Friday, December 31, 2010

Healthtips-AIDS immunity is all in the proteins!

It is the proteins which help some HIV infected people not end up having AIDSA large-scale genetic analysis has suggested that tiny changes in the structure of a protein help the immune system to recognize and destroy infected cells, reports Nature.

Most people who contract HIVeventually end up with full-blown AIDS as the virus replicates in their cells, reaching very high levels and damaging their immune systems.

However, the virus does not progress to this stage in about 1 out of every 300 infected people. These ''HIV controllers'' do not require treatment, because their bodies suppress the replicationof the virus.

Bruce Walker of the Harvard University in Charlestown, first thought of carrying out the study when he recognized the clinical value of such HIV controllers.

"I realized that we could create a cohort by going directly to physicians around the world, and I thought we should figure out what is genetically unique about people who do well compared with people who do badly," he said.

Walker and his colleagues sampled the DNA of more than 900 HIV controllers. They compared it with the genetic code of 2,600 individuals with normal HIV infections, using a technique called a genome-wide association study (GWAS).

The GWAS tested single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variations - changes in one letter of DNA - at a million points in the genomes of these individuals, and found more than 300 sites that were statistically associated with control of HIV.

All the sites identified are in a region of the genome that codes for proteins involved in immune response, called HLA proteins. The researchers used regression analyses to narrow their search down to the four sites most strongly linked to HIV immunity.

It isn''t possible to tell from the statistics alone whether these sites cause HIV immunity themselves or are simply closely associated with others that do. But using a detailed map of the HLA regions of the genome, created as part of an earlier diabetes study2, the team pinpointed specific amino acids in the protein HLA-B that differed between controllers and people with normal infections.

These amino acids seemed to be behind the ability to control the virus.

"Out of the three billion nucleotides [that make up the human genome], we narrowed it down to a handful of amino acids that define the difference, each coded for by just three nucleotides," said Walker.
Changes in the amino acids identified by Walker''s team altered how HLA-B presents viral peptides from HIV to the immune system, but how this process differs between controllers and people with normal HIV infetions remains unclear.-ANI

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Healthtips-Irregular heartbeat affects mostly middle aged

Cardiac Arrhythmia or an irregular heartbeat, is a serious but treatable condition that affects roughly 10 million Indians, according to Chennai-based Apollo Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist Consultant, Dr A M Karthigesan here today.Arrhythmias occur when the electrical impulses in the heart, which coordinate the heartbeats, don't function properly, causing the heart tobeat too fast, too slow or irregularly and such cases were mostly found among the middle aged people.
Among the various cardiac rhythm disturbances, some are life threatening and others are not, he said at a press conference at its Apollo Consultant Centre.

Dr Karthigesan said the cardiac rhythm disturbances can occur because of age, hypertension, heart attack, lung and thyroid disease and heart failure and the most common presenting symptoms were palpitation, giddiness, breathing difficulty, loss of consciousness and sudden death, he said.

Treatment has to be planned depending upon the type of rhythm disturbances diagnosed in the study, he said. While referring to low heart beat, such patients are treated with permanent pacemaker implantation, he said, adding most of the tachyarrhythmia's (abnormal fast heart beating) are cured permanently by delivering radiofrequency (RF ablation) to the site of origin.

The procedure not only improves the quality of life but also eliminated the need of lifelong medical therapy.

The most advanced technology of 3D mapping technology was available at the Chennai-based Apollo Hospitals, the Consultant said, adding the technology helped to pinpoint the site of origin or rhythm disturbances and accurately deliver the RF energy.

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) was the leading cause of death next to Cancer with as much as 85 per cent of SCA due to life threatening fast heartbeat, he added.--UNI

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

New Year's Resolutions for Caregivers



It is easy to lose track of one’s personal needs when you are focused on caring for someone who depends on you. Unfortunately, neglecting one’s own health can lead to a decreased ability to provide the very care that keeps your loved one stable and safe.

By focusing on some helpful New Year’s resolutions, caregivers will be able to reap the rewards of care giving, maintain balance in their lives and provide care longer for their loved one.

Here are a few New Year’s resolutions for caregivers:

Take things a day at a time. We tend to look at the whole year in January and when you do that, you bite off lots more than you can chew. Caregiving is a dynamic situation, so whatever your circumstances are now, they are very likely going to change before December rolls around.

Treat yourself. Choose one thing that you'll do for yourself each day. That may seem like a lot, but it doesn't have to be anything big. Go to bed 15 minutes earlier - read one more chapter of your book - disconnect from the world by giving yourself 10 or 15 minutes without the phone, computer, TV, or other distractions - any of these things might be enough to give you a few minutes of respite, if no other options exist.

Be a care receiver, not just a caregiver. As the caregiver, you are always focused on giving to others, but you do need to be open to opportunities when others can step in and help you. Whether it is scheduling that long overdue doctor's appointment for yourself, accepting a kind offer from a friend to bring over dinner or help you out with errands, or asking for help from a professional, it is important to recognize that the people who give the most often end up needing the most as a result.

Shake off any self-criticism or guilt that you aren’t doing all you could be doing. Remind yourself daily that you’re doing the best you can for your loved one and your family.  Find ways to ensure that you get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. What daily activities can you cut out or delegate to make more time for rest? Can you hire someone or get help from friends?

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Here are 6 tips to kick start weight loss in the New Year

Now experts from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center can help you stick to that New Year's resolution of losing weight if you just follow these six tips.
1. Keep moving each day: all it takes to see a weight-loss benefit is 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic activity daily.
"You don't need to be athletic. Just brisk walking or dancing to your favorite music or using an aerobic exercise machine like a stationary bike or treadmill is all you need to do - just try to do it each day," said Anne McTiernan.
"You can break it into 10- or 15-minute sessions throughout the day to get the weight-loss benefit," she said.
2. Keep a food journal: "By spending a little extra time to write down everything you eat and drink, you'll be able to see where extra calories sneak in," said Caitlin Mason, an exercise and health researcher in the Public Health Sciences Division of the Hutchinson Center.
"There are lots of good online tools that can help estimate the calorie content of common foods and track your weight loss progress over time," she said.
3. Set realistic goals: "For long-term success, aim for a slow, steady weight loss of about 1 to 2 pounds a week. No one wants to lose weight only to gain it all back - and often more - a few months later," said Mason.
4. Set specific goals: set several smaller but more specific goals, such as eating five servings of vegetables per day, taking a 15-minute walk at lunch each day or drinking six glasses of water per day.
"Adding healthy behaviors to your routine is often easier than telling yourself 'don't do this' or 'don't eat that,'" Mason said.
5. Don't let one slip-up derail your efforts: "Don't throw your entire routine out the window after one bad day. Instead, try to identify the specific barriers that got in your way and think through strategies to avoid such challenges in the future," said Mason.
6. Practice yoga: regular yoga practice and weight maintenance and weight loss are related, according to several studies.
Researcher Alan Kristal found that regular yoga practice is associated with the prevention of middle-age spread in normal-weight people and the promotion of weight loss in those who are overweight.
A follow-up study published in 2009 found that regular yoga practice is associated with mindful eating, and people who eat mindfully are less likely to be obese.
"These findings fit with our hypothesis that yoga increases mindfulness in eating and leads to less weight gain over time, independent of the physical activity aspect of yoga practice," Kristal said.
"Mindful eating is a skill that augments the usual approaches to weight loss, such as dieting, counting calories and limiting portion sizes. Adding yoga practice to a standard weight-loss program may make it more effective." (ANI)

Friday, December 24, 2010

Madison, Wisconsin Hospital Buys 37 Double-Size, Hi-Low Beds from Transfer Master


Madison, Wisconsin Hospital Buys 37 Double-Size, Hi-Low Beds from Transfer Master to Help Increase New Mom Patient Satisfaction


St. Mary's Hospital hotel-like suites featuring new Transfer Master beds offer pregnant women and their families all the comforts of home.


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Madison, WI (PRWEB) December 23, 2010



Family Care Suites have become a popular addition to many hospitals as they provide a comfortable and pleasant environment for pregnant and new mothers and their families. They feature amenities such as cherry wood décor and specialized adjustable high-low beds that make their stay dramatically more comfortable.
St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin is no exception. They selected Iowa-based Transfer Master to provide 37 double-size, high-low beds for their newly remodeled postpartum unit. St. Mary's selected Transfer Master over others due to its strong reputation and willingness to be flexible in the design process.
“Before remodeling, we trialed a Transfer Master double-size, high-low bed with a few of our new moms. They loved it and said it made a world of difference to their comfort,” said Holly Halberslaben, director of Family Care Suites at St. Mary’s Hospital. “And Transfer Master worked closely with us to provide customized features that will benefit patients and healthcare providers alike.”
The beds include special electrical outlets and hooks at the end of the bed that make it easier for healthcare professionals to plug in and hang monitoring and related equipment (keeping it safely out of the way). Transfer Master also created custom remote controls that include a safety pin feature (to avoid accidental use by others), as well as bedsides made of cherry wood to match the décor of the unit.
“These beds go low, which is great for moms to get in and out of,” Halberslaben explained. “Nearly 90 percent of our moms breastfeed, so having features that allow them to raise their upper body and head are important. These beds can be used to make sure patients are ergonomically correct while ensuring they also are extremely comfortable.”
“We are honored and thrilled to work with St. Mary's Hospital with this installation,” said Aaron Goldsmith, Transfer Master Founder and President. “The staff at St. Mary's challenged our company with detailed requests, each indicating a sincere thoughtful desire to give their patients a wonderful experience.”
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About Transfer Master
Founded in 1993 in Postville, Iowa, Transfer Master engineers electric beds for sleep centers and pregnancy wards, hospitals and home use. For Transfer Master, customer-driven design and innovation is paramount. Each bed is custom designed and hand-built for the user. The company received the industry's first patent in 1993 for combining adjustable medical bed functionality with home use design as well as for creating the first specialized dual-use King beds.
The company builds beds that are low enough for users to transfer in and out of, but high enough for caregivers to easily access. Domestically designed and manufactured, Transfer Master beds are durable, comfortable and attractive, providing customers with the functionality and comfort they deserve.
Transfer Master listens to customers and builds its beds specifically to meet the precise needs of each user. The electronic boards of the newest models were designed by a U.S. defense contractor. The beds are innovatively designed and solidly manufactured, creating a long-lasting product that allows its users the features they need and the comfort they deserve.
To find out more, please visit http://www.transfermaster.com, visit us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Contact:
David Kaufer
Zenwerks
206-262-7302
david.kaufer (at) zenwerks.com

Unhealthy lifestyle makes women look '4 years older' than their actual age

Many of us crave to look 10 years younger. However, a new research has revealed that we are not helping ourselves to stay youthful.
The study has revealed that unhealthy lifestyles are fuelling a premature ageing epidemic with the average woman looking more than four years older than their actual age, reports the Daily Mail.
According to a poll of 8,000 British women aged over 25, unhealthy habits, including smoking, drinking, eating junk food, using sun beds and not looking after skin, are making women look old.
The results indicated that modern lifestyles are having a detrimental effect on looks, making women look 4.25 years older than they actually were.
In this image-conscious age, the survey also uncovered that a quarter of women spend 10 minutes a day worrying about their ageing, adding up to two and half days every year.
Recently, Jennifer Aniston, 41, topped the list of celebrities who looked best for their age, while Amy Winehouse, 27, was voted the celebrity who looks the worst for her age.
Women in the North East are ageing the fastest, feeling that they look an average of six years older than their years, which is no surprise considering they also smoke and drink the most, use sun beds and a third regularly go out in the sun without wearing any protection.
While scientists did not analyse participants' skin, the group were asked what age they felt they looked.
The questions revealed that one in five don't use moisturiser, 40 percent regularly go out in the sun without any SPF protection, a quarter eat junk food two to three times a week and the average woman drinks 448 units of alcohol and smokes 894 cigarettes a year.
Dr Ravi Jain, from the Riverbanks Clinic, in Bedfordshire, said his mantra was to stub out the cigarettes and wear sun protection every day.
He also encouraged drinking lots of water and eating berries to stop going over the hill prematurely.
"Collagen production in our skin naturally slows as we age, with a loss of about a third of collagen normal by the age of 45 causing a reduction of facial volume and the appearance of wrinkles and folds," he said.
"However, smoking, alcohol consumption, sun damage, poor diet and even a lack of exercise can accelerate collagen breakdown and cause us to age prematurely," Dr Jain added.
For a third of the women who took part in the poll, by collagen replenishment treatment Sculptra, the biggest concern was looking less attractive, while one in 10 people aged 25 to 30 were anxious their partner would leave them.
One in ten women aged 51 to 55 said they agonised about looking like their mother.
Around one in ten women, who were aged between 25 and 66, said they would have an injection to look young, while nine percent would opt for plastic surgery and 66 percent would fancy a makeover to help them shave off the years. (ANI)
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Thursday, December 23, 2010

Holiday Tips For The Caregiver



The time has come for family gatherings, creating memories and celebrating.  However, holidays are stressful anyway, with gifts, creating that special holiday meal and hosting family from out of town.  Even under the best of circumstances, it can at times be intense.  If you’re caring for someone this holiday season it’s critical that you consider the patient’s situation first. These tips may help you enjoy the holidays with health and happiness:

Ask yourself, “Will this help the person I am caring for or could it potentially hurt him/her”.  This basic question will assist you in making the proper decisions and help you focus on realistic goals for the holiday season.

Ask family and friends for their support and cooperation this year.  They will understand that your primary concern is the health of the individual you’re caring for.

Know how to access medical care anytime, anywhere. Problems can always arise no matter what the situation might be.  Don’t go somewhere that will endanger the one you’re caring for. 

Watch out for those winter germs.  Its flu season so be careful with how many visitors you have over at the house.  Try “air kisses" and remind visitors to wash their hands and leave sick guests at home.

Let’s not forget, there’s always the World Wide Web!  Try something like Skype to hold a virtual conversation or even a dinner so the one you’re caring for is still included on the holiday fun without being exposed to any harm.

The holidays should be a time of love, sharing, honoring traditions and being with the ones who mean the most to you.  We wish you all the best this holiday season and nothing but health and happiness in the New Year!

Eating habits that ensure a longer life

A new study has found that the leading causes of death are no more  but chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer - which may be affected by food habits.Researchers investigated eating patterns of over 2500 adults between the ages of 70 and 79 over a ten-year period and found that certain diets were associated with reduced mortality. 

By determining the consumption frequency of 108 different food items, researchers were able to group the participants into six different groups as per their food choices:

Healthy foods- 374 participants
High-fat dairy products- 332 
Meat, fried foods, and alcohol- 693
Breakfast cereal-386 
Refined grains-458
Sweets and desserts-339

'Healthy foods' group ate more low-fat dairy products, fruit, whole grains, poultry, fish, and vegetables, and lower consumption of meat, fried foods, sweets, high-calorie drinks, and added fat.

'High-fat dairy products' group had higher intake of foods such as ice cream, cheese, and 2 percent and whole milk and yoghurt, and lower intake of poultry, low-fat dairy products, rice, and pasta.

End results indicated that 'High-fat dairy products' group had a 40 percent higher risk of mortality than the Healthy foods  cluster and the 'Sweets and desserts' group had a 37percent higher risk.
No significant differences in risk of mortality were seen between the 'Healthy foods' cluster and the 'Breakfast cereal' or 'Refined grains' clusters.
The "results of this study suggest that older adults who follow a dietary pattern consistent with current guidelines to consume relatively high amounts of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, poultry and fish, may have a lower risk of mortality," said Amy L. Anderson at Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland.
"Because a substantial percentage of older adults in this study followed the ''Healthy foods'' dietary pattern, adherence to such a diet appears a feasible and realistic recommendation for potentially improved survival and quality of life in the growing older adult population."
The study will be published in the January 2011 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.--ANI

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Mums who take folic acid, iron during pregnancy have smarter kids


In developing countries where iron deficiency is prevalent, prenatal iron-folic acid supplementation could increase intellectual and motor functioning in offspring, according to researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. 

They examined the intellectual and motor functioning of children in rural Nepal and found such micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy positively impacted working memory, inhibitory control and fine motor functioning in the school-aged children.

"Iron is essential for the development of the central nervous system," said Parul Christian, lead author of the study and an associate professor with the Bloomberg School''s Department of International Health. 

"Early iron deficiency can alter neuroanatomy, biochemistry, and metabolism, leading to changes in neurophysiologic processes that support cognitive and sensorimotor development," she added. 

Christian''s team studied 676 children, aged 7 to 9 from June 2007 to April 2009 who were born to women in a community-based, double-blind, randomized controlled trial of prenatal micronutrient supplementation between 1999 and 2001. 

Study children were randomly assigned to receive daily iron, folic acid and zinc, or multiple micronutrients containing these plus 11 other micronutrients. 

All received vitamin A, as did a control group of vitamin A alone from early pregnancy through 3 months postpartum

The researchers assessed intellectual functioning using the universal nonverbal intelligence test (UNIT) and motor function was assessed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC). 

They found that maternal prenatal supplementation with iron and folic acid was positively associated with general intellectual ability, some aspects of executive function, and fine motor control compared to offspring of mothers in the control group.

"This innovative study shows that in very low-income settings, children''s cognitive performance is influenced by their mother''s iron + folic acid status during pregnancy, along with school attendance, illustrating the importance of both nutritional and environmental interventions," said Maureen Black, professor of pediatrics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and an adjunct professor with the Bloomberg School''s Department of International Health. 

"Few studies have examined whether micronutrient supplementation during gestation, a critical period of central nervous system development, affects children''s later functioning," said Christian. 

"Considering the significant role of iron and folic acid in the development of both intellectual and motor skills, antenatal use per international guidelines should be expanded in many low and middle-income settings where program coverage continues to be poor," she added.

The results are published in the current issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.--ANI

Eating orange is better than popping vitamin pills



A host of antioxidants in orange work together to retard ageing and possibly keep heart disease and cancer at bay, the Journal of Food Science reports.

"There is something about an orange that's better than taking a vitamin C capsule, and that is really what we're trying to figure out," said Tory Parker, assistant professor of nutrition, dietetics and food science at Brighan Young University in US. 

Parker and his team concluded that 'phenolic compounds' in oranges, rich in antioxidants and anti-microbial properties worked in tandem, according to a Brighan Young statement.--IANS

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Simple Décor Tips to Brighten Up Your Room



The winter months are upon us and if you’re spending the majority of your time in one room, it some times isn’t easy.  The same goes for anyone taking care of a loved one who is currently confined to one space.  There are, however, steps you can take to really brighten up your room and add that little bit of extra comfort and ease.

Try painting the room and decorating it in light or bright colors.  Dark colors absorb light and can make a space look dark even if plenty of light is streaming in.  Light colors such as white and eggshell white reflect more light while richer colors such as red might not reflect as much but still add that extra personality to the space.  Either way, a new coat of paint is a great was to freshen things up.

Clear away the clutter.  As mentioned above, it’s tough to spend a lot of time in one space.  Get rid of anything in the room that you really don’t need, it will feel more open and accessible.

Open up your blinds/curtains. Take advantage of the natural light outside! If privacy is a concern or the view is terrible, you can always use translucent curtains or blinds. You'll have light without the eyes of prying neighbors.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Chocolate could be key to curing persistent cough

Chocolate could provide the key to tackling a persistent cough. Researchers are carrying out the final stages of clinicaltrials on a drug that contains theobromine, an ingredient in cocoa and chocolate.

If the trials are successful, the drug could be on the market within two years. Millions worldwide suffer from a persistent cough, one that lasts for more than two weeks.

Some have asthma-like symptoms while others suffer from heartburn, reports the Daily Mail. 

But most widely available cough products soothe the symptoms rather than deal with the cause, and have been criticised for side effects such as drowsiness.

There are safety concerns about side effects from other products that are codeine-based, which use a chemical called an opioid.

Previous research by London's National Heart and Lung Institute found that theobromine is 33 percent more effective than codeine at stopping coughing. It works directly on the vagus nerve, which is responsible for persistent coughing. 

Research in South Korea has shown that theobromine has none of the side effects associated with standard drug treatments for persistent cough.

Professor Alyn Morice, who heads the Hull Cough Clinic, said: "Due to the drawbacks of current opioid drugs such as codeine, we are in desperate need of a non-opioid treatment with a drastically improved side effect profile for patients."--IANS

BABY FOOD RECIPES

BABY FOOD RECIPES - CHICKEN HEARTS APPLE
Baby food recipes

Material:
250 grams of chicken liver
2 apples, peeled, seeded, chopped
1 carrot, peeled and cut into pieces
3 pieces potatoes, peeled and cut into pieces
2 stalks celery, chopped
3 tablespoons green peas

Directions:
1. Cook all ingredients until cooked.
2. Drain and puree (or chopped finely for children ages 8 months and up)

BABY FOOD RECIPES - FISH APPLE
Baby food recipes

Material:
2 pieces of fish fillets
2 apples, peeled, cut into pieces

Directions:
1. Boil the ingredients until cooked. Drain and puree.

Note:
For children 8 months, the food should not be crushed but only finely chopped. It is good to stimulate the growth of teeth and to train the muscles of the mouth and gums to bite.

BABY FOOD RECIPES - CARAPPEAR
Baby food recipes

Material:
2 stalks carrots, peeled, cut into pieces
2 apples, peeled, cut into pieces
2 pieces of pear, peeled and cut into pieces

Directions:
1. Kl Boil carrots for 10 minutes, then amsukkan apple and pear. Cook until soft.
2. Drain and puree (or chopped finely for children ages 8 months and up)

BABY FOOD RECIPES - steamed fish
Baby food recipes

Material:
1 snapper fillet (or other fish species, according to taste)

Directions:
1. Steam the fish until cooked and then mashed.
2. Can be mixed with pureed vegetables (carrots, broccoli, etc.).

BABY FOOD RECIPES - Broccoli POTATO
Baby food recipes

Material:
7 broccoli florets, discarding the stem
2 potatoes, peeled, cut into pieces
Chicken broth / meat taste (only boiled water chicken / meat, without salt or other seasonings)

Directions:
1. Steam the broccoli and potatoes until cooked.
2. Blend the two ingredients with the processor / blender.
3. Give the broth to taste.

BABY FOOD RECIPES - VEGETABLE INTERFERENCE
Baby food recipes

Material:
1 carrot, peeled, cut into pieces
1 piece of potato, peeled, cut into pieces
2 tablespoons green peas (can be replaced other green vegetables, eg broccoli,
zuchini, celery, etc.)
Chicken broth / meat taste (only boiled water chicken / meat, without garammaupun other seasonings)

Directions:
1. Boiled / steamed until cooked all the ingredients and puree.
2. Give the chicken broth / meat taste.

BABY FOOD RECIPES - CHICKEN SOUP
Baby food recipes

Material:
1 piece of chicken thighs, remove skin, cut meat into pieces (bones were not removed)
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 potatoes, peeled, cut into pieces
1 stick carrot, peeled, cut into pieces
2 tablespoons green peas
500 ml water

Directions:
1. Cook all ingredients until cooked.
2. Discard the chicken bones, then puree all ingredients

BABY FOOD RECIPES - puree CARROT
Baby food recipes

Material:
2 medium carrots, peeled
Boiled water to taste

Directions:
1. Steam the carrots until tender then puree. Add water as needed.
2. Presentation: Give the carrot puree as single or mixed foods
with pulp POTATO / SWEET POTATOES porridge.

BABY FOOD RECIPES - pea puree
Baby food recipes

Material:
250 grams of fresh or frozen peas

Directions:
1. Boil peas until cooked and then mashed.
2. Strain the rough skin so do not take part inedible.
3. Presentation: Give peas puree as a single food or
mixed with porridge POTATO / SWEET POTATOES porridge.