Be healthy!

Three major rules must lead us in how we choose to eat, food should be nutritious, healthy and protect us, the need to play a role in fighting against diseases. It must have a good look and good taste. There are no good or bad foods, no good or bad diets. If, for example, you eat only fruit and salad all day, a well-garnished hamburger or a large serving of fried fish with potatoes, it may be exactly what your organism needs. Foods contain different amounts of nutrients, but there is no food that can provide all the vitamins and minerals the body needs in appropriate quantities.

As to maintain health and function effectively, the organism needs 13 vitamins and 16 minerals, fats, carbohydrates and proteins. It must also have assured certain phytochemical substances (vegetable substances such as flavonoids and carotenoids) and plenty of water.Eating well and having a good balanced diet will avoid you some weight loss in the future

Eating varying foods in rational proportions, we will get the recommended dose for all key nutrients.

Recommendations

Authorities in the health domains are established as a guide to healthy food, the so-called food pyramid, which puts food on the four main levels and six food groups: bread; fruits; vegetables; meat, fish and their alternatives as for example nuts, legumes and eggs; milk and dairy products; fatty foods and sugar.

MADRID – A team of surgeons has carried out the world’s first full-face transplant on a young Spanish farmer unable to breathe or eat on his own since accidentally shooting himself in the face five years ago.

It was the most extensive operation yet and the 11th known face transplant worldwide.

During the 24-hour surgery, doctors lifted an entire face, including jaw, nose, cheekbones, muscles, teeth and eyelids, and placed it masklike onto the man, Dr. Joan Pere Barret told The Associated Press on Friday.

Transplant experts hailed the surgery, carried out late last month at Barcelona’s Vall d’Hebron Hospital, as a significant advance.

“It is a breakthrough. They are pushing the envelope and I am very happy for them,” said Dr. Thomas Romo, chief of facial and reconstructive surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York.

The Spanish patient, who was not identified, now has a completely new face from his hairline down and only one visible scar, which looks like a wrinkle running across his neck, said Barret, who headed the 30-member surgical team.

The man cannot yet speak, eat or smile, but he can see and swallow saliva, the surgeon said. He is expected to be able to eat and breathe on his own in about a week.

During the daylong operation, Barret said his team cut off the donor’s face below the eye sockets and attached the bone structure along with muscles and nerves to the recipient “in one piece.”

Many women have found that special menopause diets can minimize the symptoms of menopause and make the change of life transition much easier and smoother. Menopause diets are a good alternative to prescribed medication and are good for those who worry about adverse side effects. Most all gynecologists recommend that women who are in their pre-menopause stages adopt a menopause diet and stay on it throughout the transition to reduce stress, reduce symptoms, and to ensure good health.

Black cohosh is one highly recommended herb to add to a menopause diet. Gynecologists urge that women begin using black cohosh for treatment of hot flashes. This herb is quite powerful and shouldn’t be used any longer than six months. If used any longer than this, although there is no exact effects determined, there could be unknown side effects.

Japanese women intake a greater amount of soy in their everyday diet, and they are only 30% as likely to complain of menopause symptoms as women in the United States and other parts of the world. Soy includes estrogen like substances that are often used in menopause diets to help with hot flashes. The best way to take soy is through soymilk or tofu.

There are some things that, unfortunately, are a large part of most everyone’s diet and are hard habits to break. However, these foods have adverse effects and can make menopause symptoms worse. Some of these are tea, alcohol, coffee, spicy food, soft drinks (with caffeine), and smoking. Try and keep high-calorie, sweet junk food to a minimum and eat as little of these as possible.

The main food experts recommend for menopause diets are fruits and vegetables, basically just eating healthy. Boost your intake of fruits such as melons, oranges, and lemons. Potassium, found in bananas, helps with women who retain water. Good vegetables are dark leafy vegetables like collard greens, spinach, cabbage, broccoli, peppers, and tomatoes. Regular fiber intake is also a healthy part of menopause dieting.

Instead of fried foods, try and stick to food that is broiled or baked. Instead of white bread and white rice eat more whole grains, like oats, rye bread, and brown rice. Try not to eat as many regular potatoes, but rather opt for sweet potatoes or pasta. Other good things to add to your everyday diet include, oily fish like mackerel or salmon, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and unprocessed oils for cooking. Other foods that are not so conventional but are recommended are different types of seaweed (ask at your local health food store) like Nori, Kombu, Arame, and Wakame.

A well balanced, nutritious, healthy diet will help reduce symptoms and achieve optimum health in women. The key is to incorporate as many natural foods into your menopause diet as possible.

The major cause of gout is the accumulation of uric acid in the joints. The uric acid is a chemical that is a natural part of the normal breakdown and build up of food in body tissues. The level of uric acid may be found and measured in the blood.

The condition where there is a rise in blood’s uric acid level is called hyperuricaemia. With the presence of such condition it is no wonder that uric acid crystals are formed in the joints. These crystals are responsible for the inflammation called gouty arthritis or acute gout.

Gout usually attacks people whose uric acid level has always been above normal. There are various reasons why uric acids level increases in the body:

• The higher than normal uric acid levels may be inherited in some families
• Obesity was also found to cause gout attacks
• High alcohol and caffeine intake
• High intake of food containing purines
• Some drugs used to treat high blood pressure and long standing kidney diseases

The first step in treating gout is to correct the factors that increase the levels of uric acid in the body. Patients should also work to refrain from eating purine rich foods since these substances are found to contain a lot of uric acid.

Here are foods high in purines and to be avoided:

• Organ meat products such as liver, kidneys, tripe, sweetbreads and tongue,
• Excessive amounts of red meat, shellfish, fish roe and scallops,
• Peas, lentils and beans,
• Alcohol and caffeine intakes should be reduced. A glass of beer a day or less is recommended
• Crash diets should also be avoided
• Some drugs for high blood pressure may need to be altered or adjusted

An important aspect of treating gout is lowering the uric acid levels. There are some drugs that can bring down the uric acid level in the body. However, it should be noted that these drugs only temporarily treat symptoms of gout and should not be taken on a long-term basis. The dosage is based on the level of uric acid found in the body. Regular check ups are required in order to arrive at the maintenance dosage that will prevent recurrent gout attacks.

As long as the level of uric acid continues to be lower than the normal any symptoms of gout are a remote possibility. Provided of course that medication is continued. Some drugs work by increasing elimination of uric acid through the kidney while others simply hinder the formation of uric acid in the first place.

Likewise, it is important for patients using medications to realize that during the first few months of treatment, it is still possible to have gout attacks, however severe gouty attacks are lessened.

Some of the complications of long time and acute cases of gout are deposits of uric acid salts that may appear around the affected joint and even in tissues in the earlobes. These uric acid salts are chalk colored nodules, and are also called tophi. The presence of uric acid salts is an indication further treatment is needed.

When the Medicare prescription drug benefit begins in 2006, it will provide the most help to those with the greatest financial and medical need. Over 14 million Medicare beneficiaries-those with the most limited income and assets -can get significant financial help from the government to pay for their medicines.

The 6.4 million beneficiaries who have both Medicaid and Medicare have their prescription needs covered currently by Medicaid. In 2006, they will be automatically moved to Medicare for their prescription coverage.

While those with limited resources have their medical needs covered by Medicaid, many of the remaining eight million low-income beneficiaries (those with income below $14,355/individual or $19,245/couple) are without prescription drug insurance. The Medicare drug benefit and the financial “extra help” are predicted to be a huge relief for these beneficiaries. With the “extra help,” they will have little or no premiums and deductibles, as well as minimal co-payments for their medications.

The financial need for these eight million low-income Medicare beneficiaries is clearly apparent, but what may be less obvious is the medical need they face. They are more likely to suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease than those with higher incomes, and they are more likely to have more than one chronic condition. With this medical burden, access to prescription medications can make a real difference in their health.

Metatarsal stress fractures or a bone spur can cause pain at the top of the foot. A bone spur is an enlarged bone that looks like a bump on top of the foot. The bone spur is likely the result of too much pressure or too tight shoes.

The most common remedy for bone spurs involves wearing a larger size shoe and not tying shoelaces quite so tight so that you take some of the pressure off the bone. Remember, feet swell when running long distances. If you’re a runner, you might want to cut a piece of foam rubber about ¼ tick to make a doughnut-shaped pad that will fit over the bone spur. Put it on before you run, or glue it to the tongue of your running shoe.

You can also reduce the pain of bone spurs by keeping your weight under control. You should also try to minimize the shock to the feet from constant pounding on hard surfaces. Choose footwear with some padding or shock-absorbing materials.

A bone spur or overgrowth that develops on top of the bone may prevent the bone from flexing as it should, especially when walking. This results to a stiff big toe also known as hallux rigidus.

Hallux rigidus commonly affects adults between 30 and 60. There are no good explanations as to why this condition happens to some and not others. But one theory suggests that hallux rigidus is the result of an injury to the toe that damages that articular cartilage.

The usual symptom of hallux rigidus is difficulty bending the toe up and down, especially when walking. This type of foot problem is easy to treat in its early stage. Waiting for the bone spur to appear on top of the foot will only make the condition more difficult to treat.

There are many non-surgical options for treating pain on the top of the foot. Using pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can help to reduce the swelling and pain. Using ice packs or taking contrast baths may also reduce inflammation and control symptoms for short periods. These measures provide temporary relief, but are not enough to prevent the condition from developing further.

Wearing shoes with plenty of room at the toe may also help in reducing the pressure — and high heels are out I’m afraid. A shoe with a stiff sole, either with a rocker or roller bottom design and sometimes a steel shank or metal brace in the sole maybe required. For supporting the foot and reducing the bend of the big toe this type of shoe is excellent, especially when walking.

A contrast bath might also prove helpful. This technique involves putting your foot in first cold, then hot water to reduce inflammation. There are two buckets required, one bucket containing cold water and the other with hot water (at a tolerable temperature of course). Alternate between the cold and hot water for five minutes ending with a cold session. Surgical options may also be considered for severe foot problems.

If you think you have any of the foot problems discussed here, consult your own doctor for the treatments that will be best for your unique situation.

Edema once known as dropsy is an evident case of swelling of your organs or tissue due to collection of fluid. It mainly happens in the feet, ankles and legs because it is the most affected part due to gravity which is also known as peripheral edema which affects your face and hands too. There are two kinds of enema pitting edema and non-pitting edema. Pitting edema causes an indentation when you press your fingers on the swollen areas; non- pitting edema leaves no indentation. Women are more susceptible to this kind of condition in comparison to men.

It can be caused if you are sitting in one place for a long time and pressuring your legs. Consuming too much sodium further increases the problem. The water is retained due to diseases like congestive heart failure and hypertension. This overloading of the fluid makes the heart work more than its usual share. Consuming anti-inflammatories like prednisone also causes water retention. In general many people may already contain extra water which accumulates around thighs, buttocks, abdomen and lower extremities. These swellings are totally unaffected by exercise or diet. There are some natural products in the market which can help you with this condition to ease the pain and swelling.

Some symptoms which appear from nowhere are feeling of suffocation due to breathlessness, wheezing, restlessness and anxiety; cough accompanied with blood, sweating more than usual, pale skin, chest pain due to heart trouble. Symptoms which are gradually uncovered are difficulty in breathing due to lying flat, lack of sleep due to breathlessness and gaining good amount of weight over a period of time.

Home remedies for Edema

This home remedy is very good for pregnant ladies. You can introduce flax seeds in your daily diet. Grind and store these seeds and use it daily with any of your meals.

A good diet combined with equal amount of exercise can make things very easy for you. Include cucumber and watermelon in your daily diet for good dose of potassium. Swimming is the best thing to do during such times.

Drink good amount of water as water helps in diluting the excess salt, which makes the removal of the salt much easier which leads to prevention of edema. Keep sipping herbal tea at least three times a day, this too acts in the similar fashion like water – dilution.

Whenever you get time keep your feet elevated as one of the common reasons for water retention is gravity.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

For individuals suffering from insomnia, sleepless night stretch endlessly and offer no relief to exhausted individuals. We as humans need sleep to recharge our bodies and minds after a long day of work, and when sleep does not come, our quality of life begins to suffer. Individuals suffering from insomnia often describe their days as foggy and often feel as if they are watching the world from afar instead of being an active participant.

If you are suffering from insomnia, there is hope! Do not simply submit to watching early morning informercials and becoming a virtual zombie during your waking hours. There are ways of beating this condition and regaining your zest and zeal for life. Look forward to going to bed instead of dreading when the sun goes down and for once avoid insomnia and get a restful night’s sleep.

#1 Look for the Cause: Most individuals who suffer from insomnia have a root cause of the problem. Perhaps it is stresses or anxieties at home, school, or work. By finding the root cause of your insomnia, you can begin to address the cause and enter in to blissful sleep. Also, you may have an underlying emotional problem that is denying your body sleep. Consider speaking with a professional therapist to investigate this problem.

#2 Start a Sleep Schedule: If you are unable to successfully fall asleep or suffer from insomnia, look at the time you spend in bed. The best way to receive the best quality sleep is to maintain a sleep schedule. Although it may be tempting, avoid sleeping in for excessive time. A disruption in your sleep schedule can often cause insomnia or trouble falling asleep.

#3 Watch What You Eat: For individuals looking for quality sleep, what you eat or drink can determine how restful your night will be spent. Avoid foods or drinks with caffeine. Many individuals who consume excess amounts of caffeinated coffees, teas, or soft drinks experience sleep problems due to the build up of caffeine in your system. Also, alcohol and tobacco products can directly affect your sleep. Consider switching to a calming herbal tea or tradition glass of warm milk before bed to ease you into sleep.

#4 Start an Exercise Routine: If you are having problems with insomnia or falling asleep, your body may be having a deeper problem. Consider beginning an exercise routine to allow you to receive quality sleep and have a better overall sense of health. Many individuals do not receive enough exercise and your body is not responding to this lack of movement, resulting in insomnia. Whether you join a gym or take a brisk walk around the neighborhood, exercising can directly affect your sleep.

#5 Only Use Your Bed for Sleeping: Many individuals who have problems with insomnia or falling asleep find they use their bed for things other than sleeping. Instead of lounging, reading a book, or watching a television program, reserve your bed for sleeping. That way, when you go to get in bed, your mind and body know that it is time to go to sleep, thus stopping the insomnia cycle.

Why Citre Shine is not a very well-known brand, I do not know. What I know is that it is a very good line of hair care products. My personal favorites are the (separate) Shampoo and Hair Conditioner. These two come in different variants for specific hair types and results. Since my hair is quite dry and wavy, I prefer to use the anti-frizz variant.

When you first use the shampoo, you will at once notice the clean smell. It is not too fruity and sweet and neither is it a soapy clean smell. In fact it just smells fresh. Unlike with other shampoos, Citre Shine’s smell lasts throughout the day even if you get exposed to the sun and pollution. The conditioner enhances this smell even more.

Even as you use the conditioner, you can feel the smoothness of your hair. When you are done washing your hair, you can either air dry or blow dry it. Either way, you hair will be pleasantly surprised at how neat it looks like. The more amazing thing is the shine. The first time I used both products, I couldn’t believe how shiny my hair had become!

To get the best out of the shampoo and conditioner, I suggest that you take your time in the shower. Let the products soak in for a few minutes. Do this especially for the conditioner. Use a small amount and then leave it on for a while. Then make sure that you rinse them both off very well.

In order to experience what these great products can give you, you have to be willing to shell out a bit more than you usually would on your normal shampoo and conditioner. They usually offer discounts and additional free contents with the bigger bottles. You don’t have to use a large amount of both the shampoo and conditioner to get your desired results. In fact, I do not use the shampoo everyday. There are days when I just use the conditioner as my hair is still shiny and not all tangled up.

Do not let the price turn you off. Think about it. With Citre Shine, you do not need to use as much of the shampoo and conditioner as you would with the more affordable brands. As Citre Shine is not very popular (yet), there might be a problem finding the products. If I were you, I’d snatch a couple of bottles up if I chanced upon them.

When vision becomes cloudy, normally due to age factor, you can suspect cataract. The primary effect of cataract is blurred vision. Then, what is cataract and how does it develop? The word cataract is derived from Latin word cataracta which means waterfall. It is metaphorically imported into the modern English for its blurring effect on the eye.

What Is Cataract

Cataract is clouding of the eye lens, mostly due to aging, barring a small percentage of other secondary reasons like diabetes, sustained exposure to ultraviolet light etc. The US National Institutes of Health and National Eye Institute have estimated that over half of Americans above the age of 80 will develop cataract or have already developed.

If you did not know already, cataract will not spread from eye to eye, but can occur in either or both eyes.

What Causes Cataracts to Develop?
Most age related cataracts develop in either of the two ways discussed here.

1. Protein clumping is one of the main reasons for clouding of the lens. This occurs when lens proteins begin to denature as a result of aging. You may not be able to notice the difference when cataract is small but as it grows and spreads, eye sight gets worse and eyeglasses and stronger lighting can help cope up until surgery is an absolute necessity.

2. With the aging of lens, it looses its natural clarity and may add a tint of yellow or brown. As with protein induced cataract, you may not be able to notice the browning or blurring of vision initially. But with the passage of time and increase in browning, reading and routine activities get affected. The one difference in tinted cataract is, the vision sharpness will not reduce but identifying colors like blues and purples will be difficult.

How Do I Know if I Have Cataract
Cataract will not show signs until at least it has developed partially. However these are the common symptoms.

1. Faded colors and blurred vision

2. Poor night vision but headlights and sunlight may appear all too bright with a halo around the source.

3. Temporary double or multiple visions which gets cleared as cataract develops further.

4. Frequent need to change contact lenses or spectacles.

Those who indulge in alcoholism or those who are exposed to UV light for a long time are at danger of developing cataract. Even diabetics face the same risk.

Different Types of Cataract

1. Secondary cataracts as an after effect of eye surgery, like in the case of glaucoma
2. Congenital cataracts in new born babies, which in rare cases lead to lens replacement
3. Traumatic cataracts due to eye injuries. These have very late onsets

Treatment

Early symptoms are taken care off by eyeglasses but when everyday life gets affected after its complete development, surgery is the proven way.