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Table of Contents - Medical Tips
Follow these tips to help keep motion sickness at bay. 1. Eat lightly before embarking on your trip. Try snacking on crackers to absorb excess saliva or sucking on a lemon or an olive. 2. Take a position near the front of the vehicle, whether it's a car, train or boat.
3. Face the direction you're headed to keep eye and body sensations in sync with each
4. Keep your eye trained on the horizon or on a fixed spot ahead of you.
5. Chew intermittently on a piece of fresh ginger or sip a carbonated soda such as
6. Consider taking powdered ginger, which is available in capsule form. Take two 500mg
7. Keep the window open and fresh air accessible at all times.
Many over-the-counter remedies are successful in preventing motion sickness. Ask your
pharmacist for recommendations.
If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, we recommend
you contact a physician. This information is not intended to be a substitute for
professional medical advice or treatment.
RESEARCHERS DISCOVER WARNING SIGNAL THAT MAY
ANAHEIM, CA -- (INTERNET WIRE) -- Researchers have found a means that may predict an
individual’s risk of developing diabetes and heart disease long before traditional
diagnostic tests would reveal a problem, as reported at this week’s American Heart
Association meeting.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration closely monitors
food, prescription and over-the-counter drugs, but there is
no counterpart for the booming nutritional supplement The Visual Language dictionary is an online guide to American Sign Language. Deaf and hearing people alike will find this a useful resource for improving your communication with the hearing-impaired community. In addition to their detailed sign language dictionary, the site also houses information about topics such as researchers who are signing with animals, baby signing, advice for owners with deaf pets, and useful tips for firefighters and scuba divers who use sign language in the workplace. Some individuals have a condition called resistant hypertension in which high blood pressure doesn't respond to treatment. These individuals often require a combination of lifestyle measures coupled with two or three medications to control their high blood pressure. If you experience this situation, keep working closely with your physician. Blood pressure can almost always be controlled, even if you have resistant hypertension, provided that you meticulously follow the regimens that are developed in partnership with your physician. Here's a quick way to lower your salt intake: put tape over the salt shaker. Placing tape over all but one or two holes will cut down on the amount of salt that comes out of the shaker. Better yet, don't add any salt at all! Here are seven warning signs of cancer. Notice that their first letters spell out the word caution. See your doctor with any questions or concerns.
Selecting Legumes and Meat Substitutes In the context of avoidance and allergy-proofing, desensitizing describes the active process of removing, shielding, or reducing the sources of allergens in your environment. Your allergist may advise you to desensitize your home, focusing especially on the bedroom of any person with allergies or asthma. Desensitization is also used to refer to a form of treatment in which an allergist injects small amounts of an allergen extract under your skin so your body can "learn" not to react to the substance.
Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest significant
amounts of lactose, the predominant sugar contained in milk
and milk products. This inability results from a shortage
of an enzyme called lactase, which is normally produced by
the cells lining the small intestine. These cells break
down milk sugar into simpler forms, which can then be
absorbed into the bloodstream. When the amount of lactase
is insufficient to digest the amount of lactose consumed,
the results, while not usually dangerous, can be very
distressing. A Japanese study has confirmed that spending time in a sauna may be beneficial for your health. In the study, which was published in the October 2001 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the participants spent 15 minutes in a dry sauna at 140 degrees F (60 degrees C) followed by 30 minutes in a bed covered with blankets every day for two weeks. The researchers found that the participant's blood vessels expanded and contracted better, a sign of healthy vessels. They also found a slight reduction in the participant's blood pressures. Before you run off to the sauna, talk to your doctor. Some medical conditions, such as severe heart disease, preclude the use of a sauna. Blow-drying your feet may sound funny, but it is one way to help reduce the chance of developing athlete's foot. A fungus that grows in warm, moist environments causes athlete's foot. Blow-drying keeps your feet dry, reducing the chance that the fungus that causes athlete's foot will grow. Of course, never use a blow dryer when you are near water. Pre-Washed Salads And Vegetables
Whenever you travel abroad or out of the United States, you are told not to drink the
water, because it may harbor bacteria that can cause disease or the distressful
"traveler's diarrhea." However, did you know that you can get traveler's
diarrhea sitting down at your own dinner table? Many of the pre-washed salads, vegetables,
and even fruits do not come from the U.S. and therefore, are not always subject to FDA
standards. They may have been washed in water that's not free from bacteria. The life expectancy in the United States is on the rise. According to the annual mortality report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an American male born in 2000 has a life expectancy of 74.1 years, which is 0.2 years greater than in 1999. An American female born in 2000 has a life expectancy of 79.5 years, which is 0.1 years greater than in 1999. In addition, the gap in life expectancy between the sexes is narrowing. In 1990 there was a 7-year difference between the sexes, compared to 5.4 years in 2000.
Eating healthy -- as far as meat is concerned -- doesn't mean just lean cuts, it also
means eating less. Portion sizes should be no more than 4-ounces uncooked, about 3 to
3-1/2 ounces cooked. But not everyone is happy about this. So smart family cooks often
resort to subterfuge.
Four easy steps can significantly lower the amount of salt in your diet: Nuts and seeds sometimes get a bad rap because they're high in fat. The truth is, they are high in fat, and they're also a concentrated source of calories, so if you're watching your weight, use them sparingly. A sprinkle here and there is fine. For instance, adding a tablespoon or two of sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds adds flavor and crunch. A dash of slivered almonds adds flavor and nutrition to a plate of green beans. Using seeds or nuts in this way is not a problem. In fact, nutrition scientists now recognize that in addition to being a good source of vitamins, minerals, and protein, nuts and seeds also contain beneficial phytochemicals. Also, the fat contained in nuts and seeds is mostly monounsaturated fat, a form of fat now generally thought to be better for health than either saturated or polyunsaturated fats. by Jonny Bowden, M.A., C.N.S.
3. Eliminate sugar. This one is really hard for most people but is the one that
may pay off the most. And while you're at it, see what you can do about
aspartame. Obesity is a major risk for a variety of health consequences, but particularly for heart disease. About 75 percent of all mortality associated with obesity comes from the increased risk of heart disease. While decreased consumption of fat calories will decrease the risk of obesity, all calories from any source do count. The reason so many Americans are overweight is that they consume too many calories, period. Sunrise packs a moving palette of natural magic -- the colors, the majesty, the power, the reverence. As warm oranges and reds wash over you and the surroundings, you witness the artistry of a new day. Sunrise has a stillness -- even in the heart of most cities -- that can create an oasis in a normally frenzied day. If you aren't used to being awake at sunrise -- or you're awake only in the grumpiest of moods and not usually by your own choice -- try it. Choosing to get up early makes all the difference in how you feel about it. (But make sure to get enough sleep the night before.) Whenever your physician orders any test or lab work, ask for a copy of the results. Keep these copies in a file. This way if you ever switch to a new doctor or see a specialist, you will have results of all the tests performed in the past without having to run from office to office trying to get a copy of your records. Most medical specialists send a letter to your primary care physician after your visit summarizing their findings and recommendations. At the end of an appointment with a specialist, ask the physician to mail a copy of the report to you as well. This will provide you with a summary of your visit. In addition, you will readily have a copy if you need to see another physician. Disinfectants
There are several natural ways to disinfect your home, some
of them proven in studies to kill molds and microorganisms.
Here are a few suggestions. Study the anatomy of the human body. It’s fun, interactive, and an ideal reference site for students or those who just want to know more about the medical descriptions used by doctors and nurses. Variety Can Add More Than Spice To Life We're constantly urged to eat a wide variety of foods to ensure that we get the range of vitamins and minerals we need. However, for people who need to lose weight, variety within the DAY might be better than eating a variety within a MEAL. Here's why: studies show that if people are offered three types of sandwiches, or pasta shapes, or dessert selections, they will almost always eat more because they'll try some of each. With only one option, they'll invariably choose a smaller total amount of food.
Ancient civilizations used honey for wounds and scars, and
Hippocrates recommended honey to combat ulcers. Although
many of the claims made today about honey's beneficial
properties are circumstantial, this is one item that you
can consume for just about any reason you want to claim and it will not hurt you. All medications have potential side effects, as well as possible interactions with each other. A review of older patients' emergency room visits, published in the December 2001 issue of the Annals of Emergency Medicine, has found that almost 11% of those visits were due to medication complications. This data does not mean that you should stop taking medication. Most times the benefits far outweigh the risks. However, talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all of your medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, to be sure that there are no potential drug interactions in your regimen. Don't forget to mention any herbs or vitamins, as they can cause significant interactions as well. Red Eyes A red eye can be a sign of a serious medical problem. It is often, but not always, due to allergies or a bacterial or viral infection. If you develop a red eye, see an eye specialist immediately. In case it is contagious, avoid direct contact with others and do not share pillows, washcloths, or towels. In addition, never use an over-the-counter "red-eye remover" without approval from your eye doctor.
Many women who wear contact lenses go years or
even forever without ever having an eye infection
due to contamination of the contacts themselves.
Cleansing care of contact lenses each night when
they are taken out is important to prevent
bacteria or other organisms from colonizing the
lenses and causing an eye infection such as a
keratitis. A keratitis eye inflammation is usually
treatable over a short time period but rarely, it
can cause blindness. Who better to help you quit smoking than former smokers? That's the theory behind QuitNet, a site that's chockfull of quitting calendars, tips, and resources. Registered users can use cool tools like the Q-Gadget that calculates the time that quitting adds to your lifespan and the money you'll save when you stop buying cigarettes. The QuitNet forums are the place to go for expert advice, but before you jump into the fray, check out the Glossary of Quitticisms to help you decipher the QuitNet slang. Whether you're an "Ancient," an "Elder," or a "Newbie," QuitNet is the place to find all sorts of backup support to help you "kick butt." If you suffer from cold sores, then you'll be happy to know there are a variety of natural remedies for them. Try putting full-strength lavender oil or tea tree oil on a Q-tip and swabbing that on the cold sore. Undiluted lemon juice is also a favorite, or try 10 drops of eucalyptus or lemon oil diluted in 1/4-cup of a clear alcohol to dab on. If you don't have any of those oils, have a glass of wine and let the remaining drops in the bottom of the glass become a sticky residue. Then dab this on the cold sore. Sounds silly, I know, but the concentrated tannins left in the glass from the wine do the trick.
Try this remedy at the first sign that you may be getting
the flu and you may actually shorten the amount of time
that you are sick. You will need:
Boil the stick of cinnamon and a clove in two cups of
water. Take out the cinnamon and clove and add a tablespoon
or two of lemon and a tablespoon of honey and mix well. Add
Thyme is a well-known culinary herb. This bushy perennial
has woody stems and bunches of small purple flowers. Use
the leaves, stripping them off the stems, and the flowering
tops for culinary or medicinal purposes. If you are growing
your own, clip off the dead flowering heads if you haven't
used them up to promote growth in the plant. These can be
collected in the summer as the heads flower. I know it is tempting, but here's the rule for cleaning your ears: nothing smaller than your elbow should go into your ear. Using a cotton swab can potentially lead to serious injury. It's best to clean your ears gently with a clean sponge or washcloth. If you suffer from excessive earwax, your physician can help you remove it. Quitting Smoking May Reduce Cataract Risk The more cigarettes you smoke daily, the higher your risk of developing cataracts. New evidence suggests that quitting smoking can reduce this risk. In a study published in the January 2002 issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology, investigators reviewed data on more than 100,000 adults. They found that individuals who had quit smoking for at least 25 years were approximately 20% less likely to develop cataracts requiring surgery than current smokers. However, individuals who had never smoked were approximately 36% less likely to need cataract surgery. The bottom line is that although quitting smoking can reduce your chance of developing cataracts, your best bet is not to smoke in the first place. HEART PATIENTS FLOCK TO ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE Nearly three-quarters of heart patients surveyed in a University of Michigan study used some kind of alternative medicine. However, the researchers found dietary supplements chosen by one-third of the heart patients could actually interact with their heart medications to raise their risk of further health problems. The findings were presented at the American College of Cardiology's 51st annual scientific session. "Heart patients seem to be turning to alternative therapies even more than the general population, although they stick to mainstream drugs too," says Eva Kline-Rogers, the nurse who coordinated the study. "But they may not know that some of these substances could pose a hazard with heart medications, and if they don't tell their doctors, the risk may go undetected." Many heart patients have a prescription to take aspirin, Coumadin (warfarin) or Plavix (clopidogrel), to thin their blood, prevent clotting, and reduce their risk of heart attack or stroke. But dietary supplements such as gingko biloba, ginseng, garlic, vitamin E, fish oil or coenzyme Q10 can also cause blood-thinning or anticoagulant effects. PROSTATE RADIATION WITH FEWER SIDE EFFECTS Incontinence and impotence are two major complications feared by men undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, since the bladder and the rectum are the two organs adjacent to the prostate. These organs are often in the line of fire when radiation beams target the cancerous prostate. Using a highly sophisticated technology called Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy or IMRT, patients are experiencing fewer side effects than they would with conventional and or three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy. Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia is currently treating prostate cancer patients regularly with IMRT. It allows radiation oncologists to give precise but powerful doses of radiation to the targeted prostate while sparing surrounding healthy organs. "Tumors are not perfectly round. They come in all sizes, shapes, thickness and sometimes intertwine with organs," says Eric Horwitz, a radiation oncologist at Fox Chase Cancer Center. "We precisely calibrate the computers and equipment so that we reach the target with minimal interference to other organs and the IMRT technology makes that possible."
(as seen in Bobsfiles) Among the theories about what causes essential high blood pressure (the kind that needs treatment), most relate to problems that our kidneys appear to have handling excess salt. Population studies have shown that societies with a high salt consumption (such as the United States) have a correspondingly high incidence of high blood pressure. But in cultures where salt intake is low, the incidence of high blood pressure is extremely low. Other studies have shown that for most individuals with hypertension, restricting salt intake helps to lower high blood pressure. Do you want to cut down on your risk of developing heart disease? Then follow the good old advice of eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. A study of more than 125,000 people published in the June 19, 2001 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine found that eating even one extra serving of a fruit or vegetable daily lowers the risk of heart disease by 4%. The researchers found that fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, as well as green leafy vegetables, offered the greatest protection. So next time you're hungry for a snack, grab a fruit! What Exactly Is Heatstroke? Heatstroke occurs when the blood temperature rises to 106 degrees Fahrenheit within a short period of time. How does this happen? When outside temperatures reach about 90 degrees with 65 percent humidity, the human body has trouble replacing sweat. This causes most men to become dehydrated, ultimately resulting in brain damage or death. According to the Centers for Disease Control, an average of 371 people die from heat exposure in the United States every year. Who Gets Heatstroke And Why?
Though heatstroke more commonly affects children and the
elderly, men are also highly susceptible. Why? Studies show
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention. To avoid heat stroke and heat exhaustion, force yourself and your friends to drink more water or sports drinks than you or they would normally. Make a point of hydrating before and during outdoor activities. Avoid cocktails and caffeine, which will tend to dehydrate you. If you do drink beer or other alcoholic beverages while enjoying the sun, power down a large glass of something non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated for every beer and two glasses for every hard liquor beverage. More Ways To Avoid Heatstroke
Be aware that some medications accelerate the overheating
process. Antihistamines, cough suppressants, some heart Menstrual Cycle May Indicate Risk of Osteoporosis
Study: Irregular periods in younger women indicate higher possibility of low
bone density
It's true: Tinea pedis, better known as athlete's foot, can be a chronic condition that lasts for years. The fungus that causes athlete's foot thrives in warm, moist environments like showers and pools. Walking barefoot and stepping on the contaminated skin of someone's foot is one way of becoming infected. The warm, moist environment of socks and shoes contribute to fungi growth. Symptoms include itchy feet, crackled, blistered, or peeling skin, especially between the toes. Redness or scaling on the soles of the feet may also be symptoms. Relief can come by over-the-counter medications or, for more severe cases, treatment by a physician. To prevent athlete's foot, keep your feet clean and dry wash your feet thoroughly every day wear a clean pair of socks after you bathe or shower wear thongs or sandals to prevent being exposed to contaminated floors wear leather shoes rather than vinyl wear cotton socks to absorb sweat air out your shoes between wearing don't share shoes use foot powders to keep feet drier Obesity is the second most preventable cause of premature death and disease. Serious health risks associated with obesity can include diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, gout, and cancer. Obesity raises the risks of developing type 2 diabetes by as much as 300 percent. Obesity raises the risk of suffering a heart attack or a stroke. Obesity raises the risk of developing cancer, possibly due to shifts in hormone levels. When both parents are obese, the likelihood of their child being obese is as high as 80%. When neither parent is obese, the chances are less than 10%. Shrimp-Lovin' News Although shrimp is higher in dietary cholesterol than fish or chicken, it's low in saturated fat. Saturated fat is the main culprit for raising blood cholesterol levels. Not only is shrimp low in saturated fat, but it also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which can be heart healthy. On the downside, 3 ounces of cooked shrimp provide a whopping 167 milligrams of dietary cholesterol. Since some experts recommend that dietary cholesterol levels not exceed 300 milligrams per day, you can still enjoy shrimp. Simply balance your intake of shrimp with other low-cholesterol foods such as fruits, vegetables, and nonfat dairy products. The Bare Beer Truth Recent studies are suggesting that beer, when consumed in moderation (1 per day), has a positive effect on your heart. Beer drinkers are 62% less likely to have a heart attack than people who drink more or even no beer. Surprisingly, those who drink two or more beers per day are just as likely to suffer a heart attack as nondrinkers Taking Care of Back Pain
When does back pain require medical attention? And when are
rest and TLC appropriate treatment? -Lasting back pain could be other serious problems not diagnosed such as kidney problems ,even cancer.
Acne
Heart Disease Starts in ChildhoodAfter Age 2, Cut Back on Fat, Sugar, Sodium
March 6, 2003 -- The french fries and burgers are taking their toll. Today's
kids are developing the same cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight problems
seen in adults -- the same adults who develop heart disease. Public health
officials are concerned. Parents and pediatricians should crack down on kids'
diet and make them get more exercise, says a statement released today by the
American Heart Association (AHA). The paper provides guidelines to prevent heart
disease beginning in childhood. "There is now quite a large body of evidence
documenting ... physiologic changes when hypertension, high cholesterol, and
diabetes are present in childhood," says lead researcher Rae-Ellen W. Kavey, MD,
chairwoman of cardiology at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago, in a news
release. "Because the process of heart disease begins then, prevention should
hold the most promise when it is initiated in children," she says. Parents
should give their kids low-fat, low-sugar, and low-sodium foods after age 2,
says the AHA statement. Parents should also limit children to two hours of TV a
day. Doctors should assess the child's diet, tobacco use, weight, and physical
activity at every office visit. Blood pressure and cholesterol should be checked
regularly. In fact, a Canadian study presented today at the AHA annual
conference, being held in Miami, addresses high blood pressure among children.
In that study, researchers examined the impact of obesity on blood pressure in
about 3,500 children. Though the overall blood pressure readings were elevated,
boys between 13 and 16 years old had the highest readings. Even kids as young as
9 had high readings. "Our results suggest that this increase in systolic
pressure is related to the obesity epidemic in children and adolescents," says
lead researcher Gilles Paradis, MD, a professor at McGill University School of
Medicine in Montreal. "These children will be tomorrow's hypertensive adults,"
Paradis says. "Schools, parents, health professionals, and policy-makers need to
understand that the gravity of the obesity epidemic requires urgent and massive
prevention efforts aimed at getting kids to become physically active as well as
to eat a healthy diet, promoting optimal growth but not excessive caloric
intake." If obesity were an infectious disease, health officials would be
calling for widespread vaccinations and calling obesity a "public health
catastrophe," he says. "Obesity is the No. 1 dietary disorder in North America"
-- and the long-term consequences may be particularly important when it starts
at such a young age, he says.
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