February 4, 2010
Smoking is a slow poison. If you want to quit smoking, do it now.
Smoking is a habit, which is often considered as a sign of machismo. It does not take much time to attract naïve teenagers to get addicted to smoking. It has been seen that people who are addicted often claim that they are in control of the number of cigarettes they smoke. However, the bitter fact is that there is no safe level of smoking.
What Does It Mean?
Smokers whether occasional or frequent are double at risk of dying from coronary heart disease as compared to those who do not smoke at all. They are also at risk of lung and other kinds of cancer. People who are diabetics and smoke increase the risk of poor blood circulation to their hands and feet, which may lead to gangrene.
Smokers need to change or modify their lifestyle so that they could kick the butt.
Foods That Help Quit Smoking
Research has shown that there are various food items that actually make cigarette taste worse. These food items also reduce the addictive effect of nicotine and help you keep smoke free.
Milk and Milk Products: Research suggests that cigarettes dipped in milk and then dried taste terrible when they are lit.
Vegetables: Celery, beans and cucumbers make cigarette taste terrible.
Oats: Oat meal as well as oat bran also help reduce the urge of smoking
Alkaline foods: Beetroot, spinach, figs and leafy vegetables help reduce the urge to smoke.
Detoxify your body:
Cigarette smoke contains at least 300 chemicals that fill the body with unwanted toxins. Those who quit smoking must take care of their eating habits.
- Cut down caffeine intake
- Increase intake of fresh fruits
- Use anti-inflammatory Sulphur rich foods such as garlic, onion, and broccoli that reduce the effect of toxins caused by cigarette smoking.
- Eat small meals every 2-3 hours
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Posted by healthcuring
December 29, 2009
People who receive right treatment improve and live happily in their lives. Depression treatments include meditation, and talk therapy, etc.
Treatment for depression is as real as the disease in itself. However, depression can affect anyone irrespective of age, sex and gender.
Recovery rates for depression is higher as compared to other diseases such as heart disease. With early intervention, 60-80 % of patients can recover. So, don’t let depression overpower you — there is hope, help and dreams for everyone. Follow the three steps outlined below and save your life or others you know:
Step 1: Check out the signs and symptoms of depression:
- Persistent sadness, emptiness
- Hopelessness, pessimism
- Guilt feeling, worthlessness
- Low energy, fatigue
- Low concentration, inaccurate decision-making
- Appetite or weight changes
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Step 2: Get help
See the doctor. Let the doctor physically examine you to rule out other possible symptoms for the disease. Let the doctor physically diagnose for the problem. Depending upon the severity of problems, treatments are available such as medication, psychotherapy, etc.
Step 3: Right treatment
Depressed people who get the right treatment at the right time improve quickly and enjoy their life normally. Treatment such as medication, talk therapy, etc are very effective — so go for it and stay fit, always.
Get your mom a plastic spoon
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December 24, 2009
Don’t let depression overpower your thoughts and dreams in life. Though medication and other therapeutic methods can help — personal initiative is one of the most important factors in fighting with the problem.
Depression can be of different kinds based on its severity. Emotional depression is very common, however, in severe conditions it could take the shape of a disorder. In severe condition, the most common symptoms include — depressed mood, guilt feelings, low self-esteem, disturbed sleep or appetite, etc. When the problem becomes chronic, it leads to substantial impairment in an individual’s ability to take his or her responsibilities. However, in worst condition, it could lead to suicide.
Some Eye Opening Facts:
- Depression affects approximately 121 million people across the world
- It is one of the common causes of disability worldwide
- With early therapeutic intervention, 60-80 % of patients can recover
- Only 25% or less have access to effective treatments
Keys to Recover From Depression
RESPONSIBILITY: Take responsibility in life rather than blaming yourself or others for your depression
COURAGE: Stigma sometimes causes more problems than depression itself. Build courage inside you and overcome stigma and other problems.
EMPOWERMENT: Empower your inner self through education, advocacy and optimism. Educate yourself more about depression and related problems, if any.
VISION: Don’t let depression overpower your vision. Create your own vision and achieve success in life.
EMPATHY: Depression not only affects an individual, it affects the family and social environments as well. Develp empathy for others in life.
YOU: You are the key responsible person for everything in life. So, look at the bright side of life and refresh your mind and inner-self so that you could thrive yourself best in life.
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November 29, 2009
Heart disease today has become a threatening ailment globally. Both men and women are affected by heart disease. But the risk for women remains under estimated by doctors and women themselves. However, the disease kills more than 8.5 million women worldwide.
Women become vulnerable to heart disease 10 years later in their lives than men. After menopause, women often invite problems such as hypertension, diabetes, hyper-lipidemia, central obesity and other metabolic syndrome.
Obesity in women often plays a major role in increasing the level of blood cholesterol level. Complicating matters further in the fact that women have atypical heart attack symptoms. Instead of symptoms such as burning sensation, tightness or pain in the chest – women experience breathlessness, weakness and unusual fatigue, cold sweat giddiness or neck and shoulder pain. Women often don’t associate these symptoms with the heart disease, but they really suffer in the end.
Well, the good news for all is that awareness is increasing everywhere and there is less gender bias seen. All we need is to be aware of the symptoms mentioned above. Women who smoke have a family history of a parent or sibling having heart disease, overweight, high blood sugar – they need to be more cautious.
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November 19, 2009
Diabetes is one of the most common problems in the world. However, research studies have found that women are more susceptible to this disease than men. In addition, the chances of heart failure in young diabetic women are more than diabetic men.
What causes diabetes?
There are two kinds of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes, which is also known as Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). This kind of problem occurs when the pancreas does not stops producing insulin or a very little insulin is produced. The insulin producing beta cells, which is present in the pancreas is attacked by the immune system, and ceases to produce insulin.
Insulin is important for our body, as it uses sugar to produce energy. Type 1 diabetes are found in approximately 10 per cent of the people.
Type 2 diabetes: This is a non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and approximately 90 per cent of people suffer from Type 2. The problem occurs when either the pancreas does not produce insulin or the insulin is not used effectively. However, there is a third kind of diabetes called gestational diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. Women suffering from this kind of diabetes may suffer from Type 2 diabetes later in their life times.
Symptoms of diabetes
In both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, symptoms are quite similar as blood sugar level goes high due to the absence or less production of insulin. However, in case of Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas stops producing insulin due to an autoimmune response and as a result, the body cells don’t get glucose to produce ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate). Some of the common symptoms include: nausea and vomiting. In the latter stage, the patient suffers from ketoacidosis – the body starts using muscle tissue and fat for producing energy and weight loss is the result.
In case of Type 2 diabetes, patients suffer from various problems including: increased fatigue, polydispia, polyuria, weight loss, vision problem, and poor wound healing.
What is the cure?
There is no medicine to cure diabetes completely, however, it can definitely be controlled. Healthy food, exercise and control over sugar are some of the best ways to control diabetes effectively. However, patients are given insulin to control blood sugar
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Posted by healthcuring
November 18, 2009
November 14 is celebrated as “World Diabetes Day.” It is a global awareness movement of the diabetes world. It was first initiated in 1991 by the International diabetes federation (IDF) and the WHO to aware people in response to the alarming rise in diabetes all across the globe. In 2007, United Nations marked the Day for the first time and now it is an official United Nations World Health Day.
World Diabetes Day is a global movement that focuses on a specific feature chosen by the International Diabetes Federation each year. While, the theme campaign runs all through the year, it is celebrated on 14 November to mark the birthday of two great scientists: Frederick Banting and Charles Best who discovered insulin in 1922.
The 2007-2008 World Diabetes, theme is Diabetes in Children and Adolescents. It is the most chronic disease especially in children. Type 1 diabetes is more prevalent in children, but recent studies have revealed that Type 2 diabetes is also found in children and adolescents.
World Diabetes Day is celebrated all over the world every year. Almost 200 member associations in 160 countries take part in the campaign and aware people from the chronic diseases. Federation members, organizations, NGOs, hospitals and companies together perform activities including:
· Television and sports program
· Public Information meeting
· Diabetes workshops and exhibitions
· Press conferences
· Poster and Leaflet campaign
The World Diabetes Day logo: It is a blue circle that signifies positive ness. It also symbolizes life and health. Since the color blue is the color of the sky and unites the nation worldwide. Moreover, blue color also reflects the color of the United Nations flag.
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Posted by healthcuring
November 18, 2009
If you are living in an urban culture, chances are that you have missed home food for a long time. Our hectic lifestyle has made us dependent on processed food – easy to cook and eat. However, processed food according to nutritionists is not very good to depend on. Almost all-nutritional advice urges us to avoid it. But the million-dollar question is why and how?
The Real Truth
What is processed food? Well, it is a kind of food that is transformed using some techniques from its fresh state into something that can last longer. Processed food in simple words is not seen in its natural form. It is considered less healthy because it is not found in its fresh form and lots of its nutrients get killed during food processing method.
Whether a particular processed food is healthy or not depends on what exactly is done to the food during the processing. It depends on how many natural attributes are kept intact. It is important that key nutrients remain attached and fibers not taken away.
Well, the best way to check the nutritional value of processed food is to check the nutrition labels on the package. Check out trans packed sugar, sodium and color that are used. However, since you cannot avoid processed food, try to maintain a balance between natural and processed food in your daily lifestyle.
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November 3, 2009
After breast cancer, heart attack is a major cause of death in women. However, overweight women and those with high cholesterol level are more vulnerable to heart attack. Some research data suggests that women after menopause also become susceptible to heart disease. But today, young women are facing this problem, which is of great concern for doctors and the researchers. Women also experience heart pain during acute myocardial infraction (AMI). It is a condition in which there is a rapid development of myocardial necrosis due to the imbalance between supply of oxygen and the demand of myocardium.
Chest pain and discomfort are the most common symptoms of heart attack in men and women. A research matter published by the National Institute of Health revealed that chest pain is the most common sign of heart attack in women.
However, there are other symptoms found in women who suffer from heart diseases. Following are the symptoms women experience before heart attack:
· Shortness of breath
· Unusual tiredness or fatigue
· Sleep disturbance
· Pain in the neck, jaw, chest and other body parts
What are the risk factors associated with heart attack in women? Following are some of the most common risk factors mentioned:
· Overweight or obese
· Smoking
· High Cholesterol level and High Blood Pressure (HBP)
· Stress
· Diabetes
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Posted by healthcuring
November 3, 2009
As winter sets in – people enjoy throwing parties, celebrating Christmas and New Year occasions. Everyone’s calendar is fully packed with parties and social gatherings. Everyone is ready to binge on food, sweets and alcohol. Needless to say, people forget their dietary routine and exercises. Well, if you are also following the same trend then don’t forget, “health is wealth.” Stay fit this season by using some healthy tips written below:
Have a healthy drink: Drink herbal teas without using milk. Herbal teas include chamomile, jasmine, etc. Herbal teas help detox the body and also get rid of bloated feeling after a heavy meal. Start your day with a cup of herbal tea and feel fresh all through the day.
Clean the system: Party foods are mostly fried and contain salt and sugar in high quantity. It is also a fact that people binge on party foods more than usual. Parties run whole night and there is no fixed time for dinner in parties. We often eat late night in parties and often feel sluggish in the morning, as toxins accumulate in our body.
To overcome with this problem – take lukewarm water and add some lemon drops into it and drink in the morning. This helps combat constipation problem or acidity.
Stay fit and active: After late night parties, it is difficult to go to the gym or for a walk. However, a brisk walk is important – this can be done at home or office. Don’t use cliff, instead use staircase to reach your office floor. Any physical activity is good than not doing anything.
Balance your calories: If you are going to attend a party tonight, eat light meals during the day. And after you have binged at night, balance your daily calories the next day. Instead of eating regular breakfast, eat fruits or poached egg or green veggies. During meals, have lots of soups and salads.
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