Archive for February, 2008

Giving Pain Medicine to your child

Written by ehealth on Tuesday, February 19th, 2008 in General.

(HealthDay News) - Giving your child medications, even over-the-counter medicines, should always be carefully monitored by your doctor.
The American Academy of Family Physicians offers these suggestions before you give any pain medication to your child:

* If a person younger than age 18 has the flu or chickenpox, never give the person aspirin, which could lead to a rare but deadly condition called Reye’s Syndrome.
* Acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol) is a generally safe painkiller for young children.
* Be careful about giving ibuprofen to children who are allergic to aspirin, as they may also be allergic to ibuprofen.
* Pain relievers may be dangerous for children with asthma, so don’t administer them without a doctor’s consent.
* Be careful not to give your child too much of the same medication. Sometimes the same active ingredient can be found in more than one medication.

Source

You are what you eat

Written by ehealth on Saturday, February 16th, 2008 in Weight Loss.

Many have probably heard of this chirpy lady (Gillian McKeith) who helps overweight people people change their habits for the good of their health. “She first shows each of the subjects a display of their typical week’s food consumption. The food is laid out on a table in a cold, congealed and unpleasant state. McKeith often makes comments at this point about this high-fat diet putting the subjects at risk of an early death.”

 

Gillian McKeith
Here are some links that outline all the things she is involved in.

Gillian McKeith Official Website

Gillian McKeith

Gillian McKeith Nutrition Clinic

 

 

 

Types of Hernia and Treatment

Written by ehealth on Friday, February 15th, 2008 in Conditions, General.

Hernia is an abnormal protrusion of internal organs through an abnormal opening in the wall of the cavity. A combination of increased pressure inside the body with weakness in the wall is responsible for this condition. In this condition internal organs or parts of organs are protruded out forming a swelling which will increase the size with coughing and lifting weight, and while passing stool and urine. In lying down position the swelling goes inside except in strangulated and irreducible hernia.

Causes:-

1, Weakness in the body wall:–

a) Congenital weakness.

b) Acquired weakness due to injuries, wasting of muscles, suppurative lesions in the wall and presence of weak natural openings, obesity, lack of exercise, repeated pregnancy.

c) Surgical operation with improper suturing or sepsis of operated site.

2) Increased pressure inside the body.

a) Chronic constipation.

b) Recurrent cough.

c) Weight lifting.

d) Stricture of urethra.

Common sites for hernia:–

Hernia can occur anywhere in the body. However there are some common sites for hernia. Due to the presence of hard bony covering chest wall is normally not affected. Hernia in the lower back is also rare due to spine and back muscles and tough ligaments and sheaths. The common site for hernia is abdominal wall. Compared to other parts the
abdominal wall is weak due to the presence of some natural orifices. There are some areas wherein the abdominal muscles are weaker and thin and all these factors make a chance for herniation. The common sites for hernia are following.

a) Inguinal hernia:

Here the abdominal contents protrude through the inguinal canal (passage in the lower abdominal wall just above the inguinal ligament. It is seen on either side). This type is common in males. Initially the swelling comes only while straining and goes back while lying down. Later the large portion of intestine may come out which may not go back easily.

b) Femoral hernia:

This type of hernia is more in females. Here the abdominal contents pass through the femoral canal which is seen just below the junction between the thigh and lower abdominal wall (Inside the femoral triangle). The contents pass downwards and comes out through saphenous opening in the thigh and forms a swelling under the skin.

c) Umbilical hernia:

This is common in children. The umbilicus is the weaker part of the abdomen. The contents of the abdomen may protrude as a bulb like swelling while crying and defecating.

d) Incisional hernia:

These hernias are seen in operated sites. Due to improper suturing or sepsis the operated site becomes weak resulting in hernia.

e) Epigastric hernia:

Here the herniation occurs in the epigastrium. It is a rare type.

f) Lumbar hernia:

Here the hernia appear in the lumbar area on either side of the lumbar spine (in the lumbar triangle). This is also a rare type.

g) Obturator hernia:

This is a rare type of hernia. Here the contents pass through obturator foramen in the pelvic bone.

Complications of hernia:–

1) Strangulation:

If the hernial orifice is narrow the abdominal contents may not go back easily, and later the blood flow to the herniated tissues may be blocked due to constriction. This can cause death of protruded intestine.

2) Intestinal obstruction:

This occurs when the whole portion of the intestine is protruded in to the hernial sac. The narrow hernial orifice will block the passage of bowels.

3) Infection and peritonitis:

If there is strangulation with death of a portion of intestine there will be spread of infection to the abdomen resulting in peritonitis.

Treatment of hernia:–

Initial treatment: In the initial stages of hernia the following steps may be useful

1) Use of hernia belt:

Special types of hernia belts are available for each type of hernia. This will prevent the protrusion and will reduce pain.

2) Constipation, recurrent cough, urinary obstruction etc. should be treated.

3) Fat reduction will increase the strength of abdominal wall.

4) Abdominal exercises to increase the muscle tone.

5) Take plenty of leafy vegetables, fruits and fibrous diet for easy bowel movements.

6) Try other systems like Homeopathy, Herbal medicine and etc.

If no relief by the above steps consult a general surgeon for surgical management.

Surgical treatment.

The following operations are done depending up on the type and nature of hernia.

1) Hertniotomy : In this operation the contents of hernial sac is pushed in to the abdomen and neck of the sac is ligated with transfixion ligature and the sac is cut off.

2) Herniorrhaphy: Here along with herniotomy the posterior wall is repaired.

3) Hernioplasty: This operation is done if herniotomy is not possible due to wide neck of the sac. Here the repair is done with the help of non absorbable materials like tantalum gauze, polypropylene mesh or stainless steel mesh.

New asthma inhaler approved for children

Written by ehealth on Tuesday, February 12th, 2008 in General.

By LINDA A. JOHNSON, AP Business Writer Mon Feb 4, 7:01 PM ET

TRENTON, N.J. - A new inhaled steroid treatment for  preventing asthma attacks in young children has been approved by the Food And Administration , the drug maker Schering-Plough Corp. said Monday.

Its Asmanex Twisthaler is the first once-a-day, inhaled corticosteroid medicine for asthma — the most common chronic condition among children — that can be taken by children as young as 4.

The Kenilworth-based company got FDA approval two years ago to sell the product as a maintenance treatment to prevent asthma flare-ups in adults and children 12 and older. The dosage for children aged 4 to 11, 110 micrograms, is half the adult dose.

More here

Why You Can’t “Spot Reduce”

Written by ehealth on Sunday, February 10th, 2008 in Weight Loss.

People have problem areas. Even people, who have achieved their ideal body weight, will still have problem areas. It could be the love handles, the flabby arms, the sagging skin or the hips. Then you will find the market offering all sorts of products, from creams and applications to get rid of the fats to gadgets and machines to tone the arms, thighs or the abs.

However, there is one reality check you have to make. You cannot spot reduce. The attempt to do so is not going to work and it will not be for your good.

Why Can’t I Spot Reduce?

The market misinforms the public of the benefits that can be expected from their so-called revolutionary products when in fact there really are no revolutionary results to look forward to.

1. Healthy Diet Is Important
Diet is an important element to get rid of the undesirable body fats. The foods that you eat have calories and cholesterol that get stored in your body, probably amassing on those problem areas of yours. The diet is the main culprit for presence of fats.

So no matter how much you depend on those gadgets in the market, it will remain defenseless if you keep indulging in sweets, fatty foods or junk foods.

2. Spot Reduction Is a Mere Myth
It is not healthy to believe what those people say about the productivity of spot reduction efforts. The products you see on the market require nothing but merely attach or apply them on the problem areas. What about your other body parts? What about the other requirements of the body?

In any healthy endeavors, you must be on the top of your physiology. You should know what it takes to achieve a goal. For example, if you want six-packs in your stomach, you have to know what it takes to get them.

Some people out there would claim that if you want to improve the look of your stomach, you simply have to concentrate on abdominal exercises or use the gadgets that will do the exercise for you. Again, you cannot spot reduce. You cannot achieve the goal with simply doing that one abdominal exercise.

The fat can not just come off on its own by just using a gadget. Genetics has to do with it. Diet has to do with it. Lifestyle has to do with it.

The truth is, before you can even aim for the six-packs on the stomach, you will have to take away the fats first.
So doing 500 crunches a day will only exhaust you but it will not get rid of those fats. Your body will not burn the fats stored in that spot you are targeting. Actual workouts can actually address this. With this, the fats are burned one at a time, and not just in one area. It has a more integrated system of reducing the fats in the body.

Then you will also have to gain body mass. At this point, the only way you can only get rid of the fats and get some body mass is to have a healthy diet and do cardio exercises.

Only after surpassing the diet and cardio requirements can you focus on the abdominal exercises. This is the only proper time to really focus on working out for the six-packs.

3. There Are No Shortcuts
Miracle diets, pills and potions are mere shortcuts that will lead you to a dead end. If a healthy body is aimed, you have to work for it. You have to earn it.

We truly are living in a fast world with the advancement of technology, but your body still is very much natural. Thus you will still have to be grounded to what is naturally required by the body, healthy diet, regular exercise and considerable amount of time to develop that desirable state.

4. Health and Fitness Require Commitment
Your dedication to the health of your body is a lifelong commitment. Even if you achieved a good body now, it will not remain so forever if you abuse on your diet and lifestyle. It needs to be loved and taken care of, regularly.

That is why if you will depend on the spot reduction claims, it will really bring you nowhere. You can only hope, but you cannot expect. So if you aim for the healthy body; get an exercise program for your self and make some changes in your diet. Give your self a holistic development. Improve not only the body, but your outlook in life as well.

Do It the Proper Way

With all these points raised, the bottom line is to simply get healthy the proper way. The saying still holds true. No pain, no gain. So do not be a victim of the misleading information and empty promises thrown upon you. Simply know the proper options. Take the matter into your own hands and enjoy the benefits of a healthy body.

Benefits of resistance training

Written by ehealth on Sunday, February 10th, 2008 in Exercise.

Do you want to have a stronger and more beautiful body? Then the best thing to do is get on your feet and start doing the resistance training.

What Is Resistance Training?

Resistance training involves activities that use weights, machines and even body weight to work out the muscles properly. It is also known as strength training or weight training. This can be very helpful in achieving a healthier body.

This kind of training is usually associated with athletes who have to build up their bodies. Most people would think that when resistance training is done, the body will grow bigger. Actually it will not. Resistance training is simply about increasing the strength of the body, not its size.

Actually, this can be practiced by anyone. It basically builds and tones the muscle to give the body a better look. This training program is even very much advisable to the elders. The usual training programs undergone by the elders are standing free-weights resistance or the moderate-intensity seated machine training.

How Does Resistance Training Work?

A resistance training program will include the use of various exercise equipment and machines like the bench press, dumbbell or barbell. When the equipment is used, the muscles of the body will be pitted against the weight. The cells of the body will then adapt to the extra weight. This will then result to hypertrophy or the enlarging and increasing of the nerve cells to help in the muscle contraction.

Before doing any resistance training, it will be best to consult first with the doctor. This goes especially for people who have medical conditions or are overweight. This kind of training is not something that you can explore on your own. You have to know the proper equipment for the needs of your body. The body must also be conditioned first before taking in the weights.

Resistance training can also be done without resorting to the equipment. Doing push-ups is one good example. You can do it just about anywhere where there is enough space for you to move. This time it is your own body weight that will be pitted against the muscles. So those who are a bit constrained in the budget can still do resistance trainings.

What Are the Benefits of Resistance Training?

1. Increase Bone Mineral Density
Bones are constantly remodeling, meaning the tissues break down at the same time they build up. The peak of remodeling takes place during puberty. However, as a person ages, there may be problems with the bone mineral density as the remodeling may not be as active anymore. This is especially a problem to post-menopausal women.

Bone mineral density is usually supported by the hormones. To address the problem of not having the hormones to maintain the bone mineral density, physical activity is the next best option. Resistance training is one physical activity that can address this.

2. Increase Strength
Strong bones and strong muscles will be developed as you undergo the resistance training program.

3. Increase the Range of Activities
When your body is strong enough to carry some considerable weight, then definitely you will also be capable of doing more strenuous activities. You are less likely to be lazy and you can live a more active lifestyle.

4. Reduce the Body Fat
Pitting the weights on your muscle will definitely give it the body the exercise it needs and get rid of the undesirable fats. Thus expect the tone of the body to improve. Even more, expect the body to look better, to be leaner.

5. Improve State of the Elders
For the elderly, undergoing a resistance training program will help improve their health and decrease the risks brought about by the age. They can be more independent, without needing to rely on other people for doing simple things. Being able to do so will also decrease the risk of injuries in the elders

6. Improve Heart Condition
Regularly doing resistance training can result to a lowered heart rate and lowered blood pressure, especially after exercise. The risk of heart diseases is reduced to a considerable extent.

This kind of training however must be properly done. It requires commitment and consistency. It will have to be done in a regular basis, following a schedule that the doctor or the physical trainer would recommend. If done incorrectly, the benefits of the program may not be enjoyed and it can even result the injury.

The key here is to simply take your time. Do things one step at a time correctly. As your body condition improves, then move on to more challenging tasks. The strength of the body and its overall look are at stake in the resistance training. So you better be sure to do it properly.



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