Thursday, December 31, 2009

Dandruff

Dandruff is more associated to the skin, than hair. As the new skin cells generate to give new skin to the scalp the old skin sheds and is replaced by this new skin. As a result, it starts showing as dry flakes. In some people, the renewal of the skin is faster which means more old skin is shed. Some people don’t feel dandruff at all as there is minimal renewal of their scalp skin. The medical term given to dandruff is, Pityriasis capitis. Dandruff can be visible on head as white flakes entangled within scalp and hair. The person feels itching in the head and may require scratching his or her head all the time. The scratchy feeling occurs as the flakes need to be scratched out from the head.

If not itchy, the person may feel tingling sensation in the head. These flakes may be oily or greasy. They may keep falling all over giving a shabby appearance. There can be many causes of dandruff. People who don’t brush or comb their hair quite for some time are very likely to develop dandruff as the shedding of dandruff flakes takes place every time one combs. Dandruff can also result due to yeast or fungal infection of the head. Those who have dry skin also find dandruff, quite often. The problem worsens during winter months as the over-heated rooms cause extreme temperatures resulting to increased shedding process of these flakes.

To keep dandruff away, it is very important to clean or wash off the head on regular basis. A good shampoo should be employed for washing head and hair. Hair washing methods are also responsible for the state of the head. Gentle head massage while shampooing is the best way of cleaning your head. The selection of hair products should be made wisely or else they may be another cause of dandruff.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Lactation Problems

Breastfeeding may sound easy, but cannot be considered the same. For some mothers, especially the new ones and her babies, it may be a very difficult phase. The lactation problems may be so disturbing that they think of quitting and starting bottle-feed for the baby. It would be extremely unwise to do so. For a baby, mother’s milk is the best possible food on earth and so he should not be deprived of it, come what may. It is important to note that, the time may be difficult even for the baby so the mother needs to help self and the baby during the whole process. There are many problems associated with lactation but one should not give up and rather try until success is achieved.

The most common of lactation problems is sore nipples. You can avoid or treat this problem by placing your nipple in baby’s mouth the correct way so that he does not bite it. If you already have wounds, apply suitable nipple cream that would help remove dryness and would heal the wound. Sometimes, there occurs clogging of the milk on milk ducts. This leads to pain in the area when the mother starts feeding the baby. Cold compressions really help open the ducts, making the milk flow continuous and smooth. The baby too finds it easy to suck. At times, the mother feels stiffness in the breasts and wonders if she should carry on with breast feeding or not. This stiffness is due to too much of milk in the breasts and goes once the baby starts sucking it.

Even during or after feeding the baby, the mother finds him getting irritated or disturbed. This may be due to the kind of food, mother is having. Therefore, the mother should consider having food that suits her baby’s tummy. The baby may even react to the taste during the process. So, look out for the food, baby is comfortable with and try sticking to that only, until the breastfeeding process is on. Considering these facts and tips, the mother can overcome most of the lactation problems.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that increases probability of fractures. It is found to have occurred among women, especially those who are going through menopause, and even after that. In rare cases, it is seen among men also. As the mineral density of bones gets decreased the bones become fragile. The probability of osteoporosis increases among women with weak and short stature, and also among those who already have family history of this disease. Women, who are regular cigarette smoker or are alcoholic, also increase for themselves, the chances of developing this terrible disease. The lifestyle and diet can also be the major reason for the disease.

The wrong lifestyle that lacks exercising and self care in various aspects, can later on show harmful results in the form of osteoporosis. It can also occur as a result of side-effects of any kind of medication or treatment like chemotherapy. The disease may stay inactive in a body for years. It is first noticed, after the first fracture caused due to it. Such fractures can happen even during normal activities like walking. The diet plays the most important role in one’s general wellbeing. It should be composed of all vital nutrients. Diet that lacks calcium, in the long run, gives an easy way to this disease.

Osteoporosis can be diagnosed through a routine X-ray method that shows extremely thin and weak bones, in the report. The worst part about this disease lies behind the observation that the patient does not realize, she is suffering from the disease. By the time she realizes, it gets too late and about 30 % of bones get weak. But women diagnosed with the disease should not lose heart as they can get it treated by means of medications that stop bone weakening and some lifestyle changes like, giving up of smoking and alcohol. The inclusion of exercising in routine too, helps a lot.

Before You Deliver The Baby

Though pregnancy is a nine-month long term for the mother to learn and prepare for motherhood yet there are certain ‘things to remember’ before you deliver the baby. As the baby would be relying upon you for his every need, you need to know minutest of things that can be very helpful, later on. Sometimes, certain situations arise when the baby does not seem to be fine and nothing seems to work. At this point, you should act tactfully and you can do this only if you know about certain simple but relevant tips of motherhood.

The baby’s first cry is a soother for the mother as it helps her forget all the pain she had been going through during the delivery. Now it is your turn to soothe your baby as he or she must be too shocked to enter this noisy, messy world. As soon as the baby is born, your doctor would handle it over to you, giving you a chance to develop that unique mother-child bonding. Holding one’s own baby for the first time, is the most precious moment for the mother. While she embraces the young soul in her arms, she gives him the warmth which no one else in the world, can. You will feel too excited for this, before you deliver the baby.

For first six months of the baby’s birth, give him just the breast milk. You can start breastfeeding as early as possible. Some expectant mothers find their nipples are inverted. This can later create problems. So it is wiser to find out the solution and to prepare for breastfeeding by consulting an able lactation specialist as early as during the third trimester of pregnancy. Apart from breastfeeding method, you need to be aware about various causes and treatments of stomachache among babies. Learn from elderly women in your family and midwife or doctor, about bathing, clothing and massaging techniques. Gather all necessary stuff before you deliver the baby.

Pregnancy and AIDS

Any woman planning for pregnancy should undergo certain tests to ensure she is ready to conceive and is capable of carrying a healthy pregnancy. But if due to any reasons she comes to know that she has AIDS and is carrying at the same time, she should look forward to the ways she can overcome all the associated risks for her baby. The HIV transmission from mother to baby can happen anytime during pregnancy, labor and breastfeeding. There are several modern AIDS preventive medicines, available in the market that, have made pregnancy and AIDS go safely for complete term and even after that. The best part about these medicines is that they are absolutely safe and have no side effects on the health of baby.

During pregnancy, the health of the baby as well as the mother is important. For HIV positive expectant mothers, it is very vital to undergo certain tests and treatments like CD4 test and viral load test. These tests decide whether the mother needs treatment for the AIDS infection or not. The high CD4 count shows that the woman’s immune system is still strong and that she does not need any special treatments for herself. If the count is low she needs to start with antiretroviral (ARV) treatment as early as possible. Seek recommendations from your doctor regarding certain ARV combinations. So, pregnancy and AIDS are managed without much issues but with due care.

It is very obvious that in HIV positive cases, extra care, especially of the baby is needed. During and after birth, some precautionary measures should be kept in mind so that chances of the baby catching the disease are minimized. It is advisable that as soon as the waters break, the minimum possible time should be taken for the delivery. The usage of scalp electrodes that monitor heartbeats of the baby should be avoided. Also, blood samples from the baby inside the womb, should not be taken during the pregnancy period, till its birth. Hence, fruitful results can be achieved from such a pregnancy and AIDS cannot affect them.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment

Toenail fungus can be very disgusting as it gives a very ugly look to the nail. The nail loses its shine, its surface becomes very hard and rough, and its color turns to yellow or pale yellow. People tend to look for many kinds of other treatments. Many nail applications and nail fungus creams are prescribed under these treatments. These treatments can’t promise complete cure of the nail as they are able to revive not more than 20 percent of the nail. Before going for these treatments, one can consider the latest toenail fungus laser treatment. As of now, the method has shown quite good results.

The best part about toenail fungus laser treatment is that its sessions take very less time and are not at all painful. Since the laser beam works only on damaged tissues of the nail and does not affect healthy tissues, so no pain is felt. The patient can stay worry free, throughout these sessions. Each session is not more than 10 minutes per nail. The lasers clean off the fungal area by vaporizing the fungus, leaving the nail free from fungal infection. The nail is then expected to show healthy growth after sometime, once the nail bed is healthy enough to bear.

Toenail fungus laser treatment is today, considered to be the most useful method of getting rid from fungal nail infections. The toe stays healthy and fine. It is interesting to note that other treatments methods like oral medications usually give unsatisfactory results as these fungi are smart enough not to get impacted much. The laser technique proves to be smarter than them and so is getting more and more recognition. Most of the cases respond well to this technique. Some cases might take time to respond and may require another laser session. It all depends upon the case to case.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Laser Treatment for Tooth Decay

Guess, if your tooth decay which has been giving you apprehensions about the painful treatment methods, is sorted out and that too without pain. Surely, it would be a matter of immense relief to you. That must have been a dream in ancient times, but luckily today, it is not just possible but is practiced. This is done by laser treatment for tooth decay and the credit completely goes to laser beam that works. Not only the method is painless, it is also considered to be the safest tooth treatment method as during the process it doesn’t leave any room for accidents like harming any of the other areas like lips, tongue or cheeks.

During the laser treatment for tooth decay process, the laser beam removes the decayed areas of the tooth without bothering the structure of the tooth. It hardens the tooth surface, making it resistant enough against further decay. After complete cleaning of the tooth decay is done, starts the tooth-filling process. The filling is done in much faster way as two and more teeth get filled simultaneously. Even the possible aftermaths of the process are taken care of as there follows very less swelling of the root canal and bleeding. Patient may not feel pain at all and if he does, it is very little. This is considered to be the best part about this method. Since, the patient does not have to undergo any kind of drilling in the process, he does not have to face the trauma of sheer pain and shock.

Laser treatment for tooth decay works the way, that there is minimum pain and maximum effect. The tooth is not only made stronger but also resistant so it stays healthier for much longer period as compared to the one treated by classic drill method. Because of its innumerable benefits, the method today, is the most preferred one.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Diagnosis of Asthma

Though asthma symptoms can be very indicative yet it should be confirmed only after proper diagnosis by a qualified doctor or medical practitioner. Diagnosis of asthma may, a lot depend upon the symptoms experienced by the patient like wheezing, cough and even the asthma attack, and suspect factors that cause the same. These factors may be the environment and surroundings where the patient lives, over-exertion by the patient and emotional disturbance. With the aid of patient’s physical examination and lab test reports, doctor confirms the diagnosis. Only after diagnosis, can the doctor starts with the right treatment that can really be effective and helpful for the patient.

Diagnosis of asthma is done by tests like spirometry, peak flow monitoring, bronchial provocation and some more tests like x-ray of the chest and to detect sinusitis, allergy examination, and the test for evaluating gastroesophagus reflux disease. Spirometry is the test that finds out the volume of air that enters the lungs and leaves the same. It is done by a medical device named as spirometer. These reports may vary from person to person. In some cases, the reports of a chronic patient may show normal results. So, for such patients another technique can be used, which is known to monitor peak expiratory flow rate. This is done by a handy device named as peak flow meter.

At times, both spirometry and peak flow monitoring fail to show results. So, another method known as bronchial provocation, also known as bronchoprovocation is used for the diagnosis of asthma. During this test, the patient is asked to inhale chemicals like histamine and methacholine that act as triggering agents for hyperresponsive reaction. Another method which is most commonly in use is the exercise test. The patient is told to perform a particular exercise for a stipulated time and when the symptoms show, they are observed. All these diagnostic methods though, can be very exhausting yet they are worth trying as diagnosis of any disease is very essential and, type and degree of the treatment largely depends upon it.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Allergic Asthma

When the allergies in respiratory tract become more severe, they are likely to cause allergic asthma. This can occur due to the inhalation of anything present in the environment like dust, pollens, cigarette smoke, or molds. Certain foods also trigger the allergic reaction. These reactions cause coughing, wheezing, breathlessness and tightness in the chest. The airway passage is obstructed. The reasons can also be genetic. If the person feels these symptoms, it is advised not to judge anything on his own and instead go to the doctor for a confirmed diagnosis. Usually, the diagnosis is done by blood test that finds out if the asthma is caused due to any kind of allergen or allergic reaction.

There is no cure for asthma but its symptoms can be controlled to a great extent. This is done specific medication comprising of anti-inflammatory drugs that decrease both the intensity and frequency of asthmatic symptoms and attacks. Certain inhalations are also recommended to avoid the attack due to physical stress. For quick relief from allergic asthma, bronchodilators are used that widen the air passage by relaxing the respiratory tract muscles.

The prevention of allergic asthma involves long-term medications prescribed by the doctor. At the same time, you should also stay far away from the objects that are likely to cause allergy. Staying away from possible allergens sounds easy to follow but can be actually quite painful. What you can do is thoroughly clean the house and seek a genuine pest-control treatment in your house on regular basis. Also you should maintain a general hygiene system. Those having pets should take extra care for hygiene of self, and the pet as well. Not only this, even the surroundings of your house should also be kept neat and clean. The preventive measures need to be maintained time to time and so can go long-life.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Anti Aging Lifestyle

The looks of a person show the way he manages his lifestyle. It highly impacts the aging process as well. To look and feel younger your age, you need to maintain an anti aging lifestyle in accordance with your age. You can start with simple things that you can easily follow and make them your habit. Have lots of quality water. Pure water is the key to good skin and general health. It keeps the skin look clear and supple. Change your breathing habits. Have deep breaths. Along with these, food is also the most important part of your life. Have high-fiber, low fat, well-cooked, non oily food that is not very spicy. The oily stuff shows on the skin, especially on the face in the form of acne and pimples. Never starve yourself in the wake of staying slim. Ensure you don’t turn anorexic.

Exercising and meditation add a lot to anti aging lifestyle. Make them a part and parcel of your routine. They take care of physical as well as mental health. Meditation generates a positive attitude and thus a positive energy that gives an aura. Make sure you don’t take too much of physical and mental stress. As you frown during stress, you may have wrinkles on your face. If you already have developed wrinkles and under-eye circles, you can work on them with a help of good anti-wrinkle and under-eye creams. Choose the cosmetic product wisely.

Have enough time for relaxation which is another vital ingredient for anti aging lifestyle. Listen to good music that not only satisfies your passion but also puts a soothing and positive effect on you. Try to read books or watch the videos that give you a good laugh on daily basis as we all know that laughter is the best medicine. It keeps you young like a child from inside and thus reflects on your complete persona as well.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart disease occurs as the result of structural defect in the heart. So, it can be detected right after the birth. Unfortunately every year, a wide majority of infants and children die of this ailment. Most of the children die as early as in their first year of life. The heart malfunctions and causes defective flow or circulation of the blood as well. The heart rhythm can also be observed to be defective at times. All these related symptoms lead to untimely death of the poor child.

Congenital heart disease is found to be the major cause of still births. It is not necessary that only infants or children are effected by this. Adults with this defect in the heart are many. This disease in adults is termed as grown-up congenital heart disease (GUCH). A survey has found that the number of GUCH cases is still rising. As a result, more and more babies with this heart abnormality are expected to be born in future. The symptoms associated with this disease are breathlessness, chest pain, infections in the respiratory system, murmur in the heart, blood and fluid accumulation in lungs and many parts of legs. The detection of this malfunctioning of heart is as easy as through a stethoscope and can be made as early as during the infancy period.

This type of heart defect can be minor as well as major. In some patients, it improves with time even without any medical treatment. Few precautions might need to be taken with the patient, especially with infants. But in most of the cases, the defect is corrected by surgical and medicinal treatments. Some cases do not respond well to mere one surgery and might require multiple ones. If ignored, congenital heart disease can take toll even on life. So, special care should be taken till the problem is sorted out treated completely.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Causes Of Diabetes

Diabetes is stated as the condition in which blood sugar increases abnormally in the body. It happens as a result of inability of insulin to work suitably. Causes of diabetes can be many and can be determined according to the type of diabetes. For example, the cause of failure of insulin in type one diabetes is different than that in type two. These causes have been well identified yet many of them are still considered to be mere hypotheses. Diabetes is caused when pancreas is not able to produce enough of insulin or it produces insulin which is not able to work on sugar in the body.

Type one diabetes occurs when cells in the pancreas that are responsible for the production of insulin, get killed by body’s own immune system. So, this automatically leads to lack of insulin in the body. No particular reason for this has been determined till date. Yet the causes of diabetes are guessed to be some kind of viral or bacterial infection, or due to the impact of toxins present in food. This guesses are still to be proved. In type two diabetes, it is believed that the body fails to respond to the activity by insulin or becomes resistant to insulin. The other possible reason is that the insulin produced by the body is incapable to work, as required. Factors like old age, lethargy or obesity can be held responsible for this.

Other causes of diabetes include the intake of very strong drugs and steroids, or suffering from any disease that impacts the working of pancreas and disturbs its ability to produce insulin. Diabetes is neither contagious nor can be inherited. It is a general myth among people that those who are fond of sweets are more likely to develop diabetes. Actually this can be an indirect cause for diabetes since people who intake excess sweets tend to become obese and obesity can result in type two diabetes. One should understand that whatever is the cause of his diabetes, it should be managed seriously.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Constipation And Back Pain

Almost everyone must have experienced back pain at certain point of their lives. Back pain can be associated with many other problems. For example, it can occur along with constipation as well. Doctors while diagnosing the problem often relate the two, you might wonder how. Constipation and back pain can possibly be related. Together they can bother you extremely as both the problems are badly painful. The impact can be higher when they occur simultaneously.

When the passage of motions gets blocked in the lower intestinal tract, it puts pressure on lower back. The pain might become bad if the passage is not cleared since the body keeps producing excreta. So, constipation can cause back pain. Another situation of constipation and back pain is possible where constipation is caused due to back pain. In most of the cases, pain in the back occurs due to sudden jerky movement or lifting of a heavy object. This may happen as the strained muscles of lower back can effect on nerves related to bowel system. Thus, the bowel activity gets hindered, resulting to constipation. These side-by-side problems, in some cases get rectified on their own. Whereas, in some cases one needs to follow a strict regime, that involves intake of fluids in good amounts. The increased amount of fibre in the diet also helps a lot. Also, some exercises and body postures give relief from such problems.

But, when the case is severe and doesn’t resolve by these methods easily, the doctor should be consulted immediately. You might require chiropractic therapy. Other therapies like massage therapy and acupuncture can help you get rid of the situation. Depending upon intensity of the problem, the doctor might also recommend some good medicines that prove to be rescuing drugs. The great relief from constipation and back pain, the two common but painful problems can be beyond imagination as the body starts functioning well again.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Acne Treatments

Among most of the acne sufferers, there has been a fight to get rid of acne. This fight has given birth to invention of many treatment methods. On the basis of severity, treatment methods are followed. Though majorly on facial skin, acne can occur anywhere in the body. Generally, people tend to start with acne treatments on their own, without the aid of dermatologist. For severe cases, without the consultation of a qualified dermatologist, one can make conditions bad to worse. Without a proper prescription, no good results can be expected. Mild acne cases can be handled by obeying simple steps.

The steps include washing of the effected area with a mild soap or cleanser and then application of cream or ointment containing salicylic acid. Such skin creams are available in almost all sorts of pharmacies. One should keep in mind that the treatment is not a night’s game. It takes time for acne treatments to work, and one should bear with it following the necessary steps, religiously. As you keep ahead with following the treatment tips, you’ll see the change gradually. Where required, the doctor recommends vitamin supplements that catalyse the treatment process. The mild cases can be handled at home with simple advices from skin experts. But, the moderate cases need to be controlled well on time so that they don’t take the severe turn.

Acne might a very depressing issue for many people. But, one should not leave hope. Even the treatment of severest of cases, is possible. The dermatologists might give intensive treatment program for immediate action in severe cases. At times, antibiotics are also given as rescuing drugs. All you need to do is obey what the doctor says and if you any problem while the treatment, complain immediately for the same and clear your doubts. Acne treatments may vary according to age of the people. The treatment for adolescents can be different to that for adults. So instead of copying your uncle’s prescription, go for your own copy.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Causes Of Back Pain

Back pain can be of many types. Most of them are mild ones and get fine with the passage of time. But some cause serious problems. It all depends upon the intensity of the pain and the intensity depends upon the causes of back pain that can be numerous in number. It is very important for the patient to understand the specific cause of the pain so that the treatment starts accordingly. Until there are reasons like muscle pull or strain, the pain can be treated well at home. The mild cases result from bad seating, standing or lying postures for long periods. The patient might not even be aware of when it happened. But later on, as the pain is felt he looks on for its possible cause.

The other causes of back pain include ruptured or damaged disc, arthritis in joints of the spinal cord and osteoporosis. Osteoporosis weakens the bone and thereby causes pain. In aged people, the problem of Spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis is quite prevalent. During old age, the spine becomes unstable and it results in pain of the back. The arthritis of spinal cord can be extremely painful. Wherever does the pain originate, back pain is really bad and one can’t really keep going with it for long. For pregnant women also, back pain has been a constant problem. The growing weight of the fetus puts stress on the backbone resulting to pain at the back.

Back pain has also been noticed in majority of women who had c-section. It can be due to spinal anaesthesia induced in them. There can also be others factors responsible for it. It would be noteworthy to consider that different people react differently to various drugs. The treatment also varies person to person. For some, exercises work best and some take aid of medicinal drugs. Therefore, causes of back pain can be many which on timely detection can be treated well.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Pregnancy Due Date Calculator

Once a woman comes to know about her pregnancy, it is quite natural for her to get excited about so many things to happen in future. Right from the beginning of pregnancy, women start predicting and calculating the day when they will be holding their little one in their arms. The mothers-to-be get even more excited as most of them wish to know the zodiac of the baby so that they can access the nature of the child, they would be dealing with. The span of nine months gives chance and time to the expectant parents as well as their relatives to make all the preparations in advance so that they are ready to welcome the baby when it is due. A pregnancy due date calculator helps to know the expected time of baby’s arrival.

The due date is calculated in various ways. In any case, the due date is calculated on the basis of Last Menstrual Period (LMP). So, one needs to be sure about her LMP inorder to know the exact time of delivery. Apart from predicting the due date of baby’s birth, pregnancy due date calculator also helps in marking the three trimesters. So, a suitable timetable indicating regular checkups and vaccinations to be taken can be made and followed accordingly.

With the help of pregnancy due date calculator, the time of ovulation can also be assessed. So, the time to time growth of the baby is also monitored, right from the very beginning. This also helps the expectant mother take timely precautions in case there are complications. Not only for pregnant women, is the calculator helpful. Even for women who don’t want to get pregnant, the calculator helps in knowing the most high-risked days when she can get pregnant. So, she can take precautions to avoid pregnancy, especially during those days. Yet, it would be important to consider that no days are safe or high-risked days.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Asthma

A human being needs to breathe without a break to stay alive. The process of taking in oxygen while inhaling and taking out carbon dioxide while exhaling is called breathing. The air we breathe reaches our lungs through the airways and it is in the lungs where the blood takes in oxygen from the air and gives out carbon dioxide. Asthma crops up when the airways get swollen and filled with mucus and also become thinner on account of muscle contraction leading to difficulty in breathing. A person suffering from asthma feels short of breath, has frequent bouts of cough, produces a whistling sound while breathing, Some of the main reasons due to which a person suffers from asthma are pollution, certain drug reaction, working in certain industries like leather, chemicals, asbestos, cement etc., infection in the respiratory system and allergy. Not much is known about alcohol asthma and whether consumption of alcoholic drinks increases or decreases the symptoms of asthma.

Alcoholic drinks have been used for a long time to reduce the symptoms of asthma for the simple reason that alcohol helps to widen the airways that get restricted during an attack of asthma and help the patient to breathe normally. Is alcohol asthma beneficial then? But it is also argued that there are other substances present in an alcoholic drink which can trigger and worsen an asthma attack. Any decision on alcohol asthma has to be taken under strict medical guidance.

Asthma and bronchospasms coexist. In this condition the airways into the lungs get narrowed down due to infection leading to difficulty in breathing, which is a symptom of asthma. Relationship between asthma and cozaar, a drug for treatment of heart disease is that symptoms of asthma are exhibited when there is a reaction of this drug.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes a feeling of happiness and ushers in celebration in many a family, but the same can be a cause of despair and sorrow in lot many cases. This feeling is a sure happening if the person getting pregnant is under aged and outside marriage. Teenage is referred to when the concerned person has not reached adulthood and is between the age of 12 and 20. Such pregnancies can occur within or outside a marriage. Causes of teenage pregnancy within marriage is found more in the poor or third world countries like India, Bangladesh etc where the system of marrying of girls at very small ages is very prevalent. In some societies in the African region early marriage and pregnancy is seen as a blessing and a also proof that the woman is fertile, it also causes the maximum deaths due to various complications.

However causes of teenage pregnancy in urban and the developed world are due to lack of information and planning. Lack of knowledge in using a protection and a fear to ask about it, having intercourse at very early age and lack of education and strength to say no are some factors leading to causes of teenage pregnancy.

The effects of teenage pregnancy also can be very traumatic. A teenager who is pregnant faces all the problems faced in a normal pregnancy and additionally there are a few risks. The body is not prepared for the rigors of childbirth. Additionally there is the problem of social stigma to be considered. It also reflects on the morality of the society. For example United States leads the world in the area of teenage pregnancy and also teenage abortions. Here again it depends on how early can the pregnancy be detected and corrective action is promptly taken to safeguard the young mother’s health

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Abdominal Back Pain

The part of the body between the chest and the pelvis is referred to as abdomen and any pain in this region is classified as abdominal pain. The reasons for abdominal back pain could emanate due to problems related digestion, inflammation of the appendix, the kidneys or the spleen. Sometimes due to cramps arising out of viral infections and gas can be the cause of severe pain. On the other hand an inflammation of the appendix in the initial stages does not result in any great pain. On many occasions easy remedies available at home can provide relief and a visit to the doctor is warranted only when the symptoms persist and the discomfort levels become unbearable. Similarly this pain causes small children’s unexplained crying and normally gets relieved with the passage of stools and gas.

One instance when such abdominal back pain should be taken seriously is when the pain is related to the heart attack and usually starts from the chest, neck or the shoulder area and travels down. Any abdominal back pain accompanied by nausea should also be a signal to treat it with all the seriousness it demands. The patient may have to answer a lot of questions put forth by the doctor since finding a cause for the abdominal pain could be a long drawn out process. The key factors are the place where the pain is localized and the presence of symptoms like fever, nausea, changes in bowel movements etc.

There could be a relation between constipation and back pain since chronic constipation, which is a manifestation of the ills of current lifestyle and the extreme stressful life lived by the present day people normally is marked by severe abdominal back pain. An offshoot of this is the problem of gas and back pain due to the generation of gases due to the problems in digestion. Any pain in the abdomen causes maximum discomfort and necessitates immediate medical attention.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Reduce The Risk Of Prostate Cancer With Supplements/Vitamins

Supplements/vitamins play a significant role in preventing as well as reducing the risk of prostate cancer. If more men are educated about the benefits of a proper diet in warding off prostate cancer the incidence of the cancer is likely to decrease greatly. Adequate intake of anti-oxidants and foods that boost immunity can be very effective in reducing the risk of prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer- Essential Supplements/ Vitamins

Anti-oxidants such as Vitamin A, lycopene and lutein are proven prostate cancer risk reducers. Foods rich in these are carrots and tomatoes, etc., and these have to be included liberally in the daily diet. They also boost the immune system.

Fish such as salmon, mackerel and herring reduce the risk of prostate cancer greatly and they too have to become an integral part of the daily diet.

Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, Vitamin D, Calcium D-Glucarate, Vitamin B Complex 50, have to be integrated in adequate quantities in our meals as they protect body from stress, boost immunity, promote healing and repair, and reduce the risk of cancer.

Green leafy vegetables, cauliflowers, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, peas, beans, etc., are said to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Ginseng, green tea, ginger, garlic, mushrooms, cordyceps, astragalus, olive leaf extract, pau d'arco, red clover, boswellia, turmeric, etc., are some herbs that reduce stress, boost energy and immunity, promote good health, cleanse the blood, fight infection and oxidation damage, and relieve inflammation and pain.

Soybean products such as tofu and soymilk are also suggested.
Selenium has been said to greatly reduce prostate cancer risk and should be included in the daily diet. A daily intake of 200mcg is recommended after due consultation with a doctor.

A balanced diet that is free of excess red meat, fats, diary products, grilled or charcoaled red meat, etc., has to be avoided. Instead a healthy diet rich in proteins, essential vitamins and minerals has to be followed. Note that excess calcium and vitamin D are not recommended.
Moderation in eating anything is the best option as well as having a good exercise regime.

There are several formulated dietary supplements and herbs that are recommended, as they are good prostate cancer risk reducing factors. You could try them or based on their formula try out a diet that is rich in vitamins and supplements that are deemed essential and beneficial.

But it is best if you consult your physician before trying any new diet or including any new supplements or vitamins in your daily food while undergoing prostate cancer treatment.