Health Care Basics

The holidays can be a time for celebrating joy, happiness, and family. It is a wonderful time to be with friends and family to celebrate all the blessings of the past year. However, it is also a time when many people become ill. There are lots of reasons why the holidays have people feeling sick. For example, most people get their workouts accomplished in the gym because of the cold weather, so used exercise equipment, such as a used treadmill, and other used fitness equipment can turn into incubators for germs because more people are inside working out instead of being outside and more people are sick in the winter time. Below is a list of ways people can avoid getting sick over the holidays this year:

1. Get a flu shot. Every year, doctors and federal health agencies across the United States urge people to get the flu vaccine. This not only prevents the flu, but it can also boost your immune system so you do not get any other nasty colds that may be connected to the flu. If you get the flu, your body is not as immune to other colds, so you may get even sicker before you get better when you contract the flu. Also, the flu can last for a week or longer, something that can definitely ruin the holidays.
2. Wash your hands. Washing your hands after you use the restroom and after you have been in a crowded area (such a mall) is one thing that requires the least amount of effort, yet it is something that will keep you healthy. More people indoors, means more germs getting around, especially in crowded areas. It is important to get good antibacterial soap and wash your hands on a regular basis.
3. Keep yourself warm. Do not go outside when it is very cold in outfits that are appropriate for summer. Wear a heavy, winter jacket, gloves, a scarf, mittens, and a hat. It is important to keep your head warm when you are outside, so your body does not get too cold. When your body is cold for long periods of time, it becomes more susceptible to germs. Try not to stay outside for too long without the appropriate clothing.
4. Continue to eat well during the winter months. It is easy for people to start eating poorly with the holiday treats that are available, but it is important to keep eating fruits and vegetables over the winter months to keep your immune system up. Eating poorly can also cause people to feel sick. Oranges are high in Vitamin C and greens are also good for your body.

In order to have a happy holiday, most people want to feel good and healthy. To make sure this happens, it is important to stay up-to-date with yearly shots, make hand-washing a priority, and stay warm and continue to eat healthy foods. If you do these things, then you should be well on your way to having a sickness-free holiday!

Have you heard so much about fat burning zone and you cannot just respond because you have no any idea what is this all about? Well, it’s good to know you read this article! What you will be taking a glimpse first is the simple formula how to get into that zone.

In order for you to know which zone you belong, you first need to figure out and determine your target heart rate. The Karvonen Formula is to be used this time. So what else are you waiting for?

Learn how using the formula below:

Given the age 23 year and with a resting heart rate of 65 beats per minute (Get your resting heart rate right after you wake and before getting up in bed by counting the number of beats per minute.

• 220 (constant) – 23 (age) = 197 (maximum heart rate)
• 197 – 65 (resting heart rate) = 132 (heart rate reserve)
• 132 x 65% (low end of heart rate) OR 85% (high end of heart rate) = 85.8 OR 112.2
• 85.8 + 65 (resting heart rate) = 150; 112.2 + 65 (rhr) = 177

Therefore, the target heart rate zone for this person would be between 150 to 177, which can be the basis of your zone for fat the burning process.

So now you have that zone, for sure your mind is still not clear of what is it about, why do we have to go such equation?

There are lots of arguments and opinions about this very controversial zone. It is an issue from the past and until now different people have different views and opinions about it making people confuse which is to believe.

The fat burning zone makes use of the 35-70% of your maximum heart rate. This is a zone or a specific point where the body uses fat as a fuel while exercising. However, although it really exists majority from the different article writers and from what I have been hearing, that this zone is somewhat misleading and a misinformation that has been relayed to the people. What they actually believe is when they reach to such zone, they will be burning more fat and take note, only fat. Well, to tell you, this is not reasonable enough.

Naturally, our body makes use of the three types of nutrients for energy: fat, carbohydrates and protein. Among the three, the carbohydrates are the common used nutrients for energy, but it is not always the case. On certain conditions, when you eat very little, the body will breakdown muscle protein for energy. When you are working at a high intensity, as in more than 85 & of your maximum heart rate, your body will burn carbohydrates as an energy and when you work at a lower intensity, your body will use fat instead. As such, your body’s burning activity depends on the circumstances your body may experience at a time. Even your last meal can affect its activity.

In the burning zone for fat, your body is making use of carbohydrates and fats as fuel for energy. These two are believed to clearly define if you are in the zone already. So when you reach the zone, higher number of fat calories is burnt. Making any sense? Not at all. The truth is, the zone burns a greater amount of fats through moderate or slow pace exercise, but comparing it with higher intensity cardio exercises, this high intensity exercise can burn more total calories for the same length of time. So it is right to say that way than saying that this zone will burn more calories than any another exercise.

So, now you know what this fat burning zone is. At the end of this article, what is more important is we will not only achieve to get into that zone, but we will also desire to make simple changes in our lifestyles that allow us to gain weight more than ever. Allowing yourself to see the need for change will help you achieve fat loss. In short, include in your routine healthy and well balanced diet and proper exercise.

The accent is sometimes placed on the first syllable and sometimes it has a long I sound with a stress on the second syllable. This thing they call agony is in an individual’s head all day and all night. With the whole room completely quiet, a person suffering from tinnitus will hear ringing or buzzing.

Two sufferers may describe it two different ways. My version is one of a vibrating sound as though I have a hair drier over me, while other people have bells or trains. There is a tinnitus sufferer I know who had a train sounding version and would have head congestion along with the bullet train in her head.

What we have in common is the fervent wish that there are concerned researchers that are working on the cure. In the meantime, it is such a serious problem for some sufferers, they take their own lives. An audiologist in Huntingdon claims to have three patients during his practice who hit the bottom and committed suicide.

It is a burden to him to think that the youth of today is taking their ears for granted and is ruining them by putting in loud rock and roll sounds to it. Perhaps the music is not everything there is about it. Once you have reached the critical volume, even ballads can have the same detrimental effect.

I found myself in a party one fateful day in a low ceiling-ed dance floor that I had to plug my ears with cotton. My longstanding sound misery began that day and that was also the first time I sought for a remedy. Because that was the time I was told that the noise will be with me forever, it was perhaps the worst tasting pill of all. If kids only knew how difficult it is, they will listen to my advice on being careful with the sounds they place in their ears. The height of the noise that they stuff some ears is horrific.

Most of the youth will not feel their hearing slowly disintegrating but this will surely be noticeable once they become old. Residual hearing in older age can be predicted as early as the youthful years basing on how a person listens. A test has been conducted on college freshmen and the findings show six out of 10 to be having hearing losses having loud music as the contributing factor.

Newborns are particularly vulnerable to inner ear damage when exposed to piercing noises and the result can even affect the brain cells, says another research group. Uncovered and big low frequency noise such as that from jet engines and chain saws should be kept away from newborns. Swedish analysts are warning the public of the harmful effects of noisy toys. Squeaky rubber squeeze toys should not be held close to the ears because it can be as bad as a chain saw noise when it comes to effect.

Edema can occur in any area of the body and is characterized by fluid retention. It is normally due to an underlying reason and can be physiological. Any part of the body can be affected, it is caused by interstitial pressure problems, lymphatic obstruction, sodium retention or inflammation. Edema cure is based on dealing with the underlying cause and focusing on that area.

Disturbances in the pressure of the capillaries can cause fluid to leak into the surrounding tissue. The excretory system compensates for this loss by retaining fluid and this leads to more leakage and an excess of fluid in the body. Some of the causes of this condition are excess amounts of sodium, long periods of sitting, extreme temperature, congestive heart failure and it can occur during pregnancy.

Where blood vessels or lymph nodes are lacking, poor lymphatic drainage is noted. Some of the most common places this condition occurs is in the ankles and legs and is prevalent during pregnancy. Deep vein thrombosis, congestive heart failure and kidney problems all exhibit this problem. When the kidneys are involved a person will have swelling around their eyes and in their legs as well.

There is also pain in the area due to one’s skin stretching and it appears to be distended and shiny. Pitting is noticed when pressure is applied to the swollen part. It can also occur within the body on internal organs like the heart and lungs.

Diagnosis is based on the specific cause and area. Pattern of appearance, duration and onset are very important in diagnosis. A CT scan or ultrasound of the abdomen is done to rule out any abnormalities of the kidney or liver and an echocardiogram is done to assess the heart. If deep vein thrombosis is suspected a doppler study is done on the lower limbs and a chest x-ray if pulmonary edema is suspected.

Support stockings are often prescribed to aid in the fluid distribution and to ease discomfort. Elevation of the affected part above the heart is prescribed for a few minutes at a time and sleeping with the foot of the bed elevated makes for more of a restful night. Eating a low sodium diet is recommended and starting with mild to moderate exercise will help the fluid movement in the affected part. Proper identification is the first step to treatment.

Diuretics offer temporary relief, but natural medicine modalities teach your kidneys, lymph system and bladder to function optimally. Ayurvedic herbal remedies work by using ingredients that safely and swiftly eliminate excess fluid from the body. Symptoms are relieved such as bloating, pitting and swelling.

Herbs maintain interstitial pressure allowing the fluids within them to be balanced. Finding and correcting the underlying cause will bring lasting relief of symptoms. Teaching the organs to function at optimal levels will ensure lasting relief. Finding the right edema cure will not only treat the area affected but it will treat the body as a whole.

Calcium Supplements have always been equated to older people primarily because as we grow old, our body, more specifically our bones, tends to be needing calcium more. But do we need to wait to grow old to start drinking calcium. Well milk maybe a common form of it and so are tablets and diet. But do they have adverse effects? Well, everything about these will be discussed here. To start with here are some of the Calcium supplements.

Milk

First in the list will always be milk and other dairy products on top of your diet list. Since we were younger milk has always been a great source of calcium that our market has been saturated for milk, which can help us have stronger bones. But while milk can help prevent the risk of osteoporosis it may also have adverse effects like it increases the risk of having prostate cancer. The key is to have a balance diet when it comes to milk.

Tablets

If in case you are allergic to milk and other dairy products dairy can also be another form of source of calcium supplements. When buying tablets or pills always look for at the calcium content. An average person needs between 1,000-1300 mg of calcium intake (according to healthcastle.com). Make sure that the tablet you are buying has that enough calcium dosage. It’s always best to ask your doctor on what tablets suit you best. If in case it’s not enough, you can do both tablets and drinking of milk as part of your diet in order for you to have stronger bones.

Does Calcium Supplement intake have adverse effects?

The answer is a resounding yes. Calcium supplements also have adverse effects. The best thing to do is consult your doctor for advise. One adverse effect of which is having prostate cancer. But the most alarming is the one published in Reuters.com of a study conducted in New Zealand whereby it found out that the intake of calcium supplements can also have adverse effects in the form of stroke,

Calcium supplements have make our bones stronger. Hence, it is our duty to take care of it by having the right diet. Whether calcium has an adverse effect or not everything in life always has its downfall. And it’s up for us to regulate it with proper diet and exercise. As for now for us to have stronger bones, we really need calcium supplements.

No child wants to go to the doctor; a pediatrician of great skill can, however, lessen the fear. If you are able to find someone that works well with kids and has a great attitude, you can at least reduce the anxiety they experience when the time comes to go in for an appointment. There is a reason that certain physicians set up practice and focus solely on the younger generation. As a parent, establishing a comfortable and confident feeling in your child when it comes to medical issues is one of the best things that you can do.

Why See a Pediatrician?

While some families choose to have every member of the house seeing the same physician, there are some benefits to a doctor pediatrician. Unlike others in the industry, they focus on all of the issues and concerns that center around a child’s health. They are experts on everything from the latest in vaccinations to growing pains. Because of this, is something is bothering your son or daughter and you aren’t sure if it is normal, this is the perfect person to ask. While all children are not the same, there are many similarities that benefit from specialized child medicine knowledge.

Attitude Towards Medicine

By taking your child to a great child specialty physician, you are giving them a chance to experience medical attention in a way that is geared towards them. For example, most children’s doctors understand that not everyone wants to be in their office, especially for a shot. So, there are ways to talk to kids about what is going to happen, why they need to have it done and what they can expect when it happens. When an adult goes in for a shot, most medical practitioners just aren’t that concerned about making everyone feel comfortable with the treatment.

When a child has a positive experience with any type of medical personnel or treatment, it makes a visit to the office something that isn’t scary or worth worrying about. It establishes a precedent that will hopefully follow them into adulthood. If you aren’t sure how much of an effect something like this has, think back to your early childhood appointments and see if they are positive or negative. Does it have anything to do with the way you feel now?

Latest Studies and Findings

Because of the specific focus of this type of doctor, a pediatrician will be aware of all of the latest information when it comes to your children. Sometimes changes are made to a vaccination schedule or it is discovered that certain types of medication make sickness worse instead of better. Chances are that your child’s physician is going to know all about that and be able to pass along the information to you.

If you haven’t ever taken the kids to someone that specializes in the heath of younger people, consider making an appointment. Find out for yourself if there is a difference and whether or not the change over is worth it to you.

Smoking is said to be the number one cause of lung cancer and respiratory diseases. However, smokers are still fearless of the effects of smoking to their health and to the environment. But, there are some smokers who are decided to quit smoking. A few nursing guides helped them to realized the fact that smoking really don’t give any benefits on them. If you are one of those people who wanted to quit smoking, I can give you 5 tips that may help you to quit smoking.

PREPARE YOURSELF. Most smokers are having a hard time doing the first tip. Better think of the positive side of quitting. Don’t think of negative thought in you mind. Always think that benefits you may get from quitting. Make a lists of things you want to do instead of smoking, such as exercise everyday, do recreational activities, just to divert yourself from smoking.

THINK OF THE BENEFITS YOU MAY GET FROM QUITTING. In every effort you make, there is an equal reward that you may get. Ask yourself, “what will I get after quitting? What will happen to me after all of these?” Well, after you have declared to be ex-smoker, you will stop the risk of getting respiratory diseases, cancer and other related disease. You must not give up easily, and always bear in mind the benefits you may get after quitting.

INVOLVE SOMEONE ELSE. I know you are not doing this just for yourself. You are also doing this for your love ones. Yes! Involve someone like your family, wife/husband, friends, etc. Make them your inspiration to boost your self-confidence and to encourage you to quit. You need them to support you.

AVOID TEMPTATION. Once you started your program, your craving for cigarette worsen. Almost 80% of smokers who are undergoing quitting fail to finish the whole program. First two weeks of their program, they easily tempted to smoke again. If you have friends who are smokers, better lessen to see them until you can control your smoking habit. This may help you to control your habit.

USE ALTERNATIVE METHOD. Quitting needs gradual withdrawal. You may use alternative methods such as the nicotine gum. The nicotine has the addictive effect to the smokers, that is why nicotine gum is sometimes advice during quitting. Once you are no longer craving for cigarette, you are may now stop using the nicotine gum and live as an ex-smoker.

Quitting from smoking is a big decision to make. Once you decide to quit smoking, you must be ready for the strict program to do. There are some institutions today that are available to help smokers. These institutions may help you more with the proper programs you need. Remember, it’s not easy to quit smoking, but once you are willing to do all the programs, and dedicated all your effort to your love ones, I’m sure you will be a successful ex-smoker.

In today’s fast changing business world, people are rushing for work every day and they have to work for long hours at the work place. They don’t have time to stop and take a look at their health. Is there any possibility for them to incorporate fitness into their busy schedule?

It is not hard for them to do so if they apply the simple tips below:

• In order to stay health, the very first thing you need to do is to have balanced diet. You are suggested to drink a lot of water regularly and take a lot fresh of fruits and vegetables during meals. You should reduce your caloric intake so that you can decrease your weight. At the same time, you must stop taking junk food. Many people are puzzled. They don’t eat much but they gain weight. The main reason is they take a lot of snacks. It is important to keep in mind that mini candy bar and potato chips contribute a lot to your weight. Hence, before you put any food into your mouth, you need to think twice about the calories.

• Many people like to give an excuse that they have no time for exercise due to heavy workload. This is not right. Time can be allocated for some simple physical exercises. You can take a brisk walk during your lunch break. You can also spend an hour in the gym after work. The time needed to recharge your body is not long. The only problem is whether you are willing to put in hard effort to do so or not. You are suggested to pack your bag with handy items such as a pair of sport shoes, a bottle of water, a change of clothes, towel and deodorant. By having these items, you will be able to take a short break.

• Staying fit is easy if you exercise in a consistent manner. By increasing your activity level, you will be able to burn fats. The physical exercises enable you to build your muscle and enhance your cardiovascular system. You are advised to invite your colleagues to join you when you go for exercise. Having buddies to accompany you will motivate you more.

You might have busy schedule every day. If you have proper planning, you will be able to complete your tasks and spare some time for exercise. A healthier body helps to improve your brain function and increase your work productivity.

Do you or one of the people you love suffer from asthma? Then you have to be sure you know the asthma attack symptoms so you can be one the lookout for them.

Being able to recognize the symptoms will let you seek help for yourself or a loved one that needs it. Asthma is not something you want to take lightly because it can be very dangerous for the person that has it.

One thing it is important to be aware of is that the symptoms can vary for each individual person.

That is why you have to know the following symptoms to watch for, so help can be contacted right away if you notice any of them.

1. An increase in urination or thirst can be a sign that an asthma attack may occur soon.

2. Many people may experience an irritation of their throat or nose.

3. Shortness of breath, wheezing and continuous coughing will be signs that an attack is about to occur. Many times these symptoms start with rapid breathing, which can mean that the person has airways that are tightened or constricted.

4. Chest pain or tightness in your chest is another sign to watch for that could indicate an attack. This is usually one of the first signs for people that they are having an asthma attack.

5. Lethargy is a common symptom that people of all ages will feel.

6. Difficulty speaking can occur with anyone that is having a hard time breathing.

7. Lips or fingernails that are blue is something that is a definite sign to pay close attention for. This means that an attack is happening and the person going through it is not getting enough oxygen into their body, so they need help immediately.

8. Many people will start sweating, even though they are not too hot or not doing anything active.

9. Difficult doing normal activities is a common problem that someone has asthma can experience if an attack is going to occur or during an attack.

These are not all of the symptoms that you need to watch for, but they are the most common ones. Asthma is not something you want to take lightly ever because it can lead to serious problems for the person experiencing it and can even be fatal for many people.

By understanding these asthma attack symptoms, you are better prepared to get help for yourself, or the loved one who has asthma when it is needed. Don’t ever make the mistake of ignoring symptoms because you can be sure that you will end up regretting it. Instead, be wise and get help right away so that the person isn’t made to suffer any more than necessary.

One of the most common complications we get which is related to our hearts is having high blood pressure. High blood pressure, otherwise known as hypertension, is dangerous if not controlled as it can lead to heart attacks or strokes. There are ways to keeping your blood pressure at bay like maintenance medicine and changing to a healthy lifestyle. Most doctors recommend a change in lifestyle like changing your diet and getting exercise daily.

There are many factors that can raise your blood pressure like the food you eat. Foods that are high in sodium or salt are definitely an enemy because this increases the risk of hypertension occurring. Fatty foods are also risky so it is best to stay away from them. Food that are high in sodium attract water in your blood stream causing the heart to work faster and, in turn, causes the blood pressure to increase. Fatty food cause blockage in your veins making the passage of blood smaller which causes the blood pressure to increase so that blood can pass through. Eating foods that are high in fiber, potassium and magnesium can help with improving your blood pressure. Fiber helps with flushing out any blockage in our blood vessels while magnesium keeps them healthy. Potassium ensures regular muscle function and our heart is one muscle that needs it. A lot of fruits and vegetables can provide that for you like bananas, apples, and spinach.

Other factors that can affect your blood pressure are stress. Stress causes our bodies to release a burst of adrenaline which increases your heart rate and clog the blood vessels which causes the blood pressure to increase. Have you ever noticed that when you are frustrated, the first thing you feel is that you are out of breath? That’s one of the results of the effect of stress to your heart. Another thing that can affect your blood pressure is smoking. When you smoke, you take in nicotine which causes damage to blood vessels, increase in blood clotting and heart rate and reduces the oxygen going to your heart.

Exercising can help your heart become stronger. When you have a stronger heart, it works easier with maintaining the flow of blood and keeping the blood pressure normal. Cardio exercises are thought to be the heart’s best friend since it is an exercise that focuses on keeping the heart strong. Walking and running are some of the most popular cardio exercises. You can do this outdoors or at home with the help of a treadmill. Other aerobic exercises are also recommended as it improves your cardiovascular system’s use of oxygen. Moderate exercises will be enough for lowering your blood pressure. About 30 minutes a day, four times a week is ideal. You don’t have to do one 30 session in one go. You can do 3 10 minute workouts or 2 15 minute ones. It depends on what fits your schedule and what you are comfortable with.

If you are not yet hypertensive, you can avoid it by simply cutting down on some of the things you are used to doing and adding a daily workout routine to your schedule. Hypertension can be prevented but is not curable. You know they say, prevention is always better than cure.