Thursday, January 27, 2011

Restrict Fluid Diet


A fluid restriction diet is a type of diet that limits one’s fluid intake on a regular basis. These foods include ice cream, yogurt, soups, watery fruits and sauces among others. It are understood that water is one essential nutrient that the body needs. Water balance in the body is a crucial aspect that needs to be remembered for adequate hydration.

The fluid restricted diet helps the body prevent too much build up of water in the body. In conditions like this, following this kind of diet prevents adverse effects of too much liquid associated with different diseases.

One may consider a fluid restricted diet when one suffers from congestive heart failure. This condition is characterized by progressive weakening of the heart and difficulty of pumping blood to the body. In addition, people with end-stage renal diseases have impaired kidneys, thus, have the difficulty to produce urine.

One consideration for water intake is the use of small cups while drinking. This will help one limit a water intake. Also, one may consider measuring a daily water requirement in a container to easily limit one’s intake.

Fluid diet is a special diet that can be applied to patients with certain condition that may require water intake limits. Before deciding to take this diet, consult a physician for a professional advice to avoid developing disturbing health conditions.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Parent-Child play therapy throws out depression


According to child psychiatry researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, a form of play therapy between parents and their toddlers can relieve depression in preschoolers.

Known as parent-child interaction therapy, the play-based technique has been used successfully to treat hyperactivity and disruptive disorders. The researchers adapted it, adding a focus on emotional development, to test whether it could help parents teach their children how to regulate negative emotions, such as guilt and sadness.

The original therapy was developed in the 1970s by Sheila M. Eyberg, PhD, distinguished professor of clinical and health psychology at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

"It’s designed to help parents understand what’s going on with their child," Lenze says. "It also trains parents in how to show empathy for the child and the emotions that child is displaying, as well as what to do about those emotions."
Another reason may involve brain development.

"The brain is undergoing tremendous, rapid change during this period of development," Luby says. "We think it is important to identify depression and intervene early so that we might prevent it from becoming a chronic and relapsing disorder."

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Smoking Causes Genetic Damage



In research described as "a stark warning" to those tempted to start smoking, scientists are reporting that cigarette smoke begins to cause genetic damage within minutes -- not years -- after inhalation into the lungs.

Stephen S. Hecht, Ph.D., and colleagues point out in the report that lung cancer claims a global toll largely as a result of cigarette smoking. Smoking also is linked to at least 18 other types of cancer. Evidence indicates that harmful substances in tobacco smoke termed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, are one of the culprits in causing lung cancer.

"This study is unique," writes Hecht, an internationally recognized expert on cancer-causing substances found in cigarette smoke and smokeless tobacco. "It is the first to investigate human metabolism of a PAH specifically delivered by inhalation in cigarette smoke, without interference by other sources of exposure such as air pollution or the diet.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Homeopathy



Homeopathy is a medical theory and practice that developed in reaction to the bloodletting, blistering, purging, and other harsh procedures of conventional medicine as it was practiced more than 200 years ago. Remedies made from many sources--including plants, minerals or animals--are prescribed based on both a person's symptoms and personality. Patients receiving homeopathic care frequently feel worse before they get better because homeopathic medicines often stimulate, rather than suppress, symptoms. This seeming reversal of logic is a relevant part of homeopathy because symptoms are viewed as the body's effort to restore health. The Food and Drug Administration regulates homeopathic remedies under provisions of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Kinder, Gentler Medicine.

Some of the medicines of homeopathy evoke positive images--chamomile, marigold, daisy, onion. But even some of Mother Nature's cruelest creations--poison ivy, mercury, arsenic, pit viper venom, hemlock--are part of homeopathic care.

Another difference involves alcohol. Conventional drugs for adults can contain no more than 10 percent alcohol, and the amount is even less for children's medications.

However, homeopathic products are not exempt from all FDA regulations. If a homeopathic drug claims to treat a serious disease such as cancer it can be sold by prescription only. Only products sold for so-called self-limiting conditions--colds, headaches, and other minor health problems that eventually go away on their own--can be sold without a prescription.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Tips for Getting Regular exercise Fitness


Studies have shown that regular exercise significantly increases life expectancy and improves overall health. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of cancer, heart disease, and osteoporosis.
Taking it slow and easy:
Walking offers the easiest, least expensive way to work out for most people. It's important to start out slowly if you have been inactive for a long period of time. It may be necessary for you to start with just 10 or 15 minutes and increase your walking as you feel able.
Back and neck stretch:
Stretching the back, neck and abdominal muscles before exercise can prevent sprained backs and necks.
Foot stretching:
Foot pain can be prevented by gently stretching the Achilles tendon. Pull your foot backward and hold for 10 seconds, repeat 10 times. Properly fitted and appropriate foot ware is also important in preventing foot injury.
Stretching muscles:
Gently stretch all major muscles prior to a workout to prevent muscle strains and pulls. Strengthen the muscles on the front of your thighs by contracting and relaxing the muscle with your knee straight. Contract to the count of ten and relax- repeat 10 times on each leg.
Shin stretching:
Shin injury can be prevented with a slow warm-up before and stretching following each workout. Proper arch support is also important as is a soft workout surface-- grass, instead of asphalt.
Elbow stretch:
Forearm strength can be built up by doing reverse curls with light weights or squeezing a rubber ball.
Swimming:
Swimming is probably the best overall activity for those who are afflicted by diseases of the bones and joints-- no stress is put on the joints and the water offers exceptional, non-stressful resistance.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Dental Tips



Dental health by many is assumed to be a cosmetic issue. Your health in general is greatly affected by the health of your mouth. Dental health, cavities, is the number one disease in children today. Gingivitis can affect not only your teeth but your heart health. Follow these steps to insure your dental health.

Brush and Floss: Do this at least two times a day to remove plaque from your mouth. One of the most exciting products that we have seen in a long time is Tooth Soap. You must give it to try whether you have problems with your dental health or not.

Examine Your Mouth Regularly: You are in the best position to notice changes in your mouth. These changes could be chipped teeth, swollen gums, irregularities in your tongue or cheeks.

Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Twice a year is good for most people but others need to see the dentist more often. Discuss it with your own doctor.

Limit Snacks and Eat Healthy: Definitely limit high sugar snacks as they are more prone to cause dental problems but also cut down on all snacking.

Understand Your Own Dental Health Needs:
Oral health depends on many things, including diet, overall health, overall dental habits, and medications that you are taking.

Quit Using Tobacco:
Tobacco gives you bad breath and stains your teeth. It contributes to oral cancer, gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth decay. If you use it, stop.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Whooping cough is a highly contagious disease and is spread by droplets from coughing and sneezing from an infected person.

Parents and family members are the main source of infection for babies.

Whooping cough is most serious in babies under 12 months of age, often requiring admission to hospital. Whooping cough can lead to complications such as haemorrhage, convulsions, pneumonia, coma, inflammation of the brain, permanent brain damage and long term lung damage. Around one in every 200 children under six months of age who catches whooping cough will die.

A mother does not pass any protection against whooping cough onto her baby whilst pregnant or breastfeeding.
What are the symptoms?

Whooping cough begins with symptoms similar to those of a cold then quickly leads to:

* Severe coughing spasms
* Vomiting at the end of the coughing spasm
* The baby may stop breathing for periods of time and may go blue
* Poor feeding
* The coughing can last for months
* 'Whooping' sound heard while breathing in

How can you prevent whooping cough?

Immunisation is the best way to control whooping cough and protect your baby. You and any adults
who care for your baby should get a booster vaccine for whooping cough. It is safe to be immunised while breastfeeding.

Whooping cough vaccination is offered as part of the government funded immunisation program for babies at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. Immunisation should be started on time to begin the protection in the baby. A whooping cough immunisation boost is given to children at 4 years of age and in year 10 of secondary school (or 15 years of age).

All parents are urged to check their child’s immunisations and catch up any missed doses with their doctor or council immunisation program.

Protection from immunisation is not life long and begins to fade after six to ten years. A booster vaccine (combined with diphtheria and tetanus) is recommended to maintain protection in the following groups:

* Adults before planning pregnancy, or for both parents as soon as possible after the birth of their baby
* Adults working with or caring for very young babies, especially health care workers and child care workers
* Any adult wishing to protect themselves against whooping cough