MEGA HEALTH

MEGA HEALTH - Relieving Seasonal Allergies

2011-12-12T21:08:00.000-08:00

MEGA HEALTH - People who suffer from seasonal allergies would likely have a different response to the subtle changes between seasons. Instead of the usual happy anticipation, they would likely be tensed up and gearing for a whole new round of seasonal allergies, whether it’s that time when winter turns into spring or the cooling weather as summer turns into fall.

Seasonal allergies, faced by over 35 million Americans each year, are typically linked to pollen that makes their way from trees, flowers, grass, and plants, populating the air no matter where a person goes. Symptoms are fairly simple but hardly comfortable for the allergic person: wheezing, sneezing, runny nose, and red, itchy, and watery eyes are hardly welcome incidences on a daily basis.

Many allergy sufferers find relief only from over-the-counter drugs. However, more and more people are becoming more conscious about home remedies and would prefer natural ways of dealing with their symptoms. After all, drugs are known for having side effects, many of which may not yet have been studied adequately.

Doctors agree that nature-based remedies are a useful way of handling mild allergies, and may even be useful for more significant allergies. While some doctors may be more conservative, others believe that there are many possible treatments that are safe to try.

The following home remedies are recently causing a stir in terms of treating seasonal allergies:

1. Butterbur – This European herb has been shown to give impressive results in clinical tests. For example, one group of Swiss researchers tested one tablet of butterbur consumed four times a day and found it to be as effective in relieving symptoms of hay fever as a popular anti-histamine drug. The even better news is that the herb tablet did not give the expected drowsiness that usually comes with anti-histamines. Another study was done by some British researchers to test the effectiveness of the drug against symptoms of allergies to grass.

2. Freeze-dried nettles – This is another herbal supplement that some doctors recommend.

3. Goldenseal – This herb is known for being taken as a tonic. Most doctors recommend taking this with a saline nasal spray. Goldenseal has been known to have astringent as well as local antibacterial properties that help in the process of getting rid of seasonal allergy symptoms.

4. Saline nasal spray – More and more doctors are recommending a saline nasal spray for respiratory allergic symptoms. Saline simply means salt water, so basically the spray contains no other ingredient except sodium chloride mixed with water. It has been shown to be effective in washing out pollen as well as reducing or thinning mucous.

5. Grape seed extract – This nutrient occur naturally in many food items, and comes in especially abundant levels in red wine. This extract may be used as a supplement alongside vitamin C and give extremely helpful results in reducing symptoms of allergy.

6. Quercetin – This is a flavonoid compound which also occurs naturally in many food items. The compound is proven to control the release of histamines as well as other chemicals that trigger an allergic response.

7. Hot spicy food – Interestingly, home remedies for allergies are not limited to herbs and nutrients. Experts believe that spicy food helps in thinning mucous secretions and in clearing nasal passages. As such, you may be able to help relieve your allergy symptoms by using more cayenne pepper or hot ginger, or even by upping the onion and garlic you use in our cooking.

While these home remedies have been shown to be effective in treating seasonal allergies, experts point out that dealing with allergies not only include eating certain foods but also avoiding others. For example, when a certain food seems to cause stomach upset or occasional hives, it may be a good idea to steer clear of such food, particularly during season changes that cause you to be more sensitive to triggers. Among the foods that experts recommend avoiding if you happen to be allergic to weed pollen are bananas, cucumber, melons, chamomile, sunflower seeds, and herbal supplements with Echinacea, as these apparently make symptoms worse.

Lastly, you may opt to try an air filtration system in your home. This can help remove dust and irritating pollen from your personal space, thus giving you a better chance of avoiding seasonal allergies.

MEGA HEALTH - Acne and Oily Skin Care Tips

2011-12-08T05:22:00.001-08:00

MEGA HEALTH - If you have oily skin, you are likely prone to acne as well. This is just one of the disadvantages of having this skin type. Other downsides are having visibly larger pores and the embarrassing shine on the nose, forehead and cheeks, also known as the T-zone. Summertime is the worst season for someone who has oily skin hence the appropriate skin care regimen is needed to keep excess oil at bay. The right products are also needed to prevent acne from developing. In the following paragraphs, you will learn tips for proper acne and oily skin care. Finding the right facial wash is a must for someone who has oily and acne-prone skin. Skin experts advise the use of a gentle cleanser that is oil-free and formulated with 2 percent salicylic acid to fight acne. This ingredient works by unclogging the pores with oil and dirt without leaving the skin dry. Remember to pick out a cream-type cleanser for the cold season and a foaming cleanser during the hot season. Cleanse your face twice a day, in the morning and evening. If acne leaves your skin reddish, you can use Aloe Vera gel as a natural facial cleanser. It is effective in reducing skin redness and contains natural ingredients that can treat pimples quickly. The next step to an acne and oily skincare regimen is toning and moisturizing. Be careful in using products on oily skin type because harsh products can leave the skin dry. You don’t want this to happen because once the skin misses on moisture, the sebaceous glands will act double time to produce more sebum. So, to avoid this from happening, learn to treat your skin well by avoiding alcohol-based toners, hyrdroquinone and mineral oil. Serum or light lotion should be used as moisturizers for oily skin. Oil-free, water-based and hypoallergenic preparations are also recommended as to not leave the skin oilier. If there is a moisturizer brand that has acne-fighting formulations and SPF15 or higher, then that would be hitting two birds with one stone. Exfoliation is also essential in keeping the skin shine and blemish free. Large pores, excess oil, dirt and dead skin cells are the perfect ingredients for pimples. Exfoliating your skin once or twice a week can clear pores with dead skin cells and stimulates new cells to form. Remember to use a gentle exfoliating scrub and be careful around blemishes as to not irritate and inflame your face all the more. After this, go ahead and pamper yourself with a facial mask. A deep-cleansing, clay-based mask can help tighten the pores, absorb excess oil and make your skin feel refreshed. Moving on to makeup, a lot of women know how to care for oily and blemish-prone face but most of them fall short in choosing the right makeup for their skin type. For oily skin, using liquid foundation is not a good idea. Especially under the hot weather, oil-based liquid foundations will easily melt. If your face is oily and you don’t want to end up with blemished skin, it’s best if you use oil-free makeup like tinted moisturizers and mineral makeup. For a just-pinched look that lasts a long time, a powder or gel blush does the trick. Be sure to cleanse your face completely from makeup before retiring to bed. Blotting paper is one of the niftiest beauty inventions. Use these to blot your face everytime you feel that you’re already shining with oil. It works well in touching up your makeup without smudging it. It is also better if you wear your makeup light to keep it from caking in the middle of the day. Another beauty trick to make your cosmetics intact all day and night is to use a makeup setting spray. Spray some on just before leaving the house. Lastly, use acne spot treatments only if you have seasonal acne. Otherwise, consult a trusted dermatologist for prescription acne medication to address severe acne problems. Be careful in using acne treatments because most of them are too strong. It can also make the skin dry and sun sensitive so be sure to follow instructions carefully (acne medications are usually applied minimally and at night) and apply sunblock lotion. Following these helpful tips will ensure skin that is glowing with health and not with too much oil.

MEGA HEALTH - Cystic Acne – Causes and Treatment

2011-12-08T05:12:00.001-08:00

MEGA HEALTH - Cystic acne or what you call nodulocystic acne is the most serious form of acne vulgaris. Its main characteristics are swollen red pustules with pus and sore nodules that can be really painful. Acne scars are very common results of this type of acne once they are not treated properly through pricking and use of ineffective medications. It also requires a longer length of time to heal as compared to milder types of acne. It is usually mistaken as acne rosacea because of their similarity in appearance. Acne Rosacea is pimples and skin blemishes seen on the forehead, chin, cheeks and nose and is very distinguishable because of its reddish color and nodules. The difference between rosacea and cystic acne is that the former do not result from blackheads or whiteheads which the latter result from. Rosacea pimples are not extractable as well unlike blackheads and whiteheads. With cystic acne, there are three things to consider that when altogether may result to cystic acne. First are agitated oil glands that most acne-prone individuals have. Their sebaceous glands produce more oil than usual and soon enough clog pores, hence resulting to outbreaks when infected. Research shows that the sebum produced through oil glands of people with bad acne breakouts have high compositions of squalene and wax esters, and low composition of free fatty acid and linoleic acid. This setting allows the P. acnes bacteria (or Propionibacterium acnes) to proliferate fast. Second is increased production and reduced shedding of skin cells. Acne-prone individuals create more skin cells than the average person. However, when too many skin cells die, they need to be removed by the skin but this does not happen regularly. The result, dead skin cells block the follicles and result to clogged pores. Third is the increased amount of acne bacteria that happens when a pore gets blocked and oxygen is zapped out. This is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Although the skin has a certain number of P. acnes, once the bacteria explodes in number, pimples break out and the infection can spread to other pores through frequent touching of the face. P. acnes live on sebum and they create a substance that can damage the pore’s lining which result to redness and inflammation. Acne bacteria cannot be destroyed with regular face washing. Certain chemicals are recommended to be included in your skin care product to kill acne bacteria. Benzoyl Peroxide is on the top of the list. Others are tetracycline and antibiotics. Retinoids such as Accutane is also considered an effective treatment for severe acne like this one. It prevents scarring and is proven to treat ninety percent of serious problems of the skin. Also known as Isotretinoin, it is a doctor prescribed oral medicine that is advised to be continuously used for a period of five months and to be taken twice daily. What Accutane does is that it reduces the oil glands’ size thus making it produce smaller amounts of oil and lesser growth of bacteria. Another option in treating cystic acne is a cortisone shot. Steroidal cortisone shots are commonly used to treat severe skin conditions since it can successfully halt inflammation, expedite healing and stop the condition from resulting to unsightly acne scars. The hormone cortisone is produced by the body and works by reducing inflammation, but the amount released by the body is not sufficient when it comes to severe swelling of the skin because of nodulocystic acne. This is where steroid hormone shots come in. As explained earlier, cystic acne is not primarily caused by having poor hygiene but it is a condition caused by internal factors such as abnormal oil production and hormonal imbalance). This fact makes topical acne treatments futile when it comes to addressing this type of acne. Aside from the abovementioned acne treatments, another possible cure that may help improve the condition is multivitamins. Vitamin B5 and Zinc capsules for acne are vitamins that can help break down oil by limiting sebum production while improving the system’s metabolism of skin oil. Compared to Accutane, results may not be seen as fast and may not be as effective for others. Of course, do not fail to visit a licensed dermatologist who can give the right assessment and medication for your situation. Having patience and a good attitude can also help a person suffering from cystic acne build up their self-confidence as they wait for their skin to finally clear up.

MEGA HEALTH - Food Choices for Maximum Energy

2011-11-13T00:33:00.000-08:00

MEGA HEALTH - If you are not an athlete or a serious sports fanatic, you might think that food choices that give the maximum energy are not your main concern. However, if you are always on the go, you will actually find yourself yearning for more energy throughout the day, especially if you are still looking at the prospect of several hours of overtime and you already feel like hitting the sack. Most likely, you will think of getting another cup of coffee or downing an entire chocolate bar, thinking the extra sugar will give you the boost you need, and then wind up disappointed when it only manages to give you an energy boost for an hour or less.

The following food items are the best things you can opt for when you are in need of a serious energy boost:

1. Complex carbohydrates are actually better choices than simple carbohydrates like sugars and processed flour. Indeed, many people think candies and sugary juices will give them the energy they need, as seen by children who become hyperactive from too much sweets consumed in one sitting. However, these foods, along with pastries and baked goods that are high in white sugar may result in complications for your body’s processing of blood sugar, giving you overall low energy levels instead of the energy boost you are looking for. Instead of reaching for that chocolate bar, you will likely be better off finding foods that are high in complex carbohydrates; an example would be potatoes and sweet potatoes. Of course, French fries may be made of potatoes but taking much of them will spell added inches on your waist line, while also giving your heart added strain from the added fat. Baked potatoes will be the better option. In terms of breads, whole-wheat options are best, as they take longer to digest while giving you the energy you need.

2. Proteins go best for a heavy breakfast and lunch. Protein-rich food, like meat, eggs, fish, poultry, nuts, and seeds, are enough to give you the energy you need for the tasks throughout the day. As such, you would be wise to stock up on them early in the day, instead of waiting for the time when you are already sluggish and craving sweets! Just be sure to pick lean cuts of meat, and opt for your poultry and fish without the skin, as they do nothing but give you added fat.

3. Listen to your mom’s voice telling you to finish your vegetables. Hands-down, green leafy veggies are still the winner when it comes to giving you the energy you need. This is because they are usually rich in magnesium as well as B vitamins. You can pick from spinach, broccoli, beet greens, mustard greens, or just about any green leafy thing that grows in the ground. With this in mind, you can actually enjoy your salad greens with greater gusto.

4. Be sure you get plenty of water. Everyone knows the daily requirement of 8 glasses of water, but if you are doing plenty of energy-sapping tasks, feel free to down more than that. While you may opt for sugary sodas and juices when doing heavy tasks, water will actually do you the greater good, as it helps in waking you up and actually answers thirst much better than the former. Sugary drinks will only make you feel more sluggish and even increase your thirst. Experts recommend getting a drink of water, preferably in room temperature, whenever you feel a sense of mental fogginess, or when fatigue starts to sink in. Cold water has been shown to slow down digestion, so it would be best to take your water in room temperature instead.

These food choices will likely help you maximize your energy, especially when you need it the most. However, it is not limited to the times when you are already desperate for an energy boost; if you can develop these healthy eating habits on a regular basis, you will find that your energy levels are maximized that you would not even need the extra boost for the extra working hours on special days, as you would have plenty of energy stocked away for those times!

MEGA HEALTH - Foods that Help Relieve Stress

2011-11-13T00:32:00.000-08:00

MEGA HEALTH - Perhaps you find it funny to see women portrayed as needing a tub of ice cream or an entire plate of chocolate cake to cope with a stressful situation, especially things involving the emotions, such as a breakup. These foods are typically known as “comfort food,” and men who have never eaten out of stress find it hard to understand the logic. In fact, they are quick to write it off as a simple food craving masked behind an impression of “need” for coping.

But do you know that food can indeed play a role in how your body responds to stress? There is such a thing as foods that relieve stress. Typically, these foods contain vitamins and minerals or components that help stimulate the production of serotonin. This hormone works to regulate a person’s mood and consequently helps relieve stress. For example, magnesium and B vitamins play a critical role in producing serotonin, while zinc can help fight off some of the ill effects of stress. Vitamin E works as an antioxidant to help get rid of the free radicals that are produced during stress.

The following foods are good choices to munch on when you are under a lot of stress:

1. Almonds are nuts that are high in B vitamins, magnesium, and vitamin E. This means you not only get a boost of serotonin to regulate your mood, you will also have a way to fight off the ill effects caused by your stress. Of course, almonds are also high in fat, so generally, you will have to keep your intake to a few handfuls at a time, as eating too many of them every time you are stressed might translate to some extra pounds that will in turn contribute to your stress levels!

2. Fish is a good food to eat during stressful times, as they are packed with B vitamins, especially B6 and B12, which are well-known for fighting stress. Instead of wolfing down a plate of pizza, you can opt for a tuna salad or tuna sandwich, or perhaps grilled mackerel or salmon. Although it might not sound like a tasty treat to soothe your broken heart, your overall disposition will lead you thanking this fishy meal in the long run.

3. Broccoli is another food that will surely benefit you. Not only is it known for helping fight cancer, the folic acid it contains also helps ward off stress. In fact, folic acid is known not only to relieve stress but also to fight off panic, anxiety, as well as depression.

4. Eating whole grain pasta or rice is also a great way to combat stress. Carbohydrates actually help boost levels of serotonin, which explains why many women who pig out on ice cream during a season of heartbreak find it strangely soothing and calming. Of course, whole grain carbohydrates will be the best choice, as simple carbs, especially sugars, only give you a temporary boost—which, unfortunately, is followed by a dip. Also, simple carbs will also result in more weight gain, giving you more things to stress about after a while.

5. Believe it or not, sushi is also a great stress reliever for more reasons that one: sushi comes with fish, which already have high levels of B vitamins. In addition to that, the seaweed used in these rolls is rich in magnesium and also comes laden with pantothenic acid, which contributes greatly to the health of one’s adrenal glands. These glands are crucial when it comes to managing stress.

6. Milk is another food that helps improve one’s disposition, thanks to its high levels of B vitamins. Cottage cheese is another dairy product that contains high levels of B vitamins.

7. Cantaloupe is also a good choice, thanks to its high levels of vitamin C. This vitamin also plays a vital role in fighting stress, as the presence of this vitamin in the adrenal glands tends to be depleted during prolonged stressful periods.

8. Beef contains high levels of B vitamins, zinc, and iron, giving you reason to enjoy that huge steak. Still, you will need to pay attention to the saturated fat it contains, too, which means you can only enjoy beef to a certain extent, preferably with the leanest cuts available.

From these choices, you can likely find a new game plan to use during your next stress breakdown, and you will definitely enjoy a quicker pickup compared to your usual list of comfort food!

MEGA HEALTH - Introduction to Stretch Marks

2011-11-13T00:23:00.000-08:00

MEGA HEALTH - Properly called as striae, stretch marks are a skin problem that many men and women face today. Stretch marks are actually considered as a form of scarring that happens when the second layer of the skin, which is the dermis, is stretched or expanded beyond its limits. There are several areas in the body where stretch marks may appear but usually in body parts where there is a large fat deposit such as the thigh, the buttocks, the legs, the belly, and the breasts. Stretch marks may appear reddish in color especially when it is newly formed, however, their visibility may gradually decrease over time. While stretch marks are generally harmless, many people, especially women prefer to have them removed as they can alter the appearance of body parts where they appear.

There are many theories as to why stretch marks are formed, and while most people think they are a result of rapid weight gain and weight loss (which is also partly true), studies suggest that they are actually a result of hormonal fluctuations. These hormonal fluctuations usually occur when a person gains weight during puberty and among women, during pregnancy. For men, stretch marks may develop as a result of muscle mass gain when body building. When there is a sudden change in weight, the glucocortisoid hormones in the body may affect the production of collagen and production in the skin. And since these two are what mainly gives the skin form and structure, the skin may lose support and begin to sag when collagen and elastin production is disturbed, thus, the development of stretch marks.

Again, stretch marks are not considered a harmful condition and will in no way ever produce a negative effect to the health. However, since they are too unsightly to look at sometimes, many people choose to have them gotten out of the way. While there are those who believe stretch marks can be removed naturally, many still prefer to opt for the fast and easy way, which is through surgery. One of the most common form of surgery for stretch marks is the Laser stretch mark removal. In this conventional procedure, stretch marks are removed through the use of a laser beam that zaps the damaged skin tissues. This may be a very quick solution for stretch marks but can also rather be expensive.

Another method is microdermabrasion. Just like in laser surgery, stretch marks are blasted in this procedure, only that aluminum oxide crystals are used instead of laser beams. Finally, there’s Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck as many people prefer to call it. This procedure is actually a form of plastic surgery designed to get rid of stretch marks by removing excess fat from within the belly area or abdomen. Once all the excess fat have been removed, the skin in the tummy is then “tucked” or sutured back into place.

Surgical procedures for stretch marks are very popular and are preferred by many men and women. However, there are those who find such methods too expensive and too risky. For that reason, home remedies for stretch marks were developed. Among the most common stretch marks home remedies include stretch marks creams and lotions, aloe vera gel, shea butter, and cocoa butter. There are also those who try chemical peels for removing stretch marks, however, most medical experts do not advise them since their effectiveness is only limited to the outer layer of the skin. Furthermore, experts suggest that if you want to treat stretch marks effectively, you have to use a product that has the capability of penetrating deep into the skin and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Otherwise, do not waste your money on commercial products that do not deliver what they promise.

Aside from surgical procedures and home remedies, other effective ways in dealing with stretch marks are regular exercise and a well-balanced diet. While there is no proof whether certain foods can contribute to the elimination of stretch marks or not, eating the right foods that help control your weight will definitely help as well as performing firming exercises such as brisk walking, cycling, and many more.

MEGA HEALTH - Revitalize Your Skin with Papaya

2011-11-13T00:19:00.000-08:00

MEGA HEALTH - You will notice that many skin care products today contain papaya. That’s because this common fruit has more to offer you than its delicious taste. Papaya is actually rich in vitamins and nutrients that are essential for the repair of damaged skin cells and is therefore a very effective way to get rid of the early signs of aging such as wrinkles and blemishes. One of the most well-known benefits of papaya to the skin is that helps whiten dark spots; that’s why you often see it contained in skin whitening soap and creams. But do you know that papaya also has the ability to help tighten the skin and eliminate skin sagging and wrinkling? That’s right. That’s why more and more people today who are looking for natural skincare solutions are turning to this wonderful fruit.

Papaya may not be as tasty as other fruits that you know but is nonetheless packed with antioxidants that makes it a natural beauty product. The fruit is very rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant known for its ability to boost collagen and elastin production. Both collagen and elastin are what compose the skin’s structure, but as you grow old, production of these two elements slow down, causing your skin to sag and become dull. With the help of a powerful antioxidant like vitamin C from papaya, the production of these two are enhanced, giving your skin its natural glow once again.

Two other popular vitamins you will find in papaya are vitamins A and E. As we all know, vitamin A is vital for the health of the eyes, but do you know that it is essential for your skin’s health as well? Vitamin A comes in the form of beta-carotene in papaya, and when consumed, it helps curb the negative of UV rays in your skin. Vitamin E on the other hand is a well-known moisturizer, and is also a very popular anti-aging component. These three vitamins alone are enough to take care of the free radicals that destroy skin cells and cause the skin to age prematurely.

It’s not only the papaya that has the ability to revitalize the skin. Even the sap of the fruit contains an enzyme that experts consider to be a natural skin exfoliator. This enzyme is called papain. Papain is a form of pepsin that is commonly found in fruits and vegetables. Generally, papain is given to people who are suffering from digestive problems. However, the enzymes amazing exploits do not end to treating stomach aches and indigestion. Today, there are many skincare products that contain this ingredient especially lotions and topical creams.

That is because papain has the ability to boost the skin’s process of eliminating dead skin cells. When skin cells die, the skin pushes them to the epidermis to slough them off. However, when there is a huge amount of these dead skin cells covering the surface of the skin, the skin will begin to appear dry and dull. That’s where exfoliation comes in. While the skin has a natural way of exfoliating, it is sometimes not enough to get rid of all the dead skin cells, that is why ingredients like papain are needed to help loosen dead cells and get rid of them.

Nowadays, the most common use of papaya is as a skin whitener. It seems that each time a new skin whitening product comes out, you can expect that product to contain papaya as one of its main ingredients. Again, it is the enzyme papain that is believed to be the major component of papaya that helps in skin whitening. However, experts agree that vitamins A, C, and E also play a major part not just in improving the skin’s complexion but also helping it become softer and smoother.

We all know that the health benefits of papaya are not limited to the improvement of the skin’s health. For ages now, papaya has been used as cure for digestive problems. It is also known to improve cardiovascular health and boost the immune system with its rich content of B vitamins, vitamin K, fiber, folate acid, magnesium, and potassium. But above all else, papaya, whether taken as a dessert or applied to the skin as part of a skin care product can surely help revitalize your skin’s health.

MEGA HEALTH - Surgical Amputation

2011-11-12T23:53:00.000-08:00

MEGA HEALTH - In certain scenarios, a body part may be removed accidentally due to trauma or deliberately by surgery due to progressive diseases, congenital deformities, or severe incapacitating injuries. This is called amputation.

Surgical Amputation

Amputation is used to control symptoms, and improve function and a person’s quality of life. This is often made necessary due to complications of diabetes, gangrene, crushing injuries, burns, and malignancies. Of all these causes, diabetes accounts for most amputations of the lower limbs because of poor circulation which may lead to an infection that may spread rapidly.

The goal of the surgery is centered on preservation of the extremity as possible, especially the joints like the knees and elbows. Smaller segments such as the fingers and toes cause minor disruptions with the person’s activities. Prosthesis can be fitted to almost any level of amputation.

Complications

For each surgery, there is always a risk for infection. But the risk is higher after traumatic severance because of a contaminated wound. Apart from that, there is also a potential for massive bleeding because of the severed blood vessels, as well as join contractures. The amputee must be monitored for these complications especially during the early postoperative phase.

Care after Amputation

The primary concern after surgery is wound healing. The remaining limb must be handled carefully to prevent complications from arising. A phantom limb or the sensation of the presence of the amputated limb may be felt. Majority of these sensations are painful and are thought to be caused by severed nerve endings that send unusual signals to the brain that are perceived as pain.

Persons who undergo amputation need support as they grieve with the loss. They may feel devastated even if they were informed of the beforehand. Some may also experience denial and withdrawal. Thus, they should be allocated time to work through their feelings on their body image. At this point, families and friends are very necessary to help the person resolve with the grieving, promote his body image, accept the loss, and care for the residual limb independently. As with any disability, the affected individual should be encouraged to maintain a positive outlook in life and make the most out of the existing capabilities.

MEGA HEALTH - Hammer Toe Surgery

2011-11-12T23:47:00.000-08:00

MEGA HEALTH - Affected by it that automatically bends in a shape of a hammerhead facing outward or even sometimes severely bend inside like a hook or nose of a parrot. The abnormal bending of the finger mounts pressure on the toe while the layman wearing shoes, boots, high pencil heels etc.

The commonest structures for undergoing a surgical treatment therapy is the acute pain and irritations at the toe region, there is build a corn at the upper top skin of the toe. The disease occurs due to constantly experiencing friction in between and at the top of the infected region because footwear softens the region along with moisture or harden the skin surface with contraction to bacteria and other virus formations. At the bottom of the hammertoe develops another type of disease termed as calluses. It usually, in most of the cases develops at the ball of the foot toe. Certain non-invasive measures and precautions are adopted initially before exposing the patient to undergo surgical treatment because that is necessary as suggested by the surgeon. The corns aren’t easily removed that is why surgical treatment becomes essential.

The surgery corrects the tendon muscles and balances it so that further deformities can be overcome easily. The ankle surgeon suggests hosts of surgical treatment or hammertoe disease such as trimming the calluses and corns surfaces with special sophisticated tools that is rather impossible through non-surgical ways because there emerges the risk of cuts and bruises at the delicate skin surface thereby the ankle surgeon systematically knows as to where to cut and how deep should be the surgical incision if required by the surgeon.

The surgery requires protection of prescribed bandages or cushioned pads to shield away the corns and calluses. It is performed as to avoid as the infection do not becomes rigid in nature and the patient might be relieved by the acute pain at the top of the hammertoe skin. Arthroplasty is the surgical removal of the tiny section of the raised bone from the impinged on muscle joint. The bone if not thoroughly discarded initially could effect the infection to severe more as it is an extra increase of bone at the area required by the surgeon.

Anthrodesis as surgery is carried out when multiple joints of infections involved under the severity. A small joint is fused into the toe in order to straighten it as quickly as possible because in such severity if the bone isn’t aligned according to the problem then overtime the deformity of the joint might even starts pinging internally with increase in pain and anxiety. When the bones are healing automatically a specific pin is inserted into the infected region so that the fixation procedure of the hammertoe deformity comes into then position and no further positioning of the skin surface might not occur in the near future. Hammertoe surgery also demands wedging of the skin surface sometimes when the condition isn’t so much acute in nature. Through such technique the lengthening of the skin and joint bone is estimated to rebalance the tendon surface and relocate the bones near the surrounding regions of the leg skin region.

Bunions of the toe are also taken good care by surgeons under the surgical treatments. The surgical pads recommended by the surgeon shouldn’t emerge any acidic reactions at then infected spot because according to surgeons acid to the area is extremely dangerous. A specific shoe wear shouldn’t be changed for at least six consecutive months as comfortable shoes with roomy box is helpful to protect the softness of the toe skin surface. An orthotic surgical device is placed inside the shoe to protect the toe bone and other related joints of the leg. Ulceration at the pressure point of the hammertoe is too a major requirement for surgery.

MEGA HEALTH - Spun All The Natural Herbal Sex Stimulant

2011-11-04T06:50:00.000-07:00

MEGA HEALTH -One of the most damaging things that can occur to a man and their psyche is the inability to maintain an erection when they are with their partner. Given how much people pride them on sexual activity; it is fair to say that anything which causes any difficulty in trying to do so will cause problems for the parties concerned. If the matter continues without any solution, there could be very serious or damaging consequences of the situation and people find they are desperate for any solution. This is why a product offering an erection enhancement is highly desired by many people but the difficulties in getting prescription pills, not to mention the embarrassment that can come along side the purchase, prevents many people from buying the product that will possibly save their marriage.

Thankfully, there is now a legal stimulant that will act as a herbal stimulant to eradicate all problems from the bedroom and ensure that everyone has a smile on their face. You can say goodbye to the psychologically damaging effects of erectile dysfunction with Spun, the product that gets to work fast in order to ensure you are ready for action whenever you need to be. Whilst both partners will feel the benefit of using the product, it should be noted that it is not only for the male. In fact, this product is recognised as a sex enhancer for both and women. This means if you are looking for a little something to put an extra bit of kick into the evening, there is a helping hand.

When two people are in the mood, there is usually very little that can stop them from getting in on and having a great time but many people are looking to add a little bit extra to their excitement and a product like Spun does the job perfectly. When both partners take the Herbal Stimulants, they will find their senses are heightened leading to a greater pleasure and satisfaction in the bedroom. There can be many reasons why people find themselves too tired or too distracted to be really in the mood when it comes to love making but if they are in need of a little extra impetus, they have the perfect solution at hand.

The fact that the product comes from herbal sources and is perfectly legal takes another weight off the mind and should ensure people have enough confidence to try the product and really go wild. Many folk are put off from really going wild with desire because of the concerns over the legality or side effect of any product they may be taking but there are none of these concerns here. For men and women who want to get the very best from life and make their evening go with a bang, there is not a better product to be found on the market than Spun. Whether you are in a long term relationship or looking to start a new one in the best possible fashion, looking for a natural stimulant will provide the solution to all of your problems.

MEGA HEALTH - Herbal Insomnia Remedies

2011-11-04T06:45:00.000-07:00

MEGA HEALTH -Poor sleep can affect all aspects of life. It can cause depression, anxiety, weight gain, or unhealthy skin, and it can get in the way of your work, your home life, and your exercise routine. Unfortunately, because of the busy nature of modern life, more people than ever are suffering from insomnia, and many people don’t think of it as a serious health problem. Instead, they consider it to be a fact of life that just comes with being an adult.

However, this is the wrong approach. Getting enough sleep can have astonishingly positive effects on one’s life. In fact, it’s an essential part of a formula of good health that leads to happiness and well-being. Without it, you will never be as physically and mentally healthy as you could be.

There is a range of remedies for insomnia, and many people use a combination of things. The most important thing is to have a healthy diet and to get plenty of exercise. If you can accomplish that, some combination of medication and other types of therapy should do the trick.

Many people are uncomfortable with prescription sleep medications. They’re made of strange laboratory-produced chemicals, and they often have startling side effects. That’s why herbal remedies are sometimes the best solution, particularly for people whose insomnia is moderate or sporadic. Here are just a few herbs that are known to have sleep-promoting properties.

Chamomile: Chamomile is a mild sedative, which is why many people take it before bed. It relaxes the nerves and calms any anxieties lingering from your day. It also tastes good; try drinking a cup of chamomile tea 1 to 2 hours before putting your head on the pillow.

St. John’s Wort: St. John’s Wort is regarded as a sort of wonder herb with many beneficial properties. Some are well-established, while others have been doubted by various researchers. However, if you ask anyone with experience taking the herb, they will tell you that it has benefits not only for long-term depression, but also for long-term insomnia. Taken daily over an extended period of time, it deepens and lengthens the sleep cycle. Unlike with prescription sleep medications, you have to give this one time to work, rather than expecting results in a single day.

Valerian: Similar to chamomile, valerian root is used mainly as a sedative that helps to calm anxiety and restlessness, which makes it useful for treating mild insomnia. It’s also great as a mild tranquilizer to use during times of heightened stress or mental trauma.

Kava: Although there have been doubt about its long-term benefits, Kava has been proven quite effective as a short-term remedy for headaches, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. It calms the nervous system, which helps relieve stress and promotes relaxation.

Passionflower: Passionflower helps to relieve tension in the muscles, and it can calm stress and anxiety. It has been used in treating withdrawal symptoms for people who are coming off of cocaine or opiates, which is evidence of its calming powers. One of the benefits of passionflower is that it promotes deep sleep while not being addictive and causing no grogginess in the morning.

MEGA HEALTH - How to Deal with Astigmatism in Kids

2011-11-04T06:39:00.000-07:00

MEGA HEALTH -

Astigmatism is a common vision problem, which may occur in people who are not even aware what it is. It is usually typified by a cornea shaped irregularly, although in some cases it may come from the eye lens which are irregularly shaped.
Usually, the condition is hereditary, as the oblong-shaped cornea is something the person is born with. In other cases, it may be caused by eye injury that has led to scarring on the person’s cornea. It may also be caused by certain kinds of eye surgery, or a disease called keratoconus which causes a thinning of the patient’s cornea.
Since astigmatism may sometimes go unnoticed even by adults, it is important you know the signs so that you can detect in your child. A recent study was found by Dr. Karla Zadnik of the School of Optometry at Ohio State University to show over 28 percent of the 2,523 kids studied had astigmatism. This is a very high percentage, and it is extremely difficult for kids when it goes unnoticed. They may already be suffering distorted or blurred vision without complaining about it, when their schoolwork or sports activities already suffer from it.
1. One of the common signs that a child might have astigmatism is frequent headaches with seemingly no cause. Headaches usually centered behind the neck may be connected to astigmatism, and a visit to the optometrist or ophthalmologist might confirm or reject your suspicion.
2. Another clue is when your child brings home notes that you find unintelligible. This may signal that he has trouble seeing the notes on the board to copy them down properly, and has resorted to scribbling whatever suits his fancy.
3. Yet one more way to tell if your child might have astigmatism is if you frequently catch him squinting to see something. Astigmatism can come with both nearsightedness and farsightedness, so you have to be vigilant. You may notice your child squinting to read but have no problem looking at faraway objects, or vice versa. Just pay close attention and if he seems to be squinting far more than you believe necessary, schedule an eye exam for your child right away.
4. If your child plays a sport and you see him fumbling with a ball thrown from some distance away, perhaps you might question his eye-hand coordination, but another possibility is he has astigmatism. Perhaps you will do well to check if he shows any of the other obvious symptoms.
If it is confirmed that your child does have astigmatism, don’t despair. Some types of astigmatism are easy to correct, such as using corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses, or refractive surgery. It may be a little embarrassing for your child if he is the first in his class to get glasses, but in this generation, there are thankfully many stylish glasses for kids. You can go with him to the optometrist and have him pick the glasses he wants.
Or, if he is old enough, you can opt for contact lenses. Many kids fear being labeled a nerd for wearing glasses, so if your child seems responsible enough to handle contact lenses, you can spare him the humiliation. Although it used to be impossible for contact lenses to correct astigmatism, now there are soft contact lenses that come built-in with a special correction. Just make sure to consult your ophthalmologist, as he would be the best person to know if your child’s eyesight can be corrected with contact lenses.
In some cases, the astigmatism may be too severe for corrective glasses or contact lenses, but don’t jump to conclusions just yet no matter how far-fetched you perceive your child’s eyesight problem to be. These are very few compared to total cases of astigmatism, and most likely your child’s eyesight can be corrected over a few years of faithfully wearing his glasses. Indeed, you will need to help him remember to keep his glasses on and encourage him to do so. By the time it is fully corrected, he can say goodbye to his glasses and enjoy the following years without the burden of taking his glasses everywhere.

MEGA HEALTH - Different Types of Multivitamins

2011-11-04T06:36:00.000-07:00

MEGA HEALTH -

Multivitamins help a person get the complete nutrients needed for a healthy body. But, with many supplements available today, it’s easy for the average person to get confused. To help you get educated as to what type of multivitamin you should purchase for your specific needs, here is a list of the different types of supplements, what you can get from them and what you should remember before buying any.
1. Basic Multivitamins
The basic all-in-one pill contains a complete load of all the vitamins and minerals you need for the whole day as recommended by the Institute of Medicine (National Academy of Sciences). Basic multis will be able to benefit your body with what a recommended daily allowance (RDA) table suggests like folic acid and vitamins A, B, C, D and E. The best part is you don’t need to take several tablets a day to get the necessary nutrition. However, there are certain minerals that a multivitamin pill contains as well but somehow do not meet the RDA. Examples of these minerals are calcium, magnesium and iron. You can take additional supplements of these minerals but only under your doctor’s advice.
2. Chewable Multivitamins for Adults
These are like basic multivitamin tablets but the only difference is you can chew them first instead of taking them in whole. This is a great feature especially for someone who doesn’t have the skill of swallowing pills. They also work for those who have a hard time breaking down pills and ending up with a queasy feeling in their stomach. Please take note that adult chewable multivitamins are totally different from those tasty candy-like chewables for kids. Naturally, children’s vitamins do not contain the same amounts of vitamins and minerals that an adult body requires. Sadly, they do not taste anything close to the chewable ones your kid takes.
3. Food-Based Supplements
This type of multivitamins is mainly powdered fruits, vegetables and other food elements combined with vitamins and formed into tablets or capsules. Its advantage is that it lessens the possibility of causing an upset stomach because the vitamins are combined with real food which the body can absorb a lot easier. In effect, food-based supplements are safe to take in even on an empty stomach. You might think that this type of vitamins are the more “natural” stuff but the truth is, they are almost just the equivalent of synthetically manufactured ones.
4. Specific Multivitamins
Specific multis are specially formulated for a targeted condition like pregnancy or for someone who is going through a certain condition like osteoporosis, eye problems or heart disease. For these people, there are certain vitamins and nutrients that their bodies need more or need less. A good example is a pregnant female who needs to take pre-natal vitamins that contain higher amounts of folic acid which helps prevent defects on babies. What you need to keep in mind about specially-formulated multivitamins, especially the ones made for joint problems, is that they do not have enough scientific proof to back up their therapeutic claims. Even if they are not harmful in general but it is best to seek your doctor’s approval before including them in your daily diet.
5. Multivitamins for Women
These are enhanced vitamins that contain higher levels of nutrients specifically needed by a woman’s body. Women’s multis may come in different formulations for certain age groups. But in general, this type of vitamins can definitely give any female the required daily allowance of nutrients such as calcium, iron and folic acid. For women aged 50 and above, you will notice that it contains more iron and vitamins E and C. Make sure that you ingest these tablets with a full stomach because iron can rub your stomach the wrong way.
6. Multi-Pill Packs
These are individually packed tablets of different vitamins and minerals that should work collectively. Vitamin D, Omega-3 fatty acids, and calcium are just some of the good stuff that is not regularly included in basic multivitamins but can be found in multi-pill packs of multivitamins.
7. Powdered Multivitamins
This kind of multivitamins is like powdered juice that you have to mix with fluid, but the difference is it has a bitter aftertaste. One tablespoon to be mixed with water, fruit juice or smoothie can go a long way since it’s already packed with nutrients that you can get from a number of tablets. Multivitamins in powder form contain nutrients that can be absorbed a lot easier by the body compared to tablets that contain binding agents and fillers that make it harder for the body to break down.

MEGA HEALTH - Important Information on Amputation

2011-11-04T06:31:00.000-07:00

Surgical Amputation

Complications

Care after Amputation

MEGA HEALTH - 4 things you should ask your gynecologist

2011-11-04T06:26:00.000-07:00

MEGA HEALTH - Nobody wants to linger at the gynecologist’s clinic: the faster you get out of there, the better, right? Breast exams, pelvic exams, and pap smears are hardly the most comfortable experiences, and if you could get away with not having them, you probably with.

Do you know that there are things you would be better off asking your gynecologist instead of rushing through your consultation? As a medical expert given the responsibility of overseeing your health, gynecologists actually want you to be open with them. After all, they cannot very well deal with issues that you have not opened up with them about. In fact, this is truer for women who are in their 20s and 30s, deemed to be the prime of health; typically, women of this age just visit the gynecologist perhaps to get a required form filled out or to get a new prescription for pills. Generally, they leave right after those needs are met, resulting in important information being overlooked. These issues include possibly crucial health problems, ranging from sexual satisfaction to HIV testing.

The following are four things that you should ask your gynecologist, as she will likely be more than willing to help you sort through them as long as you ask:

1. Should I have tests done for sexually transmitted diseases? A common predicament among gynecologists is the lack of honesty among their patients regarding their sexual activity. The doctor will be much more able to help if the patient would at least share a possibly risk-taking sexual lifestyle. These experts actually desire to be able to help their patients become educated about certain risks, as well as to help them avoid contracting serious diseases. Proper education is deemed to be an important key for proper avoidance. With the patient’s sharing of crucial info, the doctor will no longer be limited to simply waiting for symptoms of STDs to occur, but she may also recommend an increased frequency of Pap smears, if high-risk HPV is detected; this is because the human papillomavirus is a link to cervical cancer. If there is sexual promiscuity, a doctor may recommend annual tests for HIV, or even tests for hepatitis C.

2. Can I use a different contraceptive? If you have been using a certain contraceptive for the past few months or years, there is always room for something that could possibly work better. For example, if you have been using pills and yet keep forgetting to take them on schedule, asking your doctor for another recommendation will help you greatly.

3. How do I deal with my incontinence? Majority of young women refuse to bring up incontinence, although as high as 20% of them undergo the condition either in their teens, in their 20s or in their 30s. Only about 50% of these women who have the problem dare to share the problem with their doctor. Incontinence can come about after childbirth, while many other factors can influence it, too, such as high intake of caffeine, artificial sweeteners, hot peppers, or iced drinks. Doctors will typically recommend Kegel exercises to “retrain” your bladder, as it has been proven to work 80% of the time.

4. How do I deal with sexual problems? Indeed, this question causes the biggest squirming among doctors and patients alike. But the gynecologist will likely be the best person to help you deal with them. Sometimes, medication plays a crucial role in lowering libido in women. Your doctor will be able to check for physical causes of pain or discomfort during intercourse, and if not, she may refer you to a sex therapist.

These four issues a

re among those that most women are embarrassed about to ask their gynecologists. But in the end, it is well worth it to get past the shyness and simply share what’s on your mind; after all, doctors are gifts to help take care of you, and it would be in your best interest to take full advantage of their skills and knowledge. As with most health issues, it is always better to be safe than sorry, and the earlier you bring up your concerns, the faster it will likely be to find a solution!

MEGA HEALTH - When Life Gets Hard because of Gallstones

2011-11-04T06:11:00.000-07:00

MEGA HEALTH -Have you ever experienced an unbearable pain on the upper right part of your stomach coupled with nausea, bloating, or the urge to throw up? If yes, then this could be a symptom of gallstones blocking your bile duct.

Your gallbladder is responsible for receiving and storing bile, a fluid released by your liver essential for digesting fat. However, when the amount of cholesterol (and sometimes, calcium) becomes too much for the bile to process, the remains may harden and become gallstones. These, in turn can be stuck in the bile tube where the bile flows through to reach the small intestine.

The size of the stones can range from a pea-sized grain to the size of an egg. Many people who have them may not be aware of their condition because the symptoms are not always present. Gallstones are very common and there are millions who are diagnosed with it. A lot of them even go through surgery to have their gallbladders removed because of accumulated gallstones.

Just like any disease, what you eat is one of the top causes of gallstones. Since bile is the substance the body uses to breakdown fat, regularly consuming fatty foods or foods high in sugar and protein makes one at risk of having this condition. Just the same, if the cholesterol level in your body is high, or if you are allergic to certain foods, and if you have gone through something that made you lose weight rapidly, these makes you prone to stones in the gallbladder.

Obesity among women with children is another risk factor. This is because during pregnancy, there is an imbalance of bile acids and cholesterol and this increase the chances of a woman to develop gallstones. Again, watching your weight gain by having a pregnancy meal plan, avoiding too much sweets and fatty foods, drinking lots of liquids and involving yourself into safe exercises for pregnant moms will be beneficial not just for the baby but for your body as well.

A change in diet can help those with gallstones and those who want to avoid it. According to health experts, lowering your intake or completely removing saturated fat and hydrogenated fats like red meats, fried foods, margarine and commercial oils from your diet is effective. You should also reduce on sugary foods, chocolate, coffee and snacks loaded with refined carbohydrates. Food supplements like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Taurine, Lecithin, essential fatty acids and hydrochloric acid can be your reliable assistants in fighting the risks of forming gallstones.

If you already have gallstones, it will be highly beneficial for you to stick to a low-fat meal plan but high in raw foods. Replace your red meats with lots of grilled fish and fiber-rich fruits and veggies like tomatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, lemons, apples, grapes, oranges, celery, melons and dates. Instead of sodas, satisfy your thirst with plenty of water and fresh juice like beetroot juice for its liver and blood cleansing power.

Several herbs and spices aid in improving this gallbladder condition, namely turmeric, dandelion, peppermint, milk thistle and artichoke. Most of these herbs are known traditionally for the healing benefits they give to the liver and gallbladder. Dandelion root is a treatment used for improving the liver and promoting the production of bile while milk thistle is known for its ability to support, cleanse, repair and protect the liver, as well as lower cholesterol levels in the bile. Others like artichoke and turmeric are known for their effectiveness in reducing and dissolving cholesterol.

In using these herbal remedies, one should still practice care and have the right knowledge on how it should be administered to get the results they want. Also, it is essential to know what typical dosage to take for maximum effectiveness and find out if they have no allergies to these herbs and spices. Generally, herbal medicines are not safe to take for pregnant women.

For most doctors, surgery is the better treatment for gallstones than drugs. When you say surgery, it involves the removal of the gallbladder. On the other hand, there are new techniques used for laser surgery, which results to minimal cut and give way to fast recovery. Lithotripsy, another new treatment disintegrate the stones using sonic shock waves, while another method dissolves the stones with a solution administered to the gallbladder through a tube. In the end your doctor will be the best person to recommend the treatment that is best for you.

MEGA HEALTH - Exercise Can Fight Sluggishness

2011-11-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

MEGA HEALTH - Some people wonder why they feel tired all the time. They wonder if they're getting enough vitamin supplements, so they stock up on those. They think they're not getting enough sleep, so they try to squeeze in a nap or two and wind up napping all day and still feel exhausted. They pinpoint too much activity causing their tiredness, and try to cut back on an already lax schedule, but still feel tired even when they just spend the day lounging on the couch watching soap operas. Perhaps they haven't reconciled their sluggishness to a lack of physical activity instead of an excess of it. Sometimes when a person feels slothful, it can also be caused by a lack of activity, or more specifically, a sense of boredom. In that case, exercise can actually provide a solution.

First off, exercise increases metabolism rates. The increased efficiency means that the food you eat will get all the nutrients delivered straight to their targets. This solves the problem of whether you are getting enough nourishment much more than trying to stock up on vitamins while not getting them infused into your system. Perhaps your organs were a little inefficient prior to the workout routines. When you throw in a little exercise, the improved metabolism will translate into your organs getting the necessary nourishment quickly and efficiently.

Second, the heightened heart rate and breathing that comes from exercise results in a person who feels more alive. This increases body temperature, giving you a boost of energy. This is why some athletes, especially runners, undergo what they call a second wind. Instead of feeling tired a certain time period into a running session, they have a heightened boost of energy that enables them to speed off much faster than before. The same thing happens when a person exercises. After the initial trouble of getting up and moving, a sort of second wind happens wherein he gets the needed energy boost that gets him going for a long time more. You will find that you actually enjoy getting active, and will want to do it over and over!

Next, exercise makes you concentrate on a certain task. For example, instead of lounging around thinking of worrisome realities, when you exercise, you wind up focusing on getting the correct movement and it may temporarily chase away the worries. It also fights boredom by giving you something to look forward to on the daily schedule. This is especially true when you set a regular schedule for your workout. Instead of wandering around looking for things to do, you at least have something set for that given time, getting you off your butt and onto the exercise equipment.

Lastly, exercise releases endorphins or happy hormones, which are responsible for the good mood that people feel. Being in a happy mood means you will be less prone to feel bored, whether or not you are doing something, therefore making you less susceptible to sluggishness. After all, sometimes a main cause of wanting to spend hours in front of the TV is boredom or a sense of exhaustion that may not actually be physically caused. At least when you get a dose of the happy hormones, you will feel active and ready to take on the world no matter what the cost. The happy feeling actually even stays much longer than the actual exercise itself, so you can see how, even after you wrap up your workout session, you will find yourself longing to keep being active and productive.

Once you understand the role that exercise plays in stirring you up from sluggishness, you will find yourself wanting to get moving. You will find yourself excited to shake off that perennial exhaustion and finally feel alive and kicking once again. Finally, there is a solution that does not require any expensive investment! After all, working out can be done right in your own home or perhaps right outside your front door. Rest assured, you will definitely see results even on the first workout session you embark on, because exercise can do wonders even to the most amateur or workout enthusiasts! Try it and see how it helps you feel much more active and excited for life.

MEGA HEALTH - Why are Anxiety Disorders becoming More Common

2011-11-04T05:57:00.000-07:00

MEGA HEALTH - Anxiety disorders used to be limited to certain personality types in the last generation. Referring to a chronic condition of being anxious over a prolonged period of time, the disorder can occur in many forms. The most commonly-publicised disorder is obsessive-compulsive disorder, although there are also other forms, such as panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and phobias.

Research has shown that currently, though, The Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) estimates that there are over 40 million Americans who suffer from anxiety disorders, with the younger generations more likely to be affected than older ones.

Why is this so? Anxiety disorders are typically caused by extreme and consistent worry. Experts who have analyzed the conditions over the past few years are quick to point to the many traumatic experiences that have transpired: for example, the Census Bureau estimates that the American’s average income has dropped by close to 10 percent ever since the recession began in 2008. In fact, they believe that this financial crunch has had as much of a traumatic effect on Americans as the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001. The difference, they say, was that the 9/11 attack caused fears of terrorist attacks, while the financial crisis has spurred an extended existential worry about the future.

Is it really that serious a cause of anxiety disorders? Clinical psychologists have found that pervious generations mainly focused on getting a good education, trusting that that would lead them to a good job. In contrast, the young generation of today are not only worried about the possibility of not finding a job, they also tend to be in more debt, while some of them are even working while studying, postponing studies, starting families while going to school, or doing a myriad of other multi-tasking that eventually leads to much stress.

This means that experts actually believe that these years are more ridden with anxiety than even the 1930s Great Depression. Professors who are studying the changes over the generations report that rates of anxiety have risen steadily since that time, through both good and bad economic periods.

Among the causes of the extreme changes in the culture that the United States has undergone since then is the constant refrain of telling the young ones they can be anything they want to be, including the big bank accounts, the big job titles, the perfect body, and so on and so on. This reportedly places a lot of pressure on their shoulders. Also, these things may not necessarily manifest right away, or at all, causing much anxiety about how hard a person needs to work to achieve them, while also causing a deep-setting fear of failure.

In addition to the seemingly unrealistic expectations that result in frustration, the constantly-changing world also has the tendency to give young people a sense of being left behind. Interestingly, even technology that is supposed to be beneficial is seen as a culprit behind heightened anxiety levels, as iPhones and laptop e-mail inboxes are constantly pinging.

Of course, anxiety that is experienced every so often is, just like stress, a natural part of life. The emotional reaction actually aids us in recognizing potential threats and dealing with them. When maintained at healthy levels, anxiety may actually help a person to become more focused, thus performing better. But when the anxiety levels blow out of proportion, the effect is usually counterproductive and even debilitating. Doctors generally judge anxiety as not being normal when it lasts over a period of days even after the stressful trigger has passed, or when it becomes a hindrance in some areas of an individual’s life.

If, therefore, the external factors are among those that cause the rise of anxiety disorders, how may they be dealt with? Experts believe that exercise plays a vital role in stress management, as does changes in one’s diet. Eating more fruits and vegetables reportedly improves one’s emotional well-being, as well as the reduction of intake of alcohol and caffeine. Interestingly, alcohol is typically hailed for its relaxing effects, but in the long run, it has been shown to have a link to depression. In the end, no matter what external factors may be at play, knowing how to deal with them will help reduce the possibility of an individual’s suffering from anxiety disorders. Stress management may be one way, although having a proper mindset of looking forward to a good future may prove to be much more effective in the long run.

MEGA HEALTH - Strength Training to Tone Your Muscles

2011-11-04T05:49:00.000-07:00

MEGA HEALTH - Do you frown whenever you see a cute sleeveless top, knowing you could never wear it because of the sagging skin under your arms? Do you sometimes bemoan the fact that your upper arms look like loose chicken wings? Do you find yourself struggling to fit into a pair of jeans because everything on your legs feels loose? Then perhaps it is time to hit a fitness regimen of some sort! But perhaps you have heard before that you will need to undergo a strict cardiovascular program in order to lose the excess fat. But do you know that there is a better way to tone those muscles?

Many women shy away from strength training thinking that it is only designed to bulk up muscles like the ones you see on the Incredible Hulk. Naturally, the average woman would not want her muscles to look like that, with the exception of those who are actually proud of their biceps on the covers of Sports Illustrated. But strength training is indeed not only limited to giving you large bulky muscles. If you know how to do it properly, it can actually tone your muscles and enhance your silhouette! The basic things you need to know about strength training are as follows:

1. The effects of strength training differ based on the weight that you carry. In order to bulk up, you need to workout with heavy weights, or those that you cannot lift more than five times per set. This builds strength, which results in the bulky muscles. So if you want to tone your muscles, opt for weights that you can lift at twenty times per set, and do three sets at a time. What happens is that you are building endurance, and your muscles break down and then repair themselves into longer, leaner form.

2. Take important note of the principle of rest. What happens during strength training is that the muscles break down from the strain, and then they rebuild themselves. This is why personal trainers and experts require at least a 24-hour gap between strength training sessions. If you go to a gym, they will likely instruct you to do strength training three times a week and intersperse those times with two or three times of cardiovascular exercise. This is in order to give your muscles time to recuperate and build themselves back up. If you fail to give them the rest they need, you will wind up with injured muscles.

3. Strength training may not necessarily make you lose more weight than cardiovascular training, but it will usually make you look leaner and fitter. This is because strength training builds muscle, and muscle is heavier than fat. So do not worry if your scale tells you that you are not losing weight as fast as you would like, since doing strength training will definitely burn up your fat but build up muscle mass in exchange.

4. The good news is, in the long run, muscles burn more calories than fat, even at rest. This means that the muscles you build up will help you burn even when you are just sleeping or doing nothing, which protects you from gaining back unwanted weight even if you wind up eating a little too much sometimes. Or, once you stop exercising, you still have a leeway of about a few months as the muscles continue to burn extra calories. You will only wind up gaining back weight once the muscle tone itself wears off, which you would not want to happen anyway!

5. Lastly, be sure to do your workouts properly. Working out with dumbbells is a lot more complicated than riding an exercise bike because you need to know the proper way to hold and lift them or else you risk injury. If you do not have a personal trainer, check magazines for illustrations, or better yet, find how-to videos on the Internet for the proper form. It will serve you well in the long run as you start to see the results you desire.

Now that you know that working with weights can actually work for your benefit, go ahead and buy a couple of dumbbells, and tone those muscles up for a better-looking, better-feeling you!

Habits to Keep the Brain Healthy

2011-10-16T02:43:00.000-07:00

MEGA HEALTH -The brain is considered as the central processing unit of the human body. It is the main organ that controls the rest of the bodily parts. And since the brain is like a muscle, it needs to be exercised regularly in order for it to stay in optimum condition.

It’s true that every organ in the body has an important role to play, but besides the heart, the brain is one organ you would want to keep healthy all the time. It is through the brain that we learn, think, and remember things, and if we fail to maintain its health, we may end up with a high risk for degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. It’s a good thing that there are several things you can do to take proper care of your brain so that you don’t easily succumb to mental problems and brain diseases.
Stress is the number one cause of diseases and disorders in the bodily organs. If you want to maintain the youth and health of your brain, do your best to get rid of the stressors in your life. When you are under severe stress, hormones called cortisol rush to the hippocampus, the part of your brain that stores short term memory. When there’s too much cortisol rushing to the hippocampus, brain cells may die and result to poor learning and memory function. To avoid short term memory loss and improve your brain function, try some relaxation techniques that will help you eliminate or at least control stress. When you’re stressed, take long deep breaths to allow more oxygen to enter your brain. This encourages relaxation and helps improve your focus and concentration.
Sometimes, stress can be a result of lack of sleep. For your information, sleeping helps improve the brains health not only by reducing stress. Sleep is designed to allow damaged tissues in your body to heal. During sleep time, your body repairs the part of your brain that holds your memories together, making it an excellent activity to boost your long-term memory. Even a short nap during the day can boost the health of brain significantly. Some establishments in America allow their employees to take 20 minute power naps in the afternoon because they believe it can help improve their performance at work. This is quite true because according to studies, people who get at least 8 hours of sleep every day have sharper memories than those who only get 4-5 hours of sleep.
Speaking of sharper memory, playing brain games like scrabble, crossword puzzle, and Sudoku can richly enhance your mental ability. Whenever you spend time brainstorming or thinking hard on how you can win in Mastermind, the hippocampus in your brain generates new cells. The more mental stimulation and mental excitement you experience, the better.
Another more exciting way to improve your brain’s health is by feeding it. According to scientists, your thinking and your memory is greatly influenced by the kind of food that you eat. Since your brain is made up mainly of fat, what better way to fee it than by eating more fat? When we speak of fat, we’re referring to healthy fat or monounsaturated fat that you get from olive oil, avocado, canola oil, and nuts. If you’re not aware of it, Omega-3 that’s considered a brain food is actually a form of polyunsaturated fat. Include more Omega-3 –rich foods in your diet like tuna, sardines, salmon and mackerel. Other rich sources of Omega-3 are dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, asparagus, and broccoli. Alternatively, you can also improve your intake of Omega-3 by taking supplements.
Aside from monounsaturated fat, your brain also needs protein in order to function properly. Protein found in eggs, poultry, and fish increases serotonin in the brain. This chemical helps boost the feelings of the well-being of a person. In short, it acts like a “feel-good” chemical, just like endorphin. Endorphin, likewise, is a chemical released by the brain during physical activities like exercising. That makes regular physical exercise an excellent way to maintain the health of the brain as well. Each time you work a sweat by performing your favorite workout routine, you are actually promoting circulation of both blood and oxygen to the brain.
There is no question that your brain controls most of your bodily functions. By keeping it on top condition all the time, you can keep your overall health in check as well.

MEGA HEALTH - 3 Natural Treatments for Thinning Hair

2011-10-16T01:31:00.000-07:00

MEGA HEALTH - The more scientists learn about male pattern baldness, the clearer it becomes that genetics are one of the main contributors to hair loss. Some of us are genetically predisposed to start thinning in our 20s, some of us in our 40s, and some of us never at all. When this predisposition is genetic, it unfortunately cannot be changed without very expensive medical intervention, usually involving laser treatments, transplants, or hair grafts.

But what we have to remember is that predisposition is never a sure bet. If you are predisposed to hair loss, you can still keep your scalp in good shape by living a healthy lifestyle and not engaging in any behaviors that do damage to the scalp or otherwise contribute to hair loss.

If you want to increase your chances of keeping your hair, try these natural treatments for hair loss:

1. Herbal supplements: There are several types of herbs and herb complexes that have been found to decrease hair loss. While they may not be able to restore hair that has already been lost, they can at least slow down the process. Here are a few of the most popular herbal supplements for hair loss:

• Saw palmetto: From the saw palmetto tree that grows in the southeastern U.S., this herb is thought to have the same effects as the prescription drug Propecia, blocking the types of hormones that lead to hair loss.

• Green tea: Like saw palmetto, this herb shifts the hormonal balance within the body and makes the effects of hair loss less severe.

• Other herbal supplements: Other herbs that have been shown to have anti-hair-loss properties include ginger, apple cider vinegar, and licorice extract.

2. Caffeine: Several studies in recent years have shown that topical application of caffeine can have real anti-balding benefits. Since this news became public, several companies have released shampoos that contain caffeine, and this may be the best route for applying caffeine to the scalp. In order for caffeine to be effective, it has to be applied topically. Drinking it doesn’t have the same effect.

3. Lifestyle treatments: Ultimately, the best way to treat hair loss is to live a healthy lifestyle in every possible way. For example, certain types of exercise have the effect of reducing free testosterone in the circulatory system, and this can translate into a decreased risk of baldness. Having a toned and moderately muscular body helps establish the right balance of testosterone.

Meanwhile, reducing stress is always a good idea, and it also helps to get at least 8 hours of sleep per night. If you can combine these things with a balanced diet and plenty of exercise, your scalp will thank you.

MEGA HEALTH -Working from a Mindset of Rest

2011-10-15T02:51:00.001-07:00

MEGA HEALTH - Have you ever tried working on a day when you got off on the wrong side of the bed? Perhaps you spent the night worrying about things, such as your finances, your future, or even important relationships in life, that you hardly slept a wink. Or it could be that your sleep was laden with nightmares of things that you are afraid of but never brought up out in the open. It is definitely not a pretty place to be, right? No matter how much you enjoy your work, your day seems to start dragging on right from the very first minute, every thing feeling swamped with stress and pressure and feeling torturous, resulting in compounded stress; by the end of the day, you are ready to collapse in bed from exhaustion, while sleep still escapes you because of the many nagging thoughts in your mind.

The human mind is an amazing thing: it can spell the difference between how you work on a daily basis simply based on the mindsets that you have. What does this mean? This means that you have the capacity to change the way things happen in your day, simply by changing your mindset about things. How do you change your lifestyle by changing your mindset, and looking at work from a mindset of rest?

The first thing to understand is that rest is not merely a physical cessation of activity. More importantly, rest refers to a mental and emotional state of mind that is calm and collected. A good description of this would be the word peace: peace is not necessarily the absence of troubles, but rather a peace of mind even in the midst of problems. Rest is the same way; do you know there is a way to operate from rest even when deadlines stumble over each other to knock on your door?

One way to work from a mindset of rest would be to be secure in your identity. What does this mean? This means that you do not base your identity on this next big project, or on your performance on this next big test. Generally, people fall into extreme pressure for themselves, then into stress, and sometimes into depression, when they have such high expectations of themselves. Sure, it works in terms of motivation, but a lot of times, that can backfire. What happens if you fail? Do you beat yourself up and promise to do better next time? This adds more and more pressure for those next few times, making you more stressed out to perform as well as you can.

Consider the difference: if you work on a project knowing that you are already successful, that it does not determine who you are, you will likely find yourself enjoying the task simply as one other thing you love doing. You will definitely see a difference in a work well done simply because you enjoy it compared to a work well done because you were pressured to do it.

Being rested mentally about who you are will also give you permission to rest yourself physically. Perhaps you have seen many professionals forego a couple of nights’ sleep in light of a pressing deadline. Sure, you can opt to do the same if you actually want to do it, but knowing it will not affect your overall identity means you can actually grab a few hours of shut-eye without worrying how it will turn out. This may likely be the reason why people who believe in a Higher Being who is out working on their behalf find it easier to rest in times of high-pressure scenarios, versus those who believe that a Higher Being is out to get them: the latter tend to strive with all that they have to make sure nothing goes wrong. This is the root of an obsessive-compulsive behaviour, which undoubtedly creates layers upon layers of stress and a tightly wound-up set of emotions.

If you happen to be faced with a tough challenge, by all means, do everything you can to make it work. But try to change your mind into knowing that things will work out for your best. If you believe in God, perhaps it is time to start seeing God as a positive force in your life instead of something that will whack you whenever he has the chance. This will definitely spell a difference in the way you work on a daily basis, and your emotional and mental health will thank you for it!

MEGA HEALTH - How Condemnation Causes Depression

2011-10-15T02:34:00.000-07:00

MEGA HEALTH - Psychologists and psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing depression, based on the symptoms. Typically, a depressed person is melancholy, either loses his appetite or overeats, and in some cases, he will not feel like spending time with people. This hermit-type symptom of depression is usually attributed simply to the person being in the blues so much that he just is not in the condition to socialize, which is actually understandable.

But do you know there is an underlying cause why depressed people prefer to hide away from people? If you have ever felt that way, you might recall some of the thoughts that crossed your mind that led you to want to stay away from people. Possible causes would be that you kept getting hurt and frustrated by other people, or that you yourself, during your whole depressed phase, only kept lashing out at other people anyway that you decided staying away would keep you from continuing to hurt the ones you love.

In this case, there is actually a deeper root behind your depression. Could it be that behind your strong façade, you are struggling with condemnation?

The difficult thing about condemnation is that it can come at us from all directions. This means that it can come when other people condemn us for something we did, but it can also come from within us: that is, self-condemnation. It is a natural tendency for people to be conscious of the good and bad things we do; any child who has grown enough to have a conscience undergoes this thought process. Am I doing the right thing? Am in hurting anyone? And no matter how “hard” we build ourselves up to look in front of other people, deep inside, we are bothered by the wrong things we do.

This is why many depressed people go as far as to slash their wrists or do other things to hurt themselves: unconsciously, they think that they’ve done so many wrong things that they deserve the pain, they deserve the punishment. In a similar vein, depressed people who shy away from other people believe that they are better off all by themselves, as they would only wind up hurting everyone else anyway.

But hiding away is never the complete answer. You can stay away from people all you want, but if you still wallow in your depression and condemnation, it will be like a big, dark cell. This is partly the reason why many depressed people find freedom in believing in a God who forgives, and who actually took the punishment upon Himself so that people do not have to be trapped in condemnation.

Although this is a difficult truth to believe, Christians who have gone through depression attest to the faster way they have recovered from depression once they understood that they were forgiven completely. Some who have even developed mental breakdowns have testified to becoming well when they developed this way of thinking. This inherent need for forgiveness among human beings is not something that can be reasoned away, after all. Of course, sceptics would wonder about the reality of this release from condemnation that Christians claim, as to them, it does not seem possible that there could be a God so loving who would come down and take the punishment for people instead of punishing them for their own mistakes and failures.

Whatever you choose to believe, understand that dealing with depression is not limited only to medication or physical aspects of your life. What you think about yourself, about what you deserve, and about the way you treat other people, ultimately affects how you feel on the overall. And whether you like it or not, this will undoubtedly contribute to your chances of getting over your depression, as well as how fast that journey will be. Perhaps believing in a Divine Being who made a way for you to be free might work for you, so it might be worth a shot. After all, you have one life to live, and you can live it to the max!

MEGA HEALTH - Astigmatism: Do you Have it?

2011-10-15T02:30:00.000-07:00

MEGA HEALTH - Perhaps you have undergone recurring headaches that do not seem to have any diagnosis, though they are accompanied with fatigue, inability focusing, and a certain degree of eyestrain. If your doctor does not seem to connect your headache with anything directly relating to your brain, it is possible that you are suffering from eye problems. These, among others, are typical symptoms of astigmatism.

What is astigmatism? Simply put, it is an eye disorder wherein the cornea of the eye, or the lens, is curved in an irregular way. Of course, most people have curvature of these lenses to some degree, but when this curve is severe or extreme, it typically requires correction. This is also the time when symptoms occur. In addition to the headaches and fatigue, severe astigmatism may cause double vision, the constant need of squinting to see objects, as well as blurry sight.
The natural curve of the eye is circular, but a person with astigmatism typically has an almost oval shape of the lens of the eyes. This means that when light comes into the eye, the light is refracted in many directions all at one time; this means that only part of the object in sight is in right focus. All other directions may be blurry. In contrast, a person without astigmatism has light coming into the eye and getting refracted evenly: this means that the person can focus clearly on the objects.
But what causes astigmatism? Experts believe the main cause is heredity. Parents who have astigmatism have a great likelihood of having children who also have it. To dispute misconceptions, reading in low light, a poor diet, or watching the television from too close a viewpoint do not cause astigmatism. Instead, some other causes of astigmatism include injury, disease, surgery-related complications, or pressure on the cornea coming from the eyelids.
How do you know if you have astigmatism? The best way would be to consult an ophthalmologist or an optometrist. A comprehensive eye exam is needed to determine the extent of a person’s astigmatism. The severity of the condition can change over time; this is why eye doctors recommend patients with astigmatism to undergo an eye exam at least yearly.
How is astigmatism treated? Minor cases usually do not need treatment. As for more serious cases, when the condition is found early on, doctors typically prescribe corrective glasses or contact lenses. Corrective glasses are typically worn over a period of time, and the eyes get corrected and the patient will not have to wear them anymore after such time. These are very practical as well as convenient for the patient. The reminder remains, though, that the patient will have to update his prescription regularly as long as he is wearing the glasses. Contact lenses for astigmatism are also available, although these are limited to soft and hard non-disposable lenses, as the plastic lens is designed to reshape the cornea to the prescribed correction.
Other than these non-surgical modes of treatment, astigmatism may also be treated with surgery, although this is generally reserved for the most extreme cases. One of the most common ways of treating astigmatism with surgery is known as conventional LASIK, or Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis. During surgery, a flap of corneal tissue is made with a microkeratome, a mechanical knife. Laser energy is then concentrated to the cornea beneath the flap; after the laser has effectively reshaped that area, the flap is put back in place. Other types of surgery go by many different names, although the basic premise is that it utilizes laser energy to reshape the cornea.
Unfortunately, since astigmatism is hereditary, there has not yet been found any way to prevent the occurrence. The best recourse would be simply for a person to get a diagnosis as early as possible so that corrective treatments may still be done. Fortunately, corrective glasses and contact lenses have been proven to have satisfactory and permanent results in terms of correcting the shape of the cornea. If you are wondering about surgery, be sure to consult your ophthalmologist, as he will be the one to perform a comprehensive evaluation on you to see if you are an ideal candidate for the procedure.

MEGA HEALTH - How to Care for your Ears

2011-10-15T02:00:00.000-07:00

MEGA HEALTH - The ears are one organ of the body where proper care is usually misunderstood. This is a sad case, especially since the ears are very sensitive and play a vital role in our lives: for example, nothing seems to invoke emotions faster than hearing a baby cry or listening to a romantic song on the radio. In addition to being the channels of hearing, the ears also play a crucial role in letting one keep his balance: something that is indispensable in the tasks of everyday life.

Despite these crucial roles that ears play, many people wind up taking them for granted, and only notice them when something seems amiss, such as when there is pain in the ear or an irritating itch that just would not go away. If you have already undergone something like this, you will likely want to know what the best way is to care for your ears:

1. Protect your ears – Even little children know instinctively to cover their ears when they hear loud noises. Indeed, loud noises, especially when exposed to regularly, have a tendency to damage the ears. But these are not the only things from which you should protect your ears. Sudden blows as well as foreign objects can also damage the eardrum, which can result in hearing loss, both temporary as well as permanent. In line with this, be sure to wear protective items for your ears when you are exposed to loud levels of noise, such as leaf blowers, power tools, or other similarly loud objects. This also includes wearing ear plugs at motor sporting events and rock concerts. Be sure also to keep stereos as well as home theatre systems at reasonable volumes.

In terms of foreign objects and blows, be sure you wear a helmet whenever you are involved in activities that pose a risk to your ears, such as biking, skiing, or roller blading. Even more crucial is when you undertake scuba diving: be sure you learn the proper technique to avoid unnecessary buildup of pressure in the ears. As for foreign objects, it does not necessarily refer only things that may accidentally get into your ear, such as insects or construction debris; it also includes Q-tips or other alternative cleaning instrument that you actually deliberately put inside your ear without being careful.

2. Clean your ears properly – Indeed, Q-tips seem to have been designed to clean the ears, but doctors have since held the stand that they are not advisable for use inside the ears. In cleaning your ears, use extra care: start with a washcloth to wipe the outer ear. Some experts have the guideline never to put anything inside the ear that is smaller than one’s elbow. This includes Q-tips as well as bobby pins, or any other sharp or pointed objects. These things have the tendency to injure the eardrum or the ear canal. Understand also that earwax is the natural mechanism that the ear has for cleaning itself; this means that you will not have to worry about getting rid of every last bit of earwax. Of course, the case would be different if the build-up of earwax is already blocking hearing; in that case, visit your ear physician as he will be the best person to remove it.

3. Treat upper respiratory illnesses promptly – Infections in the upper respiratory tract have the tendency to result in ear infections. Some medical conditions also affect hearing. When you have any medical condition and you suddenly experience hearing loss or noise in your head or ears, be sure to consult with an ear doctor immediately. Also, any drainage coming from the ear is not normal and needs to be checked immediately. Also take careful note of prescriptions, as some medications also affect hearing. If you happen to be taking medication and experience balance problems, ringing in the ears, or unusual hearing, consult your doctor immediately.

These basic things to remember should ensure you take good care of your ears. If you experience anything that does not feel like the ordinary with your ears, do not hesitate to consult an ear physician immediately, as it is best to deal with the symptoms as soon as possible.