Adequate fiber intake is one of the most recent, popular health
measures. It is much more than a fad. Fiber is the indigestible residue
of food that passes through the entire bowel and is then eliminated in
the stool. It is found in unrefined grains, cereals,
vegetables-particularly celery-and some fruits.
The beneficial
aspects of high-fiber intake come from the actions of fiber as it passes
through the bowel. Fiber attracts water and provides consistency to the
stool so that it may pass easily. The increased regularity of bowel
action that results turns out to be very important. It decreases the
chances of diverticulitis, an inflammation of the colon wall.
Diverticulitis results from the excessive pressure in the colon and
weakening of the wall. Fiber protects the bowel so that the development
of pre-cancerous polyps is greatly reduced, as is the risk of cancer of
the colon. Fiber also acts to decrease problems with constipation,
hemorrhoids, tears in the rectal wall, and other minor problems as well
as the big ones. Fiber binds cholesterol and helps eliminate it from the
body.
We must emphasize that the natural-fiber or
fiber-supplement approach to regularity of the bowel is greatly
preferred over use of laxative and bowel stimulants, which have none of
these advantages. You need to get the fiber habit and avoid the
stimulant laxative habit.
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Three Types of Exercises
There are stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, and aerobic (or endurance) exercises. You need to know the difference.
Strengthening exercises are the least important, and you can do them or not. These are “body-building” exercises, which are often performed just for cosmetic results. They build more bulky muscles. Squeezing balls, lifting weights, and doing push-ups or pull-ups are examples of strengthening exercises. These exercises can be very helpful in improving function in a particular body part after surgery (for example, knee surgery) where it is necessary to rebuild strength. Otherwise, do them only if you want to increase your strength. It should go without saying, but you should never use steroids as part of a strengthening program; by so doing, you will damage your future health.
Stretching exercises are designed to keep you loose. These are a bit more important; everyone should do some of them, but they don’t have many direct effects on health. As you age, you want to be careful not to overdo these exercises. Toe-touching exercises, for example, should be done gently. Do not bounce. Stretching should be done relatively slowly, to the point of early discomfort and just a little bit beyond.
Stretching exercises, however, can be therapeutic in certain situations. If you have a joint that is stiff because of arthritis or injury, if you have just had surgery on a joint, or if you have a disease condition that results in stiffness, then stretching is usually an important part of the therapeutic solution. Remember that there is nothing mysterious about the stretching process. Any body part that you cannot move through its full, normal range of motion needs to be repeatedly stretched. This enables you to slowly, often over weeks or months, regain motion of that part.
For most people, however, stretching exercises are useful mainly as a warm-up for aerobic (endurance) exercise activity. Gently stretching before you begin endurance exercise is important for three reasons: (1) It warms up the muscles, (2) it makes them looser, and (3) it decreases the chances of injury. Stretching afterward can help prevent stiffness.
Aerobic (endurance) is the key to fitness. This is the most important kind of exercise. The word “aerobic” means that during the exercise period, the oxygen (air) that you breathe in balances the oxygen that you use up. During aerobic exercise, a number of body mechanisms come into play. Your heart speeds up to pump larger amounts of blood. You breathe more frequently and more deeply to increase the oxygen transfer from the lungs to the blood. Your body develops increased heat and competencies by sweating to keep your temperature normal. You build endurance.
During endurance exercise periods, the cells of the body develop the ability to extract a larger amount of oxygen from the blood. This increases function at the cellular level. As you become more fit, these affects persist. The heart become larger and stronger and can pump blood with each stroke. The cells can take up oxygen more rapidly. As a result, your heart rate when you are resting doesn’t need to be as rapid. This allows more time for the heart to repair itself between beats.
Strengthening exercises are the least important, and you can do them or not. These are “body-building” exercises, which are often performed just for cosmetic results. They build more bulky muscles. Squeezing balls, lifting weights, and doing push-ups or pull-ups are examples of strengthening exercises. These exercises can be very helpful in improving function in a particular body part after surgery (for example, knee surgery) where it is necessary to rebuild strength. Otherwise, do them only if you want to increase your strength. It should go without saying, but you should never use steroids as part of a strengthening program; by so doing, you will damage your future health.
Stretching exercises are designed to keep you loose. These are a bit more important; everyone should do some of them, but they don’t have many direct effects on health. As you age, you want to be careful not to overdo these exercises. Toe-touching exercises, for example, should be done gently. Do not bounce. Stretching should be done relatively slowly, to the point of early discomfort and just a little bit beyond.
Stretching exercises, however, can be therapeutic in certain situations. If you have a joint that is stiff because of arthritis or injury, if you have just had surgery on a joint, or if you have a disease condition that results in stiffness, then stretching is usually an important part of the therapeutic solution. Remember that there is nothing mysterious about the stretching process. Any body part that you cannot move through its full, normal range of motion needs to be repeatedly stretched. This enables you to slowly, often over weeks or months, regain motion of that part.
For most people, however, stretching exercises are useful mainly as a warm-up for aerobic (endurance) exercise activity. Gently stretching before you begin endurance exercise is important for three reasons: (1) It warms up the muscles, (2) it makes them looser, and (3) it decreases the chances of injury. Stretching afterward can help prevent stiffness.
Aerobic (endurance) is the key to fitness. This is the most important kind of exercise. The word “aerobic” means that during the exercise period, the oxygen (air) that you breathe in balances the oxygen that you use up. During aerobic exercise, a number of body mechanisms come into play. Your heart speeds up to pump larger amounts of blood. You breathe more frequently and more deeply to increase the oxygen transfer from the lungs to the blood. Your body develops increased heat and competencies by sweating to keep your temperature normal. You build endurance.
During endurance exercise periods, the cells of the body develop the ability to extract a larger amount of oxygen from the blood. This increases function at the cellular level. As you become more fit, these affects persist. The heart become larger and stronger and can pump blood with each stroke. The cells can take up oxygen more rapidly. As a result, your heart rate when you are resting doesn’t need to be as rapid. This allows more time for the heart to repair itself between beats.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Calcium Intake
Everybody needs enough calcium. This is particularly important for
seniors and even more important for senior women. Our national trend
towards better health habits has decreased intake of calcium-containing
milk and cheese. Hence, calcium intake for many people has dropped below
what is desirable. Thus, calcium supplements are often needed.
Women over age 50 should have at least 1500 milligrams (mg) of calcium each day and men over age 65 at least 1000 mg. A glass of milk contains about 250 mg of calcium. Add in the odds and ends of calcium in various foods and a typical daily intake is usually around 500 mg. one or two tablets a day will usually do it.
Remember the calcium “paradox” because it is important. Just taking the calcium in your diet doesn’t really do anything. The reason is that the calcium is not, for the most part, absorbed from the bowel. You need both to take enough calcium from the bowel. For everybody, this stimulus should include weight-bearing exercise. For women, estrogen supplementation can be helpful, and this possible treatment should be discussed with your doctor.
Women over age 50 should have at least 1500 milligrams (mg) of calcium each day and men over age 65 at least 1000 mg. A glass of milk contains about 250 mg of calcium. Add in the odds and ends of calcium in various foods and a typical daily intake is usually around 500 mg. one or two tablets a day will usually do it.
Remember the calcium “paradox” because it is important. Just taking the calcium in your diet doesn’t really do anything. The reason is that the calcium is not, for the most part, absorbed from the bowel. You need both to take enough calcium from the bowel. For everybody, this stimulus should include weight-bearing exercise. For women, estrogen supplementation can be helpful, and this possible treatment should be discussed with your doctor.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Early Treatment
An effective health maintenance strategy includes seeking medical
care promptly whenever an important new problem or finding appears. If
you have a lump in your breast, unexplained weight loss, a fever for
more than a week, or if you have begun to cough up blood, you should
seek medical attention without delay. These may not represent true
emergencies, but they do indicate that professional attention should be
sought within a few days. Most times, nothing will be seriously wrong;
on other occasions, however, an early cancer, tuberculosis, or other
treatable disease will be found.
In many cases, you can take care of yourself with home treatment. However you must respond appropriately when professional care is needed. To ensure timely treatment, you need to have plan. Think things through ahead of time. Do you have a doctor? If you need emergency care, where will you go? To an emergency hospital? To the emergency room of a general hospital? To the on-call physician of a local medical group? If you are not sure what to do after going through this blog, who can you call for further advice? Have you written down the phone numbers you need?
Only rarely will you need emergency services. But the time that you need them is not the time to begin wondering what to do. If you have a routine problem that requires medical care, where will you go? Is there a nearby doctor? Who has your medical records? My next posts will answer these questions. But plan ahead.
In many cases, you can take care of yourself with home treatment. However you must respond appropriately when professional care is needed. To ensure timely treatment, you need to have plan. Think things through ahead of time. Do you have a doctor? If you need emergency care, where will you go? To an emergency hospital? To the emergency room of a general hospital? To the on-call physician of a local medical group? If you are not sure what to do after going through this blog, who can you call for further advice? Have you written down the phone numbers you need?
Only rarely will you need emergency services. But the time that you need them is not the time to begin wondering what to do. If you have a routine problem that requires medical care, where will you go? Is there a nearby doctor? Who has your medical records? My next posts will answer these questions. But plan ahead.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Swimming Pool Basics
Basics of pool care are to keep the water clean and treat the swimming pool water with chemicals. It also comprise filtration and flow of water and chemical treatments. Water circulation can be done with the help of water pumps. Pumps should work continually in most use season and when it start-up. Water pumps and filters are the central system of the swimming pool’s filtration and flow system. Basics of swimming pool claim much for appropriate use of chemical for healthy and fresh pool water.
Basics of pool rules play a role to keep you and your family safe. These rules should practice by everybody for secure and vigorous bath activity. Basic pool rules are essential to known by all who is going to swim in pool or doing any other activity.
Following are some of the significant basic pool rules.
Firstly, tell the babysitters about potential swimming pool dangers to little kids and also guide about the use of protection equipments such as alarms and latches.
Youngsters should never leave lonely near a swimming pool.
In swimming pool parties, there must be a spectator appoint at the pool for the kids safety.
When a child is lost, first check the pool. Go to the pool and scan it all from bottom as much as you can.
Never let a little kid in the swimming pool without a mature person.
These essential rules should be known by the person who is going to build a pool in his home.
Basics of pool rules play a role to keep you and your family safe. These rules should practice by everybody for secure and vigorous bath activity. Basic pool rules are essential to known by all who is going to swim in pool or doing any other activity.
Following are some of the significant basic pool rules.
Firstly, tell the babysitters about potential swimming pool dangers to little kids and also guide about the use of protection equipments such as alarms and latches.
Youngsters should never leave lonely near a swimming pool.
In swimming pool parties, there must be a spectator appoint at the pool for the kids safety.
When a child is lost, first check the pool. Go to the pool and scan it all from bottom as much as you can.
Never let a little kid in the swimming pool without a mature person.
These essential rules should be known by the person who is going to build a pool in his home.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Health-Risk Appraisal
Your future health is largely determined by what you do now. You
lifestyle and your habits have a dominant influence on how healthy you
are, how healthy you will be, how much time you will spend in hospitals,
and how rapidly you will “physiologically” age.
Recently, techniques have been developed for mathematically estimating your future health risks, and these techniques are variously termed “health-risk appraisal,” “health-hazard appraisal,” or “health assessment.” You complete a questionnaire or other wise provide information about your lifestyle and health habits. Your responses are mathematically combined to complete estimates of your likelihood of developing major medical problems such as heart disease and cancer. Other estimates such as your “physiologic” age and your life expectancy also may be calculated. These techniques form an increasingly important part of comprehensive health-education programs, such as Healthtrac, Senior Healthtrac, and the Taking Care Program of the Center for Corporate Health Promotion. These techniques also have a potentially large role in helping you shape your own personal health program.
There are several things that you should know about health appraisal. First, the results are only estimates. Even though based on the best medical studies, such as the Framingham study, data from these studies are incomplete and may not apply equally to all populations. In general, the estimates may be accurate to within 10 or 20 percent. Think of health-risk scores as similar to IQ or achievement-test scores; they are approximately correct but not exact. Second, the predictions are only averages, and some people will do better than predicted and others worse. Third, any single assessment represents you at one point in time, while your actual risks depend on the changes that you make and your average lifetime health habits as well. Regular repeated assessments can help show your current status and the benefits you have achieved by lifestyle changes. Fourth, a good health-risk appraisal should be based only on those relatively few risk factors that are scientifically well established and that are associated with major health problems. These include cigarette smoking, exercise, automobile seat-belt use, alcohol intake, obesity, salt, fat intake, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, stress level, and dietary fiber. Fifth, the assessment itself provides no health benefits unless it results in changes in your health-related behaviors, and assessment might even increase anxiety. Therefore, these assessments are best used as part of a program that not only identifies risk, but educates, motivates for change, provides suggestions and recommendations, and reinforces positive effects.
I am enthusiastic about the growing role of health-promotion programs that focus attention on prevention of disease and about the use of good health-assessment tools. Well-designed programs are already having a large effect on decreasing human illness.
Recently, techniques have been developed for mathematically estimating your future health risks, and these techniques are variously termed “health-risk appraisal,” “health-hazard appraisal,” or “health assessment.” You complete a questionnaire or other wise provide information about your lifestyle and health habits. Your responses are mathematically combined to complete estimates of your likelihood of developing major medical problems such as heart disease and cancer. Other estimates such as your “physiologic” age and your life expectancy also may be calculated. These techniques form an increasingly important part of comprehensive health-education programs, such as Healthtrac, Senior Healthtrac, and the Taking Care Program of the Center for Corporate Health Promotion. These techniques also have a potentially large role in helping you shape your own personal health program.
There are several things that you should know about health appraisal. First, the results are only estimates. Even though based on the best medical studies, such as the Framingham study, data from these studies are incomplete and may not apply equally to all populations. In general, the estimates may be accurate to within 10 or 20 percent. Think of health-risk scores as similar to IQ or achievement-test scores; they are approximately correct but not exact. Second, the predictions are only averages, and some people will do better than predicted and others worse. Third, any single assessment represents you at one point in time, while your actual risks depend on the changes that you make and your average lifetime health habits as well. Regular repeated assessments can help show your current status and the benefits you have achieved by lifestyle changes. Fourth, a good health-risk appraisal should be based only on those relatively few risk factors that are scientifically well established and that are associated with major health problems. These include cigarette smoking, exercise, automobile seat-belt use, alcohol intake, obesity, salt, fat intake, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, stress level, and dietary fiber. Fifth, the assessment itself provides no health benefits unless it results in changes in your health-related behaviors, and assessment might even increase anxiety. Therefore, these assessments are best used as part of a program that not only identifies risk, but educates, motivates for change, provides suggestions and recommendations, and reinforces positive effects.
I am enthusiastic about the growing role of health-promotion programs that focus attention on prevention of disease and about the use of good health-assessment tools. Well-designed programs are already having a large effect on decreasing human illness.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Fat Intake and Risks
Excessive dietary saturated fat is the worst food habit.
Saturated-fat-intake is the major cause of atherosclerosis (including
heart attacks and strokes). Serum cholesterol are all right for
motivation, but dietary changes should be made by everyone, regardless
of their serum cholesterol level, because everyone will benefit. A good
serum cholesterol goal is 175 mg/dl or less.
Native Japanese on native diets average a serum cholesterol level of under 100! Important new evidence suggests that atherosclerotic plaques (patches) that have already built up on inside of your arteries can decrease in size. In some instances, plaques nearly disappear with sufficient dietary change. This has been shown both in monkeys first given high-fat (atherogenic) diets and then normal diets and exercise, and by arteriographic studies (X-ray dye studies) of human hearts.
Serum cholesterol levels are only a very rough guide to your dietary needs. The actual chemistry of fat in the body is very complicated. The waxy white cholesterol not only comes in your diet but also is manufactured by your liver. This production in turn is related to the various other fats in your diet. Attached to the cholesterol itself are high-density lipoproteins (HDL), which help prevent atherosclerosis, and low-density lipoproteins (LDL), which make serious problems much more likely. The LDL travels “outbound” from the liver and can deposit on the inside of vessel walls. The HDL takes cholesterol “inbound” back to the liver for excretion and can help remove plaque from arterial walls. Many laboratories measure serum cholesterol quite inaccurately. Hence, I am not too enthusiastic about using serum cholesterol levels as the sole measure of your own dietary needs. Everyone will benefit from further decreasing fat intake.
Native Japanese on native diets average a serum cholesterol level of under 100! Important new evidence suggests that atherosclerotic plaques (patches) that have already built up on inside of your arteries can decrease in size. In some instances, plaques nearly disappear with sufficient dietary change. This has been shown both in monkeys first given high-fat (atherogenic) diets and then normal diets and exercise, and by arteriographic studies (X-ray dye studies) of human hearts.
Serum cholesterol levels are only a very rough guide to your dietary needs. The actual chemistry of fat in the body is very complicated. The waxy white cholesterol not only comes in your diet but also is manufactured by your liver. This production in turn is related to the various other fats in your diet. Attached to the cholesterol itself are high-density lipoproteins (HDL), which help prevent atherosclerosis, and low-density lipoproteins (LDL), which make serious problems much more likely. The LDL travels “outbound” from the liver and can deposit on the inside of vessel walls. The HDL takes cholesterol “inbound” back to the liver for excretion and can help remove plaque from arterial walls. Many laboratories measure serum cholesterol quite inaccurately. Hence, I am not too enthusiastic about using serum cholesterol levels as the sole measure of your own dietary needs. Everyone will benefit from further decreasing fat intake.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Energy Drinks - Good or Bad for Children?
Marketed as energy enhancers, young adults and children take energy drinks before doing athletic activities, working on projects or just studying for exams. Common ingredients of many energy drinks like Red Bull, 5 Hour Energy, Monster Energy, and Rockstar may bring about rapid increases in energy, endurance and performance. Since these drinks are loaded with sugar some prefer diet energy drinks which may contain fewer calories but have caffeine and other substances as well.
These popular, often carbonated beverages contain caffeine and many other substances like tea extracts, ginseng, taurine and yohimbine that boost one’s energy levels. They are able to stay awake and active, perhaps believing that their strength, endurance and memory are improved.
Children given energy drinks could pile on the pounds because they are not active enough to burn off the extra calories. Still others may use these products to overcome fatigue, stress and tension. Doctors say energy drinks – which contain between 10 and 270 calories a serving – should never be given to children. Instead they should be offered water to quench their thirst, and drink the recommended daily amount of fruit juice and low-fat milk with meals.
A hidden problem with these drinks is caffeine, which can reach toxic levels up to 14 times greater than in other soft drinks. The stimulant has been linked to seizures, diabetes, heart problems and behavioral disorders. In beverages that contain ginseng, improved physical and mental performances are believed to occur; however symptoms of gastrointestinal disturbances, vaginal bleeding, hypertension, headaches, vertigo and others can result.
Other harmful effects on children and young adults include:
• Irritability, restlessness and sleep disturbances
• Chest pain, heart attacks and sudden death
• Dehydration
• Calcium deficiency leading to osteoporosis and dental problems
• Increased blood glucose levels and obesity.
Since energy drinks are marketed as natural dietary supplements and are available over the counter, restrictions on their ingredients are less stringent. Risk awareness is therefore important among families, communities, schools and sports organizations.
These popular, often carbonated beverages contain caffeine and many other substances like tea extracts, ginseng, taurine and yohimbine that boost one’s energy levels. They are able to stay awake and active, perhaps believing that their strength, endurance and memory are improved.
Children given energy drinks could pile on the pounds because they are not active enough to burn off the extra calories. Still others may use these products to overcome fatigue, stress and tension. Doctors say energy drinks – which contain between 10 and 270 calories a serving – should never be given to children. Instead they should be offered water to quench their thirst, and drink the recommended daily amount of fruit juice and low-fat milk with meals.
A hidden problem with these drinks is caffeine, which can reach toxic levels up to 14 times greater than in other soft drinks. The stimulant has been linked to seizures, diabetes, heart problems and behavioral disorders. In beverages that contain ginseng, improved physical and mental performances are believed to occur; however symptoms of gastrointestinal disturbances, vaginal bleeding, hypertension, headaches, vertigo and others can result.
Other harmful effects on children and young adults include:
• Irritability, restlessness and sleep disturbances
• Chest pain, heart attacks and sudden death
• Dehydration
• Calcium deficiency leading to osteoporosis and dental problems
• Increased blood glucose levels and obesity.
Since energy drinks are marketed as natural dietary supplements and are available over the counter, restrictions on their ingredients are less stringent. Risk awareness is therefore important among families, communities, schools and sports organizations.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Prevention of Corneal Opacification
The cornea is outer covering of the eye and is also a lens. The same things happen to it that happen to the lens of the eye, although usually later, and often less seriously. The process of the cornea becoming opaque (corneal opacification) can result in blindness.
Prevention
There is no direct way to prevent corneal opacification. Fortunately, this is less common than cataracts of the lens. As with cataracts, you need to be alert for changes in vision, and you need to call these to the attention of a health professional. Corneal transplants and special types of contact lenses are very effective in countering this problem. The usual mistake is to wait too long for correction, thus decreasing the quality of life in the period before diagnosis and treatment.
Prevention
There is no direct way to prevent corneal opacification. Fortunately, this is less common than cataracts of the lens. As with cataracts, you need to be alert for changes in vision, and you need to call these to the attention of a health professional. Corneal transplants and special types of contact lenses are very effective in countering this problem. The usual mistake is to wait too long for correction, thus decreasing the quality of life in the period before diagnosis and treatment.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Osteoarthritis and Prevention
Osteoarthritis results from degeneration of the joint cartilage that lines the ends of the bones. As the cartilage becomes weaker, it fragments, and bony and knobby spurs develop at the edges of the joint. The joint becomes stiff and often painful. The syndrome is often compounded by later exercise limitation and disuse effects (detraining).
Prevention
Risk factors for osteoarthritis include obesity, inactivity and lack of exercise, and previous injury to the joint. Your preventive strategy is, first, to keep fit. Exercise increases the strength of the bones and the stability of the supporting ligaments and tendons. Exercise nourishes the joint cartilages by bringing the nutrients to the cartilage and removing waste products. Regular, gently graded, permanent exercise programs are required. Second, control your weight.
Being overweight places unnecessary stress on joints by changing the angles at which the ligaments attach to the bone. Being overweight also put additional stress on feet, ankles, knees, hips and lower back. Third, protect your joints. Listen to the pain messages that your body sends and perform activities in the least stressful way. Be particularly careful with joints that were injured earlier in your life because these joints are at greatest risk.
Prevention
Risk factors for osteoarthritis include obesity, inactivity and lack of exercise, and previous injury to the joint. Your preventive strategy is, first, to keep fit. Exercise increases the strength of the bones and the stability of the supporting ligaments and tendons. Exercise nourishes the joint cartilages by bringing the nutrients to the cartilage and removing waste products. Regular, gently graded, permanent exercise programs are required. Second, control your weight.
Being overweight places unnecessary stress on joints by changing the angles at which the ligaments attach to the bone. Being overweight also put additional stress on feet, ankles, knees, hips and lower back. Third, protect your joints. Listen to the pain messages that your body sends and perform activities in the least stressful way. Be particularly careful with joints that were injured earlier in your life because these joints are at greatest risk.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Know About Mesothelioma, Causes and Prevention
Mesothelioma is an uncommon and one of the most severe kinds of cancer caused by the exposure to the asbestos. It directly affects the lining of the lungs or the abdominal cavity. Diagnosing the mesothelioma is not an easy job for the doctors because its symptoms usually appear after many years of exposure to asbestos.
Although this is uncommon but widely known nowadays because it is proven that mesothelioma is only caused by asbestos exposure. People who do work in an environment such as shipyards or mining where they inhale tiny particles of asbestos are the possible victim of the mesothelioma. They often carry these small fibers with their clothes and take them to home where these asbestos can cause this deadly cancer to their family members. It occurs when asbestos fibers mix with water from different resources such as asbestos containing water pipes and filters.
Mesothelioma life expectancy can be improved by going through the treatment of chemotherapy or radiations etc however, there is no proper treatment because it detects only in final stages. Frequent visits of doctor and asbestos disease tests can be of great help to stay ahead of this deadly cancer. Having the knowledge of asbestos containing environment and products can also help you to avoid the risk.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
How to Prevent Dependence on Others?
Avoiding dependence is a central goal of anti-aging program. To the extent that your body does not work well, you may require help from others. To the extent that your mind does not work as well as it should, you may also require outside help. If you contact a specific illness or disease, pre-existing dependence may make you more susceptible than necessary.
Prevention
Prevention of dependence begins with the state of mind. Independence needs to be a primary goal. Then, I’m sure with the help of this blog, you can work backwards to protect the abilities that protect your independence. You need to believe that you can remain indefinitely independent, in the most important senses of the word. Then you need to commit yourself to a plan and execute it.
Avoiding and compensating for the declines of aging is in large part possible by use of your master plan. The independent senior life is the end of a chain of events, and you control most of the events in the chain. You want to seek optimal physical and mental health and thus achieve the life of your own choice. This is the essence of successful aging.
Prevention
Prevention of dependence begins with the state of mind. Independence needs to be a primary goal. Then, I’m sure with the help of this blog, you can work backwards to protect the abilities that protect your independence. You need to believe that you can remain indefinitely independent, in the most important senses of the word. Then you need to commit yourself to a plan and execute it.
Avoiding and compensating for the declines of aging is in large part possible by use of your master plan. The independent senior life is the end of a chain of events, and you control most of the events in the chain. You want to seek optimal physical and mental health and thus achieve the life of your own choice. This is the essence of successful aging.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
How to Prevent Hemorrhoids?
This condition, as well as varicose veins and thrombophlebitis, comes from inadequate blood flow in the veins, not the arteries. With hemorrhoids, there is slowed flow of blood in the veins around the anus and the development of painful blood clots with surrounding inflammation.
Prevention
Exercise programs are important because they keep the body toned and the blood flowing briskly. Sitting a great deal is bad. Overweight contributes to slow flow through the veins in several ways. Pregnancy is a risk factor. Local cleanliness around the anus decreases inflammation. Hot baths act to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation. Perhaps more important, straining at stool increases internal abdominal pressure and slows blood flow. Straining also causes local irritation and inflammation as the hard stool passes through the rectum and anus. Singing and talking while on the toilet can help prevent straining- never hold your breath. Take your time; read the newspaper if you need something to slow you. Dietary fiber is a natural laxative and is a very important part of your diet. Whole-wheat breads, fresh fruits and vegetables are extremely important for preventing this problem.
Prevention
Exercise programs are important because they keep the body toned and the blood flowing briskly. Sitting a great deal is bad. Overweight contributes to slow flow through the veins in several ways. Pregnancy is a risk factor. Local cleanliness around the anus decreases inflammation. Hot baths act to increase blood flow and reduce inflammation. Perhaps more important, straining at stool increases internal abdominal pressure and slows blood flow. Straining also causes local irritation and inflammation as the hard stool passes through the rectum and anus. Singing and talking while on the toilet can help prevent straining- never hold your breath. Take your time; read the newspaper if you need something to slow you. Dietary fiber is a natural laxative and is a very important part of your diet. Whole-wheat breads, fresh fruits and vegetables are extremely important for preventing this problem.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Preventing the Gallbladder Disease
The gallbladder stores the bile salts and cholesterol made in the liver. Bile salts are then discharged from the gallbladder into the intestine to help the digest fats. These bile salts are “soapy” substances. They are produced in response to the amount of fat in the diet requiring digestion. Sometimes these salts become stone within the gallbladder itself; the stones often contain substantial amount of cholesterol. The stones cause local inflammation; if the muscular gallbladder tries to expel them, blockage of the bile ducts by the stones may cause pain, additional inflammation, or jaundice (yellowing).
Prevention
Two risk factors for gallbladder disease increase the likelihood of disease by six to eight times. These are (1) heavy intake of saturated fat and cholesterol in the diet, which means bile salt production, and (2) being overweight. Obesity not only greatly increases the frequency of the condition, but it also makes surgery to correct it more difficult and more hazardous.
Prevention
Two risk factors for gallbladder disease increase the likelihood of disease by six to eight times. These are (1) heavy intake of saturated fat and cholesterol in the diet, which means bile salt production, and (2) being overweight. Obesity not only greatly increases the frequency of the condition, but it also makes surgery to correct it more difficult and more hazardous.
Monday, March 7, 2011
How to Prevent Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins generally result from slow blood flow through the veins of the legs. The veins gradually stretch and become unsightly. Fluid leaking through the capillaries results in swelling of the lower legs and ankles and further aggravates the problems with blood flow. With time, additional veins develop, but these actually aggravate the problem of slow flow.
Prevention
Lack of exercise and prolonged standing 9without support stockings) are the major culprits. Pregnancy is a risk factor. After varicose veins have been present for a while, walking and other exercise is not as helpful as it was earlier, so early prevention is best. Smoking can contribute in an additional way to development of blood clots. Obesity is a substantial contributing factor in most cases because the extra weight requires a larger blood flow and puts pressure on the soft-walled veins. The larger blood flow and increased pressure prevent efficient return of the blood toward the heart. For prevention, lose some weight, walk, and use support hose.
Prevention
Lack of exercise and prolonged standing 9without support stockings) are the major culprits. Pregnancy is a risk factor. After varicose veins have been present for a while, walking and other exercise is not as helpful as it was earlier, so early prevention is best. Smoking can contribute in an additional way to development of blood clots. Obesity is a substantial contributing factor in most cases because the extra weight requires a larger blood flow and puts pressure on the soft-walled veins. The larger blood flow and increased pressure prevent efficient return of the blood toward the heart. For prevention, lose some weight, walk, and use support hose.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Osteoporosis and Prevention
As we age, we gradually lose calcium from our bones. The bones become less strong, more brittle, and thus more prone to fracture. This process is called osteoporosis. It occurs particularly rapidly in women after the menopause because estrogen seems to be important in maintaining bone strength. About 650,000 fractures occur each year in the United States as a result of osteoporosis.
Prevention
Exercise (and estrogen supplementation in some women) is required for strong bones. Both work independently. Exercise must be weight bearing so that it stresses the bones and gives a signal to the body to lay down more calcium and strengthen the bones. Walking, jogging and even standing provide such stress. Strengthening the bones of the spine is particularly important because this is the site of over half of the osteoporosis fractures.
Calcium is as important as exercise, but in a secondary sense. Without exercise, calcium is not used by the body; so no matter how much calcium you take in, you don’t get an effect. You need the signals from your bones to the metabolic systems of your body that more calcium is needed; then the calcium is absorbed by the small intestine, transported to the appropriate part of the body, and laid down as new strong bone. Your last two years of exercise are most important; within two years, people who stop exercising lose the benefits. On the other hand, sufficient exercise can maintain bone strength at the normal level of younger life for an indefinite period.
Prevention
Exercise (and estrogen supplementation in some women) is required for strong bones. Both work independently. Exercise must be weight bearing so that it stresses the bones and gives a signal to the body to lay down more calcium and strengthen the bones. Walking, jogging and even standing provide such stress. Strengthening the bones of the spine is particularly important because this is the site of over half of the osteoporosis fractures.
Calcium is as important as exercise, but in a secondary sense. Without exercise, calcium is not used by the body; so no matter how much calcium you take in, you don’t get an effect. You need the signals from your bones to the metabolic systems of your body that more calcium is needed; then the calcium is absorbed by the small intestine, transported to the appropriate part of the body, and laid down as new strong bone. Your last two years of exercise are most important; within two years, people who stop exercising lose the benefits. On the other hand, sufficient exercise can maintain bone strength at the normal level of younger life for an indefinite period.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Thrombophlebitis and Prevention
Here the stasis (slowing) of blood flow and swelling of the veins in the legs (whether visible as varicose veins or not) result in the development of clots in the leg veins. The blood backs up behind the clot, and then that blood also clots. When the condition is present in large, deep veins, it is particularly hazardous. Clots can break loose and travel through the circulation into the lungs; there they can cause a serious condition known as pulmonary embolism.
Prevention
The preventing program is identical to that for controlling problems with varicose veins. Exercise helps stimulate the blood flow; obesity makes it worse. Support hose can help. Smoking causes a substantial increase in the likelihood of forming clots. If you have already have one or more episodes of thrombophlebitis, the veins will have sustained damage, and the likelihood of recurrence is greater; blood-thinning medications may be required to help prevent future episodes.
Prevention
The preventing program is identical to that for controlling problems with varicose veins. Exercise helps stimulate the blood flow; obesity makes it worse. Support hose can help. Smoking causes a substantial increase in the likelihood of forming clots. If you have already have one or more episodes of thrombophlebitis, the veins will have sustained damage, and the likelihood of recurrence is greater; blood-thinning medications may be required to help prevent future episodes.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Ulcers and Prevention
Excess stomach acid or other irritants in the stomach or intestine can result in formation of erosions and ulcer craters; often these are large enough to hold a good part of the surgeon’s thumb. A breakdown of the protective mucous barrier of the stomach accelerates the damage. We all form small ulcers every now and again, but sever progressive ones can lead to pain and major hemorrhage (bleeding). Sever ulcers can even perforate (make holes) all the way through the wall of the stomach or small bowel.
Prevention
Stress, in all its forms, is a frequent contributing factor. Smokers have several times the frequency of ulcers than do non-smokers. Smoking causes constrictions (tightening) of the small vessels, and that prevents adequate nourishment to the wall of the stomach. Diets that have pepper or spices usually don’t play very much of a role; but irregular meal habits, by preventing the buffering (neutralization) of the acid by food, often can result in a dietary contribution to the problem. Medications are frequent irritants. Alcohol, particularly hard spirits, can be a culprit. Drugs – such as corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as ibuprofen, indomethacin, piroxicam, naproxen, or aspirin – are often responsible. Much of the time, the medications that result in ulcers are later found to have been medically unnecessary.
Prevention
Stress, in all its forms, is a frequent contributing factor. Smokers have several times the frequency of ulcers than do non-smokers. Smoking causes constrictions (tightening) of the small vessels, and that prevents adequate nourishment to the wall of the stomach. Diets that have pepper or spices usually don’t play very much of a role; but irregular meal habits, by preventing the buffering (neutralization) of the acid by food, often can result in a dietary contribution to the problem. Medications are frequent irritants. Alcohol, particularly hard spirits, can be a culprit. Drugs – such as corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as ibuprofen, indomethacin, piroxicam, naproxen, or aspirin – are often responsible. Much of the time, the medications that result in ulcers are later found to have been medically unnecessary.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Hernias and Prevention
Hernias occur through a combination of weak abdominal muscles and increased pressure within the abdominal cavity. They can result from overweight or coughing. As a results, small part of the bowel herniated (rupture) outward through the inguinal or femoral canals in the general area of the groin.
Prevention
Exercise is critical to maintain the strength of the abdominal muscles. Walking, running, bicycling, and swimming are at least as important as direct exercises to strengthen the abdomen. Weight control helps improve muscles tone and decreases stress. Stopping smoking is extremely important because the chronic smoker’s cough more than doubles the risk of these conditions.
Prevention
Exercise is critical to maintain the strength of the abdominal muscles. Walking, running, bicycling, and swimming are at least as important as direct exercises to strengthen the abdomen. Weight control helps improve muscles tone and decreases stress. Stopping smoking is extremely important because the chronic smoker’s cough more than doubles the risk of these conditions.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Paregoric Containing Preparations
Parepectolin and parelixir contain a gelling substance and a narcotic (paregoric) that acts to decrease the activity of the digestive tract. Thus, this slows down the diarrhea. These drugs should be used only when a clear liquid diet and the agents above have failed to control frequent diarrhea (one or more watery stools per hour).
Dosage
No more than four doses should be given in an eight-hour period without the approval of your doctor.
Side Effects
A narcotic overdose with paregoric is extremely rare. Drowsiness or nausea occur occasionally and are indications that the drug should be withdrawn. “Overshoot” can occur, in which the diarrhea is controlled so completely that bowel movements don’t occur for a week, so be careful.
Dosage
No more than four doses should be given in an eight-hour period without the approval of your doctor.
Side Effects
A narcotic overdose with paregoric is extremely rare. Drowsiness or nausea occur occasionally and are indications that the drug should be withdrawn. “Overshoot” can occur, in which the diarrhea is controlled so completely that bowel movements don’t occur for a week, so be careful.
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