Archive for December, 2010

Levels of Anxiety and Related Symptoms

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Posted 31 Dec 2010 — by admin
Category Diseases and Conditions, Drugs

By Erica Banasan

Introduction

Anxiety is defined as the fear of the unknown and a feeling of an impending doom. It is a warning sign for possible anxiety disorder if not treated and attended to. Studies show that during anxiety, norepinaphrine, a neurotransmitter that causes alertness and nervousness, is elevated which causes the gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), a calming neurotransmitter, to decrease.

Levels of Anxiety

Anxiety is ranked into four levels; mild, moderate, severe and panic. Mild level of anxiety is healthy. At this level, perceptual field is heightened, pupils dilate to accommodate as much, hearing and smell intensified, and sense of touch is highly sensitive. The individual is highly alert and attentive, and learning and cognition is in best state.

Moderate level of anxiety, on the other hand, is unhealthy. The perceptual field of a person at this level is narrowed. Individuals experiencing this level of anxiety have selective inattention. They have decreased focus and automatism can be observed as repetitive purposeless movements such a shaking of hands and feet, twirling of hair, and tapping of fingers.

Severe level of anxiety is characterized by reduced perceptual field and a difficulty in communication. Gross motor movements such as pacing are another characteristic sign of people at this stage. It is important that health care givers provide a safe and secured environment for the individual. Communication and sentences should be kept short and simple since communication is altered.

The worst and most severe level of anxiety is panic. Total disruption of perceptual field is present. It is also characterized by loss of ability to communicate, loss of rational thought and total loss of conscious thinking. Provision of save and secured environment is the priority care for individuals in such state.

Anxiolytics

Anxiolytics, also known as minor tranquilizers, are drugs to reduce anxiety by increasing GABA. Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and Librium, are the usual forms of anxiolytics. Buspar may also be prescribed. Anxiolytics are given cautiously for it may develop dependence.

Since anxiolytics are minor tranquilizers, they cause central nervous system depression. Sedation, blurred vision and decreased reflexes expose individuals taking anxiolytics to possible injury and accidents. This is the reason that these individuals should not drive, handle heavy machineries or travel alone. Safety is utmost priority.

Caffeine and alcohol are to be avoided while in anxiolytic therapy. Caffeine is a stimulant which antagonizes the action of anxiolytics. Alcohol, on the other hand, is a depressant which may cause dependence and addiction. In cases that dependency develop, gradually decrease doses of anxiolytics and do not stop abruptly to lessen, if not prevent, symptoms of withdrawal.

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Tips to Prevent Holiday Weight Gain

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Posted 18 Dec 2010 — by admin
Category Home Remedies, Keeping Healthy

People love the holiday seasons because of the festivities of the occasions. But if you want to stay fit for the coming year, you need to control your appetite. Otherwise, the few days of food indulgence can hit your weight meter to the maximum level. To help you manage your caloric intake despite the celebrations around, here are the things you can do.

Keep Moving

The calendar has several special occasions to look forward to. From the Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas to New Year’s Eve, these celebrations are never complete without food. Whatever culture, parties are better complemented with sumptuous meals. To prepare for these times, you should keep your muscles busy in burning calories. Exercise is the best way to avoid the holiday weight gain. If you cannot resist the appealing desserts and the calorie-packed main dish, be sure to burn them all in your work-outs. Set about 30 minutes to one hour everyday to physical activities. You do not have to go to fitness gyms just to sweat out. Doing household chores, walking your way to the park or using the stairs instead of the elevators are great ways to shed out the excess pounds.

Keep Yourself Hydrated

Water should be your best friend. When you attend a party, be sure to drink a lot of water. It will keep you full longer and prevent you from eating too much. People who drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day are less likely to overeat. Though the amount seems overwhelming for others, the habit can do great things to your body. Beware of taking fluids in other forms. Sodas, juices and alcoholic beverages are not as good as water. They are also high in calories. It is better to take plain water and reserve the calories for the other meals.

Find the Right Timing

Although it is very tempting to eat whenever you see food, try to resist the temptation. Unless you are hungry, do not eat. Because this is very difficult to do, you need to learn to discipline yourself. If this is not possible, take small snacks to avoid getting hungry. People who are too hungry tend to overeat during the celebration. Enjoy the holidays, the people and the ambiance. Do not dwell so much on the food. Leave the dining area and socialize with other people.

If you follow these tips, you should never feel guilty during holidays. You can enjoy the party without feeling so bad about yourself.



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Brain Exercises to Boost your Mind Power

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Posted 17 Dec 2010 — by admin
Category Keeping Healthy, Physiology

The human brain is your most powerful asset. From the time you were born, it gathers information from your environment just the way sponges take water. It is made up of millions of nerve cells all working together every millisecond of your life. If you think intelligence comes only from good genes, then try these simple brain exercises and see how you can boost your mind power.

You’re Never Too Old to Learn

Some people give up learning once they get their college diploma. But in reality, the brain continues to learn new things. Recall the first time you tied your shoelace. The start was very difficult but after completing the task, the feeling was exhilarating. Why don’t you treat yourself to the same rewarding feeling? Try to use your non-dominant hand to move your mouse right now, to brush your teeth later and to comb your hair. These new tricks will allow your brain to learn skills despite your age.

Laugh Your Stress Out

By simply laughing, you can raise the endorphin level in your body. The hormone is known to improve your thinking abilities. If you want to have better disposition, laugh when you are stressed. Intelligent people like Albert Einstein have very good sense of humor. If you too have a good humor, you might just flourish a bright idea that the next generation will be proud of.

Engage in Mind Stimulating Activities

Puzzles, yoga, tai-chi, chess and sculpture are some of the activities that can stimulate your brain and boost your mind power. Instead of using your 10-12 hours in watching television or playing computer games, you can enjoy and think at the same time with these activities. Ask a friend to join you to make things more enjoyable.

Improve the acuity of your Senses

People learn by maximizing the senses. Of the 5 senses, the vision is the most important. To improve it, try dressing up with your eyes closed or unwrap your chocolate cookies without looking. See how you get better in using your other senses despite the absence of the sense of sight.

Listen During your Dead Times

Dead times are the times you wait for your turn in the line, you pull grasses in your yard or you walk to the park. Instead of wasting these times, you can use them to listen to a book-on-tape. In fact, you spend 14,000 hours in your whole lifetime with these dead times. Now, don’t you think it’s a bright idea if you can use these times well?

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Tips to Maximize Your Growth

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Posted 16 Dec 2010 — by admin
Category Physiology

By Engracia S. Arceo, MPH, RMT

Tall people have several advantages over shorter people. Be it with jobs or just an added boost in their confidence, height really matters. Although your genes dictate much on how tall you will grow, there are possible things that you can do to maximize your growth potential.

Diet

Your diet ensures that your body gets all the essential nutrients to grow taller. For every meal, you should have a balanced diet. It should have 40% carbohydrate, 40% protein and 20% fats. Vitamins and minerals are also crucial for bone development. Eat foods rich in vitamin C and D and high calcium foods. Avoid carbonated beverages since they reduce the amount of calcium in the body.

Exercises

To maximize your growth, complement your balanced diet with proper exercises. High intensity trainings with higher repetitions boost the level of growth hormone in the body. Right after an intensive work out, the level of growth hormone rises which stimulates the muscles and bones to grow. Include a lot of stretching exercises to make you look taller.

Supplements

The last option for people who want to grow taller is the use of supplements. These growth enhancing drugs are available with your local pharmacists. But before you take any of these supplements, ask your doctor’s advice.

Sleep

When you are below 18, you should have sufficient sleeping hours because it is 2 hours after sleep that the Growth Hormone or GH is increased in its concentration causing growth of cells and tissues in the body. This is the time that the bone epiphyses grow to meet each other. Adequate sleep will not only enhance the secretion of the growth hormone, but it will also promote good health and wellness. When people do not sleep, they experience disorientation, forgetfulness, lack of muscle coordination and many more abnormal conditions.

Healthy Lifestyle

Live a healthy lifestyle by avoiding substances of abuse like alcohol, cigarettes and other illicit drugs. These substances can cause physical and emotional dependence, which can muddle the mind and destroy the body.

If you observe all these tips, then you can be sure, you can maximize your growth mentally, physically and emotionally.

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More Ways to Protect Yourself from Cervical Cancer

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Posted 12 Dec 2010 — by admin
Category Diseases and Conditions, Histopathology

By Engracia S. Arceo, MPH, RMT

Cervical cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer affecting women. Because the illness presents non-specific to no symptoms at all, not all women are familiar with it. Some of the early signs include excessive vaginal bleeding, painful sexual intercourse, weight loss, pelvic pain and abnormal discharges. Since prevention is always better than cure, here are the things you can do to protect yourself.

Safe Sex

The human papiloma virus (HPV) is one of the leading causes of cervical cancer. As an infectious disease, HPV is highly preventable. Delaying the sexual intercourse, limiting the number of sexual partners and the use of condoms are efficient ways to avoid the infection.

Vaccination

Another way to prevent HPV infection is through vaccination. Currently, this is available in many health care facilities in different countries. Although it cannot give a 100% protection against cervical cancer, it can lessen your risks in acquiring it.

Pap Smear

Pap smear is a preliminary test for cervical cancer. It should be done by all women who reach 21 years old or as soon as a woman engages in vaginal intercourse. The test should be done yearly during the reproductive years.

The combination of these three factors is sufficient to keep yourself protected. Ask your doctor for more advise if you think you have it.

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Things you Must Know about Pap Smear

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Posted 12 Dec 2010 — by admin
Category Histopathology, Laboratory Procedures

By Engracia S. Arceo, MPH, RMT

Papanicolaou test or also known as pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer. The procedure gathers the cells in the cervix and uses them to detect abnormalities. It is an effective way to check for early changes in the integrity of cells. Because it is cheap and simple, it is widely available in most health care facilities in different countries.

Who Should be tested?

The test is highly recommended to all women belonging to the age group 21 to 65. If you had vaginal intercourse earlier, you do not have to wait to reach 21 years old. It is done on a regular basis especially during the reproductive year. Some organizations recommends that it should be done every 5 years or more often depending on the results of the previous test.

Are there Special Preparations?

To increase the accuracy of the test, most doctors recommend that you have your pap smear after your menstruation. Two days before the test, you should avoid douching or vaginal intercourse. If you are using vaginal creams, you should also notify your doctor.

How Long is the Procedure?

The specimen collection will only take 3 to 5 minutes. The doctor will use a speculum to widen the opening of the vagina. The procedure may cause a slight discomfort. After the collection, the smear will be sent to the laboratory for processing.

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Cervical Cancer- Protect Yourself

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Posted 11 Dec 2010 — by admin
Category Diseases and Conditions, Histopathology, Laboratory Procedures

By Engracia S. Arceo, MPH, RMT

Cervix refers to the lower part of the uterus. When problems in the cervix arise, the symptoms are so general that they go unnoticed. If you are a woman aged 18 years old and above and is sexually active, it is imperative that you undergo pap’s smear to see whether you have the deadly disease. Here are some facts about cervical cancer.

Symptoms

Some patients who have cervical cancer do not present any sign of the illness. However, in most women, the common symptoms can include abnormal vaginal bleeding, unusual heavy discharge, and pelvic pain, pain during urination and pain and bleeding during a sexual intercourse. In rare cases, infections are also present.

Diagnosis

The use of symptoms alone cannot diagnose cervical cancer. For the preliminary assessment, your doctor may request a pap’s smear to check for the integrity of the individual cells. Usually, cancerous cells present themselves well under the microscope. If you get a positive Pap’s smear test, further testing is required.

Treatment

Women positively diagnosed with cervical cancer have many options for treatment. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination of all of these may be warranted. If you have questions about the treatment, you should always ask your doctor about it.

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The Benefits of Stem Cell Research

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Posted 11 Dec 2010 — by admin
Category Alternative Medicine, Diseases and Conditions, artificial methods

By Engracia S. Arceo , MPH, RMT

Stem cell research is a medical advancement that works on the idea that some cells in the body have the potential of generating new kinds of cells. It has been a topic of fictional movies and controversial debates worldwide. Although stem cell research has been present for several decades, not many people know the benefits of these tiny cells.

Cure for Rare Diseases

The new generation created a plethora of diseases. The treatment of many of them is still unknown to many scientists. With the promising advances in stem cell research, experts find hope in discovering treatments to Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes mellitus and all forms of cancer.

Source of New Organs

Many people around the world are dying because of the scarcity of human organ donors. People who suffer from chronic heart ailments, liver and kidney problems die because they could not find a compatible organ to replace their damaged parts. With the help of stem cell research, researchers can produce new organs out of the tiny stem cells they harvest.

Research Potentials

Stem cells provide an endless possibility for more researches and development in the field of medicine. With stem cell research, scientists can study the human body better.

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Causes of Hemorrhoids

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Posted 10 Dec 2010 — by admin
Category Diseases and Conditions

By Engracia S. Arceo, MPH, RMT

Hemorrhoids are masses of tissues found in the anal canal that contain dislocated blood vessels. Most people have them but not all suffer the symptoms of the condition. Because of the rich supply of blood vessels in the area, bleeding from hemorrhoids shows bright red color. There are several reasons why these structures form in the anal area. Here are some of the most common causes.

Strain in Bowel Movement

One of the most common causes of prolapsed blood vessels is the strain during bowel movement.  If you experience frequent constipation, the stress in pushing your stool causes the blood vessels to move downward. To prevent a worsening problem, include more fibers in your diet. These will improve your bowel movement and reduce the strain in your anal area.

Obesity

Excessive weight gain is another predictor for hemorrhoids. Obese individuals and even pregnant women suffer the symptoms due to the pressure put on the blood vessels. The added weight to the anal area leads to collapsed veins.

Genetic

Despite the good bowel habits and ideal weight of some people, they still suffer from hemorrhoids. One probable reason for this is their genetic predisposition. If you have any family history of the problem, your likelihood of suffering from it is also very high.

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How to Get Rid of Athletes Foot

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Posted 07 Dec 2010 — by admin
Category Alternative Medicine, Diseases and Conditions

By Engracia S. Arceo, MPH, RMT

Athlete’s foot derived its name because of its frequent occurrence among athletes. The disease is caused by a fungus called. The organisms love to thrive warm and sweaty environment especially in between the toes. The infection is not a life threatening condition but it can be very itchy. Because anyone can have the infection, you should know the different remedies to deal with it.

Medication

Unless the athlete’s foot is so severe, anyone can treat it at home. You can get the topical cream from your local pharmacist and apply the cream generously everyday for the next two weeks. Be sure to wipe your feet dry before wearing your shoes and use anti-perspirant to avoid a sweaty feet.

Home Remedies

If you do not have the money to buy the over the counter medications, you can go straight to your kitchen and prepare the home remedies for the infection. Get garlic and crush it to extract the juice. Apply the extracts around the infected area and leave it for 30 minutes to one hour before washing. If you are more concern with your persistently itchy feet, use tea tree oil or soak your fee in warm lukewarm saltwater.

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