Todays Health Article

April 20th, 2012

TURMERIC

Today many spices have been under the close watch  of nutritionists and many studies have been initiated due to turmeric‘s popular demand. Many of us choose to eat healthy, and spices such as turmeric, have a place in maintaining  a healthy body. Turmeric is not just an ordinary spice with a few health benefits, it should be used by everyone all the the time, because it touches a large part of our having a healthy body.

Turmeric History

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been used for 4,000 years to treat a  large variety of health conditions.  General studies indicate that turmeric might help prevent infections and some cancers, reducing inflammations, and treat digestive problems.

Turmeric has widely been used in cooking and gives Indian curry its flavor and it’s yellow color. It is also used in mustard and to color butter and cheese. Turmeric has also been used in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. This has been used as an anti-inflammatory to treat digestive and liver problems, skin diseases, and wounds.

It is also a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants scavenge molecules in the body known as free radicals, which damage cell membranes, tamper with DNA, and even cause cell death. Antioxidants can fight free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause.

In addition, turmeric lowers the levels of two enzymes in the body that cause inflammation. It also stops platelets from clumping together to form blood clots.

 Health Research

Turmeric may be helpful for the following conditions:

• Indigestion: Turmeric stimulates the gallbladder to produce bile, which some people think may help improve digestion.
• Ulcerative colitis: Turmeric may help people with ulcerative colitis stay in remission. Ulcerativecolitis is a chronic disease of the digestive tract where symptoms tend to come and go.
• Stomach Ulcers: Turmeric does not seem to help treat stomach ulcers. In fact, there is some evidence that it may increase stomach acid, making existing ulcers worse. (See “Precautions” section.)
• Osteoarthritis: Because of its ability to reduce inflammation, researchers have wondered if turmeric may help relieve osteoarthritis pain. One study found that people using an Ayurvedic formula of herbs and minerals with turmeric, winter cherry (Withinia somnifera), boswellia (Boswellia serrata),and zinc had less pain and disability..
• Heart Disease: Early studies suggested that turmeric may help prevent atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque that can block arteries and lead to heart attack or stroke. In animal studies, an extract of turmeric lowered cholesterol levels and kept LDL “bad” cholesterol from building up in blood vessels. Because it stops platelets from clumping together, turmeric may also prevent blood clots from building up along the walls of arteries.
• Cancer: There has been a great deal of research on turmeric’s anti-cancer properties, but results are still very early. Evidence from test tube and animal studies suggests that turmeric may help prevent or treat several types of cancers, including prostate, breast, skin, and colon cancer. Its preventive effects may be because it is a strong antioxidant, protecting cells from damage. More research is needed.
• Bacterial and Viral Infections: Test tube and animal studies suggest turmeric may kill bacteria and viruses. But researchers don’ t know whether it would work in people.
• Uveitis: A preliminary study suggests turmeric may help treat uveitis, an inflammation of the eye’ s iris. In one study of 32 people with chronic anterior uveitis, turmeric was effective as corticosteroids, the type of medication usually prescribed. More research is needed.

Todays Health Article

March 20th, 2012

Today you most likely heard  about green tea, and it’s health benefits. But what you may not know… are actually what are the health benefits, how you might obtained these healthy benefits, and how much should you drink?

Green Tea originated from the country of China and then further became known through out Asia. Green tea has just become more wide spread in the western civilization recently, although they have in the past, been black tea drinkers.

 There are Many Varieties of Green Tea

Where the confusion starts to set in is that  there are many varieties of green tea now being grown. Also these varieties of green tea can differ substantially due to the growing conditions, production, and processing. I have included a link  below this article  for further reading that may be beneficial.

What are the Actual Benefits of Green Tea?

Within the last few decades green tea has been subjected to several studies to determine its benefits to those who drink green tea. These medical studies have found that regular green tea drinkers may have lower risk of developing heart disease and certain types of cancer. Continuing with the medical studies, they have shown that green tea does not raise the metabolic rate enough to activate immediate weight loss, a green tea extract containing polyphenols and caffeine, has been shown to induce thermogenesis and stimulate fat oxidation, boosting the metabolic rate 4% without increasing the heart rate.

Flavonoids in an average cup of green tea is higher than that in the same volume of other food and drink items that are traditionally considered of health contributing nature, including fresh fruits, vegetable juices or wine.

Flavonoids are a group of phytochemicals in most plant products that are responsible for such health effects as anti-oxidative and anticarcinogenic functions.

However, based on the same USDA survey, the content of flavanoids may vary dramatically amongst different tea products.

Green tea’s antioxidants, called catechins, scavenge for free radicals that can damage DNA and contribute to cancer, blood clots, and atherosclerosis. Grapes and berries, red wine, and dark chocolate also have potent antioxidants.

How to obtain the Green tea benefits

Because of green tea’s minimal processing — its leaves are withered and steamed, not fermented like black and oolong teas. Simply by choosing the desired taste, which may be by visiting you local tea house, or by buying a few at a time. The key is to look for those who have the least additives and preservatives. Tea houses are the easiest to try several varieties of teas.

The Real Question is “How Much do I Drink?”

But there’s still a question of how much green tea do you need to drink to reap its health benefits.Many people still confuse about how much green tea should be drank everyday  to provide certain health benefit for us.

Is a cup of green tea enough, or should be drinking more? this articles is explaining about how much cups of green tea shouldwe drink to get its beneficial effects.There are no real side effects of drinking green tea.

The problem that green tea might impose on our health, is if green tea is taken over the daily recommended levels.

Experts recommend at least 3 cups of green tea per day to effectively lose weight.

Taking over 6 cups a day can cause palpitations (when you can hear your heart beating or irregular heart beating) due to caffeine overdose. The average cup of green tea contains anywhere from 8 to 20 mg of caffeine, while black tea contains at least twice that amount — 40 to 60 mg.

Overdose (quantities more than 300 mg caffeine, more than 5 cups/day) can lead to negative effect on the CNS and irritation of the stomach.

Most of the research showing the health benefits of green tea is based on the amount of green tea typically consumed in Asian countries-about 3 cups per day (which would provide 240-320 mg of polyphenols. A cup (200 mL) of green tea (Gun Powder,Hangzhou, China) contains about 142 mg EGCG, 65 mg EGC, 28 mg ECG, 17 mg EC,and 76 mg caffeine.

Researchers at Japan’s Tohoku University studied 1003 subjects over age 70, comparing their green tea intake and mental sharpness, using a Mini-Mental State Examination, a well-accepted standardized test for measuring cognitive function. Drinking more than 2 cups a day of green tea slashed odds of cognitive impairment in elderly Japanese men and women by 64%! And a Japanese cup of green tea is much smaller than its American counterpart-only about 3.2 fluid ounces. At every level of cognitive impairment-from minimal to severe-those drinking the most green tea experienced significantly less mental decline than those drinking the least. Compared with elderly Japanese who drank less than 3 cups a week, those drinking more than 2 cups a day had a 54% lower risk of age-related declines in memory orientation.

Todays Health Comments

Today, Green Tea is becoming more and more popular amonst tea drinkers for its taste as well as it’s health benefits. Though I drink tea on an occasion or two… it is something my family enjoys on a routine basis. I do believe the benefits certainly are beneficial to our health. Green tea will most likely benefit those who consistently drink on a regular basis.

Further Reading

 http://todayshealthsite.com/how-may-you-become-green-tea-smart.html

Varieties of Green Teas

Todays Health Article

March 19th, 2012

Today we will shortly be amongst the legality decisions regarding our health care. I am not a profound lover of politics, as to the value it has presented itself. Many times honesty, morality, and personal responsibility has been compromised or lacking,  which seem to be overwhelmingly lacking in our past.

Having said all that, I still try to follow what’s going on. The  big question is… Why should I even care? Well like it or not… because we all need to know what’s going on.  For one reason, if I plan to vote, and how can I expect things to get better (or not get worse) if  we do or do not do anything about it.

For those who have not caught up on what’s happening with the Health Care Reform bill, this may be the last time, until 2014 to speak out. Just to review for a moment, your health care is being decided as we speak. Though the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is a United States federal statute signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010, now the law (along with the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010) is the principal health care reform legislation of the 111th United States Congress. 

documentation of  http://housedocs.house.gov/energycommerce/ppacacon.pdf

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

Full title	The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
Acronym	PPACA
Colloquial name(s)	Affordable Care Act, Health Insurance Reform, Healthcare Reform, Obamacare
Enacted by the	111th United States Congress
Effective	March 23, 2010 Specific provisions phased in through to 2020
Citations
111–148
Stat.	124 Stat. 119 through 124 Stat. 1025 (906 pages)
Codification
Legislative history
Introduced in the House as the “Service Members Home Ownership Tax Act of 2009″ (H.R. 3590) by Charles Rangel (D–NY) on September 17, 2009 Committee consideration by: Ways and Means Passed the House on October 8, 2009 (416–0) Passed the Senate as the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act” on December 24, 2009 (60–39) with amendment House agreed to Senate amendment on March 21, 2010 (219–212) Signed into law by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010
Major amendments
Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 Comprehensive 1099 Taxpayer Protection and Repayment of Exchange Subsidy Overpayments Act of 2011
Supreme Court cases
None

With PPACA reforms, certain aspects of the private health insurance industry and public health insurance programs, increases insurance coverage of pre-existing conditions, expands access to insurance to over 30 million Americans, and increases  the projected national medical spending ^{( 8 to 900 + million)}  while lowering projected Medicare spending.

OPPOSITION  TO HEALTH CARE

A majority of the states, and numerous organizations and individual persons, have filed actions in federal court challenging the constitutionality of PPACA.

As of January 2012,

Two of four federal appellate courts have upheld the bill.

A third declared the individual mandate unconstitutional.

The fourth ruled the federal Tax Anti-Injunction Act prevents the issue from being decided until taxpayers begin paying penalties in 2015.

The Supreme Court has scheduled six hours for oral arguments March 26–28, 2012, and will issue its decision by the end of June.

Today’s Health Comments

This is probably one of the more important reforms our health care has seen. It is certainly one of the most confusing, costly, and longest written bill ( over 2000 pages) if you so desire to read, and our health care is on the line. To bring this to our laps and say you will own health insurance under these terms presents a legal issue, and government control. If you choose not to abide by such law, you will be penalized by taxes. This almost reminds me why we had a Tea Party many years ago and separated our connection with the then government control. That is the direction this bill enacted into law… Now we are being confronted with its terms and conditions… and who has the time to read 2000 pages. There is no doubt that we need an health care reform in this nation… What is your Solution?

Further Reading

Is-our-health-a-forcast-of-facts-guidelines-reform-and-legal-actions.html

Understanding-todays-health-care-reform-may-only-be-a-disappointment.html

Todays Health Article

March 16th, 2012

Today’s health article brings to your attention, those seeking the use of the electronic cigarette or commonly known as the e-cig, are falling into some unscrupulous hands. Today with the increasing popularity of the e-cig, it is no wonder everyone is finding their way into this needed marketplace. Unfortunately, for those entering online perhaps for the very first time, to purchase, are falling into the scams and the unscrupulous activities of taking your money, little about you! This can not only be discouraging but is of no benefit for those who are in need of the E-cig or change.

The E-Cig

For the most part, the E-cig is really not known well to the masses of the general public, yet most who are smokers have heard of these devices. The E-cig is a vapor driven cigarette, using an electronic battery, and your favorite flavor is inhaled through this process. Therefore ,with the E-cig, there are no burning chemicals, nor tars to inhale into the lungs, yet the feed of your nicotine addiction, is without the lighting up. For many, they find the E-cig more beneficial for their health, because nicotine in itself is really not life threatening. In fact, this  E-cig, is considered in the same health risk as caffeine is to a cup of coffee. With all that said there has been an increasing demand for this E-cig. It is not an instrument or a cessation product to quit smoking, yet some say the E-cig has helped. Again the E-cig has more or less has taken on it’s own path to not only to help save dollars vs. the cost of regular cigarettes, but for the hard core smokers, it is an option for their nicotine addiction.

The Free E-cig  SCAM

It does not take much time now days to google in- “Free E-cig Scams” and become some what shocked… the numerous articles written about the free E-cig packages being offered to those in need. In fact if you spent much time at all online looking to buy E-cigs, the free trials are every where, including fake testimonials and review sites that have been duplicated by those eager to entrap you to various sites. My WARNING TO YOU…THESE ARE SCAMS!

  Once you have entered your name, address, email and phone number you are usually taken to a second page.  The second page usually shows a special discount and asks for you to pay a small amount for shipping and handling.

 What you need to read is the fine print!

The fine print will show you have 14 days for your trial, then you will be charged $100+.  Then you are also signed up for the automatic refill cartridge wit orders of $50+ and another $10 for shipping and handling.  Many times, the E-cig starter kit doesn’t arrive until after the 14 day trail period.  Even worse is when the customer doesn’t notice the charges on their credit card until after the electronic cigarette company sends the first month refills.  By then it’s too late.  You’re hit with or $150 of credit card charges and stuck with some of the worst quality e cigarettes you can buy!

Words Such as…

The terms and conditions of the agreement and legally binding contract you will be entering into by making this purchase.

The General Agreement usually goes something like this:

By clicking to order, you agree to our terms and conditions and are enrolled in the  XYZ, at Associates Automatic We Ship, Refill, and Bill your credit card. You will be charged  to cover the shipping & handling of your Risk “Free Trial Offers for electronic cigarettes or  E-cigs of the XYZ Electronic Cigarette Starter Kit. This S&H fee is non refundable.

If after certain number of days (10 to14 usually)from ordering  your free kit from XYZ ,  the Electronic Cigarette Starter Kit must be returned with a valid Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. The starting date is when order and you may not even receive until the days have run out. Now this set of circumstances allows your credit card to be  billed for the full purchase price of the starter kit (Usually 1 Arm and 1 Leg).

 Beware of this …The 10 to 14 day Risk Free Trial includes transit time.

“The day you order the product counts as day one of your free trial regardless of the time of day.”

So, if it takes 3 days to get to you…oh well, now you have 7 days left to use it and if you decide to return it….well it has to be in their hands before the 10 Day trial period is up. You 10 Day Trial just turned into 4 Days. Yes, they do have it down to the SECOND, don’t be late!

If you are looking for a trial offer most reputable companies will give a 30 Day Money Back Guarantee. You stand a better chance with these companies and chances are you will be satisfied with their product.  . Not only that, you will find the prices are much more realistic. A couple of the reviewed vendors have FREE shipping.

When you are enrolled, they will typically ship you the refill cartridges every 30 days with your first order being sent out on day 23 so that you will receive the order by day thirty (30).

The monthly charge is (typically) around $60 per month for shipping and handling, a total cost that is way too much

A “Note” that is usually included:

You agree that you voluntarily purchased products from this Website and you will NOT dispute, in the form of a charge back to your bank or credit card company, all or any portion of the associated costs for products and/or services. You further acknowledge that you have read entirely, understand and agree that the cancellation policy herein shall be your sole method for exchanging or requesting a refund, that no refunds or guarantees are available for the monthly shipments (the Cartridges), and that you will not attempt to charge back or otherwise attempt to manipulate this agreement to which you are bound by voluntarily accessing and ordering products and/or services from XYZ, LLC and Associates. Fraudulent charge back attempts will result in a penalty fee of $100 being charged to your card for processing fees.”

The Solution

In most cases it is extremely time consuming and not without difficulty to get your money back from these type of programs. it is best to look for those who are reputable, who offer the 30 day free trial, purchase through accounts that protect you as well as the vendor. These programs such as EBay, Amazon, Clickbank and many others control this type of activity.

Building a relationship with an online supplier by comments or seeking information about the site… how the site might look regarding its business. An example…all products sold, as mention have an identification number, and a transaction number to your card. You might be 1 step ahead before ordering to check them out on the Internet under E-cig scams! Many fall to these sites quickly if people are disgruntled.

Today’s Health Comments

Although I have never smoked… If I were looking for a solution to this habit, perhaps this might be an answer to many people’s use of the nicotine habit. Many studies have indicated the beneficial results of e-cigs. The task at hand is not being scam for the solution to better health. Many reputable suppliers on the Internet amongst those who are enticing the free trials. Those words should be a heads up to read the fine print before giving away your credit card information…and the cost of what might be a nightmare later. I hope this is helpful and not too discouraging for those who are seeking the E-cig  for a healthier life.

Today’s Health Article

March 11th, 2012

Today’s article may be a little close to my heart, actually it is all about health and relationships, or not so good relationships. I  truly believe they( relationships), good or bad can have an impact on healthy lives, as well placing our health at risk. I thought about this, not that this has not written about before, but that I might share  some simple light upon this subject that I have experienced, or has been a greater part of my life. Going one step further, this date is actually my wedding anniversary, and am declaring this proudly, 34 years today. I believe that with great conviction, with out psychoanalysing the topic and becoming boring, there could be health benefits by the friends we keep, and whether our marriages are successful or not.

For some whom are seeking better health, may turn to doctors, the self-help books or herbal supplements. But what you may have overlooked is  an equally great or very powerful weapon that could help you fight off  illness and depression, speed up your recovery, slow down your aging, and prolong life. This is none other than your friends.

Healthy Friendships

•  A 10-year Australian study found that older people with a large circle of friends were 22 percent less likely to die during the study period than those with fewer friends.
• A large 2007 study showed an increase of nearly 60 percent in the risk for obesity among people whose friends gained weight.
• And last year, Harvard researchers reported that strong social ties could promote brain health as we age.
• “In general, the role of friendship in our lives isn’t terribly well appreciated,” said Rebecca G. Adams, a professor of sociology at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. “There is just scads of stuff on families and marriage, but very little on friendship. It baffles me. Friendship has a bigger impact on our psychological well-being than family relationships.”
• In a new book, “The Girls From Ames: A Story of Women and a 40-Year Friendship” (Gotham), Jeffrey Zaslow tells the story of 11 childhood friends who scattered from Iowa to eight different states. Despite the distance, their friendships endured through college and marriage, divorce and other crises, including the death of one of the women in her 20s.
• While many friendship studies focus on the intense relationships of women, some research shows that men can benefit, too. In a six-year study of 736 middle-age Swedish men, attachment to a single person didn’t appear to affect the risk of heart attack and fatal coronary heart disease, but having friendships did. Only smoking was as important a risk factor as lack of social support.

Today, so it seems, people with  the stronger friendships, feel better and that there is someone they can turn to. Friendship is an undervalued resource. The consistent message of these studies is that friends make your life better.

Unhealthy Friendships

The unhealthy friendships can take on several traits or common characteristics that might lead you to unhealthy risks

It is natural for every one of us to be envious of a friend’s job, of their marital relationship, or of their ability to have what  we cannot. Resentment or jealousy may become prevalent. This maybe where communication has broken down, and you are feeling a little hurt. Sometimes when this happens the striking out,or the tearing down can leave you exhausted.

 There may be times when your friend’s needs are more important than yours and vice verse, so its important to give and take. The problem is some friends, find the taking a lot easier than the giving… and this always turns out to be  unhealthy, you may run out energy to continue to give. Other words reciprocation is valuable to generate and continue to feel you are their friend as well.

Because if this does not happen, misery sets in, and misery loves company just as well.  Now when things are bad, we love to have others in the trenches with us. Friendships should be positive, ideally, and not bring us down.

Results and unhealthy friendships… these relationships can eat away at your spirit, your self-confidence, and your trust in one another. According to a new UCLA study, bad friends are bad for your health. Researchers asked 122 healthy adults to keep a diary of social interactions for 8 days. Their findings? Those with negative social experiences had a higher level of inflammatory proteins that can lead to heart disease, depression, and cancer when compared to than those who noted fewer negative experiences.

Marriage Relationships and Their Impact

Today’s marriages may not be a true of the reflection of past studies, as our social behaviors have changed, or so come to be understood. Yet a study back in 1858 by William Farr, an epidemiologist, set out a study what he called a “conjugal condition” of the people of  France. He divided the adult population into three distinct categories: the “married,” consisting of husbands and wives; the “celibate,” defined as the bachelors and spinsters who had never married; and finally the “widowed,” those who had experienced the death of a spouse.

The work became a  groundbreaking study that helped establish the field of medical statistics. This study showed showed that the unmarried died from disease “in undue proportion” to their married counterparts. And the widowed, Farr found, fared worst of all.

Contemporary studies, for instance, have shown that married people are less likely to get pneumonia, have surgery, develop cancer or have heart attacks. A group of Swedish researchers has found that being married or cohabiting at midlife is associated with a lower risk for dementia.

A study of two dozen causes of death in the Netherlands found that in virtually every category, ranging from violent deaths like homicide and car accidents to certain forms of cancer, the unmarried were at far higher risk than the married.

For many years, studies like these have influenced both politics and policy, fueling national marriage-promotion efforts, like the Healthy Marriage Initiative of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. From 2006 to 2010, the program received $150 million annually to spend on projects like “divorce reduction” efforts and often cited the health benefits of marrying and staying married.

Some of today’s most interesting research on the relationship between marriage and health is being led by a pair of researchers at Ohio State University College of Medicine. The duo, Ronald Glaser and Jan Kiecolt-Glaser, are also, fittingly, married to each other.

Unhealthy Marriages

Last year, The Journal of Health and Social Behavior published a study tracking the marital history and health of nearly 9,000 men and women in their 50s and 60s.

The study, which grew out of work by researchers at the University of Chicago, found that when the married people became single again — either by divorce or because of the death of a spouse — they suffered a decline in physical health from which they never fully recovered. These men and women had 20 percent more chronic health issues, like heart disease and diabetes, than those who were still married to their first husband or wife by middle age. The divorced and widowed also had aged less gracefully, reporting more problems going up and down stairs or walking longer distances.

Today’s Health Comments

Today more so, marriages  are impacted by social characteristics and our health is the result of that as well. We may not even think about the relationships that are formed by our friends or our marriage at the time of their inception, But these relationships, our friends, and even our marriages can go bad, dragging and tearing us down along with them. Our health deteriorates and our longevity of life as well. On the other note, these same relationships can lift us up when we need it most, surely bring laughter and joy to our hearts and very being, thus encouraging us to take that risk of being rewarded for great relationships with our friends, and having a great marriage. I can only say that these are the dearest and most valuable aspect in my life, no price could be paid for this blessing

Todays Health Article

February 9th, 2012

Today’s Black Mold has had many people concerned. The very sight of Black Mold makes you automatically believe that this mold has to be no good for you. Yet it seems to show up more often than not, especially if you live in the higher humidity climates. Moisture is one of the components needed. Once spotted, are you prepared to remove, or do you think it is just going away, when it gets drier. Does this Black Mold have any health concerns, and what actions should you take if you have now acquired this unwanted Black stuff?

What is mold?

Mold is a fungal growth that forms and spreads on various kinds of damp or decaying organic matter. There are many different mold species that come in many different colors. Molds are sometimes referred to as mildew. They are found both indoors and outdoors in all climates, during all seasons of the year.  Indoors, molds need moisture to grow as well as a carbon source from building materials or building contents.

Understanding Black Mold

This “Black Mold” or more commonly branded as a toxic mold, in our terms, but we are really speaking about Stachybotrys chartarum (atra), a mold that has received much sheetrock media attention in recent years. It is a mold that is relatively slow growing, and normally shows up from a long stay of moisture or severe water damage. Through this continued soaking it finds that cellulose  materials such as; wood, paper products, and some carpet backings have become the target for these molds. This means that  those porcelains and ceramic materials are excluded even it still may be found around your shower window.

The Health Concerns

What you might not know is that the spores die quickly, but  they still remain allergenic and toxic after they are dead.  Continuous exposure to black mold toxins has been reported to cause cold or flu symptoms, sore throats, diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, dermatitis, intermittent hair loss, generalized malaise, or other health-related problems.

Further health problems may be associated with excessive damp conditions that are generally prompt the black mold. This may include…

Allergies

Allergic responses like those to pollen or animal dander are the most common types of health problems related to mold. Typical symptoms may include sneezing; irritation of the nose, mouth, or throat; nasal stuffiness and runny nose; and red, itchy or watery eyes. Further inhaling or touching mold or mold spores can cause a person who was not previously allergic to mold to become allergic to mold.

For people with known allergies, molds can trigger asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, or cough. Irritation can also occur in non-allergenic (non-sensitized) people.

Hp

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is a kind of lung inflammation that occurs in persons who develop immune system sensitization (similar to an allergy) to inhaled organic dust. It can be mistaken for pneumonia, but it does not get better with antibiotics for infection.Some persons have shortness of breath, cough, muscle aches, chills, fever, night sweats, and profound fatigue. These symptoms usually first appear 2 to 9 hours after exposure and last for 1 to 3 days.

Other affected persons have progressive shortness of breath and cough, as well as weight loss.
HP is not contagious and is due to a person’s immune system reaction to inhaled microorganisms, whether dead or alive.

Asthma

Asthma is a form of lung disease in which the airways develop inflammation and bronchospasm (reversible narrowing) in response to sensitizing or irritating exposure. Affected individuals can experience episodes of shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness, and wheezing. These symptoms occur after exposure to nonspecific irritating substances in the air or after exposure to substances to which an individual is allergic.

For individuals with new-onset asthma or worsening of stable pre-existing asthma that is suspected to be related to the indoor environment, controlling or eliminating the sources of indoor contaminants, along with optimal medical treatment, may lead to symptoms of improvement or resolution.

Removal of Black Mold

Finding or understanding  the problem lies with too much moisture, and perhaps leaky pipes, cracks in basement walls or faulty roofs and windows. The next step is the mold removal. While this may seem like an easy task to some, it actually requires careful handling when coming into contact with this toxic substance.

First and foremost, a respiratory mask, eye protection and gloves should be used when attempting to remove mold.

There are many products than can be used to remove the substance. The most common of them is bleach. There are also many paints that are specifically designed to help reduce the growth of fungi.

Depending on the degree of the mold and how extensive, material may be need to remove, such as drywall, insulation, wood and carpeting.

In addition to mold removal products, the using a dehumidifier can control the humidity that  would other wise enhance the mold to grow.

However, if the problem is severe enough that mold removal products or a dehumidifier is simply not enough, a professional may be needed rather than trying to learn how to remove black mold yourself.

Today’s Health Comments

Today if you live in high humidity areas or have a moisture problem due to water leaks it just seems inevitable that black mold will become present. My experience with this is due not procrastinate and let it linger. Though it does not grow rampantly, it does grow and the spores will circulate through out the room and through out the house. It is not pleasant smelling and is another signal you have a problem. Understanding what is creating the problem, is the first task at hand, and then protecting your self is the next step. If you do not feel qualified there are professionals who do this for a living. In many cases, that may be your best choice. If it is just showing up around your window seals, you most likely could handle with bleach or mold remover spays. What ever the case is you need to take action so it does not become a health matter to you or your love ones.

Todays Health Article

January 26th, 2012

Today… Life is on a fast pace, we dash here and run there, eating on the run, our health is being punished, and a need for some type of  diet plan (Dash Diet) is the only solution for better health. Our obesity is still out of control according to the latest reports, meaning out waistlines are still growing, despite the media warnings of the health risks that follow with obesity. High blood pressure and diabetes seem to be the apparent symptoms along with heart diseases. Why do we do this to ourselves… a road to ill health? Is it just because of having  no plan, regarding our eating habits?

The Dash Eating Plan

Now we have come to realize that a plan that is flexible and that is balanced  regarding our eating has shown to be beneficial to our health. Now the Dash diet, the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension, is such a plan, which has proven to provide a eating plan, that if followed, provides health benefits.

The DASH eating plan was one of three eating plans that were compared in research studies sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Their intentions of this research, was to research the effects of diet  regarding one’s high blood pressure.

The results of the research showed…

• Is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and total fat
• Focuses on fruits, vegetables, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products
• Is rich in whole grains, fish, poultry, beans, seeds, and nuts
• Contains fewer sweets, added sugars and sugary beverages, and red meats than the typical American diet
  

  Other Benefits

  The DASH diet has been recently named as one of the best overall diets by US News and World Report. Rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium, protein and fiber, this eating plan has other powerful health benefits in addition to lowering blood pressure and warding off cardiovascular related diseases. Some additional benefits include:

  • Preventing obesity (when combined with regular exercise)
  • Preventing osteoporosis (due to increased calcium intake)
  • Preventing cancer (due to increased antioxidant intake)
  • Preventing diabetes (due to lowered sugar intake)
  • Preventing constipation (due to increased fiber intake)
  • Losing weight (due to a healthier and more nutritious eating plan)

The DASH Eating Plan… also is lowering sodium (salt) than the typical American diet. This is because eating less sodium can help lower blood pressure.

The DASH research showed that an eating plan containing 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day lowered blood pressure. An eating plan containing only 1,500 mg of sodium per day  further lowered blood pressure.

The “The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010″ advise people who have high blood pressure, African Americans, and middle-aged and older adults to aim for no more than 1,500 mg of sodium per day.

The DASH eating plan also includes foods rich in potassium, such as fruits and vegetables.

Below is a table that shows the daily nutrient goals, including potassium, used in the DASH studies.

Daily Nutrient Goals Used in the DASH Studies (for a 2,000-Calorie Eating Plan)

* 1,500 mg of sodium was a lower goal tested and found to be even better for lowering blood pressure. It worked very well for middle-aged and older adults, African Americans, and people who already had high blood pressure.

The Dash Diet…

Is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy foods includes meat, fish, poultry, nuts and beans; and is limited in sugar-sweetened foods and beverages, red meat, and added fats. In addition to its effect on blood pressure, it is considered a well-balanced approach to eating for the general public. It is now recommended by the US Department of Agriculture(USDA) as an ideal eating plan for all Americans.

Not only does the plan emphasize good eating habits, but also suggests healthy alternatives to “junk food” and discourages the consumption of processed foods.

The DASH eating plan shown below is based on 2,000 calories a day. The number of daily servings in a food group may vary from those listed depending on your caloric needs.

Food Group	Daily Servings (except as noted)	Serving Sizes
Grains & grain products	7-8	1 slice bread 1 cup ready-to-eat cereal* cup cooked rice, pasta, or cereal
Vegetables	4-5	1 cup raw leafy vegetable cup cooked vegetable 6 ounces vegetable juice
Fruits	4-5	1 medium fruit cup dried fruit cup fresh, frozen, or canned fruit 6 ounces fruit juice
Lowfat or fat free dairy foods	2-3	8 ounces milk 1 cup yogurt 1 ounces cheese
Lean meats, poultry, and fish	2 or less	3 ounces cooked lean meats, skinless poultry, or fish
Nuts, seeds, and dry beans	4-5 per week	1/3 cup or 1 ounces nuts 1 tablespoon or ounce seeds cup cooked dry beans
Fats & oils**	2-3	1 teaspoon soft margarine 1 tablespoon lowfat mayonnaise 2 tablespoons light salad dressing 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Sweets	5 per week	1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon jelly or jam ounce jelly beans 8 ounces lemonade

* Serving sizes vary between cup -1 cups. Check the product’s nutrition label.

** Fat content changes serving counts for fats and oils: For example, 1 tablespoon of regular salad dressing equals 1 serving; 1 tablespoon of a lowfat dressing equals serving; 1 tablespoon of a fat free dressing equals 0 servings.

 Adverse Risks of The Dash Diet Plan

The Dash Diet, like any other changes taken towards your eating habits, must be considered regarding your current health conditions. If questionable, seek council from a nutritionists or Doctor before doing so. The studies have not indicated any adverse side affects of such diet, but the diet is new as well. It is very similar to a couple other diets that have been around for some time. The indications for those who have health problems such as diabetes or kidney illness to talk with your doctor before making a decision.

We are all looking for better health and a balanced diet plan such as the Dash Diet plan. It is basically the answer regarding what we may eat, or should eat, but the exercise is still a key here. If we are not burning off what we intake, we will gain weight, though the other benefits may be acquired. We will be just healthier, yet obese. So If you need a plan to decide what to eat, then by all means do so, just do not forget… the body needs exercise as well. The Dash Diet Plan has been recognized as the Number 1 diet for 2 years now, and reviewed  by many and endorsed as well.

Todays Health Article

January 21st, 2011

Todays top story regarding a nail gun, is not that uncommon, but this person is just lucky to be alive!  Many have carried this story due to the humor added and due to the near life and death consequences of this accident. Praise God he has recovering and all is being excepted, on such a light note. Yet, many accidents such as this one, appear more often than not. Yes, it can be a serious health issue and considering that most nails that go through a nail gun are contaminated with dirt and oil to maintain the gun, as well as the force of air. This person may or may not deal with other issues. My Prayers go with him and his family. I have included a news release below.

.News for nail in the head guy

Man, 32, shoots 3.5in nail into his head and doesn’t notice for …

Why a Nail Gun?

The whole purpose of such tools was to replace the common hammers used and to speed up the use of many construction activities needed for building or finish work. Nail guns were at one time, just found in the tool boxes of framers and finish work contractors. Today more and more so, have found their way into the hands of the weekend handyman and even lady hobbyist.

The Problem Is….

Nail Guns are Causing several Injuries

One report indicated there were approximately 36,000 reported injuries due to nail guns. Of this number approximately 3.9% of all workers compensation claims in the U.S. last year were a result of injuries to workers caused by nail gun accidents. Among those workers injured by a nail gun last year, as many as 25.5 percent involved paid… lost work time. According to a new study from State of Washington.

The study reported that the hands and fingers were the most commonly injured parts of the body. Actually anywhere from 80-to-89 percent of all injuries from nail guns are being puncture wounds to the hands and fingers from the nails.

In fact, more than 70% of all nail gun injuries at residential work-sites occur during the wood framing and sheathing stage of construction.

Approximately 69% of puncture injuries caused by nail guns are due to what the Home Builders Association of America calls: “Inadvertent gun discharge, or misfire, most of which, according to the Association, are preventable by the use of sequential triggers.

Safety and Solution

The best advise given for these tools is to read the instruction manual before using…that is the first step! I believe my dad’s advice “Any tool can be harmful if used incorrectly or not understood!” Many times application, improperly. leads to these accidents. Short cuts can prove to be fatal. Most people who use these tools have no respect or understand how dangerous a nail gun can be if used improperly.

The training and education of workers who use these tool are vitally important components to prevent serious injury, or worse, but what about the weekend handyman?

For you who fall into this category… think about what a nail gun is designed to do!  Nail guns are powerful tools that are able to drive pointy pieces of steel through the hardest surfaces, even concrete and steel.

It does not take too much of imagination to imagine the damage these devices can do to the soft tissue and bones of a your body!

 Todays Health Comments

Today accidents from nail guns are not that uncommon, with 36,000 being reported and I am sure there may be equally that amount not. Those who have no medical coverage and treat their foot or hands with their home care. Only those so serious such as a nail to the head grabs people’s attention…some might find that humorous, I find it disturbing that people have to have their lives endangered before attention is given. I seriously believe that the average person who is given a loaded gun might shoot themselves if they do not understand that it actually has a safety to prevent that and not carry a bullet in the chamber. There is little difference in the use of a Nail Gun, use it appropriately for the tool it is and treat it like a loaded gun, DO NOT POINT IT AT ANYONE, NOR YOURSELF AND UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU HAVE IN YOUR HAND. If you do this you certainly will lessen the odds of an accident!

Today Health Article

October 3rd, 2011

Todays advantages of herbal beverages, is that they rarely do any harm to the body. They are unlike the flavored sodas of today, which are loaded with sugar, calories, artificial flavors, and preservatives.  The herbal beverages come with health benefits along with healing properties.

 One of the most admired herbal beverages today is the green tea.Green tea is popular because of its antioxidant properties which are clinically proven to postpone aging and fight cancer. Green tea is recommended for diabetic patients too. It has a unique aroma and is very refreshing after a long day at work. Teas blended with herbs, seed, roots and dried flowers like basil, ginger, camomile and so on, herbal tea is considered to have therapeutic benefits. Though these are on a little higher side when compared with conventional black tea, the money spent on them is worthwhile for healthy living.

Amla juice

 Amla, the Indan Gooseberry, is another herbal beverage today that has attracted attention to many health conscious people. The tree is small to medium in size, reaching 8 to 18 m in height, with a crooked trunk and spreading branches. The branches  are 10–20 cm long and are usually deciduous. The leaves are simple, and are closely set along  the branch, and are light green in color.

The flowers are greenish-yellow, with the fruit being nearly spherical, light greenish yellow in color. The fruit is also quite smooth and hard on appearance, with six vertical stripes or furrows.

The berries ripening in autumn, and are harvested by hand, after climbing to upper branches bearing the fruits. The taste of Indian gooseberry is sour, bitter and astringent, and is quite fibrous.

In India, it is common to eat gooseberries steeped in salt water and turmeric to make the sour fruits palatable.

Amla

This fresh-green berry is a remedy to scores of diseases and infections. It is claimed to also delay aging. Loaded with vitamin C, amla juice is recommend for skin, hairs and joints. If  drank regularly it boasts the immune system and the metabolic system, which fine tunes the body to be fit and healthy.

Finding this magical juice at your nearest store might be a remote possibility. You can still benefit from the amla juice concentrate by buying it over the Internet. It is normally suitable for consumption by people of all ages. You can have it as many times in a day and enjoy the renewed energy within you. It is recommended for premature hair greying. Amla juice is an effectual hair tonic. Mix the juice with water and use it for the last rinse on shampooed hairs. Leave to dry naturally for soft and tangle free hairs.

Aloe juice is next on the list of healthy beverages. A lot has been said about the wonderful qualities of aloe. From skin problems to cancer, aloe has been clinically proven to reduce symptoms of many life-threatening diseases. Aloe juice is recommended for relieving joint pain. Mixture of aloe and amla juice is an effective remedy for stomach related problems. Add it with water and have it at least once a day to keep health problems a bay.

Perhaps owing to its medicinal qualities, the Hindus, treat it as a very sacred tree and worship on ‘Akshaya Navami’. In the Kartik month (mid Oct. to mid Nov.) if one takes its dose regularly it provides complete protection against all the disorders due to cold. Amla is unique as it doesn’t leave its chemical ingredient even if it is heated. It is a tree whose no part is useless. It also has the atmosphere purifying qualities. Chemically, besides being the best source to get Vitamin C from, it also has gallic acid, tannic acid, sugar, albumen, calcium, protein, phosphorus, carbohydrates, irons etc.

Amla and Health Remedies Offered

  It seems that taking Amla and Black Til (black sesame seeds) in equal quantity with honey or ghee is linked to increasing mental and physical weaknesses. By taking a cupful of sugarless milk with the murraba of Amla, it helps to revitalize the brain. Some suggest taking every morning with water makes one’s resistant enough to fight off various ailments.

Also the suggestion of taking milk in the morning after licking one teaspoon of ground Amla powder mixed with honey imparts freshness and strength to the body.

 Intellect gets sharpened if one takes the pulp of fresh Amla or Amla juice with honey or ghee every morning and evening.

Other Remedy Facts to Consider

• As an eye tonic and cure of eye ailments
• For curing relief in  heart ailment
• Relieves Pain of Migraine.
• Curing involuntary nocturnal emission
•  Remedies for Sexual Impotence
•  Problems connected with uro generative system
• Acidity and digestive problems
• Female ailments
• Blood impurities
• Diabetes
• Piles
• Stone-problem
• Constipations
• Cold and cough
• Skin troubles
• Baldness and other allied problems
• Gives relief in Jaundice
• Gout
• Removing the spots left by measels, chicken pox, small-pox etc.
• Boils in mouth
• Lice in hair
• Amla as the beautifying agent
• Checking menstrual disorder
• Insect-bite

What you might find so amazing is this gooseberry has  so many benefits regarding our health, and so many remedies, I believe one could write a book on this very subject. Some have studied this berry with great interest and have found what the Hindu’s may have already learned, that this gooseberry is perhaps very key to our longevity  and good health.

Todays Health Comments

This article today made believe I should run out and buy some Amla juice, but knowing we just do not have these trees growing in our backyard, the health food stores or the Internet is the most probable resource to purchase. Although we actually grew native gooseberries, I had no idea that their were others with such health benefits, so I will have to check out our local gooseberries as well. There is numerous health remedies which have included this juice or other parts of the plant, which have aided in our health.

Further Reading

 Yokozawa T, Kim HY, Kim HJ, et al. (Sep 2007). “Amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) attenuates age-related renal dysfunction by oxidative stress”. J Agric Food Chem. 55 (19): 7744–52. doi:10.1021/jf072105s. PMID 17715896.

• ^ Rao TP, Sakaguchi N, Juneja LR, Wada E, Yokozawa T (2005). “Amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) extracts reduce oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats”. J Med Food 8 (3): 362–8. doi:10.1089/jmf.2005.8.362. PMID 16176148.
• ^ Jacob A, Pandey M, Kapoor S, Saroja R (Nov 1988). “Effect of the Indian gooseberry (amla) on serum cholesterol levels in men aged 35-55 years”. Eur J Clin Nutr 42 (11): 939–44. PMID 3250870.
• ^ Qureshi SA, Asad W, Sultana V (Jan 2009). “The Effect of Phyllantus emblica Linn on Type — II Diabetes, Triglycerides and Liver — Specific Enzyme”. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition. 8 (2): 125–128. doi:10.3923/pjn.2009.125.128. http://www.pjbs.org/pjnonline/fin991.pdf.
• ^ Tarwadi K, Agte V (Aug 2007). “Antioxidant and micronutrient potential of common fruits available in the Indian subcontinent”. Int J Food Sci Nutr 58 (5): 341–9. doi:10.1080/09637480701243905. PMID 17558726.
• ^ ^{a b c d} Dharmananda S. Emblic Myrobalans: Amla, Institute of Traditional Medicine [2]
• ^ Habib-ur-Rehman, Yasin KA, Choudhary MA, et al. (Jul 2007). “Studies on the chemical constituents of Phyllanthus emblica”. Nat. Prod. Res. 21 (9): 775–81. doi:10.1080/14786410601124664. PMID 17763100.

Todays Health Article

August 30th, 2011

Today we have defined and redefined our emotions to a point of exhaustion.Yet today, it does seem to many, Anger is becoming more prevalent in our society. You should ask yourself… Is Anger an Expression, or Simply Crying out for Help! Why is our society becoming more prompted to strike out, are anger rages or displays of anger an expression of our emotions, or is just one of the many symptoms displayed for crying out for help. Our health may actually be seriously affected by these releases or actions, leading to fatal results. Some may say these actions release… are healthy! But do these releases simply become cries for help? This article is not intended to be the answer but to prompt you, to perhaps, to understand certain symptoms regarding anger and our health.

Definition of Anger

Anger is an automatic response to the way a person indicates he or she will not tolerate certain types of behavior. It is a feedback mechanism in which an unpleasant stimulus is met with an unpleasant response. Anger has been part of our evolutionary emotions which related to one’s psychological interpretation of having been offended, wronged or denied and a tendency to undo that by retaliation.

Anger  may be considered  to be a normal emotion that simply involves a strong uncomfortable and emotional response to a perceived provocation.

It may be best described  or recognized  by three phases of anger: cognitive , somatic-affective and behavioral.

Anger  can be  compared to a pressure cooker; suggesting we can only withstand a certain amount pressure against our anger, holding for a certain amount of time, then we  explodes.

Anger May Have Physical Effects

• Anger may activate an increase in blood pressure and heart rate,  by the levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline^.  Is anger as part of the brain response  where we decide to flee or to fight because of the perception of being harmed.
• Anger becomes the predominant feeling behaviorally, cognitively, and physiologically when a person makes the conscious choice to take action to immediately stop the threatening behavior of another outside force.
•  Anger can have many physical and mental consequences.

The External Expression of Anger

It can be found in facial expressions,  our body language, physiological responses, and some times in public, acts of aggression may be seen. Humans and animals commonly make loud sounds,  even attempt to look physically larger, they may bare their teeth, and stare intensely. This behavior, associated with anger, is designed to warn aggressors to stop their threatening behavior.

It is uncommon for physical altercation occur, without the prior expression of anger, by at least one of the participants.While most of those who experience anger, explain it’s an arousal, as a result of “what has happened to them.”

Psychologists view anger

Psychologists point out that… “An angry person,” can be very well mistaken, because anger causes a loss in self-monitoring capacity and objective observability.

Anger is a primary, natural, and mature emotion experienced by virtually all humans. At times,  has functional value for survival. It can mobilize psychological resources for corrective action.

However uncontrolled anger can,  negatively affect personal or social well-being. While many philosophers and writers have warned against the spontaneous and uncontrolled fits of anger, there has been disagreement over the intrinsic value of anger.Dealing with anger has been addressed in the writings of the earliest philosophers up to modern times.

Modern psychologists, in contrast to the earlier writers, have also pointed out the possible harmful effects of suppression of anger.

Crying Out

Today society seems to be less happy and more perhaps on the angry side. Perhaps expressing their anger more often. Many times you might hear a common statement… “That person needs some Anger Management classes,” and certainly that may be beneficial to understand what triggers or sets you off. This is not always the case…may be deeper. Most of us are not qualified here where many are crying out and anger is only one of the emotions that seems to kick in. If not identified, others as well as you may be at health risk.

Todays Health Comments

Have you ever recognized today, that some people just seemed to be Mellow while others are just flare up at the smallest comment, like they never have had a happy bone in their body. They are living on the edge of Anger all the time, like a time bomb just waiting to happen. Some express, that after releasing their anger, feel relieved, almost like the load had been lightened in their life. I have witnessed extreme anger, triggered by high levels of adrenaline and it is extremely terrifying that someone could reach such levels. Some people obtain this level with Alzheimer’s Disease. Needless to say Anger can be just a form of expression, or at the same time crying out for help.