Why You Should Quit Smoking

January 28th, 2009 | No Comments | Posted in Family Health

Are you a smoker? Are you aware that you are putting your health (and life) at risk by continuing the habit? You should also be aware that you’re putting the health of those around you since they are exposed to second hand smoke. You are increasing your chances of getting a serious disease like lung cancer, heart disease and more by smoking. If you quit smoking now, you would lower your risks to levels equal to those of a smoker who quit 10 years ago. You will also get some immediate results from quitting.

The following are the benefits you can get right away if you quit smoking today:

Your sense of taste and smell will return which means you’ll be able to enjoy food and beverages much more and enjoy smells you have been missing all those years you were smoking.

Don’t worry about the smoker’s cough; it will go away in time. The first few days or weeks after you quit smoking, your lungs will be trying to get rid of all the toxins that have built up over the years. Eventually, you will stop coughing.

You won’t have as much of a risk for diseases affecting your lungs and airways like asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia if you quit smoking. Your lungs will be able to build their resistance to these diseases back up after you quit. If you are already asthmatic, you’ll experience asthma attacks less frequently.

You will lower your blood pressure. Nicotine has been shown to negatively affect blood pressure. You might get rid of those headaches and have more energy once your blood pressure goes back to normal.

You’ll be amazed at how much more endurance you’ll have. Those small tasks that used to have you breathing heavily after only a few minutes will be easy to do now.

Your sleeping habits will improve. Not only will the nicotine, a stimulant, not be keeping you awake any longer, your cough will be gone as well.

You won’t be at as high of a risk for ulcers and other stomach disorders. Smoking weakens your stomach by affecting the acid levels and destroying the lining.

You’ll be proud of yourself after you quit smoking and it’ll show in the way you carry yourself.

We all know smoking is dangerous and we’d eventually be healthier if we quit. That doesn’t motivate a lot of people, however, who don’t see any immediate reasons to quit. There are benefits to stopping smoking that you can notice right away. This will help you stay motivated and resolute to never light up another cigarette again.

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The Benefits of Colon Cleansing

January 27th, 2009 | No Comments | Posted in Health Research

Colon cleansing is a controversial medical procedure with some doctor’s saying it has benefits and others saying it is not worth it. Still, colon cleansing is becoming more and more popular.

The colon is that part of the digestive system that is responsible for getting rid of all the waste in the body. If the colon is not functioning as well as it should be, waste and other toxins continue to accumulate in the colon; an unhealthy colon cannot expel the waste matter as quickly as it should. This is where colon cleansing can be of benefit. Colon cleansing is said to help the body  by removing the waste.

In order to get your colon back in good working shape, you need to clean it out. The main ways of cleaning your colon are by using a machine that you insert that removes waste or by taking supplements that remove the waste. Both ways of cleansing the colon are effective in flushing out all the toxins and chemicals and also removin parasites that could be harming you. Once all this waste is gone, your body will be able to remove waste on its own more efficiently.

If the colon is full of chemicals and toxins, your digestive system can suffer. When your colon can’t remove waste, the waste gets backed up into your system and can cause problems in your whole body. Waste build up can affect all your organs and lead to increased risk of heart disease, allergies or arthritis.

You will get a lot of benefits out of colon cleansing like weight loss, improved skin tone and less stomach pains. Your whole body will work better and feel better.

Some experts say your body will remove these toxins and the extra waste in time on its own so there really is no need for colon cleansing. They don’t think a build up of waste is a potential problem. However, the diet we used to eat a thousand years ago is not the same as what we eat now. We don’t eat the natural unprocessed foods of the past anymore. Our bodies have to digest a lot of chemicals every day that it doesn’t know what to do with. Cleansing your colon will remove the toxins that build up from our current diet.

Colon cleansing alone isn’t the solution. You need to live a healthy lifestyle and eat a well balanced diet so that you don’t contribute to more waste build up. If you life a healthy lifestyle, colon cleansing from time to time will enhance your health. Getting regular colon cleansings does not mean that you don’t have to take care of your body and eat right.

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Understanding Detox: Home Detoxificaiton

January 21st, 2009 | No Comments | Posted in Health Research

We live in a very modern society with many great things that make our lives easier. We put a lot of questionable products into and onto our bodies every day. Just by existing in this society, we are getting a steady dose of chemicals by breathing and by absorption through our skin. Once these chemicals are in our body, it is hard to get them out. While in our bodies, they can do great harm.

Detoxing is a popular way to get rid of many of the chemicals that have been building up in your body. Detoxing allows your body to release all the chemicals causing you problems and helps your body better process the good chemicals you need. You will feel healthier, have more energy and maybe even drop a few pounds.

Detoxing can be done in a variety of ways. Some of the more popular detox methods include fasting, increased water consumption, special juice diets or using herbal remedies. Different methods of fasting work on different parts of the body. For example, a special juice diet may be designed just to remove toxins and chemicals from your intestines while another is designed to flush out the toxins in your liver.

Colon cleansers are thought to be the most effective method to detox your entire body. Since your colon is responsible for removing all the waste from your body, using a colon cleanser to flush out your body makes sense. If your colon isn’t working properly, waste will accumulate and the ill effects of having an unhealthy colon are going to manifest eventually. Think of colon cleansing as a way to empty the trash out of your body before it overflows.

Chemicals in the colon can affect your bodily systems and cause serious medical problems. The chemicals in your colon can form a hard residue over time and this can increase your chances of colon cancer, heart problems and many other medical issues. The chemicals in your colon don’t just stay there; they travel throughout your body. Using a colon cleanser to detox your body may help increase your immune system’s response which will keep you healthier.

Talk to your doctor about the best way to go about detoxing your body. You want to make sure all your organs and systems are detoxed but in the right order so the toxins don’t just spread to other places in your body.

Once you go through all the trouble to detox your body, you’ll want to change your eating habits. If you don’t, the chemicals will start building up again. The more fresh, organic food you can eat the better you will feel.

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Cleansing Your Colon with Herbs: Learn How!

January 21st, 2009 | No Comments | Posted in Health Research

People are just starting to discover all the benefits of colon cleansing including weight loss, increased energy and the ability to decrease the chances of getting certain diseases including cancer.

The food you eat is digested and the waste is excreted from the colon. Not all the waste you take in is excreted, though. This means there is waste in your colon for long periods of time. The chemicals from this waste can affect all your organs, not just your colon.

The most common symptoms you will experience are a lack of energy and abdominal and stomach problems. Sometimes, more serious medical conditions can occur. The toxins in the waste that is left to build up on your colon can increase your risks of colon cancer as well as other problems like heart disease, allergy and immune deficiencies since the toxins spread throughout your body.

Colon cleansing is a great way to treat these symptoms by getting all of the built up waste and any parasites out of your body. You will have increased energy and feel healthier once this waste is gone. Also, with the waste build up gone, your body will process food more efficiently and absorb more nutrients.

Herbal remedies can be found in most health food stores to clean your colon. You want to make sure you find an herbal program, not just an herb, so that your colon will be fully cleansed. Depending on which you prefer, you can take these herbs as a pill, liquid or powder. Look for a combination system that will work on your whole body.

The negative information out there about colon cleansing doesn’t have much to do with herbal colon cleansing. It refers instead to using a colon cleansing device, something that can be dangerous. Herbal colon cleansers just help your body remove the toxins more effectively.

You’ll want to do a lot of research before you decide on a colon cleansing product or system. There are many companies out there selling products on TV, on the radio and on the Internet that claim to cleanse your colon. Not all these products are equally effective so don’t just buy the first one you see. Look at your local health store or do some online research to find a safe, effective colon cleansing product. A good rule of thumb to remember is that the better a colon cleansing product tastes, the less it will work because adding flavor means taking out effective ingredients.

Once you start improving your health by doing a colon cleansing, you’ll want to start doing other healthy things for your body too! Other toxins in your body might be causing you problems and can be treated with herbs and special diets. The healthier you eat and live, the less build up you will get after you cleanse your colon.

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Colon Cleansing, Weight Loss & You!

January 7th, 2009 | No Comments | Posted in Health Research

Many people swear by colon cleansing to feel better, lose weight and stay healthy. It is becoming more and more accepted as a health treatment. Here is some information about colon cleansing and how it can help you lose weight.

The colon’s purpose is to remove waste from the food that we eat. Most people’s diets these days include a lot of processed foods. These foods make it much more difficult for the colon to do its job. Much of the toxins and waste products accumulate in the colon; they petrify and eventually cause health problems. What colon cleansing does is get rid of the leftover waste and toxins from the colon so it can work more efficiently, encouraging the body to process food in a more efficient manner.

Most people notice an immediate weight loss when they start with colon cleansing. This is because colon cleansing is able to flush out most of the waste matter that as accumulated in the colon.  After you have been on a colon cleansing routine for a while, you will continue to lose weight because you will be absorbing more nutrients and less waste will be left in the colon. A colon that is working well helps with weight loss.

Most people don’t think about their digestive system as it relates to weight control; we often associate weight control with exercise and diet.  A typical diet where you eat less and exercise more doesn’t take into consideration that your metabolism will usually decrease to make up the difference. Treating your digestive system so it is at its healthiest is a good way to lose weight.

One of the benefits of colon cleansing is increased stamina and energy. If you want to work on shedding off those unwanted pounds, you can take that extra energy and turn it into exercise. You will wake up feeling better every day and have a better outlook on life when you are not feeling tired and sluggish. Also, some of the added energy comes from your body being able to get more nutrients out of the food you eat.

Colon cleansing is a great tool for improving your health and even losing weight. It is just one tool in the toolbox, though! You need to have a well balanced diet and exercise in order to feel your best. You also need to make sure you cut back on processed foods and eat more fresh vegetables and fruits.

Like any medical treatment, you need to do some research about colon cleansing and make sure you know what you are doing and that you use a safe product or program. Also, talk to your doctor about your plans and get his or her advice.

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The Real Dangers of Mosquito Bites

August 24th, 2008 | 1 Comment | Posted in Health Research

Mosquito bites are seldom considered pleasant. In fact, depending on your particular reaction, they are quite unpleasant. The result can range from annoying itching to extremely painful. For some folks, a mosquito bite isn’t just a nasty irritation; it can mean a very serious illness.

Most areas in the world don’t’ really have to be worried about most of these diseases because they affect large populations elsewhere. But remember that just because you live in an area where these diseases are rare, it doesn’t guarantee they won’t be contracted.

In order to survive and reproduce, the female mosquito needs to drink blood. They have specially designed mounts, able to pierce the skin and directly ingest blood. Just like a disease can enter your body through the using of dirty needles, the diseases can be carried via the mosquito from one host to another. Odd, but the mosquito is actually immune to these diseases it spreads; but the animals and people it bites are not.

Malaria is most commonly known and one of the most dangerous diseases spread by the mosquito. It is actually a parasite that infects the liver and eventually spreads to the blood. Without treatment, malaria causes major organ damage and on occasion, death. While it is preventable and treatable, 300 million people are infected, and one million people die of it every year, because treatment is not readily available all around the world.

The most commonly known and dangerous disease spread by mosquitoes is malaria. This is a parasite that infects the liver and eventually spreads to the blood. If left untreated, it can cause major organ damage and even death. While it is preventable and treatable, 300 million people are infected and 1 million people die of it every year around the world because the treatment is not readily available.

A less known disease is dengue fever. There are different types of this disease and symptoms vary from a simple skin rash to uncontrollable bleeding and death. The fatality rate is low and there is no cure. The range of this disease is growing and expanding each year as mosquitoes adapt to new climate areas around the globe.

Some illnesses caused by mosquitoes are quick acting, however others, like elephantiasis affects the victim during their entire life. Children in areas of Africa and India most often contract the disease, but most children don’t develop the symptoms.

Instead, the disease slowly damages the kidneys and lymphatic systems as they grow. Symptoms, including damage to the extremities and reproductive organs begin to appear once the child reaches adulthood.

West Nile Virus is rare, but is becoming an increased threat in all countries; even those which are developed. The disease causes few or no symptoms and in 90 percent of the people who contract it, it can still make others severely ill causing fatigue, pain, shaking, and possible death. The effects of the disease stay with the patient long after the main symptoms are gone.

While still fairly rare, West Nile virus has become an increasing threat even in developed countries. While the disease causes few or no symptoms in 90% of the people who contract it, it can make others severely ill causing fatigue, severe pain, shaking, and possibly death. The effects of the disease can affect patients long after the symptoms are gone.

Is there a way to avoid these bites? Yes. And although most of these diseases can be treated easily, the best cure is to never have been bitten at all. If you are going to be in an outside area where there is water or forested areas, be certain to take a good mosquito repellent along whenever you are going outside, especially in watery or forested areas. If you are going to be around your house and in the yard, put out citronella candles and other insect repellent. Also eliminate all standing water from your yard by eliminating birdbaths, rain gutters, and standing water in ponds.

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Men and Substance Abuse

August 23rd, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in Health Research

Did you know that men are twice as likely to be addicted to alcohol and other substances as women? Substance abuse of any kind is in itself, quite frightening, and unfortunately, it can lead to other dangerous behaviors. It’s important to be informed so you can be sure your family is protected.

But we wouldn’t be covering the whole issue by saying just that men are more likely than women. While it is a fact that men are more likely to abuse alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana, women are as likely to become addicted to many hard drugs. Actually, they are more likely than men to become addicted to prescription drugs like pain medications.

Let’s take a look at what specifically makes men more likely to abuse substances like drugs and alcohol. Actually, it is in part due to the many physical and psychological differences between men and women.

Some substances have a different effect on men than on women. One example is cocaine, which has been shown to have a great effect on men. Scientists think this might be the difference in whether men or women get addicted, but there is no way to tell for sure, because the effect of drugs is very difficult to measure. One can measure the physical effects, but it is quite difficult to determine exactly how different drugs make each gender feel.

When a man first uses a drug, he has the likelihood similar to that of a woman as far as becoming addicted. What this indicates is that while there are differences in what drugs to do each gender, the real determining factor is what prompts a person to start or try the drug; no what gets them addicted.

One a man starts using a drug; he generally has the same likelihood of becoming an addict as a woman. This means that while there may be differences in what drugs do to men and women, the biggest determining factors are what cause them to start, not what gets them addicted.

Men usually have more access and more offers to try a drug. They start using substances like alcohol, marijuana and tobacco, often while they are in their teens. Men in this age group have a certain feeling of invincibility and are actually more likely to participate in reckless behavior than their female counterparts.

Also, more men become and stay addicted to substances because they are more likely to relapse when they try to quit. One significant study showed a significantly higher number of men relapsed during a six month rehabilitation period.

Researchers at first thought the differences may be due to less drug use by women in the first place added to the fact that women may have had ore support. But the data didn’t show that any of this had an effect. What did seem to matter is whether or not the person fully participated in the group therapy part of recover; a segment more adapted for women.

When you determine that someone you know is abusing substances, or if you suspect they might be, you can try to get them into a treatment program. No program is perfect; there are many men who have to overcome substance abuse. Be sure to talk with a doctor or a counselor about programs specifically for men that may be available.

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Fighting Fevers: How to deal with sickness

August 23rd, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in Health Research

When we run a fever, it is our body’s way of eliminating a problem. Usually, the best and most normal way to treat a fever is to simply wait it out. However, sometimes a fever can be uncomfortable and quite painful, so it’s good to understand a few things that can help lower a temperature and make the person suffering, a bit more comfortable. This is important because fevers make a body feel achy and exhausted. If you can offer some relief, the patient will rest better and be on the road to recovery much quicker.

Usually when someone has a fever, it is accompanied by any number of other ailments. The most common are: headache, chills, no appetite, vomiting, nausea, digestion issues, to name just a few. The reason for this is that the fever itself is usually not the problem. It’s merely one symptom of a larger ailment, and the symptoms that accompany the fever will present themselves dependent on what the larger problem is.

Usually a fever is a pretty good indication of an infection. However, fevers are also caused by too much sun, an allergy, reaction to an immunization, or because of extremely hot weather. Always keep a close eye on anyone who has a fever. Be sure to take their temperature often to be sure the fever isn’t getting higher.

Also, it’s very important to keep the person hydrated. Chances are the patient won’t want to drink anything due to the fact their stomach is upset. But keeping fluids in their system will assist the body and help it to work more efficiently regulate body temperature so the person will begin to recover quicker.

Extra support is needed if the patient is vomiting or has diarrhea. It is extremely important in those cases to replace fluids to be sure the patient doesn’t dehydrate. Sometimes, a person that can’t drink or keep down water will be able to tolerate flattened soda such as Sprite or 7Up.

In most cases, administering acetaminophen will help to reduce the fever as well as take away some of the aches and pains. Remember - Never give aspirin to anyone with a fever; especially children.

Keep the patient as cool as possible. Although people with a fever usually feel chilled and ask for blankets to keep warm, it will actually have the opposite effect. Blankets keep in the heat, and trap it near the body which prevents the temperature from dropping, and can also raise it. You can offer them a cool room with light clothing or offer them a lukewarm sponge bath or regular bath if they feel up to it.

Most fevers respond well to treatment at home, however, there are cases that sometimes require trained medical help. Always see a doctor for a fever higher than 104 degrees, or one which has sustained for several days.

Also, if the patient is confused, has a rash, convulsions, a stiff neck, difficulty breathing, severe vomiting or diarrhea, or finds it painful to urinate, it’s vital to consult with or see a doctor as soon as possible.

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Healing Foods: Nothing beats a home-cooked meal

August 23rd, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in Health Research

Can our lives get any busier? It seems we’re always on the move, running form one place to another for our own work, our husband’s, or with our kids. This type of schedule makes it really tempting to stop at the first fast food place on the way, instead of waiting to get home and cook something.

Why not? Fast food is fast, cheap, offers a good variety and they are convenient. Usually you’ll find at least one on every corner. This may seem like a great answer, but the next time you’re tempted to stop and pick up something fast or through a window, think for a moment about how much better home cooked meals are for your family.

Like most restaurant chains, fast food restaurants build up their name by providing the same foods, or similar) at all their establishments. That way, no matter where you are: at home or in a town far away, you’ll find your favorite dish. This is how they keep their repeat customers coming back.

The concern with these fast food chains is the method they use to provide that same product at every store. This is done by mass producing food at factories that are usually very far from where you’re actually going to eat. In order to keep the food appetizing, appearing fresh and tasty, it’s filled with plenty of preservatives, coloring and flavoring. Then, the food is frozen until it is shipped or purchased: Sometimes for very long periods of time.

Fast food manufacturers designed it to be just that - fast. But it’s also designed to taste in such a way to hook your appetite and keep you coming back for more. Chains focus on taste and speed; pushing the customer’s health completely aside, because it lacks fiber, is high in fat, calories, sugar, salt, and fat.

Although there have been a rash of lawsuits which have supposedly caused such fast food chains to provide more healthy options on their menu, these items are usually more expensive and still, they really aren’t very healthy.

One example is a salad. This always seems like a good choice, but keep in mind most chain restaurants use cheese, bacon, high fat dressing, croutons and other unhealthy ingredients.

But before you drag out the frying pan to begin your own home cooked meal, remember that just because you cook it at home doesn’t mean it isn’t “fast food,” Prepared, boxed or prepackaged meals are usually fairly easy to prepare, and as a result, many have the same problems the fast food chains do - high in fat and calories; low in nutrition.

One idea, if you really want to have something you can quickly pull from the freezer and heat up, is to cook meals for the coming week and freeze them for later in the week. At the same time, especially if you involved the kids, you can put together lunches and snacks for those times when you get the fast food urge. If you absolutely must use prepackaged foods, use it in moderation and always read labels and ingredients lists, not just fat and calories, to be sure you really are making healthy choices.

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Pet Health Insurance… Are you kidding?

August 23rd, 2008 | No Comments | Posted in Health Research

Have you ever considered that your pet needs the same medical protection that you have? Most of us agree that health insurance for ourselves and our families is a good investment. Whether we need it or not, it’s always there in case of a serious accident or illness. But what about your pet? Do you have his health care insured as well?

Although pet health insurance is a relative new concept to most folks, companies have been writing such policies for more than 20 years. In the past, the insurance was only offered by small insurance companies catering to pet owners who were very rich and very dedicated. But now, major insurance providers are offering individuals pet health insurance policies as an option to their own policies. Good idea? Or is it just a waste of money.

Actually, with the rising cost of vet care for pets as well as people, insurance for your four legged friend may not be such a bad idea. Vets have had to raise their prices in order to cover the rising costs of their business, making it more costly to keep your pet healthy.

Indulging pets has actually become fashionable. Whereas pets used to have a specific role, now you’ll find them considered as part of the family. Dog bakeries, clothing, accessories, housing, kennels, and even dog weddings attest to that fact. It’s only natural that as attached as we have become to our pets, the thought of losing them or seeing them ill or in pain becomes difficult.

Even 20 years ago, most pets that were seriously ill were usually put down. Not only was there limited technology for treating animals, but those which were available, were very costly. Now there are more procedures and better technology and so more can be done to be sure pets live longer and are healthier. Unfortunately, like most things, they are accompanied by higher costs.

Statistically, pet insurance might actually cost you more money in the long run than the service it provides. But, just like regular health care for people, it does protect your pet in the event of an illness or accident that could quickly add up to the thousands of dollars. Having at least part of the expense covered makes it more likely that a pet will not be put down.

Of course, pet health insurance is not for everyone. You have to weigh the pros and cons and decide if the extra expense is really worth it to you and your family. It could cost a considerable sum of money, but it may also save your pet’s life.

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