First you need to determine if you have the flu as its symptoms are relatively similar to the ones of a common cold. If you are feeling a brain-mashing headache, together with muscle aches, fatigue, vomiting, sore throat and a fever that makes you shiver and sweat, these are all strong clues that the flu has its hold on you.
How to treat the flu - There are some things you can do to speed up your recovery from the flu
Make sure you give yourself enough time to recover completely, or you could end up with a slower recovery and develop some complications.
Stay home, remain indoors and get a lot of rest. Although it is advised that you stay in bed, some physical exercise such as stretching can help you with your muscle and body aches. But don't overdo it and avoid becoming chilled as this may weaken the body's defense mechanism. It’s best if the treatment is done without leaving the house for a few days. External factors such as cold or bad weather may prolong or even intensify the disease and slow your recovery.
What to eat when you have the flu
You need to keep an effective defense against the influenza virus. Eat vitamin C-rich fresh fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C has excellent antioxidant properties and will help in your effort to recover. Good sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits, strawberries and Brussel sprouts. Eat some lean meats, fish, cereals and whole grain breads to add more zinc to your system.
You could also try eating some starchy foods like bananas, applesauce, dry toast, cottage cheese, baked potatoes, boiled rice, and cooked cereal. When you haven't been eating regularly, starchy foods provide a gentle transition for your digestive system.
Drink plenty of fluids. The body can get dehydrated when you have fever, pushing the fever up even higher. Proper hydration is essential in removing toxins from your body, and the more fluid you drink, the more your tissues are hydrated and the more mucous flows. Water is the main candidate, but sports drinks, fruit juices, and soups can be beneficial as well. Even if you don't feel thirsty, try to drink small amounts of liquids regularly. Don't drink alcohol; they will dehydrate you and can lower your body's defense mechanism to fight the disease and secondary infections.
Apply a heating pad on your body aches.
As a sore throat cure, gargle as needed. Dissolve 1 tsp of salt in 1 pint of warm water. See other alternatives in Natural Flu Remedies.
When to see your doctor
See your Doctor if you are over 65 years of age and have some chronic conditions such as lung disease or heart disease or if you have been vomiting for over a day or have severe abdominal pain.
Some common medicines to fight influenza are Acetaminophen (such as Tylenol), Aspirin and Ibuprofen. Take two tablets every four hours to reduce fever and relieve headache and any muscle aches that the flu virus may cause. However, be careful not to give aspirin to anyone under 21, since research has establish a link between Reye's Syndrome and the use of aspirin. Cough medicine and decongestants will also help with respiratory congestion.
Some prescription medicines include Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), Amantadine, Rimantadine or Zanamivir (Relenza). These drugs are specifically created for preventing and treating the flu. Yet the current flu virus, H3N2 has become progressively resistant to Amantadine and Rimantadine. In 1994 it was concluded that only 1% of the H3N2 cases were resistant to these medications and only 9 years later, by 2005 this resistance ratio was increased to over 90%. There’s no guarantee that these medications will respond in the future as the virus may mutate into a new and improved version of itself, becoming resistant or immune to them. In other words, the best flu medicine this year may be completely inefficient in the next flu season.
You may also want to consider some alternative treatments as well.
Acupressure works by using pressure on a number of points in the body for various flu symptoms. Also, hydrotherapy is a method using water to detoxify the body. The water warms the body and causes you to sweat out harmful toxins. Aromatherapy can be used as a preventive remedy. Protect yourself by applying one drop each of tea tree oil and lemon essential oil in a glass of warm water and gargle. A flu homeopathic remedy may also work. Try Gelsemium if you have a headache and stuffy nose and are feeling weak, tired and chilled. Bryonia will help with general achiness in your muscless and headache; it will also help you if you are thirsty for cold drinks and have a dry cough.
Garlic has antiviral properties and it is a powerful cleanser of the mucous membranes. Chew a clove of garlic as soon as you notice the first flu symptoms.
Another type of flu that we all became recently aware of is the bird flu or avian flu, which symptoms are similar to a regular cold or flu.
Aug 25, 2008
Bird Flu also known as Avian Flu
The bird flu also known as avian flu or avian influenza is a threat that many of us have become aware of with the media warning us that a pandemic may be emerging.
Bird flu is a type A influenza, which is fundamentally a respiratory virus which causes coughing, sore throat, fatigue, fever, muscle aches and congestion. This strain of influenza virus, also known as H5N1 virus appeared in Asia approximately eight years ago affecting particularly their poultry. H5N1 is a classification type of code that refers to the proteins on the surface of the virus.
Throughout history, the flu virus has mutated significantly and developed into different versions of itself. The H1N1 virus was accountable for the Spanish Flu in 1918 which was the deadliest influenza outbreak in history. The number of people killed from the flu outnumbered those who died in battle during all of World War I.
The H2N2 virus was responsible for the Asian Flu in 1957, killing over 1 million people all over the world, with almost 70,000 deaths in the United States.
The H3N2 strain appeared a decade later in Hong Kong in 1968. The Hong Kong flu virus was responsible for over 33,000 deaths in the United States. This is an example of how the virus has mutated and found its way to spread, infect and resist the factors that could obstruct its spread.
The H5N1 virus, a new strain of avian flu appeared in Hong Kong in 1997. Approximately 1.5 million birds were slaughtered in Hong Kong. And because this disease spreads uncontrollably among birds, it was named bird flu. Eighteen cases of human infection were reported at that time, of which six had died. It was reassuring to learn that these victims became infected from direct contact with an infected bird, rather than from an infected person.
The medical and scientific community, begun to treat avian influenza with more interest after the discovery of the H5N1 virus. Until then, the virus would only attack birds at a lower rate and even in those cases where humans became infected, the virus would generate minor effects. Although the chances for humans to contract the H5N1 bird flu are very slim, the H5N1 bird flu is highly dangerous, especially through SARS, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and complicated cases of flu pneumonia.
Birds transmit the virus to each other through their feces, touching one another, sneezing and coughing, but chances are very small for humans to get infected by the virus straight from a bird. In 2004 scientists discovered that ducks were silent carriers of the virus. While ducks were not affected by the virus, they contributed to spread the virus through their feces.
Flu viruses are mutating in small ways all the time. When big changes take place, which are less common, the entire world population would be at great risk leading to a pandemic.
This mutation, known as antigenic shift, happens when different type of viruses mix in a host, be it an animal or human being and exchange their genetic material to create a new virus. When this new virus is virulent, meaning that it can make people sick, and it spreads easily among people, a large population will catch it and become very ill. The rates of sick people and death will be considerably higher than with an ordinary flu. A pandemic is possible but not inevitable.
Based on history and timing alone, the scientific community believes that the world is overdue for another pandemic, whether it is H5N1 or another virus. The frightening factor about this virus begun when suddenly it was transmitted from birds into people resulting in a deadly virus in humans.
Bird flu is a type A influenza, which is fundamentally a respiratory virus which causes coughing, sore throat, fatigue, fever, muscle aches and congestion. This strain of influenza virus, also known as H5N1 virus appeared in Asia approximately eight years ago affecting particularly their poultry. H5N1 is a classification type of code that refers to the proteins on the surface of the virus.
Throughout history, the flu virus has mutated significantly and developed into different versions of itself. The H1N1 virus was accountable for the Spanish Flu in 1918 which was the deadliest influenza outbreak in history. The number of people killed from the flu outnumbered those who died in battle during all of World War I.
The H2N2 virus was responsible for the Asian Flu in 1957, killing over 1 million people all over the world, with almost 70,000 deaths in the United States.
The H3N2 strain appeared a decade later in Hong Kong in 1968. The Hong Kong flu virus was responsible for over 33,000 deaths in the United States. This is an example of how the virus has mutated and found its way to spread, infect and resist the factors that could obstruct its spread.
The H5N1 virus, a new strain of avian flu appeared in Hong Kong in 1997. Approximately 1.5 million birds were slaughtered in Hong Kong. And because this disease spreads uncontrollably among birds, it was named bird flu. Eighteen cases of human infection were reported at that time, of which six had died. It was reassuring to learn that these victims became infected from direct contact with an infected bird, rather than from an infected person.
The medical and scientific community, begun to treat avian influenza with more interest after the discovery of the H5N1 virus. Until then, the virus would only attack birds at a lower rate and even in those cases where humans became infected, the virus would generate minor effects. Although the chances for humans to contract the H5N1 bird flu are very slim, the H5N1 bird flu is highly dangerous, especially through SARS, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and complicated cases of flu pneumonia.
Birds transmit the virus to each other through their feces, touching one another, sneezing and coughing, but chances are very small for humans to get infected by the virus straight from a bird. In 2004 scientists discovered that ducks were silent carriers of the virus. While ducks were not affected by the virus, they contributed to spread the virus through their feces.
Flu viruses are mutating in small ways all the time. When big changes take place, which are less common, the entire world population would be at great risk leading to a pandemic.
This mutation, known as antigenic shift, happens when different type of viruses mix in a host, be it an animal or human being and exchange their genetic material to create a new virus. When this new virus is virulent, meaning that it can make people sick, and it spreads easily among people, a large population will catch it and become very ill. The rates of sick people and death will be considerably higher than with an ordinary flu. A pandemic is possible but not inevitable.
Based on history and timing alone, the scientific community believes that the world is overdue for another pandemic, whether it is H5N1 or another virus. The frightening factor about this virus begun when suddenly it was transmitted from birds into people resulting in a deadly virus in humans.
A Cold or The Flu (Influenza)?
First, we need to mention that the influenza and the common cold are both contagious viral infections of the respiratory tract, and they come from different viral families. The flu viruses form a category of its own (the Orthomyxoviridae family), common cold can be caused by up to four hundred viruses. Unfortunately, there is no absolute cure for any of them and checking and determining which virus is causing your cold, will not be advantageous in helping you recover any faster.
While the symptoms are very similar, influenza is more severe. Sore throat, congestion, runny nose and sneezing are common with colds and both diseases bring coughing, headache and chest discomfort. The symptoms of flu tend to cause one to have more symptoms of fever, aching of the body, and dry coughing than the common cold.
Complications from colds usually present a much less serious threat to one's health, as the flu can lead to other problems such as pneumonia and sinus infections, while those with the cold rarely have to make a trip to the hospital. Colds primarily cause problems in the head alone, and many call them head colds as most of the symptoms exist purely from the neck-up. Influenza, on the other hand, affects the whole body and can be quite threatening to ones health, especially those who are very young or very old.
The viruses that cause the illnesses are very different, but they do result in many of the same symptoms. For this reason, many people have trouble telling the two apart by symptoms alone. For example, both cases of flu and common cold may very well start with afflictions of the upper respiratory system (mainly the nose and throat) such as constant sneezing, nasal congestion, sore and dry throat (or phlegmy throat in some cases) and coughing. In addition, both diseases can cause mild headaches, fevers, muscle soreness and a general state of weakness and nausea, although these symptoms are more severe in flu cases.
They spread in much the same way, with the affected individuals coughing or sneezing and releasing more of the virus particles into the air for others to fall victim to. However some studies have found that the beads of moisture in which the germs are expelled during coughing and sneezing, generally they fall to the ground unless immediately inhaled, discovering that a much higher number of infection causing microbes are present on the hands of people suffering from these illnesses than in the air into which they have been coughing or sneezing.
Generally, colds are very contagious especially in young children. As adults, our tendency to catch a cold decreases possibly due to some developed immunity. Cold symptoms settle in between one and four days after the getting infected by the cold virus. During he first three days we feel the symptoms, we are the most contagious.
Usually, the flu virus symptoms will roughly manifest 24-48 hours after the virus has infected the body, whereas common cold viruses are triggered slower. This means that it’s a lot easier to prevent a case of common cold than one of flu, stopping the viruses from their roots before spreading and making the situation worse.
One thing that the two illnesses have in common is the fact that we do not yet have a cure for them. However, there are vaccines that are available that can make you immune to the new strains of the flu that come around from year to year. For that reason, the flu is much more preventable than the common cold. While instances of the common cold may appear at random, the flu tends to strike seasonally, with most becoming affected in the middle of winter.
The flu is highly contagious and within two to three weeks, it will have travelled amongst the people that you surround yourself with, with schools and the workplace being particularly troublesome when it comes to catching the illness. The flu also tends to last a little longer than the common cold, with people often getting over the cold within a week whereas the flu can stick around for up to two weeks.
If left untreated, both diseases can cause complications, but the flu is by far the worse. Flu cases can easily lead to death if not treated, since the virus is a lot more powerful and it is also more adaptable to avoiding medication and to countering the infected person’s immune system (actually, the flu virus is known to be one of the most "instinctive" and adaptable viruses of all time, since it constantly mutates into newer, better versions).
A case of flu can become deadly in many ways, either through high fever, reducing the immune system to a point where the body is easily afflicted by numerous other diseases, but most commonly, flu is deadly by causing an acute respiratory deficiency. On the other hand, it’s relatively hard for a common cold to become lethal. Even if left untreated by modern medication, a common cold can be naturally healed. And while the cold itself will almost never be the cause of death, the complications it can produce, such as pneumonia for example, may very well do so.
When it comes to keeping the illnesses at bay, your best bet is to exercise caution when it comes to being sanitary. When flu season strikes or someone around you has a cold, be sure to wash your hands often.
Also, if you are a smoker, you may want to avoid the habit for a few days as it can prove to have a negative effect on your body’s ability to prevent respiratory illnesses.
Adequate rest is very important for both the flu and the common cold. Drinking plenty of water is also very important as moist tissues are harder for a virus to infect than dry tissues.
While the symptoms are very similar, influenza is more severe. Sore throat, congestion, runny nose and sneezing are common with colds and both diseases bring coughing, headache and chest discomfort. The symptoms of flu tend to cause one to have more symptoms of fever, aching of the body, and dry coughing than the common cold.
Complications from colds usually present a much less serious threat to one's health, as the flu can lead to other problems such as pneumonia and sinus infections, while those with the cold rarely have to make a trip to the hospital. Colds primarily cause problems in the head alone, and many call them head colds as most of the symptoms exist purely from the neck-up. Influenza, on the other hand, affects the whole body and can be quite threatening to ones health, especially those who are very young or very old.
The viruses that cause the illnesses are very different, but they do result in many of the same symptoms. For this reason, many people have trouble telling the two apart by symptoms alone. For example, both cases of flu and common cold may very well start with afflictions of the upper respiratory system (mainly the nose and throat) such as constant sneezing, nasal congestion, sore and dry throat (or phlegmy throat in some cases) and coughing. In addition, both diseases can cause mild headaches, fevers, muscle soreness and a general state of weakness and nausea, although these symptoms are more severe in flu cases.
They spread in much the same way, with the affected individuals coughing or sneezing and releasing more of the virus particles into the air for others to fall victim to. However some studies have found that the beads of moisture in which the germs are expelled during coughing and sneezing, generally they fall to the ground unless immediately inhaled, discovering that a much higher number of infection causing microbes are present on the hands of people suffering from these illnesses than in the air into which they have been coughing or sneezing.
Generally, colds are very contagious especially in young children. As adults, our tendency to catch a cold decreases possibly due to some developed immunity. Cold symptoms settle in between one and four days after the getting infected by the cold virus. During he first three days we feel the symptoms, we are the most contagious.
Usually, the flu virus symptoms will roughly manifest 24-48 hours after the virus has infected the body, whereas common cold viruses are triggered slower. This means that it’s a lot easier to prevent a case of common cold than one of flu, stopping the viruses from their roots before spreading and making the situation worse.
One thing that the two illnesses have in common is the fact that we do not yet have a cure for them. However, there are vaccines that are available that can make you immune to the new strains of the flu that come around from year to year. For that reason, the flu is much more preventable than the common cold. While instances of the common cold may appear at random, the flu tends to strike seasonally, with most becoming affected in the middle of winter.
The flu is highly contagious and within two to three weeks, it will have travelled amongst the people that you surround yourself with, with schools and the workplace being particularly troublesome when it comes to catching the illness. The flu also tends to last a little longer than the common cold, with people often getting over the cold within a week whereas the flu can stick around for up to two weeks.
If left untreated, both diseases can cause complications, but the flu is by far the worse. Flu cases can easily lead to death if not treated, since the virus is a lot more powerful and it is also more adaptable to avoiding medication and to countering the infected person’s immune system (actually, the flu virus is known to be one of the most "instinctive" and adaptable viruses of all time, since it constantly mutates into newer, better versions).
A case of flu can become deadly in many ways, either through high fever, reducing the immune system to a point where the body is easily afflicted by numerous other diseases, but most commonly, flu is deadly by causing an acute respiratory deficiency. On the other hand, it’s relatively hard for a common cold to become lethal. Even if left untreated by modern medication, a common cold can be naturally healed. And while the cold itself will almost never be the cause of death, the complications it can produce, such as pneumonia for example, may very well do so.
When it comes to keeping the illnesses at bay, your best bet is to exercise caution when it comes to being sanitary. When flu season strikes or someone around you has a cold, be sure to wash your hands often.
Also, if you are a smoker, you may want to avoid the habit for a few days as it can prove to have a negative effect on your body’s ability to prevent respiratory illnesses.
Adequate rest is very important for both the flu and the common cold. Drinking plenty of water is also very important as moist tissues are harder for a virus to infect than dry tissues.
Flu Prevention
Typical of the flu is its rapidity to disseminate and the high degree of contagiousness under ideal circumstances. Besides, the flu viruses mutate from year to year. Every year there is a new type of flu strain that is dominant, what this means is that you can never develop a permanent immunity to influenza. Preventing the flu can be very difficult and it is important for you to know the basics of the flu and how it spreads to prevent it as much as you can. A healthy immune system is the key to protect yourself against repetitive colds.
In this article, we’ll offer some tips that can help to keep you safe from the flu when the season strikes.
Seasons:
The flu occurs at different times throughout the world, with a pronounced tendency to hit the hardest during the winter months. Why? Some scientists feel that since everyone tends to stay inside during the wintertime, our quarters are more confined and the illness has a chance to spread more effectively. Others feel that the cold weather can prove to be an efficient breeding ground for the virus, and it may allow the virus to live longer and possess a greater chance of infecting another person.
How is the influenza virus transmitted?
*
By inhaling the air that contains the virus. Sneezes and coughs can send flu particles flying through the air as far as three feet, causing more and more people to fall victim to the virus. It’s also important to remain very hygienic when flu season is about, making sure to wash your hands regularly.
*
By touching contaminated items. Doorknobs, keyboards, and other common shared areas can be host to the flu virus. Do your best to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or your mouth before you wash your hands, as you can come down with the flu through this manner.
What can you do?
*
Make sure to avoid close contact with any co-workers who may be sick. But it is also very important to remember that the flu can spread a day before someone even experiences any symptoms, and it can still spread up to five days after all the symptoms have disappeared. For this reason, minimize unnecesary close contact with people and crowded places.
*
Wash your hands regularly, as common areas such as the workplace or school are often breeding grounds for the flu virus. If you’ve come down with the flue, be sure to cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough as to prevent further infections from the virus. Also, be sure to throw away used tissues immediately and after you are done having the flu, change your bed linens.
*
Keep your immune system as strong as possible to minimize the chance of getting the flu but also because the immune system is responsible for eliminating the flu virus. Be sure to get enough sleep, and eat a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables. Some people find that supplements such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E are helpful when it comes to boosting immune response. If you live somewhere where a flu outbreak has taken place, you may want to ask your doctor about preventative antiviral medications that can help to keep you safe from the sickness.
*
Many opt for a flu vaccine, however vaccines aren’t a surefire method of preventing the disease They change from year to year as different strains of the virus spread, so it’s important to get one a month or two before flu season begins in order to reap the benefits. For those who are fearful of injections, they’ve recently introduced a nasal spray vaccine which can provide the same efficiency when it comes to preventing the flu. If a flu outbreak has recently occurred in your office and you are afraid of falling victim, you may want to speak to your doctor in order to get an antiviral compound such as Tamiflu which can help you to avoid coming down with the illness.
If you already have the flu, try some natural flu home remedies to help you cope it a little easier. If you are a diabetic or suffer from another chronic disease, talk to you doctor about how to get immunized before the flu season starts. Elderly people above 65 should also consult with their doctor to get some advice.
ComfiCoff is 100% safe and natural, complex remedy containing both herbal and homeopathic ingredients. These ingredients are combined in therapeutic dosages to provide rapid and effective relief of congestion and phlegm.
In this article, we’ll offer some tips that can help to keep you safe from the flu when the season strikes.
Seasons:
The flu occurs at different times throughout the world, with a pronounced tendency to hit the hardest during the winter months. Why? Some scientists feel that since everyone tends to stay inside during the wintertime, our quarters are more confined and the illness has a chance to spread more effectively. Others feel that the cold weather can prove to be an efficient breeding ground for the virus, and it may allow the virus to live longer and possess a greater chance of infecting another person.
How is the influenza virus transmitted?
*
By inhaling the air that contains the virus. Sneezes and coughs can send flu particles flying through the air as far as three feet, causing more and more people to fall victim to the virus. It’s also important to remain very hygienic when flu season is about, making sure to wash your hands regularly.
*
By touching contaminated items. Doorknobs, keyboards, and other common shared areas can be host to the flu virus. Do your best to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or your mouth before you wash your hands, as you can come down with the flu through this manner.
What can you do?
*
Make sure to avoid close contact with any co-workers who may be sick. But it is also very important to remember that the flu can spread a day before someone even experiences any symptoms, and it can still spread up to five days after all the symptoms have disappeared. For this reason, minimize unnecesary close contact with people and crowded places.
*
Wash your hands regularly, as common areas such as the workplace or school are often breeding grounds for the flu virus. If you’ve come down with the flue, be sure to cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough as to prevent further infections from the virus. Also, be sure to throw away used tissues immediately and after you are done having the flu, change your bed linens.
*
Keep your immune system as strong as possible to minimize the chance of getting the flu but also because the immune system is responsible for eliminating the flu virus. Be sure to get enough sleep, and eat a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables. Some people find that supplements such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E are helpful when it comes to boosting immune response. If you live somewhere where a flu outbreak has taken place, you may want to ask your doctor about preventative antiviral medications that can help to keep you safe from the sickness.
*
Many opt for a flu vaccine, however vaccines aren’t a surefire method of preventing the disease They change from year to year as different strains of the virus spread, so it’s important to get one a month or two before flu season begins in order to reap the benefits. For those who are fearful of injections, they’ve recently introduced a nasal spray vaccine which can provide the same efficiency when it comes to preventing the flu. If a flu outbreak has recently occurred in your office and you are afraid of falling victim, you may want to speak to your doctor in order to get an antiviral compound such as Tamiflu which can help you to avoid coming down with the illness.
If you already have the flu, try some natural flu home remedies to help you cope it a little easier. If you are a diabetic or suffer from another chronic disease, talk to you doctor about how to get immunized before the flu season starts. Elderly people above 65 should also consult with their doctor to get some advice.
ComfiCoff is 100% safe and natural, complex remedy containing both herbal and homeopathic ingredients. These ingredients are combined in therapeutic dosages to provide rapid and effective relief of congestion and phlegm.
Jul 9, 2008
Stress management
Prolonged psychological stress may negatively impact health, such as by weakening the immune system. See negative effects of the fight-or-flight response. Stress management is the application of methods to either reduce stress or increase tolerance to stress. Certain nootropics do both. Exercising to improve physical fitness, especially cardiovascular fitness, boosts the immune system and increases stress tolerance. Relaxation techniques are physical methods used to relieve stress. Examples include sexual intercourse, progressive relaxation, and fractional relaxation. Psychological methods include cognitive therapy, meditation, and positive thinking which work by reducing response to stress. Improving relevant skills and abilities builds confidence, which also reduces the stress reaction to situations where those skills are applicable. Reducing uncertainty, by increasing knowledge and experience related to stress-causing situations, has the same effect. Learning to cope with problems better, such as improving problem solving and time management skills, may also reduce stressful reaction to problems. Repeatedly facing an object of one's fears may also desensitize the fight-or-flight response with respect to that stimulus -- e.g., facing bullies may reduce fear of bullies.
Nutrition
Nutrition is the science that studies how what people eat affects their health and performance, such as foods or food components that cause diseases or deteriorate health (such as eating too many calories, which is a major contributing factor to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease). The field of nutrition also studies foods and dietary supplements that improve performance, promote health, and cure or prevent disease, such as eating fibrous foods to reduce the risk of colon cancer, or supplementing with vitamin C to strengthen teeth and gums and to improve the immune system.
Personal health depends partially on the social structure of one’s life. The maintenance of strong social relationships is linked to good health conditions, longevity, productivity, and a positive attitude. This is due to the fact that positive social interaction as viewed by the participant increases many chemical levels in the brain which are linked to personality and intelligence traits. Essentially this means that positive reinforcement from a third party make one more socially adept, in control, and relaxed physically and mentally, all of which are proven to effect the nervous system(UHF).
Personal health depends partially on the social structure of one’s life. The maintenance of strong social relationships is linked to good health conditions, longevity, productivity, and a positive attitude. This is due to the fact that positive social interaction as viewed by the participant increases many chemical levels in the brain which are linked to personality and intelligence traits. Essentially this means that positive reinforcement from a third party make one more socially adept, in control, and relaxed physically and mentally, all of which are proven to effect the nervous system(UHF).
Mental health
Mental health refers to a human individual's emotional and psychological well-being. Merriam-Webster defines mental health as "A state of emotional and psychological well-being in which an individual is able to use his or her cognitive and emotional capabilities, function in society, and meet the ordinary demands of everyday life."
According to the World Health Organization, there is no one "official" definition of mental health. Cultural differences, subjective assessments, and competing professional theories all affect how "mental health" is defined. In general, most experts agree that "mental health" and "mental illness" are not opposites. In other words, the absence of a recognized mental disorder is not necessarily an indicator of mental health.
One way to think about mental health is by looking at how effectively and successfully a person functions. Feeling capable and competent; being able to handle normal levels of stress, maintain satisfying relationships, and lead an independent life; and being able to "bounce back," or recover from difficult situations, are all signs of mental health.
Encompassing your emotional, social, and—most importantly—your mental well-being; All these aspects—emotional, physical, and social—must function together to achieve overall health.
According to the World Health Organization, there is no one "official" definition of mental health. Cultural differences, subjective assessments, and competing professional theories all affect how "mental health" is defined. In general, most experts agree that "mental health" and "mental illness" are not opposites. In other words, the absence of a recognized mental disorder is not necessarily an indicator of mental health.
One way to think about mental health is by looking at how effectively and successfully a person functions. Feeling capable and competent; being able to handle normal levels of stress, maintain satisfying relationships, and lead an independent life; and being able to "bounce back," or recover from difficult situations, are all signs of mental health.
Encompassing your emotional, social, and—most importantly—your mental well-being; All these aspects—emotional, physical, and social—must function together to achieve overall health.
Jun 28, 2008
5 Tips on Diverticular Disease
1. Diverticulosis is a condition with pouch-like protrusions in the colon:
* Rare before age 30
* Common after age 60
* Usually no symptoms
2. Complications of diverticulosis include:
* Bright red rectal bleeding with clots
* Diverticulitis
3. Ways to prevent and manage diverticular disease include:
* Increasing dietary fiber to keep bowel movements soft
* Avoiding stimulant laxatives
4. Diverticulitis is a serious complication in which pouches become inflamed or infected. Symptoms of diverticulitis include:
* Pain in left lower abdomen
* Fever
* Sudden change in bowel habit
See your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms.
5. Treatment of diverticulitis may include:
* Antibiotics
* Special feeding
* Surgery
* Rare before age 30
* Common after age 60
* Usually no symptoms
2. Complications of diverticulosis include:
* Bright red rectal bleeding with clots
* Diverticulitis
3. Ways to prevent and manage diverticular disease include:
* Increasing dietary fiber to keep bowel movements soft
* Avoiding stimulant laxatives
4. Diverticulitis is a serious complication in which pouches become inflamed or infected. Symptoms of diverticulitis include:
* Pain in left lower abdomen
* Fever
* Sudden change in bowel habit
See your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms.
5. Treatment of diverticulitis may include:
* Antibiotics
* Special feeding
* Surgery
10 Tips on Constipation and Incontinence of Stool
1. Despite widespread belief, constipation is not necessarily a part of growing older.
2. Bowel habits are similar in both younger and older healthy people.
3. Constipation is defined as stools that are:
* Too small
* Too hard
* Too difficult to pass
* Infrequent (less than 3 per week)
4. Constipation is caused by:
* Not enough dietary fiber or fluids
* Medication side effects
* Emotional or physical stress
* Misconception about normal bowel habits
* Lack of activity
* Medical problems
5. How to manage mild-to-moderate constipation:
* Gradually add dietary fiber from variou sources
* Increase fluids (water, soup, broth, juices)
* Eat meals on a regular schedule
* Chew your food well
* Gradually increase daily exercise
* Respond to urges to move your bowels
* Avoid straining
See your doctor if these measures don't work
6. Dietary therapy (increased fiber and fluids) and fiber supplements are the preferred treatment for chronic constipation.
7. In some cases, your doctor may recommend the use of stool softeners.
8. Use of mineral oil or stimulant laxatives regularly, consult your doctor to make sure what you are using is right for you.
9. Incontinence of stool or fecal soiling is most often due to leakage around a fecal impaction. Removing the impaction will usually restore continence.
10. Incontinence of stool in healthy older people deserves full education and treatment. Treatment options include:
* Adjustment in dietary fiber to reduce amount of stool
* Medications to decrease stool frequency
* Prescribed use of enemas (not soap enemas)
* Biofeedback training
* Surgery to restore anal function
2. Bowel habits are similar in both younger and older healthy people.
3. Constipation is defined as stools that are:
* Too small
* Too hard
* Too difficult to pass
* Infrequent (less than 3 per week)
4. Constipation is caused by:
* Not enough dietary fiber or fluids
* Medication side effects
* Emotional or physical stress
* Misconception about normal bowel habits
* Lack of activity
* Medical problems
5. How to manage mild-to-moderate constipation:
* Gradually add dietary fiber from variou sources
* Increase fluids (water, soup, broth, juices)
* Eat meals on a regular schedule
* Chew your food well
* Gradually increase daily exercise
* Respond to urges to move your bowels
* Avoid straining
See your doctor if these measures don't work
6. Dietary therapy (increased fiber and fluids) and fiber supplements are the preferred treatment for chronic constipation.
7. In some cases, your doctor may recommend the use of stool softeners.
8. Use of mineral oil or stimulant laxatives regularly, consult your doctor to make sure what you are using is right for you.
9. Incontinence of stool or fecal soiling is most often due to leakage around a fecal impaction. Removing the impaction will usually restore continence.
10. Incontinence of stool in healthy older people deserves full education and treatment. Treatment options include:
* Adjustment in dietary fiber to reduce amount of stool
* Medications to decrease stool frequency
* Prescribed use of enemas (not soap enemas)
* Biofeedback training
* Surgery to restore anal function
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5 Tips on Inflammatory Bowel Disease
1. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an inflammation of the small or large intestine that may cause these symptoms:
* Diarrhea
* Rectal bleeding
* Sharp abdominal pain or cramping
* Intestinal obstruction
* Fever
See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms
2. There are two types of IBD:
* Ulcerative Colitis
o Starts in rectum and spreas upward
o Affects men more tham women
* Crohn's Disease
o More patchy inflammation
o Can start anywhere in the digestive tract
o Affects women more than men
3. The cause of IBD is unknown. What is known about IBD includes the following:
* IBD is not Contagious.
* IBD is not caused by diet.
* IBD is not a form of cancer.
* IBD affects young and old alike.
* IBD can usually be treated with medicine but sometimes requires surgery.
4. Diagnosis of IBD is based on:
* Family history, travel history, current medications
* Stool sample to rule out infection
* Flexible sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy and biopsy to rule out cancer and to identify
* IBD
* X-ray studies
5. Treatment of IBD may include:
* Medications to reduce or eliminate inflammation
* Special diet or elemental formula diet
* Surgery
Time is critical. If you suspect IBD, call your doctor.
* Diarrhea
* Rectal bleeding
* Sharp abdominal pain or cramping
* Intestinal obstruction
* Fever
See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms
2. There are two types of IBD:
* Ulcerative Colitis
o Starts in rectum and spreas upward
o Affects men more tham women
* Crohn's Disease
o More patchy inflammation
o Can start anywhere in the digestive tract
o Affects women more than men
3. The cause of IBD is unknown. What is known about IBD includes the following:
* IBD is not Contagious.
* IBD is not caused by diet.
* IBD is not a form of cancer.
* IBD affects young and old alike.
* IBD can usually be treated with medicine but sometimes requires surgery.
4. Diagnosis of IBD is based on:
* Family history, travel history, current medications
* Stool sample to rule out infection
* Flexible sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy and biopsy to rule out cancer and to identify
* IBD
* X-ray studies
5. Treatment of IBD may include:
* Medications to reduce or eliminate inflammation
* Special diet or elemental formula diet
* Surgery
Time is critical. If you suspect IBD, call your doctor.
10 Tips on Hemorrhoids
1. Hemorrhoids are masses of swollen veins in the lower rectum (internal hemorrhoids) or at the anus (external hemorrhoids).
2. Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids include:
* Bright red rectal bleeding
* Staining of undergarments with mucus
3. Symptoms of external hemorrhoids include:
* Pain and itching when irritated by constipation or diarrhea
* Difficulty with hygiene
4. Hemorrhoids are caused by:
* Straining
* Work strain (lifting, etc.)
* Straining while defecating
* Chronic constipation
* Passing hard, dry, small stools
* Laxative abuse
5. Do not assume rectal bleeding is from hemorrhoids. See your doctor to rule out cancer or other disease.
6. To prevent or manage hemorrhoids, increase your fiber and fluid intake. Consider adding a fiber supplement.
7. Avoid straining at stool or sitting on the toilet for a long time.
8. Clean the external rectal area gently with soap and water following stool evacuation.
9. Try a topical cream or sitz baths to reduce inflammation.
10. See your doctor if you don't improve.
2. Symptoms of internal hemorrhoids include:
* Bright red rectal bleeding
* Staining of undergarments with mucus
3. Symptoms of external hemorrhoids include:
* Pain and itching when irritated by constipation or diarrhea
* Difficulty with hygiene
4. Hemorrhoids are caused by:
* Straining
* Work strain (lifting, etc.)
* Straining while defecating
* Chronic constipation
* Passing hard, dry, small stools
* Laxative abuse
5. Do not assume rectal bleeding is from hemorrhoids. See your doctor to rule out cancer or other disease.
6. To prevent or manage hemorrhoids, increase your fiber and fluid intake. Consider adding a fiber supplement.
7. Avoid straining at stool or sitting on the toilet for a long time.
8. Clean the external rectal area gently with soap and water following stool evacuation.
9. Try a topical cream or sitz baths to reduce inflammation.
10. See your doctor if you don't improve.
5 Tips on Irritable Bowel Syndrome
1. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive problem also known as "spastic colon" or "irritable colon."
2. IBS symptoms include:
* Abdominal pain (colicky, periodic or continuous dull pain)
* Erratic bowel activity; frequent constipation or diarrhea
* Accompanying symptoms of bloating, nausea, headache, fatigue
* Sensitivity to intestinal gas (cramping, flatulence)
3. The cause of IBS is unknown:
* No evidence of specific disease
* May be triggered by psychological factors or ingestion of food
4. IBS is a condition that:
* Is more common in women
* Usually starts at an early age (20s and 30s) and recurs from time to time
* Rarely starts past age 55
5. Treatment of IBS includes:
* Careful explanation of the syndrome, including what it is not
* Better management of key triggers: stress and diet
* Modification of diet to reduce or exclude foods that promote gas
* Drug therapy to relieve symptoms (bulk fiber products, antispasmodics, antidiarrheals)
* Occasionally, psychiatric therapy and medication
2. IBS symptoms include:
* Abdominal pain (colicky, periodic or continuous dull pain)
* Erratic bowel activity; frequent constipation or diarrhea
* Accompanying symptoms of bloating, nausea, headache, fatigue
* Sensitivity to intestinal gas (cramping, flatulence)
3. The cause of IBS is unknown:
* No evidence of specific disease
* May be triggered by psychological factors or ingestion of food
4. IBS is a condition that:
* Is more common in women
* Usually starts at an early age (20s and 30s) and recurs from time to time
* Rarely starts past age 55
5. Treatment of IBS includes:
* Careful explanation of the syndrome, including what it is not
* Better management of key triggers: stress and diet
* Modification of diet to reduce or exclude foods that promote gas
* Drug therapy to relieve symptoms (bulk fiber products, antispasmodics, antidiarrheals)
* Occasionally, psychiatric therapy and medication
5 Tips on Use of Medications
1. Use of medications increases with age: 80% of older Americans who live independently receive 20 or more prescriptions per year Residents of nursing homes receive an average of 8-10 drugs per day
2. It is important to take medications as prescribed. Reasons for not following directions include:
* Too many drugs
* Error due to visual or mental impairment
* Sharing drugs
* Changing doctors
* Use of over-the-counter drugs
* Sparing expense
* Drug side effects
* Symptoms not improving
3. See your doctor regularly to check on medications and their effect (bring your medications with you for an office visit or to an emergency room): Drug effect changes with aging There is decreased absorption of drugs through the intestinal tract Decreased kidney function slows drug elimination Metabolism of drugs changes with age.
4. The effect medications have on your body will change with aging. For example: Drug action may last longer Drugs may produce toxicity at a lower dose in mature adults than in younger adults.
5. Remember that all changes you experience are not necessarily due to aging. For example, decrease in salivary flow is: Due to disease or medication not due to aging
2. It is important to take medications as prescribed. Reasons for not following directions include:
* Too many drugs
* Error due to visual or mental impairment
* Sharing drugs
* Changing doctors
* Use of over-the-counter drugs
* Sparing expense
* Drug side effects
* Symptoms not improving
3. See your doctor regularly to check on medications and their effect (bring your medications with you for an office visit or to an emergency room): Drug effect changes with aging There is decreased absorption of drugs through the intestinal tract Decreased kidney function slows drug elimination Metabolism of drugs changes with age.
4. The effect medications have on your body will change with aging. For example: Drug action may last longer Drugs may produce toxicity at a lower dose in mature adults than in younger adults.
5. Remember that all changes you experience are not necessarily due to aging. For example, decrease in salivary flow is: Due to disease or medication not due to aging
4 Tips on Circulatory Disorders of the GI Tract
1. The small intestine and the colon have a relatively restricted blood supply and are frequently affected by circulatory disorders, whereas the esophagus, stomach, and rectum are well supplied with blood and are only occasionally involved in circulatory disturbances.
2. The colon is commonly affected by ischemia (reduction of blood flow to a level not permitting normal function). In most cases, symptoms subside within days and healing is seen within 2 weeks. Antibiotics and bowel rest usually suffice. In complicated disease, damaged parts of the colon must be removed surgically.
3. Acute mesenteric ischemia results from inadequate circulation of blood to the small intestine. Treatment is aimed at dilating (opening) the blood vessels with drugs and/or surgery to restore intestinal blood flow and to remove any irreversibly damaged bowel.
4. Chronic mesenteric ischemia results when blood flow to the small intestine is reduced to an insufficient level. It causes pain associated with eating. Surgery is often warranted to correct the problem.
2. The colon is commonly affected by ischemia (reduction of blood flow to a level not permitting normal function). In most cases, symptoms subside within days and healing is seen within 2 weeks. Antibiotics and bowel rest usually suffice. In complicated disease, damaged parts of the colon must be removed surgically.
3. Acute mesenteric ischemia results from inadequate circulation of blood to the small intestine. Treatment is aimed at dilating (opening) the blood vessels with drugs and/or surgery to restore intestinal blood flow and to remove any irreversibly damaged bowel.
4. Chronic mesenteric ischemia results when blood flow to the small intestine is reduced to an insufficient level. It causes pain associated with eating. Surgery is often warranted to correct the problem.
6 Tips on Hepatitis
1. Five different hepatitis viruses have been identified: type A; type B; type C; type D, or delta virus; and type E. Type A is probably the most prevalent type of viral hepatitis worldwide, followed by types B, E, C, and D.
2. Hepatitis A and E are transmitted through fecally contaminated food or water. Other modes of transmission include needle sharing among intravenous drug abusers; sexual contact; maternal transmission; and transmission by blood transfusion.
3. A simple blood test is used to determine that a person has one or more of the different types of hepatitis.
4. Acute hepatitis is typically characterized by flu-like symptoms (including fever, headaches, fatigue, nausea and vomiting) and jaundice. Chronic hepatitis is often asymptomatic.
5. Vaccines are available to protect against hepatitis A and B. Additionally, immune globulin for hepatitis A or hepatitis B is recommended when someone has been exposed to an infected person.
6. Among the ways to care for your liver are: limiting alcohol consumption; avoiding liver- damaging drugs; practicing safe sex; avoiding use of illegal drugs; avoiding high doses of vitamins unless prescribed; avoiding tattoos and the sharing of razors; not eating raw shellfish from questionable sources; and carefully following directions for use of toxic substances (e.g., cleaning products).
2. Hepatitis A and E are transmitted through fecally contaminated food or water. Other modes of transmission include needle sharing among intravenous drug abusers; sexual contact; maternal transmission; and transmission by blood transfusion.
3. A simple blood test is used to determine that a person has one or more of the different types of hepatitis.
4. Acute hepatitis is typically characterized by flu-like symptoms (including fever, headaches, fatigue, nausea and vomiting) and jaundice. Chronic hepatitis is often asymptomatic.
5. Vaccines are available to protect against hepatitis A and B. Additionally, immune globulin for hepatitis A or hepatitis B is recommended when someone has been exposed to an infected person.
6. Among the ways to care for your liver are: limiting alcohol consumption; avoiding liver- damaging drugs; practicing safe sex; avoiding use of illegal drugs; avoiding high doses of vitamins unless prescribed; avoiding tattoos and the sharing of razors; not eating raw shellfish from questionable sources; and carefully following directions for use of toxic substances (e.g., cleaning products).
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5 Tips on Gallstone Disease
1. Gallstones typically develop over many years, although they can form in months. Gallstones are present in about 20% of women and 10% of men over the age of 55.
2. There are two basic types of gallstones: cholesterol and pigment. Cholesterol gallstones are the most common type in the United States.
3. About 75% of gallstones do not cause symptoms. The most common symptom caused by gallbladder stones is episodic upper abdominal pain.
4. For healthy patients who have no symptoms, no therapy or change in diet is needed. Patients with uncomplicated symptomatic gallbladder stones should reduce dietary fat and consider surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). An alternate approach is oral bile acid therapy. For complicated disease, gallbladder removal is warranted.
5. Patients who undergo rapid weight loss are at risk for the development of small cholesterol gallstones and may benefit from bile acid therapy. Gallstones can seldom be prevented, although a low-fat diet may provide some protective benefit.
2. There are two basic types of gallstones: cholesterol and pigment. Cholesterol gallstones are the most common type in the United States.
3. About 75% of gallstones do not cause symptoms. The most common symptom caused by gallbladder stones is episodic upper abdominal pain.
4. For healthy patients who have no symptoms, no therapy or change in diet is needed. Patients with uncomplicated symptomatic gallbladder stones should reduce dietary fat and consider surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). An alternate approach is oral bile acid therapy. For complicated disease, gallbladder removal is warranted.
5. Patients who undergo rapid weight loss are at risk for the development of small cholesterol gallstones and may benefit from bile acid therapy. Gallstones can seldom be prevented, although a low-fat diet may provide some protective benefit.
5 Tips on Nutrition and Aging
1. Nutrition plays a role in cardiovascular disease, some malignancies, adult-onset diabetes, osteoporosis, alcoholism, and recovery from major injury.
2. Malnutrition can weaken the immune system, impair healing following surgery or injury, lessen mobility, and reduce mental capabilities and function. It is common in older adults.
3. To maintain good health, total fat intake should be reduced to 30% or less of calories. Saturated fat intake should only account for 10% (one third of fat calories). Salt and alcohol intake also should be limited.
4. Dietary fat content composed primarily of monounsaturated fat (eg, olive oil) and polyunsaturated fat (eg, canola, corn and fish oils) may be associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease.
5. Foods to be avoided include whole milk and dairy products (ice cream, cheese, butter); commercially baked goods (cookies and crackers); hot dogs, ham, and cold cuts; and oils, gravies, and salad dressing.
2. Malnutrition can weaken the immune system, impair healing following surgery or injury, lessen mobility, and reduce mental capabilities and function. It is common in older adults.
3. To maintain good health, total fat intake should be reduced to 30% or less of calories. Saturated fat intake should only account for 10% (one third of fat calories). Salt and alcohol intake also should be limited.
4. Dietary fat content composed primarily of monounsaturated fat (eg, olive oil) and polyunsaturated fat (eg, canola, corn and fish oils) may be associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease.
5. Foods to be avoided include whole milk and dairy products (ice cream, cheese, butter); commercially baked goods (cookies and crackers); hot dogs, ham, and cold cuts; and oils, gravies, and salad dressing.
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5 Tips on Swallowing and Heartburn
1. Abnormal swallowing is commonly perceived as food "sticking on the way down." If this complaint persists, it is sometimes due to a serious condition and should always prompt medical attention.
2. Swallowing difficulty may be caused by a number of different problems including:
* Poor or incomplete chewing (possibly the result of dental problems, poorly fitted dentures, or eating too quickly)
* Abnormal muscle contraction
* Scar tissue from chronic inflammation
* Infection
* Cancer
3. Heartburn is a very common problem caused by regurgitation or reflux of gastric acid into the esophagus, which connects the mouth and the stomach.
4. Heartburn can often be eliminated by avoiding:
* Smoking
* Fatty ood in the diet
* Caffeine
* Chocolate
* Peppermint
* Overeating
* Bed-time snacks
* Tight-fitting clothes that constrict the abdomen
* Certain medications
* Heavy lifting, straining
5. It is important to consider the possibility of heart disease before attributing any kind of chest pain to gastroesophageal reflux.
2. Swallowing difficulty may be caused by a number of different problems including:
* Poor or incomplete chewing (possibly the result of dental problems, poorly fitted dentures, or eating too quickly)
* Abnormal muscle contraction
* Scar tissue from chronic inflammation
* Infection
* Cancer
3. Heartburn is a very common problem caused by regurgitation or reflux of gastric acid into the esophagus, which connects the mouth and the stomach.
4. Heartburn can often be eliminated by avoiding:
* Smoking
* Fatty ood in the diet
* Caffeine
* Chocolate
* Peppermint
* Overeating
* Bed-time snacks
* Tight-fitting clothes that constrict the abdomen
* Certain medications
* Heavy lifting, straining
5. It is important to consider the possibility of heart disease before attributing any kind of chest pain to gastroesophageal reflux.
8 Tips on Peptic Ulcer Disease
1. Ulcers are "sores" that frequently affect the stomach and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum).
2. Bacterial infection is the most common cause of duodenal ulcers.
3. Stomach ulcers are often a side effect of pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs used primarily to treat arthritis.
4. Alcohol ingestion, cigarette smoking, and emotional stress may also influence the development of an ulcer or interfere with its healing.
5. Upper abdominal pain is the most common symptom of ulcers, but many ulcers cause no symptoms at all.
6. Ulcers may hemorrhage (bleeding) into the gastrointestinal tract; this results in the passage of black ("tarry") stool. Very serious ulcer disease may also cause a blockage between the stomach and small intestine and this complication results in persistent vomiting. Severe pain results from the most urgent complication of ulcers - peritonitis caused by a tear through the wall of the stomach or duodenum.
7. Almost all ulcers can be treated successfully, usually without surgery. Many ulcers can be prevented.
8. Ulcer treatments include antibiotics, agents that neutralize gastric acid or reduce its secretion, and drugs that strengthen the resistance of the stomach and duodenum.
2. Bacterial infection is the most common cause of duodenal ulcers.
3. Stomach ulcers are often a side effect of pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs used primarily to treat arthritis.
4. Alcohol ingestion, cigarette smoking, and emotional stress may also influence the development of an ulcer or interfere with its healing.
5. Upper abdominal pain is the most common symptom of ulcers, but many ulcers cause no symptoms at all.
6. Ulcers may hemorrhage (bleeding) into the gastrointestinal tract; this results in the passage of black ("tarry") stool. Very serious ulcer disease may also cause a blockage between the stomach and small intestine and this complication results in persistent vomiting. Severe pain results from the most urgent complication of ulcers - peritonitis caused by a tear through the wall of the stomach or duodenum.
7. Almost all ulcers can be treated successfully, usually without surgery. Many ulcers can be prevented.
8. Ulcer treatments include antibiotics, agents that neutralize gastric acid or reduce its secretion, and drugs that strengthen the resistance of the stomach and duodenum.
10 Tips on Belching, Bloating, and Flatulence
1. Belching is caused by swallowed air from:
* Eating or drinking too fast
* Poorly fitting dentures; not chewing food completely
* Carbonated beverages
* Chewing gum or sucking on hard candies
* Excessive swallowing due to nervous tension or postnasal drip
* Forced belching to relieve abdominal discomfort
2. To prevent excessive belching, avoid:
* Carbonated beverages
* Chewing gum
* Hard candies
Simethicone may be helpful
3. Abdominal bloating and discomfort may be due to intestinal sensitivity or symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. To relieve symptoms, avoid:
* Broccoli
* Baked beans
* Cabbage
* Carbonated drinks
* Cauliflower
* Chewing gum
* Hard candy
4. Abdominal distention resulting from weak abdominal muscles:
* Is better in the morning
* Gets worse as the day progresses
* Is relieved by lying down
5. To prevent Abdominal distention:
* Tighten abdominal muscles by pulling in your stomach several times during the day
* So sit-up exercises if possible
* Wear an abdominal support garment if exercise is too difficult
6. Flatulence is gas created through bacterial action in the bowel and passed rectally. Keep in mind that:
* 10-18 passages per day are normal
* Primary gases are harmless and odorless
* Noticeable smells are trace gases related to food intake
7. Foods that are likely to form gas include:
* Milk, dairy products, and medications that contain lactose--If your body doesn't produce the enzyme (lactase) to break it down.
* Certain vegetables--baked beans, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage
* Certain starches--wheat, oats, corn, potatoes. Rice is a good substitute.
8. If flatulence is a concern, see your doctor to determine if you are lactose intolerant.
9. Identify offending foods. Reduce or eliminate these gas-forming foods from your diet.
10. Activated Charcoal may provide some benefit.
* Eating or drinking too fast
* Poorly fitting dentures; not chewing food completely
* Carbonated beverages
* Chewing gum or sucking on hard candies
* Excessive swallowing due to nervous tension or postnasal drip
* Forced belching to relieve abdominal discomfort
2. To prevent excessive belching, avoid:
* Carbonated beverages
* Chewing gum
* Hard candies
Simethicone may be helpful
3. Abdominal bloating and discomfort may be due to intestinal sensitivity or symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. To relieve symptoms, avoid:
* Broccoli
* Baked beans
* Cabbage
* Carbonated drinks
* Cauliflower
* Chewing gum
* Hard candy
4. Abdominal distention resulting from weak abdominal muscles:
* Is better in the morning
* Gets worse as the day progresses
* Is relieved by lying down
5. To prevent Abdominal distention:
* Tighten abdominal muscles by pulling in your stomach several times during the day
* So sit-up exercises if possible
* Wear an abdominal support garment if exercise is too difficult
6. Flatulence is gas created through bacterial action in the bowel and passed rectally. Keep in mind that:
* 10-18 passages per day are normal
* Primary gases are harmless and odorless
* Noticeable smells are trace gases related to food intake
7. Foods that are likely to form gas include:
* Milk, dairy products, and medications that contain lactose--If your body doesn't produce the enzyme (lactase) to break it down.
* Certain vegetables--baked beans, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage
* Certain starches--wheat, oats, corn, potatoes. Rice is a good substitute.
8. If flatulence is a concern, see your doctor to determine if you are lactose intolerant.
9. Identify offending foods. Reduce or eliminate these gas-forming foods from your diet.
10. Activated Charcoal may provide some benefit.
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Food or Pills?
Supplements are not the secret weapon to better health, nor can they make up for a poor diet. While vitamin and mineral pills can help round out a healthy diet, they cannot take the place of the many nutrients and fiber found in whole foods.
At the WebMD Weight Loss Clinic, we recommend taking a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement for nutritional "insurance." Depending on your food choices, even the best eating plans can fall short of meeting all your nutritional needs. Taking a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement is safe, and may offer additional health benefits. According to a study published in the August 2003 Journal of Nutrition, a daily multivitamin can reduce your risk of having a first heart attack. Other studies have suggested that daily supplements can help maintain good health and reduce the risk of chronic disease.
But remember that more is not always better: When you are choosing your daily multivitamin/mineral, make sure it contains no more than 100% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance for any nutrient.
It's a much better idea to get your nutrients from food and take a simple vitamin/mineral supplement once per day -- unless your physician recommends otherwise. (Keep in mind that that certain health conditions, such as pregnancy, call for specific supplements, so check with your doctor if you have health issues).
At the WebMD Weight Loss Clinic, we recommend taking a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement for nutritional "insurance." Depending on your food choices, even the best eating plans can fall short of meeting all your nutritional needs. Taking a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement is safe, and may offer additional health benefits. According to a study published in the August 2003 Journal of Nutrition, a daily multivitamin can reduce your risk of having a first heart attack. Other studies have suggested that daily supplements can help maintain good health and reduce the risk of chronic disease.
But remember that more is not always better: When you are choosing your daily multivitamin/mineral, make sure it contains no more than 100% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance for any nutrient.
It's a much better idea to get your nutrients from food and take a simple vitamin/mineral supplement once per day -- unless your physician recommends otherwise. (Keep in mind that that certain health conditions, such as pregnancy, call for specific supplements, so check with your doctor if you have health issues).
Daily Health Task Lists
Just like brushing your teeth, healthy habits should be cultivated on a daily basis. The following is a guide to daily tasks:
1. Activity should be a daily occurrence. Walk, run or jump for a minimum total of 20 minutes a day.
2. Protect your skin. Sun block should be applied on face, neck, arms and hands even in the dead of winter. It protects against climatic toxins too. Moisturize skin daily.
3. Eat fruits, vegetables, grains, low-fat dairy products and small amounts of protein. Avoid sweets and other processed foods.
4. Meditate or spend a minimum of five minutes daily in quiet time.
5. Find your spiritual self. Discover what inspires you, raises your level of consciousness, motivates you, and satisfies your soul.
6. Exercise your brain. Read, study, solve problems, and learn new skills. As does the body, the brain atrophies with lack of use.
7. Hug somebody.
1. Activity should be a daily occurrence. Walk, run or jump for a minimum total of 20 minutes a day.
2. Protect your skin. Sun block should be applied on face, neck, arms and hands even in the dead of winter. It protects against climatic toxins too. Moisturize skin daily.
3. Eat fruits, vegetables, grains, low-fat dairy products and small amounts of protein. Avoid sweets and other processed foods.
4. Meditate or spend a minimum of five minutes daily in quiet time.
5. Find your spiritual self. Discover what inspires you, raises your level of consciousness, motivates you, and satisfies your soul.
6. Exercise your brain. Read, study, solve problems, and learn new skills. As does the body, the brain atrophies with lack of use.
7. Hug somebody.
Jun 27, 2008
10 Essential Health Tips
1. Move More
Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster. Think 'move' in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's great when you're up to it. Meanwhile, move more. Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha…. Then do it!
2. Cut Fat
Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning machine…. Then be one!
3. Quit Smoking
The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960 when the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health, Americans have been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently, we've seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn your children of the false romance or 'tough guy' stance of Hollywood smokers. Thought for the day: Give up just one cigarette…. the next one.
4. Reduce Stress
Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e.,Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible. Thought for the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds….then float on them.
5. Protect Yourself from Pollution
If you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It's a good pollution and dirt from the street deterrent. Thought for the day: 'Smoke gets in your eyes'…and your mouth, and your nose and your lungs as do pollutants….hum the tune daily.
6. Wear Your Seat Belt
Statistics show that seat belts add to longevity and help alleviate potential injuries in car crashes. Thought for the day: Buckle down and buckle up.
7. Floss Your Teeth
Recent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth flossing. Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it's because people who floss tend to be more health conscious than people who don't? Thought for the day: Floss and be your body's boss.
8. Avoid Excessive Drinking
While recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for men) can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer. Thought for the day: A jug of wine should last a long time.
9. Keep a Positive Mental Outlook
There's a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Thought for the day: You can't be unhappy when you're smiling or singing.
10. Choose Your Parents Well
The link between genetics and health is a powerful one. But just because one or both of your parents died young in ill health doesn't mean you cannot counteract the genetic pool handed you. Thought for the day: Follow these basic tips for healthy living and you can better control your own destiny.
Make it a daily challenge to find ways to move your body. Climb stairs if given a choice between that and escalators or elevators. Walk your dog; chase your kids; toss balls with friends, mow the lawn. Anything that moves your limbs is not only a fitness tool, it's a stress buster. Think 'move' in small increments of time. It doesn't have to be an hour in the gym or a 45-minute aerobic dance class or tai chi or kickboxing. But that's great when you're up to it. Meanwhile, move more. Thought for the day: Cha, Cha, Cha…. Then do it!
2. Cut Fat
Avoid the obvious such as fried foods, burgers and other fatty meats (i.e. pork, bacon, ham, salami, ribs and sausage). Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk and cream should be eaten in low fat versions. Nuts and sandwich meats, mayonnaise, margarine, butter and sauces should be eaten in limited amounts. Most are available in lower fat versions such as substitute butter, fat free cheeses and mayonnaise. Thought for the day: Lean, mean, fat-burning machine…. Then be one!
3. Quit Smoking
The jury is definitely in on this verdict. Ever since 1960 when the Surgeon General announced that smoking was harmful to your health, Americans have been reducing their use of tobacco products that kill. Just recently, we've seen a surge in smoking in adolescents and teens. Could it be the Hollywood influence? It seems the stars in every movie of late smoke cigarettes. Beware. Warn your children of the false romance or 'tough guy' stance of Hollywood smokers. Thought for the day: Give up just one cigarette…. the next one.
4. Reduce Stress
Easier said than done, stress busters come in many forms. Some techniques recommended by experts are to think positive thoughts. Spend 30 minutes a day doing something you like. (i.e.,Soak in a hot tub; walk on the beach or in a park; read a good book; visit a friend; play with your dog; listen to soothing music; watch a funny movie. Get a massage, a facial or a haircut. Meditate. Count to ten before losing your temper or getting aggravated. Avoid difficult people when possible. Thought for the day: When seeing red, think pink clouds….then float on them.
5. Protect Yourself from Pollution
If you can't live in a smog-free environment, at least avoid smoke-filled rooms, high traffic areas, breathing in highway fumes and exercising near busy thoroughfares. Exercise outside when the smog rating is low. Exercise indoors in air conditioning when air quality is good. Plant lots of shrubbery in your yard. It's a good pollution and dirt from the street deterrent. Thought for the day: 'Smoke gets in your eyes'…and your mouth, and your nose and your lungs as do pollutants….hum the tune daily.
6. Wear Your Seat Belt
Statistics show that seat belts add to longevity and help alleviate potential injuries in car crashes. Thought for the day: Buckle down and buckle up.
7. Floss Your Teeth
Recent studies make a direct connection between longevity and teeth flossing. Nobody knows exactly why. Perhaps it's because people who floss tend to be more health conscious than people who don't? Thought for the day: Floss and be your body's boss.
8. Avoid Excessive Drinking
While recent studies show a glass of wine or one drink a day (two for men) can help protect against heart disease, more than that can cause other health problems such as liver and kidney disease and cancer. Thought for the day: A jug of wine should last a long time.
9. Keep a Positive Mental Outlook
There's a definitive connection between living well and healthfully and having a cheerful outlook on life. Thought for the day: You can't be unhappy when you're smiling or singing.
10. Choose Your Parents Well
The link between genetics and health is a powerful one. But just because one or both of your parents died young in ill health doesn't mean you cannot counteract the genetic pool handed you. Thought for the day: Follow these basic tips for healthy living and you can better control your own destiny.
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