Latest Diseases and Conditions Articles http://www.populate.net/ Articles at Populate.NET en-us Diabetes Education Taken To A New Level With The Launch of Healthy Outcomes http://www.populate.net/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/diabetes-education-taken-to-a-new-level-with-the-launch-of-healthy-outcomes.html http://www.populate.net/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/diabetes-education-taken-to-a-new-level-with-the-launch-of-healthy-outcomes.html Thu, 08 Oct 2009 01:29:17 -0700 Buffalo Grove, IL (September 2009) - Beginning November 1, 2009 patients with diabetes will be able to earn great rewards as they take control of their health and wellness.  According to the American Diabetes Association there are 24 million patients with diabetes and another 57 million with pre-diabetes, who will likely develop full blown diabetes during their lifetime.

Healthy Outcomes is the only web portal that incentivizes patients with diabetes to become better educated about diabetes so they can take control of their health and wellness.  Patients earn reward points as they learn more about diabetes, points which can then be redeemed for free products.

Healthy Outcomes contains over 600 educational modules.  Whether it’s learning how to use a glucose monitor or about the latest diabetes drugs, patients earn while they learn. The site also contains diabetes related games, the ability for patients to ask questions directly to diabetes educators and valuable information related to diabetes education.
 
With the number of patients with diabetes expected to double by 2025, Healthy Outcomes offers patient friendly diabetes education at no cost. According to numerous studies diabetes education is the most effective tool in helping patients take control of their health and wellness. Better educated patients regularly monitor their blood sugar, are more compliant with their therapy regimen, achieve lower A1c levels and live longer healthier lives.

Patients looking for more information on testing supplies, insulin, metformin, hypoglycemia, eating healthy or just about anything diabetes related Healthy Outcomes is the source of diabetes education.

]]> How to Beat Cigarettes with Psychology http://www.populate.net/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/how-to-beat-cigarettes-with-psychology.html http://www.populate.net/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/how-to-beat-cigarettes-with-psychology.html Wed, 16 Sep 2009 03:13:45 -0700 Many experts believe smoking is only about 10% physical addiction and 90% psychological. Your body will recover fairly quickly from nicotine withdrawals with the worst symptoms usually subsiding in about three days or less. But your psychological dependency on cigarettes can be much more difficult to overcome.

One way to combat this is to do a bit of self-analysis before giving up cigarettes.

Make a list with two columns. Label column one "Why I started smoking" and label column two "Why I want to quit smoking."

In column one, list all the reasons you can remember as to why you started smoking. Was it peer pressure? Rebellion? Did you think it made you look cool? Did it make you feel like a grown-up? Really try to remember the exact reasons why you started smoking and write them all down.

Now look over that list. Do any of those reasons still apply in your life today?

If you're like most people, you will see that your reasons for becoming a smoker are no longer valid, and are easily outweighed by the risks to your health and your family's well being.

So let's move on to column two...

Why do you want to quit smoking?

This one may seem obvious, but it can be a bit complicated. You really need to take some time and think about this. Don't just list the obvious health reasons. You've been reading the Surgeon General's warnings for years with little effect, so you need to come up with reasons that truly have meaning for you.

The things most people write down will NOT help you quit smoking...

- I don't want to get lung cancer.
- I don't want to have a heart attack or a stroke.
- I'd like to live long enough to see my grandchildren grow up.

Those are all good reasons to quit smoking... but they deal in "possibilities" rather than in specifics.

Sure you MIGHT get lung cancer, you MIGHT have a heart attack or a stroke, you MIGHT die young and miss out on seeing your grandchildren grow up.

Or, you MIGHT NOT! You're not likely to break a strong psychological addiction based on what MIGHT happen. Your mind will work hard to convince you that it won't happen to you! Instead, list health problems that you are already experiencing.

Your list should point out things in your life that you are unhappy about and are STRONGLY MOTIVATED to change. In order to break your psychological addiction, you need an arsenal of new thoughts and desires that are stronger than your desire to smoke.

Here are the types of things you want to put in column two...

Why Do I Want To Quit Smoking?

1. Health Reasons

- I get so out of breath when I exert myself even a little bit. Just vacuuming the house makes me pant and gasp.

- My feet are always cold. This could be due to high blood pressure and poor circulation associated with smoking.

- I have a nasty wet cough and I have to blow my nose way too often. Mucus build-up is the body's reaction to all the toxins and chemicals in cigarette smoke and could be a precursor to serious respiratory disease. Even if I don't get cancer, I don't want to be one of those people who has to tote oxygen bottles around everywhere.

- I'm always tired. Could it be that my body is using up all its energy trying to eliminate the toxins and chemicals from cigarettes?

2. Vanity Reasons

- Smoking causes premature aging and drying of the skin. I don't want to look like a wrinkled up old prune!

- My fingers, fingernails and teeth are all tobacco stained. Disgusting! How embarrassing.

- When I get on the elevator after a smoke break at work, everyone wrinkles their nose and tries to edge away from me because I reek of cigarette smoke. I feel like a pariah. It's embarrassing to always be the big "stinker" on the elevator. I feel like I have no self-control.

- My breath is awful. Kissing me must be like kissing an ashtray. I spend a fortune on breath mints.

3. Financial Reasons

- If I save all the money I used to spend on cigarettes, I'll have enough to take a vacation in Cancun every winter!

- I could use the money to pay off my credit cards!

- I could donate money to my favorite charity or sponsor a child. My cigarette money could make the world a better place!

4. Family Reasons

- My family can stop worrying about me.

- My spouse will have to find something new to nag me about.

- My children will be proud of me and hopefully they'll never start smoking themselves, having seen first hand what a nasty destructive habit it is.

5. Cleanliness Reasons

- The walls used to be white. Now they're a nasty dirty looking brown.

- I stink, my car stinks, my house stinks, everything I own reeks of cigarette smoke. I can't even lend a book to a non-smoking friend because they can't stand the smell of smoke permeating the pages.

Do you see yourself in any of the items listed? You may have many more reasons of your own. Find as many compelling and emotional reasons to quit smoking as you can think of and write them all down.

If you can re-train your mind to think of smoking as a silly and self-destructive thing to do, then you're almost sure to succeed.

]]> Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) or Heart Burn and Its Treatment http://www.populate.net/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerd-or-heart-burn-and-its-treatment_1.html http://www.populate.net/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerd-or-heart-burn-and-its-treatment_1.html Sat, 12 Sep 2009 09:31:20 -0700 By gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, acidic reflux disease) content from the stomach is frequently pushed up into the esophagus and sometimes all the way into the mouth. The content can also sometimes be aspirated down into the throat and the windpipe.

Since there is a high concentration of acid (HCl) and digestive enzymes in the stomach content, it will irritate or hurt the esophagus, mouth or throat. It will give acute burning pain and can cause chronic inflammation and eventually also structural damages in these organs.


THE MECHANISMS OF THE DISEASE

Several mechanisms can cause acid reflux and thereby heartburn, either solely or in combination:

- The sphincter (a circular muscle) that normally closes the entrance from the esophagus into the stomach can be too lax or it can be be abnormally shaped so that stomach content leaks upwards.

- Hiatal hernia can cause GERD. By this condition the upper part of the stomach has been pressed up through the passage in the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity.

- The digestion of food in the ventricle may be too slow, causing the ventricle to empty too late and eventually get over-filled.

- The ventricle can contract too much or have cramps, like when one throws up.

- The portal muscle between the stomach ventricle and the duodenum (upper part of the small intestine) can be too narrow or constrict too strongly so that content fills up in the ventricle and makes an over- pressure here.

- Any situation that increases the pressure in the abdominal cavity can contribute to GERD.

- The heartburn and other symptoms of GERD can be associated with a too high production of salty acid (HCl) in the ventricle.

- Also people with normal stomach function seem to have some degree of reflux. In many sufferers of GERD increased production of acid therefore seems to be the only component of the disease.


PRIMARY CAUSES OF GERD

The primary causes of these mechanisms and thereby GERD can also be many:

- Anomalies in the gastroesophageal sphincter or other places in the stomach region causing reflux can be congenital.

- Consuming too much coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages, citrus juices, tomato juice, carbonated beverages, chocolate, peppermint and other spices can cause GERD. But a more moderate consume of coffee, tea and spices may have a good effect on the digestion.

- People that consume great amounts of fatty food, refined sugar and refined floor will often acquire acid reflux.

- Acidic reflux is sometimes associated with smoking and with use of certain drugs, like cocaine.

- Frequent physical strain of certain kind, like heavy lifting when bending down, frequent coughing or labor during delivery can increase the pressure in the stomach and cause reflux.

- A history of stomach ulcers or inflammations can give the kind of abnormalities in the stomach that cause GERD.

- Nervous problems caused by stress or physical neurological anomalies can affect the nervous control of the stomach and the sphincter and lead to frequent regurgitation of stomach content


TREATMENT OF GERD

Lifestyle measures are often the first treatment one tries to help against GERD. If these are not enough, drugs of various kind can be used, and as a last resort surgery is sometimes performed. Possible measures against GERD are:

- It can be useful to reduce the consume of coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages, citrus juices, tomato juice, carbonated beverages, chocolate, peppermint and other spices. It is however not necessarily wise to avoid consume of coffee, tea and spices totally

- Stopping or reducing smoking may help against GERD.

- Reducing the consume of food with much added sugar or of sweet snacks and cookies may help. It may also help to eat full corn bread and cereals instead of products based on refined flour.

- Lying with the upper body and head high can often hinder reflux during night or rest. Reducing the meals before bedtime can also help..

- Relaxing measures like meditation or measures to avoid stress can often alleviate the problem.

- Chewing gum after meals may alleviate GERD, because this action stimulates the production of acid-neutralizing saliva and the swallowing down of the regurgitated stomach content

- Acute symptoms of GERD can be alleviated with drugs containing acid-neutralizing substances. Most of these are based on salts of aluminium, magnesium or calcium.

- Sometimes drugs that modify the acid secretion are used. A class of these drugs blocks the action of the tissue hormone histamine that commands the release of acid - the so-called H2 receptor blockers (cimetidine, famotidine, nizatidine, ranitidine). Another class, proton pump inhibitors, blocks the production of acid directly (esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole) These.last drugs also help against the inflammation and damages done by the reflux.

- There are also drugs than can stimulate the function of the muscles in the upper digestive system, so that the gastroesophageal sphincter contracts better and the stomach empties itself faster (metoclopramide).

- One drug (Gaviscon) works partly by producing a foam that will lie upon the top of the stomach content and block the regurgitation, and partly by neutralizing the acid.

- Substances that can improve the digestion chemically can sometimes help, like supplements of gastric enzymes.

- There also exist herbs or natural substances with the ability to reduce acid reflux and help heal damages from acid reflux, like Aloe vera, Picrorhiza, orange peel, and licorice. Often such substances are blended to give the wanted effects.

- When hiatal hernia causes severe reflux, a surgical procedure called Nissen fundoplication is sometimes performed.

]]> Restless Legs Syndrome: Causes and Treatments http://www.populate.net/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/restless-legs-syndrome-causes-and-treatments.html http://www.populate.net/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/restless-legs-syndrome-causes-and-treatments.html Fri, 04 Sep 2009 03:49:11 -0700 Restless Legs Syndrome is a condition where limbs, usually the legs, have sensations of pain, itching, pins and needles, or other discomfort which produces an irresistible urge to move and which is temporarily relieved by flexing and moving the legs around. It usually occurs in the evening and isn't as pronounced in the morning but is a cause of insomnia for the sufferer. RLS affects people of all ages but is more common after age forty. This article will deal with both primary RLS (meaning not caused by any other medical condition) and secondary RLS, as 60% of cases are familial (primary) and can be traced to an “autosomal” (meaning a non sex-determining) dominant chromosome. Secondary RLS usually occurs after the age of forty in people who are obese, who have had recent surgery, and those with osteoarthritis.

No prevention method has been established or studied but there are treatments available that alleviate the symptoms; one is a natural supplement branded as "All Calm", a pure, refined, concentrated, and safe "magnesium citrate" in a special bio-available form that is prepared and consumed like tea so that it acts immediately. The manufacturer uses only USP grade ingredients and markets the preparation exclusively.
 
It's tempting to blame Restless Legs Syndrome on immobility or bad circulation since people who don’t move around while recovering from surgery or those who have varicose veins may suffer from the condition. There are dozens of other factors that may be more significant: researchers have determined that 20% of RLS cases are due to iron deficiency; an increase in occurrences is shown during pregnancy; diabetes patients often have the condition; those who have sleep apnea, thyroid disease, and Parkinson's disease will often suffer from restless legs. Some auto-immune disorders will cause the condition. From my own experience, I had constant trouble with lower leg cramps while undergoing Interferon chemotherapy. These cramps tightened the area along the shins so badly it caused me to jump out of bed to try to alleviate the pain. Lost sleep wears down the patient and is the major complaint of people experiencing RLS.

Evidence suggests that your doctor should test you for iron deficiency and then supplement your diet with iron or vitamin B-12. It's also necessary to look at other medications that may have RLS worse such as medicine for high blood pressure, heart conditions, nausea, colds, allergies, or depression. Herbal remedies, alcohol, and diet can be factors to be considered. No single pharmaceutical drug for RLS has proven to be entirely effective in eliminating the symptoms for everyone. The imbalance suggests that lifestyle, exercise, and diet are such major factors on the neurological communication with the muscles. Symptoms can be lessened with stretching, running, massage treatment, acupressure, yoga, tai chi, or simple walking. Having a good balance of nutrients with iron, potassium, and B vitamins is always a good idea. Bananas contain high levels of potassium and are effective at reducing cramps in the calves and thighs.

When sleep deprivation occurs it may be wise to eliminate caffeine as much as possible. Chocolate, coffee, tea, and soft drinks all contain high levels of caffeine and should be avoided to prevent sleep loss. Good sleep habits like regular hours rather than naps or oversleeping will help to keep the body’s energy ready to function rather than to sink into depression and fatigue.

Whether the treatment is pharmaceutical or natural it’s advisable to consult with your doctor since medicines or dietary substances can affect each other and may be dangerous. Various drugs have been used in the treatment of RLS: antidepressants such as Prozac, Elavil, and Lexapro; antihistamines found in cold, allergy, and over-the-counter sleeping pills; anti-nausea medications like Phenaergan, Reglan, and Compazine; even some psychiatric medications to treat bipolar disorders and schizophrenia. These substances can be dangerous and should be taken only on the advice of a doctor. With the success rate of the natural remedy All Calm, it is probably best to try the most natural substance available before using pills that have general toxic effects on other systems of the body. As with every remedy, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and use after consulting a doctor.

]]> Know About Cocaine Drug Testing http://www.populate.net/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/know-about-cocaine-drug-testing.html http://www.populate.net/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/know-about-cocaine-drug-testing.html Wed, 29 Jul 2009 02:40:23 -0700 Cocaine is highly addictive drug of abuse. A recent NIDA survey stated that, approximately one in six Americans (15% in 2007), by the age of 30 tried cocaine. Cocaine directly affects brain and causes many health problems like heart attack, respiratory failure, strokes, and seizures. In some rare cases, sudden death can occur on the first use of cocaine.

Cocaine drug tests help people to examine their friends or family members and help them to stay away from abuse. The abuse can be detected by using urine, hair, or saliva drug testing methods. Cocaine can be detected for 3 days in urine, 90 days through hair and up to 2 to 3 days in saliva.

Urine Drug Testing:
The most common test to detect cocaine is urine test. Urine tests that detect cocaine are inexpensive and affordable. These tests can be done at home and they are intrusive in nature. Cocaine content can be detected for up to 3 days using urine tests and the recommended cut off level by SAMHSA is 150 ng/mL for initial test and 100 ng/mL for confirmation test.

Hair Drug Testing:
Hair drug tests to trace cocaine are highly reliable. Cocaine is usually traceable via hair drug screening for up to 90 days. Hair tests will work with any hair on the body, including facial hair and body hair. The SAMHSA recommended cut off values for hair testing are, 500 pg/mg for initial test and 500 pg/mg for confirmation test along with at least 10 times benzoylecgonine concentration or, the concentrations of cocaethylene or norcocaine should be greater than or equal to 50 pg/mg.

Saliva Drug Testing:
Detecting cocaine content using saliva is very quick and easy. This method is highly secured and difficult to adulterate. Sample of saliva is collected using a scrub and sent to testing. Results of saliva drug testing are almost instant. The recommended cut off values for saliva tests are 20 ng/mL for initial test and 8 ng/mL for confirmatory test.

Drug tests help to monitor people from cocaine abuse effectively. Now a days tamper proof kits are available, and labs usually do two tests of the sample, one is screening test and the other is confirmation test. These methods are quick, efficient, confidential, and reliable.

]]> Deciding About Breast Implants: An Emotional Journey http://www.populate.net/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/deciding-about-breast-implants-an-emotional-journey.html http://www.populate.net/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/deciding-about-breast-implants-an-emotional-journey.html Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:40:18 -0700  Most women who get breast implants are realistic about the surgery. For them, it's a body image issue; according to a top plastic surgeon Phoenix patients come in who are often simply not happy with their bodies and wish to improve them. They have realistic expectations that if this is done, they will look more satisfying to their own eye and to others. But their self-esteem does not depend on it. However, the journey to the operating table can be emotionally painful for some. One study showed that in the year before their breast augmentation Phoenix women reported greater distress about their appearance and more teasing about it. They also spent more time in a psychiatrist's office than women who didn't get the surgery.

Over the years many Phoenix plastic surgeons have come to recognize the patient with unrealistic expectations. They say that they won't treat patients who are going through major life changes - divorce, death in the family, according to WebMD. Patients are told up front it won't change their life, won't get them a new job, won't get them more dates, but it can make them feel better about who they are.

When self-esteem and sense of self are more fragile, that's when people tend to have unrealistic expectations of breast implant plastic surgery Phoenix surgeons explain. They are seeking transformation of sense of self. The gap between their ideal self and real self -- or the way they see themselves - is greater than for the other group.

Studies have certainly shown high levels of satisfaction and improved quality of life after getting breast implants or a tummy tuck Phoenix surgeons tell us. But a decade later, the satisfaction fades for some reason in some cases. Experts do not know for sure what the reasons are. Bottom line: Good surgeons must help women assess whether their expectations and reasons for wanting breast implant surgery are realistic.

]]> The good, the bad and the ugly facts about fats. http://www.populate.net/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-facts-about-fats.html http://www.populate.net/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-facts-about-fats.html Tue, 07 Jul 2009 05:28:29 -0700 Fats, The Good…The Bad and Omega 3.
This has become a hot topic lately. There is so much talk of fats, the healthy fats, the bad fats, the trans fats. I have done some research on fats, trying to keep it simple for us. Here is some important information I have come up with. Omega 3 has become a favorite topic of mine. It has such amazing health improvement qualities. Remember, this is for your information only, and not meant as gospel nor is it meant for diagnostic purposes.
Saturated fats
Saturated fat is the main dietary cause of high blood cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends that you limit your saturated fat intake to 7–10 percent of total calories (or less) each day. If you have coronary heart disease or your LDL cholesterol level is 100 mg/dL or greater, your doctor should recommend the Therapeutic Lifestyle Change (TLC) Diet. It recommends 25–35 percent of calories from fat, with less than 7 percent coming from saturated fat. Cholesterol is limited to less than 200 milligrams a day.
Saturated fat is found mostly in foods from animals and some plants.
Foods from animals — These include beef, beef fat, veal, lamb, pork, lard, poultry fat, butter, cream, milk, cheeses and other dairy products made from whole milk. These foods also contain dietary cholesterol.
Foods from plants — These include coconut oil, palm oil and palm kernel oil (often called tropical oils), and cocoa butter.
Hydrogenated fats
During food processing, fats may undergo a chemical process called hydrogenation. This is common in margarine and shortening. These fats also raise blood cholesterol. Use hydrogenated fats only if they contain no more than two grams of saturated fat per tablespoon. The saturated fat content of most margarines and spreads is printed on the package or Nutrition Facts label.
Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats — Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are the two unsaturated fats. They're found primarily in oils from plants.
Polyunsaturated fats — These include safflower, sesame and sunflower seeds, corn and soybeans, many nuts and seeds, and their oils.
Monounsaturated fats — These include canola, olive and peanut oils, and avocados.
Both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats may help lower your blood cholesterol level when you use them in place of saturated fats in your diet. But a moderate intake of all types of fat is best. Use polyunsaturated or monounsaturated oils — and margarines and spreads made from them — in limited amounts. This is recommended in place of using fats with a high saturated fat content, such as butter, lard or hydrogenated shortenings.
Since their discovery in the 1970s, the omega-3 essential fatty acids have generated thousands of studies and clinical trials. Essential to life and good health, they protect against disease and can treat illness.
Dr. Barry Sears is a research scientist and creator of the world famous Zone Diet. His most recent book, The OmegaRx Zone - The Miracle of the New High-Dose Fish Oil, is the culmination of 20 years of research on the benefits of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish oil. In fact, Dr. Sears pioneered the development of pharmaceutical-grade fish oil, a highly refined nutritional supplement rich in DHA and EPA. This work continues his life long dedication to using diet to help people maintain their state of wellness.
Yet few people understand what they are, what they do.
When it comes to heart disease, prevention is your best bet. High blood pressure and hypertension put undue stress on the heart, blood vessels and other organs. A person can get excellent heart health through a variety of ways, especially through a good diet.

Certain foods have been shown to be healthy for the heart. Fish has the proven benefits of omega-3 oil. Omega-3 may lower the risk of abnormal heart rhythms and reduce the cohesion of blood cells, which make them less likely to form clots and block arteries. Omega-3 seems to be particularly beneficial to people already at risk for heart disease and those who have experienced a heart attack.
Olive oil is a healthy choice over other fats such as butter, palm and coconut oils because olive oil is a monounsaturated fat that does not increase levels of cholesterol and triglycerides
The following information on trans fatty acids is Information from the Food and Drug Administration
Q: What are trans fatty acids?
A: Trans fatty acids (or "trans fat") are fats found in foods such as vegetable shortening, some margarines, crackers, candies, baked goods, cookies, snack foods, fried foods, salad dressings, and many processed foods.
*-additional information from me: Fats that are artificially created through a chemical process of the hydrogenation of oils. This solidifies the oil and limits the body's ability to regulate cholesterol. These fats are considered to be the most harmful to one's health. The Federal Drug Administration has mandated that the amount of trans fats be labeled on food products by 2005.
Q: Why should We care about trans fat?
A: It's important to know about trans fat because there is a direct, proven relationship between diets high in trans fat content and LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels and, therefore, and increased risk of coronary heart disease – a leading cause of death in the US.
Q: Aren't all fats bad?
A: No. There are "good" fats and "bad" ones, just like there's good and bad blood cholesterol. Saturated fats and trans fat have bad effects on cholesterol levels. Polyunsaturated fats and monosaturated fats (such as olive oil, canola oil, soybean oil, and corn oil) have good effects.

Q: How much trans fat is too much?
A: There is research currently under way to determine this. However, it is true and accurate to say that the less saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol consumed the better. Trans fat while pervasive in many of the foods we eat is not "essential" to any healthy diet.
Q: How can consumers know if a product contains trans fat if it's not identified on the nutrition label?
A: Consumers can know if a food contains trans fat by looking at the ingredient list on the food label. If the ingredient list includes the words "shortening," "partially hydrogenated vegetable oil" or "hydrogenated vegetable oil," the food contains trans fat. Because ingredients are listed in descending order of predominance, smaller amounts are present when the ingredient is close to the end of the list.
Q: Do restaurants have to list the fat content of their foods?
A: No. But it's a good tip to always ask which fats are being used to prepare the food you order. (I read in the rumour mill that Restaurants in New York are being asked to voluntarily cut down on their trans fat usage* my own comments)
Q: Why is it important to read labels?
A: Labels provide valuable information. An informed consumer is able to make better, healthier choices.
"The American Heart Association recommends healthy people eat omega-3 fatty acids from fish and plant sources to protect their hearts. Have you heard of this miracle?
OmegaRx Fish Oil, quoted as being close to a Medical Miracle in our Century! Omega 3, The Good Fat, Is on your side, they contribute to your good health. They are also a big part of Dr Barry Sears Zone Diet.
Omega-3 (you may sometimes see it written as n-3 or w-3) is the name given to a family of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The parent omega-3 - alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) - is described as 'essential' as, like vitamins, it must be obtained from diet. It is polyunsaturated and has 18 carbon atoms and 3 double bonds (18:3).
There is no doubt that the omega-3 fatty acids are essential to health.
Omega-3 oils -- found in fatty fish, like salmon and tuna -- help lower blood pressure, fight heart disease and even battle depression. ...
Omega-3 fatty acids work against depression. Recent studies suggested that consuming omega-3 rich foods such as oily fish can help prevent depression. Omega-3 fatty acids have already been found to offer a myriad benefits to human health. Notably, intake of omega-3 fatty acids or use of oily fish reduces the cardiovascular disease. Omega-3 fatty acids are found richly in oily fish such as salmon fish and tuna. Plant sources such as flaxseed oil and canola oil also offer certain amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids or oil can be purchased as nutrient supplements.

There is no doubt that the omega-3 fatty acids are essential to health.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure any disease.
It is very definitely to your advantage to study further the wonderful benefits of Omega3.

]]> How to approach pet flea treatment http://www.populate.net/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/how-to-approach-pet-flea-treatment.html http://www.populate.net/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/how-to-approach-pet-flea-treatment.html Sat, 20 Jun 2009 11:07:25 -0700 Pets are the most faithful companions on the earth and the most preferred pets now-a-days are dogs or cats. You need to treat your pets just like you treat any other family member. Even your pet needs proper attention and care so that they grow well. You need to provide them basic shelter with proper hygienic conditions along with healthy and balanced food. You are bound to do this as your pet is not just a showpiece but it is a living being for which you have taken the responsibility of its proper growth. The most common problems that your pet dog or pet cat are likely to face is fleas on their hairy body. Fleas are parasites that stick to your pet's body and suck blood leaving your pets helpless as they are unable to remove these parasites on their own. There are various reasons that may cause the growth of these fleas on your pet's body like unhygienic conditions of your house or your lawns which may have several pests or insects that might have come in contact with your pet's body. Whatever may be the reason, its time to tackle the problem immediately. Flea treatment medicines have become the must-haves today and if you are really tired of watching your pet being restless and itching all over the body, you need to think about an effective flea treatment for your lovely pet. The flea multiplies in no time by producing eggs and spreads all over the hairy body of your pet and hence need to be controlled immediately. There are several online pet medicine websites that help you to get a perfect flea treatment method depending on the severity of your pet's condition. While shopping for flea treatment products online, it is necessary to look for the ingredients as there are several flea treatment medications that contain active ingredients that may be harmful to your pet's sensitive skin. Most of the pet owners prefer to buy flea treatments which do not contain such type of ingredients that make conditions much severe. The next thing is, if you purchase flea treatment products in bulk, you tend to save a good amount of money as you get discounts on bulk purchase. Moreover, you are free from the botheration of buying flea treatments every month as this is a regular treatment if you live in moist and warm places or if your pet has already brought ticks and fleas into your home. The infection caused by fleas is not just restricted to your pet's body, it might spread to other people living in your home. And if you have a doubt that there are flea eggs in your home, you need to immediately vacuum your house regularly and also make it a habit to wash the bedding of your pet regularly. Always remember, flea eggs have a life of two years thus it is very necessary to break its life cycle by choosing a right kind of flea treatment for your pets. Flea treatment products are the perfect way to kill and control the spread of flea and ticks on your pet's body and in your home too. Dont make your pet's life miserable, take an effective flea treatment for your lovely pet, today

]]> Inhalants Abuse – Effects on Health http://www.populate.net/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/inhalants-abuse-a%80-effects-on-health.html http://www.populate.net/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/inhalants-abuse-a%80-effects-on-health.html Tue, 16 Dec 2008 04:41:48 -0800
Mostly children and teens live without any parental guidance are observed as serious inhalant abusers. More than 3 million inhalants abusers are aged from 12-17. Most commonly inhalants are glue, shop polish, gasoline and nitrous oxide. Adults most commonly abuse nitrites inhalants. Effects of inhalants are similar and sometimes even dangerous then alcohol.

Effects of inhalant abuse on health
People typically don't realize these products as drugs because the intoxication effects of inhalants are just for few minutes. But repeatedly using these inhalants few many hours can cause dangerous effect. The following are few effects of inhalants on health.

On Brain: Hypoxia is a condition when the displacing air in lungs deprives the oxygen in the body. This condition damages cells throughout the body which effects the functioning of brain in less than half an hour. Symptoms of brain hypoxia vary from person to person because the regions affected by the inhalants are not same for everyone. Some feel drowsy and enduring headache, some loss the ability to learn new things and some may not even carry simple conversation.

Dangerous effects: With sniffing concentrated sprays or insolvents the abuser can even die in minutes. High concentrated inhalants may cause death from suffocation, depletion of blood oxygen in lungs as the abuser can lose consciousness and stop breathing. Suffocation chances are increased by inhaling the inhalants in closed area.

Irreversible effects: Abuse of inhalants can cause some irreversible effects. Abusing the aerosols inhalants can cause loss of hearing capacity. Peripheral neuropathies or limb spasms are caused by highly abusing volatile solvents and gases inhalants. Abusing gasoline inhalants continuously will damage the bone marrow. This effects are very harmful and if once occurred can't be cured easily.

Reversible effects: Reversible effects by abusing inhalants are serious can be cured. Liver and kidney are affected by abusing volatile solvents inhalants once in a while and some times it can also lead to blood oxygen deletion. Infectious diseases can also occur by abusing inhalants. These effects can be cured and controlled by immediate overcoming the inhalants abuse.

Best way to control the inhalant abuse is by giving the treatment before the occasional usage becomes as habit. Parents should be on high alert to habits especially abuse signs of their children because the risk of abuse is very extreme. Educating kids about the dangerous effects and signs of abuse is a remedy for avoiding inhalants abuse.
]]> Bipolar Disorder Treatment http://www.populate.net/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/bipolar-disorder-treatment.html http://www.populate.net/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/bipolar-disorder-treatment.html Fri, 05 Dec 2008 10:37:53 -0800
Bipolar disorder — also known as manic depression or manic-depressive illness—involves dramatic shifts in mood from the highs of mania to the lows of major depression. It is more than just feeling in a good or bad mood and these moods can last for days, weeks, or even months. Bipolar disorder is much more intense and disruptive to everyday functioning. It affects energy and activity levels, your judgment, and behavior.

Diagnosing the problem as soon as possible combined with a comprehensive treatment plan can help prevent any future complications. When getting your diagnosis, you should feel some relief as the first, and hardest step is behind you. The best treatment for bipolar disorder is a combination of medication and counseling,

Certain drugs are used for "maintenance", which help to maintain a steady mood. Some treatments may cause challenges for the patient in that they include mood variations, taking multiple medications at one time, under educated family members not familiar with the facts of bipolar disorder or the fact that some treatment strategies have not been greatly studied and that medication can be costly.

Some studies even suggest that Electro-Convulsive therapy is a very effective treatment for many patients for small episodes or for maintenance.

There are also non-medical treatments available. Psychotherapy and sleep management play are big part of bipolar disorder treatment. They can help reduce symptoms and prevent relapse. The Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD) is a trial supported by the National Institute of Mental Health. This is the largest treatment study for bipolar disorder.

Many people choose medication for the treatment of their bipolar disorder. Mood stabilizing drugs are the most important for bipolar disorder. These are drugs that work for small episodes of mania and depression and for maintenance. Two mood stabilizers are lithium and Valproate. Lithium has been in use for a long time and is considered a safe option. Lithium however is the best drug for those with pure mania, but also used for patients with other forms of bipolar disorders.

Atypical Anti-psychotics are used to treat schizophrenia but also have stabilizing properties useful for bipolar disorder.

As you can see there are many options available in the treatment of bipolar disorder. The most important part of the process begins with choosing to be tested and understanding your options if your diagnosis is returned as positive.
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