Archive for the ‘Diseases and Conditions’ Category

The Four Levels of Stress: Which level are you in?

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Posted 16 Mar 2011 — by admin
Category Diseases and Conditions, Keeping Healthy, Physiology
  • The four levels of stress differentiate the extent at which stressors cause an impact to an individual’s daily life. These levels present the extremes of a spectrum wherein stress is healthy to an individual at one end, and very harmful to an individual on the other end.

These are the four levels of stress:

Level 1 :

The first level is characterized by mild anxiety. Among the four levels of stress, it is the first level that is considered as “healthy stress”. On this level, a person is highly motivated and his energy

levels are sufficient to cope up with the stressor. It is also in this level that a person feels very productive. Examples of situations of the first level are times when manageable life changing events occur, like a job promotion or getting married.

Level 2 :

The second  level of stress is experienced by an individual when a stressor continues to make a considerable effect on an individual’s daily life. At this stage, the individual may already have some complaints of overloading and a feeling of overwhelm and distress.

Level 3 :

The third level is already characterized as chronic stress. If the stressor is still not addressed

during this level of stress, there would already be explicit negative manifestations of stress such

as feelings of irritability and even somatic manifestations such as tension-related headaches.

Level 4 :

At this stage, the individual chronically feels exhausted, both physically & emotionally. The individual may even feel a reduced sense of self-fulfillment. Some serious somatic manifestations without supporting medical diagnosis may also be experienced. This final level among the four levels of stress requires consideration of anti-stress remediations.

  • There are factors that can determine which among the four levels of stress a person might go through.
  • First, the characteristics of the stressor may contribute to the level of stress an individual might be experiencing. Some stressors are acute stressors which can place an individual on the lower levels. Examples of acute stressors are daily life hassles like traffic jam, arguing with an officemate or preparing for an important exam. However, some stressors are chronic, and can bring the individual on the higher levels of the four levels of stress. Among the major chronic stressors are: unsatisfactory marriage, very demanding job or financial difficulties.
  • The controllability of an event also influences our levels of stress. A stressor that is more controllable like dealing with a stubborn colleague brings a person to lower levels of stress. However, major uncontrollable events like having cancer or death of a loved one can really cause the individual to experience the higher levels of stress.
  • These four levels of stress are identified to help one determine if stress has already reached a level dangerous to one’s physical and mental health. It is advised that a person should watch out for signs that one is already on the higher levels of stress. It may be a loved one or it may be you. Once determined, one must seek help regarding coping mechanisms to avoid self-injurious behavior like suicide or major psychosomatic illnesses.
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Home Remedies for Low Back Pain

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Posted 14 Mar 2011 — by admin
Category Alternative Medicine, Diseases and Conditions, Health Procedures, Home Remedies, Physical Therapy

Low Back Pain
Image Credit: livenewspress.com

Home remedies for low back pain are effective if you know how to use them properly. Low back problems are one of the most common complaints experienced during adult life. The term “low back pain” is a very general term that represents a wide range of disease categories that may all manifest as pain on the lumbar area. Among the various conditions related to low back pain are the following: mechanical strains to the low back, herniated disks, fractures, arthritis, kidney infections, or even pregnancy.

The frequency of low back pain among adults brings a great deal of attention to this condition, especially in the field of rehabilitation medicine. Aside from its frequency, its impact on an individual’s functional activity poses a great deal of concern. It is said to be the most common cause why workers lose productive time at work.

Furthermore, studies have shown that the costs of treatment for low back pain may reach up to billions of dollars each year. Owing to these high costs of treatment, and also because this condition warrants immediate relief from pain and discomfort, knowledge regarding home remedies for low back pain may be very useful.

Among the home remedies for low back pain are the following:

* Application of superficial heat over the lumbar area

* Massage and therapeutic exercises that are focused on strengthening & stretching of key muscles that contribute to stability of the spine, especially on the lumbar area.The therapeutic benefits of these back pain remedies will be discussed further.

* Application of superficial heat is a very convenient home remedy for back pain. It can be done by using hot packs or hot water bottles applied over the painful area for 20 minutes. This can relieve the patient because of the thermal effects of heat causing analgesia, general relaxation and decreased muscle spasms.

* Another notable thermal effect of heat application over a localized area is vasodilation of blood vessels, which causes an increased blood flow to that particular area. Where blood flow increases, there would be more oxygen & nutrient supply to the area.

* Massage may be the most popular among the suggested home remedies for low back pain. It is the manual manipulation of superficial & deep muscles, done in a variety of strokes & techniques. During a session of massage, palpation of muscles spasms may be done to detect particular trigger points in the low back area. Just like heat, massage also causes, increased blood flow to the area, decreased muscle spasms & analgesia.

* Of all the given home remedies for low back pain, the therapeutic exercises are the interventions that provide long term effects. When muscles of the lumbar area are tight, they are in a state of increased tension, resulting to low back pain.

* stretching exercises of these muscles are advised to decrease their state of tightness. Strengthening exercises of the abdominal muscles are also advised because the abdominal muscles act as a corset that provides stability to the low back.

Among the popular strengthening exercises for the abdominals are curl ups, sit-ups or straight leg raising. It is important to note that of all home remedies for low back pain, the therapeutic exercises require active participation of the individual. Thus, compliance of the individual to do the exercises regularly is important to have its long-term benefits.

All of the home remedies for low back pain suggested above can provide both short term & long term relief for back pain. These techniques have the advantage of convenience and accessibility because they do not require purchase of expensive equipments and modalities. However, if in any case that these home remedies for low back pain are tried but offers no pain relief, it is suggested that the individual seeks further evaluation procedures to detect if there is other pathology that causes low back pain.

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Common Sources of Stress

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Posted 13 Mar 2011 — by admin
Category Diseases and Conditions, Keeping Healthy

The world you live in has continuous demands that have to be met. Whether you are working or you are still in school, oftentimes people have the same common sources of stress. The stressors come in different ways. Although stress may be good, too much of it can also be a bad sign, because you might not be able to manage all of them. Thus, it is recommended that you learn to cope with most of them. The best way to reduce the stress in your life is to be aware of their common sources.

Interpersonal Relationships

Maintaining a good interpersonal relationship with the significant people around you entails effort and time. The key in keeping the harmony with your family and friends is an open line of communication. Generally, simple misunderstandings can lead to big arguments if you do not communicate well. Misunderstandings are common sources of stress.

Life Adjustment

If your body is accustomed to your daily routine, changing your regular schedule can cause significant stress in your life. If you have been used in working, enjoying financial abundance, and physical wellness, a sudden change in these situations can put pressure to you. Loss of employment, economic crisis and illness require life adjustment. If you are not ready for these sources of stress and you lose support from your family, you might end up feeling depressed.

Because changes are constant in life, you need to be ready for these common sources of stress. The best way to prepare for these adverse situations is by keeping an intact interpersonal relationship with others and knowing when to say no.

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The Faces of a Patient with Bipolar Disorder

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Posted 12 Mar 2011 — by admin
Category Diseases and Conditions, Keeping Healthy

The human brain is so complicated that even the best scientist cannot fully understand all the details about it. For a patient with bipolar disorder, the function is more complex. It is characterized by two opposing faces, mania and depression. To understand more about it, here are the faces of bipolar patients.

Mania

Bipolar disorder is a mood problem where a patient experiences extreme episodes of high levels of energy. Sometimes, the elevated mood can lead to some forms of euphoria. The patient fails to relax and go on several days without sleep. Health professionals describe the stage as thoughts rushing in the mind which is exhibited by pressured speech. The behavior is aggressive, unstoppable and very irritable.

Depression

After the manic episode, the patient enters the depressive mood. There is extreme sadness, fear and guilt about everything. Isolation is a common manifestation of the stage where the individual refuses to interact with others and loses interest to do daily activities. During this stage, suicidal tendencies are very high. The episode can last for two weeks and may even persist if treatment is not started.

Because bipolar disorder is very difficult to diagnose, you need to bring your loved one to a psychiatrist when you see any unusual withdrawal from the environment followed by extreme energy.

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Vaccination – The Benefits and Risks

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Posted 12 Mar 2011 — by admin
Category Diseases and Conditions, Drugs, Health Procedures

Vaccination
Image Credit: dansadventure.co.uk

Vaccination is one of the greatest achievements of public health. Within the last decades, many infectious diseases have been controlled because of immunization of the general population especially of children. However, some parents are still not aware of the benefits of the vaccination and are even worried about the health risks. If you are one of them, this article will clear some of your apprehensions about it.

Benefits

Vaccination does not only protect the individual but the people around him. When one gets vaccinated, he reduces the risk of exposing other people from infectious diseases. With only an average cost of $20, a child can be fully immunized from many diseases. If you will compare the amount to the potential cost of hospitalization and medication and even the life of the child, the amount is too small.

Risks

The possible risks of vaccination are very rare and mostly insignificant if you compare the advantages. Common side-effects include abscess from the injection site and slight fever. Although there are some claims relating autism with immunization, there are still no direct studies to prove such claims.

Since prevention is still better than cure, vaccination remains to be the crowning glory of public health works. As a parent, you can weigh the advantages and disadvantages of immunization if you are unsure of what to do.

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How to Control your Blood Sugar in Diabetes

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Posted 06 Mar 2011 — by admin
Category Diseases and Conditions, Home Remedies, Keeping Healthy

Diabetes is a costly disease. Aside from the expensive medications, the greatest cost of the illness is your life. Since health complications are very common among diabetic patients with uncontrolled blood sugar, you need to learn how to manage the illness to live a close to normal life.

Diet Modification

Diabetes is due to an insufficient amount of insulin in the body. As a result, the blood sugar remains elevated. To manage your condition, your food intake is very crucial. Stick with your diabetes meal plan which includes more vegetables, less carbohydrates and less fat. Although fruits are advisable, you must take them in moderation especially the sweet types. For your protein needs, you can get them from fish and soya beans.

Physical Activities

Aside from the diet regimen, you must also engage in physical activities. Brisk walking and jogging are great examples of exercises. The physical activity helps you maintain a healthy weight and keeps your heart in good condition as well.

Stop Smoking

One of the major complications of uncontrolled blood sugar is a heart problem. If you are diabetic and a smoker, your risk is twice higher than a regular individual. A good way to manage your diabetes is to quit smoking as soon as possible.

Pointers for Diabetic patients:

  • Take extra care of wounds. Bacterial growth is favored by diabetes patients because glucose or sugar is a nutrient for the growth of bacteria. If wounds get infected, they do not usually get well rapidly. Do not ignore even a small wound because once it gets infected, you may have your limb amputated because of incurable gangrene.
  • Carbohydrates when metabolized become simple sugars, and they add to the blood glucose/sugar concentration of the blood. So remember to cut not only on sugars but carbohydrates as well.
  • Lead a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle means proper nutrition, sufficient sleep, large amount of hydration (water intake) and a lifestyle free from drugs, alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes.
  • Diabetes is a complex condition affecting all the organs of the body, so you must ascertain that a general check-up is done regularly.
  • Laboratory diagnostic exams, like Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) or Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT,) should also be performed as needed, or annually at the most. Do not presume that you are well just because you do not feel anything. There are several asymptomatic conditions which only show symptoms when they are already serious.

The above-mentioned are essential facts that you should remember, if you want to manage your blood sugar and diabetes effectively.

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Causes of Vaginal Yeast Infection in Women

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Posted 05 Mar 2011 — by admin
Category Alternative Medicine, Diseases and Conditions

Yeast infection is very common to women. In fact at least 50% of the female population experiences the problem at least once in their life. Symptoms like vaginal itching, unusual cheesy-like discharge, pain during sexual intercourse and burning sensation are the reasons the prompt a woman to seek for medical treatment. But before you seek for the possible interventions, look first at the common causes of the Yeast infection problem.

Improper Use of Antibiotics

There are normal bacteria in the female genitalia that maintain the normal pH level. But in cases of misuse of antibiotics, the good bacteria die and yeast increase in number. Although the yeasts are present in small amounts, the changes in the vaginal pH disrupt the normal environment making it conducive for their growth.

Poor Ventilation of the Genital Area

Hot and humid environment provides a good breeding area for the yeast causing yeast infection. The use of tight and poorly ventilated underwear and failure to change damp bathing suit or pantyhose are predisposing factors for the infection. If possible, wear cotton underwear and avoid tight fitting pants and change your wet swimsuit right away.

Personal Hygiene

The use of scented toilet paper, feminine deodorants and sprays as well as the practice of vaginal douching are not recommended. These activities only increase your susceptibility to the yeast infection.

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Aromatherapy – An Alternative Form of Treatment

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Posted 04 Mar 2011 — by admin
Category Alternative Medicine, Diseases and Conditions

Aromatherapy is an ancient form of medicine that uses essential oils in treating various forms of illnesses. Instead of going for expensive medications to find relief in your medical condition, why not try the wonders of aromatherapy and see the relaxing results yourself.

Insomnia

Insomnia is a common problem. If you find it very difficult to sleep at night, do not go for sleeping pills. They have adverse reactions and they are very addictive. Instead try to massage your body with the Roman cammomile and geranium oil. You can also add a few drops of lavender, neroli and rose oil in your bathwater to relax your mind and body.

Depression

With the stressful environment, depression is one of the most dreaded causes of morbidity in the coming years. To avoid being a victim of this mental disorder, use jasmine oil to reduce your anxiety and extreme sadness. The relaxing and soothing scent of jasmine is a good treatment for depression.

Pain

Pain another unbearable condition that affects your daily life. On the first onset of the pain, be it a toothache, body ache or headache, get some oil of sweet marjoram and gently massage it in the affected area. The warm and sedating effect of the oil will help you relax and forget about your aching body.

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Childhood Obesity: How to Solve It

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Posted 04 Mar 2011 — by admin
Category Diseases and Conditions, Keeping Healthy

Childhood Obesity
Image Credit: fat2fitradio.com

Childhood obesity is one of the top problems of many developed countries. The changes in the social culture and a fast-paced life contribute to the problem. Aside from the genes, lifestyle is a major contributor of childhood obesity. If you want to spare your child from the problem, here are the things that you can do.

Encourage Physical Activities

The key to shedding the excess pounds and burning the calories of your overweight child is to encourage physical activity in your child. Instead of watching television all day or playing computer games, ask your child to go out and interact with other kids. Simple, interactive games with other children are sufficient to burn the stored fats. Limit the time they spend in front of the computer or TV.

Prepare Nutritious Foods

Childhood obesity can be prevented if you provide your children with healthy foods and not junk foods during meal time. To encourage healthy eating habits, be a good example. Provide nutritionally packed foods with low calories. Childhood obesity can rarely occur when you serve more fruits and vegetables. Make your servings more creative to entice them to eat your “concoction.’ Prepare their snacks instead of buying ready-made meals. Encourage more water intake. Lastly, fill your refrigerator with healthy snacks like oranges, apples, yogurt, carrots, blueberries, cucumber, cranberries and similar foodstuffs.

Engage in Nature-tripping Travels

Every now and then, take that nature-trip to the mountains. Nature-tripping could also strengthen bonds and develop camaraderie, because you will be performing tasks together as a family. This will also be a new learning experience for your children. While you marvel at the breathtaking view around you, bask in the verdant surroundings, and trek around the mountain or river, you breathe in fresh air and get rid of toxins and fats.

Encourage a Healthy Lifestyle

Encourage a healthy lifestyle in your child by making them aware of the dangers they could put themselves in when they take in drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. Instruct them about the benefits of being drug, alcohol, and cigarette-free, eating the appropriate foods, drinking lots of water, and having sufficient sleep.

When you follow these tips, you can address childhood obesity and save him from future health problems.

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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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