Sunday, February 7, 2010
 H1N1 virus is mostly entered through nostrils and mouth/throat. While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps - Frequent hand-washing (well highlighted in all official communications). This is not a joke. Make it a ritual habit, makes it part of your daily routine. DO NOT BE LAZY!
- “Hands-off-the- face” approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat, bathe or slap).
- Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don’t trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don’t underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
- Similar to 3 above, clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.
- Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (such as citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that they also have Zinc to boost absorption.
- Drink as much warm liquid as you can (such as teas, soups and broths). Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
Symptoms of H1N1 Swine FluSymptoms of H1N1 swine flu are similar to those of the seasonal flu and include: - Fever
- Body aches
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Occasionally vomiting and diarrhea
What to Do if You Get SickIf you are sick with a fever and cough or sore throat, you should contact your health-care provider.
posted by emedinfo
@9:01 PM
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Friday, February 5, 2010
 While the following brushing and flossing tips may contain useful general guidelines. Lot many tips are followed by all of us to keep our smile in one piece. The former and principal thought that comes into our mind concerning this will be the dental care tips like brushing and flossing. It is true that brushing helps in removing bacteria, which results in tooth decay and gum diseases. In addition to that get the teeth professionally cleaned, at least twice a year for perfect dental care. Brushing Tips- Use a soft bristled brush, preferably one with rounded, synthetic bristles. Look for the American Dental Association seal of approval. Replace your toothbrush approximately every two to three months or as soon as the bristles are worn or bent.
- Be sure your brush is the right size (in general, smaller is better than larger).
- Place the bristles at a 45 degree angle to the gum line, and slide the tips of the brush under the gums.
- Gently jiggle the bristles or move it in small circles over the tooth and gums.
- Brush the outside, the inside, and the chewing surfaces of your teeth. For chewing surfaces, use a light back and forth motion.
- For the front teeth, brush the inside surfaces of the upper and lower jaws: Tilt your brush vertically and make several strokes up and down with the front part of the brush over the teeth and gum tissues.
- Brushing your tongue will help freshen your breath. Debris and bacteria can collect on your tongue and cause bad breath.
- Since your toothbrush will only clean one or two teeth at a time, change its position to clean each tooth properly.
- Brush at least once every day, preferably at bedtime. Adding a brush time after breakfast increases your chances of thorough daily plaque removal.
- Take your time: A thorough brushing should take at least 3 minutes.
- Don't brush your teeth too vigorously, and don't use a hard bristled toothbrush, since it causes the gums to recede and exposes root surfaces. It also wears down the tooth structure. Both of these conditions can lead to tooth sensitivity.
- A pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste is sufficient.
- Replace your brush when the bristles begin to spread, as a worn out toothbrush will not properly clean your teeth.
Flossing Tips- Wrap about 18 inches of floss around the middle fingers of your hands.
- Hold the floss tightly, using your thumbs and forefingers, and gently guide it between your teeth. Don't "snap" the floss as this can cut the gums!
- When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth until you feel pressure against the tooth.
- Gently scrape the side of the tooth with the floss.
- Repeat this method on all your teeth.
- Move to a clean area of floss after one or two teeth.
posted by emedinfo
@8:50 PM
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Thursday, February 4, 2010
  Headaches are extremely common: most people have a headache at some time in their life. Most headaches disappear on their own (with a little time) or with the help of mild painkillers. Experts used to think that the pain of tension headache stemmed from muscle contraction in the face, neck and scalp, perhaps as a result of heightened emotions, tension or stress. But research suggests that there doesn't appear to be a significant increase in muscle tension in people diagnosed with tension headache. Changes in brain chemicalsResearchers now suspect that tension headache may result from changes among certain brain chemicals serotonin, endorphins and numerous other chemicals that help nerves communicate. Although it's not clear why the chemical levels fluctuate, the process is thought to activate pain pathways to the brain and to interfere with the brain's ability to suppress the pain. TriggersIt's likely other factors also contribute to the development of tension headaches. Potential triggers may include: - Stress
- Depression and anxiety
- Poor posture
- Working in awkward positions or holding one position for a long time
- Jaw clenching
 Relief of HeadacheThe same lifestyle choices that promote good health may reduce the frequency and severity of your tension headaches. Consider the basics: - Eat healthy foods. Don't skip meals especially breakfast.
- Exercise regularly. During physical activity, your body releases certain chemicals that block pain signals to your brain. If your doctor agrees, choose any exercise you enjoy. Walking, swimming and cycling are often good choices. But it's important to start slowly. Exercising too vigorously can trigger some types of headaches.
- Get enough sleep. Wake up and go to bed at the same time every day even on weekends. Relax before you go to bed. If you don't fall asleep within 15 minutes, get up. Read or do another quiet activity until you become drowsy. Keep in mind that medications that contain caffeine or other stimulants, including some headache medications, may interfere with sleep.
- Avoid excess caffeine. Sometimes caffeine helps curb headaches. In fact, many headache medications contain caffeine. But heavy daily caffeine use more than 600 milligrams of caffeine a day, or about four to seven cups of coffee can cause headaches and irritability.
- Keep stress under control. Rather than looking for ways to squeeze more activities or chores into the day, find a way to leave some things out.
posted by emedinfo
@9:20 PM
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 Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world. The good news is that most types of skin cancer are preventable and curable. Prevention strategies and early detection are the key, Such as: - It should begin early in life. The damage from ultra violet B occurs early although the cancer may appear years later.
- Regular use of sun screens and protective clothing.
- Avoid tanning salons and mid-day sun exposure.
- Early detection -If you have moles that are bothering you or are doing strange things such as changing size, shape, color, or if they bleed constantly, you should consult a doctor. This will lead to simpler treatment, higher cure rates and lower morbidity.
- Long-term follow up is important. It helps in detection of recurrence, metastasis and new skin cancers.
Natural therapies- Antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, and vitamin E can help reduce the risk of cell damage, especially when taken in conjunction with the minerals zinc and selenium
- Essential fatty acids, such as those found in Evening Primrose and Fish Oils, are also essential for the health of the skin
Self-examinationTo detect melanomas or other skin cancers, use the A-B-C-D-E skin self-examination guide, adapted by Dermatology: - A is for asymmetrical shape. Look for moles with irregular shapes, such as two very different-looking halves.
- B is for irregular border. Look for moles with irregular, notched or scalloped borders the characteristics of melanomas.
- C is for changes in color. Look for growths that have many colors or an uneven distribution of color.
- D is for diameter. Look for growths that are larger than about 1/4 inch (about 6 millimeters).
- E is for evolving. Look for changes over time, such as a mole that grows in size or that changes color or shape. Moles may also evolve to develop new signs and symptoms, such as new itchiness or bleeding.
posted by emedinfo
@4:17 AM
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Wednesday, February 3, 2010
 How healthy is your heart? Young or old, everyone can benefit from taking stock of their dietary habits, especially when it comes to keeping the old ticker in good shape. You probably already know the basics: Fruits and vegetables are great options, as are lean meats and fish. A handful of nuts a day are a smart choice, as are cutting down on refined carbohydrates, Trans fats and high-sodium foods. But what about less well-known, but potentially heart-healthy options, like flaxseed or psyllium fibre? Do these functional foods and supplements offer hope, or just hype? A Meal "from" and "for" the HeartMaking a lovely dinner for a nice occasion does not require a lot of rich and fatty ingredients. A light white fish takes around 15 minutes to bake and it contains heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids the compounds that have been associated with lower risk for colon and prostate cancers. No matter which eating plan you follow, the following guidelines are recommended:- Total fat intake should be less than 30 percent of total calories daily.
- Saturated fatty acid intake should be less than 10 percent of total calories daily.
- Polyunsaturated fatty acid intake should be no more that 10 percent of total calories daily.
- Monounsaturated fatty acids make up the rest of total fat intake, about 10 to 15 percent of total calories daily.
- Cholesterol intake should be no more than 300 milligrams per day.
- Sodium intake should be no more than 3000 milligrams per day.
- Beware of chemicals in your food like caffeine, MSG, and other food additives.
February is heart month, so we'll be taking a closer look at the influence functional foods and supplements can have on heart health. This week, we'll focus on different sources of soluble fibre, a type of fibre often recommended for controlling cholesterol levels.
posted by emedinfo
@4:33 AM
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Monday, February 1, 2010
 What causes burns?
You can get burned by heat, fire, radiation, sunlight, electricity or chemicals. There are 3 degrees of burns:
First-degree burns are red and painful. They swell a little. They turn white when you press on the skin. The skin over the burn may peel off after 1 or 2 days.
Second-degree burns are thicker burns, are very painful and typically produce blisters on the skin. The skin is very red or splotchy, and may be very swollen and usually heal in 2 to 3 weeks.
Third-degree burns cause damage to all layers of the skin. The burned skin looks white or charred. These burns may cause little or no pain because the nerves and tissue in the skin are damaged and usually take a very long time to heal.
How are burns treated?
1. Use cold water or cloths soaked in cold water on burned areas for 15 minutes or until the pain subsides. Do not use ice at all. Doing this could result in frostbite.
2. Cover the area loosely with a dry cloth, such as sterile gauze. Hold it in place by taping only the edges of the gauze. Change the dressing the next day and every 2 days after that.
3. Do not use ointments. Aloe vera can be applied over closed skin 3 to 4 times a day. For a more severe burn less than 3'' x 2'', use Second Skin Moisture Pads, etc.
4. Do not break blisters. If they break on their own, apply an antibacterial spray or ointment or treatment prescribed by your doctor. Keep the area loosely covered with a sterile dressing.
5. Prop the burned area higher than the rest of the body, if you can.
posted by emedinfo
@9:53 PM
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Thursday, January 28, 2010
 "A lot of women in their 20s make the mistake of putting off establishing good eating and fitness habits, but this is the best time to create a foundation of healthy living"
Here are five key health tips for women in their 20s:
1. Establish an exercise routine (that you enjoy!) Staying active will help you develop a strong body that looks and feels good as you age. It can lower your risk for disease, reduce stress and protect your bones and joints.
2. Maintain healthy eating habits
Stop worrying about your weight, and start thinking about your health. Eating mostly whole foods, including lots of veggies, fruits and whole grains, is the key to feeling and looking your best. Start by adding an additional serving of fruits and vegetables to every meal.
3. Protect your skin
You're never too young to start taking care of your skin. Healthy habits today will pay off in later years. The key to healthy skin lies beyond which soap you use.
4. Get a good night's sleep
Not getting enough sleep can interfere with your memory and ability to reason and concentrate, make you more susceptible to injury, increase stress levels and reduce your body's ability to fight infection or heal. If you have trouble getting a good night's rest, try going to sleep and waking up at the same time each day or taking a hot shower before bed.
5. Manage stress
It's easy to get overwhelmed with balancing a new job, friends and everything else happening in your life. Breathe; slow, deep, diaphragmatic breaths can trigger a relaxation response in your whole body.
posted by emedinfo
@10:09 PM
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While the following brushing and flossing tips may contain useful general guidelines. Lot many tips are followed by all of us to keep our smile in one piece. The former and principal thought that comes into our mind concerning this will be the dental care tips like brushing and flossing. It is true that brushing helps in removing bacteria, which results in tooth decay and gum diseases. In addition to that get the teeth professionally cleaned, at least twice a year for perfect dental care.
