воскресенье, 28 июня 2009 г.
How Vaccines Work
Copyright 2006 Peter Nisbet
When an organism gets into your body and causes an infection, your body gathers its defences and fights against them. This is the basic principle of how vaccines work.
Certain cells in your blood make what are called �antibodies�, molecules which are designed to attack specific germs and viruses. These attach to the invaders in your bloodstream and prevent them from invading other cells. Each virus or bacterium has an individual shape, and the antibodies are designed to fit exactly to that shape.
This is how vaccines work to convince your body that the vaccination is a �full-blooded� attack by the offending viruses or bacteria, and stimulate them into action to develop the �memory� or �blueprint� for the antibody in the event of future invasion.
This is all done by your white blood cells. You have two types called B cells and T cells. The B cells manufacture the antibodies while the T cells have two functions. The �helper� T cells help the B cells to make the antibodies while the �killer� T cells kill any cells which have been invaded by the viruses or bacteria, and prevent them from reproducing. . How vaccines work to stimulate this action is to mislead the white cells into believing that your body has been infected.
Your body reacts to kill the invaders in two ways: directly through the antibodies, and indirectly through the T cells destroying any infected cells and preventing reproduction.
Viruses cannot reproduce by themselves: they have to use the host�s cells for this. If the T cells continually kill off any invaded cells, the invaders themselves must eventually be killed off by the antibodies If the virus or bacterium is strong and reproduce too quickly, the host can be overcome before it can produce enough antibodies to kill them off. The pus which occurs during an infection is the mix of dead white blood cells and bacteria/virus cells destroyed by them.
If your body survives the attack, your B cells retain a memory of the structure of the invaders and should the same viruses or bacteria ever return, antibodies can rapidly be produced and the infection killed off before it starts. The stimulation of this memory is exactly how vaccines work.
Vaccines produce the same memory effect without the patient having to suffer the disease. The organisms that cause the disease are either killed or weakened, then introduced into your body. The strength is calculated to be just enough to enable your white cells to manufacture the antibodies. This is how vaccines work to give you protection against future infection without actually making you ill. The strength of the vaccine is designed to allow this. The dead vaccine can also work, but less efficiently, and the effect is not generally as long lasting.
The �live� vaccines produce life-long immunity after only one or two doses, but the �dead�, or �inactivated�, ones need multiple doses to get the correct effect. Some dead vaccines even need booster doses throughout your life. Examples of these are tetanus and diphtheria vaccines, normally given together every 10 years as the Td vaccine. The measles vaccine is an example of a �live� vaccine�.
Vaccinations do not affect your ability to fight off other infections you have not been immunized against; in fact a 2002 German study indicated that you are likely to suffer fewer infections in general if you have had your quota of vaccinations. It is unknown exactly how vaccines work to achieve this, but it is believed that vaccination strengthens the immune system generally, and strengthens the body against other �secondary� infections.
How vaccines work to achieve this secondary effect is not fully understood, but it appears that unvaccinated children may have a reduced ability to fight off a secondary infection resulting from the natural disease, such as pneumonia which is frequently a secondary infection in measles cases. Most deaths through measles are actually due to a secondary infection with pneumonia.
However, how vaccines work to give you immunity to the disease vaccinated against is basically by fooling or stimulating your body into producing antibodies, and the memory of their structure should the same bacteria or viruses appear again.
пятница, 26 июня 2009 г.
how To Beat The Coming Flu and Cold Season, Naturally
and #65279;In the last year or so, have you experienced one or more bad colds, or possibly had a bout with the flu? Numerous people, some even in our own local area, have actually been laid up with pneumonia!
In the last three decades there have been several viral and bacterial epidemics�and this at a time when we should have been able to expect the eradication of many infectious diseases. Why is this? Why does it seem that in recent years, in spite of all the wonderful medical help available, that people are sicker than ever?
Some people say this is due to the overuse of too-potent antibiotics or it might be because of the widespread use of vaccines. Plus, with globalization and the increasing availability of long distance flights, it is easier for infections to be spread around the world. There are already a number of infectious organisms that can and will be a major problem to patients, physicians, health care workers and others throughout the world.
With Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) now reported in the �healthy community� it becomes clear that we need something that can take on these superbugs! A big concern is the possibility that multi-drug resistant germs will spread throughout our communities. If we can reduce the extent to which pharmaceutical antibiotics are used and not be so dependent on them, it stands to reason that when really needed, the drugs may be more effective.
What can the average person do to help prevent the common cold or some major illness? A lot! Learning how to eat healthy, get adequate exercise, and the right amount of sleep, are all important to preventing illness. However, just living a �healthy lifestyle� may not be enough to keep you from getting sick. We have so many viruses and toxins in our environment, that staying well can be quite a challenge.
But research has recently produced some really great solutions that can help you reduce your chance of being attacked by one of the superbugs, or if you do get hit with a superbug, the severity of your illness probably will not be as bad. Research has shown that low concentrations of allicin, derived from garlic, is able to kill most of the superbugs. For more details, go to www.4thebuzz.com.
Here are some statistics from a Cold and Cough study conducted by Peter Josling. This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled survey. The purpose of the study was to determine whether a unique garlic supplement (Allisure) that contains stabilized allicin could prevent colds in healthy volunteers.
Here are the results.
� 65% reduction in common cold
� 80% reduction of severity of symptoms and duration
� 90% reduction of re-infection
� Product is well tolerated and offers many other advantages according to volunteer reports
It was concluded that allicin was overwhelmingly favored as a supplement. It was also determined that garlic is effective against salmonella, food poisoning, streptococcus and a host of other things. Garlic can stimulate and boost the human immune system and is used in both treatment and prevention of diseases. Again, see www.4thebuzz.com for more details.
Another nutrient, ginger, when combined with allicin, has been shown to make allicin even more effective. Ginger provides nutritional support for the digestive and circulatory systems. There have been 19 double-blind studies about ginger and it is probably the best medication for treating nausea and sickness.
Since it may take awhile to build up your immune system to the point where you will be able to ward off most, if not all, of the possible superbugs that come your way, I believe that it would be wise to start now. Take care of your body from all angles: adequate sleep, improved nutrition, exercise, and consider the addition of nutrition supplements. A good general multi-vitamin and mineral supplement, plus allicin could be great starters for you to help prevent illness in your family.
четверг, 25 июня 2009 г.
"pinkeye" - Conjunctivitis
Commonly known as pinkeye, Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the outer most layer of the eye and the inner side of the eyelid. Conjunctivitis infections commonly come in one of three flavours: viral, bacterial, or allergic. There is, however, several other cases of less common conjunctivitis:
- Chemicals
- Thermal and ultraviolet burns
- Foreign bodies
- Overuse of contact lenses
- Toxins
- Vitamin deficiency
- Dry eye, sometimes due to inadequate eyelid closure
- Exposure to chickens infected with Newcastle disease
Lets take a quick look at the three most common types of conjunctivitis.
The first is viral conjunctivitis. This type is transmitted by contact with a variety of contagious viruses. These required viruses need not be any harsher than the common cold virus, as these cases are generally associated with upper respiratrory tract symptoms.
Bacterial conjunctivitis is most commonly caused by the infected's own skin or respiratory flora due to pyogenic bacteria. Another common way to spread infection, generally by females, is through sharing of facial lotions or eye makeup. And lastly, it is possible to share this kind of "pinkeye" through contact with other people and/or their environment.
The last form that we will be looking at is allergetic conjuctivitis. This type generally follows a seasonal pattern, and is more common among those with allergic conditions. Unlike the others, allergetic conjuctivitis tends to take over both eyes, and is accompanied by swollen eyelids. It is caused by reactions to such substances as perfume, drugs, cosmetics, contact lenses, or protein deposits.
Mesothelioma Facts
Mesothelioma is a cancer that resides in the lungs and is associated with asbestos. Malignant Mesothelioma is a very rare form of cancer. These cancer cells are found either in the lining around the heart,abdominal cavity or the lungs.
Mesothelioma takes years before it becomes cancerous. People from the 1940 and up are just now being diagnosed with Mesothelioma.
Asbestos is the leading cause of Mesothelioma. During world war two the manufactoring of asbestos became more increased due to the fact that the lumber was being used for building ships. Wood was in great demand by the government and companies needed a replacement for their businesses, like construction, automobile factories, building trades, etc. The people who manufactored asbestos knew that asbestos wasnt a regulated product and knew that their workers would inevtably suffer from its consequences. But lumber was hard to find during this peroid and asbestos could be manufactored for much cheaper, thats why it has been in use after world war two and through up to the 1970's. During the 1970's asbestos was outlawed to use by the Consumer Products Safety commission in products such as wallboard patching material and artificial ash for gas fireplaces because the fiber in these products would become airborn during use.
Most people that have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma have been workers who were directly exposed to asbestos, but a few have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma from just living with the workers. The workers would have the fibers of asbestos in their hair and on thier clothing, which would travel in the air and settle in the lungs of whoever came in contact with them.
As with all cancer, the earliest detection of Mesothelioma will give better opportunity on its treatment.
Chest pain, shortness of breath and a persistant cough are some of the early symptoms of Mesothelioma. This is a very difficult problem to find, because it sometimes resembles viral pneumonia. Fever, night sweats and weight loss are some of the less common symptoms of Mesothelioma.
среда, 24 июня 2009 г.
Learn More About Indole 3 Carbinol
�Eat your brussel sprouts!�
Mom really did have a great reason for forcing us to eat those horrible vegetables but I bet she didn�t even know the full benefits.
It turns out that cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts and cabbage contain Indole 3 Carbinol (I3C). I3C is the reason our moms were so strongly encouraging us to eat up.
Since being discovered, Indole 3 Carbinol has been used in many studies that suggest several health benefits, especially for women. Oral ingestion of Indole 3 Carbinol has been shown to alter the metabolism of estrogen in a beneficial manner. As we know from hormone replacement therapy (HRT) studies, excess estrogen in the body can be damaging. It�s fairly common knowledge that HRT can increase the risks of most gynecological cancers including endometrial, ovarian and breast cancer as well as increasing the risks of heart attacks and stroke. HRT can also induce PMS type symptoms including bloating, breast tenderness, moodiness and irritability and water retention.
So, if all these things can occur because of an increase in estrogen, maybe we should understand a little better what it is that is causing this to happen. Here is a little Biology 101.
Both male and female bodies have estrogen receptors. These receptors are like electrical outlets. The purpose of estrogen receptors is to receive estrogen and allow the body to process the estrogen. Just like there are many different things that you could plug into an electrical outlet, there are several different types of estrogen that can plug into estrogen receptors. In the case of electrical outlets, various things will pull different amounts of power such as the difference between a night light and a computer. Obviously, the computer will draw much more power than the night light, but the least amount of power will be drawn from one of those little plastic safety plugs.
Back to the estrogen receptors. Different forms of estrogen; phytoestrogen, estriol, estrone, estradiol and xenoestrogens, have different effects when plugged into those estrogen receptors. The weaker the estrogen, the less estrogenic effects they will have on the body. The stronger the estrogen, the more negative effects they will have on health. But just as any house has a limited number of electrical outlets, the body has a limited number of estrogen receptors.
Ideally we want to plug as many estrogen receptors as possible with weak estrogens, primarily phytoestrogens which come from plant sources. HRT and hormonal birth control methods all use the strongest natural estrogen, estradiol. Indole 3 Carbinol mimics the weakest forms of estrogen. Therefore, the more Indole 3 Carbinol that is absorbed by the body and used to plug the estrogen receptors, less receptors will be available to the stronger estrogens.
Studies indicate that Indole 3 Carbinol is more beneficial than Tamoxifen for the prevention of breast cancer1. This may be due to I3C's ability to mimic very weak estrogen in the body.
Studies have also indicated that Indole 3 Carbinol was beneficial to mice suffering from Lupus and other autoimmune disorders2.
Other studies indicate that Indole 3 Carbinol may be beneficial for the following concerns.
� Ovarian cancer
� Prostate cancer
� Colon cancer
� Human Papilloma Virus (HVP)
� Cervical dysplasia3
In addition, because of the ability Indole 3 Carbinol seems to have on estrogen, case studies are now showing it may be beneficial for:
� Hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms
� Breast tenderness, cramping and other menstrual symptoms
� Helping to relieve muscle soreness do to exercise or overexertion.
With so much contributing to the numerous benefits of Indole 3 Carbinol, it may be time to start listening to mom and eat those veggies!
1. �Prevention and treatment of cancer with indole-3-carbinol�, Alternative Medicine Review, Dec, 2001 by Matthew S. Brignall
2. �Indole-3-carbinol in women with SLE: effect on estrogen metabolism and disease activity�, Lupus, Volume 10, Number 11, November 2001, pp. 779-783(5)
3. �Placebo-controlled trial of indole-3-carbinol in the treatment of CIN�, Gynecol Oncol. 2000 Aug;78(2):123-9
Effects Of Meditation
Once Western scientists first began studying the personal effects of speculation in the 1970s, they noticed that heart rate, perspiration, and other signs of emphasis decreased as the meditator relaxed. Scientists, like Richard Davidson, PhD (University of Badger State), have besides been considering the long-term of . In 1992, Davidson received an invitation from the 14th Dalai Lama to come to northern Republic of India and sketch the brains of Buddhistic monks, the foremost meditators in the world. Davidson traveled to Bharat with laptop computers, generators, and EEG recording equipment, thus initiating an ongoing work. Now, monks travel to his WI lab wherever they chew over while in a magnetic imaging machine or they watch disturbing visual images as EEGs record their responses to understand how they regulate aroused reactions.
Any activeness--including --will create new pathways and strengthen certain areas of the mind. "This fits into the whole neuroscience literature of expertise," says Stephen Kosslyn, a Harvard neuroscientist, in a New York Times article (14 September 2003), " taxi drivers deliberate for their spatial memory and concert musicians for their sense of pitch. If you do something, anything, even play Ping-Pong, for 20 years, eight hours a Day, there's going to be something in your head that's different from someone WHO didn't do that. It's just got to be." monks pattern three forms of : 1) focused attention on a single object for long time periods 2) cultivating pity by thinking about angercausing situations and transforming the negative emotion into compassionateness and 3) 'open presence,' "a Department of State of being acutely aware of whatever thought, emotion or sensation is present without reacting to it." Knowing the that has on the monks' brains, Davidson decided to realize what effect has on neophytes. He set up a cogitation with 41 employees at a nearby biotech company in Wisconsin River (Psychosomatic Medicine 65: 564-570, 2003). Twenty-five of the participants enlightened 'mindfulness ,' a accent-reducing form that promotes nonjudgmental awareness of the present and is taught by Jon Kabat-Zinn.
They knowing the praxis during a 7-hr retreat and weekly classes. During that 8-calendar week period, these participants were asked to think over for I 60 minutes each Clarence Day, six days a hebdomad. Brain measurements were taken before instruction, at the remainder of the eight weeks, and four months later. Measurements showed that increased bodily process in the left field frontal region of the nous, "an area linked to reduced anxiety and a positive excited State Department." Also, at the remnant of the 8 weeks, the participants and 16 controls did not ponder received flu shots to test immune responses. researchers took blood samples from them ace month and two months after the injections, they found that the meditators had More antibodies against the flu virus than the non-meditators.
пятница, 19 июня 2009 г.
How To Have Mosquito Free Backyard Parties
Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance and #8211; they are carriers of West Nile Virus and other diseases. Mild cases of West Nile infections may cause a slight fever or headache. More severe infections are marked by a rapid onset of a high fever with head and body aches, disorientation, tremors, convulsions and, in the most severe cases, paralysis or death. The Centers for Disease Control at the Communicable Disease Center in Atlanta says the outlook for West Nile Virus may be worse this year than in 2005.
and #8220;The best way to protect yourself is to eliminate mosquitoes from your yard, and #8221; says Ted Reuter, president of St. Gabriel Labs, a company that manufactures natural pest control products. Mosquito eggs hatch in hours to become flying adult mosquitoes the same day. Hungry young mosquitoes seek only blood for food and hatch and swarm by the millions following warm, rainy weather.
Generally, mosquitoes don and #8217;t travel too far, which means if you have a lot of mosquitoes in your yard, they probably developed from standing water fairly close by. Mosquitoes breed in water, so you can help reduce the mosquito population by getting rid of any standing water around your home. Here are some preventive measures that are simple to take:
* Empty saucers under potted plants and make sure nothing in your lawn is collecting water.
* Keep water in pet dishes and birdbaths fresh.
* Clear leaves and other debris from gutters and spouts
* Keep water from standing in swimming pool covers or tarps covering other outdoor items.
* Cover children's sandboxes with a tarp when not in use to prevent mosquitoes from laying their eggs in wet sand.
Mosquitoes are most active early in the morning and in the evening. If you like to garden or enjoy your deck at these times, be sure to use a good insect repellent. Another option is a product that you spray outdoors to eliminate mosquitoes. St. Gabriel Laboratories manufactures Mosquito Control, an all-natural product that you spray through your hose. It lasts up to 60 days if heavy rain doesn and #8217;t wash it away.
Mosquito Control uses no toxic ingredients; the spray is made of white pepperdines, clove oil, garlic and a few other natural ingredients. Once dry, there is no odor and #8211; and no mosquitoes. Rick Falconer of Falconer Hardware in Orange, Va., who sells St. Gabriel products, used the product before a 4th of July party last year. and #8220;There wasn and #8217;t a mosquito around, or any gnats, either, and #8221; he says.
Treating your yard means you and your family can reclaim the backyard. It and #8217;s also a great solution if you and #8217;re hosting a summer outdoor party. Treat your yard the day of the party to ensure maximum effectiveness.
четверг, 18 июня 2009 г.
Separating Fat From Fiction: Fat Is No Foe
Saturated fat is the Rodney Dangerfield of the fat world. Not only do saturated fats not get any respect, they and #8217;ve been maligned by the health community for decades. The Food and Drug Administration put one type of saturated fat -- trans fat -- front and center earlier this year by requiring that packaged foods carry the amount of these manmade partially or fully hydrogenated oils on their labels. While this practice has brought to light that trans fats are bad for your health, it also left consumers believing there was no room for any saturated fat on their plates.
Veronica Atkins begs to differ. and #8220;The truth is, not all saturated fats are created equal -- you can and #8217;t just lump them together, and #8221; says Atkins, chair of the Dr. Robert C. Atkins Foundation, which funds independent, scientific metabolism and nutrition research. and #8220;Fat is not the foe it and #8217;s been made out to be. and #8221;
All fat in natural, unprocessed foods comes in threes -- a blend of saturated, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated. and #8220;Contrary to popular belief, saturated fat in and of itself is not responsible for our nation and #8217;s health woes. It and #8217;s when the food industry artificially alters this balanced mixture by engineering one of the elements, that nutrition and health benefits are compromised, and #8221; says Atkins.
and #8220;Without the advantage of hard science, America and #8217;s dietary guidelines have recommended a low fat diet regime since the 1970s, despite the fact that decreasing total fat intake has had little substantiated effect on the runaway incidence of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease in our society, and #8221; says Abby Bloch, PhD, vice president of programs and research for the Atkins Foundation. Even after 14 years of studying the diets of thousands of individuals, the Women and #8217;s Health Initiative could not confirm that a low-fat diet reduced the incidence of heart disease, breast cancer and colorectal cancer in post-menopausal women. Yet even the USDA and #8217;s most recent dietary guidelines still recommend that the average individual consume less than 10 percent of calories from natural saturated fat, including animal fats and coconut and palm kernel oils.
and #8220;There and #8217;s a real lack of understanding of the effects of the saturated fat found in our diet. Studies isolating the various components of natural saturated fats have not been done in humans, so we don and #8217;t really know the long term results of dramatically limiting and lowering the intake of natural saturated fats, and #8221; says Bloch.
In foods containing natural fats, such as animal products, most people are surprised to learn that the predominant fat is not saturated, explains Bloch. For example, half of the fat in beef is monounsaturated -- the same kind found in olive oil.
She and Atkins provide 10 reasons why fats, including natural saturated fats, are vital to a healthy diet and our overall well-being.
1. Without fat, you can and #8217;t have a healthy nervous system.
2. Fat is necessary for hormone production.
3. Fats help to slow the release of sugar into the blood.
4. Fat is digested slowly, staying in our intestines and keeping us feeling full longer after we eat.
5. Fat ensures the absorption of important fat-soluble vitamins, phytonutrients and important minerals.
6. Fat provides the raw material for healthy skin.
7. Fat is an important resource for the body and #8217;s fuel.
8. Without fat in the diet, we would not be able to absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K.
9. Some fatty acids have important antiviral and antibacterial functions.
10. Fats serve as building blocks of muscles, membranes, nerves and blood vessels.
Humans have been consuming natural saturated fats for the past 2.5 million years, evolving from hunter-gatherers to meat-eaters. Experts on Paleolithic nutrition tell us that humans have been carnivores throughout time, deriving most of their energy from animal sources. But is Atkins recommending a nonstop diet of cheeseburgers and bacon?
and #8220;Absolutely not, and #8221; she emphasizes. and #8220;The point is that people are so hung up on cutting out fat in their diet to control weight and cholesterol, that they and #8217;re actually undermining their efforts by eating low fat processed foods that add sugar and carbohydrates to make up the difference. Until we learn more about how much fat our bodies really need and in what combination, including saturated fats, the message is: Keep it natural. and #8221; - ARA
вторник, 16 июня 2009 г.
Heart Failure Doesn and #8217;t Mean What You Think It Does
Although the term "heart failure" sounds ominous, it does not mean that the heart has stopped or is about to stop suddenly. Heart failure means that the heart is not pumping blood as well as it should through its chambers to the rest of the body. It is a common condition that can be caused by a heart attack, long-term high blood pressure, a heart valve abnormality, a viral infection of the heart or a genetic condition that runs in families. Sometimes the exact cause of heart failure is not known.
If allowed to progress without treatment, heart failure has a great impact on quality of life and can shorten life expectancy. In the United States, it is the single most frequent cause of hospitalization for people over age 65, and more people die from heart failure than from all forms of cancer combined.
It is important that patients with heart failure learn how to take good care of themselves. By educating patients, those at risk and their families, the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) is committed to providing reliable and up-to-date information about heart failure.
"People with heart failure can lead relatively normal, active lives. The key is early diagnosis and treatment," says Dr. Barry Greenberg, chairman of the HFSA and #8217;s education committee, and the director of the Advanced Heart Failure Treatment Program at the University of California, San Diego. New treatments can be very effective in slowing and stopping the progression of the disease, and in some cases can even reverse the process.
Symptoms of heart failure include:
* Feeling tired
* Congestion
* Shortness of breath, which can happen even during mild activity
* Swelling in the feet and legs from fluid retention (results in weight gain)
* Cough with frothy sputum
* Difficulty breathing when lying down which may wake patients from sleep at night
Those diagnosed with heart failure should work with a doctor to develop a treatment plan and to follow it. Proper medications in the right doses, careful monitoring and self-care are the basis of effectively managing heart failure.
Most people with heart failure require several medicines for to achieve the best results. Two of the most common medicines used to treat heart failure are ACE inhibitors and beta blockers. Both of these medicines block the effects of harmful stress hormones produced by the body that can make heart failure worse. Diuretics (water pills) are often used to reduce excess fluid. Other medications used for the treatment of heart failure include angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs), aldosterone antagonists and a new combination pill of hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate that was recently approved by the FDA for treatment of African Americans with heart failure.
There is also evidence that device therapy can favorably affect the clinical course of heart failure patient. The addition of an implantable cardioverter/defibrillator (ICD) and/or biventricular (BiV) pacemaker to medical therapy is now recommended in many heart failure patients.
In addition to taking medicines exactly as directed, people with heart failure should:
* Weigh themselves every day
* Follow a low-sodium (salt) diet
* Get regular physical activity
* Quit smoking
* Avoid alcohol or drink sparingly
* Control body weight
* Monitor symptoms and learn when to consult a doctor or nurse
Friends and family members can help by learning about heart failure and participating in the patient's treatment plan. The Heart Failure Society of America provides educational materials written in easy to understand language.
These materials include information on following a low-sodium diet and a description of medicines and devices used to treat heart failure. There's also advice on how to become more active and manage emotional stress, as well as tips about advance care planning and how to evaluate claims about new treatments and cures.
You can visit abouthf.org to download a copy or to leave a request to have a complimentary set of materials sent to you. - ARA
четверг, 11 июня 2009 г.
Eczema - Stop It Before It Strikes You
Eczema is a trouble some problem. Those who suffer from atopic dermatitis or eczema as commonly called suffer greatly whenever eczema flares up. Itchy reddish skin that may have blisters and causes physical and mental harassment and affects our life style must be kept away. We have taken eczema for granted. Whenever it strikes, we try medications and anti itching measures to see what can be done. Why not stop eczema? Let me discuss this with you.
Eczema- what is it?
Eczema is a hereditary condition. It is not a contagious disease. Any bacteria or any virus does not cause it. Those who get eczema are born with the tendency to get it. Nothing can stop that. The tendency to get eczema is with us in our body and unless some one changes the gene that is responsible, we will carry this tendency for lifetime. What can be done to stop eczema then?
Eczema - triggers of eczema
There is always a trigger for eczema. Unless that trigger appears, eczema will not appear. Imagine a big dam. It may have lot of water, but unless you open the valve, the dam will not release water. With eczema it is similar. Unless you trigger it, it will not affect you. In some cases it is said that it can appear without any trigger. But those cases also might have been having unknown triggers.
Eczema- common triggers-
Which are the common triggers of eczema? There is along list. It is not necessary that your trigger will be one from that list. It can be something different. You have to make the relationship between eczema and the trigger. It is like- whenever I drink milk I get eczema. Or whenever I am under stress, I get eczema. The common triggers are- some foods, itchy clothing, heat, sweating, dust mites, stress, soaps, other skin care products and others. It is for you to identify your trigger.
Eczema- stop it
You can stop getting incidences of eczema if you can block your trigger. Let the dam be filled with water, don't open the valve. Similarly you may have the tendency to get eczema, but if you don't provide the trigger it will not appear.
This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.
A Cow and #8217;s Role In The Battle Against Aids
Seven-year-old Alice Karwera lives in Ruhengeri, Rwanda, one of the worst affected areas during the bloody 100 days in 1997 when the Hutu were slaughtering the Tutsi. Like millions of children around the world, Alice and #8217;s days were filled with overwhelming hunger. Shortly before her sixth birthday, she tested HIV positive. Not long after that her parents Matilda and Jean also tested positive. Luckily her brothers Evailsie and Aimable, age 14 and 12, are not infected with the AIDS virus.
Just before being diagnosed with HIV, Alice's parents heard from some friends that Heifer International was in the area providing needy families with livestock. They eagerly began training in Heifer and #8217;s sustainable agricultural methods and making preparations to receive a cow.
Alice's mother was the one to apply and sign a and #8220;living loan and #8221; contract. Her father signed as a witness because Heifer's experience has shown that when women own resources, the income is most likely to be spent on nutrition and education for the family. Besides, Jean agrees that they make better spending decisions when they talk over what they are going to do first.
Alice's family was barely hanging on when the Heifer cow arrived. She was named Humbuiergwanda, which means "I long for my country," and her impact on the family and #8217;s health was immediate and profound. The protein from her milk rejuvenated the family, and in a short time, Alice's father gathered the strength to begin planting crops and teaching her brothers to farm.
Humbuiergwanda stays in a restricted area where she is cared for, and food is brought to her. The manure she produces is easier to gather for fertilizer, and it quickly improved the family's crop yields. She produces four gallons of milk daily giving the family plenty of surplus milk to sell.
Because of the income from their cow, little Alice's family can afford Anti-retroviral drugs to combat HIV/AIDS. Alice visits a nearby clinic weekly to be weighed, checked, and to get a one-week supply of medication. Much improved, she is now able to run and play.
To repay their living loan, Alice and #8217;s family passed on a heifer to another family, and sold a second calf, also a female, for $600 - an enormous windfall for a family in rural Rwanda. "Then we saved $600 from selling the milk," Matilda says, "and we were able to buy this house near the road, install a good water collection system, and buy some good hens. Besides that, we are drinking milk at home every morning and evening."
Jean's prayer is to see the cow business continue and engage the whole family. "I would love to have five cows. It is very possible," he grins. "We are keeping the heifer calf that is in the stalls now. I will even pass on cows to our children when they set up their homes."
According to the United Nations, Sub-Saharan Africa has just over 10 percent of the world's population, but is home to more than 60 percent of all people living with HIV -- 25.8 million. In 2005, an estimated 3.2 million people in the region became newly infected, while 2.4 million adults and children died of AIDS.
Animal gifts from Heifer International provide two essential resources for impoverished families in rural Africa who are impacted by HIV/AIDS: needed income and nutrition.
Increasing income allows people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS to buy Anti-retroviral drugs and better nutrition, that includes animal proteins (milk, eggs and meat), helps people tolerate the drugs. This ensures a better quality of life and a more hopeful future for the entire family.
вторник, 9 июня 2009 г.
Ticks, Mosquitoes and Birds and #8211; Oh, My!!!
The buzz lately over Avian flu, West Nile virus and Lyme disease is enough to make anyone think twice before going outdoors. Armed with insect repellant, a little knowledge and some common sense, however, your time in the great outdoors this summer can still be fun and safe.
West Nile virus has occurred in the United States for years. According to the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP), more than 14,000 people in the United States were diagnosed with the West Nile virus in the past five years, resulting in more than 500 deaths.
Infected mosquitoes are responsible for spreading the West Nile virus. Most people who have West Nile virus never show any symptoms, but the elderly are at most risk for getting serious complications. In rare instances the West Nile virus can lead to encephalitis or meningitis.
The best way to protect yourself and your family from West Nile virus is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. It and #8217;s not as hard as it seems. Just try a few of these tips:
* Wear insect repellant containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus when you are outside.
* Avoid going outside at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active, or wear long pants and sleeves during those times.
* Check your doors and window screens to make sure there are no gaps, holes or tears mosquitoes could come in through.
* Destroy mosquito breeding grounds by eliminating standing water. Drain flowerpots, buckets, etc., and change the water in pet dishes and birdbaths often, at least once a week.
* Be on the lookout for any dead birds and other animals and report any to your local health department. Avoid contact with the carcass as it may make you sick. Many bird deaths may indicate that the West Nile virus is in the area. In rare instances, it may also be an indication that Avian influenza may have entered the United States.
Avian flu has been in the news a lot lately. The specific type of avian flu that has decimated millions of poultry flocks around the world has infected more than 200 people. More than half of those infected have died.
As of late May, no cases of Avian flu in birds had been detected in the Western hemisphere. The virus has been in Southeast Asia for approximately 10 years, and more recently in Europe, but it has yet to spread to the United States. There are substantial geographic barriers, so it and #8217;s hard to predict whether it ever will spread to the United States, according to Dr. Thijs Kuiken of the ACVP.
and #8220;Because this kind of Avian flu has had a very limited number of cases in humans and has not been detected in the United States, I advise that families do not need to take any precautionary steps relating to this disease, and #8221; said Dr. Kuiken.
Only if the current virus were to mutate into a form that would be easily transferable from person to person could it reach a global epidemic. And, according to Dr. Kuiken, such a mutation is unlikely to happen with this virus.
You should also be on the lookout for ticks, which are carriers for Lyme disease and encephalitis. Follow these suggestions to minimize your risk:
* Try to avoid tick-infested areas by walking in the middle of trails to avoid brushing against vegetation. Ticks also hide out in wooded areas. Local health departments and park rangers will be able to tell you which specific areas to avoid.
* Wear light-colored clothing, so you can easily see any ticks on you. Hats, long sleeves and pant cuffs tucked into socks give you the most protection.
* Wear insect repellant.
* Check yourself and your clothing for ticks every time you come indoors. Use a mirror to search yourself. Remove any ticks that you find carefully with a tweezers. Also check your pets when they come indoors, as they can carry ticks in with them. The Center for Disease Control advises putting any infested clothing in the dryer, which will kill ticks.
суббота, 6 июня 2009 г.
Antibiotics? I Think Not
Have you noticed that doctors are now being much more reluctant to give you a prescription for antibiotics unless it's proven that you are indeed suffering from a bacterial infection? Well, I wish I could say better late than never, but in the case of antibiotics, we're far too late.
Antibiotics were once touted as a modern miracle and they did indeed save lives, once upon a time. The problem has been that they have been so widely overused and not just for bacterial infections, but for every single thing doctors didn't know how to treat. In fact, even if the illness was viral, we were routinely given a prescription for antibiotics so we would happily go home and feel as though the doctor helped us get well.
The truth is, we would've been far better off NOT getting those antibiotics for every single illness we encountered. Our immune systems would've been much more helped if we'd stayed home and rested, drank lots of fluids, and boosted our immune system with natural herbal and homeopathic remedies and whole food supplements.
The reason is, since antibiotics have been so widely overused, superbugs have emerged that are leaving us vulnerable with no recourse - UNLESS your immune system is strong because you and your pets have been eating natural diets, using whole food and natural supplements, and exercising, so that your body is protected naturally.
By relying so heavily upon antibiotics to be our cure-all, along with steroids (a subsequent article will elaborate on this horrible drug) we've compromised our and our pets immune systems and left them wide open and susceptible to these superbugs that are continuing to emerge all the time.
"Our society has been conditioned with quick-fix and band-aid medicine. We know from experience that this, often times, only gives temporary relief and in fact can generate a rebound effect of symptoms or undesirable side effects. Complimentary medicine, in particular Homeopathy and Herbs, can play a very large part in the successful rearing of our animals. Homeopathy and Herbs are essentially, natural healing processes, providing remedies to assist the patient to regain health by stimulating the body's natural forces of recovery. They concentrate on treating the patient, rather than the disease." Marina Zacharias, author of Healthy Breeding with Herbs and Homeopathy. http://www.naturalrearing.com
The good news is there are alternatives we can use that will give us healthy, strong pets that can resist these superbugs. First, by using a homeopathic or holistic veterinarian, you can talk to them about what your options are for helping keep your pet at their optimal health. Each animal is as different as each of us. If you care for your pets in a holistic way, meaning for the entire animal rather than waiting to treat a specific ailment, you will already be ahead of the game.
By feeding food natural to your pet's species, such as a raw food diet for cats and dogs, and incorporating whole food supplements, prebiotics and probiotics, you won't need to concern yourselves about antibiotics and their detrimental side effects.
Something that is also happening is not just superbugs that can be transmitted from animals to humans, but one I know of that can only be transmitted from HUMANS to ANIMALS, and this superbug is called MRSA. While it isn't as evident in the USA, it is rapidly becoming a problem in the UK. It is a superbug, bacterial infection that has developed as a result of overusing antibiotics. I have a dear new friend who lost her companion and friend, Bella, a beautiful Samoyed dog, to this dreaded bacteria. http://thebellamossfoundation.com
Jesse Dallas, author of Are Antibiotics Making Your Pet Sick? writes "The body should have 80% friendly bacteria and about 20% bad bacteria inside the intestinal tract. After the use of antibiotics, the body will have no more than 20% friendly bacteria and 80% bad bacteria if not more.
-Most illness, disease and problems begin in the intestinal tract. Thus, antibiotics create the potential for serious illness to begin.
-You may not be giving your pet antibiotics, but if it has ever eaten foods with preservatives, you have been giving your pet what I call 'hidden antibiotics'. The job of preservatives is to control bacteria and once your pet eats food with preservatives, it will ultimately have an effect inside the intestinal tract too and kill the friendly bacteria.
-You should expect it will take at the least 1 year to recolonize the intestinal tract with friendly bacteria after the use of antibiotics.
-Recolonize the intestinal tract with friendly bacteria by using supplements and feeding natural foods." http://www.pet-grub.com
Now is the time to be proactive and change this. By not remaining apathetic, but by taking action in your life and the lives of your pets, we can and will make a difference.
One more thing that is giving us much hope and one that has me jumping for joy are therapeutic grade essential oils. In 1985 Dr. Jean Claude Lapraz, MD did a study using the therapeutic grade essential oils Oregano and Cinnamon in testing their "antibiotic" like qualities. What he found was that not one single bacteria or virus can live in the presence of these oils!
That is the direction I've taken for myself, family and pets and I hope you'll consider doing the same.
Originally published for the Holistic Pet Care topic on Suite101.com
четверг, 4 июня 2009 г.
Top 10 E-mail Health Hoaxes Of The Decade
Here, In no particular order, are the 12 worst a-mall health hoaxes of the last decade. All have been thoroughly debunked by health ant medical experts
1. Antiperspirants cause breast cancer.
This hoax began circulating In 1999 and claims that the use of antiperspirant (deodorants are safety) is the leading cause of breast cancer. Citing a ''health seminar'' as the source of information, the writer alleges that antiperspirants prevent the body from eliminating toxins through sweat, resulting in the accumulation of toxins in lymph nodes, which eventually leads to cancer. Men are less likely to develop breast cancer through the use of antiperspirants "because most of the antiperspirant product is caught in their (armpit) hair and is not directly applied to the skin. '' .The writer then urges readers to pass on the message ''to anyone you care about ''.
2. Aspartame causes serious disease.
Also making its first appearance in 1999, this hoax claims that the artificial sweetener aspartame causes more than a dozen serious medical conditions, including brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, and lupus, ant confusion, memory loss, and severe vision loss among diabetics There are two versions the first and more popular was supposedly written by a Betty Martini, an alleged lecturer at the World Environmental Conference. In the second version, a Nancy Markle is the author. The Multiple sclerosis Foundation denies any knowledge of association between aspartame and multiple sclerosis, whale the American diabetes association debunks the allegations regarding aspartame and diabetes. The US FDA attests to the safety of aspartame.
3. Bananas spread flesh- eating disease.
This hoax first appeared In January 2000 and claimed that several shipments of bananas from Costa Rica were infected with a flesh-eating bacterium that causes necrotizing fasciistis. The e-mall cites a Manheim Research Institute as the source of the warning. Necrotizing fasciitis is a real but rare infection caused by Group A streptococcus, the same bacterium that causes strep throat. It attacks soft tissues under the skin, resulting In gangrene, amputation and even death. Group A streptococci are spread by direct contact with secretions from the nose and throat of infected persons or by contact with infected wounds or sores. The germ lives in the human body and cannot survive long enough on the surface of a banana.
4. Cough CPR can save your life.
In 1999, e-mall purportedly endorsed by the Rochester General Hospital and Mended Hearts (a support group for heart attack victims) claimed that repeated, vigorous coughing could save the life of a person who suffers a head attack while alone. According to urbanlegendsaabout.com, through CPR'' (or "self-CPR'') is a real procedure occasionally used in emergency situations under professional supervision. It is not, however, taught in standard CPR courses, nor is it advised by most medical professionals as a ''lifesaving'' measure for people who experience heart attacks while alone.
5. Fish Contaminated With Deadly 'Zulican Virus '' After Tsunami.
Immediately after the Asian tsunami disaster In December 2004, a wave of text messages (SMS) and forwarded e-mails warned Asian consumers to avoid eating seafood ''because fish killed bathe Indian Ocean tsunami are infected with the deadly 'Zulican virus ''. This hoax caused not only fear among consumers but also a drastic drop. In sales of fish and fish products. In several Asian countries HeaIth authorities have since declared that the ''Zulican virus'' is bogus, and there is no evidence suggesting toadfish caught after the tsunami are unfit for consumption.
6. Freezing Water In Plastic Battles Releases Cancer-Causing Dioxin.
This widely circulated 2004 hoax purportedly relayed information from a Johns Hopkins newsletter claiming that freezing water in plastic bottles can release toxic dioxin and cause cancer. Johns Hopkins university denied they issued such information in a special news release. Professor Rolf Haiden of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health said "This is an urban legend Freezing actually works against the release of chemicals. Chemicals do not diffuse as readily in cold temperatures, which would limit chemical release if there were dioxins in plastic, and we don't think there are ''
7. Woman Catches Leptospirosis From Unwashed Coke Can.
In 2002, several variants of this hoax claimed that a woman in North Texas (or Belgium, Botswana, etc was infected with the deadly leptospirosis disease after drinking Coke straight from an unwashed can contaminated with dried rat urine. Leptospirosis is a real disease transmitted via rat urine or feces. Urbanlegends about.com says soda cans are usually stored and shipped in shrink-wrap or cardboard cases and are, therefore, unlikely vehicles for dried rat urine, contaminated or otherwise. Of course, washing off the top of a soda can-or any bottle, for that matter-before drinking. It is always a good idea.
8. Lead In Lipstick.
This 2003 hoax claimed that several brand-name lipsticks (Christian Dior, lancome Clinique, YSL, etc ) contain "cancer-causing lead '' and Its presence can be tested by scratching products with a 24-karat gold ring Urbanlegends about com found neither reliable Information to support the claims nor warnings or references of any kind in International medical Journals and the FDA'S online database on the presence of lead in lipstick.
9. Tampons Contain Asbestos.
This e-mall scare story began circulating In 1998 It alleges that tampons pose a serious health threat to women because they contain asbestos As usual, the message was unsigned, urged recipients to send It to every Woman they knew, and positively unsettling. Experts dismissed the allegations as absurd ''Tampons do not contain asbestos and never have. No research has been published anywhere to even suggest lid's according to urbanlegends about com
10. Shampoo Causes Cancer.
Circulating since 1998, this hoax claims that sodium laureate sulfate, a synthetic chemical found in brand-name shampoos and other personal-care products, causes cancer Again, the message Is unsigned and cites no references to support its claims It Is true that sodium Iaureth sulfate (SLES) is found frequently In shampoos ant occasionally In toothpastes However, the chemical does not appear on any official list of known or suspected carcinogens, says urbanlegends about com
SMART SKEPTIC
Why do people create and sent hoax messages? Hoaxbusters com says only the original writer knows, but cites some possibilities to see how far a message would go, to damage a person's or organization's reputation, or simply for the perverse pleasure of spreading misinformation Whatever the motivation may be behind hoax messages, maintain a healthy dose of skepticism when checking your inbox When you receive an e-mall that looks like a hoax, the most prudent course of action Is to verify the Information with a medical professional before acting on or sharing It Or just hit the delete button As hoaxbusters com aptly puts it, ''When in doubt, don't send it out ''
вторник, 2 июня 2009 г.
Got Geese? What You Should Know About Bird Flu And Canada Geese
Does it seem like more bad news about Avian Flu hits the headlines and airwaves every day? How do you sort through all the information to know how much you should really worry, and what you can do to protect your family? Should you give up your pet parrot? Or shoo away the colony of Canada Geese visiting your back yard?
The good news is Avian Flu has not yet been found in the North American bird population. Human deaths from the virus, currently in the hundreds, have been limited to Asian countries so far, according to the World Health Organization. But the WHO, the unchallenged authority on Bird Flu, also considers waterfowl to be significant bearers of the disease. Whenever possible, it and #8217;s best to avoid contact with wild waterfowl and their droppings, the WHO advises.
That means that while it and #8217;s probably safe to keep your parrot, it and #8217;s also best to keep wild waterfowl, like Canada Geese, away from close human contact. In May, the U.S. Geological Survey and #8217;s National Wildlife Health Center began testing samples from a variety of waterfowl found in Alaska, including Canada Geese. Migratory waterfowl could be a source of an Avian Flu outbreak, health experts agree.
While the current risk of Canada Geese carrying Bird Flu appears low, other health concerns can be associated with the geese and their droppings. The birds can strip lawns, parks and other grassy areas, leaving behind 1 to 2 pounds of droppings per goose. The droppings can be a slip hazard, contain parasites and cause gastrointestinal illnesses in humans. Large populations of Canada Geese can cause bacteria levels to climb to unsafe levels in water used for swimming and drinking. And the geese can be a traffic safety risk at airports and as they walk along busy roads during the and #8220;molt and #8221; or flightless season in June and July.
With increasing concern over Bird Flu, demand has also risen for effective, humane ways to remove Canada Geese from areas of close human contact. Property managers try everything from trained goose herding dogs to pyrotechnics and lasers, but most of these non-lethal methods have lacked enduring effectiveness because geese eventually become accustomed to the techniques and #8211; and ultimately learn to work around them or ignore them, and lethal control is both unpopular and merely opens up a void for other geese to take over an area.
Treating the grassy areas where the geese live and feed with a compound that causes a mild, temporary digestive reaction, like FlightControl PLUS, has proved to be one of the most effective means of discouraging Canada Geese.
The compound is sprayed on the turf where geese feed and temporarily irritates their unique digestive systems. It is virtually invisible to humans but the geese can see it on the grass in the UV-light spectrum, making the irritating grass look and #8220;funny. and #8221; The geese learn to recognize treated turf and avoid feeding on it.
Those who want the geese to go elsewhere treat all the turf of a property where geese are feeding, but some choose to concentrate on smaller areas where actual goose-human conflict is a concern, effectively and #8220;herding and #8221; geese to other areas.
and #8220;Molting season, when the birds lose and regrow their flight feathers, begins in late June and continues into early August. Birds are unable to fly during molt and geese will congregate in large numbers often near residential water bodies, and #8221; explains Emily Perry, product manager with SePRO, marketer of FlightControl PLUS.
and #8220;The geese and #8211; and their droppings and #8211; can linger well into the fall, making it especially important to discourage them from areas where they will come into close human contact, and #8221; Perry adds.
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