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Jane
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Posted: Mon May 23rd, 2005 03:59 am |
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What Is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of arteries. Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers—the systolic pressure (as the heart beats) over the diastolic pressure (as the heart relaxes between beats). The measurement is written one above or before the other, with the systolic number on top and the diastolic number on the bottom. For example, a blood pressure measurement of 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) is expressed verbally as "120 over 80."
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure increases your chance (or risk) for getting heart disease and/or kidney disease, and for having a stroke. It is especially dangerous because it often has no warning signs or symptoms. Regardless of race, age, or gender, anyone can develop high blood pressure. It is estimated that one in every four American adults has high blood pressure. Once high blood pressure develops, it usually lasts a lifetime. You can prevent and control high blood pressure by taking action.
A consistent blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered high blood pressure, another term for hypertension.
Who Can Develop High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure is common. About 65 million American adults — nearly 1 in 3 — have high blood pressure. It is very common in African Americans, who may get it earlier in life and more often than whites. Many Americans tend to develop high blood pressure as they get older, but this is not a part of healthy aging. Middle-aged Americans face a 90% chance of developing high blood pressure during their lives. Others at risk for developing high blood pressure are the overweight, those with a family history of high blood pressure, and those with prehypertension (120–139/80–89 mmHg).
Prevention
Last edited on Mon May 23rd, 2005 04:02 am by |
Jane
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Posted: Mon May 23rd, 2005 04:09 am |
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Diabetes can cause serious health complications including heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, and lower-extremity amputations. Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose levels are above normal. Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose, or sugar, for our bodies to use for energy. The pancreas, an organ that lies near the stomach, makes a hormone called insulin to help glucose get into the cells of our bodies. When you have diabetes, your body either doesn't make enough insulin or can't use its own insulin as well as it should. This causes sugar to build up in your blood.
What are the symptoms of diabetes? People who think they might have diabetes must visit a physician for diagnosis. They might have SOME or NONE of the following symptoms:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme hunger
- Sudden vision changes
- Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
- Feeling very tired much of the time
- Very dry skin
- Sores that are slow to heal
- More infections than usual.
Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pains may accompany some of these symptoms in the abrupt onset of insulin-dependent diabetes, now called type 1 diabetes.
What are the types of diabetes? Type 1 diabetes, which was previously called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile-onset diabetes, may account for 5% to 10% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, which was previously called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes, may account for about 90% to 95% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that only pregnant women get. If not treated, it can cause problems for mothers and babies. Gestational diabetes develops in 2% to 5% of all pregnancies but usually disappears when a pregnancy is over. Other specific types of diabetes resulting from specific genetic syndromes, surgery, drugs, malnutrition, infections, and other illnesses may account for 1% to 2% of all diagnosed cases of diabetes.
What are the risk factors for diabetes?
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include older age, obesity, family history of diabetes, prior history of gestational diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, physical inactivity, and race/ethnicity. African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians, and some Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are at particularly high risk for type 2 diabetes.
Risk factors are less well defined for type 1 diabetes than for type 2 diabetes, but autoimmune, genetic, and environmental factors are involved in developing this type of diabetes.
Gestational diabetes occurs more frequently in African Americans, Hispanic/Latino Americans, American Indians, and people with a family history of diabetes than in other groups. Obesity is also associated with higher risk. Women who have had gestational diabetes are at increased risk for later developing type 2 diabetes. In some studies, nearly 40% of women with a history of gestational diabetes developed diabetes in the future.
Other specific types of diabetes, which may account for 1% to 2% of all diagnosed cases, result from specific genetic syndromes, surgery, drugs, malnutrition, infections, and other illnesses.
What is the treatment for diabetes?
Healthy eating, physical activity, and insulin injections are the basic therapies for type 1 diabetes. The amount of insulin taken must be balanced with food intake and daily activities. Blood glucose levels must be closely monitored through frequent blood glucose testing.
Healthy eating, physical activity, and blood glucose testing are the basic therapies for type 2 diabetes. In addition, many people with type 2 diabetes require oral medication, insulin, or both to control their blood glucose levels.
People with diabetes must take responsibility for their day-to-day care, and keep blood glucose levels from going too low or too high.
People with diabetes should see a health care provider who will monitor their diabetes control and help them learn to manage their diabetes. In addition, people with diabetes may see endocrinologists, who may specialize in diabetes care; ophthalmologists for eye examinations; podiatrists for routine foot care; and dietitians and diabetes educators who teach the skills needed for daily diabetes management.
What causes type 1 diabetes?
The causes of type 1 diabetes appear to be much different than those for type 2 diabetes, though the exact mechanisms for developing both diseases are unknown. The appearance of type 1 diabetes is suspected to follow exposure to an "environmental trigger," such as an unidentified virus, stimulating an immune attack against the beta cells of the pancreas (that produce insulin) in some genetically predisposed people.
Can diabetes be prevented?
A number of studies have shown that regular physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes also appears to be associated with obesity.
Is there a cure for diabetes?
In response to the growing health burden of diabetes, the diabetes community has three choices: prevent diabetes; cure diabetes; and improve the quality of care of people with diabetes to prevent devastating complications. All three approaches are actively being pursued by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Last edited on Mon May 23rd, 2005 04:46 am by |
Na(m)an
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Posted: Mon May 23rd, 2005 09:32 am |
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This is an excellent site on muscle/sport injuries:
http://www.physioroom.com/injuries/shoulder/rotator_cuff_full.shtml
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Jane
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Posted: Tue May 24th, 2005 11:16 pm |
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Garlic: Not Just For Vampire Protection
Garlic, known by its Latin name of Allium sativum, a part of the Lily family, may very well be one of Mother Nature's great gifts to man. While it is legendary for warding off those odd little human-like vampires of legend and myth, it has many great practical and proven uses in natural medicine.
Garlic is mentioned in ancient medical papyri from Egypt as being utilized as medicine. It is written that workers building the pyramids were given garlic each day to help increase their vitality. It is mentioned in ancient Greek and Roman medical texts for a variety of afflictions, including uterine tumors, and wild garlic was used in the United States by various Native American tribes to treat many different ailments. Chinese medicine also shows a long history of use of this powerful herb. Ayurvedic medicine has a place for garlic as a healer as well, dating back at least to ancient Indian manuscripts, for a variety of uses including abdominal tumors.
Medicinal Uses of Garlic
Garlic is a powerful natural antibiotic. It has been shown to stimulate cell growth and activity. It reduces blood pressure in hypertension, and is useful in lowering cholesterol, while at the same time raising the beneficial cholesterol, HDL.
A main advantage to using garlic for its antibiotic properties is that it does not destroy the body's natural intestinal bacteria.
It is excellent for use in all colds and infections of the body. It is being studied as a possible cancer prevention agent.
Garlic protects the liver, kills worms and parasites internally and externally, reduces blood clotting, and provides antioxidant protection to cells.
When ingesting the raw cloves, a sprig of parsley chewed immediately after will freshen the breath.
Garlic oil is often used to treat earaches and ear infections, especially for infants and children, and topically will clear up various skin problems and infections. It was used as a field wound dressing in World War I.
Garlic has also been shown to be an effective treatment for candida and other fungal infections, such as athlete's foot.
The main active constituent in garlic, allicin, is destroyed when heated, and is only released from the clove when crushed or bruised.
So for most treatments, garlic needs to be consumed raw and crushed. The cooked form is useful also, as it provides the body with a source of sulphur that is much needed for a healthy body, as well as for healthy hair. Garlic is also an important source of selenium. There are at least 9 anti-coagulative constituents within a bulb of this treasure.
Garlic has been shown to protect the liver from the actions of acetaminophen, as well as other liver-affecting drugs. It has also been shown to be able to rid the body of heavy metal concentrations, such as mercury from fish consumption.
Its cousins, the various onions, have many of these same medicinal properties, but not as concentrated, and are not as powerful nor as wide in scope as garlic.
Parts used: bulb
Actions: antibiotic, antiviral, parasiticide, expectorant, carminative, digestant, alterative, diuretic, stimulant, tonic, anti-microbial, diaphoretic, cholagogue, hypotensive, anti-spasmodic, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal
Those using blood-thinning drugs should consult with their doctor before utilizing therapeutic sized dosages of garlic, as garlic may compound the effects of these types of drugs. It is safe to use garlic medicinally while pregnant and while nursing, in moderate amounts.
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Jane
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Posted: Tue May 24th, 2005 11:17 pm |
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Medicinal Uses of Green Tea
Green tea has recently come into prominence as an effective anti-oxidant.
It has been shown to reduce the risk of many forms of cancer, including breast cancer, and it has the ability to stabilize blood lipids, making it a valuable part of an overall cardiac care regimen.
Active plant constituents called polyphenols are believed to be responsible for these actions.
It aids in treating high cholesterol, high triglycerides, hypertension, and stimulates immune functions.
Green Tea may actually lower the risks for arteriosclerosis.
Research has shown that it guards against cardiovascular disease by lowering cholesterol levels, improving the ratio of LDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol, reduces platelet aggregation (clumping or clotting of blood cells), and lowers blood pressure.
This herb eases mental fatigue and has been used in treating digestive tract infections. The Chinese often use it to treat migraine headaches.
It can also help to prevent plaque buildup on the teeth, and since the leaves contain a natural fluoride, may be helpful in preventing tooth decay.
It can help to promote the burning of fat in the body, as well as help to regulate blood sugar and insulin levels.
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Jane
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Posted: Wed Jun 1st, 2005 02:26 pm |
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EFA's: Fats That Can Save Your Life
EFA’s help you burn excess fat, restore health to the cardiovascular system, relieve arthritis pain and inflammation, and strengthen the immune system.
If you have ever been on a diet, then you have undoubtedly become accustomed to dread the word "fat"; however, not all fat is bad for you. There is the "bad" fat that collects on your body and clogs the arteries and then there is the "good" fat – also known as Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s).
"Bad" fats can harm you
EFA’s should not be confused with the saturated fat found in red meat, butter, cream, milk, and cheese and trans fats (also known as hydrogenated oils) found in margarine. Saturated fats and trans fats can be converted to body fat, harden the arteries, raise blood pressure, and contribute to cancer and diabetes.
The "good" fats keep you healthy!
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Jane
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Posted: Sat Jun 4th, 2005 06:55 pm |
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Walk Away The Calories
01/06/2005 12:00:10 PM
Summer is an excellent time to start a walking program. And, after this spring's less-than-wonderful weather, walking is the perfect way to get off the couch and start burning calories, toning muscles, and feeling great about yourself.
Although it's tempting to charge outside and go for a gung-ho walk on the first day of your walking program, it's better to start slowly and increase your effort over time, says Sara Donovan, founder of WalkSport, a national walking program, and author of the book Mall Walking Madness (Rodale, 2002). If you have been physically inactive for some time, you need to be careful not to overdo it. Remember to consult with your physician before starting a new exercise regimen to make sure it's right for you.
It takes about a month to establish a fitness habit, Donovan says. That's why she advises new walkers to follow this four-week get-started plan:
- Week 1: Start small — walk 10 minutes a day for seven days. "That helps you get into the habit of doing it on a daily basis," says Donovan. Walk comfortably, and enjoy yourself — your job this week is to start building a walking habit, not to walk a marathon distance. Focus on your posture: Walk tall and hold in your tummy.
- Week 2: Walk 15 minutes a day, everyday. This week, focus on taking a stride that is a comfortable length. Push off with your back foot, and roll from heel to toe as your foot lands on the ground.
- Week 3: Walk 20 or 25 minutes a day. Be creative about scheduling workouts — take two shorter walks if that's more convenient than one longer walk. This week, put some push into your pace. Start with five minutes of comfortable walking. Then, mid-walk, strive for shorter, quicker steps. Slow down if you're out of breath — you should be able to talk while you walk. End your walk with a 5-minute cool-down of slow, comfortable walking and then some stretches, such as the shin stretch (while standing on one foot, trace circles in the air with the toe of your other foot, then switch) and the hamstring stretch (put your foot on a chair or bench and slowly lean over that leg to stretch the back of the thigh; switch legs).
- Week 4: Increase to your goal of 30 minutes a day. Get your arms involved — bend them at a 90-degree angle at the elbows and pump them gently as you walk. Every few minutes, speed up your pace for 20 quick steps, and then slow back down. (This is called interval training.)
After four weeks, your walking habit should be firmly established. Keep walking every day for at least 30 minutes. If you need some motivation to get yourself out the door each day, try Donovan's surefire motivation tips: Walk with a friend, use a pedometre to measure mileage, and give yourself non-food rewards (movies, CDs, a fun pair of socks) for every successful week of walking. 
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wildfyah
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Posted: Sat Jun 4th, 2005 07:26 pm |
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read de walk away one dis a.m.
Jane, find all u can about HYPOthyroid...please
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Jane
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Posted: Sat Jun 4th, 2005 08:43 pm |
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Hypothyroidism is traditionally treated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy (either synthetic or natural). Thyroid replacement therapy could include taking levothyroxine (T4), liothyronine (T3), or a combination product that contains both T4 and T3. All of these treatments work in the body like thyroxine, the human hormone that is normally produced by the thyroid gland, and subsequently converted to T3, the active hormone.
Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc. offers two combination (T4/T3) products, and one levothyroxine product to help treat hypothyroidism: Armour™ Thyroid (Thyroid Tablets, USP), Thyrolar® (liotrix tablets, USP), and Levothroid® (levothyroxine sodium tablets, USP).
Armour Thyroid is the leading combination therapy (T4/T3 ) product available for the treatment of hypothyroidism. It is a natural preparation derived from porcine thyroid glands.
To learn more about Armour Thyroid and to locate a doctor who prescribes Armour Thyroid, click here.
Levothroid is a synthetic treatment containing the hormone levothyroxine (T4). It is both gluten-free and lactose-free. It treats hypothyroidism by replacing or supplementing the T4 that is normally produced by the thyroid.
To learn more about Levothroid and to locate a doctor who prescribes Levothroid, click here.
Thyrolar is the only synthetic product combining L-triiodothyronine (T3) and levothyroxine sodium (T4 ) indicated for the treatment of hypothyroidism. This product is for patients who seek combination therapy in a synthetic form.
To learn more about Thyrolar and to locate a doctor who prescribes Thyrolar, click here.
Ms.TG...hope this is enough info!!
('[url=http://www.frx.com/legal.htm',]http://www.frx.com/legal.htm',[/url]
Last edited on Sat Jun 4th, 2005 08:47 pm by |
wildfyah
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Posted: Sat Jun 4th, 2005 09:39 pm |
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Rarely, complications can result in severe life-threatening depression, heart failure or coma.
very scary
thanks Jane.
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Jane
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Posted: Sat Jun 4th, 2005 10:02 pm |
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wildfyah wrote: Rarely, complications can result in severe life-threatening depression, heart failure or coma.
very scary............nah!!! .Left untreated, the symptoms of hypothyroidism will usually progress. Rarely, complications can result in severe life-threatening depression, heart failure or coma.
this is if it is left untreated..see above ...as long as u take the Thyroid hormone prescribed by yr physician..no need to fear! MOST IMPORTANTLY, anyone who is taking these hormones should have their blood tests done regularly to ensure that their dosage is effective...ie the results of their thyroid hormone levels will indicate whether one needs to have an increase dosage. so nah worry me dear girlfriend....
thanks Jane. ........u r welcome
Last edited on Sat Jun 4th, 2005 10:04 pm by |
wildfyah
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Posted: Sat Jun 4th, 2005 10:07 pm |
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hey Jane, i thought i asked about the texan but when i chk there was nuttin there (gosh i must've only thought of asking...see what stress can do) have u heard from her since the b'day?
anyway, the person wid hypo tsh or ths or whatever was 24 and had to be hospitalized. that person is now on .127 mcg of eltroxin....and being closely monitored. the tsh level is maintained at the highest low which is 5 (2.5 is great)
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Jane
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Posted: Sun Jun 5th, 2005 02:17 am |
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hey gyal u did ask..and i responded...chk another thread!!
stress !! yep..i can see that...
lol
Last edited on Sun Jun 5th, 2005 02:18 am by |
Jane
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Posted: Sun Jun 5th, 2005 07:41 pm |
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What Is High Blood Cholesterol?
Too much cholesterol (ko-LES-ter-ol) in the blood, or high blood cholesterol, can be serious. People with high blood cholesterol have a greater chance of getting heart disease. High blood cholesterol itself does not cause symptoms, so many people are unaware that their cholesterol level is too high.
What Is Cholesterol?
To understand high blood cholesterol, it is important to know more about cholesterol.
- Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all cells of the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to work the right way and makes all the cholesterol you need.
- Cholesterol is also found in some of the foods you eat.
- You use cholesterol to make hormones, Vitamin D, and substances that help you digest foods.
Blood is watery and cholesterol is fatty. Just like oil and water, the two do not mix. So, in order to travel in the bloodstream, cholesterol is carried in small packages called lipoproteins (lip-o-PRO-teens). The small packages are made of fat (lipid) on the inside and proteins on the outside. Two kinds of lipoproteins carry cholesterol throughout your body. It is important to have healthy levels of both:
- LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol is sometimes called "bad" cholesterol.
- High LDL cholesterol leads to a buildup of cholesterol in arteries. The higher the LDL level in your blood, the greater chance you have for getting heart disease.
- HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol is sometimes called "good" cholesterol.
- HDL carries cholesterol from other parts of your body back to your liver. The liver removes the cholesterol from your body. The higher your HDL cholesterol level, the lower your chance of getting heart disease.
What Is High Blood Cholesterol?
Too much cholesterol in your blood can build up in the walls of your arteries (blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to other parts of the body). This buildup of cholesterol is called plaque (PLACK). Over time, plaque can cause narrowing of the arteries. This is called atherosclerosis (ath-er-o-skler-O-sis) or "hardening of the arteries."
Special arteries, called coronary arteries, bring blood to the heart. Narrowing of your coronary arteries due to plaque can stop or slow down the flow of blood to your heart. When the arteries narrow, the amount of oxygen-carrying blood is decreased. This is called coronary artery disease (CAD). Large plaque areas can lead to chest pain called angina. Angina happens when the heart does not receive enough blood and the oxygen it carries. Angina is a common sign of CAD.
Some plaques have a thin covering and burst (rupture), releasing fat and cholesterol into the bloodstream. The release of fat and cholesterol may cause your blood to clot. A clot can block the flow of blood. This blockage can cause angina or a heart attack.
Lowering your cholesterol level decreases your chance for having a plaque burst and cause a heart attack. Lowering cholesterol may also slow down, reduce, or even stop plaque from building up.
Plaque and resulting health problems can also occur in arteries elsewhere in the body.
Last edited on Sun Jun 5th, 2005 08:28 pm by |
Jane
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Posted: Sun Jun 5th, 2005 07:49 pm |
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Triglycerides (or triacylglycerols) are glycerides in which the glycerol is esterified with three fatty acids. They are the main constituent of vegetable oil and animal fats.
Metabolism
Triglycerides play an important role in metabolism as energy sources. They contain twice as much energy (8000 kcal/kg) as carbohydrates. In the intestine, triglycerides are split into glycerol and fatty acids (with the help of lipases and bile secretions), which can then move into blood vessels. The triglycerides are rebuilt in the blood from their fragments and become constituents of lipoproteins. Various tissues can release the free fatty acids and take them up as a source of energy. Fat cells can synthesize and store triglycerides. When the body requires fatty acids as an energy source, the hormone glucagon signals the breakdown of the triglycerides by hormone-sensitive lipase to release free fatty acids.
[edit]
hypertriglyceridaemia
In the human body, high levels of triglycerides in the bloodstream have been linked to atherosclerosis, and, by extension, the risk of heart disease and stroke. However, the negative impact of raised levels of triglycerides is lower than that of LDL-cholesterol. The risk can be partly accounted for a strong inverse relationship between triglyceride level and HDL-cholesterol level.
Other diseases caused by high triglycerides include pancreatitis.
American Heart Association has set guidelines for triglyceride levels:
essential fatty acid are recommended for reducing triglyceride levels. When these fail, fibrate drugs (and some statins) are registered for reducing triglyceride levels.
Last edited on Sun Jun 5th, 2005 07:57 pm by |
Jane
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Posted: Sun Jun 5th, 2005 08:04 pm |
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STROKES
A stroke occurs when part of the brain is deprived of blood and oxygen causing brain tissue to die. Recognising stroke symptoms and mild stroke symptoms early is a vital factor in stroke recovery. A mild stroke, or mini stroke, from which full recovery is normal, is often an indicator of a subsequent major stroke. The sooner a stroke, or even a mild stroke, can be diagnosed and treated the likelihood of serious brain damage is reduced and the chances of a good stroke recovery are increased.
High blood pressure is one of the main risk factors for stroke and mild stroke. As with most preventable illnesses, suffering a stroke can be prevented by a healthy lifestyle. A balanced and healthy diet, plenty of exercise and, of course, not smoking, will reduce the chances of high blood pressure and other physical factors that can contribute to stroke symptoms.
The effects of a stroke can have an impact on the lives of both the person who has the stroke and their families, as around half of those who survive a stroke will suffer some form of significant disability. Stroke rehabilitation can be a long process and will include both physical and psychological therapy. Commencing stroke rehabilitation therapy early can significantly increase the chances of a fuller stroke recovery.
Symptoms of a Mini Stroke
also including major Stroke Symptoms
A mini stroke is also known as a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). A mini stroke has the same symptoms as a major stroke, except that it lasts only a few minutes, is usually milder, and sometimes has no apparent residual effects.
About 10 percent of strokes are preceded by TIAs. Someone who's had one or more TIAs is 10 times more likely to have a stroke than someone of the same age and sex who has not. As a result, TIAs are extremely important stroke warning signs. Don't ignore the symptoms of a stroke! Call 911 NOW. Get medical help immediately.
Stroke Symptoms
If you notice one or more of these symptoms of a stroke, don't wait. Call 911 immediately for an ambulance; get the person to a hospital right away! Expect the person to protest -- denial is common -- especially if it's "only" a mini stroke. Don't take "no" for an answer. Insist on taking prompt action. Treatment can be more effective if given quickly. Every second counts!
Not all symptoms of a stroke occur every time. Don't ignore the symptoms, even if they go away!
Important: If you suspect that your loved one is having or had a stroke, check the time. When did the first symptoms of a stroke start? You'll be asked this important question later by the health care professionals who will treat your loved one.
Typical symptoms of a stroke ...
Next Step ... Call 911 NOW
Last edited on Sun Jun 5th, 2005 08:08 pm by |
Jane
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Posted: Sun Jun 5th, 2005 08:18 pm |
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SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEART DISEASE
Some people with heart failure don’t show signs of it. But the body often gives signals to let you know something is wrong. The symptoms are linked to how your heart pumps blood.
The Watching Your Symptoms™ Action Plan (PDF Format) is a tool to help you know how to take care of yourself and when to get help.
You may have some or all of these symptoms at times:
Feeling extra tired
Since your muscles and organs aren’t getting all the blood they need, you may feel very tired and out of energy, even after a good night’s sleep.
Feeling short of breath
Fluid, built up in your lungs makes it hard to breathe, especially during physical activity. The problem can get worse during sleep. When you lie down, extra fluids can pool around the lungs and sometimes cause a hacking cough. Try to sleep with extra pillows to help drain fluid from your lungs.
Swollen ankles, legs, belly, and/or lower back
These are the places where extra fluid is most likely to build up as it moves through your body. Swelling is usually worse at the end of the day.
Weight gain
Fluid buildup shows up on the scale as weight (about 2 pounds for each quart of extra fluid). That’s why your healthcare provider may tell you to track your weight (PDF Format) to see how your heart failure is doing.
More trips to the bathroom at night
While you lie down at night, the water that has built up in your body moves back into your blood vessels. It travels to the kidneys and gets made into urine.
http://www.1on1health.com/1on1HealthWeb/controller/ArticleDisplayView?AssetID=070005&state=1000000&LanguageID=1000&TopicID=1000
Last edited on Sun Jun 5th, 2005 08:20 pm by |
Jane
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Posted: Mon Jun 6th, 2005 11:01 pm |
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SOY PROTEIN
Soy is naturally a low-calorie, low-carbohydrate food, but a recent university study has documented two key properties of soy protein that help with weight loss independent of low-calorie content. (Reference 1 and 2) In other words, soy has inherent medical properties, apart from low calorie content, that help with weight loss. The study shows that consumption of soy protein rich in isoflavones decreases fat deposition (storage) while increasing lean muscle mass. The researchers concluded that, "Isoflavone-rich soy may attenuate the increase in fat deposition and prevent loss in lean tissue during menopause."
Let's examine these two properties more closely:
1. Soy can help decrease the amount of fat your body stores. This means that you convert less calories into fat from the food that you eat. Insulin causes sugar to be stored as fat in your body. Soy is very good at leveling insulin levels, thus decreasing fat storage.
2. Soy can increase your muscle mass. Your muscles burn energy (in the form of calories) for daily maintenance and during exercise. Increased muscle mass burns more daily maintenance calories even if you are not exercising. In other words, greater lean muscle mass contributes to weight loss or weight maintenance even when you are just 'lounging' around.
Other weight loss properties of soy protein:
3. Soy increases the rate at which your fat cells burn stored fat. Other studies have shown that soy protein increases 'brown fat' activity directly inside of fat cells. In other words, soy protein increases your fat cells' metabolism rate. (Reference 3)
4. Soy makes you feel full because it is a low-glycemic index food that minimizes insulin fluctuations. Soy protein prevents your blood glucose levels from soaring, thus reducing large insulin secretions that store glucose as fat in your body. Reduced insulin fluctuations results in fewer "sugar cravings", thus you will feel satisfied until the next meal. Binge eating due to "sugar cravings" often defeats the heroic efforts undertaken by millions in their diets.
5. Soy gives you more energy. More energy means that you have more willpower to exercise properly! (see our "Energy, Stamina & Enhanced Workouts" article)
6. Soy even helps animals to lose weight. Researchers from Fuji Research Institute in Japan found that body-fat content in obese mice decreased significantly when they were placed on a soy protein diet. The soy diet also lowered cholesterol and blood glucose levels. (Reference 4) Other Japanese researchers have found that soy nutrients, called saponins, also prevents obesity in mice. (Reference 5)
In summary, soy is an excellent dietary choice for low-fat protein that can help you stay fit and trim.
Research shows that soy literally 'stops your fat cells!' for both women AND men of all ages.
Last edited on Mon Jun 6th, 2005 11:03 pm by |
Jane
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Posted: Mon Jun 6th, 2005 11:07 pm |
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Menstrual cramps. Irritability. Mood swings. Fatigue. Headaches. Food cravings. Bloating.
Many women are all too familiar with these recurring monthly symptoms that can temporarily cripple their lives at worst, or simply make them miserable at best.
Pre-Menstrual Syndrome, commonly referred to as PMS, afflicts millions of women. Doctors have resorted to trying everything from prescription hormones to sedatives and anti-depressants to control PMS. Uncontrolled, high estrogen levels in a woman's body have been linked to PMS.
How to control high estrogen levels
Soy protein can balance high estrogen levels, thus reducing PMS symptoms, menstrual difficulties, endometriosis, fibroid-related complaints and other conditions associated with high estrogen levels.
Studies show that women who consume soy protein significantly lower their estrogen levels to much healthier levels. (References 1, 2, 3 below)
Daily consumption for 3 to 6 months is typically required to start seeing these benefits. Your body has to "reset" to more balanced estrogen levels. Another recent study shows that soy can also improve mental outlook which could reduce mood swings. ( Reference 4)
A tremendous additional benefit may also be obtained by consuming soy protein: lower levels of the body's own estrogen are also associated with improved breast health.
A number of independent studies on small groups of American women have shown that women who consume soy protein have lower levels of estrogen in their blood. It's been known for years that Asian women on a high soy protein diet have lower estrogen levels than their American counterparts. Researchers are extremely interested in this difference because Asians also have 4 to 6 times less breast cancer than Americans.
New scientific research in Texas has found that a soy diet rich in isoflavones reduces estrogens in women, "and this may be involved in soya-induced protection against breast cancer risk." Dr. Lee-Jane W. Lu, of the University of Texas medical branch in Galveston, reports on her investigation of the effect of soy consumption on breast cancer.
Previous research, she said, had demonstrated that soy intake was associated with a reduced risk for breast cancer, which is dependent on estrogen. The research team found that blood levels of measured estrogens were reduced by 30 percent to 40 percent in women who consumed soy products.
"Reducing estrogen reduces breast cell proliferation," Dr. Lu says. "This may help explain why soybean consumption seems to protect against breast cancer." Dr. Lu says her research can help explain earlier studies showing that women in Asia, where diets contain high concentrations of soy products, have much lower rates of breast cancer than women in the United States.
Summary
In summary, soy protein is safe and effective for alleviating PMS and menstrual disturbances. The FDA, American Heart Association, and leading health experts recommend that Americans eat more soy protein to lower their cholesterol, protect their hearts, and reduce menopausal symptoms.
New research shows that eating soy is associated with stronger bones, reduced menstrual disturbances like PMS, and improved breast, endometrial, colon and prostate health. Studies also show soy helps you lose weight by blocking storage of fat.
Critical Closing Comments
The key is to eat enough soy protein on a daily basis to make a difference. The traditional Japanese eat 4 - 6 servings of soy protein per day giving them a large
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Jane
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Posted: Thu Jun 9th, 2005 01:41 am |
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About Deep-Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism
Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common but serious medical condition that occurs in approximately two million Americans each year. DVT occurs when a thrombus (blood clot) forms in one of the large veins, usually in the lower limbs, leading to either partially or completely blocked circulation. The condition may result in health complications, such as a pulmonary embolism (PE) and even death if not diagnosed and treated effectively.
The best way to prevent DVT is to talk to your doctor about your risks, especially if you have cancer or certain heart or respiratory diseases.
Who is at Risk for Deep-Vein Thrombosis?
Certain individuals may be at increased risk for developing DVT, although DVT can occur in almost anyone. Some risk factors or triggering events to discuss with your doctor include:
- Cancer
- Certain heart or respiratory diseases
- Prior DVT
- Advanced age
- Acute medical illness with restricted mobility
- Inherited or acquired predisposition to clotting
- Obesity
- Stroke
- Hospitalization
- Patients undergoing major surgery, such as joint replacements, who remain immobile in bed after an operation
- Pregnancy
- Restricted mobility caused by long-distance travel
- Use of birth control pills
- Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy
- Trauma
Signs and Symptoms of Deep-Vein Thrombosis
Symptoms of DVT may include pain, swelling, tenderness, discoloration or redness of the affected area, and skin that is warm to the touch. However, as many as half of all DVT episodes produce minimal symptoms or are completely “silent.”
Because a number of other conditions – including muscle strains, skin infections, and phlebitis (inflammation of veins) – display symptoms similar to those of DVT, the condition may be difficult to diagnose without specific tests.
Quick DVT Facts:
- According to the American Heart Association, DVT occurs in about 2 million Americans every year.
- More people suffer from DVT annually than heart attack and stroke.
- Up to 600,000 people are hospitalized in the U.S. each year for DVT.
- Fatal PE may be the most common preventable cause of hospital death in the United States.
- Only one-third of hospitalized patients with risk factors for blood clots received preventive treatment, according to a U.S. multi-center study.
- Without preventive treatment, up to 60 percent of patients who undergo total hip replacement surgery may develop DVT.
- Cancer patients undergoing surgical procedures have at least twice the risk of postoperative DVT and more than three times the risk of fatal PE than non-cancer patients undergoing similar procedures.
- In the elderly, DVT is associated with a 21 percent one-year mortality rate, and PE is associated with a 39 percent one-year mortality rate.
- PE is the leading cause of maternal death associated with childbirth. A woman’s risk of developing VTE is six times greater when she is pregnant.
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