Some Good Winter Health Tips

 

Winter is a season when a few people fall sick, catch flu, cold or cough and hence it is important for them to take care of their health and here is a list of a few winter health tips that guarantee an enjoyable winter with a healthy body free from any illness.

First and foremost, a balanced diet assures proper health throughout the year and a person should especially ensure to take meals that are properly balanced in terms of the vital nutrients like proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, fats and minerals in them. However in winter he should prefer fresh foods and seasonal food items. Vegetables and fruits can be eaten in the form of salads. Dry cereals, grains, nuts and grams can be consumed for these have very high nutrient value. To develop strength and the immunity and resistance power, foods with greater proportion of carbohydrates should be eaten.

He should drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration. He should also include warm soups in his meals. Many people also consume alcohol to keep their body warmer to fight the cold. However, it should be taken in only lesser quantity and quite occasionally.

The benefits of exercising are many. However, in winter exercising is immensely important for a number of reasons. Exercises invigorates the body and develops the immunity system and resistance power of the body to fight with the flu, cold and cough and other illnesses that frequent during the winter. A workout at a gym or any physical activity like walking, jogging, running, cycling performed for about 45 minutes provides immense warm to the body as a lot of heat is generated as the calories burn.

He should always wear protective garments like sweaters and jackets to shield himself from the cold winds and falling temperatures.

A person can have an enjoyable winter by taking proper care of his health during this season by practicing the above winter health tips.

By - Geraldine K. Lang

Also Read How to Stay Healthy in Winter ? Ayurveda Care

Health Benefits of Carrots for Cholesterol, Weight Loss and Diabetes

The health benefits of carrots do not only help our eyes but also help in cancer prevention, avoiding heart attacks and they lower your bad cholesterol. We eat carrots not just for the health benefits but also because they taste very good whether they are cooked or raw.

Carrots contain beta-carotene which becomes vitamin A after it is in your body and this helps improve your vision. The vitamin A will form a purple pigment called rhodopsin which is what your eyes need to be able to see in a dim light. If you do not get enough of this vitamin you could end up suffering from night blindness. Carrots also got their color and their name from beta-carotene.

The nutritional benefits of beta-carotene are the fact they are an anti-oxidant that fights the free radicals that can cause cancer, macular degeneration, and heart disease. Beta-carotene sometimes will deter cancers of the stomach, uterus, and cervix. There has been research done recently suggesting people who consume five or more carrots on a weekly basis are less likely to have a stroke than those who do not. Carrots have another anti-oxidant called alpha-carotene and a study showed men with high amounts of this anti-oxidant have a less chance of contracting lung cancer.

If you cook carrots slightly, you pull out the beta-carotene from the fiber which permits our bodies to absorb it easier. If you eat about a half-cup a day you will receive more beta-carotene than the daily recommended dosage. When you buy carrots with the tops still attached they must be removed before storage, if you do not the tops will swallow up all the vitamins. Your body can absorb the nutrients of carrot juice by adding them to a favorite blend of juice.

One carrot will give you all the vitamin A you will need for a day. The sugar that is contained in carrots turns into blood sugar quickly but the amount is very low and that is why diabetics (Read Diabetes home remedies) can still have them. They are the richest source of beta-carotene, which contributes to a lower risk for diabetes. Carrots health benefits is a great protection against cataracts and macular degeneration. Their soluble fiber is quite rich and helps lower levels of cholesterol.

The health benefits of raw carrots are they contain more vitamin C than cooked. The benefits of cooked carrots are the release of more beta-carotene. Either way you eat them will help benefit your body. The raw carrots can be placed in your salad and the cooked on your dinner plate and you will receive the benefits of both.

The high fiber content in carrots is very important if you want to lose weight. Fiber is not digestible and it just passes through with other food affixed to it. It will not stop the digestive system from trying; it simply produces more enzymes to break it down. This helps to speed up you metabolism. They are low in calories and fat, and high in nutrients which also include potassium. Carrot nutrients help the body perform smoothly and therefore burn calories.

Also Read Are Carrots Good For Losing Weight ?

By Barbara Volkov 

Asbestosis is an Asbestos Related Disease and May Be Considered As an Occupational Disease Too

A benign pleural disease is an asbestos-related disease which still has something of mystery to experts, since they don’t know why some asbestos workers get one of several benign diseases of the pleura while others are not affected by the terrible consequences of Asbestos.

The pleural cavity is the space between the lungs and the chest wall, which has an small amount of pleural fluid in the normal non-diseased state. The pleura is the epithelium that lines this cavity. Asbestos fibers can reach this part of the body.

The parietal pleura, which is connected to the chest wall, is highly sensitive to pain. Meanwhile, the visceral pleura, which is connected to the lung and other visceral tissues, is not sensitive to pain.
The function of pleura and pleural fluid is to reduce friction between the lungs and the inside of the chest wall during breathing. Asbestos fibers make difficult this. A benign pleural condition usually does not progress and is not fatal. These conditions include pleural plaques, diffuse pleural fibrosis and benign pleural effusion.

Pleural effusion occurs when fluid accumulates in the pleural space and compresses the lungs.

Pleural plaques is a discrete fibrous or partially calcified thickened area which can be seen on x-rays of individuals exposed to asbestos. Benign pleural diseases appear various years after the exposure to asbestos and according to some experts cause little or no trouble, since some people do not even show symptoms. However, having a benign pleural disease may be the sign of developing asbestoses or another asbestos-related disease later.

asbestos lung disease, asbestosis, asbestosis symptoms

10 Tips On How To Lower Cholesterol

Seriously high levels of 'bad' cholesterol (LDL) represent a menacing cause of heart disease. By lowering the LDL level in your blood, you will automatically lower the total level of the cholesterol in your body (the HDL also known as the 'good' cholesterol and the LDL - the 'bad' cholesterol) and it will prevent the occurrence of heart disease. You can use a drug treatment to lower the cholesterol level, but you can also use a more healthy method - the dietary agents and food supplements that will lower your cholesterol in a natural way. In other words, a diet low in saturated fats and rich in fibres may help you lower cholesterol levels downwards to a normal limit.

We will offer you some piece of advice on what exactly to eat and what not to eat during a diet in order to lower cholesterol level. Keep in mind that this diet it is not very difficult to respect, it requires strength of will and determination to retain yourself from eating the 'bad' foods. The tips below should be followed for a period of one month, and then you should get your cholesterol level checked again to see the results of the diet.

1. The first thing you have to do is to reduce the amount of red meat in your daily alimentation. You will replace it with white meat (poultry) and fish which have a low fat level.

2. It is absolutely necessary for you to eliminate or at least to eat less saturated fats. This means that you should start having skimmed milk, low cholesterol spread or light cheese, instead of your normal foods. These light products may not be as tasty as the fat ones, but they care save your life.

3. A healthy diet means a healthy digestion. Foods that are high in fibre (like whole grain cereals or muesli) will eventually help you lower cholesterol by eliminating the dietary fats.

4. Stop frying your food and start grilling them. It prevents the loss of vitamins from the vegetables; therefore you will eat healthier.

5. Eating out can be a test for your determination to lower cholesterol. The best method to pass this test is to eat mainly in restaurants that are serving low cholesterol dishes. In order to avoid ruining your diet, you should ask for the dressings and gravies to be served separately so that you will control the quantity you are eating. Don't eat them in excess. Try to eat a healthy salad instead of French fries. We know, it is not as tasty but it will lower the 'evil' cholesterol.

5. Stop being a 'couch potato', start exercising every day. You can do aerobics, you can walk or jog, you can even play basketball, but it is absolutely necessary for you to do it every day.

6. Tropical oils don't do you good. If you want to get a lower cholesterol level you must start using vegetable oils (olive oil is the best choice) or canola oils.

7. Always read the label on the food products you are buying to be sure of what you are buying in terms of fats level.

8. Now let's talk about alcohol. Drinking is not exactly your best activity during a diet, as it can ruin your efforts, but latest research has shown that a glass of red wine per day can lower cholesterol in some cases.

9. A cholesterol lowering medication if it is prescribed or recommended by a physician will have maximum effectiveness for your diet if you will respect it entirely.

10. And we saved the best for last. Always remember that a diet for reducing cholesterol level will definitely help you lose weight. Happy eating!

Read Increased cholesterol and Erectile dysfunction

Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar level) in diabetes

Hypoglycaemia is a condition where the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood drops below a certain point – about 3.0mmol/l.

This causes a number of symptoms such as dizziness, sweating, shaking and palpitations, that usually go away 10 to 15 minutes after eating sugar.

What causes hypoglycaemia?
Insulin is normally produced in the pancreas and helps the body's cells absorb glucose from the blood:

After a meal the glucose level rises after a meal to about 7-10mmol/l.

One to two hours later, the glucose level starts dropping again. By the next meal, the glucose level is back to normal: about 4-5mmol/l. The insulin level in the blood has also returned to normal.

Hypoglycaemic episodes (hypos) can be caused by:
over-treatment - the dose of insulin or diabetes tablets is set too high or you accidentally take too much.

mismatched calorie intake versus demand - this happens when your body needs energy but can't get it from your calorie intake ie if you eat less than usual or exercise more.
   
alcohol - alcoholic drinks tend to lower the blood sugar.

What happens during a hypo?

You can experience some or all of the following symptoms:

paleness
   
shaking
   
perspiration
   
a feeling of weakness
   
rapid heartbeat
   
hunger
   
agitation
   
difficulty concentrating
   
irritability
   
fatigue
   
blurred vision
   
temporary loss of consciousness
   
confusion
   
convulsions
   
coma.

This means loss of consciousness can occur without warning.

To avoid this, you are advised to:

maintain a higher level of glucose in the blood
  
measure your blood sugar level more frequently.

How is a diagnosis made?

Diagnosis is made by measuring the blood sugar level with a glucose meter.

A glucose level below 3.0mmol/l indicates hypoglycaemia.

Some people experience symptoms when their blood sugar level is higher than this – eg at 4.0mmol/l. (Therefore 'four is the floor' for blood glucose levels.)

Hypos can't be detected with urine tests for glucose.

How is hypoglycaemia treated?

Mild hypoglycaemia is treated by drinking or eating about 10-20g sugar, eg in the form of sweetened juice, milk or glucose tablets.
   
In the case of a more serious hypo, an ambulance should be called. The paramedic will then give glucose intravenously or glucagon (GlucaGen) (a glucose-increasing hormone) is injected into a muscle, or into the fatty tissue under the skin.

Your partner and other family members can also be taught to give glucagon injections at home.

A glucagon kit can then be provided so if you suffer several hypos with unconsciousness, immediate treatment is available. In this way, a hospital visit can be avoided.

If you experience hypos repeatedly, you should measure blood sugar level at least four times a day. This allows you to adjust your insulin and know when you need a snack.

What can I do about hypoglycaemia?

Be familiar with the warning symptoms of hypoglycaemia. This way, you can get treatment quickly. When in doubt, measure your blood sugar levels.
   
Always carry sugar – preferably glucose in a rapidly-absorbed form such as glucose tablets.
  
 Measure glucose levels regularly. How often depends on your lifestyle – it's something that a combination of practical experience and expert advice will determine. It can vary from one or two readings a week to several readings a day. Knowing how your blood sugar levels change with various activities means you can adjust your level of insulin and minimise the risk of a hypo.
   
Follow the dietician’s advice and maintain regular eating habits. Some people experience symptoms of a hypo just before a main meal. To avoid this, have snacks between meals to prevent sugar levels dropping too steeply.
   
Take care when exercising: exercise lowers glucose levels in the blood. You can counter this by taking less insulin than usual beforehand or by eating more before, during or just after exercise. Remember that hypoglycaemia may occur some hours after exercise.
   
Carry an identity card that lets others know you have diabetes.

At night

For many people with diabetes, a low blood sugar level during the night is a big problem because you can sleep through it.

If you wake up with a headache and feel unusually irritable, measure your blood sugar at about 3am.

Lower your risk of a hypo by measuring blood sugar at 10pm or 11pm. If it's below 8mmol/l, eat a snack.

Alcohol lowers the blood sugar just like insulin – so avoid alcoholic binges.

After drinking a lot of alcohol or dancing, eat a snack before going to bed.
In the long term

Normally, hypoglycaemia is easily treatable. A few mild episodes in a week are not harmful.

It starts to become dangerous only when the glucose level keeps dropping below acceptable limits – the brain's principal source of energy is glucose.

Also  Read  Erectile dysfunction in Diabetes


http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/diabetesbloodsugarlow.htm

Diabetic Shoes & Foot Care Tips

Proper footwear should be worn when a person has diabetes. Diabetic shoes have many benefits over traditional shoes.  Mainly, the shoes have more room, are non-slip and provide cushioned & removable insoles. This article will present shoes made to help diabetics along with tips on how to take care of their feet.

Proper foot care is especially critical for diabetics because they are prone to foot problems such as:

    Loss of feeling in their feet (tingling or numbness)
    Changes in the shape of their feet
    Foot ulcers or sores that do not heal properly due to restricted blood flow

Tips to Keep Diabetic Feet Healthy

The following steps can be performed everyday to help prevent serious complications from diabetes:

Take Care of Your Diabetes
 Make healthy lifestyle choices to keep your blood sugar close to normal. Work with your health care team to create a diabetes plan that fits your lifestyle characteristics. Research the effects of sweeteners put into foods.  Natural sources of sweeteners tend to work best (cane sugar instead of high fructose..).
 
Check Your Feet Every Day
    Due to numbness, you may have foot problems that you may not be aware of so you should check your feet for cuts, sores, red spots, swelling, or infected toenails. If you have trouble bending over to see your feet, use a plastic mirror to help. You can also ask a family member to help you. Important Reminder: Be sure to call your doctor immediately if a cut, sore, blister, or bruise on your foot does not heal after a day.
     
Wash Your Feet Every Day
    Wash your feet in warm, NOT HOT, water. Do not soak your feet because your skin will get dry. Before bathing or showering, test the water to make sure it is not too hot. You should use a thermometer or your elbow. Dry your feet well. Be sure to dry between your toes. Use talcum powder to keep the skin dry between the toes.
     
Keep the Skin Soft and Smooth
    Rub a thin coat of skin lotion or cream on the tops and bottoms of the feet. Do not put lotion between your toes, as this might cause infection.
     
Wear Shoes and Socks At All Times
    Wear shoes and socks at all times. Do not walk barefoot, not even indoors. It is extremely easy to step on something and hurt your feet. Always wear seamless socks, stockings, and nylons with your shoes to help avoid the possibility of blisters and sores developing. Be sure to choose seamless socks that are made of materials that wick moisture away from your feet and absorb shock and shear. Diabetic Socks made of these materials help keep your feet dry. Always check the insides of your shoes before putting them on. Make sure the lining is smooth and there are no foreign objects in the shoe, such as pebbles. Wear shoes that fit well and protect your feet.
     
Protect Your Feet From Hot and Cold
    Always wear shoes at the beach or on hot pavement. Put sunscreen on the tops of your feet for protection from the sun. Keep your feet away from radiators or open fires. DO NOT use hot water bottle or heating pads on your feet. If your feet are cold, wear seamless socks at night. Lined boots are good to keep your feet warm in the winter. Choose socks carefully. DO NOT wear socks with seams or bumpy areas. Choose padded socks to protect your feet and make walking more comfortable. In cold weather, check your feet often to keep your feet warm avoid frostbite.
    
 Keep the Blood Flowing to Your Feet
    Put your feet up when you are sitting. Wiggle your toes for 5 minutes, 2 or 3 times a day. Move your ankles up and down and in and out to improve blood flow in your feet and legs.

        DO NOT cross your legs for long periods of time.
        DO NOT wear tight socks, elastic, or rubber bands, or garters around your legs.
        DO NOT wear restrictive footwear or foot products. Foot products that can cut off circulation to the feet, such as products with elastic, should not be worn by diabetics.
        DO NOT smoke. Smoking reduces blood flow to your feet. If you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, work with your health care team to lower it.
   
 Be More Active
    Ask your doctor to plan an exercise program that is right for you. Walking, dancing, swimming, and bicycling are good forms of exercise that are easy on the feet. Avoid all activities that are hard on the feet, such as running and jumping. Always include a short warm-up or cool-down period. Wear protective walking or athletic shoes that fit well and offer good support.
    
Communicate With Your Doctor
    Ask your doctor to check the sense of feeling and pulses in your feet at least once a year. Ask your doctor to tell you immediately if you have serious foot problems. Ask your doctor for proper footcare tips and for the name of your local podiatrist.

Footwear

Before, diabetic shoes used to be clunky and boxy but now Diabetic Shoe Style has evolved to a point where they are stylish & comfy at the same time!  Aetrex makes a special line of stylish diabetic shoes for men and women: The Apex Ambulator Line. The Ambulators can be found in our popular diabetic shoes links below. Key features of the Ambulators include slip-resistant soles, 1/2? removable depth to accommodate orthotics and many new styles. Please read our previous article about diabetic shoe inserts for additional information about diabetic foot risks.

http://www.orthoticshop.com/blog/diabetic-shoes-foot-care-tips/

Learn About Back Pain

In the United States, back pain is one of the most most common neurological ailment, second only to headaches.

Most of the time back pain is caused by a minor fall or lifting a heavy object. What you suffer is actually a muscle pull or ligament strain. These types of injuries cause pain that lasts only a few days.

Sometimes you can find pain relief with the use of anti inflammatory medicines like, ibuprofen. The next best thing to do for the pain is rest and ice. This should improve the pain and give relief over the next 5 to 7 days. Believe it or not, back pain just doesn't happen to adults. There are studies that have shown that 10 to 40% of middle and high school students do experience some form of lower back pain.

Muscle fatigue and low back pain can often be very debilitating, insidious with its gradual onset or even arbitrary when a sudden occurrence happens and there is no obvious precipitating event. The back is a very complex anatomical structure so it is difficult to diagnose. The back is made up of bone, ligaments, muscle, tendons and a major network of neurological components.

Back pain is widespread in all countries. Even with this widespread problem, the knowledge and the medical advances we have on back pain, we are uncertain as to many of the causes of lower back pain. Low back pain and muscle fatigue are not diagnosis but a symptom of an underlying problem. In fact, there may be other organs causing the back pain. It is amazing that more than three quarters of all Americans suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. Back pain for those under 45 years old is one of the main causes for disability.

Back pain is very common and can be classified into three different categories, based on the length of the symptoms:

Acute back pain - this is a pain that will last anywhere from present to 6 weeks or less. Subacute back pain - is defined as pain for 6 to 12 weeks in duration. Chronic back pain - last longer than 12 weeks.

Common causes for back pain are:
Nerve impingement problems (pinched nerve) herniated disc problems (slipped disc or ruptured disc) spinal degeneration osteoarthritis muscular problems sciatic back pain

In cases regarding the nerve roots or details of the discs in your back such as, isthmic spondylolisthesis, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, or spinal stenosis, MRI scans have become very useful and the preferred modality for looking for the cause of back pain. MRI scans are normally taken after x-rays have been taken and are painless. MRI scans provide information that can help rule out spinal infections or tumors as the cause of back pain.

Back spasms are often treated with medications known as muscle relaxants. You should not take these types of drugs for long periods of time because they often are known to cloud the mind. The drugs are also known to be controversial because they are known to have side effects such as: dependency to the drugs and they can make you sedated.

You can relax the back spasm by treating the muscles with a tens unit, gentle stretching, heat, massage and other types of back pain therapy. These types of treatment are good at helping relax the muscles causing the back pain. Pulled muscles are sometimes the cause of muscle imbalances and chronic back pain. For the length of this imbalance, so the pain can continue.

Also Read  Keep back pain at bay


Author :
STEVE MADIGAN