Friday, September 5, 2008

Hypertension Causes and Treatments

High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) is a dangerous and deadly disease. Many people each year die from this disease because they never knew they were affected by it. Hypertension is considered to be present when a patient's systolic blood pressure is consistently 140 mmHg or greater, and/or their diastolic blood pressure is consistently 90 mmHg or greater. This is also known as 140/90 when the nurse or doctor tells you what your blood pressure is during a checkup. Hypertension can be difficult to control but it can be corrected by non-drug therapies especially in children. The non-drug therapy includes weight loss, reduction in salt intake and physical activity.

Hypertension can be diagnosed after one reading, if this reveals extreme hypertension. In most cases, an extensive work-up is not needed to diagnose it. High blood pressure can be a major factor in cardiac failure. In fact, many patients who suffer from hypertension wind up either suffering a stroke or heart attack , and it is mainly to prevent these complications that we treat hypertension. The good new is that hypertension can be prevented, blood pressure can be reduced and other cardiovascular risks are favorably impacted by a healthy diet, regular physical activity, moderation in alcohol, reductions in dietary sodium and in some, stress reduction.

Hypertension can be caused by risk factors that you can change in some people and cannot change in others. Age is a factor (45 and over for men and 55 and over for women) and a family history of hypertension or cardiovascular disease are risk factors that you cannot control.

Treatment of hypertension can include a continuous intravenous infusion of prostacyclin. This improves exercise capacity, quality of life, hemodynamics and long-term survival in patients with primary pulmonary hypertension. Management of secondary pulmonary hypertension includes correction of the underlying cause and reversal of hypoxemia. Treatment with a non-selective beta blocker is often commenced once portal hypertension has been diagnosed, and almost always if there has already been bleeding from esophageal varices. Typically, this is done with either propranolol or nadolol . Common beta blockers include acebutolol (Sectral), atenolol (Tenormin), bisoprolol (Zebeta), metoprolol (Lopressor), nadolol (Corgard), and timolol (Blocadren), nebivolol (Bystolic). Treatment may involve angioplasty and stenting of the renal arteries.

Dean Novosat writes and reports on health issues at Hypertension

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dean_Novosat

Dean Novosat - EzineArticles Expert Author

Monday, August 25, 2008

What Is Multiple Sclerosis?

Multiple Sclerosis, or MS, is an autoimmune disorder. Autoimmune disorders are diseases in which the body's immune system misinterprets a normal structure or function of a person's body as an alien object and begins to attack it, causing the disease. Other autoimmune disorders include rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

In multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks the fatty tissue that surrounds the neurons in the brain and spinal cord. This tissue, called myelin, protects each neuron and allows each neuron to conduct its signals correctly through the brain or spinal cord. When the myelin is damaged, scar tissue, called scleroses, plaques or lesions, are formed. The lesions interfere with the neurons ability to conduct signals, impairing the brain's ability to send signals to the body and impairing the body's ability to function.

What initially triggers this autoimmune reaction that leads to MS remains unknown. Research has focused on the relationship of the immune system to the disease and the fact that it is more prevalent in countries further from the equator where less sunlight is available. This fact points to vitamin D deficiency as a possible factor in the development of MS, as vitamin D is an important regulator of the immune system. Genetic and viral factors are also current areas of research as possible causes of this disease.

MS usually occurs in young adulthood and is more common in women. It occurs more often in people who are Caucasian and live in countries further from the equator.

The primary symptoms of MS include nerve pain and impaired sensation in the extremities. A person may feel a pins and needles sensation in the affected extremity. Muscle strength and coordination may also be affected, resulting in impairments in a person's ability to move. The "drunk walk" may be an early symptom of muscular impairment in a person's legs. Visual impairments, sleep disorders, cognitive changes, emotional labiality or mood swings, and fatigue are also common symptoms. A person with MS may have difficulty regulating his or her body temperature and may be especially sensitive to heat, making the warm summer months difficult to tolerate.

Diagnosing MS is usually done through MRI of the brain to check for the lesions that indicate demylinated areas. These may not always show up in the early stages of the disease, and a person with MS may not always receive this diagnosis right away. MS symptoms are also similar to some other chronic diseases and a physician may choose to rule out other diagnoses first before pursuing an MS course of treatment.

There is no cure for MS, but several medications are known to slow the course of the disease and allow a person to maintain a functional life for years. All of these medications are injectible and a couple must be administered by intravenously by health professionals. Some have flu like side effects. Research is currently working on an effective oral medication, but this is not yet approved for general use.

People with MS are usually able to live a normal life span, but must learn to adapt to the disease and the changes it makes in their bodies as it progresses. Some people may be able to live most of their lives without becoming significantly disabled, while others may lose mobility, sensation, or vision. The course the disease will take is difficult to predict and varies greatly from person to person.

The amount of information available on multiple sclerosis is extensive and support is readily available in most areas. For more information on MS, please visit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at http://www.nationalmssociety.org.

About the Author

Janet Meydam is an Occupational Therapist with 20 years of experience in the field. View her blog, Online OTR, for useful information on a variety of health related topics. http://onlineotr.blogspot.com

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Can Activities Ward Off Depression?

There are many different causes of depression, including poor physical health, the environment in which a person lives, lack of a social life, low confidence, and the list continues. Everyone is unique, as are the different types of depression. In fact, there are some people who suffer depression because of genes they have inherited from one or both of their parents, some who suffer it because of a chemical imbalance and others who have depression because they focus too much on the negative. There are treatments for most kinds of depression and studies are still being done to find more, but for some the best treatment would be prevention.

It is quite possible that many people who live with depression could deal with it simply by being more active, and people who are prone to depression could help to ward off depression by being more active as well. Part of it could be due to the fact that when people are bothered by something, they tend to dwell on it and put more focus on it instead of putting focus on other activities. People, who manage to re-direct their attention onto other things, are able to take their mind off of issues that are bothering them and allow them some time to put their mind onto something else, like a sport they are playing or a project they are working on. People who already suffer depression can find this difficult to do, because they feel they have lost interest in things that used to interest them and many feel too withdrawn to bother going out and doing something with friends; however, making the effort to go out and do something can help in pulling someone out of some of their depression. Once they start having some fun, what was bothering them before leaves their current focus and allows them to chance to relax and improve their mood. This is not to say that problems should be avoided, but it is something that can help someone to ward off depression, keep their mind clear and give them a break from the issues, which bring down their mood, that they are working on. People who feel they are depressed should take steps to get themselves out of the depression they may be in, and this includes seeing a counselor who can help.

Thanks to the internet, online counseling is available to help those who are depressed, or who feel they might be falling into depression, who wish to get out of their depression. An online therapist is easily found on the internet by doing a quick search on a search engine. Once a person has contacted an online counselor and told them about their depression, the online therapist will work with the patient to find out what might be causing their depression. Once some possible causes have been found, the online counselor will work with the patient through online therapy to deal with those causes, and while dealing with these issues, the counselor will most likely help the patient find ways to relax and improve their mood by becoming more mentally and physically active.

Jennifer Baxt is the owner of CompleteCounselingSolutions.com which offers a variety of online counseling services. If you would like to know more about Jennifer or any of our online therapists, visit our website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Jennifer_Baxt,_DMFT

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

How to Treat Your Hair If it is Oily

If you find that you hair is oily then you need to treat this as quickly as possible, because oily hair can sometimes be a little difficult to manage and it does lack volume.

There are some advantages however when it comes to having oily hair, but these very rarely outweigh the disadvantages such as a itchy scalp which ultimately leads to dandruff.

It is often the case that people who have acne generally have oily hair also, why this is the case is still not answered. But the probable answer is that because acne is caused by excess sebum, then there must be excess sebum production on the scalp too and therefore this is what causes the hair to also become oily and very greasy.

So why does the hair become greasy?

Well just like the skin produces excess oils well so to does the scalp, and some people produce more oils than others. There is not much that you can do about it other than to care for the hair on a regular basis with a good shampoo that is suitable for oily hair. You might also want to leave washing your hair until the morning only, because this way, your hair will look much cleaner and fresher as opposed to washing your hair the night before.

Another problem with hair that is oily is that it can have a foul smell and people who have oily hair are often not aware of this. You can often tell that hair is oily by running clean hands through your hair, and then smelling your hand afterwards. There is not a strong smell but it can be noticeable if you are not caring for your hair on a regular basis or just not using the right products.

How you treat hair that is oily depends very much on the condition of your hair for instance if your hair is short, long, black, curly and also if your hair is fine and blonde in colour. One of the reasons that oily hair is very difficult to manage is because the hairs generally stick together, and this can make hair that is curly even more curlier, and it can also make the hair also clump together and it is therefore possible to view the scalp.

The main key to controlling hair that is oily is to essentially remove the oil from the scalp. It is important that you are washing and massaging the scalp and not just the hair.

There are some practical tips that you can and should adopt in order to take care of your oily hair and one of them is not too wash your hair on a daily basis. Washing everyday will strip the scalp of essential oils and therefore the oil glands will need to compensate by producing more oils and therefore there is actually more oils on the scalp.

You should also avoid chemical based skin care products that can cause irritation and even cause itching of the scalp, which in turn can lead to dandruff.

About the Author

Get more information about dandruff hair treatments. Spend time learning about various beauty products and get some information on general dry skin care also.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Nicotine - Addictive Substance Or Just a Habit?

Non smokers don't understand why smokers don't simply throw away their cigarettes and be done with it. Smokers do not do this because smoking tobacco isn't simply a bad habit. It is incredibly addictive. Health professionals believe that it is just as addictive as any street drug, and because it is legal, people tend to believe that it is less harmful then it really is.

When the chemicals in cigarettes are inhaled, they reach the smoker's bloodstream, lungs and brain, which has long lasting effects that are very addictive. One of the primary chemicals in cigarettes is nicotine. Nicotine is extremely habit forming, both physically and psychologically. It isn't just nicotine, but arsenic, hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, all dangerous chemicals, can also be found in cigarettes.

Nicotine affects the central nervous system by stimulating it. The chemicals in the cigarettes cause the blood pressure to rise and the heart rate to speed up. It also restricts the blood vessels, which puts smokers at a greater risk of heart problems. Smoking also leads to premature aging, wrinkles, a lower ability to taste and smell. With all of these negative affects, it's a wonder why people continue to smoke. However, they do. In fact, millions of individuals want to stop smoking but can not. This is because it is more then a simple bad habit, but is a very real addiction.

When individuals smoke, their brains begin to associate it with pleasure and release the brain chemical, dopamine. Dopamine helps you feel relaxed and good. When individuals stop smoking, this chemical is not as released as often. This can cause the individual to want to start smoking again because they miss these good feelings. It usually takes at least three weeks for the brain to re-train itself. Besides, the issue of brain chemistry, nicotine is also very addicting.

It generally takes about 100 hours or about 4-5 days for nicotine to leave your system, however, if you have smoked cigarettes for a long period of time, then it will take longer for your body to get over the effects and you still may be physically and psychologically addicted. Generally the first 3-4 months are crucial to one quitting smoking. If an individual can stop smoking for this amount of time, they should be able to outlast both the physical and mental addictive factors.

George Key is the owner of an QuitSmokingAid.net, a website which aims to provide information about the effects of smoking, the benefits of Quit Smoking and the most effective Quit Smoking Tips to help you stop smoking and change your life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Key

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Hair Loss- A Cause of Concern

Beautiful hair has always been a cause of envy. Not only does it enhances our personality but at the same time has drawn the attention of others. We use various hair products to keep our hair healthy as well as beautiful. Hair loss which refers to the thinning of hair especially from the scalp area has become a matter of concern. Millions of people are affected by hair loss; men specially are prone to hair loss than women. Hair loss may also be termed as androgenetic alopecia and may be localized or diffused. This is a hereditary problem.

Loss of about fifty to hundred strands a day is normal .Excessive hair loss results in baldness. Severe hair loss results in loss of self esteem, confidence & self identity. Numerous reasons could be quoted for excessive hair loss for e.g. long term of an illness or hormonal problems like over and under secretions of hormone thyroxine from the thyroid gland or an imbalance in male and female hormones like androgen & estrogen. Women might experience hair loss post pregnancy due to loss of certain hormones which are retained during pregnancy. At times, medication for serious ailments like cancer, depression etc might result in hair loss because of presence of blood thinners called anticoagulants. Fungal infection may also be a cause for hair loss. Improper hair care & styling like making use of tight hair rollers, coloring, bleaching, perming or wearing tight pigtails for a long time creates a tension on the scalp of the hair which further might cause hair loss.

Poor nutrition can also lead to hair loss as the body remains devoid of essential nutrients like vitamins, proteins, minerals to promote hair growth. For temporary hair loss which may be due to poor nutrition or stress, various treatments are available but there is almost no cure for permanent hair loss .On consultation a doctor might query you regarding your health as well as your family's medical history . He/she will also check your scalp and may take some samples for biopsy. On ascertaining the particular reason for hair loss, may it be due to medication, hormonal imbalance etc; the doctor would go for the requisite treatment. Certain extracts like memoxidil are also recommended to both men as well as women for early hair growth.

To prevent hair loss, proper hair care should be taken. Proper treatment for hormonal imbalance, proper medication along with a balanced diet could prevent hair loss. Hair transplantation technique which proved to be a ray of hope for those facing baldness, has also improved manifold from past several years.

About the Author

Sainiherb.com offers hair loss treatment and solution for hair loss victims. Hair Loss problems have become common problems for male and female. Women Hair Loss problem has become common concern nowadays.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease. It is not caused by old age, years of hard work, or injury. In fact, the true cause of rheumatoid arthritis remains unknown. In this disease, a person's immune system attacks the synovial membranes that cover the joints, causing pain, swelling, heat, and eventual deterioration of the joints.

This disease can onset at any age. When it occurs in children, it is called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This form is rarer than adult onset rheumatoid arthritis. When the disease occurs in adults, it occurs more often in women than in men. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that progresses over a person's lifetime. Currently there is no cure. Although the cause is unknown, the disease is known to have a strong hereditary component. Prior infections are also suspected to play a roll in the development of this disease.

Symptoms of this disease include pain, swelling, and stiffness in multiple joints. Usually the smaller joints of the body are affected, including the finger and wrist joints, the foot and ankle joints, and the joints in the cervical spine (the neck). Larger joints can also be affected, especially as the disease progresses. Joints on both sides of the body are usually affected, and multiple joints are affected, not just one or two.

When joint swelling occurs in rheumatoid arthritis, the joints become enlarged and warm to the touch. They may appear red in color. Stiffness is present in the affected joints, especially in the morning. A person may feel stiffness in the joints for an hour or more after getting out of bed in the morning. This makes movement difficult until the stiffness wears off. Other common symptoms a person may experience include fatigue, dry eyes, and skin lesions.

As rheumatoid arthritis progresses, joint deformities may occur. The knuckles of the fingers may deteriorate, causing the tendons of the finger muscles to pull the fingers toward the little finger side of the hands. This deformity is called ulnar drift. Another deformity that can occur is Boutonniere deformity, in which the small joints of the finger deform in a way to appear that the finger is permanently pushing down on a flat surface. The middle joint is flexed and the far joint is extended. A third deformity that can occur is swan neck deformity, where the joints deform in a way that causes the finger to take the shape of a swan's neck. The middle joint is extended and the far joint is flexed.

Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed through physical examination and blood tests. A positive indicator for rheumatoid arthritis is the presence of the rheumatoid factor in the blood. However, the absence of this factor does not mean that a person does not have rheumatoid arthritis. Other substances in the blood and physical symptoms are also used to diagnose this disease. It can take several months and several rounds of tests before the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is determined, as the early symptoms are similar to several other conditions.

Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis includes medications, regular exercise and weight loss, rest, adaptations to protect deteriorating joints, and other interventions such as physical and occupational therapies. Numerous diets and supplements exist to treat rheumatoid arthritis as well.

When treating rheumatoid arthritis, a person should work with a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in the treatment of arthritis. If a rheumatologist is not available in a person's area or insurance plan, a person should seek a doctor who has experience in arthritis treatment. A person should always discuss new medications and nutritional supplements with this doctor before trying them, as medication reactions are quite common and treatment setbacks might occur if medications and supplements interact. One example involves nutritional supplements that are designed to remove excess fluid from a person's system. These supplements work well in reducing swelling, but may also remove medications that are designed to build up in a person's system over time. The therapeutic effects of the medication may be reduced or eliminated entirely by the supplement. Therefore, while supplements may be effective and valuable in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, a person should always check with his or her doctor before trying a new one.

The progressive joint changes that occur in rheumatoid arthritis may force a person to make lifestyle changes to compensate for activities they can no longer do the same way. Energy conservation, joint protection, and work simplification techniques can help a person adapt activities so that he or she can still do what needs to be done in a day. Please refer to additional articles in this series for descriptions of these techniques.

Janet Meydam is an Occupational Therapist with 20 years of experience in the field. View her blog, Online OTR, for useful information on a variety of health related topics. http://onlineotr.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janet_Meydam

Friday, July 18, 2008

Preventing Heart Disease

Heart disease causes half of all deaths within the United States each year and is the leading cause of death worldwide. While there are some factors that are uncontrollable, many contributing factors are easily preventable by creating lifestyle changes.

High blood pressure is a major cause of heart disease, and high cholesterol greatly increases your chance of high blood pressure. To prevent high cholesterol, you need to avoid saturated fats found in red meats and dairy products such as cheese and butter. You'll also need to avoid other foods containing high amounts of oils and fats. Fish and chicken are much healthier alternatives. Also, choose baked rather than fried food and add more heart healthy fruits and vegetables into your daily food intake. Caffeine and salt should also be avoided as much as possible.

A heart healthy diet has been shown to be one of the best controllable ways to promote longevity. Talk with your doctor and check with the American Heart Association for the creation of the best possible heart healthy diet.

Another major contributor is smoking. It cannot be stressed enough that in order to prevent heart disease you should not smoke. Smoking is a major lifestyle contributor to deaths. Smoking makes your heart have to work harder and also contributes to high blood pressure. Even if you've been smoking for years, you can reap substantial heart healthy benefits by quitting now. This greatly reduces the chances of developing heart disease, and the longer you stay quit, the healthier you and heart will become.

Obesity is also a major preventable contributor. It is an increasingly common health problem in the United States and is responsible for much of the rising rates of heart disease related deaths in the country. To combat obesity, you need to develop a plan combining the reduction of caloric intake along with an exercise program developed to target weight loss. You need to incorporate new healthier eating habits not just in the short term for weight loss, but as a long-term lifestyle change to keep the weight off and to remain healthy.

Even if you are not obese, your chances of developing heart disease are much higher if you live a sedentary lifestyle. You should exercise at levels that increase your heart rate for at least 30 minutes three times a week. Your exercise does not necessarily have to be intense, as you will experience heart healthy results even with moderate levels of exercise. Exercise can be an enjoyable experience if you choose healthy activities that you enjoy.

Besides the major contributors, alcohol can also increase the chances of developing the disease. Moderate drinking (one to two drinks per day) can actually reduce the chances of developing heart disease. However, binge drinking or drinking excessively contributes to heart related problems and will also raise the level of fats within the blood and body.

Stress contributes to the development of heart disease, so learn to properly identify and deal with the causes of stress in your life. Learn stress reduction techniques to avoid negative affects on your heart's health.

While there are contributing factors out of our control such as heredity and age, you can make lifestyle changes to greatly reduce your chances of developing heart disease. Create a lifestyle of heart healthy living, and you will greatly decrease your chances of suffering. Promote your health and longevity by creating a heart healthy lifestyle.

Visit Tricori.com: Health Solutions To Your Health Concerns

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Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Vitamins for treating hair loss

Vitamins always have a main role to play in the treatment of hair loss. These are micronutrients that are to be provided through diet or by supplements.

They are not synthesized in the body except for little amounts of vitamin K and vitamin D. They are a group of micronutrients divided in to two categories- the fat soluble and the water soluble vitamins. Fat soluble vitamins comprise of vitamin A, D, E and K and water soluble vitamins comprise of Vitamin B complex and vitamin C. These are required in minute quantities for various functions in our body.

The minute quantities of vitamins really do a great job in preventing hair loss. Though androgen tic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss, vitamins supplements are helpful in the prevention of other types of hair loss as well.

Hair follicles grow actively and they require vitamins and minerals. Hair follicles are buried deep inside the skin and the hair shaft emerges out from the surface of the skin.

Vitamins along with minerals like iron and zinc prevent hair loss and they are included in almost all the preparations meant for treating hair loss.

The following are some of the essential vitamins that are useful in the treatment of hair loss.

* Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin. It is one of the most potent antioxidants. Any substance with antioxidant properties helps in preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth. Vitamin E also improves the blood circulation in the scalp. It is required in the dose of 400 IU per day. The source of vitamin E includes cold-pressed vegetable oils, wheat germ oil, soybeans, raw seeds and nuts, dried beans, and leafy green vegetables.

* Vitamin C is another well known antioxidant. Unlike vitamin E, it is a water soluble vitamin and it is found in good quantities in citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi, cantaloupe, pineapple, tomatoes, green peppers, potatoes and dark green vegetables. It has to be provided in the dose of 50 mg per day.

* Vitamin B12 also called as cyanocobalamin is found only in animal sources like chicken, fish, eggs and milk. The recommended daily intake is 1 microgram.

* Pantothenic acid which is a B complex vitamin helps in preventing hair loss and graying of hair. It has to be supplied in the dose of 4-7 mg per day. Whole grain cereals, yeast, organ meats and egg yolks are rich in pantothenic acid.

* Niacin which is a B complex vitamin when provided in the dose of 15 mg per day promotes hair growth by improving the scalp blood circulation. Yeast, wheat germ, fish, chicken, turkey and meat are rich in niacin.

* Pyridoxine which is also called as vitamin B 6 prevents hair loss and graying of hair. The sources include yeast, liver, whole grain cereals, vegetables, organ meats and egg yolk. The recommended dose is 1.5 mg per day.


About the Author

Brad chase owns and operates ProgressiveHealth.com which provides information on topics such as: Supplements and Vitamins for Hair Loss . He focuses on research articles that illustrate how nutrition, exercise, and diet affect well being.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Lung Cancer - Symptoms You Should Look Out For!

The implications of lung cancer are fatal and hence its seriousness cannot be undermined. Though steps cannot always be taken to prevent the disease, its symptoms can be understood and the paranoia reduced. A basic awareness of lung cancer symptoms can help us combat the disease.

The following are the frequently reported symptoms of lung cancer:

* The shortness of breath, which is more commonly known as dyspnea, is a symptom. Though excessive physical activity warrants dyspnea, it is also a lung cancer symptom.
* The coughing up of blood, which is medically known as hemoptysis, is an indication. It should not be confused with hematemesis, which denotes blood vomiting.
* An ache while coughing could be a warning. When there is an uncommon change in the pattern of coughing, lung cancer should be suspected.
* Weight loss, extreme exhaustion and a lack of desire for food, also called cachexia, can also be considered a symptom.
* Chest pain, which again is associated with heart disease and other medial causes, is a sign of lung cancer.

The following are the less common symptoms of lung cancer:

* Hoarseness in voice, medically termed as cachexia, is an indication the disease.
* A complication in swallowing, also known as dysphagia, is yet another sign. Though painful swallowing could also be classified under odynophagia, dysphagia should not be ruled out.
* Swelling of the face and the neck could be a sign of lung cancer. Where swelling in the neck arises due to bloated lymph nodes, the main blood vessel blockage from the head is the reason for facial swelling.
* Deformity in fingers and fingernails, also known as finger clubbing could be an uncommon lung cancer symptom.
* Apart from dyspnea, the shortness of breath could also be caused by pleural effusion. Pleural effusion is uncommon and denotes fluid around the lungs.
* Cancer that spreads itself at the upper lung is called pancoast tumor. This tumor could lead to a shoulder pain, pain in the bones, muscle weakness, weakening eyelids and a decrease in the sweating on a side of the face.

There are certain lung cancer symptoms, which are considered odd. These odd symptoms occur due to the unwelcome hormones brought about by lung cancer. These are:

* Protrusion of the eyes
* Numbness in the fingers, hands or legs
* Manifestation of lumps in the skin
* Changing sugar levels and an excruciating pain in the abdomen
* Swelling of breasts in men
* Manifestation of a lump in the tonsil or a salivary gland

It is important to look out for the common, uncommon as well as the rare symptoms of lung cancer. The doctors should be notified immediately so that they perform a diagnosis and clarify the underlying cause. Establishment of the cause, whether lung cancer or not, could hasten the treatment and lead to the betterment of the patients.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mini_K

Saturday, July 12, 2008

What is Arthritis? An Overview

The general term "arthritis" refers to a group of diseases that, in one way or another, attack the joints of the body. These attacks cause the joints to swell up and break down, resulting in pain, swelling, stiffness, fatigue, and loss of movement. There are over 100 diseases that fall into this group, but here are some of the more common ones:

Osteoarthritis - this is the most common form of arthritis. It is caused by wear and tear on a joint, due to either normal aging or by excessive strain from sports or heavy work. This condition is often seen in farmers, football players, people who have worked in manual labor jobs, and people of advancing age. Excess weight can increase the severity of this condition. Often only one joint is involved, although people who are elderly may have problems in several joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis - this disease causes a person's immune system to attack the joints, causing pain and swelling. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects multiple joints in the body and is known as a "systemic autoimmune" disease, as it attacks a person's system. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are more noticeable in the smaller joints of the body, such as the finger, wrist, and ankle joints. This disease can onset at any age. When it occurs in a person under the age of 18, it is labeled "juvenile rheumatoid arthritis". Severe deformities in the joints can occur as this disease advances with disability resulting.

Gout - this form of arthritis causes uric acid to build up in the affected joint, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. The big toe is the joint most often affected, but other joints may also be affected by gout. Men are affected by gout more than women and onset is most often between the ages of 50 and 60.

Lupus - Systemic lupus erythematosus, or "lupus", is another systemic autoimmune disorder, in which the immune system attacks all the parts of the body. Arthritis symptoms such as joint pain and swelling are only one component of this disorder. Although lupus is a severe disease and is historically considered fatal, recent advances in medication and treatment have increased the survival rate of people who have this disease. Lupus occurs at any age, but onset is seen most often in women.

Psoriatic arthritis - this form of arthritis occurs in people who have the skin condition psoriasis. Its symptoms are similar to rheumatoid arthritis, described above.

For more information about these and other forms of arthritis, please visit The Arthritis Foundation website at http://www.arthritis.org

Janet Meydam is an Occupational Therapist with 20 years of experience in the field. View her blog, Online OTR, for useful information on a variety of health related topics. http://onlineotr.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janet_Meydam

Thursday, July 10, 2008

From High Blood Pressure to Heart Attack and Kidney Problems

Blood is carried from the heart to all parts of your body in vessels called arteries. The pumping action of the heart must create enough force to push blood through the major arteries, into the smaller arteries, and finally into the tiny capillaries, where the porous walls permit fluid exchange between the blood and body tissue. The actual mechanisms which explain why the blood pressure is high has to do mainly with the constriction of the small arterioles which are in all of the tissues of the body. The body is usually successful at providing enough blood around the obstruction, but the pressure is low, including the pressure to the kidneys. In this way, that kidney may produce enough blood pressure to satisfy itself, while the rest of the body sees very high pressures as a result.

With high blood pressure, the heart works harder, your arteries take a beating, and your chances of a stroke, heart attack, and kidney problems are greater. It can enlarge the heart, create small bulges (aneurysms) in blood vessels, damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, harden arteries, produce bleeding in the eyes. In this situation, the kidney which is blocked doesn't "see" enough blood pressure, and releases chemicals causing the blood pressure to go up. If left unchecked, it can cause blood vessels in the kidneys to become thickened and narrowed, possibly leading to reduced blood supply and reduced kidney function. It is a major cause of kidney failure (renal failure) which may require dialysis Heart Failure is a frequent occurrence in long standing hypertension. Treating and controlling your hypertension can help prevent damage to your heart, brain, kidneys, blood vessels, and eyes.

Experts recommend investigation of patients who seem to be at above average risk on such epidemiological grounds as age and sex or on the presence of symptoms or signs of specific disorders. Many patients eventually require two or more drugs to effectively control their blood pressure. However, in some patients-- especially those who have made lifestyle modifications such as losing weight-- may be able to modify their anti-hypertensive medication regimen after hypertension has been controlled for at least one year. In patients with high blood pressure, side effects and costs of medications are also factors which weigh heavily on which agent if any is prescribed. For any number of reasons, patients may not take their drugs as prescribed or may not take them at all.

High blood pressure is a problem that won't go away without treatment and changes to your diet and lifestyle. The goal of treatment is to reduce your pressure to normal levels with medicine that's easy to take and has few, if any, side effects. Your physician will use both the systolic and the diastolic to determine your blood pressure category and appropriate prevention and treatment activities. For the physician, it is a difficult area due to the fact that patients don't feel bad, yet must be prescribed medicines which can be costly and have side effects which make the patient feel worse than they did prior to treatment. If your blood pressure has remained stubbornly high despite taking at least three medications, including a diuretic, you may have resistant hypertension - blood pressure that is resistant to treatment. If these causes of resistant hypertension aren't to blame or treatment doesn't work, talk to your doctor about joining a clinical trial for high blood pressure.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Rodgers

Monday, July 7, 2008

5 Different Steps to Quit Smoking

Smoking cigarettes is an extremely hard habit to kick. Most people, myself included used smoking in my everyday life and at times simply thought they couldn't live without it. When you are a smoker sometimes all you can think of is lighting up, kind of like a heroin anticipating his or her next fix. In fact, it has been medically proved that smoking cigarettes or nicotine dependency is just as addictive as heroin.

Now here are 5 ways you can get started down the path to a smoke free life.

Stop Smoking Cold Turkey

I know, sounds impossible, but believe me it is very possible. You just have to replace your smoking habit with something for the time being. I started chewing on straws from fast food restaurants and it worked like a charm. No nicotine patches, no nicotine gum promising the world, just throw away your current pack and never look back.

Don't Surround Yourself with Smokers

Even though I make this sound easy, it really isn't, but watch, once you are officially done with smoking cigarettes others will inevitably follow because that is exactly what happen in my case. I quit smoking and a month later two of my closest friends followed in my foot steps.

Make Sure Everyone Knows you are Quitting

There is nothing worse than being the only person not smoking in a room or family function when you are trying to quit. Let it be known, take let people light up in front of you or convince you that you can't quit. Tell them you are not smoking anymore and not to smoke around you. It is easier than you think when you learn to do it every time.

Get Rid of Anything that Reminds you of Smoking Cigarettes

Throw out cigarette packs and ashtrays. Get your car detailed and emphasize getting rid of the smell of smoke in your car. Trash all your lighters, matches or whatever you use to light up a cigarette. Get rid of it all!

Tell Yourself you Will Never Smoke a Cigarette Again!

If you are a goal oriented person, a constant competitor or you know you have to quit smoking because of your decline health then make the goal to NEVER smoke a cigarette ever again. It might sound silly, but once you start using these tips and get your mind set on quitting smoking, you will never look back.

Do you want to learn how to quit smoking? Start living a healthier life today without cigarettes! Quit Smoking Now!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barry_Ward

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Hair Falling Out - The Top 6 Myths

If you have recently noticed your hair falling out you're probably trying to figure out exactly why it's happening to you.

Thinning hair and baldness have been a problem for hundreds of years and at this point there are an absolute ocean of rumors that try to explain why hair loss occurs.

Even the father of modern medicine himself, Hippocrates, believed that he could cure hair loss by using a mixture of horseradish and pigeon droppings.

Our desire to stop balding is natural and understandable but before you get too far off in the rumor mill, let's look at six (6) of the most often heard myths about hair loss.

The Top 6 Myths about Hair Falling Out

#6. It's My Mom's Father's Fault

While it is true that genetic disposition to hair loss from the mother's side can be stronger, baldness can be passed down from either side of the family.

#5. Too Much Testosterone

Many people believe that hair loss in men is due to an overdose of testosterone. Hair loss comes from hair follicle damage via dihydrotestosterone (DHT) rather than testosterone. If testosterone alone caused hair loss, you would experience it all over your body.

#4. Wearing Hats Causes Hair Loss

This is believed by some because they think that hats can keep the scalp from breathing. In fact, hair follicles get their oxygen from the blood in your body and not from the air.

#3. Shampooing Too Much Can Make Your Hair Fall Out

People associate hair loss with shampooing because most of the time the shower is the first place where they notice fallen hair while inspecting clogged shower drains.

In an attempt to stop hair loss they stop shampooing as often. By doing this the hair that normally comes out during a shampoo is allowed to remain on the head and when shampoo is finally used, all of that hair comes out, causing a seemingly greater amount of hair loss.

The trick is to shampoo every day and the excess hair found in your drain will disappear.

#2. Hair Loss Only Affects Men

Big-time myth. Although baldness was initially only associated with men, it has been proven that over 30% of women will experience hair loss at some point in their lives.

#1. Hair Loss Is Not Treatable

Too many of us have fallen victim to the belief that pattern baldness and thinning hair cannot be treated. Millions of dollars a year are made by surgical hair restoration services and wig companies as a results of this feeling of powerlessness over hair loss.

The fact is that using treatment, men and women can stop hair falling out and reverse the effects of thinning hair.

By taking a few simple steps you can stop hair falling out and begin the process of growing new hair. To learn more about hair loss in men and women and get details on the only FDA approved hair loss treatment that has proven to be effective in almost every case, click here {hair falling out}.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lynn_Seggern

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Hair Loss Treatment - 5 Essential Hair Loss Vitamins

Most of us know that each part of our body is nourished by vitamins. In fact, we are often dependent on vitamin supplements to maintain our health. This is because our food choices do not always provide our body with all the vitamins and minerals needed in order to keep it strong and healthy.

What about our hair? There is one problem: it is very difficult to provide our hair with vitamins especially if those vitamins are needed elsewhere. Our body will start pulling away the vitamins and minerals from our hair if we are not providing our body with enough nutrients through our food intake. Thus, what we need in order to provide more vitamins for our hair is a balanced diet. We must be aware of the exact vitamins that our hair needs so that we would know what food we need to eat more of. Here is a list of vitamins that will help combat hair loss:

1. Vitamin A (Retinol)
It is an antioxidant that encourages the production of needed sebum in our scalp. The recommended daily dose is 5,000 IU. Vitamin A is found in apricots, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, peaches, eggs, milk, cheese, meat, and fish liver oil. Note that more than 25,000 IU of Vitamin A per day can be toxic. It can cause serious health problems as well as hair loss.

2. Vitamin B Complex
The B vitamins such as Niacin (B3), Pantothenic acid (B5), Pyridoxine (B6), and Cobalt (B12) aid in fighting hair loss. Recommended daily doses are 15 mg, 4-7 mg, 1.6 mg, and 2 mg, respectively. Niacin promotes the circulation of blood in the scalp area. It is found in fish, chicken, turkey, pork, beef, and wheat germ. Note that large intake of niacin may have harmful side effects; this is called niacin flush, which is heat sensation brought about by blood cell dilation. Pantothenic acid helps in reducing hair loss and premature graying of the hair. Examples of food that are rich in this vitamin are meat, whole grain cereals, and egg yolks. Pyridoxine aids in the creation of melanin, which gives our hair its color. It also helps prevent hair loss. It is found liver, vegetables, whole grain cereals, and egg yolk. Cobalt also helps prevent hair loss. Cobalt-rich foods are fish, eggs, chicken, and milk.

3. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
It is an antioxidant that maintains the health of our skin and hair. Citrus, kiwi, melons, pineapple, strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes, green peppers, and green vegetables are rich in this vitamin C. The recommended daily dose is 500 mg.

4. Vitamin E
Like vitamin B3, this vitamin promotes scalp circulation. Soybeans, dried beans, green leafy vegetables, and raw seeds and nuts are rich in this vitamin. The recommended daily dose is not more than 400 IU. Note that this vitamin can heighten blood pressure and decrease blood clotting. Thus, those who are on high blood pressure medication or on anticoagulants should not take vitamin E supplements without consulting their doctor.

5. Vitamin H (Biotin)
This actually belongs to the vitamin B complex group. It is considered as one of the most important hair loss vitamins. Inadequate supply of vitamin H may cause hair thinning and loss. Vitamin H aids in the metabolism of fats, which are essential in hair growth. It also aids in keratin production and helps prevent premature graying. Examples of vitamin H-rich foods are milk, eggs, liver, kidney, and yeast. The recommended daily dose is 300 mcg. It should be taken side-by-side with other B vitamins so that it would be more efficiently absorbed in the body.

Related topics: Women Hair Loss and 5 Herbal Hair Loss Treatments.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wong_Darren

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Natural Remedies For High Blood Pressure-Hypertension

High Blood pressure usually causes no symptoms until complications develop, this is why it is known as the "silent killer." Warning signs associated with advanced hypertension may include:

* Headaches

* Sweating

* Rapid pulse

* Shortness of breath

* Dizziness

* Visual disturbances

Blood pressure is usually divided into two categories, designated primary and secondary.

Primary hypertension is high blood pressure that is not due to another underlying disease. The precise cause is unknown, but a number of definite risk factors have been identified. These include:

* Cigarette smoking

* Stress

* Obesity

* Excessive use of stimulants such as coffee or tea

* Drug abuse

* High sodium intake

* Use of oral contraceptives

* Family history

Because too much water retention can exert pressure on the blood vessels, those who consume foods high in sodium may be at a greater risk for high blood pressure.

When persistently elevated blood pressure arises as a result of another underlying health problem, such as a hormonal abnormality or an inherited narrowing of the aorta, it is called secondary hypertension. A person may also have secondary hypertension because the blood vessels are chronically constricted or have lost elasticity from a buildup of fatty plaque on the inside walls of the vessel, a condition known as atherosclerosis. The narrowing and or hardening of the arteries makes circulation of blood through the vessels difficult. The result is high blood pressure.

Secondary hypertension can also be caused by poor kidney function, which results in the retention of excess sodium and fluid in the body. This increase in blood volume within the vessels causes elevated blood pressure levels.

When the heart pumps the blood through the arteries, the blood presses against the walls of the blood vessels. In people who suffer from hypertension, this pressure is abnormally high.

Whether blood pressure is high, low, or normal depends on several factors:

* The output from the heart

* The resistance to blood flow of the blood vessels

* The volume of blood

* Blood distribution to the various organs

If blood pressure is elevated, the heart must work harder to pump an adequate amount of blood to all the tissues of the body. Men tend to develop hypertension more often than women, but the risk for women rises after menopause and soon approaches that of men. A woman's risk of high blood pressure also increases if she takes oral contraceptives or is pregnant.

Eat a high-fiber diet and take supplemental fiber. Oat bran is a good source of fiber.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, such as apples, asparagus, bananas, broccoli, cabbage, cantaloupe, eggplant, garlic, grapefruit, green leafy vegetables, melons, peas, prunes, raisins, squash, and sweet potatoes.

Eat grains like brown rice, buckwheat, millet, and oats,

Take 2 tablespoons of flax seed oil daily.

Keep you weight down.

Be sure to get sufficient sleep.

It is important to support the solid health of the heart and circulatory system.

It's our gift to ourselves, how we take care of it. We can float through days, months, years, not paying any attention to our health. Yes, we are busy, things to do, children to raise, careers to contend with, but all these areas need us to be healthy. We need clean water & exercise, and nutrition to keep our bodies in good working vibrant condition.http://supplimentpros.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Geneda_Gilbert

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Six Major Causes of Hair Loss in Men and Women

1. Hair loss cause: Your dental fillings
No dermatologist or trichologist will ever ask you about this, and yet it is one of the most common causes for hair loss in men and women: your dental fillings. And even if you have had most of your toxic fillings taken out, you will still have the heavy metals in your body. Your hair will not be able to regrow unless you do a very specific detox for these metals.

2. Hair loss cause: Toxicity, not heredity
You may have been told that your hair loss problems are hereditary because other people in your family have this problem. However, there are only very few cases where this is true, and chances are you are not one of them. You do not have inherited faulty genes; you have inherited toxicity from your parents. If a woman has toxic dental fillings in her teeth while she is pregnant, she detoxes via the fetus. So even if you don't have any fillings, you still may have toxins in your body from your mother.

3. Hair loss cause: Drugs and vaccinations
If you 'do drugs' even on a casual basis and even if they are not hard drugs, you are giving yourself a small dose of chemotherapy every time, and you know what happens when someone gets chemotherapy treatment in hospital - they lose their hair. But even vaccinations and medically prescribed drugs can upset the immune system so much that hair falls out.

4. Hair loss cause: Foods
Is your diet causing your hair to fall out? There are certain foods that have been found to be detrimental to hair growth because they cause an underfunctioning of the thyroid. Then there is one specific food group that you must cut down on if you are a man with hair loss problems. Another type of food can lead to you losing the hair on your head and your entire body if you are sensitive to this food but keep on eating it.

5. Hair loss cause: Parasites
Parasites are not confined to third world countries; they are all around us. You can easily get them from your pets, from the grass in your garden or from eating food which someone prepared without washing their hands. Parasites live in your body and eat your food so that your hair does not get the necessary nutrients to thrive.

6. Hair loss cause: Stress
If you are having problems with your hair, you may notice that more hair is shed when you get stressed. Stress changes your blood chemistry and can make hair loss worse. If you want your hair back, you will have to do something about your stress. Self-hypnosis is a proven tool and an excellent way to help you become calmer again.

This article was written by Mandy Wallace following an interview with a renowned health kinesiologist with many years experience of treating hair loss in men and women, helping many clients to regrow their own hair naturally. Read her book "Regrowing Hair Naturally" at http://www.happyhealthyhair.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mandy_Wallace

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Sciatica

The pain known as sciatica (sometimes misspelled as "syatica" or "psyatica") is caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve (one on each side). The symptoms of sciatica usually start in the buttock and may extend partially or all the way down the leg. The sciatic nerves are each formed by nerve roots from the lower lumbar and sacral parts of the spinal cord. The individual nerve roots come together in the lower pelvis to form the sciatic nerves. Each sciatic nerve then runs from the pelvis down the back of each leg. The sciatic nerve splits into two parts below the knee and the two halves run down the back of the lower leg to the foot.

While there are several possible causes of sciatica, by far the most common source of sciatic nerve irritation is a bulging or herniated disc in the lower lumbar spine. A damaged disc may bulge into the opening where one of the nerve roots exits the spine on it's way to join other nerve roots as part of the sciatic nerve. The bulging disc may create direct nerve pressure, and/or may trigger inflammation and swelling, which can also cause pressure on the nerve. When this occurs, pain and other symptoms may be felt part along the course of the sciatic nerve, starting in the buttock area and possibly running down the leg, sometimes all the way to the foot.

Besides disc bulges, spinal openings for nerves may be narrowed by bone spurs or other bone formations related to spinal degeneration. In some cases, sciatica may result from direct trauma to the nerve after it exits the pelvis, such as what can happen if there is a direct impact or hard pressure applied in the lower buttock region. Rare sources of sciatica can include spinal tumors, which can compress sciatic nerve roots as they exit the spine. Another rare cause of sciatica is a cyst or tumor that compresses the sciatic nerve in the hip or knee area.

Not every buttock or leg pain that people think is sciatica is acutually sciatica. True sciatica (sciatic nerve irritation) is usually felt mostly in the back of the leg (not the front or side of the leg). Symptoms of true sciatica are described by various people as stabbing, burning, tingling, numbness/heaviness, or like an electric shock. But even if symptoms seem like sciatica, they are not always due to actual irritation of the sciatic nerve.

One common condition that closely mimics sciatica is caused by knots of contraction called trigger points in a muscle called the piriformis. The piriformis muscles are located on either side of the lower buttock area, running from the upper thigh bone to the edge of the sacrum (the triangular pelvic bone that is at the base of the spine). In addition to causing symptoms that mimic sciatica, tightness in the piriformis muscle may also cause true sciatic irritation, because the sciatic nerve actually runs through the center of the piriformis muscle in some people, and can be compressed by excessive muscle contraction.

Trigger points in other muscles in the buttocks and upper thigh can cause referred pain in the side of the leg that may be mistaken for sciatica as well. It should be kept in mind that true sciatica and piriformis syndrome are associated with symptoms that are primarily felt in the back of the leg. If symptoms are in the front or side of the leg, there's a good chance that the problem is not sciatica.

Treatment of sciatica is usually associated with treating a bulging disc. The first line of treatment is usually an attempt to reduce inflammation to reduce pressure on the nerve bymeans of oral medications. If oral medications fail, steroids may be injected in the area of the disc bulge in order to provide more potent anti-inflammatory effects. A variety of other types of treatment may also be used, such as physical therapy, massage, chiropractic or osteopathic spinal manipulation, acupuncture, or one of the newest forms of treatment, spinal decompression. In some situations, surgery may be recommended as a last resort.

Most episodes of sciatica will resolve within a period of several weeks with or without treatment, but due to the severity of the pain typically involved, most people with sciatica will seek out treatment. Unfortunately, due to misconceptions by doctors and patients alike regarding the nature of sciatica, the necessary steps to prevent a return of sciatica are usually not taken. So, even though most people do recover from a bout of sciatica, nearly all will eventually have problems again at some point. Even sciatica sufferers initially treated successfully with surgery will often have future problems with sciatica.

The good news is that with awareness of how to manage sciatica and a little bit of effort dedicated to prevention, most people can avoid ongoing long-term sciatica problems. The challenge is simply to making people aware of the necessity of a "management" versus "cure" approach to sciatica and getting them to follow-through with preventive exercises and other self-care techniques.


About The Author
Dr. George Best has been treating patients with sciatica and piriformis syndrome in his San Antonio practice for over 15 years. To educate people on the importance of properly managing sciatica long-term. Dr. Best has produced a free ebook and online video program on Sciatica and Sciatica, which you can access at http://www.SciaticaSelfCare.com.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

8 Tips to Prevent Worsening of Acne

Medicines are not the sole healers. Self-care and precautions go hand-in-hand with drugs to improve healing. If you suffer from acne, it is essential that you exercise caution to avoid worsening of symptoms.

Here are some easy home-care tips for acne:

(1) Wash your skin gently: Take care of your skin every day. As a general rule, wash it gently with water and a mild soap or an acne cleanser at least two but not more than three times a day.

However, do not scrub yourself too hard, as it can worsen the acne.

(2) Avoid sweating: If you find that excessive sweating worsens your acne, try to avoid activities that would cause you to sweat. Also, wash yourself after taking part in any strenuous activity.

(3) Dress comfortably: Wear soft, cotton clothing as far as possible. Other materials rub against the skin, causing irritation and worsening the acne. Acne can be made worse by tight chinstraps and bra straps rubbing against the skin.

(4) Choose cosmetics carefully: Certain cosmetics such as gels and hair mousses, which contain a large quantity of oil, can cause the acne to flare up. Use only non-comedogenic products, which are designed to not cause or worsen acne.

(5) Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight: Long hours under the sun can spell trouble for your skin. Always try to go out in the sun for a short time, if at all, and use a sunscreen with a high PPF when you do so.

(6) Wash your hair: Hair often falls onto the face and rubs against the skin. If it is oily or dirty, it can worsen the acne. Cleanse your hair with a good shampoo at least twice a week, and tie your hair up properly to prevent it from falling onto your face.

(7) Avoid exposure to chemicals: Avoid environments that would expose you to harsh chemicals like petroleum and coal dust.

(8) Reduce stress: Stress plays an important role in causing, as well as worsening, acne. Learn stress-management techniques and do some form of aerobic activity to help you manage stress.

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About the Author

Mark Dulisse is website owner of www.all-in-one-health, a leading health and wellness website.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Vitamin ABCs: Bioflavonoids -- Do I Really Need Them, or Can I Just Take Vitamin C?

Roses are red, violets are blue, oranges are orange, and lemons are yellow. Is this a rhyme gone wrong? No, it's the beginning of a recipe for good health. Each of these and, in fact, almost every plant whether fruit, vegetable or flower contains an ingredient that gives the plant its color and helps ward off natural predators. That ingredient is bioflavonoids and, in the human, their function is much the same. Find out why you need bioflavonoids, and how you can get them.

Bioflavonoids, also known as flavonoids, are sometimes called 'nature's biological modifiers.' Their powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties boost the immune system to protect us from viruses, carcinogens and allergens, and help fight the free radical damage that can make us ill and old before our time both inside and out.

What can bioflavonoids do for you?

Studies have shown that bioflavonoids help strengthen the walls of capillaries the blood vessels that enable hormones, nutrients, antibodies and oxygen to travel to our cells and help prevent bruising, bleeding gums and hemorrhaging in the brain and retina.

Bioflavonoids also help blood clots, protect us from carcinogens that invade the heart and blood cells, stop or slow the growth of malignant cells, and act as natural antibiotics.

But that's not all. Bioflavonoids are vital elements in over three hundred different bodily functions. Here's the rundown on just a few of the most widely known:

- Quercetin provides the quick response to an allergic reaction or inflammation. It's also a powerful free radical fighter, can inhibit the spread of viruses, treat varicose veins and bruises, and may be helpful in the fight against many diseases including Alzheimer's and cancer. Your best source of quercetin is apples -- yes, an apple a day may keep the doctor away -- but it can also be found in onions, blueberries and cranberries.

- Epicatechin is largely used for heart health as it maintains the integrity of the blood vessels. A study published in the January 16 online issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found epicatechin to be directly linked to improved circulation and other elements of cardiovascular health. Epicatechin is plentiful in blueberries and grapes, as well as some teas and cocoas. (That's right, chocoloate!!)

- Polyphenols are more powerful antioxidants than both vitamins C and E and are the ingredients that give green tea its reputation as a health drink. In addition to fighting free radicals, studies have also shown polyphenols may boost the immune system, strengthen the cardiovascular system, and inhibit the development of cancer. Polyphenols are found in many foods, including grapes, green tea, soybeans and wine -- some are even derived from tree bark.

- Oligomeric proanthocyanidins do just about everything -- strengthen blood vessels, fight free radicals, and inhibit the destruction of collagen, the protein that supports many tissues throughout the body, gives us strong bones, hair and teeth, and provides the structure that keeps our skin firm. Where can you get them? The black chokeberry has the highest content found so far, but they are also found in pine bark, grape seeds, grape skin, certain red wines, bilberries, cranberries, chokeberries, black currants, and green and black teas.

Bioflavonoids work in tandem with vitamin C: they are somewhat interdependant. In fact, researchers have found that many of the functions attributed to vitamin C are actually performed by bioflavonoids.

If you're looking for an overall boost, bioflavonoids are one of the best choices you can make. They're available as supplements with vitamin C, or by themselves. Many people currently taking vitamin C alone really notice the difference when they add bioflavonoids to the mix. Give them a try. With so much to offer there's really nothing to lose, and a lot to gain.

About the Author

Author, Gloria MacTaggart, contributes articles on vitamin ABCs for Feelgoodforlife.com. More information on these and other topics can be found at http://www.feelgoodforlife.com.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Five Steps to a Healthy Heart

The heart is an extraordinary organ in our body. Our life and death depend on our heart. Our live begins when we have our first heartbeat and our life ends when the beating of our heart stops. People may argue the level of importance our heart in our body as compared with other organs of the body, but none can argue the fact that we need our heart to live. That is why we need to take extra good care of our heart.

The first step to a healthier heart is to exercise regularly. Even the littlest amount of exercise can help us to maintain the health of our heart. This is because regular exercises play an important role in preventing heart or coronary diseases. Exercises give our heart the stamina it needed to pump blood into our veins.

If you have a poor heart, do some simple exercises but do take care to not over-strain your heart. Simple exercises like a long and leisurely walk at the beach or the park can really help you to be in a better physique that will ultimately influences the health of your heart.

The second step that you can take to take care of your heart is to stop smoking or to not start the bad habit of smoking. Smoking is bad for your heart because smoking can increase the risks of hypertension, heart and coronary diseases and even strokes. Not many people realize that smoking is also the key cause to cardiovascular diseases. This is because smoking can actually cause the fatty substances to build up in our arteries. These built up fats will eventually block our arteries and cause us to have a heart attack or a stroke.

To prevent yourself from getting a heart disease, you must also limit your alcohol intake to the minimum level. This is because, just the same as smoking, alcohol consumption will have harmful effects on your arteries that will one day lead to heart attack and stroke.

Alcohol consumption will also lead to increased risks of hypertension. Alcohol when consume in moderation will have a good effect on our body. The alcohol raises the level of the HDL, which is the good cholesterol and thus will help to protect us from heart diseases. But only when consumed in moderation.

The fourth step to preventing heart diseases is to have a good and healthy diet routine. Eating healthily can not only maintain the health of our heart, it can also lower our cholesterol level and also our blood pressure. To have a good and healthy diet plan, do make sure to include a lot of greens or vegetables into your diet. Do not forget to consume the minimum portion of fruits for your daily intake to ensure that your body have the right level or vitamins and minerals.

The last step that we can follow to make sure we have got a good and healthy heart is to keep and maintain a healthy weight. People suffering from obesity have more chances of contracting heart diseases than the people who have normal body mass indexes.

There were studies that showed cases where heart diseases were linked directly to heart failures. So obese people should really try their best to lose some weight and those on the edge to obesity should take care of their weight as to not have heart problems in the future.

Heart diseases are scary but they are treatable. And if we take enough prevention measures, there might not even be any need for treatments. Do the right thing, and start your prevention steps now.

About the Author

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Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Mesothelioma Variants

Mesothelioma is a rare yet deadly cancer that almost always surfaces in a malignant form and results in tumors on significant organs of the body. Most people believe mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium. So what exactly is the mesothelium? The mesothelium is a film or sac that surrounds vital organs in an attempt to protect them (such organs can include the lungs and heart). Mesothelioma can almost always be attributed to asbestos. While we might think there exists only one form of mesothelioma, there actually several. We will be talking about pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, and pericardial mesothelioma. As unfortunate as it may be, mesothelioma's symptoms don't surface until the disease has progressed, which at times can be several years following exposure to asbestos. As one might guess, this can make diagnosis a pain and treatment a near impracticality.

Pleural mesothelioma is the widely known variant of mesothelioma. In this form of mesothelioma, tumors develop on the lining of the lungs. Most people with the disease have a difficult time swallowing, breathing, and getting around without coughing. They may also experience other symptoms such as weight loss.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a more uncommon form of mesothelioma. This variant of the disease sheds ill will on the lower parts of the body, particularly the abdomen and stomach. This cancer can start in either of the two locations and metastize (grow into other parts of the body). This variant of the disease tends to bring about more severe symptoms such as nausea and blood clots. Since these tumors can put pressure on surrounding organs, they can make for an unpleasant sensation.

Finally, its time we talk of a very rare type of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma. That variant focuses on the heart and can bring palpitations and breathing problems.

If you are or have ever experienced these types of symptoms, its best to speak to a doctor.

About the Author

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Saturday, May 31, 2008

Eczema Cure

There are two ways to treat eczema. Either natural remedies or going to a skin specialist. Medical science has various remedies for eczema cures. They both qualify as an eczema cure. The difference between the two methods is the time it takes to alleviate the condition. In a large majority of cases, the eczema cure prescribed by a skin specialist will work faster.

When people go to a skin specialist, the specialist will determine the treatment essentially by elimination. They start out with basic aetioligical (causes of diseases and the factors underlying their spread) causes. They involve various types of allergens, responsible for allergic dermatitis. When the cause is determined, it is a simple matter of eliminating it from the sufferer's life.

The second treatment is Symptomatic treatment that looks at topical and systemic course of therapy. The localization of the eczema helps in determining the type of eczema and therefore the potential treatment. Basic guidelines for avoiding substances and situations follow:

Water can be a major contributor to eczema. Bathing too frequently in hot water will dry out the skin and that is what we are trying to get rid of. Just sit in a tub for more than 20 minutes and check your pruny fingers. That pruning effect happens because the skin is releasing moisture. If you have eczema, then avoid irritants to the skin like the plague. Materials like alkali, detergents, and soaps and topical solutions or creams that contain alcohol. There are gentle and non-alkali soaps available everywhere.

If you are seeing a skin specialist, then bathing is an important consideration in your treatment. The patient should take short baths of 10 to 15 minutes in warm, not hot, water. Some of the substances they should avoid or at least lessen up on are permanganate tar, colloid (salts) and bath oil. Also when you are drying after a bath or a shower, use a patting motion instead of rubbing. It will irritate the eczema area if you rub it. To help the eczema cure along you should apply moisturizers after taking a bath. Moisturizers with non distracted emollient are the only ones you should consider. If your eczema is on the scalp, then you can protect it with the use of tar or mild shampoos.

Eczema cures can by hastened by wearing relevant clothing. Eliminate all woolen and synthetic fabrics. Instead use cotton wears. In addition the patient should avoid heat, both air temperature and hot foods or liquids. Using these heightens circulation of the blood which leads to increased itch. Another cause that most people don't consider is their lifestyle. Too much stress and anxiety isn't good for anyone but it really affects people with eczema.

The selection of emollients relies upon the skin condition of the patient. The doctor will check frequently with the patient to make sure that the treatment is progressing at it should. A typical eczema cure involves rich emollients to be applied in the night time and creams to be applied during the day. The emollients used will not stain clothing and makes sleep more comfortable by eliminating some of the itch of eczema.

Emollients are a substitute for the natural oils and act to closing or wrapping small fractures in the skin. It also renovates the protecting film over the skin. Rigorous pruritus (intense itching) can be reduced with tolerable, recognizable methods. Stopping the itching and scratching spans is the most important function of these emollients. The patient can help the emollients by applying a cold cloth with gentle pressure. For patients that suffer from atopic dermatitis, the goal should be to avoid the allergens such as house dust and dust mites.

About the Author

Dry and scaly skin must go. Ken

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Survival Rates Of Breast Cancer At Different Stages

Survival Rates Of Breast Cancer At Different Stages

Where the disease has not metastasized, the five-year survival rate for women suffering from breast cancer is about 86%. That percentage means that 86% of women who develop breast cancer live for at least five years after diagnosis. The good news is that depending on the stage it is discovered, the survival rate can be even higher than the overall average.

As with most cancers, breast cancer, develops in stages. A standard classification of letters and numbers is used to describe the stages - T, N and M and 0-IV. The alphabet T denotes the size of the tumor while alphabet N denotes that it has spread to the lymph nodes and the alphabet M means distant metastasis. When a primary tumor spreads to another area/s and forms more tumors, it has metastasized.

When a tumor cannot be assessed, it is designated the classification of TX. Where there is no indication of cancer, T0 is used. If one of the following forms is suspected - DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ), LCIS (lobular carcinoma in situ) or Paget's disease (where the nipple and/or areola is cancerous) - Tis is used.

Stage 0 indicates that the cancer is in its earliest stage. Stage I indicates that tumors have not spread and are less than 2cm in size. A tumor that is 2-5cm in diameter is classified as Stage II, and a tumor larger than 5cm is considered Stage III. When a tumor has attached to the chest wall and spread to the lymph nodes it is considered to be Stage IV.

Today, due to medical advances, many breast cancers are diagnosed and treated during the early stages.

When treatment is given to patients who are at Stage 0 or 1, the survival rates are almost 100%. And yes, men can develop breast cancer, though at a far lower rate of 1/133 when compared to women. For those with cancer in Stage II, the survival rate is at 81% to 92%. At Stage III the rate lowers to 67%, and then drops substantially to 20% at Stage IV.

Although it is a very serious illness, breast cancer is seldom life threatening. Women who have advanced stages of cancer have been known to live for more than seven years. As technology and medicine advance, survival rates increase. Even later stage cancer survival rates are rising as medical and treatment methods improve.

A fairly new method of diagnosing cancer is the QM-MSP (quantitative multiplex methylation-specific PCR) method. It was invented in 2001 and it involves tests done on fluids taken from the breast area. The chemical analysis undertaken during this test allows cancer to be detected with 86% reliability, and cancer clumps with as little as 50 cells can found. Treatment given in the early stages is highly effective, and new methods like this allow cancer to be diagnosed at the earliest possible stage.

Treatments are also improving, with hormone therapy, targeted radiation and molecule specific drugs now readily available.

Breast cancer is no longer the death sentence it used to be. Although the disease is still a matter of serious concern, the chances of survival are high and treatments are now less invasive.

Read more at - http://www.breastcancer01.info/

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Saturday, May 24, 2008

Natural Remedy For Acid Reflux

The term acid reflux is where the contents of the stomach flow in the wrong direction back up the tube from the stomach to the throat. This is a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract (digestive system) and even though this condition is often known by different names, they have similar symptoms. The stomach uses hydrochloric acid to digest the food and when this tries to escape the stomach up the esophagus, With this condition, acid in the stomach tries to escape up the food pathways and this is the reason for the burning pain.

When we eat and swallow our food it is allowed into the stomach area to be digested by the esophageal sphincter valve which should then close back up in order to stop the hydrochloric acid from escaping. The esophageal sphincter should close and trap the acid but when this doesn't happen and the acid escapes back up the digestive tract the condition of acid reflux or heartburn is the result. Doctors abbreviate the condition to GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disorder. Though the root causes are often unclear, perhaps the most prevalent acid reflux cause is a poor diet; factors that include overeating, can also put a strain on the stomach and contribute to the disorder.

Many people that overeat find they have this condition because their eating habits affect the stomach walls and place pressure on the muscles surrounding them. The release of this 'pressure' results in the stomach acids trying to flow back up the digestive tract. The aim is to lessen the stress on your stomach and stop any damage the stomach acid will cause to your esophagus. To prevent this from happening you should eat small meals throughout the day. To maintain health your digestive system needs to be healthy so requires looking after if you want to remain in good health as well. The stomach carries out not only the breaking down of food but processing it into nutrients that can be absorbed by the body.

A short term solution may appear to be the drugs that are easily purchased over the counter but guidance is needed. Unfortunately they can have side effects when used as the only method to reduce the incidences of heartburn. A more permanent and Natural Remedy For Acid Reflux requires you to change the way you eat and what you eat. Follow the directions in "Stop Acid Reflux Now" and within a short time you should find your stomach has had a chance build up its resistance considerably. If you can reduce the heartburn occurrences, in time you may well be able to slowly start eating those dishes that have needed to be cut out.

Of course acid reflux can also be aggravated by a number of other situations; for instance:

* Regular smoking
* Having allergies to particular foods e.g. peanuts
* Medication
* Too much alcohol
* After meal napping

As you can tell, most of these factors can be overcome by practicing some behavioral modifications and a change in lifestyle, The number of heartburn episodes that occur should diminish. This is how you may be able to clear your acid reflux disorder completely. Ultimately the choice is yours to make!

About the Author

C.M. researches and writes about emerging natural yet scientifically proven remedies for today's health issues. Finally! Straight Forward, Simple-To-Follow Methods To Effectively And Naturally Overcome Painful Acid Reflux, Heartburn & GERD: Click Here!

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Boys and Puberty: 7 Tips On How To Deal With Acne

Many people think that boy's puberty and acne are not a cause for concern but boys might disagree. Acne can have an affect on the self esteem of the young man and makes this transitional time harder to deal with.

Boys, puberty and acne can be managed if you know what to do. When the boy starts showing signs of acne you can try a change in his diet. Some folks agree that eating greasy foods or foods that contain chocolate may add to the problem of boys, puberty and acne. Although most experts disagree with this acne myth.

It is important for the boy to keep his face clean. There are many products on the market that can be used for cleansing if acne is a problem. Boys during puberty may find these products to be helpful.

Sometimes puberty and stress can combine to make acne even worse. Find the causes of stress and work on reducing or eliminating it. The acne itself can lead to stress and then you have a vicious cycle. A boy during puberty does not need the added stress of acne.

When you are dealing with boys during puberty it is helpful to know some things about acne. Here are some tips about boys during puberty who are experiencing acne.

Acne tip #1: Take the condition seriously. Acne outbreaks may not seem like a big deal to you but they may be a big deal to a boy during puberty.

Acne tip #2: Suggest a gentle skin cleaning regimen rather than severe scrubbing with harsh cleaners. A mild cleanser that can be used twice a day is all that is needed.

Acne tip #3: Ask a doctor or dermatologist for skin car advice. A health care professional will be able to guide you as far as a good cleaning program.

Acne tip #4: It is not a good idea to squeeze or pick at blemishes. This practice only makes the acne worse, and makes the scars last longer.

Acne tip #5: Try using acne skin care products that do not promote blemishes. There are skin care products that are labeled as non-comedogenic that should not clog pores.

Acne tip #6: If the boy is shaving try using different types of razors. Sometimes an electric razor is the best but for other boys a safety razor will be more comfortable.

Acne tip #7: If the acne is severe you may need a dermatologist to prescribe a medication for the boy during puberty. Sometimes a prescription is necessary to lessen the affects of the acne.

Boys during puberty need a lot of support and understanding. Learning the best way to combat an acne condition will help a boy during puberty so that he can cope with all the other changes that he is going through.

Acne is one of the most common skin problems in people across the world. Go here http://acnope.com/?rodolf to see how you can treat your scin problems.

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I am a new author and just starting with articles

Saturday, May 17, 2008

How to treat Dry Scalp problems?

Dry scalp is one common issue that people face, especially in winter where you are moving in and out of heated areas frequently. The skin of the scalp becomes tight and itchy and tiny flakes of dead skin are showered by combing and brushing. Dry scalp conditions are often misidentified as dandruff, and are treated as such, which can worsen the condition depending on the treatments used. Dry scalp occurs when the hair strand exiting the scalp is not being lubricated by the sebaceous gland.

Good hair days start with a healthy scalp. Its job, after all, is to grow strong shiny strands. But dry indoor air can zap moisture and dissolve protective oils from the skin on your head, leaving it itchy and flaky and your mane dull and unmanageable. Gently massage conditioner into your scalp after every shampoo to hydrate it and lift away some of the flakes.

Tips for getting rid of Dry Scalp Gently massage conditioner into your scalp after every shampoo to hydrate it and lift away some of the flakes. Lather up with clarifying shampoo weekly. These deep-cleaning formulas rid hair of product buildup and help loosen dead skin cells on the scalp. Turn down the heat. Hot water can zap natural oils from your scalp, making it ultra dry and sensitive; also choose the lowest heat setting on your blowdryer. Try a final rinse of one cup warm water mixed with two to three tablespoons of white vinegar. This will also bring out the highlights in your hair and make it shiny. Massage table salt into your dry scalp before shampooing with an acid-based shampoo. Try an oil treatment in which you massage olive oil into your hair and scalp, cover your hair with plastic wrap and with two wet towels. Keep the towels on your head for twenty minutes, then remove oil with two washings. Supplement your diet with foods rich in Vitamins C and B, which promote a healthy scalp, and healthy hair. Using Essential Oils for Dry Scalp Zinc Pyrithione: It is the most widely used active ingredient from a natural source. It's used to treat dandruff, seborrheic dermatitus, psoriasis, eczema and numerous other skin and scalp disorders. Jojoba - Is excellent as a scalp moisturiser and helps to rebalance sebum. Tea Tree Oil - Treatment for dry scalp, dandruff, lice, and underactive sebaceous glands. Basil: Oily hair promotes growth Chamomile Clary sage Lavender - Scalp treatment for itchiness, dandruff, and even lice Lemon - Gives golden highlights; treatment for dry scalp, dandruff, lice, and underactive sebaceous glands Myrrh Dry Scalp Home remedy Home remedy for dry itchy scalp Take ¼ c oatmeal and soak in water for 20 mins. Mix well and then strain the liquid adding it to a cup. Add 5 drops lavender oil (or lavender stalks steeped in ¼ cup hot water. Add 5 drops rosemary (or rosemary stalks steeped in ¼ cup hot water. Allow to cool until tepid. Mix the liquids together and dab on your scalp...leave in for 10 mins to soothe the itch. This a good temporary soother for itching. Chamomile tea is also soothing! Garlic and oil of oregano are also excellent for fighting dandruff. You can take it internally or externally depending on what seems to work best for your situation. Both are sold in health food stores as capsules or tablets.

About the Author

Sander Bel writes articles for Dry Scalp Home Remedies. He also writes for Alternative Medicines and Home Remedy

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Anxiety Depression: What it is and How to Deal With it

Anxiety depression is very common, and this is a condition that results when one suffers from an anxiety condition of some sort. If you think you are suffering from anxiety depression, it is important that you have a proper assessment and diagnosis performed, but first you should learn a bit more about the condition and about what is involved with it.

What it is

Anxiety depression is caused by anxiety disorders, which are a group of conditions with exaggerated anxiousness and worry about a number of concerns, which persists for an extended period of time.

A certain amount of anxiety is normal, but when it becomes persistent and starts to interfere with your day to day living, you most likely have a disorder and will have to be treated appropriately. Anxiety disorders are actually the most common of all mental disorders, and the worst part is that people suffering from anxiety usually know that their thoughts and fears are not rational but can do nothing about it.

Dealing With it

If you do have an anxiety depression problem, there are a few things that you may want to try. Treatment for anxiety disorders is just as varied as the people themselves, so you should never assume that just because a certain treatment worked well for one person's condition that it will do the same for you.

One person may find relief from a medication or therapy while for another the only relief may be found through self-help or alternative medicine.

The most important thing is to remember that even though it may be extreme, anxiety depression is treatable, and you can get back to feeling like your regular old self once again. You need to have a qualified and experienced doctor working with you, one that you trust and one you can depend on.

You are really going to have to work together with them as a team in order to ensure that you have the best chances of success and that you are not going to be putting yourself in any danger by using the wrong mediation or too high a dosage of medication, for instance.

Just make sure that you stay positive because this will be a very important part of your treatment. It is important to not let yourself get too depressed, and that you keep in mind that there are treatments available that will help you to get better.

Discover On More information on how you can overcome panic attacks here at Curepanicattack

About the Author

Rachel is an internet marketer who loves to write in various topics including health matters like anxiety and panic attacks , Find out More on Information about Panic Attacks

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Information on Strep Throat

Sore throat is a painful inflammation of the pharynx. The pharynx (pronounced FAAR-ingks) is the part of the throat that lies between the mouth and the larynx (pronounced LAAR-ingks), or voice box. It is associated most commonly with the common cold (see common cold entry) or influenza (the flu; see influenza entry). While most sore throats heal without complications, in some cases, they develop into a serious illness.

How is Strep Throat Transmitted? Strep Throat is transmitted directly from person to person by coughing, sneezing, and close contact. Very occasionally strep throat is passed through food, when a food handler infected with strep throat accidentally contaminates food by coughing or sneezing.

Signs and Symptoms of Strep Throat The signs and symptoms of strep throat are red, sore throat with white patches on tonsils, swollen lymph nodes in neck, fever, and headache. Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain are more common in children. The patient will usually not have a cough, unlike in a viral infection.

More often than not, a sore throat is usually caused by allergies or a viral infection that will usually go away on its own. But some sore throats are the result of the bacteria streptococcus and are more serious.

Strep throat is highly contagious: you and your child may catch it at school, kinder garden, work, from your family members or any group of people. It usually affects people in early spring, winter or the last days of the fall, but it may also occur in other months of the year. You can have this bacterial infection at any age, but most at risk are teenagers and kids.

In addition, allergies (allergic rhinitis) can cause a sore throat. Usually, treatment will be delayed until the culture results are known. Doctors will often begin treatment of a sore throat immediately if there is a family history of rheumatic fever, if the patient has scarlet fever, or if rheumatic fever is commonly occurring in the community at the time. Otherwise, antibiotics should NOT be given without a positive strep test (culture or rapid strep test).

Strep throat is a contagious disease caused by infection with streptococcal bacteria. Strep throat symptoms include fever, pain, redness, and swelling of the throat and tonsils. Strep throat may produce mild or severe symptoms. Sore throat (pharyngitis) is a painful inflammation of the pharynx, which is the part of the throat that lies between the mouth and the larynx (voice box). Sore throat is often a symptom of various illnesses such as colds and flu, glandular fever, respiratory tract infections, tonsillitis, and chickenpox. While most sore throats heal without complications, in some cases, they develop into a serious illness. Although strep throat is most common in school-aged children and teens, adults may also get this disease. Strep throat is more widespread during the school year when a large number of students are present in an enclosed space, laughing, yelling, sneezing, and coughing.The bacteria are present in the nose and throat, so normal activities such as sneezing, coughing, or shaking hands can spread the infection to other people. The infection can also be acquired by touching objects such as books, tables, or other hard surfaces that were handled by an infected person.


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