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for September, 2007.
Were you aware that it is entirely possible that you could have diabetes right now and not even be aware of it? This is true and is supported by the latest studies on diabetes. Current estimates indicate that there are currently more than six million people who have diabetes and are undiagnosed as having the affliction.
It is almost as if diabetes is becoming an epidemic. One of the primary reasons for that in the United States is that we lead such busy lives, and as a direct result, our diets are chock-full of way too many simple sugars. Is a lousy diet in and of itself enough to trigger diabetes in someone? Current studies say yes.
A recent report by the American Diabetes Association shows that more than 48 million Americans have the beginning signs of diabetes, sometimes as known as “pre diabetes”. This is determined by measuring the blood glucose levels and finding that the results of between 100 and 124 milligrams. Not only does this put that person at risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, it also puts that person at risk for heart disease and stroke.
The role of blood sugar in the body is the responsibility of fueling the cells and providing sufficient energy that is required for our general health. But the blood sugar levels need to be kept under control, which is the goal of diabetes prevention as well as diabetes management for people who have already been diagnosed with diabetes.
Although it may sound like the same old song and dance, losing weight and increasing your levels of exercise will go a long ways towards helping to control and improve your blood sugar levels, whether or not you have been diagnosed with diabetes. This fact has been backed up in study after study, and maintaining an optimum weight for your size and age, combined with regular exercise is the single best thing most people can do for keeping their blood sugar under control.
But one of the accompanying problems with this is the factor of fatigue. For diabetics and those in a pre-diabetic status, fatigue is a very common symptom, and therefore many people who need it most simply do not have enough energy to implement a regular health exercise regime. It is like a snowball going downhill – that lack of energy has the net result of less exercise, which then results in the higher figures for glucose.
There are some fairly simple tests that your doctor can run to determine if you are diabetic or in a pre-diabetic state. Without going into medical terminology, you should ask your doctor to run these tests and make sure that your glucose levels are normal for you. He or she will be able to tell you what is normal and what is abnormal, but one of the best defenses for diabetes is an early diagnosis, so that you can make lifestyle and diet changes before the devastating effects of full blown diabetes set in. You may not have to make any changes at all, but almost all of us could stand to eat a healthy meal on a more regular basis!
In this article you learn all about the things you should know about Heart Bypass Surgery, and the things you should avoid to eliminate the chances of having a heart attack. Before I go head long into this subject I must point out that I will not use long medical terms which to me are fine for Doctors to use, but not for the average person.
I should also point out that I am not a Doctor or am I affiliated with any thing medical, and that this article came about through the curiosity of my mind.
What is a Heart Bypass?
A heart bypass is performed by surgeons when the arteries that supply the heart with blood do not supply enough blood or oxygen. This is normally caused by the narrowing of the arteries that have a build up of a plaque type substance, and cholesterol. In severe cases even a small blood clot can block an artery which will cause a heart attack.
The heart bypass is a way of introducing more blood and oxygen back to the heart, and simply bypassing the troubled arteries.
Who gets these blocked arteries?
The actual figure is hard to define, yet I have read from one source that there are at least 500,000 cases of heart bypass in the United States alone each year, and probably well over one million heart attack cases as well. Men over the age of 45 are the most vulnerable, while the age for women is normally around 55 years old.
What causes blocked arteries?
If you have ever read any of my other articles you will have probably guessed that it’s your diet, or to many cigarettes.
The modern way of life tends to have glorious adverts showing how wonderful fast food is, and for a lot of people it’s convenient, and it’s as the name suggests, quick. Obesity is fast becoming an epidemic, and along with that it will cause health problems, after health problems.
How is it diagnosed?
On a normal trip to the Doctors and once you get over the age of 45 your Doctor will more than likely test your blood pressure. If this turns as a high reading there are several things he will do. Normally he will put you on tablets to bring the pressure down, and in the case of shortness of breath, or pains in the chest you will be put on an a electrocardiograph machine which will monitor you heart rate. Some Doctors will do that in all cases of high blood pressure.
If your readings look at all unusual you will be sent to see a specialist who will also try to diagnose why you having problems. These tests include ultrasound, ct scans, and sometimes the patient will be put on a treadmill to see how the heart copes with the stress of working hard.
Changing your diet to help in the prevention of a heart bypass.
It has been proved many times that we are what food we eat, and if you have a poor diet, you will have poor health. Eating foods with to high a fat content are one of the main culprits, and if you make sure that you have a good balanced diet, with plenty of fruit and vegetables you will not go far wrong.
Medical Science has also proved that certain foods have a high level of acidity, and that the acidic part of the food will cling to the fat content of your body, and will produce the wrong type of cells that are needed for normal healthy life. These bad cells then will kill off the good cells which do the normal job of repairing anything that goes wrong.
So with your heart your arteries get clogged with cholesterol or plaque type substance, and then in turn your arteries narrow, and then you are in trouble.
I hope this didn’t frighten too many of you, because I know it’s difficult to change your diet as we all get set in our ways. I do know that it’s nice to eat a nice bar of chocolate, or to have a few biscuits with a coffee. Perhaps your weakness is French fries or maybe cake or crisps. We are all different, and we all have the same problems. One thing I do recommend is Green Tea, as this acts as antioxidant, and will speed up your metabolism giving you more energy, and at the same time helping you to loose weight.
My own Doctor has a favourite saying. “None of us get enough exercise, and that a good long walk each day will solve many problems.”
Wash your face every day to cure acne
If you want to cure acne, you’ll want to wash your face and hands regularly. Most dermatologists would agree that washing once in the morning and once in the evening with a very mild soap specifically designed for facial acne treatment is one of the best ways to prevent acne breakouts. But please remember the term “very mild,” because harsh soaps that are used as a sort of skin peel can cause more irritation and residual acne from infections than they might solve.
Don’t eat any oily foods to cure acne
Many people and doctors say that you do not have to change your diet to get rid of your acne but I do not believe this at all. I find that when I have greasy food I can expect an acne flareup within a couple of days. To cure acne definitely get rid of those oily foods.
Sometimes getting rid of acne is as simple as avoiding oily foods and greasy foods. Now, I won’t pretend that greasy and oily foods are a major cause of acne, but eating these kinds of foods is definitely one way to increase the likelihood of you getting a severe acne breakout. Oily foods tend to get on your hands, and from your hands onto your face, where oils will plug your pores and cause more problems than a face otherwise not covered in oil. Try to stick to healthy foods that are low in fat and oils to reduce acne.
Fabric softeners can cause acne – don’t use them and cure your acne
If you want to get rid of acne you will avoid products that use oils, like fabric softener, to moisturize and cause acne. Yes, bacteria do cause acne, but putting synthetic oils and moisturizers on things like your clothes, your towels, and your bedding is just as harmful as rubbing oils all over your face. Oils that are transferred from products like fabric softener will begin clogging your pores the minute you put that towel to your face or your face to your pillow.
Keep your sheets clean to help cure acne
At the same time if you want to prevent or cure your acne, you may want to consider washing your bedding and clothes regularly. Oils from your face–the same oils that clog up your pores and exacerbate acne breakouts–tend to build up on towels, clothing, and bed sheets. Make sure you wash these fabrics and linens regularly to keep your natural oils from building up on them. Not only will you help prevent acne breakouts, but your room will smell better too! Guys: girls don’t dig smelly beds.
Keep your face clean to cure acne
Getting rid of acne may be possible by keeping a clean hanky with you to wipe away excess perspiration during the day. It’s true, keeping a soft, cotton cloth hanky with you during the day to wipe away excess perspiration will help you avoid acne breakouts, and reduce the chances of getting clogged pores. When you wipe away sweat with a clean cloth you’re also wiping away excess dirt and other pollutants that have found their way onto your face. Keeping yourself dry will help get rid of acne, there’s not doubt about that.
Acne September 26th, 200707:27 am
Many people with acne and blemishes wonder why they have it even if they wash their face thoroughly everyday. Well, some people are making common mistakes when washing their faces and you may be surprised to learn that some things you thought helped get rid of your acne, actually make it worse.
The first mistake that several people do everyday is wash their face too much. That’s right, too much can be bad for you! Doctors and experts say that you should wash your face only twice a day or three at the most. Washing your face more than this could result in drying out your skin, and cause irritations, which is very unhealthy and could even result in more blemishes. Plus, whenever your skin is dried out, your body will naturally produce more oil which could result in some serious pore blockage with new zits.
Another common error, is that many people use bar soaps on their face. These soaps are very harsh on your face, can clog your pores, and cause irritation which may result in even more breakouts. When choosing a cleanser to wash your face you should try to find one that is mild, hypo-allergenic, and does not contain soap. You should also never use too much cleanser, so it is best to dilute your cleanser with water while putting it on your face to keep it from being to harsh on your skin.
Also, if you have dry skin, you should never use a product containing benzoyl peroxide, citric acid or salicylic acid. If your skin is more prone to be oily you should not use a product that contains cocoa butter or glycerin.
Many people make the error of not washing their cleanser off completely. Residue left behind from your cleanser can do some serious damage with clogging your pores. Also, most people don’t realize that a lot of cleansers leave behind a residue that can not be seen. That is why it is essential to rinse your face several times after using any type of product.
Taking care of your skin can be quite a task, but you just have to know the facts, and to know your skin and how it reacts to certain things. The best skin care product I can recommend for anyone looking to get a good cleanse and to eliminate acne is ClearPores.
Acne September 26th, 200707:25 am
Diabetes is a word derivative of ‘diabenein’ which means ’straddling’ in Greek. Diabenein lead to the term diabetes for its siphoning effect, in which diabetics are urged to pass urine often.
Diabetes Mellitus or diabetes is a metabolic disorder of pancreas. The pancreas is located exactly below the rib cage towards right. Because of this metabolic disorder, insulin is either not produced or is not converted by the body. Diabetes because of inadequacy or absence of insulin is categorized as Type-1 diabetes and this can attack at a very young age and is commonly well known as juvenile diabetes. The attack of Type-2 diabetes is in the advanced ages of forty plus. Type-2 diabetes is distinguished by the body’s inability to use insulin.
Importance of Insulin
Post digestion, the hormone has a decisive role to play. In a process that is normally known as carbohydrate metabolism, liver produces glucose in slow steps and is released to the circulatory system. It is this insulin that regularizes the glucose levels in your circulatory system by helping it to channelize it to cells where it is changed into energy. This apart, insulin has many other duties to perform too. It regularizes fat accumulation in you, consumption of amino acids by tissues and cells apart from toning the small vessel muscles.
Who Is At More Risk
Persons overly fatty and are irregulars in eating, abuse alcohol regularly, and are chain smokers are prone to diabetes. If you have a history of diabetes in your family you are more or less likely to be a candidate to acquire it. Although not conclusively proven, type 2 diabetes passes through genes.
Is Diabetes Preventable
The onset of diabetes can be postponed by taking sufficient precautions. The advent of diabetes can be discovered much in advance by analyzing various parameters that are said to be leading to the disease. A regimen of proper diet, strict exercise and discipline definitely helps prevent/delay the onset of Type-2 diabetes. There are millions of people that are living a simple diabetes free life even after being diagnosed for their potential.
Does It Affect a Particular Ethnic Group
No one is sure as to which community or an ethnic group is grossly at risk for acquiring the deadly disease. Every ethnic group across the oceans is equally at risk to diabetes. Dr. Santamaria of University of Calgary, Canada, is heading a research instituted by the University. He had established why white blood cells destroy islets of langarhans. This really is a step forward in comprehanding reasons for Type-2 diabetes.
Pimples are a very common problem for people the world over. It is also called is acne and blackheads. Pimples are tiny, pointed elevations on the skin that contain pus in most cases. Pimples can affect men or women and can strike at any age. They can appear without any warning and seem to break out at the most inopportune time. Pimples are caused to skin infection, irritation, or over activity of the sebaceous and sweat glands. Most persons associate pimples with a skin disorder called acne, which is considered the most common cause of its development.
Adolescents are very prone to pimples, and many people spend their teenage years trying to prevent pimples. Pimples are infections that arise from pores becoming clogged. Clear pores are necessary for natural oils to escape to the surface of the skin. People of all races and ages get pimples. It is most common in adolescents and young adults. An estimated 80 percent of all people between the ages of 12 and 32 have pimples outbreaks at some point.
People of all ages and races have a good chance of getting pimples at some point in their life. Pimples are red and cyst-like growths on the surface of the skin and though they may look unbecoming to the affected person, squeezing them is not the solution to getting rid of them. Other common actions can also worsen the condition and spread the acne bacteria by further inflammation, like over zealous cleansing of the skin, squeezing or picking at the pimples and use of greasy makeup products that can clog the follicles. Exposure to oily, greasy and other harmful emissions in the environment like those from a factory, fast food joint, garage etc. Cause of pimples is an increase in hormones called androgens (male sex hormones). These increase in both boys and girls during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum.
Hormonal changes related to pregnancy or starting or stopping birth control pills can also cause pimples. Tendency to develop pimples can be inherited from parents. Popular cures for pimples, such as Proactiv and Accutane, can have unwelcome side effects. Proactiv contains Benzoyl Peroxide, which is the active ingredient in most prescription pimple medications. Eating a balanced diet and getting a full supply of important nutrients as well as drinking water instead of sugary carbonated drinks will keep your body in shape so that it can fight infections properly. Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants should be a part of any pimple home remedy. Vitamins C and E contain antioxidants which will prevent cell damage and assist in the healing process. Vitamin C helps to form collagen to reduce the chance of post-acne scarring and correct the skin pigments.
Pimple Treatment Tips
1. Eating a balanced diet and getting a full supply of important nutrients.
2. Drink a 8 glass water every day.
3. Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants should be a part of any pimple home remedy.
4. Proactiv contains Benzoyl Peroxide, which is the active ingredient in most prescription pimple medications.
5. Vitamin C helps to form collagen to reduce the chance of post-acne scarring.
Acne September 26th, 200707:20 am
High cholesterol levels are linked to many health problems. The principle illnesses are thought to be thickening of the arteries and heart disease. These diseases are life threatening if left untreated so there is much emphasis on lowering cholesterol in topical programs and commercials on TV and radio. This article will discuss how to lower cholesterol and keep problems like heart disease at bay.
Although there are plenty of cholesterol medicines available, medication is often a last resort for doctors. If you are diagnosed with high cholestrol, a doctor will prescribe two treatments that are quite simple but require discipline and will power. They will advise that you eat low cholesterol foods and develop a regular exercise program.
Foods to lower cholesterol
Animal products, typically fatty meats and dairy products are a leading cause in the build up of LDL cholesterol known as ‘bad cholesterol’. Another widespread food additive is trans fat which is a man-made product that makes food tastier and acts as a preservative. These foods should be avoided. Instead a person should try to eat fresh foods.
There has been a popular slogan in advertising that promotes eating five pieces of fruit or vegetable a day. This is aimed at reducing cholesterol and preventing disease. It should be taken to heart. Replace any processed vegetable with fresh produce and have a regular stock of fruit available.
Other foods to eat to lower cholesterol include foods that contain whole grains. These are foods like cereals, brown rice or wholemeal pasta. If you eat meat then try to stick to lean cuts and remove any skin on chicken or other poultry. Use low fat or non-fat milk instead of full fat. Avoid using oil to cook your foods. If you use oil try to make it unsaturated vegetable oils like olive oil or canola. Fish is good for you, especially oily fish like salmon that contains omega 3 oils that are thought to be good for the body.
This is not so much a diet to lower cholesterol but rather a set of guidelines to follow to ensure that your diet is lower in animal and saturated fats. If followed it will help to lower cholesterol.
Exercise and cholesterol
Exercise will work on two levels. It will help you to lose weight and burn up fat, if you need to . This will put less stress on the body that will allow it to function efficiently. In terms of cholesterol it will improve the level of HDL cholesterol that helps to transport cholesterol to the liver where it is excreted. Exercise will also get the heart pumping that will push the blood through your system giving less chance for plague to stick to the walls of the arteries.
See your doctor before starting an exercise program. Build the program up rather than setting impossible goals immediately. Start by taking a 30 minute walk. Turn this into an hour over time. As you get more fit and active, you can be more adventurous with your exercises. Try dance or martial arts classes or join a squash league. Above all, try to do something everyday.
Eating a low fat diet and exercising are the simplest way to reduce cholesterol. If it is not too high then you will soon have it under control, otherwise persist with the treatment and it will soon be lower.
Diabetes is a word derivative of ‘diabenein’ which means ’straddling’ in Greek. Diabenein lead to the term diabetes for its siphoning effect, in which diabetics are urged to pass urine often.
Diabetes Mellitus or diabetes is a metabolic disorder of pancreas. The pancreas is located exactly below the rib cage towards right. Because of this metabolic disorder, insulin is either not produced or is not converted by the body. Diabetes because of inadequacy or absence of insulin is categorized as Type-1 diabetes and this can attack at a very young age and is commonly well known as juvenile diabetes. The attack of Type-2 diabetes is in the advanced ages of forty plus. Type-2 diabetes is distinguished by the body’s inability to use insulin.
Importance of Insulin
Post digestion, the hormone has a decisive role to play. In a process that is normally known as carbohydrate metabolism, liver produces glucose in slow steps and is released to the circulatory system. It is this insulin that regularizes the glucose levels in your circulatory system by helping it to channelize it to cells where it is changed into energy. This apart, insulin has many other duties to perform too. It regularizes fat accumulation in you, consumption of amino acids by tissues and cells apart from toning the small vessel muscles.
Who Is At More Risk
Persons overly fatty and are irregulars in eating, abuse alcohol regularly, and are chain smokers are prone to diabetes. If you have a history of diabetes in your family you are more or less likely to be a candidate to acquire it. Although not conclusively proven, type 2 diabetes passes through genes.
Is Diabetes Preventable
The onset of diabetes can be postponed by taking sufficient precautions. The advent of diabetes can be discovered much in advance by analyzing various parameters that are said to be leading to the disease. A regimen of proper diet, strict exercise and discipline definitely helps prevent/delay the onset of Type-2 diabetes. There are millions of people that are living a simple diabetes free life even after being diagnosed for their potential.
Does It Affect a Particular Ethnic Group
No one is sure as to which community or an ethnic group is grossly at risk for acquiring the deadly disease. Every ethnic group across the oceans is equally at risk to diabetes. Dr. Santamaria of University of Calgary, Canada, is heading a research instituted by the University. He had established why white blood cells destroy islets of langarhans. This really is a step forward in comprehanding reasons for Type-2 diabetes.
Acne is one of most common skin conditions in the world, afflicting 40 to 50 million Americans. The term “scarring” refers to a process where collagen within the skin is damaged from inflammation, leading to permanent texture changes in the skin. Macules or “pseudo-scars” are flat, red or reddish spots that are the final stage of most inflamed acne lesions. After an inflamed acne lesion flattens, a macule may remain to “mark the spot” for up to 6 months. When the macule eventually disappears, no trace of it will remain-unlike a scar.
Most serious scarring is caused by the more severe forms of acne, with nodules more likely to leave permanent scars than other types of acne. Most cases of acne responds to treatment and clears up without leaving scars. Acne scars is two types of tissue response to the inflammation of acne. (1) increased tissue formation, and (2) loss of tissue.
Nearly 80 percent of people aged 11 to 30 years have acne, most often on the face, chest and back. Scars caused by increased tissue formation are called keloids or hypertrophic scars. The typical keloid or hypertrophic scar is 1 to 2 millimeters in diameter, but some may be 1 centimeter or larger. Hypertrophic and keloid scars persist for years, but may diminish in size over time. Acne scars associated with loss of tissue—similar to scars that result from chicken pox—are more common than keloids and hypertrophic scars.Using tretinoin speeds up the skin’s remodeling process and helps heal post-inflammatory changes. Appropriate formulations of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that contain the correct concentrations and are at the appropriate pH also help the skin’s remodeling process. Accutaneä may be prescribed for severe cases. Acne staining can be treated with exfoliating creams and facials
Acne staining can be treated with exfoliating creams and facials while scarring may require the use of fillers, dermabrasion or laser treatments. Picking at scabs should be avoided at all costs. Scabs form to protect the healing process that is going on underneath them. Collagen, a normal substance of the body, is injected under the skin to “stretch” and “fill out” certain types of superficial and deep soft scars. Surgical removal (or excision) of acne scars is especially effective for ice pick and boxcar scars. Unprotected exposure to the sun causes more skin damage and delays healing, therefore wearing a good sunscreen is important. Lasers of various wavelength and intensity may be used to recontour scar tissue and reduce the redness of skin around healed acne lesions. Skin grafting may be necessary under certain conditions.
Acne Scar Treatment Tips
1.Using tretinoin speeds up the skin’s remodeling process and helps heal post-inflammatory changes.
2.Surgical removal (or excision) of acne scars is especially effective for ice pick and boxcar scars.
3.Accutaneä may be prescribed for severe cases.
4.Acne staining can be treated with exfoliating creams and facials.
5.Skin grafting may be necessary under certain conditions.
6.Lasers of various wavelength and intensity may be used to recontour scar tissue and reduce the redness of skin around healed acne lesions.
Acne September 26th, 200707:17 am