Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts

Monday, 4 July 2011

Type 1 Diabetes – Treated by Artificial Pancreas




A study published in BMJ Online First shows that Computer- Assisted Device can control Blood Sugar. A new device named as “Artificial Pancreas” is invented that can treat the type 1 Diabetes. It can control this disease very well.
This device can control Blood Sugar overnight and drops the level of Diabetes. Previously Insulin was used to reduce the Blood Sugar level with very less efforts. Now technological advances have led to the devices that monitor Blood Sugar and Insulin level. This device has the capability to better control both of these factors.
The research shows that type 1Diabetes in children can be better control with this device during night.

Glucose Control

Nighttime attacks of low Blood Sugar and Hypoglycemia are common in patients having type 1Diabeteswhich can cause sudden death.

American Diabetes Association says that children and adults have very high risk of death during night time due to Hypoglycemia. It is one of the biggest dangers for adult’s danger.
A survey was conducted in which 24 patients with type 1 Diabetes were taken as a sample. 12 patients were given the Artificial Pancreas disease and 12 patients were given Insulin Pump Therapy during overnight hours for two nights in a period of one to three weeks.
The point was to check results for both of the treatments in real situations and it was concluded that the Computer- Assisted Device resulted in better overnight control of Glucose as compare to the Insulin Pump Delivery.

Obstacles in Artificial Pancreas

Researcher says that this survey provides help that this device improve night time Blood Sugar control but still the researchers say that still it is very difficult to approve such device for use.
The inventors want to make the process fully automatic but this device is not approved yet because the investigators will have to prove that they are safe.
The researchers want to see a first- generation Artificial Pancreas approval for night time use till next year.

10 Bad Skin Habits that can Damage Skin




Every person wants to have beautiful and glowing skin. They must be spending too much money and time on it. In order to have a smooth skin people are required to take care of the skin or otherwise they will have to say goodbye to their beautiful skin.
Here are few skin bad habits that should be avoided to have good skin.

  1. Forget to Put Sunscreen:

    Sunscreen is very important in every season. In summer season sunscreen helps to protect the skin from harmful rays of sun and in winter season the sun rays reflect from the snow and the skin is double exposed to the sun rays. In winters sunscreen helps to protect the skin from double exposure to sun rays. Sun rays can damage the Elastic Fiber of skin which can cause Wrinkles and brown spots.

  2. Drinking too much Alcohol:

    Drinking one glass of Red Wine daily provides Antioxidants that are good for skin but too much use of Alcohol can be harmful to the skin. Alcohol causes Dehydration, Wrinkles and dryness on the skin.

  3. Lack of Sleep:

    Lack of sleep causes the body to produce Stress Hormones. These Stress Hormones creates the dark circles under Eyes, makes skin dull and cause puffiness. Sleep provides beautiful and glowing skin and prevents Wrinkles too.

  4. Smoking Cigarettes:

    Smoking decreases the flow of Oxygen in the skin, it also speedup the aging process and the complexion becomes dull. Smoking creates lines around the mouth. Smokers look 10 years older than their original age.

  5. Sleeping with Makeup:

    Whenever you put makeup, never forget to put that off before sleeping otherwise it can cause Blocked Pores, breakouts on the skin and makes it dry.

  6. Too much Skin Exfoliation:

    Skin requires exfoliation once a week. Too much exfoliation like more than one or twice a week is not good for the skin. It wipes away those oils which skin needs to make the skin glow.

  7. Eating Food not Good for Skin:

    Use of too much salt can dehydrate the skin while too much use of Sugar can cause wrinkles on the skin. Try to increase the use of Vegetables and Fruits in your diet. Well balanced diet will help to make your skin glow.

  8. Gaining or Losing Weight too Fast:

    Gaining and losing weight too fast is not good for skin because it can weaken the Fiber of your skin. It can cause Premature Aging, creates Stretch Marks and lines on the skin.

  9. Compressing Pimples:

    Pimples can be caused by Bacteria and Viruses and if you compress the Pimples and then touch somewhere else on the skin, it will create new Pimples so, avoid pressing Pimples as it can lead to Scars and large Pores.

  10. Facial Expressions:

    Facial movements that are repeated like laughing, frowning cause the contraction and Wrinkles on the Skin muscles. It is best to minimize the excessive facial movements.
Skin is the best part of everyone’s body features and one can make it beautiful and glowing with a little possible effort.

Thursday, 30 June 2011

16 Herbal Remedies to Avoid for the Patients of Heart Trouble




Millions of people take Herbal Remedies for different diseases ranging from Cholesterol to Depression. These Remedies seem to be safe but if they interact with the prescribed drugs, they can cause serious Heart Problems.
A new research suggests interaction of Herbal Remedies and Heart Drugs can be a dangerous mix.

A report of Mayo Clinic for the year 2010 listed more than 25 Herbal products that can really be dangerous for the patients of Heart Trouble on medication.
This guide is prepared with the collaboration of National Institutes for Health and the Natural Standard Research. This guide indicates about the 16 Herbal Remedies that Heart’s Patients should avoid.

  1. Garlic

    Definition
    It is a member of Onion family. It is available as Oil, extract or a Pill.
    Functioning
    It lowers the LDL, Cholesterol and Blood Pressure. It is also used as a Blood thinner to fight against Atherosclerosis.
    The Risk
    The use of Garlic can increase the risk of Bleeding with the drug like Warfarin, an anti-clotting drug. It is prescribed to the people who have Heart problems or previously have had Heart Attacks.
    Garlic Organically Grown
    Photo by : wikimedia

  2. Saw Palmetto

    Definition
    It is a fruit of Palmetto tree. It is available in the market in the form of Capsule, Liquid or Tea.
    Functioning
    It is used to fight with the Urinary problems that are caused by the enlarged Prostate Gland. It is also used to fight against Hair Loss, Pelvic Pain and decreased Sex drive.
    The Risk
    It increases the risk of Bleeding due to Warfarin.
    Saw Palmetto
    Photo by : wikimedia

  3. Ginkgo

    Definition
    It is the extract of leaves of the Ginkgo plant. It is used in the form of Tea and Capsules.
    Functioning
    Ginkgo is used to improve the memory; it prevents dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It is also used for the treatment of Asthma, Sexual Dysfunction, Ear problems and Leg Pain that is caused due to poor Circulation of Blood.
    The Risk
    It increases the risk of Bleeding due to the Aspirin and Warfarin.
    Ginkgo braquiblasto
    Photo by : wikimedia

  4. Echinacea

    Definition
    It is the Roots and Herb of the Echinacea Plant which is dried or extracted. It is also sold as Capsule, Tea and Juice.
    Functioning
    It is used to avoid Cold and Flu and also boost the Immune System of the body.
    The Risk
    It can increase the risk of Liver Damage in interaction with the medicines like Statin, Niacin and Fibrates. These all drugs are used to lower the Cholesterol.
    Echinacea
    Photo by : wikimedia

  5. St. John’s Wort

    Definition

    It is a Yellow- Flowered Plant. It is also sold as Capsule, Tea or Liquid Extracts.
    Functioning
    It is used to treat Depression and Anxiety. It is also used to treat the Sleep Disorders.
    The Risk
    It affects the ability of the body to absorb dozens of medicines including Beta Blockers, Calcium Channel Blockers, Statin etc.
    Saint johns wart flowers
    Photo by : wikimedia

  6. Green Tea

    Definition

    It is the Leaves of the Camellia Sinensis Plant. They are mostly found in the Water and they are also available in the form of Capsule and Extract.
    Functioning
    It is used to Lose Weight; improve Mental Attentiveness, lower Cholesterol and prevent Cancer.
    The Risk
    Green tae contains Vitamin K in it which can frustrate the working of Warfarin.
    Korea Boseong Green tea
    Photo by : wikimedia

  7. Alfalfa

    Definition:It is a plant of Pea family. The leaves of this plant are dried and grind as Capsules.
    Functioning
    It is used to lower the Cholesterol and it also reduces the Plaques that are caused by the Atherosclerosis.
    The Risk
    It increases the risk of Bleeding related to Warfarin.
    Alfalfa mosaic virus
    Photo by : wikimedia

  8. Ginger

    Definition
    It is a Root of a plant that is used in Cooking and it is also processed to form the Capsules.
    Functioning
    It is used to treat stomach diseases like Nausea, Diarrhea, Stomach ache etc. it is also good for the Muscle and the Joint pain.
    The Risk
    It increase the risk of Bleeding related to Warfain.
    Ginger
    Photo by : wikimedia

  9. Bilberry

    Definition
    It is a fruit. The dried extracts of Bilberry are same as Blueberry and it is used as Capsules.
    Functioning
    It is used to treat the problems that are caused by the poor Circulation of Blood. It is also used to treat the Diarrhea, Skin problems, Eyestrain and Menstrual Cramps.
    The Risk
    It is used to improve the Blood Circulation however it can also increase the Bleeding due to Warfarin.
    Bilberry at Finland Proper
    Photo by : wikimedia

  10. Fenugreek

    Definition

    It is a Seed. It is used since the Egyptian Times and it is also used as Capsules.
    Functioning

    It is used for many diseases including Digestive problems, Hot Flashes, Lack of Breast Milk etc. it is also used to lower the Cholesterol level.
    The Risk
    It increase the risk of Bleeding related to Warfain. It can also lower the Blood Sugar level, which can cause the complications for Diabetic patients.
    Fenugreek seed
    Photo by : wikimedia

  11. Ginseng

    Definition
    It is a Herb that found in Asia. It is used in the medicines and it I also sold in the form of Capsules.
    Functioning
    It is used to boost Energy, Stamina and the Immune System. It is also used to lower the LDL and Cholesterol level.
    The Risk
    If overused, Ginseng can increase the Blood pressure of the Human Body.
    Ginseng in Korea
    Photo by : wikimedia

  12. Grapefruit Juice

    It is a fruit juice available in the all the markets.
    Functioning
    It is used to lose weight and improves the Heart’s health.
    The Risk
    Grapefruit juice disturbs the enzyme that is required to absorb the medications including Statins, Calcium- Channel Blockers.
    A new research says that 1 glass of Grapefruit Juice doubles the amount of Calcium- Channel Blockers in the body.
    Grapefruit and Orange Juice Mimosas
    Photo by : wikimedia

  13. Aloe Vera

    Definition
    It is the pulp of Aloe Vera plant.
    Functioning
    It is taken orally to treat the diseases like Arthritis, Epilepsy, Diabetes and Asthma.
    The Risk
    Aloe Vera can cause drops in the Potassium level of Blood, which can cause Heart- Rhythm Problems.
    Aloe Vera
    Photo by : wikimedia

  14. Black Cohosh

    Definition
    Black Cohosh is a plant. It is the extract of the root of Black Cohosh. It is also sold in the form of Capsules.
    Functioning
    Black Cohosh is used to treat the symptoms of Menopause including Hot Flashes, Vaginal Dryness and Night Sweats etc. It is also used to treat the Joint and the Muscle pain.
    The Risk
    It interferes with the certain medicines such as Statins, Beta Blockers and Calcium- Channel Blockers. Sometimes it can also cause damage to the Liver.
    Actaea racemosa
    Photo by : wikimedia

  15. Hawthorn

    Definition
    It is a Flowering Shrub of the Rose Bush.
    Functioning
    The fruit of Hawthorn is used to treat the symptoms of Heart Diseases. It is also used to prevent the Heart Failure.
    The Risk
    It is used to strengthen the contractions of Heart’s Muscles but Hawthorn can interfere with the effectiveness of Heart- Failure medications.
    These are not just the Herbal Products that may create problems for the patients of Heart.
    Common hawthorn flowers
    Photo by : wikimedia

  16. Licorice Root

    Definition
    Licorice is a plant. The dried extracts of the root of Licorice plant is sold in the form of Capsule.
    Functioning
    The Licorice root is used to treat the Ulcers, Bronchitis, Sore Throat, Viral Infections and other Stomach diseases.
    The Risk
    It can raise level of Blood pressure in the Human body.
    The things like Angelica, Capsicum, Fumitory, Gossy Pol, Irish moss, Night Blooming Cereus, Oleander, Ephedra etc all these things can interact negatively with the medications and can cause complications for the Heart’s patients.
    Ligusticum grayi
    Photo by : wikimedia
The Heart patients taking medications should see their Physician before taking any Food Supplement ofHerbal Remedies

Friday, 24 June 2011

Chest Cold – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment


Chest cold is the most common health conditions, following are the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of the Chest cold.

What is Chest Cold?

Chest cold is the congestion of the Chest due to the Cold. It is an infectious disease which is also known as “Acute Bronchitis”.

Symptoms of Chest Cold

Following are the symptoms of Chest Cold

  1. Wet Cough

    The Bronchial Infection and Inflammation causes Wet Cough that involves Yellow or White colored Phlegm. It is the main symptom of the Chest cold.
    Acute Bronchitis
    Photo by : wikimedia

  2. Fever

    Bronchial Infection is linked with high temperature. The Fever can cause chills and aches in the body of the patient. These symptoms are also accompanied with cold feeling in Chest.

  3. Breathing Difficulties

    The patients often suffer from breathing difficulties due to Chest cold.
    Other symptoms of this disorder include
  • Wheezing
  • Inflammation of Tongue
  • Weakness in the body
  • Feeling of Nausea

Causes of Chest Cold

The causes of Chest cold start with the normal case of cold. The condition affects the Chest when Mucus enters in to the Lungs.
The main causes of Chest are
  • Viral Infection
  • Bacterial Infection
  • Exposure to smoke or Air pollutants
  • Wheezing
  • Mild Fever
  • Flu
The Infection normally begins in the Lungs with the end of the conditions like Flu.
The Viral Infection of the Upper Respiratory Tract, Microbes spread to the Lungs. This leads to the Bronchial Infection and swelling of the Bronchi as well as the Bronchioles. Bronchioles are the small hollow passages inside the Lungs through which Air is passed while breathing.

Chest cold Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Chest cold is made with the physical examination. If Viral or Bacterial Infection is suspected, a Blood test is carried out for that.
If Pneumonia is the cause, a Chest X-Ray is carried out. A sample of Phlegm is analyzed for presence of Bacteria or Virus.
XR chest - pneumonia with abscess and caverns
Photo by : wikimedia
In some cases, a Sterile Swab is passed slowly through the Nostril and collects Secretions from the Nasopharynx.
Lung function tests are also performed to check the presence of Chest cold.
In some patients, sensors are attached to their Toe or Finger tips to check the level of Oxygen in Blood.
If you are suffering from Chest cold, the doctor will ask about the medical history. He will also ask if you recently had suffered from conditions like Pneumonia or Flu, if you have been exposed to the Fumes, Dust, Air Pollutants and Vapors etc.

Treatment of Chest Cold

The treatment of Chest cold depends on the underlying cause.
The short term cure of Chest cold focuses at reducing the symptoms and giving relief to patients.
The treatments of Chest cold may include

  1. Antibiotics

    The infants and the older people are cured with the Antibiotics and they are continuously administered.This is effective to cure the mild to severe disorders.

  2. Oxygen Therapy

    The patients who suffer from shortness of Breath are provided with the Masks and Nasal Prongs. This makes sure that Brain and Heart receives sufficient Oxygen for their proper functioning. The instruments and the equipments vary depending on the significance of the condition.

  3. Ventilation

    The mechanical Ventilation and breathing tube are used in the serious conditions of breathing difficulties caused due to the Respiratory failure, Hypoxia, Shock or Pneumonia.

  4. Bronchodilators

    The Bronchodilators are the medicines that help to lose the expanded Bronchial passage and improve the Air passage into the Lungs.
    These medicines are put in Air inhalers and breathed to open the lower passages of Lungs for entry of Air.

  5. Cool Mist Vaporizer

    Cool Mist Vaporizer gives artificial Air to the Lungs and provides relief from Chest congestion by taking out Mucus from Lungs.

  6. Suctions

    Suction is used, if a Chest patient has been severely congested with Phlegm. Mucus is sucked out from the Chest and taken out to clear the air passages. This technique is commonly done in Infants and older people.

Home Remedies for Chest Cold

Following are the home remedies for Chest cold

  1. Increase Intake of Fluids

    Patients suffering from Chest cold may suffer from Dehydration. These patients should increase the intake of fluids like juices, Water, Milk etc. it is necessary to drink lots of Water every day. This will help to make Mucus thin and remove it completely with time from Lungs.
    It is perfect to drink fluids containing Vitamin C. Vitamin C in present in fruits like Cranberry, Tomato, Orange and Grapefruit. Vitamin C increases the immunity of body and helps in fast recovery.

  2. Intake of Warm Water

    Intake of warm Water especially made of Herbs like Chamomile and Peppermint help to lose the Mucus that blocks the Air. This provides relief from Chest congestion.

  3. Inhaling Vapors

    Heating few drops of Peppermint or Eucalyptus Oil and taking in the Steam can reduce the Chest colds.

  4. Massage of Chest

    Patients of Congestion can massage their Chest with the Vapor balm or Oil, it also provide relief from the Coldness of Chest.
How to Get Rid of Chest cold?Some natural remedies are useful in curing this disorder. They include

  1. Thyme

    Add 2 tablespoon of fresh Thyme in a small sized cup of Boiling Water. Boil the mixture for 4 to 5 minutes. Drink this mixture when it is warm. This helps in thinning of Phlegm and removes it from the Lungs. It is one of the best Chest cold remedies.

  2. Saltwater Gargle

    Dissolve half teaspoon of Salt in a glass of 8 ounces of warm Water. Mix these things and gargle with it.Saltwater gargle helps to provide the relief from sore throat and Chest congestion.

  3. Ginger

    Boil a piece of Ginger in a container filled with Water and add Tea Leaves to make Ginger Tea.
    Drink this Tea, it will provide soothing sensation to the Throat.
    Ginger is a rich source of Enzymes that is used as a Chest cold remedy. It fights with Cold Virus and provides relief from irritation of Throat.

Prevention from Chest Cold

Following are the preventions for the reduction of Chest cold

  1. Healthy Diet:

    A diet that consists of healthy foods such as Vitamin C, Multivitamins, Flax seeds, Almonds andSea food etc. sea food is rich in Omega 3. It increases the immunity that helps the body to fight against Viruses that causes Chest infections.

  2. Water

    Try to drink at least 8-10 glasses of Water a day. It keeps the system by excreting out toxins from the body.

  3. Wash Hands

    It is very important to wash Hands winter months. Avoid touching your Face with dirty Hands as it can cause Flu and other Virus Infection in the body.
    People who take care of other family members, who are suffering from Flu, they should wash their Hands right after treating them.

    This disorder can spread from 1 person to another with Hands infected by body fluids of the person.

  4. Avoid Smoking

    The excessive smoking can damage the Hair-like projections known as Cilia. Cilia can be found in the Bronchial Tubes.
    These Cilia can trap the germs and pollutants from the Lungs. Absence of Cilia makes people liable to continuous Mucus production. It is necessary to avoid Smoking due to this reason.

Chest Cold Recovery

With proper treatment, Chest congestion disappears in a Week. The complete recovery from this uncomfortable condition can take few days for patients.
If you are suffering from Chest cold symptoms, try home remedies for 2, 3 days. However, it is important to get immediate medical cure instantly for infants and older members both.

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