Summer Sun Skin Care Tips

With Summer now officially declared here in the Philippines, there are many people both locals and tourists alike that are getting ready to head off to the land of sun and sea. Many are so eager to get wet and tanned and party out like there is no tomorrow. But the question that most people seem to forget to ask is whether they are packing enough to be prepared for the modern day sun and its rather potent UV Rays.

A lot of people like getting a tan for many reasons though most of which are for aesthetics. Many feel that a tan makes them feel and look healthier, or sexier, some would even go through time consuming efforts to get a tan such as lying at the beach or pool for hours.  For whatever the reason, one has to understand that extensive exposure to the sun can result in more than just a nice tan.

The science behind the reason why people get tanned when exposed to sunlight constantly is that tanning is a result of the skin reacting to potentially damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The change in skin color is caused by the production of additional pigmentation in an effort to protect itself from the sun. Repeated exposure to UV radiation either from the natural sun or from exposure to sun lamps in tanning salons, increases the risk of premature aging and skin cancer, but also increases risk of getting sunburns which is quite painful. 

A sunburn is a burn from the UV radiation of the sun. It is considered mostly as a first degree burn which if occurs to more than enough area on your skin could be quite life threatening if left unattended.

There are different types of UV wavelengths in the light spectrum — UV-A and UV-B. Both are damaging to the skin. UV-B damages the outer layer or skin while UV-A rays penetrate the deeper layers of skin. Both UV-A and UV-B are responsible for premature aging, wrinkles and sunburns which is what most people are trying to avoid especially when they get much older. 

It is important to take precautions against sunburns. There are also a particular demographic type of people that need to be more careful when it comes to sun exposure. These people are:

• Caucasian type skin or white/pale skinned individuals
• Those who have been treated for skin cancer or have a family history of skin cancer
• Who are on medications- Some prescription drugs and skin products can cause sensitivity to the sun. make sure to check the prescription labels for side effects and check with your physician or pharmacist

Tips to protect yourself from the Sun's harmful UV radiation

Use Sunscreen

• Sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are good for water sports because they last longer.
• SPF (sun protection factor) or at least 15. SPF refers to the degree of protection. The higher the number the better the protection.
• Broad spectrum protection- protects against both UV-A and UV-B
• Water-resistant sunscreens hold up better and last longer. However, these products still need to be reapplied regularly.

Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or after you go in the water or sweat. Even with sunscreen it is still possible for people to get a tan.

Reduce Your Time in the Sun

UV rays are at its strongest and most dangerous during midday hours, especially from 10am to 4pm. Stay in the shade as much as possible during these hours, even on cloudy days as the cloud only tends to block off roughly about 17% of the sun's radiation. It’s still possible to get sunburn when it’s overcast outside. 

Dress Appropriately and Bring Necessary Accessories 
Use your favorite caps, hats and umbrella next time you hit the beach. It’s important to wear clothes that protect your body to avoid sunburn. Wear sun-protective clothing, such as a hat with larger brim or long sleeves and pants to protect yourself.

Check Yourself

Check your skin regularly for signs of skin cancer. It is best to be on the look out for new moles, spots or sores. Look for changes in the size, shape or color of existing birthmarks and moles especially irregularly shaped moles.

Long-term consequences of overexposure to the sun are significant. Just one blistering sunburn doubles your chances of developing malignant melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Skin cancer is directly related to the amount of sun exposure you have had. This is determined by skin pigmentation and hours in the sun. 

Exposure over a long period of time can cause premature wrinkling, aging of the skin, and age spots.

Make sure to speak with your doctor if you have any concerns regarding your skin. You can still have fun in the sun without compromising your health.

Overall, it is quite important to be very careful about how much exposure you would want to have under the sun's powerful rays most especially at the beach as many would tend to over look it once they hit the cool waters and soothing breeze.

Have lots of fun this summer. Till Next Time...

-Metz-

OTC Meds To Bring While Traveling

I am not an advocate of using over the counter medications on a regular basis but I do see the benefits of these medications while traveling as a tourist to certain destinations and giving the travelers much needed medical relief at least for the time being. But one thing that you should always keep in mind is that any medication that you'll be using whether prescription medication or over the counter still needs your doctor's advice. 

All the medications here are for generic symptoms. If the symptoms do persists, no matter where in the world you are, I strongly recommend to consult a medical specialist immediately. If you are on any special medication or have a special condition it is strongly advised to check with your specialist first. You might also need a letter with a copy of the prescription from your doctor if you need to bring your special medications along with you in your travels. 

While traveling here are the basic OTC medications that you should include in your medic pack:

Ibuprofen: is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It works by reducing hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. Ibuprofen is used to reduce fever and treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditions such as headache, toothache, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps, or minor injury..

Simethicone:  is used to relieve symptoms of extra gas such as belching, bloating, and feelings of pressure/discomfort in the stomach/gut. Simethicone helps break up gas bubbles in the gut.

Ranitidine: is used to treat ulcers; gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition in which backward flow of acid from the stomach causes heartburn and injury of the food pipe (esophagus); and conditions where the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Over-the-counter ranitidine is used to prevent and treat symptoms of heartburn associated with acid indigestion and sour stomach. Ranitidine is in a class of medications called H₂ blockers. It decreases the amount of acid made in the stomach

Loperamide: is a medication that is used for the relief of acute diarrhea and the management of chronic diarrhea in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis). The effectiveness of loperamide is comparable to another anti-diarrheal, diphenoxylate (Lomotil)

Bisacodyl: is used on a short-term basis to treat constipation. It also is used to empty the bowels before surgery and certain medical procedures. Bisacodyl is in a class of medications called stimulant laxatives. It works by increasing activity of the intestines to cause a bowel movement.

Pseudoephedrine: is used to relieve nasal congestion caused by colds, allergies, and hay fever. It is also used to temporarily relieve sinus congestion and pressure. Pseudoephedrine will relieve symptoms but will not treat the cause of the symptoms or speed recovery. Pseudoephedrine is in a class of medications called nasal decongestants. It works by causing narrowing of the blood vessels in the nasal passages.

Diphenhydramine: is used to relieve red, irritated, itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; and runny nose caused by hay fever, allergies, or the common cold. Diphenhydramine is also used to relieve cough caused by minor throat or airway irritation. Diphenhydramine is also used to prevent and treat motion sickness, and to treat insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep). Diphenhydramine is also used to control abnormal movements in people who have early stage parkinsonian syndrome (a disorder of the nervous system that causes difficulties with movement, muscle control, and balance) or who are experiencing movement problems as a side effect of a medication.

Again, please consult with a medical professional before taking any medications. It is also important to take note that these OTC Medications are only recommended for Adults. 

I know that one would not wish to encounter any medical emergency of any sort while traveling, but it is still best to be quite prepared when you do travel for those just in case moments. These medications should be taken per symptom that you observe. Most of these symptoms should subside, but if it doesn't and if it gets worse, always make sure that you have the emergency numbers of the places you are visiting at hand. 

Again I strongly wish that all of you have a fun and healthy vacation experience.

Till Next Time...

-Metz-

Home Remedies to Help High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

High blood pressure is one of man's silent killers as it can creep up and cause so many internal organ issues such as heart disease, eye problems, renal failures and so much more. The reason why it is a silent killer is that many people don't know they have it until after they get through an annual physical exam and the initial blood test results show. The symptoms of high blood pressure can be quite negligible for some and even non-existent till it comes too late.

Once you have identified that you have high blood pressure, there are many things that you can do at home that'll help you manage your blood pressure. One very important thing to consider though is making drastic lifestyle changes can help you control and prevent high blood pressure. This is important even if you're taking blood pressure medication. It is still advisable to consult with your doctor to see if your medications may have any special requirements as certain foods and diets that are known to help blood pressure issues can unfortunately affect their effectivity.

Here are but a few of the things that you can do at home to help you manage your high blood pressure:

• Eat a diet that focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. You'll need a diet that is rich in potassium which can help balance the salt in your body. Avoid saturated fat as much as possible. 
• Salt is one of the main culprits that can elevate a person's blood pressure. 1,500 mg a day is recommended for people that are above the age of 50. You should also take note of the salt content in processed food as many of those canned soups and instant noodles have a high spike in sodium and salt content. 
• Weight can put a strain on your heart and blood vessels. Losing just 5 pounds can help relieve your body of the unnecessary bodily stress that being overweight causes. 
• An increase in physical activity not only raises your energy levels but it helps you keep your weight under control. Best to try to be highly active for at least 30 minutes a day. 
• Alcohol can raise your blood pressure, though a wine a day is healthy, too much can and will raise your blood pressure drastically.
• Smoking is bad in every level. It causes your blood pressure to spike up, hardens the walls of your arteries and puts unnecessary stress to your internal organs. 
• Stress is good but too much stress can be unhealthy. Learn to manage stress through relaxation techniques and deep breathing exercices. Sleep can also help your body cope with stress better. 
• Once you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, it is imperative to keep a close watch on your blood pressure daily. This shall help you check if the medication is working and give insight to your doctor if anything is amiss. 

Aside from what was mentioned above, there are certain supplements that have proven to be quite effective at helping lower and manage blood pressure.

1. CoQ10 - also known as Coenzyme Q10 is very important for the body. It was discovered in 1957 and it is naturally present in foods like organ meats, and in small quantities in beef, peanuts and sardines. As people grow older, their CoQ10 levels go down making it important to take CoQ10 supplements that help in rebalancing their levels of this essential enzyme. Deficiency of this enzyme might cause heart problems and even severe metabolic dysfunctions

2. Garlic - It has allicin, which is broken down into the foul-smelling sulphur compounds which taint breath. These compounds react with red blood cells and produce hydrogen sulphide which relaxes the blood vessels, and keeps blood flowing easily.

3. Hawthorn - This herb dilates arteries and improves coronary blood flow reducing blood pressure. Can widen blood vessels, especially the coronary arteries. Some of the flavonoids in Hawthorn help prevent the narrowing of blood vessels. It also is a mild diuretic that reduces blood volume. Most patients who take hawthorn have a drop in blood pressure of 10 to 15 points over 8 weeks. Once blood pressure is down, you may be able to reduce the dosage to stop taking the herb altogether. Recently, hawthorn has been used mostly as a cardiotonic (to “strengthen” the heart muscle and promote more forceful contractions).

4. Fish Oil - Several studies have found that supplementation with large amounts of fish oil (5-15 grams/day) lowers blood pressure significantly in hypertensive individuals.

5. Folic Acid - B vitamins are essential for many aspects of metabolism.  These studies demonstrate a high level of importance for cardiovascular health.  B vitamins are depleted by stress, junk food diets, and exercise.  They are a basic supplement for maintaining your energy and mood.  If intake of them is maintained over the years they will help offset factors that contribute to cardiovascular wear and tear.

6. Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium - these minerals have shown to drastically tip the balance of sodium in the blood stream and help lower blood pressure. To get the right amounts in terms of dosages and food intake, it would be best to speak to a nutritionist.

Once you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure can be quite nerve wracking in itself, but with the help of your doctor, family and friends, this is something that can be managed quite easily. Changing a few things in your lifestyle can go a very long way. Taking the steps to living a healthier life is easy when you put your mind and heart into it. 

If you are reading this and want to know the different levels of blood pressure, here is a chart to help you out, but be reminded that it is still best to go visit your doctor for further advice:

If you know of other home remedies or dietary supplements that can help reduce and manage high blood pressure, please do share it with us here. Simply leave your suggestions via the comments field.

Till Next Time...

-Metz-

Staying Healthy During Your Trip in Asia

I have been doing a lot of traveling lately and one thing that I do notice is that many travelers like me would tend to overlook a couple of things that would particularly affect their health. Getting sick during your vacation can become quite a nightmare. To help you prepare, I have enumerated below some tips on what you'll need to stay healthy and more during your trips.

Prevent Insect Bites

Many diseases, like malaria and dengue, are spread through insect bites. One of the best protections is to prevent insect bites by:

• Using insect repellent (bug spray) with 30%-50% DEET. Picaridin, available in 7% and 15% concentrations, needs more frequent application. There is less information available on how effective picaridin is at protecting against all of the types of mosquitoes that transmit malaria.
• Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a hat outdoors.
• Remaining indoors in a screened or air-conditioned area during the peak biting period for malaria (dusk and dawn).
• Sleeping in beds covered by nets treated with permethrin, if not sleeping in an air-conditioned or well-screened room.
• Spraying rooms with products effective against flying insects, such as those containing pyrethroid.

Prevent Animal Bites and Scratches

Direct contact with animals can spread diseases like rabies or cause serious injury or illness. It is important to prevent animal bites and scratches.

• Be sure you are up to date with tetanus vaccination.
• Do not touch or feed any animals, including dogs and cats. Even animals that look like healthy pets can have rabies or other diseases.
• Help children stay safe by supervising them carefully around all animals.
• If you are bitten or scratched, wash the wound well with soap and water and go to a doctor right away. 
• After your trip, be sure to tell your doctor or state health department if you were bitten or scratched during travel.

Be Careful about Food and Water

Diseases from food and water are the leading cause of illness in travelers. Follow these tips for safe eating and drinking:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating.  If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel (with at least 60% alcohol).
• Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles.  Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes. 
• Do not eat food purchased from street vendors.
• Make sure food is fully cooked.
• Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized.

Diseases from food and water often cause vomiting and diarrhea. Make sure to bring diarrhea medicine with you so that you can treat mild cases yourself.

Avoid Injuries

Car crashes are a leading cause of injury among travelers. Protect yourself from these injuries by:

• Not drinking and driving.
• Wearing your seat belt and using car seats or booster seats in the backseat for children.
• Following local traffic laws.
• Wearing helmets when you ride bikes, motorcycles, and motor bikes.
• Not getting on an overloaded bus or mini-bus.
• Hiring a local driver, when possible.
• Avoiding night driving.

Other Health Tips

• To avoid infections such as HIV and viral hepatitis do not share needles for tattoos, body piercing, or injections.
• To reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases always use latex condoms.
• To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot, especially on beaches where animals may have defecated.

After You Return Home

If you are not feeling well, you should see your doctor and mention that you have recently traveled. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If you have visited a malaria-risk area, continue taking your antimalarial drug for 4 weeks (doxycycline or mefloquine) or seven days (atovaquone/proguanil) after leaving the risk area.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever or flu-like illness either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the physician your travel history.

Important Note: This document is not a complete medical guide for travelers. Consult with your doctor for specific information related to your needs and your medical history; recommendations may differ for pregnant women, young children, and persons who have chronic medical conditions.

I hope that many of you find this article helpful in your preparation for your travel. Nothing is more important than ensuring that you maintain good health and know what to do in order to keep it that way. If you have any other health tips that you would feel can and will be useful for other travelers please don't hesitate to share it with us here.

Till Next Time...

-Metz-

Trouble With Lymph Nodes: Specifically Subclavicular Lymph Nodes

Last month I had a brush with fear about my health and one that has brought me to panic and tears. Earlier last year I had a palpable lymph node that I found right above my collar bone. At first I decided to let it pass and thought nothing off it. But when I felt it again after taking a shower last December, it popped it's alarming bump again. By that time I decided to head off to the internet to find out what could be causing my lymph node to have gotten swollen to roughly about 1.5cm. Believe me the search queries brought up a ton of information about the lymph node and none of it were promising.

The search on the internet all yielded very alarming results from Cancer located in the digestive system, lungs and a cancer of the lymph node called lymphoma. Others pointed to Tuberculosis, pneumonia and other respiratory tract illness that weren't easy to treat. When I tried looking for other causes, one that wasn't alarming and had a death sentence attached to it, unfortunately none of my searches brought about good news. That's when I began to break down for a bit. It was during that time that I had stopped writing articles here for awhile because all I could think about was I was at risk of dying and in a very horrible way. Forums and chat rooms about swollen lymph nodes all resulted in very uninspiring results. Though some would say that if caught early via biopsy things would be so much easier to treat with about 90%++ cure rate, but those figures no matter how you look at it is quite alarming. None of the treatments were cheap either.

That was when I finally gathered the courage to head on down to the general surgeon and had a consultation with her. I was really praying hard that she would simply say it was nothing, that it was just really like that and that it was nothing serious. But when she saw and touched the lump the first thing that came out was that we needed to do an ultra sound test and a biopsy of the lymph node. I almost dropped from my seat, but when she saw tears welling up from my eyes she assured me that it was nothing too life threatening as it wasn't hard and in place which is usually indicative of cancer. What she presumed was that I had Tuberculosis. I felt a bit relieved as tuberculosis was highly treatable but the medication for that wouldn't come cheap lest I agree to go to the community clinics to get my medical dosages.

During the UltraSound I was trying hard to relax, by playing games on my phone though I felt a little guilty with one of the games called Plague Inc in which the objective of the game was to infect the whole world till you get to eliminate the human race. With this experience of mine, I couldn't even look at the game anymore. The game is highly educational though, just that being the mastermind behind a disease wasn't fun for me anymore. Instead I went back to my old games like Temple Run and Mutant Roadkill for entertainment as I waited for my turn. Once I got on the examination bed, the first thing I asked was for the examiner's honest opinion about what she sees. When she said everything looked fine at first and didn't look too serious I started to relax a bit, but when she saw more and even had to consult a doctor to read and interpret the findings, I started to panic and unfortunately they wouldn't want to say till my own doctor got to see the results. By the time the general surgeon got a look at my lab results she confirmed that it wasn't cancer and that it was most likely TB as the results showed several other swollen lymph nodes along my neck line and jaw. She still insisted on a biopsy just to make sure. Knowing that the doctor was only partially sure made me sick to my stomach.

The next day I decided to push through with the biopsy and the whole procedure was supposedly going to take about an hour and I would be quite conscious the whole time. I was petrified and I started praying really hard by that time. Thankfully the surgeon and her team of doctors were quite skilled and the whole procedure took only around 45min. They even got to show me my subclavicular lymph noden which she noted wasn't showing any signs of infection at all but was roughly about 1cm in diameter. The biopsy result wasn't going to be due till after a week.

By the time I got to the doctor's office, I was praying really hard that it would be nothing even though all signs pointed to TB. By the time i walked in the doctor greeted me with a big smile. She said that I had nothing to worry about as the results showed no signs of an infection but was what they would call a reactive hyperplasia of the lymph node which she traced back to the time when I had my wisdom tooth surgery earlier last year of 2012. I almost jumped for joy because the entire two weeks was just torturous and mind wrenching.

The whole experience was quite a learning experience for me and my family. I would say that the internet is a place where one can really find mostly anything, but not everything is good. But even then it is up to the user to filter out the information and see what is most relevant for you. Also when it comes to medical concerns, the internet is a good resource but it is only secondary to a doctor's opinion and diagnosis. It is still quite important to head on down to the clinic if ever you feel something about your body isn't right, no matter how big or small it may seem. The swollen Subclavicular Lymph Node is definitely a serious thing to have and it shouldn't be taken lightly. I may have had a good ending, but the statistics are still quite alarming with regards to this lymph node. Even my surgeon indicated that I was right to have proceded with the biopsy as many people would have ignored it and end up having something deadly serious only to get it treated quite late in the stage. Though most subclavicular lymph node swellings are caused by lung infection there is still that chance of it being cancer especially if you are a heavy smoker and drinker.

I am quite grateful to have walked away from all that, but the little scar I have on my upper left clavicle will always be a reminder from now on to take good care of my health more and to be mindful of my vices. I wouldn't want to go through all that again ever and I hope that no one ever has to. But bottom line is to really be aware and mindful of your body, take good care of it and if you notice something is off even the slightest bit, have it checked. Prevention is good, but catching a disease on it's early stages will be second best as it provides a higher chance of full recovery.

Till Next Time

-Metz-

Wellness Wed: The Benefits of S E X

This is a topic that could be taboo for a lot of people but definitely has its benefits. So for today I ask you to have an open minds as I share with you a report that confirms and enumerates the different benefits of having sex on a regular basis - more or less.

In 1997 the British Medical Journal, it was reported that men who had the highest frequency of orgasm enjoyed a death rate half that of the laggards. Studies show that having sex even a few times a week can have the following effects:

Improved sense of smell: After sex, production of the hormone prolactin surges. This in turn causes stem cells in the brain to develop new neurons in the brain's olfactory bulb, its smell center.

Reduced risk of heart disease: In a 2001 follow-on to the Queens University study mentioned above, researchers focused on cardiovascular health. Their finding? That by having sex three or more times a week, men reduced their risk of heart attack or stroke by half. In reporting these results, the co-author of the study, Shah Ebrahim, Ph.D., displayed the well-loved British gift for understatement: "The relationship found between frequency of sexual intercourse and mortality is of considerable public interest."

Weight loss, overall fitness: Sex, if nothing else, is exercise. A vigorous bout burns some 200 calories--about the same as running 15 minutes on a treadmill or playing a spirited game of squash. The pulse rate, in a person aroused, rises from about 70 beats per minute to 150, the same as that of an athlete putting forth maximum effort. British researchers have determined that the equivalent of six Big Macs can be worked off by having sex three times a week for a year. Muscular contractions during intercourse work the pelvis, thighs, buttocks, arms, neck and thorax. Sex also boosts production of testosterone, which leads to stronger bones and muscles. Men's Health magazine has gone so far as to call the bed the single greatest piece of exercise equipment ever invented.

Reduced depression: Such was the implication of a 2002 study of 293 women. American psychologist Gordon Gallup reported that sexually active participants whose male partners did not use condoms were less subject to depression than those whose partners did. One theory of causality: Prostoglandin, a hormone found only in semen, may be absorbed in the female genital tract, thus modulating female hormones.

Pain-relief: Immediately before orgasm, levels of the hormone oxytocin surge to five times their normal level. This in turn releases endorphins, which alleviate the pain of everything from headache to arthritis to even migraine. In women, sex also prompts production of estrogen, which can reduce the pain of PMS.

Less-frequent colds and flu: Wilkes University in Pennsylvania says individuals who have sex once or twice a week show 30% higher levels of an antibody called immunoglobulin A, which is known to boost the immune system.

Better bladder control: Heard of Kegel exercises? You do them, whether you know it or not, every time you stem your flow of urine. The same set of muscles is worked during sex.

Better teeth: Seminal plasma contains zinc, calcium and other minerals shown to retard tooth decay. Delivery though will be left to your imagination. However, to suffice it is safe to say that it could be a far richer, more complex and more satisfying experience than squeezing a tube of Toothpaste. Researchers have noted, parenthetically, that sexual etiquette usually demands the brushing of one's teeth before and/or after intimacy, which, by itself, would help promote better oral hygiene.

A healthier prostate: Some urologists believe they see a relationship between infrequency of ejaculation and cancer of the prostate. The causal argument goes like this: To produce seminal fluid, the prostate and the seminal vesicles take such substances from the blood as zinc, citric acid and potassium, then concentrate them up to 600 times. Any carcinogens present in the blood likewise would be concentrated. Rather than have concentrated carcinogens hanging around causing trouble, it's better to evict them. Regular old sex could do the job. But if the flushing of the prostate were your only objective, masturbation might be a better way to go, especially for the non-monogamous male. Having sex with multiple partners can, all by itself, raise a man's risk of cancer by up to 40%. That's because he runs an increased risk of contracting sexual infections. So, if you want the all the purported benefits of flushing with none of the attendant risk, go digital. A study recently published by the British Journal of Urology International asserts that men in their 20s can reduce by a third their chance of getting prostate cancer by ejaculating more than five times a week.

Want to know more about health and news topics such as these check it out from the source at:
Forbes.com

Now here is video news report from CNN on the same topic - Enjoy ;)

Wellness Wed: Cough Remedies that work and is light on cost

I was hosting a wedding today and nothing really bothers me more than an itchy and irritating throat. I did my best to keep from coughing while concentrating on the program and keeping guests entertained. I had tried using conventional medicine from the hotel's clinic but unfortunately it did nothing to soothe my dilemma. So I tried the old fashion remedy that my mom taught me. Drink warm water with Honey and Chamomile tea. It worked like a charm and for the entire 3 hours straight I wasn't bothered by my itchy throat and thus helped cease the coughing symptom till the program ended.

This is one of the reasons as to why I really prefer home made remedies over the synthetic medications. Don't get me wrong though, I do take regular medication from time to time, but using home made remedies along with regular medication does help increase the healing rate. Regular herbal therapy is also the best way to prevent certain diseases from happening.

Now with the cough issue, it was truly helpful to use honey and tea for my predicament but that isn't the only option one has for helping heal the common cough. From GrannyMed.com I found other herbs that are as easily accessible at home and still prove to be effective in helping relieve and heal the common cough.

Here are the things that they recommended:

• Licorice for cough
• Garlic and honey for cough
• Chocolate for cough (I really liked this one)
  
• Aloe and honey for cough
• Ginger Cayenne Tea for Cough

As you can see from this list, all of these ingredients can be found in the local grocery store if not in your refrigerator. We all use these in our cooking from time to time and continued use of these can also guarantee a lesser chance of getting a bad case of the flu and of course the cough.

eHow from Youtube also has a cool advise for home remedies with regards to healing the irritating itchy feeling one gets during a bad cough and more.

Wellness Wed: Flu Prevention

Today's wellness article is something I should have written about before I got hit by the flu last week. Had I done so, I may have been able to prevent myself from contracting it and would have hopefully saved me from the inconveniences of having to buy tissue paper for my runny nose and cough medication for a cough that sounds like I just shot a .45. I have also noticed that this month of January a lot of my colleagues have also started showing since of the cold. With that I guess we will see another season of flu spreading its ugly head around the block affecting unsuspecting victims along the way.

So to help prevent that from happening here are some things that you can do to help prevent it from spreading even further.

Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Stay home if you are sick until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100°F or 37.8°C) or signs of a fever (without the use of a fever-reducing medicine, such as Tylenol®). Read detailed information about how long to stay away from others.

Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

And to help you even more I found this rather informative video from our trusty online video source Youtube that talks and teaches us more about the flu (including those nasty and scary ones that we have heard spread in the news):

Here is what the CDC Recommends



One thing that I have learned along the way is that washing of hands regularly is one of the best and most recommended practices in preventing most kinds of infectious diseases which includes the flu. I do hope that this article has helped you out and please spread the word on how to prevent the flu rather than spreading the virus. :)

Well Wed: Blood Bank Can Save your Life

It is the start of the year and I was thinking of taking steps in making a difference in other people's lives. One of those is a commitment to donate blood. I guess this is my way of saving a life, cause somewhere out there someone is in need of blood and it might be my blood that they shall be using to help this person survive. I think everyone has a chance to do this. If saving a life isn't what will motivate you, then how about checking the benefits of giving blood: Health Benefits of Donating Blood.

Here is a playlist of more reasons as to why you should donate blood more often:

I guess in the end the moral of today's health topic is that when you give blood you save 2 lives. The life of the person who needs it and yours.

Wellness Wed on Empty Streets: Sleep and Why We Need It

I have been lacking in this department for a couple of days now since I am still adjusting to my new job as an Account Manager for an Executive Search and Training and Development Firm. It is the very first time that I am working around the clock trying to hit the target that they have given us. Progress thus far has been alright for me, however, I still need to be weary of the sacrifices am taking to be able to do the job well.

Now let us get back to topic. Highlighted here are the major reasons as to why sleep is such an important part of our daily lives and why one has to ensure that you get enough sleep otherwise face the consequences that may affect your body in the long run.

Sleep helps to repair your body
The body generates extra protein molecules while you're sleeping. These help to repair your body at a cellular level. Examples of what could have caused damage would be the likes of stress, pollutants, infection, sun exposure and much more.

Sleep helps keep your heart healthy
Your heart and cardiovascular system is constantly under pressure, and one of the benefits of sleep is that it helps to reduce the levels of stress and inflammation in your body. High levels of 'inflammatory markers' are linked to heart attacks, heart disease and strokes. Sleep can also help keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels lower.

Sleep reduces stress
A good night's sleep can lower blood pressure and the elevated levels of stress hormones which naturally occur in today's fast paced society. Sleep helps to reverse these effects and encourages a state of relaxation.

Sleep improves your memory
That sluggish sensation that you get when deprived of sleep makes it difficult for one to concentrate. This can lead to not being able to remember facts, faces, lessons and conversations. Sleeping well eliminates these difficulties because as you sleep, your brain is busy working on organizing and correlating memories. One of the great benefits of sleep is that it allows your brain to better process new experiences and knowledge, therefore increasing your understanding and retention.

Sleeping properly can help you to control your body weight
One benefit of sleep is that it helps you regulate the hormones that affect and control your appetite. Several studies have shown that when your body is deprived of sleep, the normal hormone balances are interrupted and your appetite increases. Unfortunately this increase in appetite doesn't lead to a craving for fruits and veggies, no, instead your body longs for food high in calories, fats and carbohydrates. If you want to get off the carb crave, get enough sleep. :)

Here is a great video to watch from Youtube that talks more on the topic of why sleep is important for us:

Wellness Wed on Empty Streets: Effects of Stress on the Human Body

Today am just featuring a video I found in Youtube.com that talks about how stress affects the human body. I am featuring this article most especially since I am feeling a bit stressed right now both at work and at home. But the kind of stress I have I actually need as there are many people like me that thrive on it. However, too much, like everything else can and will have side effects.

here is why:



Hope that this isn't what you are experiencing. Sometimes it pays a lot to simply take a break and walk away even for just awhile. It then you can see and think more clearly and most importantly it helps keep you healthy mentally and physically.

Wellness Wed on Empty Streets: Effects of Partying (Hang Over)

I admit that I was one of those people that loved to party and get drunk and wake up feeling under the weather the next day. I honestly didn't care about my health, since as we all know the feeling that we get was great during the party. What I didn't know and wish I had back then was that the after effects weren't just something that one could heal from - it had a high risk of become permanent and eventually lethal.

I was going through a National Geographic documentary video, which I will feature in a bit, and what I saw was shocking. One would think that smoking was the greatest risk one would have at an all night event. Little did I know that alcohol, the sound and much more were hitting my body, literally pounding it, causing irreparable damage. I guess in more ways than one I was lucky since my check up with my doctors came out ok - normal to say the least - but that was probably due to the fact that I didn't party as hard or as regularly as most people in their twenties and I had a very active and healthy life style. However, it still isn't an excuse to over do it.

It is true that parties is a natural part of growing up, keeping it in moderation though is advisable and taking necessary precautions is a must.

Here is the video that I was talking about:

Wellness Wed on Empty Streets: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Was given a particularly interesting request for today's health article. I was asked to do a little research into the topic of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. I have to be honest, that when I first heard about this topic I didn't really think it was something that many would be afflicted with and that it is something that may be related to cancer. After I have completed my research, I have realized that I was wrong on all counts of my assumption. I am sure that after you read this article you may have one or several of these symptoms. It would be best to consult your family physician if you find anything suspicious. Also, it is also advisable to get more than one doctor's opinion for any health issue.

So the first question on my mind was what is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome:
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), also known by the name Stein-Leventhal syndrome, is a hormonal problem that causes women to have a variety of symptoms.

What causes Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome:
No one is quite sure what causes PCOS. Although women with PCOS often have a mother or sister with the condition, there is not enough scientific evidence to prove that the condition may be inherited. The ovaries of women with PCOS frequently contain a number of small cysts, hence the name poly (many) cystic ovarian syndrome. A similar number of cysts may occur in women without PCOS. Therefore, the cysts themselves do not seem to be the cause of the problem. A malfunction of the body's blood sugar control system (insulin system) is frequent in women with PCOS, and researchers believe that these abnormalities may be related to the development of PCOS. It is known that the ovaries of women with PCOS produce excess amounts of male hormone known as androgen. This excessive production of male hormones may be a result of the abnormalities in insulin production.

What are the symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome:
The symptoms of PCOS include:

1. Irregular or no menstrual periods

2. Acne

3. Obesity, and

4. Excess hair growth

Other signs and symptoms of PCOS include:

* weight gain,

* acne,

* oily skin,

* dandruff,

* infertility,

* skin discolorations,

* high cholesterol levels,

* elevated blood pressure, and

* abnormal hair growth and distribution.

Any of the above symptoms and signs may be absent in PCOS, with the exception of irregular or no menstrual periods. All women with PCOS will have irregular or no menstrual periods. Women who have PCOS do not regularly ovulate; that is, they do not release an egg every month. This is why they do not have regular periods.

How can one be diagnosed of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome:
Well there are many ways to get diagnosed for PCOS but there is a way that you can check yourself through a simple question and answer test of which could help quantify your risk of having this dreaded ailment - simply click here for the test - Test for PCOS

One thing I found rather peculiar was how Insulin resistance and PCOS are related

INSULIN RESISTANCE IS A ROOT CAUSE OF PCOS

Are you one of the millions of women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome who, no matter what they've tried, has failed to better manage or reverse the symptoms of this condition? It may not be due to lack of willpower. Instead, you could be Insulin Resistant, a root cause of PCOS. Scientists at the National Institutes of Health, Stanford University and other research centers have clearly identified the existence and effects of Insulin Resistance, a biochemical condition that can cause excessive weight gain and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

If you are among the 65% of the overweight population with Insulin Resistance, your ability to better manage or reverse your PCOS and lose weight may not have been within your control - until now.

This breakthrough in understanding the body's biochemistry remains relatively unknown, even though Insulin Resistance has reached epidemic proportions. Your doctor may not have explained the crucial link between Insulin Resistance, weight gain and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

Treatment:
Although there's no cure for PCOS, there are several ways that the condition can be treated and managed.

If a girl is overweight or obese, a doctor will recommend that she lose weight. Weight loss can be very effective in lessening many of the health conditions associated with PCOS, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Sometimes weight loss alone can restore hormone levels to normal, causing many of the symptoms to disappear or become less severe. Your doctor or a registered dietitian can look at your food intake and your exercise and activity to tailor a weight-loss program for you. Exercise is a great way to help combat the weight gain that often accompanies PCOS as well as a way to reduce bloating, another symptom girls with PCOS sometimes experience.

Sometimes doctors prescribe medications to treat PCOS. A doctor might first have a girl try birth control pills or another hormone pill called progesterone to help reduce the androgen levels in her body and regulate her menstrual cycle. These medicines may help control acne and excessive hair growth in some girls, but they don't work for everyone.

Other medications used to treat PCOS include antiandrogens, which counter the effects of excess androgens on a girl's body. Antiandrogens can help clear up skin and hair growth problems in girls with PCOS. Another medication, metformin, which is used to treat diabetes, can lower insulin levels. In some girls with PCOS, it can help control ovulation and androgen levels. This can make a girl's menstrual cycles more regular. Some girls and women treated with metformin have also experienced weight loss and lowering of high blood pressure.

Coping With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome:
Having PCOS can be hard on a girl's self-esteem because some of the symptoms, such as skin and hair problems and weight gain, are so noticeable. Fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce the physical symptoms — and take care of the emotional side of living with PCOS.

Although the medications used to treat PCOS will slow down or stop excessive hair growth for many girls, there are lots of different types of products available to help a girl get rid of hair where she doesn't want it. Depilatory creams can gently remove facial hair on the upper lip or chin. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully so you don't develop a rash or allergic reaction.

Tweezing and waxing are other things you can do at home to manage hair growth. A girl can also visit a dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin problems) or qualified hair removal specialist for electrolysis and laser surgery treatments. These procedures offer longer term removal of unwanted hair, but they are more expensive.

If you have severe acne as a symptom of PCOS, it may improve if part of your treatment includes birth control pills or antiandrogens. If it doesn't, your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist for further acne treatment. A dermatologist may also be able to recommend medications to help reduce skin darkening or discoloration, and to prevent hair growth.

Some girls with PCOS may become depressed, in which case it may help to talk to a therapist or other mental health professional. Talking with other teens and women with PCOS is a great way to share information about treatment and get support. Your doctor may be able to recommend a local support group.

If you can't find a local group, the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association offers a "Big Cyster" program for teen girls as well as online message boards. If you join, you'll be hooked up with other women or teen girls with PCOS to whom you can turn for advice, support, or just a listening ear.

Here are some more references that could further help you out in understanding this rather amazingly common ailment:

Hope you found this article informative - If you think you have someone in the family with the symptoms mentioned above, have them try the self help questionnaire to verify the need for a check up. Also, please ensure that you always consult your physician for more information. Till the next time. xoxo

Wellness Wed on Empty Streets: Insulin and Fat Storage

As I have discussed in my personal blog, I have been researching a lot on why people get fat. And finally I have found the answer to my growing bulge problem. Insulin - the major hormone that is the culprit behind it all. I have lost a lot of weight since I started on a diet that eliminated the triggers of insulin past lunch time and even though admittedly I get uber hungry at night it is definitely doing the job.

How does this all work? Simple once you understand.

Let us start with a common food myth. It is common health advice: avoid fat, eat carbohydrates, eat less, exercise more. Yet, diabetes and obesity epidemics coincide with Americans following this advice.

We have been taught that fat is bad for the health and carbohydrates are good. The USDA food pyramid diagrams a diet composed predominantly of grains and other carbohydrates. It has been assumed that there is a simple arithmetic relationship between calories consumed and calories burned that determines weight. The adoption of this dietary information has coincided with unprecedented levels of obesity and diabetes in the United States.

The type of calories eaten may be more important than the number. While it seems logical that fat would cause fat, the problem may be from overeating refined starches. A review of medical studies by Gary Taubes, Good Calories, Bad Calories ( New York, NY: Anchor Books. 2007.), finds that quite a number of scientific studies show refined carbohydrates cause weight gain. Refined carbohydrates, like refined flour and other easily digested starches and sugars are also implicated in chronic health problems.

The Role of Insulin in Storing Fat
Obesity is the accumulation of excess fat. Fat accumulation, or obesity, is caused by an imbalance in hormones that regulate adipose tissue and fat metabolism. Insulin is the primary hormonal regulator of the storage of fat. If insulin is elevated, the body accumulates fat in the adipose tissues. When insulin levels drop, fat is released from the adipose tissues and used for fuel.

Increases in insulin are most highly stimulated by the consumption of starches and sugars, especially the consumption of refined starches and sugars. Eating carbohydrates increases insulin which in turn encourages storage of energy as fat rather than making the food energy available to the body to burn. The more highly refined the carbohydrate, the more its consumption stimulates insulin levels. By causing fat storage instead of making energy available for immediate use of the body, refined carbohydrates result in hunger.

According to Dr. Al Sears author of High Speed Fat Loss in Seven Easy Steps (Wellington Fl: Al Sears, M.D. 2008.), the consumption of fat does not affect insulin production at all. There are other issues with fats as hydrogenated fats pose a health risk, but fats do not cause the body to store fat.

This relationship between carbohydrates, insulin and fat suggest that obesity is not the result of overeating or sedentary behavior. It may be that obesity, in fact causes overeating and sedentary behavior, by storing too much energy in the adipose tissue and leaving the body hungry and tired.

Refined Carbohydrates Indicated in Chronic Health Problems
Type II diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome are the diseases that result from high blood sugar and high insulin levels. The likelihood of developing coronary heart disease, Alzheimers disease and cancer all increase significantly with the incidence of Type II diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome. (Taubes p 204.) It could be more than coincidence that these problems, along with obesity, became common when dietary recommendations changed to favor carbohydrates in the diet and avoid fat.

Here is a video lecture that is sure to help widen your knowledge about fat formation and how to get it out of your system: