e health

Everything You Need To Know About The Connection Between Child Nutrition and Obesity

2008-02-20T09:56:00.000-08:00

By: Karin Manning

Nutrition is essential in achieving and maintaining good health. Obesity on the other hand has cased million of children around the globe to live unhealthy lives. Child nutrition and obesity stand from two opposing corners.

Child nutrition is essential in keeping the kid healthy, while obesity threatens the health condition of a child. Child nutrition and obesity are two concerns that parents should not take for granted. Child nutrition should take top priorities among households to keep obesity at bay.

Parents view on nutrition is lacking and sometimes distorted. The inability of parents to put nutritious food on the table has aggravated the vulnerability of their children to becoming obese. Media is also a competing factor in providing the right information on nutrition. Television advertisements show conflicting messages. While some may reinforce the value of nutritious food, others have done the opposite.

Nutritionist and medical scientists have been digging all possible answers to shed light on issues regarding child nutrition and obesity. Milk that is enriched with vitamin supplement has flooded the grocery racks. Food snacks have become vitaminized to compensate the needed nutrient intake of children. Junk foods are no longer called as such. In the same manner, cold cuts sold in different supermarkets now contain vitamins. All these and more were made to respond to the growing inadequacy of the nutrient intake of kids.

Diet programs are now a commonplace. More parents are now becoming conscious of their child's health and the ill effects of obesity. They watch the food that their kids ingest. They also see to it that their kids eat a balanced diet and the appropriate time. Parents are now more aware that eating too much food high in calories is not helpful and healthy at all.

Nutrition cannot stand alone in achieving the ideal weight visavis height and age of a child. Frequent physical activities also help in preventing obesity from occurring. Time spent on watching television shows show be minimized so the child can enjoy more the benefit of recreational activities.

More than anything else family support is still the key to the child's optimum nutrition. Parents can help their children by acting as positive role models in having a healthy life. The road to eradicating obesity is long and tedious, but with the support of significant others, it can be done. Child nutrition and obesity information will continue to fill books, the internet and health talk shows to provide better information that the people should know.

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Article From Article Health And Fitness

Insomnia: Dangers & Treatment of Sleep Deprivation

2008-02-19T09:34:00.000-08:00

By: andrew chin

Do you suffer from sleep deprivation? You know by now how you feel without a good night sleep: tiredness, irritability and a loss of concentration are high on the side effects list for insomnia. Therefore, it is very important that you find your cause of insomnia and an insomnia cure as soon as possible.

Sleep deprivation and sleep apnea affects our nervous systems by leaving us drowsy and unable to concentrate. Even losing sleep a few nights a week can significantly impair your ability to function and decrease the quality of your life. Not getting enough sleep also leads to poor memory. If sleep deprivation continues, hallucinations and mood swings will develop. In the same vein, sleeping problems are common in both mental and physical disorders including schizophrenia and depression, stroke, cancer, and head injuries.

Insomnia treatment and cure: For getting a proper sleep at night, do the following:

Sleep only when sleepy. This reduces the time you are awake in bed.

If you can not fall asleep within 25 minutes, just get up and do something boring until you feel sleepy. Sit quietly in the dark listen to some nice relaxing music. Do not expose yourself to bright light while you are up.

Do not take naps. This will make you tired at bedtime. If you just cannot make it through the day without a power nap, sleep less than one hour, before 4 pm.

Go to bed and get up the same time every day. When your sleep cycle has a regular rhythm, you will feel much better.

Refrain from exercise at least four hours before bedtime. Regular exercise is recommended to help you sleep well, but the timing of the workout is important. Exercising in the morning or early afternoon will not interfere with your sleep.

Develop sleep rituals. Listen to relaxing cds, read something soothing for twenty minutes, have a cup of warm milk, and do relaxation exercises.

Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol at least four hours before bed. Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants that interfere with your ability to fall asleep. Alcohol may seem to help you sleep in the beginning as it slows brain activity, but you will end up having a restless night.

Have a light snack before you go to bed. If your tummy is too empty, that can interfere with sleep. However, if you eat a big meal before bedtime, that can interfere as well.

Take a hot bath ninety minutes before bedtime. This will relax your body and will help you fall asleep.

Make sure your bedroom and bed are quiet and comfortable.

Getting a good night's sleep is as important as having a proper healthy diet and exercising to keep a healthy body. A good night sleep makes your skin look fresh and it also helps make your brain more alert. Though in a busy lifestyle we always try to sacrifice sleep for work but it is very important that you set aside enough hours for some good old-fashioned beauty sleep. The average person needs eight hours of sleep, while infants need sixteen hours of sleep, and teenagers need about nine hours.

Scientists believe that sleep maintains and repairs our bodies and minds. Every night we cycle through three stages of sleep ranging from light sleep to deep sleep, and finally, to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. A complete sleep cycle takes ninety to one hundred minutes on average. While we sleep our brains are using important neuronal connections that might otherwise get worse from lack of activity. During deep sleep, brain activity that control emotions, decision-making processes, and social interaction stops, allowing us to maintain optimal emotional and social functioning when we are awake. Cell repair and cell growth takes place to combat the affects of stress and UV rays in this stage as well. Hence, deep sleep is really beauty sleep.

Sleep also strengthens our immune system and helps our bodies fight infection. This is because our immune system releases a sleep inducing chemical while fighting a flu or an infection. Sleep helps the body conserve energy and other resources that the immune system requires to mount an effective attack. Start your insomnia treatment as soon as possible to prevent sleep deprivation.

Author Resource:-> Andrew Chin is a recognized authority on the subject of Insomnia Cure . His web site on Health and Fitness provides a wealth of information on Sleep Deprivation.

Article From Article Health And Fitness

Diabetic Students and Yoga - What to Expect

2008-02-19T09:32:00.000-08:00

By: Paul M. Jerard Jr.

The effects of Yoga, on persons with diabetes, are extremely healthful, and sometimes, cause the unexpected. Be conscious of potential effects of yoga on diabetic students.

Diabetes has become a more prevalent disorder, over the last decade, than ever before. While many struggle to control their diabetes, sometimes, simply following the doctor's orders, are frustrating and not enough.

Many studies show that yoga postures impact fasting blood glucose levels, reducing them in some studies by as much as 50 milligrams per deciliter (or 50 points) in type II research subjects. In addition to this drop in blood sugar, there is an increase in nerve function.

Certain postures and movements stimulate the glands of the body and have the most profound impact. Asanas, the Yogic postures that induce relaxation, and certain breathing exercises, stimulate the pancreas. This is theorized to occur because of alternating contraction and release of the abdominal muscles; thus, the pancreas is stimulated. An increase in blood flow and oxygen to the organ increases efficiency.

The rotation of the body, as well as holding the position and stretching the body, in these positions, increases circulation. Poor circulation is a major side effect of diabetes and leads to long term complications. Increased circulation and oxygen to the body helps everything function better; and several glands within the endocrine system are vitalized. Yoga helps retain the elasticity of blood vessels and reduces high blood pressure, in some cases. Additionally, lethargy and depression are relieved by these effects on the body.

Practicing yoga, on a regular basis, helps diabetics increase nerve function and relieve the symptoms of sub-clinical neuropathy, as well as prevent some at the onset.

Meditation is an imperative part of yoga practice. Attaining a relaxed and concentrated mental state relieves stress and brings about a calming effect on the nervous system. High stress levels cause drastic changes in blood glucose levels in some diabetics, so learning to meditate effectively is a useful management method.

It's difficult for yoga to have much impact on type I diabetes, due to the fact that the body does not produce any insulin at all; therefore, stimulation of the endocrine system is not as effective. That does not mean there is no effect, but the impact of Yoga on type II diabetes is much more dramatic.

However, in studies, a decreased dosage was needed by many participants who were insulin- dependent. A study, comparing aerobic activity, found that direct stimulation of the pancreas, by yoga positions, were more effective in stimulating the endocrine system than more exertive activity.

These positive impacts are very encouraging; however, diabetic students must regularly monitor their glucose levels and take proper medication. It is likely that, after practicing yoga on a regular basis, the amount of the required medicine will decline.

Many diabetic students may not be aware of the potential decrease in their blood glucose levels. Educate them of this possibility and devote extra attention to their progress. Additionally, it is recommended that glucose tablets be kept on hand in case of a sudden drop in blood sugar.

Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Author Resource:-> Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center in, Attleboro, MA. He is an author of many books on the subject of Yoga and has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995.

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org

Article From Article Health And Fitness

Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba

2008-02-18T09:45:00.000-08:00

By: Rich Marsiglia

Ginkgo trees, are one of the oldest species of trees cultivated in China and are believed to be 150 to 200 million years old. The ginkgo trees grow in average soil and even in full sun. The tree can grow 100 - 120 feet. Ginkgo trees are very resistant to pollution and infection and hardly suffer any disease.

Insects rarely attack these plants. Due to these reasons these trees are most tolerant even in urban conditions and are grown as shade trees.

Ginkgo or ginkgo biloba extracts is made from various parts of these trees. Chinease has used ginkgo biloba for the centuries for treating various ailments. Now it is most researched herb and is used by most of the countries as herbal medicine.

Working of Ginkgo Biloba:

Ginkgo leaves contains two groups of active components known as flavonoid glycosides and ginkgolides. These active ingredients helps in increasing blood flow to the brain and improving overall network of blood vessels, and consequently increases the inflow of oxygen and essential nutrients to brain and other important organs of the body and simultaneously helps controlling in allergic inflammation and asthma.

Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba:

The research on this herbal medicine continues for the last three decades and some of the benefits as evidenced by clinical studies have been summarized below.

• It has a positive effect on vascular system and it allows the system to act more efficiently by allowing more blood flow and consequently more oxygen to the vital organs of the body including brain.

• Brain, being the highest oxygen consumer (20%) of the total oxygen requirement of the human body, regulates the body more efficiently.

• The improved blood circulation to brain including microcirculation in smaller capillaries increases memory and metabolic efficiency including neurotransmitters regulation.

• Ginkgo biloba is useful for relaxing coronary arteries constricted by cholesterol.

• Ginkgo biloba is also useful for relieving tension and anxiety.

• Ginkgo biloba is also beneficial to elevate mood and restore energy.

• Ginkgo biloba controls platelet activity factor (PAF). Excessive platelet factor (PAF) in the body may cause physical stress, brain disorder, and skin problem including psoriasis, cardiovascular disease and other hearing disorders.

• Ginkgo biloba is beneficial for treating vertigo and tinnitus.

• Ginkgo biloba acts as an antioxidant and inhibits free radical formed in the body. Antioxidant plays a vital role for protecting cardiovascular and central nervous system (CNS). The combined effect of improved circulatory system and antioxidant improves blood flow to retina and controls retinal deterioration causing an overall improvement in visual activity.

• Some of the clinical trials indicate that ginkgo biloba is beneficial for treating Alzheimer's disease.

• Ginkgo biloba is also used as supportive herbal medicine for treating infertility disorder in males.

Precaution:

Although it is a herbal medicine with enormous benefits, it should not be combined with certain antidepressants such as MAO (mono amine oxidase). Persons taking medicine for blood clotting disorders should avoid taking ginkgo biloba, as the medicine will increase the effect of prescribed medicine.

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, you should not take ginkgo biloba.

Side Effects:

The possible side effects of the medicine include

• Ginkgo biloba may cause some gastrointestinal disorders.

• Ginkgo biloba increases the risk of bleeding and if you have or had any blood clotting disorder, you should not take ginkgo biloba.

• The other common side effects of ginkgo biloba may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, headache and restlessness.

If you observe any of the side effect as mentioned above or any other side effect, you should stop taking ginkgo biloba and consult your doctor.

Author Resource:-> Author Rich Marsiglia, Natural Health Products at YourHealthyPlace.

Article From Article Health And Fitness

Believe In Yourself – Don’t Give Up!

2008-02-18T09:41:00.000-08:00

By: Scott Martineau

I sometimes hear the frustration in people's voice that they've been at something for two or three months. They've been at something for 90 days and it hasn't changed. I asked James Ray to help me understand why he didn’t give in after six years.

Three years ago he knew he was going to get on Oprah, but it hadn't happened yet. Two years ago he knew, and a year ago he knew it was going to happen, but it hadn't quite happened. At any time he could have quit and said this stuff doesn't work.

Here is how James responded: I had my moments. Two years ago I was in the Sinai Peninsula, and I was preparing to scale Mount Sinai. I spent the night in Moses Cave on top of Mount Sinai where he got the Ten Commandments, and I could tell you all kinds of stories about that one. It was amazing, but I was at a point in my life where I totally related to the Children of Israel. I'd read the Old Testament story, you know, I had felt for so long this promise and I wrote this Science of Success in 1998.

I knew these laws. I felt I was moving to the Promised Land and everything was going to happen for me. Two years ago in the Sinai Peninsula, I was in this mood of saying that I was forsaken. You know what, God, I have worked my tail off, why have you forsaken me?

I aligned with how they must felt being lost in the desert after getting their freedom from Egypt and so my encouragement to you is that then, of course I scaled Mount Sinai and spent the night in Moses Cave and came out totally rejuvenated and totally inspired and totally replugged in.

You're gonna have those times, even when you teach this stuff. You're going to have those times when you're looking at the physical results and you're going, man, this is too hard. I've been working too long, and it's not working. That's okay, because if it's just a moment or a day or two as long as that's not your consistent ongoing vibration, it's okay. It’s part of being human, and so take it easy on yourself because you know, it's kind of like a person who goes on a diet and they can't... and they go out and have a big pizza and they go Man, I've blown it, I'm such a loser. Well, okay, it's over now, I might as well just eat whatever, cause I've already blown it. Well, no you haven't. You know, you had one meal.

I had a little time in the desert where I was feeling forsaken, but I got back on track real fast. So, be kind to yourself. We all have ups and downs. There's always a valley before the peak.

Author Resource:-> Scott Martineau has put together a collection of inspirational works by some of today’s greatest spiritual minds. He is dedicated to creating a greater quality of life by enriching levels of understanding and inspiration. You can find out more about Scott and these remarkable authors at http://www.consciousone.com.

Article From Article Health And Fitness

A Natural Cure for Depression May Work for You

2008-02-18T09:38:00.000-08:00

By: Thomas Henricks

Although depression is an extremely common condition suffered by a large part of our population, sufferers try to shrug it off as simply a minor ailment. Many of us would like to minimize our exposure to the multitude of magic drugs on the market today. We feel that the residual effects are simply too great to warrant their use.

When considering alternative options, many people today are turning to naturally occurring products for the healing of their physical and mental ailments. In general it is believed that natural cures have very few (if any) side effects and that they interact naturally with the body functions.

Many Turn to Yoga as a Natural Cure for Depression

Centuries of trial and error by old world cultures have developed natural cures that have proven highly beneficial in the struggle to cure depression.

Although these treatments have been tested over time, as with any medical treatment, you should consult with a doctor or medical professional before beginning any self treatment program. In order to treat any condition effectively, you must know precisely what that condition is. There are as many as six types of depression known to the modern science, and each one of them has their own particular characteristics and recommended treatment.

For hundreds of years, yoga has been considered an effective natural cure for depression. This is a very old Eastern world treatment, which incorporates body-stretching exercises with specific breathing exercises. The yoga postures and breathing techniques massage the body organs conditioning them so that they function as intended. When practiced regularly, yoga has the power to not only relieve depression, but also slow or even reverse the aging process.

Experts in the practice maintain that in order to ensure that yoga works as a natural cure for depression; you must follow the rules of this ancient wisdom. That demands that you practice the exercises only at the break of dawn facing the rising sun and preferably in an open space. You are then free to combine the physical exercises with meditation and experience the pleasant natural relief experienced by ancient civilizations.

Alternative Medicine and Physical Routines

Most everyone is aware that fruits and vegetables contain minerals, vitamins and trace elements that are needed by our bodies to function properly. For example, green vegetables are said to be rich in iron and promote optimal hair and nail growth. Similarly, the body requires nutritional elements to fight and prevent depression.

When it comes to natural anti-depressants, there are several herbs, fruits or vegetables available for you to choose from. The pomegranate, the chamomile and basil leaves among others, are considered highly beneficial herbs that the body can use to fight and prevent depression.

Our eating patterns and sleeping patterns will be a primary consideration in our efforts to stave off depression. These two processes when properly co-ordinated can also contribute to a natural cure for depression. Experts believe that in order to get deep sleep at night, you are required to go to bed at least four hours after consuming your meal. It has also been suggested that you need to sleep at least three to four hours before midnight if you want an astute mind and an energetic body. Those attributes are clearly important in your fight against depression.

As you can see there are several non prescription products and practices that will lend themselves to a natural cure for depression.

Author Resource:-> To learn more about depression please visit Depression and Treatment

For Information about colon maintenance please visit Colon Cleanse

Article From Article Health And Fitness

Facts About Post Partum Depression

2008-02-18T09:36:00.000-08:00

By: Thomas Henricks

Post partum depression is a condition that manifests itself in women following the birth of a child. The most notable symptoms experienced by sufferers of post partum depression include sleeping disturbances, recurrent sadness, loss of appetite, loss of energy, hopelessness, frustration, exhaustion, guilt, low self esteem, social withdrawal, and many other negative experiences.

The key symptom contributing to the classification of this type of depression is feeling lack of affection for the new born baby. Experts contribute a variety of views regarding facts that you should know about post partum depression.

Risk Factors

Although much time and effort has been expended trying to unlock the secrets of this condition, no definitive single factor can be identified that in itself leads to post partum depression. Several issues have been singled out as important factors that contribute in part to the condition. These include prenatal depression, lack of self esteem, prenatal anxiety, and chronic conflict with a spouse.

Other known conditions that may contribute to the ailment might also include a perceived lack of social support, a history of depression within the family, low social status and even the fact that the pregnancy was not a planned event. As if this list of potential factors is not long enough, several other issues are known factors common to post partum depression sufferers. Additionally, mother's race, social class or sexual orientation have been noted conditions that are common to many sufferers.

The Evolutionary Hypothesis

Evolutionary theorists believe that post partum depression is an inherent and natural response by the human body. They state that it is the natural response of the parents, either human or non-human, to instinctively decide subconsciously when the potential benefits outweigh the liabilities of caring for the offspring. On that basis negative responses to the birth may subconsciously exist and as a result natural parental care will simply be reduced or totally terminated.

A practical example of this hypothesis in action may support that theory. Consider an instance where a mother may experience a lack of social support and is forced to manage the affects of these stressful events by herself. This eventually causes the mother to shift her energy to satisfy the demands of pure survival as an alternative to totally expending her energy into a new being that may be considered expendable in that over stressed mental state.

The mothers suffering post partum depression demonstrate a higher degree of negative emotions and lesser degree of positive emotions toward their children. Subconsciously their responses to child's needs are significantly negative.

Prevention

When observed and diagnosed in the early stages, intervention can successfully treat and eliminate the condition. The prognosis for a complete recovery is good when professional assistance is sought and put into practice. A key component of the treatment involves educating the women about the causes and effects associated with post partum depression.

Support groups can be found in most large towns and cities where the self-help groups work in unison with the medical community to provide highly important social support. Women either pregnant or planning to become pregnant should be screened regularly by their health practitioners so that the early detection is possible. In Canada, the screening test is conducted by professional public health nurses.

Treatment

In summary, post partum depression is treatable. Medical evaluation of women that are exhibiting some of the signs of the condition is a necessity. Early detection is key to successful treatment to realise short term as well as long term relief from the ailment. On positive diagnosis, it is commonly recommended that the suffering woman undergo cognitive behavioural therapy, medication, and maintain a healthy diet.

In many areas the health practitioners in co-operation with the mother, can determine a treatment plan. Although many of the symptoms are similar among most sufferers, the treatment plan needs to be specifically individualized for post partum depression.

The effects of this condition can promote highly undesirable subconscious activity. Recognizing the symptoms early and seeking professional assistance can save more that one life.

Author Resource:-> To learn more about depression please visit Depression and Treatment

For Information about colon maintenance please visit Colon Cleanse

Article From Article Health And Fitness

Preventing Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy through Ayurveda

2008-02-16T01:45:00.000-08:00

By: Dr.Savitha Suri

Definition:

Benign prostatic hypertrophy is swelling of Prostate gland. The prostate is a walnut sized gland that is only present in men. It is located just below the bladder and top of the penis. This gland surrounds the urethra ( the tube through which urine flows from the bladder and out through the penis ).

It is a very astonishing fact to know that the condition BPH has been explained in ayurveda long back. The anatomical position of prostate gland, symptoms of BPH and its remedies are explained by Acharya Sushruta.

The anatomical position of prostate gland is described in ayurvedic classics as follows

In Yogaratnakara it has been described as --

“ NAABHERADHASTHAATSANJAATAHA SANCHAARI YADI VAACHALAHA |

ASHTEELAAVAD GHANO GRANTHIROODHWAR MAAYATA UNNATAHA || “

Which means “ Below umbilicus (NAABHI), there is a hard gland which is little bit bulged and changes its place some times and some times stays stationary. This gland is like “Ashteela” (A small stone used to sharpen swords). This gland when affected by vitiated vata causes a disease called “vataashteela” (or benign prostate hypertrophy)

Sushruta explains the structure , anatomical position of prostate gland and symptoms of BPH as follows.

“SHACRANMAARGASYA BASTHESHCHA VAAYURANTARAMAASHRITAHAI

ASHTEELAAVADGHANAM GRANTHIMMOORDHVAMAAYATA MUNNATAM|| “

Which means - the place between rectum and bladder is occupied by vitiated vata it affects the easy flow of urine, stools and semen by enlarging the gland “ Ashteela”.

The prostate gland enlarges in all men as age advances. BPH is very common and affects one third of men who are over 50. A person suffering from BPH does not have the increased risk of prostate cancer.

Functions of Prostate gland

One of the main functions of the prostate is to produce a fluid, which contribute to the liquid portion of semen and this liquid allows the sperm to move freely.

The gland is divided into peripheral, transitional and central zone. The overgrowth takes place in central zone which leads to BPH.

Effects of BPH Prostate gland surrounds urethra. When prostate gland enlarges, it constricts the urethra reducing the urine flow. The emptying of bladder becomes very difficult because of this.

Causes of BPH According to present medical concepts

The actual cause of prostate enlargement is unknown.

But the causes of BPH are very well explained In ayurveda which is based on tridosha theory.

The causes of vataashteela or BPH are explained as follows

Causes for vataashteela according to dosha theory:

vataashteela is caused by vitiated vayu and apaana vayu ( a subcategory of Vayu)

( APAANA VAYU is located in two testicles, urinary bladder, phallus, umbilicus, thighs, groins, anus and colon.

Functions of apana vaayu are Ejaculation of semen, voiding of urine, stools, elimination of menstrual blood and expulsion of fetus. )

. The vitiation of vayu and apaana vayu is caused by

1. Controlling the urge of urination

2. Controlling the urge of defecation

3. Over indulgence in sex.

4. Consuming dry, very cold and less quantity of food

5. Old age

6. General weakness

7. Indigestion

8. Physical and mental overexertion.

Symptoms of BPH

• Difficulty in starting to pass urine ( hesitancy ),

• A weak stream of urine,

• Dribbling after urinating

• The need to strain to pass urine,

• Incomplete emptying of bladder.

• Difficulty to control the urination urge.

• Having to get up several times in the night to pass urine,

• Feeling a burning sensation when passing urine.

• Passing urine mixed with blood (indication of infection)

Symptoms of vatashteela are described as follows.

“ VINMUTRAANILA SANGASCHA TANNAADMAANAMCHA JAAYATE|

VEDANAA CHA PARAA BASTOU VAATAASHTEELETI TAAM VIDUHU || “

The vitiated ashteela gland when enlarged is called as “vatashteela”. This enlarged gland causes

1. Obstruction to easy flow of urine.

2. Obstruction to Easy passage of stools and gas

3. Bloating of Stomach.

4. Pain in bladder.

When the above mentioned symptoms are noticed then one should seek proper medical advice.

Diagnosis

A digital rectal examination will be performed to examine the size of prostate by inserting a finger into the rectum. A distended bladder can be felt per abdomen. Ultra sound examination will be done to determine the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination. Routine urine test will be done to rule out infections.

A prostate gland tissue may be collected using a needle to check for cancerous cells

Ayurveda tips for SELF-CARE

If symptoms are mild, the following methods can be tried for relief:

1. Vata gets vitiated when natural urges are controlled. Hence do not control the natural urge of passing urine. Urinate when you first get the urge.

2. Go to the bathroom even if you do not have urge.

3. Alcohol, tobacco, coffee increase vata and vitiate it. Hence avoid alcohol, tobacco and coffee, especially after dinner.

4. Vata gets normalized and vitiation comes down when body is warm. This can be accomplished with regular exercises and keeping the body warm.

5. Mental exertion leads to increase of vata. Avoid mental exertion at work place and at home.

6. Avoid foods which cause constipation as constipation causes vitiation of vata..

Other general tips

1. Avoid drinking fluids from two hours before going to bed.

2. Avoid cold and cough medications that contain decongestants or antihistamines. These medications can increase BPH symptoms.

3. Avoid drinking excess amount of liquids. Distribute the intake of fluids throughout day.

Prevention

BPH can be prevented by -

1. Consuming low fat diet

2. Including lots of fiber in diet ( fruits and vegetables which are rich in fiber).

3. Visiting your family physician as soon as you notice any symptoms while passing urine.

Apart from these many effective herbal remedies have been mentioned in Sushruta samhita and Yogaratnakara.

Author Resource:-> This article is copy righted. The author Dr.SavithaSuri is an Ayurvedic Physician and web master of Ayurveda Remedies

Read more about BPH at Ayurveda remedies for BPH

Article From Article Health And Fitness

Hair Loss Remedies - Conquering Hair Loss in Natural Way

2008-02-16T01:43:00.001-08:00

By: Dr John anne

What Causes Hair Loss?

Many people suffer from hair loss - and there are several causes for hair loss. Alopecia is the general word that is used to refer to any type of hair loss. The most common type of hair loss is male or female pattern baldness - or androgenetic Alopecia - which is caused by genetics. A number of other circumstances - from environmental to medical can also cause hair loss.

Before you begin any treatment regimen, you should consult a dermatologist to determine the cause of your hair loss. Hair loss is a common symptom for hundreds of medical conditions - and determining whether or not your hair loss is a symptom of a medical condition will determine the route you need to take - your medical condition will need to be taken care of before treatment for hair loss. Knowing the cause of the hair loss is the first step to finding a successful hair loss remedy.

Hair Loss Remedies

Once you have determined the cause of your hair loss, you will find there are a variety of hair loss remedies - some natural, some medical, and some cosmetic. Your dermatologist can help you find the right solution. Over the past few years, medical treatment of hair loss has grown tremendously - in some cases, learning what causes the hair loss enables drugs to be made that can stop the hair loss before it happens.

Drug-related hair loss remedies do not work for everyone and the success of this type of hair loss treatment depends on the reason for the hair loss. Cosmetic remedies have also become a popular way for people to combat hair loss - and is sometimes an option for people who are not successful with other types of hair loss remedies. But, cosmetic hair replacement can be quite expensive.

Many people have found natural remedies for hair loss. The premise behind natural hair loss remedies is that hair loss is a natural condition and can, in some cases, be dramatically decreased by using natural remedies. There are many types of natural hair loss remedies including exercise to increase blood flow, massaging the scalp, and herbal hair loss remedies, which involve the use of natural herbs.

Herbal Remedies For Hair Loss

There are many types of herbal remedies for hair loss - some are used to stimulate hair growth and others are used to keep the hair and the scalp healthy in order to prevent hair loss. Let's explore some of these natural hair loss remedies.

1. Henna can be used to condition and maintain healthy hair - thus, decreasing the chances of hair loss. Henna is a traditional herb that has been used for a number of years to maintain healthy hair.

2. Aloe Vera is another traditional herb that has been used effectively in the prevention of hair loss. Native Americans, as well as people in the Caribbean and India have used Aloe Vera to maintain healthy hair and prevent hair loss. Combined with wheat germ oil and coconut milk, Aloe Vera can be made into a shampoo that cleanses and heals the scalp.

3. Jojoba Oil is an herbal remedy for hair loss that has been used successfully in people who suffer from skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and has been used successfully in the treatment of dandruff.

4. Aromatherapists use lavender and bay essential oils to massage the scalp and stimulate hair growth.

5. Horsetail can be used to stimulate hair follicles. This herb can be used to help conquer pattern baldness by strengthening weak hair and promoting hair growth.

6. Rosemary is another herbal remedy for hair loss that can be used in oil for massaging the scalp and stimulating hair growth.

7. Saw Palmetto can be used to block the hormone DHT, which is part of the cause of hair loss. Saw Palmetto can be used in oils, added to other formulas, or taken internally in capsule form.

8. Ginseng can be used as a stimulant and helps improve circulation. Ginseng can also be used to remove toxins clogging the hair follicles, increasing the chance of healthy hair growth. Like Saw Palmetto, Ginseng can be used as oil, added to other formulas, or taken internally in capsule form.

These are just a few of the many herbal remedies for hair loss. Other herbs used to prevent hair loss or stimulate hair growth include green tea, ginkgo biloba, licorice, nettles, and sage. There are many other herbs that can be used for the prevention and treatment of hair loss in many combinations of shampoos and oils - some even used as teas to stimulate blood flow, thus stimulating the natural growth of hair. As with any treatment, be sure to check with your dermatologist to find the cause of the hair loss so that you can make an informed decision on the right hair loss remedy for you.

Author Resource:-> Dr John Anne is an herbal specialist with years of experience and extensive research on herbs and alternative health. If you are looking for more information, read about Hair Loss Solution and Female Hair Loss

Article From Article Health And Fitness

What Women Should Do About Hair loss

2008-02-16T01:41:00.000-08:00

By: James Briggs

Whether women really want to believe it or not, premature balding is a real problem. Many women choose to believe that men are the only ones to suffer from hair growth problems. However, many women today suffer from some sort of hair thinning, the only real difference might be how much hair they lose. While we may not want to face it, it is time to realize that we as women can also experience hair loss.

Female hair loss is definitely a problem. What's so bad about it is that most people can't understand how women could lose their hair. They just think that it's a male problem and they don't understand why a woman would lose their hair. They usually think that it's the woman's fault. That's usually not the case at all. Women suffer from hair growth problems just like men.

What Causes Hair Loss In Women

The real fact of the matter is that when it comes to those who suffer from premature baldness, at least 40% of those people are women. The cause however can vary from one woman to the next. The biggest cause of hair thinning in women is known as andogenetic alopecia. This is where the hair tends to thin across the entire scalp. This occurs when a women has more of the male hormone, androgens that the typical woman should. This could be the result of an underlying medical condition or prescription such as birth control, menopause, pregnancy, or ovarian cysts.

Another type of hair loss is telogen effluvium. This is generally the result of a traumatic experience. For example, a particularly hard birthing experience, extensive stress, major surgery, serious infection, or serious malnutrition can trigger this type of hair growth problems. There are many different causes of hair loss in women; the key is to understanding them and knowing what you can do about them.

What Are Some Common Myths Regarding Women and Hair Loss?

The first myth is that hair thinning only comes from the father. This is not true, while your father may have suffered from hair loss, both parents factor into this process with their genes. Another myth that many women believe is that abnormal bleeding during menstruation occurs from hair loss. This again is untrue, your menstrual cycle does not become affected by hair growth problems

The Facts

The hardcore facts about women and hair loss is something you should be looking into.

Fact #1 Women ages twelve to forty typically start to experience hair growth problems.

Fact #2 The only hair thinning in which genetics is a factor is androgenetic aglopecia.

Fact #3 Minoxidil is the only FDA approved drug to treat premature balding in women.

Author Resource:-> Find more hair loss information

and reviews on Procerin

and Provillus

at Hairlosshaven.com

Article From Article Health And Fitness

Green Tea And The Latest In Skin Care And Promising Cancer Treatments

2008-02-14T10:05:00.000-08:00

By: David Maillie

With all the latest research and developments into skin care it has recently been found that Green tea actually has more to offer than originally thought. It could possibly be the newest anti cancer wonder treatment. In research conducted in Thailand by Dr. Ptong of the Skin Education Foundation it was evidenced that Green tea when taken orally or applied externally had a marked effect on the skin in relation to cancer and carcinogens.

Ptong elucidated that it was the antioxidants, commonly referred to as green tea polyphenols (GTP), that caused this new functionality. The polyphenols of showed the ability to actually prohibit and retard the growth of various skin cancers. From basal cell carcinoms (the mildest and most common form of skin cancer) to malignant melanoma and its variants (the deadliest and fastest spreading form) all were shown to be effected by these GTP polyphenols.

In animal studies where the skin was treated with various carcinogens and chemicals or radiation with mutagenic properties it was found that skin treated prior with a rub or salve of the polyphenols had a much lower rate of mutations afterwards. This resulted in a much lower chance of growths and cancer developing. In one study it was shown that the the resultant damage that normally occurs from excessive UV radiation did not happen to skin pre treated with a GTP salve. It is important to note that they have now found identical results with human research. According to Dr. Ptong:

Every area we tested the polyphenols we made significant discoveries and every time it was very positive. The polyphenols extracted from green tea are extremely active against all types of cancer in this study.

It was also found that, along with external application, oral use of the polyphenols reduced the risk of developing skin cancer more than in half in over 1000 patients. In another test, patients with malignant melanoma were given green tea to drink and after one month it was found that the growth rate of the cancer slowed tremendously. It was found that hot, green tea contained the highest concentration of the beneficial polyphenols. From these studies one can easily surmise that green tea shows great promise in skin care and in treating and reducing the risk of cancer and other similar maladies. Just from these studies it is enough to conclude that it should be made a part of the daily regimen for optimum health.

Author Resource:-> David Maillie is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental interests. For more great information please visit: Bestskinpeel.com

Article From Article Health And Fitness

Treating Depression with Magnetic Therapy

2008-02-14T09:53:00.000-08:00

By: Scott Meyers

Man has been dependent on traditional medicine for a long time. However, as time passes by, researchers and even medical experts see that even the most efficient of drugs can bring unsatisfactory results. Even with months or years of continuous use of drugs, a patient may still not show the desired improvements or worse, may even develop the tendency to become immune to the drugs. This is when people tend to look for other methods of alternative treatment. This is true in cases of depression. For instance, where thirty percent of sufferers seem to become resistant to standard treatments, they have an alternative that may be helpful and effective. One of the newest, "non traditional" methods of treatment for people undergoing depression is magnetic therapy whose leading mode is called "transcranial magnetic stimulation."

Transcranial magnetic simulation (TMS) is one of the methods that have produced fairly positive results. When a patient undergoes TMS, a device is run over his or her head. This device sends electrical currents into certain parts of the brain. It is a powerful device that the magnetic pulses can even penetrate right through the skin and bone of the skull and can reach the brain's nerve cells. The pulses have to be magnetic since mere electrical ones cannot do the same penetration. According to research findings, these magnetic pulses can specifically target certain areas in the brain where the centers of depression can be found. These centers are accordingly the same centers that traditional drugs target.

Research shows that treating someone daily with TMS for a period of two weeks can result in significant improvements. For one, the patient's symptoms will be reduced by thirty percent. This is already a substantial change, especially for someone who is suffering severe depression.

Historically, magnetic therapy can be traced back to the times of the Tibetan monks. The monks are said to be huge followers and practitioners of this type of therapy.

Initially, studies on the use of magnets did not have favorable results. In order to contradict this, believers conducted small trial studies. The results showed that men felt reduced depression, however for women did not.

TMS may be a relatively "new kid on the block" and may still be classified as experimental, but there are already quite a number of clinics and medical experts that suggest this type of treatment especially for patients who have developed an immunity with regard to traditional drugs. Nowadays, researchers are even confident in saying that within ten years time, TMS may even become one of the common methods of treatment for depression.

Author Resource:-> Scott Meyers is a staff writer for Its Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Depression.

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Home Remedies for Sore Throat Relief - Guaranteed

2008-02-14T09:44:00.000-08:00

By: Peter rodrik

If you really want to get relief from sore throat then you are at the right place because in next 15-20 minutes I will tell you how to get relief from sore throat with very simple and effective home remedies for sore throat.

But if the condition is severe then contact your doctor immediately, do not waste time on internet, and remember always Health is wealth

A sore throat is a common and minor condition in which the back of the throat becomes irritated in most cases (90% of them) is cause by a virus, such as the one that causes colds and flu or the bacteria that cause strep infection. In cases of bacterial or viral infections most antibiotics are useless and should not be taken.

Other major causes of sore throat are: medication, surgery, radiation, dust, smoke, chemicals and gum infection, allergies.

Simple home remedies for sore throat

1. liquefy 2-3 teaspoons of salt to one glass of water, gargle this salty water in your throat and on the infected area.

2. Cut an onion into strips, press the spicy juice out, add one spoon of honey and drink the mixture.

3. Blanch some hypos leaves and drink the leaves in olive oil, strain and swallow.

4. Reduce to pulp one ginger root, add to this 1/3 cup of boiling water and one tablespoon of sugar. Drink when it's slightly humid. One of the most well liked sore throat home remedies

5. Blend an uncooked egg yolk, one tablespoon of sugar and one tablespoon of brandy Swallow after every 15 minutes as this will give relief.

6. Blanch some lemon verbena leaves and swallow.

7. Cook garlic cloves and dried peeled onion in boiling water until garlic gets soft and then eat for get relief from sore throat.

8. Mix 1 cup of hot milk, 1 egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of honey then swallow.

9. Eat 1 tablespoon of honey several times a day to get relief from sore throat.

10. Make salvia tea and drink;

11. Put ginger root in a glass of humid water, stay 5-10 minutes and drink. Continue this number of times a day for sore throat relief.

12. Blanch 2 teaspoons of fresh/ dry hyssop leaves to 3/4 cup of hot water; add 1 spoon of honey, gurgle and drink for relief from sore throat.

13. Dip 1 whole pear in vinegar for one day, grain, filter and drink the remaining liquid.

14. Combine 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and one tablespoon of honey and take one spoon of this mixture 3 times a day for sore throat relief.

15. Betony is a helpful astringent which decreases inflammation. Make a tea and utilize as a gargle for sore throat relief.

16. Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to 1 cup of boiling water; blend well and gargle while mixture is extremely warm. This bring more circulation to the area and assists in to decrease away the infection. To this prescription you can add 4 parts echinacea, 1 part garlic bulb, and 2 parts peppermint leaves to 1 part cayenne. This is a well liked sore throat home remedy

17. A good home remedy for sore throat is to add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to 1 cup of boiling water; stir well and sip bit by bit.

18. Prepare a tea adding 1 or 2 teaspoons of dried chamomile blossoms to a pint of boiling water; steep and drink a cup each few hours.

19. Add 30 drops of echinacea/goldenseal mixture to one cup of warm water; drink every two hours.

20. Good home remedy for sore throat relief. Take small ginger root and peel the skin. Slice the root into thin coins and put the pieces into a small pot of water. Boil the pieces to prepare tea. The tea should turn a yellowish color. Add three tablespoons of honey to sweeten the taste in tea. Sip the hot tea slowly by slowly. This tea provides a sharp tingle to the throat after sipping it.

21. Crush one tablespoon of mustard seed and mix with the juice of half a lemon, one tablespoon of salt, one tablespoon of clear honey, and 1 1/4 cups of boiling water. Leave this mixture for 15 minutes and use as a gargle.

22. Myrrh It can be prepared into a tea. To prepare the tea add 2 sprigs of plainly chopped parsley, 3 whole spice cloves, 1 teaspoon of crushed myrrh, and 1/4 teaspoon powdered goldenseal to 1 pint of boiling water. Steep. Blend occasionally while cooling, then strain and use as a gargle for sore throat relief.

23. Boil some pomegranate peels and drink as a tea. It will give relief from sore throat as the pomegranate contains astringents

Author Resource:-> For more information on Herbal and Home Remedies for Sore Throat Relief visit Herbal home remedies and Natural Cures

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Heartburn Natural Remedy - 5 Steps to A No Pill Cure

2008-02-14T09:42:00.000-08:00

By: Gilbey Scott

Taking something as natural as baking soda in a glass of water is an age old heartburn remedy. And except for those on a low salt regime it’s a safe and natural remedy for heartburn acid. There are many remedies right in front of your nose. Let’s examine a few of these.

Let’s talk about one some ways to reduce heartburn that don’t involve taking anything. It’s about making your stomach happy. Follow these steps and your tummy may be happy enough to let you eat anything you want. Or at least a little more tolerant.

Here are some helpful pointers that don‘t require taking anything:

1. Your stomach doesn’t like to be overfilled. It has to work too hard to process the food. It has to stretch out of shape and generate too much stomach acid to get the job done. It also helps to get the job done quickly. Not eaten quickly but digested quickly.

2. Your stomach doesn’t like meals that are too acidic or have too much dense material. You can help out by adding more fruits and vegetables. These are alkaline and help balance the acid level. Fruits and vegetables digest faster and move on down the line. Meat stays around forever. So rather than letting your taste buds lead, follow your common sense.

3. Your stomach likes to be vertical while digesting food - no slouching or reclining, please. It’s got a funny shape and when it tips over, something is likely to spill out - ouch! Naps after a big meal are a good way for this to happen.

4. It also helps if the stomach is not crowded. It deserves a certain amount of space. Being overweight crowds the working area. Imagine trying to work in a crowded elevator. Add weight loss to your heartburn to-do list. Even a few pounds can make a difference.

5. Higher metabolism boosts the digestion. Start now, after your evening meal take a leisurely stroll around the block. Better yet consider adding a brisk 20-minute walk 5 times a week. A habit like this will improve digestion.

If this seems like a lot, consider breaking it down into individual tasks by organizing it on paper. Make a to-do list and a timetable. And at the end of the page state your goals. Also include a reward - every success story deserves a reward. Ridding yourself of heartburn definitely deserves one.

So who says you can’t have heartburn relief? Keep these steps in mind and you should be able to put together a heartburn chronicle that works for you. These five steps are a good place to start on a natural cure that comes with some very positive side effects. Better posture and healthier heart, just to name a few.

Keep in mind that remedies like baking soda can be very good at bringing about heartburn relief. As I said before, except for those on a low salt regime it’s a safe and natural remedy, but keep in mind that it is not a cure for heartburn and should only be used occasionally. The good news is by following the steps above there should be less need for natural remedies.

With these healthy ideas you can get started before heartburn acid causes any damage. So start at once to identify the heartburn symptoms that relate and go to work on a cure. Having put together a personal cure will enable you to look back and say, “I feel great, I took care of that.” Having that feeling of accomplishment is a big part of success.

Author Resource:-> Visit us, if you would like to know about Heartburn Natural Remedies that work as well as over the counter, and natural heartburn cures that offer a permanent solution to heartburn.

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Beginners Guide To Judo

2008-02-13T11:07:00.000-08:00

By: Jimmy Cox

The origin of Judo can be traced back to the original art of Jiu Jitsu. In actuality, the word Judo was adopted by the late Professor Jigoro Kano, founder of Kodokan Judo, for his special methods. During his youth, Professor Kano made a careful study of the art of Jiu Jitsu and developed from it his Kodokan Judo, which is the one universally recognized throughout Japan today.

Judo is taught by Kodokan instructors to the army, navy, police and college students throughout Japan. Members of the older schools of Jiu Jitsu which still survive in Japan frequently join the Kodokan to gain greater proficiency and higher standing in their own art.

Falling (Ukemi)

The technique of falling should be mastered in order to avoid injury from violent shock or impact when being thrown on the ground. The art of falling should be practiced on a mat. However, falls may be taken on hard surfaces once you have fully mastered the art of falling. But as a beginner never attempt this practice except on a mat or soft ground.

In taking a fall, the impact should be absorbed by the slap of the hand and foot upon the ground, which will prevent injury and unpleasant jarring.

In executing the back fall from a sitting position both hands and forearms must hit the mat the instant your back touches it, with the arms at a 45 degree angle from the body. Be sure to raise your head so that it does not hit the mat at any time.

In falling from the standing position start by trying to sit down close to your left heel. When you are as close to the ground as you can get, roll back with your arm raised. At the moment your back touches the mat, slap the mat in the same manner as you did the sitting position.

In falling to the side and backward bring your arms level with your shoulders and across your chest, and as you fall back twist your body slightly, then slap the mat with your hand and forearm as your back touches. This can be done from the standing position.

Throwing

One of the most potent Judo throws is known as O-soto-gari. Break the attacker's balance by pulling him to his right. Then, place your left foot in back and to the left of his right foot. Instantaneously move your right leg forward and past his right leg. Then, sweep backwards and outwards near the middle of his thigh as forcibly as you can with the same part of your thigh.

At the same time pull down his right arm with your left hand, and push back his left shoulder blade with your right hand. The attacker will fall directly backwards. A variation of this may be executed by thrusting the heel of your right hand under the attacker's nose at the moment of throwing.

Another very useful Judo throw is known as Tomoe-nage. Gripping your adversary by his left lapel with your right hand, and his right elbow sleeve with your left hand, pull him forward and off balance. At the same time, raise your right knee so that you can place your right foot in your attacker's mid section.

Continuing to pull him forward with both hands, start to sit down close to your left heel and roll back. Pull your attacker onto your right foot, swinging your foot so that the antagonist passes over and away from your body, completing the throw. Note that if the throw is done correctly the leg is not straightened out, but instead moves in a bent position and in a circular motion.

These are the very beginning techniques in judo necessary for you to know.

Author Resource:-> Never Be Afraid Again - Learn How To Defend Yourself From Any Attack

Click here for FREE online Ebook

http://www.martialartsstyles.org/

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Jiu-Jitsu Especially For Women

2008-02-13T11:04:00.000-08:00

By: Jimmy Cox

It is in acquiring the finishing touches of the ancient art of jiu - jitsu that the student shows whether or not he is naturally fitted for expert work in this art. Women can be very adept when reaching this level of skill. Every feat that the jiu-jitsian performs is based on some natural law, and the extension and perfection of the feat depend upon his or her ability to observe natural laws and to apply them.

For example, when striking downward with an edge-of-the-hand blow the student should discover that the blow is both more easy and more effective if the weight of his body be added to the impulse. Then a little thought will show the jiu-jitsian that by springing slightly off his feet just before landing with his hand the weight of his body will be added to the blow.

After a very little practice the student will find that this knowledge and its application has greatly increased his efficiency. It will then occur to the student that a brisk forward impulse will add to the value of any blow or jab he may use in frontal attack. He must study, now, how to give that forward impulse.

In the same manner he will find out for himself just how to make his weight count for the most when trying to bear down an opponent; and he will learn how to straighten up with the weight of the opponent on his back.

Not many years ago it would have been considered an impertinent idea for a woman to learn the art of combat. However, lately it has become more acceptable. It was in London that women first fell in with the idea of learning jiu-jitsu, and Japanese instructors became suddenly in great demand. The craze quickly crossed the ocean, and in the United States, to-day, there are not a few women who are capable of holding their own in combat with men.

The edge-of-the-hand blow over the jugular is one that is easy of acquirement by women. The hold that is secured by bending the arm up behind the back is another feat that should be practised by women. Many of the applications of "bending the arm the wrong way" are of especial value to women who do not think it beneath their dignity to be able to defend themselves at a pinch. And every woman who feels the slightest interest in the subject should persuade herself to practise repeatedly at the trick of stopping and catching an assailant's fist and of "breaking" the attacking arm over her shoulder.

And especially effective for women are the jabs that may be delivered with either elbow in the short ribs of an opponent, or in the soft parts just below. If a woman is annoyed by a fellow who steps up to her side in a crowded street it does not come amiss to know how to give him an effective elbow jab in the solar plexus or in the abdomen. The woman who can do this neatly will save herself from further annoyance.

With some practice any woman of ordinary strength can acquire the knack of seizing and holding a man. She can take him quite unawares and render him helpless without the outlay of much exertion. She must, however, look out that he does not succeed in kicking back with his heel, and, if he does try it, she must be prepared to strike or to choke with her right hand, which may be spared for the purpose.

Thus it can be seen that jiu - jitsu is an excellent system of self-defense for women. It would be great if more women learned this ancient craft.

Author Resource:-> Here's How To Learn One Of The Oldest And Most Deadly Juijitsu Techniques Ever Devised!

Click here for FREE online Ebook

http://www.juijitsutechnique.com/

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Getting Rid of Acne Naturally

2008-02-13T11:02:00.001-08:00

By: James Briggs

It's estimated that almost 75% of all humans suffer from acne at some point in their lives, although the extent and visibility of this condition differs from person to person.

Being such a common disorder, research on how to cure it has been constantly conducted over the past few centuries and although many breakthroughs have been made in curing acne, we still have some ways to go in preventing it.

The last few decades saw an increase in natural acne treatment products, their popularity being corroborated with the overall increase in trust for non-chemical medicines. But before we go any further into finding out how to get rid of acne naturally, let's take a look at what causes the condition in the first place.

Acne, or acne vulgaris as it is called in scientific circles is a condition that is primarily triggered in teenagers and young adults, although a fair percentage of persons suffering from it might continue to experience a milder form of acne even through adulthood.

After hitting puberty, our sebaceous glands increase their production rates, releasing extra sebum that cannot always come out through our skin's pores as they are blocked by hair follicles.

This forms small cysts called comedones that act like a snowball: the more they are left to gather up sebum, bacteria and keratinous material, the higher the chance they will produce a cyst that can become dangerous to the skin.

If you're planning on getting rid of acne naturally, your first concern will be to eliminate these comedones and you can do this through several means: making hair follicles wider so sebum and bacteria can come out as they do through the rest of the body, decrease the activity of your sebaceous gland or simply keeping your skin extra clean, reducing the negative effects of the comedones.

Sebum production can be controlled with the help of vitamin A, which is commonly used in natural and non-natural acne treatments alike.

If you want to go all natural with your treatment, you'll want to balance out your diet so it contains a healthy amount of Vitamin A on every meal. Some foods that are A-rich include: potatoes, carrots, spinach, apricots, milk, liver, cheese and mango fruits.

Just make sure you don't go overboard with this vitamin, as it can produce toxicity above a threshold (it can also be dangerous for pregnant women, so it's best to consult a dietician beforehand).

Although it might seem weird, another good way to treat acne naturally is by drinking water constantly. If you could drink around 8 glasses of water per day, you will be able to reduce the amount of toxins in your blood, thus proportionally reducing the bacteria that end up in the comedones and spark up the disease.

Is eating and drinking right really the natural way to cure acne? Well it's not necessarily THE way, but it can help a lot. If you manage to control what gets to the comedones in the first place, you might not have to worry about their negative effects later on.

Author Resource:-> You can read more articles on getting rid

of acne and side effects

of acnezine on men. You can also find

the best acne treatments

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Frequently Asked Questions On Hypnosis

2008-02-13T10:59:00.000-08:00

By: Jon Rhodes

There are many stories about hypnotherapy being dangerous, turning people into chickens, people not being able to wake up, and unscrupulous hypnotists exploiting their ‘vulnerable’ patients. However there are many people who are adamant that it has helped change their lives, helping them succeed in their goals. Millions of people swear that it has helped them with many issues such as weight loss, quitting smoking, other addictions, confidence, phobias, stress, success, IBS, and many more issues.

these fears by answering these common questions about hypnotherapy.

Can I be hypnotized?

Most people can go into a hypnotic trance. The only types of people that cannot be hypnotised are …

1. Those suffering from psychosis or a thought disorder

2. A person with a low IQ

3. A person does not want to be hypnotised. It is very easy to r

Many people are missing out on this powerful yet safe therapeutic tool because they are too afraid to use it. I hope to dispel esist hypnosis if you want to.

What is a hypnotic trance?

It is a normal and natural state that most of us experience several times a day. It commonly happens when people are driving. Have you ever driven somewhere and not really remembered the journey? It also often occurs when reading a book or watching TV. Sometimes you can be so absorbed in the book or TV programme that you are not consciously aware that someone is talking to you. Hypnosis is the focussing of the conscious attention in such a narrow corridor of influence. The conscious mind is so intensely focussed that other influences are not being critically analysed by the conscious mind. We still hear them, although we are not always aware. A good example of this is when you are in a place where there are several conversations going on at once. They may all sound like a mass of background noise. However if someone in one of those conversations mentions your name, you then consciously focus on that conversation. How did you know someone said your name? Your subconscious mind (which is far more powerful than your conscious mind) was listening to EVERY conversation AT THE SAME TIME! That is perhaps a reason why you can sometimes “just know” something. Your subconscious mind has absorbed it without you consciously being aware.

What does hypnosis feel like?

When in a trance you feel more mentally and physically relaxed. It is a very pleasant experience, and you can tell that you are still in control. You can still hear exactly what is going on around you, unless you choose to drift your attention away. You become aware that you can easily stand up, talk, or move whenever you want. A lot of people (me included) when they first experience a hypnotic trance move their fingers or hands in order to test whether they can move at will. Sometimes a patient can be a little difficult to wake up. This is not a sinister thing as it has been portrayed. No one has ever been stuck in trance. It is more a case that a patient just “can’t be bothered” to wake up as it feels so pleasant. However they soon become bored and will wake up pretty soon. One trick the old hypnosis pro’s use is to tell the patient that they are charging for the time. It’s amazing how quickly they then wake up!

Is hypnosis dangerous?

A hypnotic trance is actually a very natural state that almost everyone goes into several times per day. In 1955 the British Medical Association set up an inquiry which favourably reported hypnosis as a therapeutic tool. It even recommended that it should be taught at medical schools. Hypnosis was also approved by the Council of Mental Health of the American Medical Association in September of 1958 as a safe practice with no harmful side effects. Since then there has been acceleration in the establishment of hypnosis societies for doctors, dentists, and psychologists. No one has been seriously hurt with hypnosis.

Can I be made to do things against my will?

You could never be made to do anything against your will or contrary to your value system. If this was actually possible, would there not be criminals learning the art of hypnotherapy in order to hypnotise their bank managers to opening the vaults and handing over a large sum of cash?! In a trance, you would not unknowingly reveal your deepest secrets. You can even lie when in a trance, which is one reason why testimony in hypnosis is not permissible evidence in a court of law. It is only used by police to help with the investigation. A person will only act upon suggestions that serve them in some way or reinforce an expected behaviour, anything else their subconscious will just ignore. Most people develop these misperceptions from seeing or hearing about a Stage Hypnosis show. However they largely achieve their results from showmanship, selection of the more extrovert people, and peer pressure.

How long will it take before I notice a change?

In one session, you can expect to become more relaxed than you are right now. Most people do not relax enough, and some people never seem to relax! Being more relaxed can help most mental and physical problems that you may have. I have often had patients report back to me that people noticed that they seemed more relaxed after just one session. In the past I have significantly helped problems such as IBS, skin complaints, and addictions, simply by doing relaxation work.

Hypnosis can bridge the gap between your head and your heart, making your goals much more emotionally compelling, and therefore increasing your chances of permanent change. Depending upon the intensity of your session and the number of times you have listened to the recording, you will notice suggestions for the desired behavioural changes spontaneously popping into your conscious mind almost immediately.

Author Resource:-> Jon Rhodes is a top UK clinical hypnotherapist. He runs a free hypnosis site at http://www.freehypnosistreatment.com . Click for free

hypnosis audio's

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Pain Killer Addiction Guide

2008-02-13T10:55:00.001-08:00

Rebecca Prescott

If pain killers are taken exactly as prescribed, they are safe and will rarely cause addiction. And yet addiction to prescription pain killers is growing. The most common medications that can cause this are opiods (sometimes called narcotics) and include morphine, codeine and others in the same group.

Research shows that every year, almost 2 million Americans use prescription opiod painkillers. In some communities, addiction to painkillers has now overtaken the use of cocaine and marijuana. 9% of the population admit to having used pain killers illegally.

Morphine is often used after surgery for the control and alleviation of severe pain. Codeine is more common and can deal with milder pain. Opiods work by attaching to proteins in the brain, spine and digestive tract. These proteins are called opiod receptors. When an opiod attaches to a receptor, they can change the way a person feels pain.

SO HOW DO PEOPLE GET ADDICTED TO THEM?

They can also affect how pleasure is experienced and this is why many opiods give a feeling of euphoria when they are taken.

People who become addicted start out by taking pain killers for longer than they should do, to get this intial euphoria. The problem is that if pain killers are used for a long time, the body can become tolerant to that medication. This means that higher and higher doses must be taken to get the same effect. It also means that the body has adjusted to operating normally with that level of pain killers, and so if the pain killers are stopped, or reduced, withdrawal symptoms can occur.

COLD TURKEY

Symptoms of drug withdrawal ae extremely unpleasant and can involve restlessness, pain in the bones and muscles, insomnia, diarhea, vomiting and involuntary leg movements. Withdrawal is called 'cold turkey' because another major symptom is cold flashes with goose bumps on the skin.

WHY DO PEOPLE NEED HELP TO QUIT - CAN'T THEY JUST STOP?

If these drugs are used for a long time, they will eventually change the brain in fundamental ways. They take over the normal pleasure and motivational systems of the brain - pushing the need for drugs up to the highest priority. The need for drugs therefore overrides all of the person's previous motivations, behaviours and drives. This is the domineering compulsion to find and use drugs, and what is called addiction.

Once addicted to drugs, people feign illness and visit different doctors to obtain prescriptions, buy drugs on the street, steal and lie to obtain their 'fix'. It is not a personality choice - it's a medical need or craving, generated by the affect that the chemical has imposed on the brain.

WHAT HAPPENS IN REHAB?

Celebrities seem to go into rehabilitation {rehab) with alarming frequency. Rehab is a place where people are medically supervised to come off their addiction, in an effort to reduce or avoid withdrawal symptoms. The addiction can be to pain killers, recreational drugs or alcohol.

The client is medically detoxified - which means that medications may be given to help them through the withdrawal phase. Detoxification is not a treatment for addiction - it simply removes the addictive substance from the person's system so that they can start thinking clearly again. Detox is usually followed by counselling and behavioural therapy to try and help the client to avoid returning to the addiction.

Celebrities and their alleged pain killer addictions:

* Kathleen Turner – pain killers and alcohol.

* Daniel Baldwin – pain killers originally for a back problem.

* Anna Nicole Smith – vicodin.

* Matthew Perry – vicodin.

* Jerry Lewis – allegedly went into rehab for prednisone addiction at the age of 77!

Author Resource:-> Rebecca Prescott is a health writer who publishes several sites on acne and vitamins, amongst others.

Article From Article Health And Fitness

Repair Your Damaged Hair

2008-02-12T23:59:00.000-08:00

By: Phoenix Delray

There are many causes of damaged hair, including improper diet, excessive styling and blow drying, excessive coloring, and exposure to the elements. The good news is that professional quality shampoos designed to treat your hair do exist, and the best ones come directly from your trusted salon stylist. Here are some other ways to prevent and treat hair that has been damaged in the interval between your regular salon appointments.

One thing that anyone can do is make a home hair treatment to help repair some of the damage, particularly to the ends of the hair which tend to be the driest and more prone to breakage. To make this shampoo, you will need two tsbp. of olive oil, and one egg yolk. Mix well and coat hair beginning at the end and working upwards.

You can also apply a salon quality deep conditioning Vitamin E treatment at home. Most salons have special versions of these treatments that they can apply to your hair during your next appointment, so be sure to ask your stylist about whether this is an option for you.

When you use your hair dryer, set it to the lowest heat setting possible, and the same holds true for irons. Believe it or not, warmer air does not necessarily dry your hair faster, it is the volume of air that really aids the drying process, not the temperature; unless you are standing outside in freezing temperatures, of course.

You can also cut down on the frequency of your shampooing. Instead of shampooing and conditioning every day, try doing this only two or three times a week, which will help to stop over drying. Leave in conditioners can be used on alternate days as well.

If you are a swimmer, be sure to rinse and shampoo your hair immediately after swimming in chlorinated or salt water, as this can dry hair out and make it brittle. After you wash, try silicone oil or leave in gloss for instant shine, and always use a comb, not a brush, on your damaged hair, since brushes tend to exacerbate hair breakage.

Be sure to always look for shampoos and conditioners specially designed to treat damaged hair, and above all, be patient. For most people, depending on the extent of the damage, it can take a few months before your hair is fully repaired and restored to its original brilliance, but the end results will be worth the wait.

Author Resource:-> Find more information about hair care, hair treatments, and shampoo by visiting our website.

Article From Article Health And Fitness

Beauty Products For Aging Skin

2008-02-12T23:56:00.000-08:00

By: Jim Brown

Many women begin fighting the signs of aging in their facial region many years before they see any type of wrinkle or expect to see sagging facial tissues. Perhaps they learned from family history and looking at photographs of their ancestors and know that they can expect to see lines on the face at the mouth or they know they will develop a frown line by the time they are thirty that will be very unattractive.

There are cosmetics that can be used to enhance the elasticity of the skin. The cosmetics might have to be applied at bedtime and some tend to be greasier than others that they have used in the past. Women who are fighting the aging process are willing to try any cosmetic product that deters the effects of aging. Since aging is a natural process, women also realize that they can only try to improve on their appearance because they know that everybody grows older each day.

Some women will side step the cosmetics in a bottle or vial for cosmetic surgery. They might choose to tighten the skin around the eyelids if they know that family history dictates that severe sagging can be expected there in later years. Some women will have collagen injected in wrinkle lines several times a year in an effort to improve their facial features. Other women do their very best to avoid exposing their facial region to any form of direct sunlight and will use tanning products instead of spending time tanning in the sun during the course of their life.

The cosmetics for aging skin can be applied by a surgeons knife or with the help of a beauty consultant at a local department store. There are many anti-wrinkle creams that can be liberally applied to the skin to make it soft and more supple. Most women will use cosmetic sun blocks to keep their skin from aging. Others will spend numerous days at health spas being lathered with special oils and massages that are meant to remove wrinkles from the skin and from the spirit as well.

Many older women prefer grow old gracefully but use cosmetics to make the appearance of the aging process less noticeable. They will use their artistic abilities to apply color to the skin so that it looks more vibrant. An older woman will use a varying degree of moisturizing agents on the skin to lessen the appearance of lines on the face, and they will apply various lotions and creams to all epidermal areas of the body and more so to areas that are exposed to frigid weather conditions.

Some women will combine cosmetics with products for the bath to ensure that the skin remains oiled and pliable throughout the day. They will apply scented creams to the pulse points to make their spirits soar and make them feel romantic. The process of aging is unstoppable but the inner spirit is the best cosmetic around because it makes the body feel young from the inside to the outside.

Author Resource:-> James Brown writes about Avon Canada web code, Yves Rocher Canada coupon and MegaTHIK discounts

Article From Article Health And Fitness

How Perfume Became What It Is Today

2008-02-12T23:50:00.001-08:00

By: Shaun Parker

The Latin translation of perfume derives from the phrase 'per fumum' which means 'through smoke'. Nowadays the phrase has developed and generally refers to scents that are manufactured to smell good. But the art of making perfume began thousands of years. The techniques for making perfume were initially developed in ancient Mespotamia and ancient Egypt. The techniques that were developed in these civilisations were refined by the Romans and Persians. The making of perfume has been refined and improved consistently ever since. Modern perfumery has made incredible lasting scents that have become popular with men and women.

In ancient times perfumes were also created by people in Far East Asia but unlike conventional perfumes these were typically incense based. So in that respect they are closely related to the Latin derivation of the word perfume that involves the word smoke. Much research has been made into who was the first person to make and sell perfume and the general consensus is that a person named Tapputi was the first. Tapputi reputedly lived in Mesopotamia in the second millennium BC. Archelogists have found perfume that is over 4000 years old in Cyprus.

In Pyrgos , Cyprus the archaeologists have found remains of a perfumery factory that used to produce perfume on a relatively large scale. The scientists and archaeologists have found around 60 distilling stills that were used to treat the mixes of natural ingredients that were used. The archaeologists also found numerous, funnels, mixing bowls and perfume bottles that were used in the process. Perfumes were traditionally made out of natural products sourced from local areas. Evidence has been revealed that shows that perfume was produced using a wide variety of herbs and spices. For example almond, myrtle, coriander, and bergamot were used. However it is said that in these earlier types of perfume flowers were not used. The use of flowers in perfume is a more recent development.

Another famous name in the world of perfume is the Persian doctor Avicenna. He was a chemist and a doctor and he spent a great deal of time developing a process that extracted the scented oils from flowers and can therefore be seen as the founder of modern perfumery. He used distillation which enables subtle tones to be extracted from plants. In the past the perfumes were much stronger and less subtle because the plants had to be crudely crushed and mixed. The scents were therefore much stronger. The distillation technique means the scents can be more delicate and the principles of this technique are still used today. Nowadays the perfume industry utilises a mixture of distillation and the use of raw materials to produce perfume.

Perfume does not originate in Europe. Some of the earliest written evidence on perfume notes that it initially came to Europe via the Hungarian queen Elizabeth in 1370. She commanded that a mixture of scented oils and alcohol solution be produced. This was known throughout Europe by people as Hungary Water. The Italian renaissance saw a development in perfume and perfume became a very popular product. Perfume secrets were kept close and during the French renaissance one perfume producer connected his laboratory to the apartment of Catherine de Medici so that no secrets would be stolen on route.

Author Resource:-> Shaun Parker is an expert on perfume and fragrances. To find out more visit DM Fragrances

Article From Article Health And Fitness

Yoga For Pregnancy

2008-02-12T10:34:00.000-08:00

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful aspects of womanhood. Each pregnancy, each child born, is a special opportunity for a woman to discover within herself great strength and flexibility. She can discover her great power yet her ability to surrender; her great compassion yet a detachment. Most importantly, her greatest capacity to LOVE.
The experience of a Natural Birthingis a peak experience in your life. Yet, surprisingly, the experience of childbirth often leaves you physically shattered, emotionally bereft and mentally confused.
There are difficulties and disappointments, but, ultimately one needs to go past those varicose veins, edema, back pain, nausea, impatience, frustration, tiredness, abdominal discomfort, sleeplessness, depression… Gosh! Did I leave out anything??
All these as well as birthing traumas can be overcome if the mind and heart remain one-pointed on the true purpose of procreation, rather than the unfolding effects of it. Yoga and Meditation have the capacity to produce a higher quality of conception, a healthier maternal environment for pregnancy and a more harmonious birthing experience.
Source
http://www.healthandyoga.com/html/pwhy.html

5 Facts To Get 6 Pack Abs

2008-02-12T10:27:00.000-08:00

Many so-called "health foods" are actually cleverly disguised junk foods that can actually stimulate you to gain more belly fat... yet the diet food marketing industry continues to lie to you so they can maximize their profits.

2. Ab exercises such as crunches, sit-ups, and ab machines are actually the LEAST effective method of getting flat six pack abs. We'll explore what types of exercises REALLY work in a minute.

3. Boring repetitive cardio exercise routines are NOT the best way to lose body fat and uncover those six pack abs. I'll tell you the exact types of unique workouts that produce 10x better results below.

4. You DON'T need to waste your money on expensive "extreme fat burner" pills or other bogus supplements. I'll show you how to use the power of natural foods in more detail below.

5. Ab belts, ab-rockers, ab-loungers, and other infomercial ab-gimmicks... they're all a complete waste of your time and money. Despite the misleading infomercials, the perfectly chiseled fitness models in the commercials did NOT get their perfect body by using that "ab contraption"... they got their perfect body through REAL workouts and REAL nutrition strategies. Again, you'll learn some of their secrets and what really works below.

Source

http://www.bellyflabisugly.com

Vitamin D, Magical vitamin, could help u live longer

2008-02-12T10:12:00.000-08:00

Researchers recently carried out a meta-analysis, in which they examined 18 previously published studies which had suggested that deficiencies in vitamin D lead to a higher risk of death from cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

The current analysis indicates that those individuals isolated from the studies who did take vitamin D had a seven percent lower risk of death than those who did not take it.

Commenting on the findings the researchers, hailing from the International Agency for Research on Cancer in France and from the European Institute of Oncology in Italy, said: "If the associations made between vitamin D and these conditions were consistent, then interventions effectively strengthening vitamin D status should result in reduced total mortality.”

Digging deeper

The researchers searched for randomized controlled trials of vitamin D supplements published before November 2006. In the end, they analyzed 18 separate trials involving 57,311 participants.

The average vitamin D dose was 528iu (international units), but ranged from 300 to 2,000iu. Commercially available supplements generally range from 400 to 600iu.

Over an average follow-up period of 5.7 years, 4,777 of the participants died.
Of the nine trials that had collected blood samples, those who took supplements had an average of between 1.4 and 5.2 times higher blood levels of vitamin D than those who did not.

The researchers said: "In conclusion, the intake of ordinary doses of vitamin D supplements seems to be associated with decreases in total mortality rates."

However, the relationship between vitamin D status and supplementation remains to be understood and the researchers are calling for population-based, placebo-controlled randomized trials to further investigate the findings.

"Mechanisms by which vitamin D supplementation would decrease all-cause mortality are not clear," said the researchers.

Despite gaps in understanding vitamin D's role in prevention, it is even more urgent to improve public awareness on the need for vitamin D supplementation and exposure. Such is the opinion of Dr. Edward Giovannucci, from the Harvard School of Public Health, who wrote an editorial accompanying the published meta-analysis.

"Nonetheless, based on the total body of evidence of health conditions associated with vitamin D deficiency, abetted with the results from this meta-analysis, a more proactive attitude to identify, prevent and treat vitamin D deficiency should be part of standard medical care," said Giovannucci.

"From a broader public health perspective, the roles of moderate sun exposure, food fortification with vitamin D and higher-dose vitamin D supplements for adults need to be debated."

In adults, vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteopenia, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, fractures, common cancers, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases and cardiovascular diseases.

Courtesy
http://www.thehealthierlife.co.uk/article/3843/vitamin-d-longevity-anti-ageing.html

PROSTHETIC LIMB

2008-02-11T10:36:00.000-08:00

Last year, ex-marine Claudia Mitchell, who lost her left arm in a motorcycle accident when she was 24 years old, became the world’s second recipient of a “bionic arm afterr she had a pioneering surgical procedure performed on her by surgeons at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.

Mitchell is one of only four people on whom the technique, called targeted muscle reinnervation, has been performed. In today’s issue of The Lancet, the surgical team describe the procedure. They report that Mitchell has become proficient in controlling her prosthesis, and that she can experience sensations of her missing hand being touched.

When Mitchell had her arm amputated, the nerves in the limb - called the radial, ulnar, medial and musculocutaneous nerves - remained intact down to the point of amputation. The targeted muscle reinnervation procedure is a nerve-muscle graft, which involved transplanting the intact residual nerves from the arm to the pectoral and serratus muscles, which are located just above the left breast. Sensory components of the nerves were also cut, and surgically fused to the motor components that were rerouted. This is the first time that the surgical team attempted to redirect sensory nerves to the chest; the idea occurred to them when, after performing the procedure for the first time, some sensory nerves spontaneously innervated the chest muscles.

The procedure is possible for a number of reasons. First, on their path from the spinal cord to the arm, the radial, ulnar, medial and musculocutaneous nerves form the brachial plexus, a network of nerve fibres located under the collar bone. Following amputation, the information regarding the movements of, and sensations from, the upper limbs is propagated from the brain to the brachial plexus, but remains there as it can be carried no further. Thus, that information can transmitted to another muscle group if the nerves are transplanted. Furthermore, these nerve fibres are very large, and contain many motor neurons; it is therefore relatively easy to reroute them to a small number of chest muscles.

Some three months after the surgery was performed, and the grafted nerves had innervated the muscles in the chest, Mitchell noticed that her chest muscles began twitching when she thought about moving her missing limb, indicating that there was some recovery of nerve function. After another three months had passed, surgeons fitted Mitchell with a prosthetic arm manufactured by the Holliston, Massachusetts-based company Liberating Technologies.

Attached to the prosthetic arm are myoelectric sensors, which are contained within a harness worn over the shoulder. Thus, the electrical signals generated when Mitchell thinks about moving her arm are sent to the chest, where they are detected by the sensors and relayed to the prosthetic arm. After a few days of intensive training, Ms. Mitchell was able to move the hand, and she can now control the hand, wrist and elbow of the prosthesis simultaneously. She reports that controlling the artificial limb is intuitive - when she thinks about performing a movement, the prosthesis moves accordingly. And when the area of her chest overlying the nerve-muscle graft is pressed, she feels as if the fingers of her missing limb are being touched.

This shows that there is a possibility of providing amputees with real sensory feedback from their prosthetic limbs. Professor Todd Kuiken, who led the surgical team and is lead author of the Lancet paper, is expanding the technique in the hope that it may work for patients with amputated legs. He believes that, at some point this year, he will be able to provide such prostheses to U. S. troops who have been injured in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Kuiken and his colleagues are also trying to develop pressure and temperature sensors that would be fitted into the fingertips of the next generation of prosthetic arms. The aim would be to transmit the information from these sensors to a device on the skin in the chest, which in turn would relay the information to the sensory nerves. This would make the prostheses more complicated, and the additional wiring and connections needed would make the devices heavier than they are now. It is likely, however, that these drawbacks would eventually be overcome as the technologies for making prostheses became more advanced.

Courtesy

http://neurophilosophy.wordpress.com/2007/02/02/feelings-from

PHYSICAL SKILLS TO COPE WITH STRESS

2008-02-11T10:11:00.000-08:00

Physical Skills

These are things you can do for and with your body. This includes making sure that you take good care of your body as well as using physical techniques to help get rid of stress. Physical relaxation techniques are useful in preventing stress and lowering your physical signs of stress. Aim to set aside 20 minutes in your day to relax.

A. Breathing Exercises

You can calm yourself by consciously controlling your breathing. Try one of these exercises:

Exhalation breathing

This slows your breathing to help calm you down.

Lie on your back with your arms at your sides.

As you begin to breathe in, raise your arms towards the ceiling (elbows bent). Move your arms all the way up and over your head to the floor as you inhale.

Reverse the order: breathe out (exhale) slowly and smoothly as you return your arms to your sides. * After you have done this several times slowly inhale and exhale without moving your arms. You can do this exercise for ten minutes or longer -- it's up to you.

Deep Breathing

Breathing can be done anytime, anywhere. Deep breathing provides extra oxygen to the blood and causes the body to release endorphins, which are naturally occurring hormones that re-energize and promote relaxation.

Slowly inhale through your nose, expanding your abdomen before allowing air to fill your lungs.

Reverse the process as you exhale. Do this exercise for three to five minutes whenever you feel tense.

B. Progressive Relaxation

This is a technique to help relax tense muscles.

Sit or lie down on your back in a comfortable, quiet room. Close your eyes.

Make tight fists, hold for five seconds, then relax your hands. Do this three times. Pay attention to the different sensations of tension and relaxation.

Repeat step 2 with all of your muscle groups: arms, shoulders, chest, abdomen, back, hips, thighs, lower legs and feet. * At first, it may take about 20 minutes. With practice, you'll be able to do this in about five minutes.

C. Stretching Exercises

If done correctly, stretching can promote relaxation and reduce stress. Never bounce when you stretch - you could injure your muscles. Do these exercises for five or ten minutes.

Stretch 1: Decide what muscles to stretch.

As you stretch, think about one area being stretched; imagine the tension leaving as you gently take these areas to their comfortable limit.

Exhale into the stretch; inhale on the release. Breathe deeply and slowly - do not hold your breath.

Close your eyes for better awareness of your body's responses.

Stretch 2: Here's a stretch to relieve stiff muscles.

Sit up straight and inhale.

Exhale as you let your head move down to your chest. You'll feel a gentle stretch on the back of your neck and your shoulders.

Roll your right ear toward your right shoulder while inhaling. Drop your chin to your chest again while exhaling. Repeat to the left.

Drop your arms to your sides and push both shoulders forward. Slowly raise them towards your ears and circle them back and downward to the starting point. After two or three rotations, change directions.

D. Walking

Going for a walk can clear your mind, reduce tension and increase energy. Walking can help by providing a needed escape and it may increase the brain's production of endorphins (naturally occurring chemicals that relax and re-energize you).

E. How to Sleep Better

Can't sleep? Well, get up. Don't even try to sleep. All that tossing and turning and watching the clock is not for you. It will only succeed in making you more tense. Get out of bed and into a comfortable chair. Read a book, watch television or play solitaire. Stay up as late as you like. Enjoy yourself. Before you know it, you will be dozing. If you don't actually fall asleep, at least you will be relaxed. The point is to reduce your anxiety about not sleeping and therefore make it easier to do so.

Other Tips:

resist the urge to nap during the day, no matter how tired you are

don't exercise in the evening when you should be winding down

avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or cola ) past 2 p.m.

try drinking a mug of hot milk before bed

Courtesy
http://www.cmha.ca/english/coping_with_stress

Turmeric .......It Seems to have a lot of potential

2007-11-03T03:41:00.000-07:00

Turmeric is being used in India since time immemorial in religious festivals and as a medicine. Turmeric is an excellent natural antibiotic & intestinal antiseptic. Being rich in iron, it is valuable in anemia. Due to its antiseptic properties it is an effective remedy for chronic cough and throat irritation also.

Turmeric contains curcumin and an essential oil called zingiberine. Its chemical study shows that it contains proteins, carbohydrates and fibre. Its mineral and vitamin contents are calcium, phosphorus, iron, carotene, thiamine and niacin. It promotes proper metabolism in the body, corrects the disordered processes of nutrition and restores the normal function of the system. It aids in the digestion of protein.
Researchers have reported about anti-inflammatory activity and anti-arthritic activity of Turmeric in their number of studies. Also regular use of turmeric can reduce the risk of cancer. It has been shown to be as effective as certisone and phenyl-butazone in decreasing inflammation. It improves the body’s ability to break down and eliminate cholesterol.
Turmeric is effective in cleansing and purifying important channels in the body by inhibiting toxin accumulation. Turmeric also supports liver and gall bladder function by stimulating the flow of bile.

Turmeric lore in recent decades drifted outwards from Asian diaspora communities in European cities like Leicester, UK. Local researchers and cancer patients listened up. Clusters of men on Internet prostate cancer support groups (notably Don Cooley's lists) began seriously experimenting with turmeric to cope with a troublesome side-effect of androgen-suppression therapy, gynecomastia (sore swollen breasts). Most men who take antiandrogen drugs like Flutamide (Eulexin) or Casodex experience this breast swelling, which can be painful. Gynecomastia can occur also with use of finasteride(Proscar), prescribed for BPH (benign growth of the prostate) and now under discussion as a chemo-preventive for prostate cancer. Before starting Casodex some patients opt to receive a brief course of radiation to the breasts. Others have tried low-dose tamoxifen, which raises levels of circulating estradiol. Then there are the turmeric warriors, who report that dietary intake of turmeric (in salads, soups and sandwiches made with fresh root) and use of curcumin paste externally brings some relief.
Still more intriguingly, University of Leicester began investigating dietary agents including curcumin, genistein, and the vitamin A analogue 13-cis retinoic acid for tumor-suppressing properties (Br J Clin Pharmacol 1998 Jan;45(1):1-12;update Toxicol Lett 2000 Mar 15;112-113:499-505). They observed that curcumin slows the rate at which hormone-responsive prostate cancer cells become resistant to hormonal therapy.
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties of turmeric and curcumin are undergoing intense research. Tests in Germany, reported July 2003,found that "All fractions of the turmeric extract preparation exhibited pronounced antioxidant activity...." Turmeric extract tested more potent than garlic, devil's claw, and salmon oil [ J Pharm Pharmacol. 2003 Jul;55(7):981-6].
Biochemists in China reported January 2007 that month that curcumin “downregulates homeobox gene NKX3.1 in prostate cancer cell LNCaP” and could also dampen the androgen receptor's sensitivity to this gene. Independent studies have found that the Nkx3.1 homeobox gene has a key role in the prostate and may be implicated in startup of prostate cancer.
Does this mean, the more the better? Not necessarily. Some studies find no ill effects from large doses while others (listed in references below) disagree. Of note, a study of curcumin to prevent cataracts found, unexpectedly, that in rats low doses indeed did lower cataract rates but heavy doses raised the rate of cataracts (Molecular Vision 2003; 9:223-230, full text free online). Another study found that rats fed large amounts of turmeric for 14 days developed enlarged, damaged livers.
Several studies indicate that curcumin slows the development and growth of a number of types of cancer cells. In Japan this year researchers defined curcumin as a broad-spectrum anti-cancer agent. Its induction of "detoxifying enzymes," the researchers say, indicate its "potential value ... as a protective agent against chemical carcinogenesis and other forms of electrophilic toxicity. The significance of these results can be implicated in relation to cancer chemopreventive effects of curcumin against the induction of tumors in various target organs" (Iqbal M, et al. Pharmacol Toxicol. 2003 Jan;92(1):33-8).
Since India won a claim against two US scientists who shamelessly patented turmeric (see sidebar), the tide of interest may naturally be driven in part by Asian pride in phytomedicinal heritage. But as scientists at M. D. Anderson, Texas, wrote in January 2003: "Extensive research over the last 50 years has indicated [curcumin] can both prevent and treat cancer. The anticancer potential of curcumin stems from its ability to suppress proliferation of a wide variety of tumor cells, down-regulate transcription factors NF-kappa B, AP-1 and Egr-1; down-regulate the expression of COX2, LOX, NOS, MMP-9, uPA, TNF, chemokines, cell surface adhesion molecules and cyclin D1; down-regulate growth factor receptors (such as EGFR and HER2); and inhibit the activity of c-Jun N-terminal kinase, protein tyrosine kinases and protein serine/threonine kinases." In their latest of a series of reports the M. D. Anderson say: "Curcumin can suppress tumor initiation, promotion and metastasis. Pharmacologically, curcumin has been found to be safe. Human clinical trials indicated no dose-limiting toxicity when administered at doses up to 10 g/day. All of these studies suggest that curcumin has enormous potential in the prevention and therapy of cancer." [Aggarwal, BB et al,Anticancer Res. 2003 Jan-Feb;23(1A):363-98].
Several breast tumor cell lines, "including hormone-dependent and -independent and multidrug-resistant (MDR) lines," respond to antiproliferative effects of curcumin. Aggarwal et al examined cell lines "including the MDR-positive ones," and found they were all "highly sensitive to curcumin. The growth inhibitory effect of curcumin was time- and dose-dependent.... Overall our results suggest that curcumin is a potent antiproliferative agent for breast tumor cells and may have potential as an anticancer agent." (Anticancer Drugs. 1997 Jun;8(5):470-81). Other laboratories offer varying explanations but confirm the activity level of curcumin against breast , prostate and other cancers. See e.g., Ramachandran C, Miami 1999; Hidaka H, Japan, 2002(human pancreatic cells lines); Elattar TM, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2000(oral cancer cell-line).
Some researchers say curcumin inhibits angiogenesis, i.e. formation of new blood vessels, which tumors use to nourish themselves as they spread (Mol Med 1998 Jun;4(6):376-83). As an anti-inflammatory, turmeric triggers heat-shock stress response (see Wiki Online Encyclopedia for heat-shock). Heat shock proteins stimulate the immune system. "The mechanism of the stimulation by curcumin of the stress responses," Japanese researchers say (Cell Stress Chaperones 1998 Sep;3(3):152-60), "might be similar to that of salicylate [active in aspirin and similar drugs derived from willow bark], indomethacin [a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug] and nordihydroguaiaretic acid [an anti-oxidant, antiflammatory, lipoxegenase inhibitor found in chapparel, that interferes with arachidonic acid metabolism].
To sum up -- regular healthy folks may benefit from adding turmeric to the spice rack and using it more liberally on adult and children's foods. Kids love bright colors. And turmeric is an ideal brightener for rice and for steamed or gently fried tofu.
For cancer patients, until curcumin has been shown in well-designed, well-conducted human clinical trials to have measurable effects on existing disease, it remains just another interesting home remedy with a lot of promise. Research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering a few years back indicates that it makes sense to drink green tea along with a meal spiced with turmeric for double-boosted anti-cancer protective effects: "EGCG and curcumin, were noted to inhibit growth by different mechanisms, a factor which may account for their demonstrable interactive synergistic effect." For new developments with curcumin, M. D. Anderson is another place to watch.
Refrences
http://www.garrysun.com/turmeric.html
http://www.garrysun.com/turmeric.html

SCHIZOPHRENIA

2007-09-13T08:24:00.000-07:00

Schizophrenia is a severe, lifelong brain disorder. People who have it may hear voices, see things that aren't there or believe that others are reading or controlling their minds. In men, symptoms usually start in the late teens and early 20s. They include hallucinations, or seeing things, and delusions such as hearing voices. For women, they start in the mid-20s to early 30s. Other symptoms include

Unusual thoughts or perceptions
Disorders of movement
Difficulty speaking and expressing emotion
Problems with attention, memory and organization

No one is sure what causes schizophrenia, but your genetic makeup and brain chemistry probably play a role. Medicines can relieve many of the symptoms, but it can take several tries before you find the right drug. You can reduce relapses by staying on your medicine for as long as your doctor recommends. With treatment, many people improve enough to lead satisfying lives.

National Institute of Mental Health

link: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/schizophrenia.html

For more information see

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/schizophrenia.html

CARDIAC RESUSCITATION (BASIC LIFE SUPPORT)……….. U CAN SAVE A LIFE

2007-07-14T03:05:00.000-07:00

If you find a person lying unresponsive some where…….. Few easy steps and u might be able to save his life.

Step 1: ASSESS THE RESPONSIVENESS……..

Call and gently shake the patient and make sure patient is truly unresponsive and not just sleeping.
Be careful about shaking the patient who might have serious traumatic injury, particularly injury to his spine.

STEP2: CALL FOR HELP

STEP 3: OPEN THE AIRWAY

Position the patient on a flat, firm surface and make him face up.
You can open the patient’s airway by performing chin lift maneuver; Make sure you do it gently as patient might be having injury to his cervical spine.

STEP 4: ASSESS THE PATIENTS BREATHING

Assess the patients breathing by look listen and feel technique. You can put you face close the patient’s while looking at his chest. So you can look at movement of his chest , listen to his breath sounds and feel the flow of air from the patient if he is breathing at all..

IF THERE IS NO AIR MOVEMENT….

STEP 5: PERFORM 2 RESCUE BREATHS…

If patient is not breathing give him 2 rescue breaths by mouth to mouth respiration. Close the patient’s nostrils take a deep breath and pump the air in patient’s mouth with full vigor
STEP 6: CHECK FOR THE PULSE
See if there is any pulse… check the carotid pulse of the patient, for 5-10 seconds

IF THERE IS NO PULSE……

STEP 7: PERFORM CHEST COMPRESSIONS

Perform the chest compression at the rate of 80-100 per minute. For 15 compressions give two ventilations.

Perform CPR till help the help arises…

AIDS treatable but not curable yet....................

2007-07-05T14:17:00.000-07:00

History
AIDS is a collection of symptoms and infections resulting from the specific damage to the immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in humans, and similar viruses in other species (SIV, FIV, etc.). The late stage of the condition leaves individuals prone to opportunistic infections and tumors. Although treatments for AIDS and HIV exist to slow the virus' progression, there is no known cure. HIV, et al., are transmitted through direct contact of a mucous membrane or the bloodstream with a bodily fluid containing HIV, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluid, preseminal fluid, and breast milk. This transmission can come in the form of anal, vaginal or oral sex, blood transfusion, contaminated hypodermic needles, exchange between mother and baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, or other exposure to one of the above bodily fluids.

Most researchers believe that HIV originated in sub-Saharan Africa during the twentieth century. it is now a pandemic, with an estimated 38.6 million people now living with the disease worldwide. As of January 2006, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimate that AIDS has killed more than 25 million people since it was first recognized on June 5, 1981, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. In 2005 alone, AIDS claimed an estimated 2.4–3.3 million lives, of which more than 570,000 were children. A third of these deaths are occurring in sub-Saharan Africa, retarding economic growth and destroying human capital. Antiretroviral treatment reduces both the mortality and the morbidity of HIV infection, but routine access to antiretroviral medication is not available in all countries. HIV/AIDS stigma is more severe than that associated with other life-threatening conditions and extends beyond the disease itself to providers and even volunteers involved with the care of
people living with HIV.
Treatment
Currently available agents are:
1) Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs)@
· Zidovudine (AZT)
· Duadanosine (DDI)
· Stavudine (D4T)
· Lamivudine (3TC)
· Abacavir

2) Protease Inhibitors

· Nelfinavir
· Indianavir
· Saquinqvir
· Ritonavir

3)Non-nucleoside reverse transciptase inhibitors (NNRTIs)

· Efavirenz
· Nevirapine
· Delavirdine

Treatment Regimen
1) 2 NRTIs + 1 protese inhibitor
OR
2) 2NRTIs + Efavirenz
OR
3)2NRTIs + 2 protese inhibitors

Aim of antiretroviral therapy is to increase CD4 count and decrease the viral load.

Antiretroviral therapy should be started :
1) CD4 < 350
Or
2) Viral Load (PCR-RNA) > 55,000 by RNA

Though the antiretroviral therapy is helpful to improve the condition of patient but No definitive cure is available for AIDS for now. The best way out is Prevention.

Link; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AIDS

Headache.............most common local pain which forces you to visit ur physician

2007-06-26T03:09:00.000-07:00

A headache (cephalalgia in medical terminology) is a condition of pain in the head; sometimes neck or upper back pain may also be interpreted as a headache. It ranks amongst the most common local pain complaints
CAUSES:
The vast majority of headaches are benign and self-limiting. Common causes are tension, migrane, eye strain, dehydration, low blood sugar, and sinusitis. Much rarer are headaches due to life-threatening conditions such as meningitis, encephalitis, cerebral aneursym, and brain tumors.. When the headache occurs in conjunction with a head injury the cause is usually quite evident.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY :
The brain in itself is not sensitive to pain, because it lacks pain-sensitive nerve fibers. Several areas of the head can hurt, including a network of nerves which extends over the scalp and certain nerves in the face, mouth, and throat. The meninges and the blood vessels do have pain perception. Headaches often result from traction to or irritation of the meninges and blood vessels. The muscles of the head may similarly be sensitive to pain.
TYPES:
Tension headaches are the most common type of primary headache; as many as 90% of adults have had or will have tension headaches. Tension headaches are more common among women than men.
Migraine headaches are the second most common type of primary headache. An estimated 28 million people in the United States (about 12% of the population) will experience migraine headaches. Migraine headaches affect children as well as adults. Before puberty, boys and girls are affected equally by migraine headaches, but after puberty, more women than men are affected. An estimated 6% of men and up to 18% of women will experience a migrane headache.In the United States, migraine headaches often go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed as tension or sinus headaches. As a result, many migraine sufferers do not receive effective treatment.
Cluster headaches are a rare type primary headache, affecting 0.1% of the population. An estimated 85% of cluster headache sufferers are men. The average age of cluster headache sufferers is 28-30 years, although headaches may begin in childhood.
Secondary headaches have diverse causes, ranging from serious and life threatening conditions such as brain tumors, strokes, meningitis, and subarachnoid hemorrhages to less serious but common conditions such as withdrawal from caffeine and discontinuation of analgesics.
Many people suffer from "mixed" headache disorders in which tension headaches or secondary headaches trigger migraine headaches.
DIAGNOSIS:
While statistically headaches are most likely to be harmless and self-limiting, some specific headache syndromes may demand specific treatment or may be warning signals of more serious disorders. Some headache subtypes are characterized by a specific pattern of symptoms, and no further testing may be necessary, while others may prompt further diagnostic tests.
Headache associated with specific symptoms may warrant urgent medical attention, particularly sudden, severe headache or sudden headache associated with a stiff neck; headaches associated with fever, convulsions, or accompanied by confusion or loss of conciousness; headaches following a blow to the head, or associated with pain in the eye or ear; persistent headache in a person with no previous history of headaches; and recurring headache in children.
The most important step in diagnosing a headache is for the physician to take a careful history and to examine the patient. In the majority of cases the diagnosis will be tension headache or migraine, both of which can be managed on the basis of a clear-cut clinical picture. Where doubt remains, or if there are abnormalities detected on examination, further investigations are justified.[1] computed tomography (CT/CAT) scans of the brain or sinuses are commonly performed, or megnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in specific settings. Blood test may help narrow down the differential diagnosis, but are rarely confirmatory of specific headache forms.
TREATMENT:
Not all headaches require medical attention, and respond with simple analgesia(painkillers) such as paracitamol/acetaminophen or members of the NSAID class (such as aspirin/acetylsalicylic acid or ibuprofen).
In recurrent unexplained headaches, healthcare professionals may recommend keeping a "headache diary" with entries on type of headache, associated symptoms, precipitating and aggravating factors. This may reveal specific patterns, such as an association with medication, menstruatrion or with certain foods. It was reported in March 2007 by two separate teams of researchers that stimulating the brain with implanted electrodes appears to help ease the pain of cluster headaches

Video on drug abuse

2007-06-09T10:39:00.000-07:00

DRUG ABUSE A SOCIAL EVIL............ HOW TO COMBAT?

2007-06-09T10:18:00.000-07:00

Drug abuse has a wide range of definitions related to taking a Pschoactive drugs or performance enhancing drugs for a non-therapeutic or non-medical effect. Some of the most commonly abused drugs include alcohol,amphetamines, barbiturates, cocaine, opium alkaloids, and minor tranquilizers. Use of these drugs may lead to criminal penalty in addition to possible physical, social, and psychological harm, both strongly depending on local jurisdictionOther definitions of drug abuse fall into four main categories: public health definitions, mass communication and vernacular usage, medical definitions, and political and criminal justice definitions.It can aslo lead to loss of memory,kidney and liver failure, and make a persons heart and lungs stop

HOW TO COMBAT

Approaches to managing drug abuse
In addition to being a major public health problem, some consider drug abuse to be a social problem with far-reaching implications. Stress, poverty, domestic and societal violence, and various diseases (i.e., injecting drug users as a source for HIV/AIDS) are sometimes thought to be spread by drug use. Studies have also shown that individuals dependent on illicit drugs experience higher rates of comorbid psychiatric syndromes

Harm reduction

One alternative involves replacing failed law enforcement policies with harm-reduction strategies, which focus on reducing the societal costs of drug abuse and other drug use. Techniques include education to avoid overdose, needle exchange programs to reduce the spread of blood borne disease, and opioid substitution therapy to reduce crime related to the procurement of drugs. This pragmatic approach is known as the harm reduction paradigm. Harm reduction also addresses special populations, such as drug-using parents, pregnant drug users and users with psychiatric comorbidity. The philosophy of harm reduction accepts that drug use is part of the community, but that it must be addressed as a public health issue rather than a criminal one
Harm-reduction measures are at odds with the prevailing framework of international drug control, which rests on law enforcement and the criminalization of behaviors related to illicit drug use. However, harm-reduction has had a notable impact and is slowly gaining popularity. In Brazil alone, a comprehensive harm-reduction and drug-access program successfully reduced AIDS mortality among injection drug users by 50%
Abstinence-Based
Abstinence-based approaches set as a goal complete abstinence from all addictive substances, including both licit and illicit, prescribed and unprescribed. While the harm-reduction approach has been demonstrated to work well with opioids, the abstinence-based approach is the medical community standard of care for sedative (including alcohol) dependence.

Medical treatment
Beyond the sociological issues, many drugs of abuse can lead to addiction, chemical dependency, or adverse health effects, such as lung cancer or emphysema from cigreete smoking.
Medical treatment therefore centers on two aspects: 1) breaking the addiction, 2) treating the health problems.
Most countries have health facilities that specialize in the treatment of drug abuse, although access may be limited to larger population centers and the social taboos regarding drug use may make those who need the medical treatment reluctant to take advantage of it. For example, it is estimated that only fifteen percent of injection drug abusers thought to be in need are receiving treatment.Patients may require acute and long-term maintenance treatment and relapse prevention, complemented by suitable rehabilitation.

Pharmacotherapy
The development of pharmacotherapies for drug dependency treatment are currently in progress. New immunotherapies that prevent drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, phencyclidine ,nicotine, and opiods from reaching the brain are in the early stages of testing as is ibogaine, an alkaloid found in the Tabernanthe of West Central Africa. Medications such as buprinorphine , which block the drugs active site in the brain are another new option for the treatment of opioid addiction. Depot forms of medications, which require only weekly or monthly dosing, are also under investigation.
Traditionally, new pharmacotherapies are quickly adopted in primary care settings, however, drugs for substance abuse treatment have faced many barriers. Naltreoxone, a drug originally marketed under the name "ReVia," and now marketed in intramuscular formulation as "Vivitrol" or in oral formulation as a generic, is a medication approved for the treatment of alcohol dependence. This drug has reached very few patients. This may be due to a number of factors, including resistance by Addiction medicines specialists and lack of resources.

Legal approaches
Related articles: prohibition(drugs), Aguments for and against drug prohibition
Most governments have designed legislation to criminalise certain types of drug use. These drugs are often called "illegal drugs" but generally what is illegal is their unlicensed production, distribution, and possession. These drugs are also called "controlled substances". Even for simple possession, legal punishment can be quite severe (including the death penalty in some countries). Laws vary across countries, and even within them, and have fluctuated widely throughout history.
Attempts by government-sponsored drug control policy to interdict drug supply and eliminate drug abuse have been largely unsuccessful. In spite of the huge efforts by the U.S., drug supply and purity has reached an all time high, with the vast majority of resources spent on interdiction and law enforcement instead of public health.In the united states, the number of nonviolent drug offenders in prison exceeds by 100,000 the total incarcerated population in the EU ,despite the fact that the EU has 100 million more citizens.
Despite drug legislation (and some might argue because of it), large, organized criminal drug cartels operate world-wide. Advocates of decriminalization argue that drug prohibition makes drug dealing a lucrative business, leading to much of the associated criminal activity.

courtsey: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_abuse

DISCLAIMER

2007-06-08T03:18:00.000-07:00

Any information like text, graphics , videos and links posted on this site(ehealthindia.blogspot.com) are for educational purpose only. They are not meant to make diagnosis or prescribe any kind of treatment.so comply with your physician for diagnosis and treatment and DO NOT make your own diagnosis and start or modify the treatment given by your physician.

yoga video

2007-06-07T05:21:00.000-07:00

Stay healthy through YOGA way

2007-06-03T04:04:00.000-07:00

According to WHO definition of health, being healthy is not mere the absence of disease but its complete physical , MENTAL and social well being of an indiviual.

Although most of psychiatric disorders are caused due to imbalnce of neurotransmitters in our brain but some of them like anxiety , depression have alot to do with our day to day activities.

Due to our stressful lifestyle these disorders are on rise at alarming rate. we can mantain our mental harmony by practicing apowerful stressbuster known as YOGA.

Yoga is a spritual practice concieved in india thousands year back and being practiced here since then. Due to marked increase in mental health disorders in recent times its being explored like anything these days and being practiced worldwide. Term Yoga stands for UNION, union with the divine conciousness .Union with conciousness is ultimate source of happiness and enlightnment. yoga practice consists of various body postures and breathing exercises. practicing yoga not only helps improving our self esteem and sense of well being but increses muscle tone,flexibility and strength. it also boosts immune response, increses blood circulation and helps decreasing body fat. so yoga is not just helpful for being mentally healthy but it has shown very promising results in various chronic disordres like diabetes, chronic headaches, hypertention and asthma .

So if you practice YOGA then it not only gives you spritual elevation but also physical and psy

chological well being.