doctor from Southern California a North Carolina medical-device company.

Dr. Brian Quebbemann, surgical director at The N.E.W. Program weight-loss center in Newport Beach and TransEnterix, Inc. have teamed up to develop the Spider surgical tool, which allowed surgeons to perform bariatric surgery without the typical surgical incision. The tool enters through a small hole made in the belly button and cuts down the capacity of the stomach, by up to 80 percent.

Approved by the FDA last year, the Spider has multiple instrument channels, allowing the surgeon to insert flexible instruments to expand the abdomen (kind of like an umbrella), miniscule cameras to view the working environment, and surgical tools to trim the stomach and make sutures. The Spider is then removed through the same hole.

Also on the horizon, and currently in a multi-center study to gain FDA approval, is the TOGA System, a less-invasive bariatric procedure that is performed endoscopically (through the mouth). A set of flexible devices is inserted through the mouth into the stomach in order to staple together sections of the stomach and thus reduce its overall food capacity.

The TOGA System is a set of flexible stapling devices that is inserted through the mouth into the stomach. Once the device is in place, suction is used to gather together tissue from both sides of the stomach into the device. The collected tissue is then fastened together with titanium staples. The procedure creates a small stomach pouch, shaped like a narrow sleeve, at the top of the stomach. Once the stomach is stapled and the procedure is complete, the device is removed from the body.

source: healthnews

Kids health: Tips to prevent dehydration while playing outdoors

Kids love to play outdoors. In fact, this is one of the most important aspects in growing up not only in developing their physical fitness but also to develop social skills which need to grow along with the child. Although playing outdoors is a good idea, in certain instances, too much of outdoor activities especially in un-conducive climates might lead to health problems.

One instance in which the kids can develop health problems is when they play in the hot sun for a prolonged period. But, even in a milder climate, if the activities are vigorous things can become bad. Among these health hazards, dehydration should top the list and as parents and caregivers, we need to take every effort to avoid such manifestations while the kids are playing outdoors.

Thus, when a child complains of thirst, dizziness, uneasiness, inability to continue for some reason after a session in the outdoors, we need to take note and assess the child of being dehydrated to prevent any further complications. The detection would be rather difficult and at times, you may have to trust your instincts. But, at no time you should be reluctant to give your child the necessary fluids.

Let us now see what measures can be taken in order to prevent these kids from getting dehydrated at times of playing outdoors.

-Avoid hot sun when allowing kids to go out and play.

-Make them adequately hydrated before start of play to keep them going.

-Instruct them to take fluids as they feel the thirst to avoid becoming dehydrated.

-Make them wear hats, caps and light clothing to minimize the fluid loss and well as the heat.

-Let them have plenty of rest after a session of outdoor play activities before starting another session.

-Avoid giving carbonated drinks to replenish the lost body fluids and to recover from dehydration.

-Dress them preferably in light clothing if the possibility of suns exposure is high.

-Cool them down as and when necessary during prolonged exposure to sun’s heat.

-Have an extra pair of jerseys and trousers to change when the existing once get drenched in sweat.

In any event, if the child seems to be excessively tired and lifeless, stopping the activity and replenishing the fluid requirements should be undertaken. At no point should a child be forced to go outdoors in such instances without proper protection and being adequately re-hydrated.

If you are in doubt whether the childs dehydration is adequately tackled, it is always best to take the advice of your health care provider for further management.

source: helium

Insecure relationships elevate risk of cardiovascular diseases

A new research delving into the quality of relationships found that people trapped in insecure attachments not only endure emotional turmoil but also appear to be at an increased risk of several chronic ailments.

A new research delving into the quality of relationships found that people trapped in insecure attachments not only endure emotional turmoil but also appear to be at an increased risk of several chronic ailments.

According to researchers, an out-of-control relationship fraught with tensions, stress and strain elevates the risk of "metabolic syndrome", which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke.

Lead author of the study, Dr Lachlan A. McWilliams of Canada’s Acadia University stated, "Much of the health research regarding attachment has focused on pain conditions, so we were initially surprised that some of our strongest findings involved conditions related to the cardiovascular system.”

Link between insecure relationship and health assessed
In order to understand the link between dysfunctional relationships and certain health problems, the researchers examined data on 5,645 adults aged 18 to 60 years.

Based on their relationship status, the participants were classified into secure attachments (being comfortable, depending on others, and being close to others), avoidant attachments (feeling uncomfortable, being close to others, and having difficulty trusting others) or anxious attachments (feeling reluctant about getting close to people and worrying about not being loved).

All the participants were asked to furnish details about their health with stress on problems like chronic back or neck pain, arthritis, mild or severe headaches, seasonal allergies, stroke, and heart attack.

In addition, they also disclosed whether a doctor had told them that they had heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, chronic lung disease, diabetes, high blood sugar, ulcers, epilepsy, seizures, or cancer [abnormal cells that divide without control, which can invade nearby tissues or spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body. ] .

Outcome of the study
After taking into account their history of psychological syndrome such as depression [a mental state characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and a despondent lack of activity] , anxieties, and substance abuse, the researchers noted that an anxious attachment elevated the risk of developing cardiovascular problems, stroke, blood pressure as well as pain-related conditions like severe headaches.

Dr McWilliams stated, "These findings suggest that insecure attachment may be a risk factor for a wide range of health problems, particularly cardiovascular diseases.

“Longitudinal research on this topic is needed to determine whether insecure attachment predicts the development of cardiovascular disease and the occurrence of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks.

“The findings also raise the possibility that interventions aimed at improving attachment security could also have positive health outcomes."

The study was published in the July issue of the Health Psychology journal.

source: themedguru

New service for teenagers with inflammatory bowel disease A new service for teenagers suffering from inflammatory bowel disease has been launched by Bradford Royal Infirmary.

The gastroenterology unit has developed a transition clinic which aims to help ease the move from child to adult-orientated health care smoothly.

IBD is the term used to cover the chronic conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis – painful conditions which affect anywhere from the mouth to the bottom and can lead to a narrowing in the gut. Typical signs include diahorrea and bleeding, weight loss, failure to thrive, abdominal pain and sometimes malnutrition.

BRI consultant gastroenterologist, Dr Cathryn Preston, said: “The move from paediatric to adult clinics can be very daunting for teenagers during what can be a very important and vulnerable time in their lives.

“Young people need to know they will be supported through this transition smoothly and successfully as it is an important factor if they are to achieve their maximum potential in terms of education, health, development and well-being.”

One young Bradford patient, who is supporting the new clinic is 16-year-old Salma Ahmed. She said: “Suffering from something like Crohn’s disease makes you grow up quicker and it’s made me realise that life is not a bed of roses.

“There were tough times – the long nights, the long stays in hospital, the pain, but the new clinic sounds really beneficial to young people in Bradford because it will help the transition to adult healthcare run more smoothly and give young people, at a vulnerable stage of their life, time to get used to the change in medical help.”

In Bradford, around 1,600 adults and 50 children suffer from the lifelong condition. The average age for presenting with the disease is 11 and there is slightly more ulcerative colitis in children from a south Asian background.

source: thetelegraphandargus.co.uk

Swine Flu (H1N1) Hits India, 3 Dead, 328 Infected In July New Delhi, India (AHN) - A four-year-old Surat girl from Gujarat died on Wednesday while she was undergoing treatment for swine flu. Doctors from the Surat Municipal Institute of Medical and Education Research said that the girl did not leave the city, causing concern for a new outbreak.

Resident of Bhakti Nagar in Pandesara, Muskan Gopal Singh was reportedly admitted to the hospital late on Tuesday in a very serious condition and was given medication for the virus immediately after being admitted to the hospital. However, the medication did not help and she died a day later.

The casualty in Gujarat came just three days after a 25-year-old woman, Jyoti Singh, died while undergoing a treatment at Utter Pradesh’s CSM Medical University in Lucknow. Hakkami village, from where Jyoti belonged, was put on swine flu alert and residents were requested to go for a swine flu test in case of any symptoms of the virus.

Meanwhile, 20 people, including five children and a pregnant woman, on Wednesday tested positive for swine flu. With this, the number of cases rose to 328 this month.

In Kolkata, 26 others were undergoing treatment at different hospitals in the city with two of them were in critical state. The H1N1 claimed life of city’s first victim, a 58-year-old, who was also suffering from multiple myeloma, on Tuesday.

In a separate development, Italy has reported second incidence of madcow disease in a 42-year-old woman from Livorno.

Soon after diagnosing the woman with a variant of the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) - the human form of the fatal brain-wasting illness, the Milan neurological hospital transferred her to western Tuscan region of Livorno where she was believed to be in her final stages of the disease.

The doctors could not find out how the woman got infected from the CJD. This is the second madcow case in last eight years.

The news broke out less than a week after the European Union proclaimed that it had almost eradicated madcow disease in all animals from Europe.

source: allheadlinenews

Brain health: What you need to know about brain fog

The occurrence of brain fog is a common health concern among thousands of people. Unfortunately, brain fog is one of those loosely defined unknown ailments that is not recognized as a medical or psychological condition.

The symptoms associated with brain fog, however, are very real and can be alarming for those who suffer from them. If you’ve been having problems with concentration, memory and clarity, you may be experiencing this aggravating ailment.

What is brain fog?

Brain fog is defined as a feeling of being somewhat disconnected or spaced out, mentally confused and lacking clarity, focus and concentration. Other symptoms may include a decrease in short-term memory, reduced attention span and the onset of forgetfulness. The condition can present itself slowly over a short period of time or progress very quickly.

Individuals who suffer from brain fog will describe the feeling of being zoned out, detached, and “stuck inside their head.” Some sufferers also report that they feel a tingling on top of their head, a sensation of cotton balls being in their head, and an impairment in their vision.
Brain fog triggers and causes

Although it is difficult to prove the causes of brain fog, there are many theories as to its origins. According to various articles written on the condition, stress and lack of sleep are often to blame.

As we all know, restful sleep is essential for keeping the brain functioning at optimal capacity. A prolonged disruption in the normal sleeping cycle can result in moodiness, depression and a decrease in the brain’s functioning. For this reason, brain fog is also associated with other less defined illnesses such as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, which disrupt an individual’s normal healthy sleep patterns.

Brain fog has also been linked to autoimmune diseases such as lupus and multiple sclerosis due in part to the effects of these diseases on the body and the body’s inability to get rid of toxins.

The causes of brain fog, however, are not limited to autoimmune disorders. Symptoms may be the result of hypoglycemia and other fluctuations in blood sugar levels, food sensitivities, and deficiencies in vitamin B-12, magnesium, amino acids and copper. Other possible causes include chronic viral infections, metal toxicity, and side effects from medications used to treat anxiety, sleep disorders and nausea.

Ailments affecting the digestive system such as chronic constipation, diarrhea, irritable or inflammatory disease, can cause a build up of toxins and trigger brain fog. Pregnant women, new moms, and menopausal females may suffer from brain fog due to changes in hormones. Individuals who battle the overabundance of yeast or Candida in their system can experience brain fog. The condition can also be caused by chemical overload due to indoor fumes arising from building materials or furniture.

9 Tips to clear your head

1. See your doctor first. There are many proactive measures one can take to reduce the effects of brain fog, but before embarking on your own health regime, schedule an appointment with your doctor to rule out any undetected abnormalities. Blood tests can confirm whether your brain fog is caused from a mineral imbalance, food sensitivities or allergies.

2. Be patient and keep researching. It may be difficult to determine the cause behind brain fog because the triggers can vary widely from person to person. Be patient, keep a positive attitude, and continue to ferret out the possible triggers.

3. Follow a healthy lifestyle. As with so many other conditions, oftentimes the key to recovery is taking care of yourself. Be sure to follow a healthy diet, get a daily dose of moderate exercise and prioritize sound sleep.

4. Clean up your diet. If you are a regular consumer of artificial sweeteners or foods that contain MSG, eliminate them from your diet. Although fish and seafood contain many contain healthy nutrients, they can also contain mercury which may trigger brain fog if eaten in large quantities over a long period of time.

5. Get rid of the chemicals. You may need to give your cleaning products an overhaul. Consider eco-friendly products over products made with harsh ingredients. If you suspect the building materials or furniture in your house are the problem, talk to a building professional about the types of finishes and chemicals that are lurking in your house.

6. Elimate the allergens. People who are sensitive to dairy and grain products or other food allergens may find relief by limiting or eliminating these foods from their diet. Consult with a food allergy specialist to determine if you have food allergies and the best way to ensure you still get your recommended daily intake of vitamins and minerals.

7. Consider supplements. Some recommended supplements that can help reduce brain fog include coenzyme Q-10, vitamins B6 and B12, calcium, and antioxidants such as vitamin C. Your best option is foods containing these nutrients; however, supplements can ensure you are getting enough.

8. Eat more healthy fats. If your brain fog is caused by elevated cholesterol levels, consuming foods that contain monounsaturated fatty acids like almonds, avocados and olives, can help reduce the build-up in your arteries and improve blood flow to the brain. Consult with your doctor for other cholesterol lowering tips.

9. Keep a journal. If you have experienced repeated episodes of brain fog, consider keeping a daily diary of your activities, sleep patterns, emotional responses, foods that you have consumed, and any other factors that may play a part in triggering the condition. Sometimes, the process of elimination can lead to the best remedy and outcome.

source: sheknows

What causes nosebleeds? Preventive Actions

The nose is a part of the body rich in blood vessels (vascular) and is situated in a vulnerable position as it protrudes on the face. As a result, trauma to the face can cause nasal injury and bleeding. The bleeding may be profuse, or simply a minor complication.

Nosebleeds can occur spontaneously when the nasal membranes dry out and crack. This is common in dry climates, or during the winter months when the air is dry and warm from household heaters. People are more susceptible to bleeding if they are taking medications which prevent normal blood clotting warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, or any anti-inflammatory medication]. In this situation, even a minor trauma could result in significant bleeding.

The incidence of nosebleeds is higher during the colder winter months when upper respiratory infections are more frequent, and the temperature and humidity fluctuate more dramatically. In addition, changes from a bitter cold outside environment to a warm, dry, heated home results in drying and changes in the nose which will make it more susceptible to bleeding.

Nosebleeds also occur in hot dry climates with low humidity, or when there is a change in the seasons.

The following factors predispose people to nosebleeds:

• Infection
• Trauma, including self-induced by nose picking
• Allergic and non-allergic rhinitis
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Use of blood thinning medications
• Alcohol abuse
• Less common causes include tumors and inherited bleeding problems

Preventive Actions

Here are some tips on how you can prevent nosebleed:

1. If you are prone to nosebleeds, check the humidity in your house, and raise it to the normal range. Keep the heat low from 60-64 degrees in your bedroom.

2. Always keep nostrils moist. Take a shower and breathe deeply to get the moisture into your nose. Then put petroleum jelly on the inside of your nose to keep it moist. A saline solution spray will might also help.

3. Limit blood thinners such as Aspirin, vitamin E, Coumadin, heparin, garlic, ginger and ginseng are blood thinners. If you will use blood thinners, inform your doctor about the nosebleeds.

4. Daily consumption of citrus fruit can also help eliminate recurring nosebleeds. The bioflavonoids (a class of antioxidants) found in the fruit, appears to help with the prevention. Bioflavonoids also help strengthen the blood vessel that makes them less likely to rupture.

5. Avoid foods that may give you a severe allergic reaction, like milk and wheat.

6. Putting a few drops of castor oil, vitamin E or zinc oxide in your nose each day will prevent frequent nosebleeds.

7. You need also to avoid spicy foods and fried foods.

8. Do not scratch your nose very hard, especially if the inside is sensitive, or your nose is very dry.

What causes your baby's heart to beat fast

Most mom's get excited their baby learn new things every single day. But lately they notice that sometimes baby's heart beats much faster although she does not seem tired or restless.

You are worried that your baby will develop heart disease although it doesn’t really run in your family. Why does baby’s heart beat fast?

Age is an important factor that affects heart rate or the number of heart beats per minute. As a person grows older its heart rate decreases thus the heart beats slower. If your baby’s heart rate is within the range of 20 – 40 bpm or beats per minute, then it is in the normal range. The average heart rate of one-year old infant is 120 bpm which is faster than the average heart rate of adults that is 80 bpm with a range of 60 – 100.

The heart beat of one year old baby may seemed to be faster than your heart beat but it has actually decreased already as she reached her first year. The newborns have an average heart rate of 130 bpm.

Now, to answer the question why your baby heart beats faster you have to imagine your baby's small heart. This heart is a vital organ which pumps the blood that circulates her body. As its size is small the blood circulation is much faster, thus the pumping of the heart increases its pace making the heart beats faster.

However it is important to be cautious about this. If heart beat exceed the normal range, you should see the physician as soon as possible. Although there are heart diseases that are hereditary, heart diseases can also develop due to other factors.

There are several types of heart diseases that manifest themselves in babies and young children. One of these is the congenital type, which develops even before the baby is born. These include heart malformations, such as the presence of holes between the chambers, the fusion of chambers, the absence of a chamber or valve, or the meshing of the arteries, which therefore prevent proper functioning of the heart. Congenital heart defects may become apparent shortly after birth, but some are not detected until much later.

Statistics show that eight out of every one thousand babies are afflicted with a congenital heart problem, ranging from mild to severe cases. Many times, the likelihood of having a baby with a congenital heart disease cannot be assessed with any certainty. Although the probability seems to be higher when there is already a case of this problem in the family.

Even healthy parents can have babies with this disorder. Although the assumption is that congenital heart disease is of a genetic origin, research has identified very few genes that are decidedly associated with heart disorders. There is some evidence that this condition may also be caused by drugs taken by the mother or infections contracted while pregnant.There are also heart diseases in children that are not congenital. These are usually those caused by an illness that the baby or child has, such as rheumatic fever.

Rheumatic fever can cause inflammations in the heart that can permanently damage proper heart functioning. Arrhythmia, or the irregular beating of the heart, may be congenital or acquired.Heart abnormalities in the newborn are often associated with cases of blue babies. These can also affect the normal development of the child, who may at times have difficulty in breathing, poor appetite, and slow growth. It is best recommended that you consult a doctor to prevent your child from serious cases.

source: mdinfo

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