Monday, January 31, 2011
Healthtips-Exposure to smokers 'still a major cause of asthma attacks in kids
Among parents whose children have asthma, 73 percent state that tobacco smoke causes asthma attacks in their children.
And nearly half of parents say their asthmatic child spends time with people who smoke.
Mostly the smoker is the asthmatic child's parent and less often it is another adult, sibling, or the asthmatic child's friend.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
5 Natural Ways to Fight Anxiety and Panic Attack
1 - Relax…remember to breath! When anxiety strikes, your per breathing accelerates, so slow your breathing by taking longer inhalations & exhalations. Try practicing your breathing 5 minutes every day
2 - Reduce anxiety-provoking situations. Find some time every day to do something you like. We all know that work & life in general can be stress filled but you’ll give yourself something to look forward to. Read, knit, paint, do whatever makes you happy.
3 - Exercise! We all know how busy life can get & going to the gym is a great way to reduce stress. If you can’t go to the gym, get outside and walk. Get off the bus one stop before you have to. Take the stairs when you can. Remember all it takes is getting your heart rate up - 3 times a week for 30 minutes.
4 - Be careful of what you eat! Diet plays an important role in how you feel! Try to avoid foods high in fat and sugar. Drink lots of water and eat a balanced diet. It’s been shown that diet plays an important role in reducing anxiety.
5 - Find some support. Sharing your experiences with others can lessen your anxiety. It’s always comforting to know you’re not alone. Look on-line to find support groups in your community.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Health tips - Living near busy roads 'ups asthma risk among teens'
The study is thought to be the first to link heightened rates of allergic disease and exposure to traffic-related pollution as a possible reason for increased rates of asthma along major transit routes.
According to experts at Johns Hopkins, no study has until now looked at how busy roadways affect the allergic origins of asthma.
The study involved 725 teenagers, aged 13 to 15, who were living in Pampas de San Juan de Miraflores, Peru.
It found that the risk of having an allergic disease (atopy) and asthma was worst for those living immediately next to a busy road, where a steady stream of traffic across multiple lanes flowed unimpeded all day long.
Atopy rates went up by 7 percent for every city block (approximately 300 feet) closer they lived to the road. For those who lived next to the road, the odds of having asthma were twice that of those who lived a quarter-mile (about four city blocks) away.
"Our study clearly shows why we need to protect respiratory health and plan future major roadways here or abroad away from residential areas and schools," said senior study investigator William Chekley.
"Family physicians and public health workers now know they need to more closely monitor children who live near major roadways for allergies and for the earliest signs of asthma," he said
The researchers are now planning to carry out further studies on the underlying genetic profile of those at greater risk of atopy and asthma.
"Our ultimate goal is to identify other key environmental stimuli or traffic-related pollutants that help trigger allergic disease, and then use our knowledge of how they work biologically to stop them before asthma sets in," said Checkley.
The study is published online in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.--ANI
According to experts at Johns Hopkins, no study has until now looked at how busy roadways affect the allergic origins of asthma.
The study involved 725 teenagers, aged 13 to 15, who were living in Pampas de San Juan de Miraflores, Peru.
It found that the risk of having an allergic disease (atopy) and asthma was worst for those living immediately next to a busy road, where a steady stream of traffic across multiple lanes flowed unimpeded all day long.
Atopy rates went up by 7 percent for every city block (approximately 300 feet) closer they lived to the road. For those who lived next to the road, the odds of having asthma were twice that of those who lived a quarter-mile (about four city blocks) away.
"Our study clearly shows why we need to protect respiratory health and plan future major roadways here or abroad away from residential areas and schools," said senior study investigator William Chekley.
"Family physicians and public health workers now know they need to more closely monitor children who live near major roadways for allergies and for the earliest signs of asthma," he said
The researchers are now planning to carry out further studies on the underlying genetic profile of those at greater risk of atopy and asthma.
"Our ultimate goal is to identify other key environmental stimuli or traffic-related pollutants that help trigger allergic disease, and then use our knowledge of how they work biologically to stop them before asthma sets in," said Checkley.
The study is published online in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.--ANI
Free Yourself from Anger - Just Breath
How do you deal with anger…the answer is simple…just breath!
In today’s fast paced, stress filled world frequent anger has become a serious problem. Research has shown that anger takes a tremendous toll on our physical health and spiritual well being.
So whether you internalize your anger or openly express it, pay attention to what is happening in your body. Anger will tense your muscles, shorten your breath and fatigue you. Make a conscious effort to remember everything you are feeling while angry and simply take a breath. Breath in and out. Count how long your inhalation was and how long your exhalation was. If your inhalation lasted 4 counts and your exhalation 3, count to 4 while inhaling and 6 while exhaling for your next 10 breathes.
Notice how much better you feel after this short exercise. Remember, it might not be so simple the first time you try this technique especially if your anxiety levels are extremely high. With a little practice, you’ll find you will get better at it.
Slowing your breathing brings your heart rate down, calming you and allowing you to think more clearly giving you a new perspective on your situation.
Health tips - stress
Stress is the common word that is used nowadays by everyone.Stress is the natural
In order to manage stress successfully you just need to learn how to take control of the situation. That is the real purpose of stress management, anyway. Stress will be always in our lives, the matter is how we respond to stress or why we let stress to flood our lives. Dont allow others to control your emotions and your mental health, you should control your emotions. Practice relaxation techniques like breathing exercises or meditation. The day will come when you don't even need to practice these techniques to get relaxed or control anger. If you are not stress free it may lead to depression.So take control of your life. Dont allow emotions to control you. If you follow this your over all health , the environment around you will be better.
First you can say yourself that i wont get angry today. Simply follow that . Take a contract with yourself. Make a realistic contract in the beginning saying i will not to be stressed anymore by silly things. Set rewards for every time you take control of stressful situations. Set punishments for every time you fail to control yourself.
This will really help you. This is the simple stress management technique. For this you need not go to any guru . Start on your own.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Healthtips-Dieting in pregnancy can lower baby's IQ
Cutting back on vital nutrients and calories in the first half of pregnancy stunts the development of an unborn child's brain, says a new study.
Although it was carried out on primates, researchers say the same findings are likely to be true for women, reports the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Thomas McDonald of the University of Texas Health ScienceCentre US, who conducted the study, said: "This study is a further demonstration of the importance of good maternal health and diet."
"It supports the view that poor diets in pregnancy can alter development of foetal organs, in this case the brain, in ways that will have lifetime effects on offspring, potentially lowering IQ and predisposing to behavioural problems."
Past studies have shown that severe diets, famines and food shortages during pregnancy can harm unborn babies, according to the Daily Mail.
But the new study looked at the sort of "moderate dieting" typical of women in Britain and America. They compared two groups of baboon mothers at a primate research centre in San Antonio, US.
One group was allowed to eat as much as they wanted during the first half of pregnancy, while the other group was fed 30 percent less, a level of nutrition similar to what many prospective mothers experience, the researchers said.
In the second group, cells did not divide as much as they should and connections between neurons were not made.--IANS
Although it was carried out on primates, researchers say the same findings are likely to be true for women, reports the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Thomas McDonald of the University of Texas Health ScienceCentre US, who conducted the study, said: "This study is a further demonstration of the importance of good maternal health and diet."
"It supports the view that poor diets in pregnancy can alter development of foetal organs, in this case the brain, in ways that will have lifetime effects on offspring, potentially lowering IQ and predisposing to behavioural problems."
Past studies have shown that severe diets, famines and food shortages during pregnancy can harm unborn babies, according to the Daily Mail.
But the new study looked at the sort of "moderate dieting" typical of women in Britain and America. They compared two groups of baboon mothers at a primate research centre in San Antonio, US.
One group was allowed to eat as much as they wanted during the first half of pregnancy, while the other group was fed 30 percent less, a level of nutrition similar to what many prospective mothers experience, the researchers said.
In the second group, cells did not divide as much as they should and connections between neurons were not made.--IANS
Thursday, January 13, 2011
10 Ways In Which A Caregiver Can Better Achieve Their Goals
Caring for others is both rewarding and difficult. Remember, to properly care for others, you have to care for yourself first.
1. Learn to take 1 hour a day for yourself, do something that is just for you. Call a friend, read a book, luxuriate in a bath, take a walk, give your mind a rest!
2. Try not to get involved in petty disagreements. If the person you are caring for insists you wore a blue sweater last week, but you know that wasn't so, don't argue the point. (However, if these "mistakes" escalate, pay attention, this could mean other problems are brewing).
3. Accept help from others. If you always decline help, people will eventually stop offering.
4. Make a list of things you could use help with. Make sure your requests aren't overwhelming. Maybe someone can pick up the milk or bread you're missing, the dry cleaning, a prescription or just come over for a short period of time so you can run out on an errand for yourself.
5. If you are dealing with someone extremely forgetful, who constantly repeats themselves or asks the same questions over and over...take a deep breath and walk away for a few minutes. Give yourself a break.
6. Don't be too hard on yourself, if you lose patience, remember, you're only human. Apologise and move on. Remember to forgive yourself as well!
7. Attending a support group can be of great benefit. If you're not sure where to go, try contacting the hospital in your area, social worker (if one is involved in your case) or go on line to see what's available in your community.
8. Enjoy the small things. If the person you're caring for is up for it, try baking some cookies, watch a favorite movie, look at picture albums, sit on the patio or just reminisce about happy times!
9. Try to find things that will occupy you both. Short outings, such as going for a drive, attending a class or discussion at a community center are a great change of pace and scenery.
10. Last but not least, just try to take each day as it comes. Don't overwhelm yourself by planning too much. Remember to be kind, not only to the person you're caring for, but to yourself as well!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Healthtips-5 easy steps to pump up your heart
Step 1: Know your numbers. Your blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels are the most important numbers you will need to know before you begin on the path to good heart health.
Step 2: Start walking. Exercise is the fountain of youth. A simple 20- to 30-minute walk a few days a week can actually reduce the risk of premature death by more than 50 percent.
Step 3: Laugh out loud. Laughter really is the best medicine. Just 15 minutes of laughter is about equivalent to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise with respect to our cardiovascular health. Laughter has also been linked to the healthy function of blood vessels, an increase of the brain hormones that improve mood, and reduction of pain and anxiety.
Step 4: Focus on your waistline, not your weight. Your waistline is a better measurement of your overall health than your weight because the amount of fat around your waistline is directly linked to high blood pressure and high cholesterol and can place you at increased risk for diabetes.
Step 5: Get a good night''s sleep. Sleep is one of the most undervalued elements of our daily routines, but it is absolutely vital to good health. Lack of sleep increases your blood pressure, induces stress, increases your appetite and slows down your metabolism, dampens your mood and decreases your cognition.--ANI
Step 3: Laugh out loud. Laughter really is the best medicine. Just 15 minutes of laughter is about equivalent to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise with respect to our cardiovascular health. Laughter has also been linked to the healthy function of blood vessels, an increase of the brain hormones that improve mood, and reduction of pain and anxiety.
Step 4: Focus on your waistline, not your weight. Your waistline is a better measurement of your overall health than your weight because the amount of fat around your waistline is directly linked to high blood pressure and high cholesterol and can place you at increased risk for diabetes.
Step 5: Get a good night''s sleep. Sleep is one of the most undervalued elements of our daily routines, but it is absolutely vital to good health. Lack of sleep increases your blood pressure, induces stress, increases your appetite and slows down your metabolism, dampens your mood and decreases your cognition.--ANI
Healthtips-Hair loss drug may result in loss of libido in men
Although the adverse side effects of these agents are thought to be minimal, the magnitude of adverse effects on sexual function, gynecomastia, depression, and quality of life remains ill-defined.
In order to determine the potential extent of this problem, the researchers examined the data reported in various clinical studies concerning the side effects of finasteride and dutasteride.
After a review of the literature the researchers found that in a subset of men, prolonged adverse effects on sexual function such as erectile dysfunction and diminished libido were reported, raising the possibility of a causal relationship.
According to the researchers, the adverse side effects of 5a-RIs on sexual function, gynecomastia and the impact on the overall health have received minimal attention.
However, in some patients, these side effects are persistent with regard to sexual function and with an emotional toll including decreased quality of life.
"The potential widespread use of 5a-RIs for treatment of BPH, prostate cancer and male pattern hair loss may produce undesirable adverse side effects on overall health and in particular, vascular health and sexual function in a subgroup of susceptible patients," said lead author Abdulmaged M. Traish, a professor of biochemistry and
professor of Urology at BUSM.
"Furthermore, treatment of hair loss, a benign condition with 5a-RIs may produce persistent side effects in a number of young patients.
"Honest and open discussion with patients to educate them on these serious issues must be pursued prior to commencing therapy because, in some patients, these adverse effects are persistent and may be prolonged and patients do not recover well after discontinuation from drug use," cautioned Traish.
The researchers believe additional clinical and preclinical studies are warranted to determine the reason for why some of these adverse effects persist in some individuals.
The study appears on-line in Journal of Sexual Medicine.--ANI
In order to determine the potential extent of this problem, the researchers examined the data reported in various clinical studies concerning the side effects of finasteride and dutasteride.
After a review of the literature the researchers found that in a subset of men, prolonged adverse effects on sexual function such as erectile dysfunction and diminished libido were reported, raising the possibility of a causal relationship.
According to the researchers, the adverse side effects of 5a-RIs on sexual function, gynecomastia and the impact on the overall health have received minimal attention.
However, in some patients, these side effects are persistent with regard to sexual function and with an emotional toll including decreased quality of life.
"The potential widespread use of 5a-RIs for treatment of BPH, prostate cancer and male pattern hair loss may produce undesirable adverse side effects on overall health and in particular, vascular health and sexual function in a subgroup of susceptible patients," said lead author Abdulmaged M. Traish, a professor of biochemistry and
professor of Urology at BUSM.
"Furthermore, treatment of hair loss, a benign condition with 5a-RIs may produce persistent side effects in a number of young patients.
"Honest and open discussion with patients to educate them on these serious issues must be pursued prior to commencing therapy because, in some patients, these adverse effects are persistent and may be prolonged and patients do not recover well after discontinuation from drug use," cautioned Traish.
The researchers believe additional clinical and preclinical studies are warranted to determine the reason for why some of these adverse effects persist in some individuals.
The study appears on-line in Journal of Sexual Medicine.--ANI
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Healthtips-Excess sugar may cause heart attacks later
A study found that teens who consume elevated amounts of added sugars in drinks and foods are more likely to have poor cholesterol and triglyceride profiles which may lead to heart disease later in life.
It also found that overweight or obese teens with the highest levels of added sugar intake had increased signs of insulin resistance - a precursor to diabetes, the journal Circulation reports.
Added sugars are caloric sweeteners added to foods or beverages in the manufacturing process or by the consumer, according to the American Heart Association.
"Adolescents are eating 20 percent of their daily calories in sugars that provide few if any other nutrients," said Jean Welsh, study author and post-doctoral fellow in paediatric nutrition at Emory University School of Medicine, according to its release.
"We know from previous studies the biggest contributors of added sugars to the diet are sugar-sweetened beverages such as sodas, fruit-flavoured drinks, and sweetened coffees and teas."
This is the first study to assess the association of added sugars and the indicators of heart disease risk in adolescents, Welsh says.
The National Health and Nutrition Survey of 2,157 teenagers (aged 12 to 18) found the average daily consumption of added sugars was 119 grams (28.3 teaspoons or 476 calories), accounting for 21.4 percent of their total energy.--IANS
It also found that overweight or obese teens with the highest levels of added sugar intake had increased signs of insulin resistance - a precursor to diabetes, the journal Circulation reports.
Added sugars are caloric sweeteners added to foods or beverages in the manufacturing process or by the consumer, according to the American Heart Association.
"Adolescents are eating 20 percent of their daily calories in sugars that provide few if any other nutrients," said Jean Welsh, study author and post-doctoral fellow in paediatric nutrition at Emory University School of Medicine, according to its release.
"We know from previous studies the biggest contributors of added sugars to the diet are sugar-sweetened beverages such as sodas, fruit-flavoured drinks, and sweetened coffees and teas."
This is the first study to assess the association of added sugars and the indicators of heart disease risk in adolescents, Welsh says.
The National Health and Nutrition Survey of 2,157 teenagers (aged 12 to 18) found the average daily consumption of added sugars was 119 grams (28.3 teaspoons or 476 calories), accounting for 21.4 percent of their total energy.--IANS
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Healthtips-Carrots 'make people more attractive
Their research has shown that men and women whose skin has a yellow glow are thought to be particularly attractive and healthy - and yellow pigments called carotenoids, found in certain fruit and vegetables play a key role in giving the skin that hue.
Study's co-author Ian Stephen said that just two months of increased consumption could produce visible results.
It could lead to new strategies for encouraging the young to eat more fruit and vegetables, he said.
"Telling people they might have a heart attack in 40 years' time if they don't eat more healthily is one thing," the Daily Mail quoted him as telling The Grocer magazine.
"What we can do is say, "This is what you could look in a couple of months if you increased your fruit and veg intake",' he added.
As part of the study by St Andrews and Bristol universities, 40 volunteers rated 51 Scottish Caucasian faces for healthiness and attractiveness.--ANI
Study's co-author Ian Stephen said that just two months of increased consumption could produce visible results.
It could lead to new strategies for encouraging the young to eat more fruit and vegetables, he said.
"Telling people they might have a heart attack in 40 years' time if they don't eat more healthily is one thing," the Daily Mail quoted him as telling The Grocer magazine.
"What we can do is say, "This is what you could look in a couple of months if you increased your fruit and veg intake",' he added.
As part of the study by St Andrews and Bristol universities, 40 volunteers rated 51 Scottish Caucasian faces for healthiness and attractiveness.--ANI
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Healthtips-Dieting at 28 key to successful slimming
Women in the late 20s shed weight faster because they have more time and willpower than those of other ages, a survey said. Twenty-somethings are also more concerned about their weight and so remain focused on their weight loss goals.
Conversely, those in their 30s are often too busy to watch their weight while many in their 40s and 50s have simply 'lost interest' in getting the perfect body, the Daily Mail reported.
The study of 3,000 women found they went on two diets or healthkicks last year, spending an average of 131.57 pounds on gym or slimming club membership and exercise equipment.
Despite this, almost three quarters admitted at least one of the diets failed.
Sue Beck, of Lambrini Light, which carried out the research, said: "With women getting married later than ever, many 28-year-old females will be single, on the dating scene and leading an active social life, which may explain why they are so successful at healthy eating and maintaining a good figure."
"Many will also be at the peak of their career, leading fast-paced lives which will help shift any excess weight alongside a diet," she added.
The study found that 64 percent reckon there is a stage in their life where they are the best at losing weight. Four out of 10 put this down to having strong willpower at that age.--IANS
Conversely, those in their 30s are often too busy to watch their weight while many in their 40s and 50s have simply 'lost interest' in getting the perfect body, the Daily Mail reported.
The study of 3,000 women found they went on two diets or healthkicks last year, spending an average of 131.57 pounds on gym or slimming club membership and exercise equipment.
Despite this, almost three quarters admitted at least one of the diets failed.
Sue Beck, of Lambrini Light, which carried out the research, said: "With women getting married later than ever, many 28-year-old females will be single, on the dating scene and leading an active social life, which may explain why they are so successful at healthy eating and maintaining a good figure."
"Many will also be at the peak of their career, leading fast-paced lives which will help shift any excess weight alongside a diet," she added.
The study found that 64 percent reckon there is a stage in their life where they are the best at losing weight. Four out of 10 put this down to having strong willpower at that age.--IANS
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Healthtips-CPAP therapy cuts fatigue, ups energy level in sleep apnea patients
A new study has suggested that that three weeks of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy reduces fatigue and increases energy in obstructive sleep apnea patients.These results have indicated that participants were no longer suffering from clinically significant levels of fatigue after the three-week intervention period.
"These results are important, as they highlight that patients who comply with CPAP therapy can find relief from fatigue and experience increases in energy and vigor after a relatively short treatment period," said lead author Lianne Tomfohr, of the San Diego State University and the University of California, San Diego.
Further analysis found that CPAP appeared to be especially beneficial for participants who were excessively fatigued or sleepy before treatment as it significantly reduced self-reported daytime sleepiness in the group.
Tomfohr and a team of UCSD researchers studied 59 adults with a mean age of 48 years.
Participants were randomly assigned to receive either therapeutic CPAP or placebo CPAP, and they returned to the sleep lab for a night of either CPAP titration or mock titration.
Participants were trained on the use of the equipment and instructed to use it at home each night for three weeks. Questionnaire data were obtained prior to study randomisation and after the three-week intervention period.
The findings were reported in the journal Sleep.--ANI
Healthtips
healthcaretips
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)