Osteoporosis: Before and After a Broken Bone

If you have osteoporosis, or are at risk for it, you want to do all you can to keep your bones as strong as possible. Besides following your doctor's advice on diet and exercise, you should know that some medications are bone-friendly -- and others may have side effects that affect the bones.

Some medications prescribed for common health problems, such as heartburn or depression, could affect your bone health.

"That doesn't necessarily mean you should stop them," says Harold Rosen, MD, director of the Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.

Rather, "it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons: the benefits of the medicine against the effect on the bones," he says.

The benefits of a drug may outweigh the risks. Or your doctor may prescribe a ''bone-maintenance" drug to offset the risk, Rosen says.

Corticosteroid Drugs and Bone Health

This type of steroid drug helps curb inflammation. Doctors prescribe them for conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and ulcerative colitis.

Some examples include:

•     cortisone (Cortone)
•     prednisone (Deltasone, Meticorten, Orasone, Prednicot)

These steroids hamper bone formation and increase bone resorption, which can make a fracture more likely, notes  endocrinologist Ann Kearns, MD, a consultant at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

However, she says, some people need these drugs. And the ''short-term risk is not a big deal for most people," Rosen says.

How you take the drugs may also matter. Pills or shots are the most powerful, but those you inhale or put on your skin are "less concerning," Kearns says.

Anti-Cancer Drugs and Bone Health

If you've had breast cancer and are taking certain drugs that affect your bones, your doctor should monitor your bone density and may prescribe a bone-maintenance drug.

Some breast cancer patients take a type of drug called an aromatase inhibitor. These drugs include:

•    anastrozole (Arimidex)
•    exemestane (Aromasin)
•    letrozole (Femara)

These drugs target a substance your body makes called aromatase. That leads to lower estrogen levels, which can dim estrogen-fueled cancers.

That's good news for your cancer, but lowering your estrogen levels can be bad for your bones, since estrogen stops bone resorption. That's why doctors often prescribe improved lifestyle changes such as exercise, a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, and bone-maintenance drugs to women who are taking the aromatase inhibitors.

Men who have been treated for prostate cancer are sometimes prescribed anti-androgen therapy. Examples of these drugs include bicalutamide (Casodex), flutamide (Eulexin), and nilutamide (Nilandron).

These drugs block the action of the hormone testosterone, usually slowing prostate cancer growth. However, these medications can decrease bones' density and increase fracture risk, so doctors may prescribe changes in lifestyle such as exercise, smoking cessation, reduced caffeine intake, and a bone-maintenance drug.

Why Is Physical Activity So Good for Your Brain?

Neuroscientists around the globe agree that physical activity is the best medicine to maintain brain health throughout your lifespan. Why is physical activity so good for your brain?

There are many reasons that exercise is good for your brain. These include: increased blood flow, which improves cerebrovascular health; the release of neurotrophic factors like BDNF, which stimulates the growth of new neurons; and the benefits of glucose and lipid metabolism which bring nourishment to the brain.

Recently, researchers at the Beckman Institute at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that physical activity is also associated with improved white matter integrity. In two separate studies—released within the past month—researchers found that physical activity improved the white matter integrity of physically fit children aged 9 to 10 and also in “low fit” participants aged 60 to 78.  

The researchers found that physical activity improves the microstructures of white matter in the brain. White matter integrity is linked to faster neural conduction between brain regions and superior cognitive performance.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) directly affects the integrity of white matter. In MS lesions the myelin sheath around the axons gradually deteriorates. Changes in white matter, known as amyloid plaques, are associated with Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.

What is the White Matter of Your Brain?

White matter consists mostly of glial cells and myelinated axons that act as communication lines between various regions of gray matter in the cerebrum. White matter also allows communication between the cerebrum and lower brain centers including the cerebellum.

When white matter tissue is freshly cut in a living brain, it actually appears pinkish because myelin is composed largely of lipid tissue that is veined with capillaries for vascularization. According to Arthur Kramer, the director of the Beckman Institute, one reason that exercise might improve white matter integrity is that physical activity gets the blood pumping through the brain and improves vascularization of these capillaries. There is also the possiblilty that physical activity improves myelination.

White matter carries nerve signals between the gray matter in one brain region to another brain region. The more streamlined and compact your white matter is, the faster and more efficiently your brain functions.

These new studies show that physical activity appears to make the axons in white matter more tightly bundled and compact. Exercise appears to improve white matter integrity which is correlated with more efficient communication between brain regions from childhood into our golden years.

Aerobic Fitness in Children Linked to White Matter Integrity

The first new study from the Beckman Institute, “Aerobic Fitness is Associated with Greater White Matter Integrity in Children,” was published August 2014 in in the open-access journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. In this study U. of I. kinesiology and community heatlh professor Charles Hillman, postdoctoral researcher Laura Chaddock-Heyman and their colleagues found that physically fit children had more fibrous and compact white matter tracts in the brain than their less fit peers.

In a press release, University of Illinois researcher Laura Chaddock-Heyman said, "Previous studies suggest that children with higher levels of aerobic fitness show greater brain volumes in gray matter brain regions important for memory and learning. Now for the first time we explored how aerobic fitness relates to white matter in children's brains."

Chaddock and her colleagues used a technique called diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to look at five white matter tracts that play a role in attention and memory. The findings revealed significant fitness-related improvements in the integrity of several white matter tracts. 

For this study, the researchers didn't specifically test for cognitive differences in the children. A wide range of studies over the past decades have found a link between aerobic fitness levels, improved cognitive function, and higher academic test scores. "Previous studies in our lab have reported a relationship between fitness and white matter integrity in older adults," Kramer said. "Therefore, it appears that fitness may have beneficial effects on white matter throughout the lifespan."

Avoiding a Sedentary Lifestyle Benefits White Matter Integrity As You Age

The second new study from the Beckman Institute, “Physical Activity and Cardiorespiratory Fitness Are Beneficial for White Matter in Low-Fit Older Adults” was published September 2014 in the journal PLOS ONE. Postdoctoral researcher Agnieszka Burzynska conducted the research with Art Kramer and kinesiology and community health professor Edward McAuley.

In this study, the researchers found a strong link between the structural integrity of white matter tracts and an older person's level of daily activity. Interestingly, it wasn't the extent to which the person engaged in moderate or vigorous exercise, but simply if someone spent most of the day being sedentary. Avoiding a sedentary lifestyle can have dramatic effects on your brain health by maintaining the integrity of your white matter throughout a lifespan.

Hippocrates was right when he said, “Walking is man’s best medicine.” Art Kramer has spent decades researching the brain benefits of physical activity. In a recent conversation, Kramer said that the best news about the latest findings is that you don’t have to be running marathons or winning triathlons to reap the brain benefits of physical activity. I agree. 

In our conversation, Art Kramer and I spoke about the difficulty of motivating people to break a sweat. He emphasized that the most exciting aspect of this new study is that it shows that the real enemy is sedentarism. This study indicates that just a little bit of movement every day helps preserve the integrity of your brain’s white matter.

Conclusion: Physical Activity Improves Brain Health and Cognitive Function at Any Age

These results come at a critical time. In a digital age, our society has become increasingly unfit and sedentary. As the father of a 6-year-old, I am passionate about public health and education policies that affect children's brain health and overall development.

As adults we can make daily lifestyle choices that include physical activity. Unfortunately, most children are subject to policies that tend to reduce or eliminate opportunities for physical activity during the school day.

Reducing the time and availability for children to be physically active during the school day could have negative impacts on the integrity of white matter tracts, which might reduce brain efficiency and could lead to lower test scores.

One of the most interesting findings from recent research is that white matter microstructure in the corona radiata is linked to mathematics performance (van Eimeren et al., 2008). Ironically, in an attempt to prepare children for the Common Core Standards and No Child Left Behind testing by forcing them to sit still in a chair we may actually be sabotaging a child's brain from optimizing white matter integrity.

Laura Chaddock-Heyman and co-authors sum up the importance of physical activity in the conclusion of their study when they say, “In fact, our study raises the possibility that greater white matter integrity, perhaps via greater myelination, is one pathway by which higher fit children excel in cognitive and academic performance compared to their less fit peers. Hopefully these findings will reinforce the importance of aerobic fitness during development and lead to additional physical activity opportunities in and out of the school environment.”

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-athletes-way/201409/why-is-physical-activity-so-good-your-brain?tr=MostViewed

Fruits and Vegetables that Are Good for the Skin

 

It's not unusual for the cold weather outside to affect your skin. But if you want to prevent dull and dry looking skin, one of the most amazing ways is to start eating healthy foods. If you want to diversify your diet, take a look at these great fruits and vegetables that are good for the skin!

Foods that Are Good for Your Skin: Carrots

Are you dealing with fine lines and wrinkles? You shouldn't worry though, as carrots are one of the best foods for your skin. Start consuming this vegetable on a regular basis and you'll provide your body with the necessary amounts of vitamins A and C, important nutrients for a healthy skin.

Fruits that are Good for Your Skin: Lemons

Have you ever wondered what fruits are good for your skin? If your answer's 'yes', you should know that lemons are excellent collagen synthesizers in the body. This great citrus fruit is very rich in vitamin C which makes it a good choice if you want to keep your skin healthy. Furthermore, if you're dealing with scars, you can consider lemons your biggest ally in reducing their aspect.

Food that's Good for Your Skin: Broccoli

Broccoli is certainly one of the best foods for your skin. This vegetable is very rich in vitamin A, which enables the regeneration of your skin cells. This being said, you'll be able to rejuvenate your skin and you'll prevent premature aging.

Fruits that Are Good for Your Skin: Strawberries

If you're searching for fruits that are good for your skin, you should also take a look at strawberries. These amazing sources of antioxidants will keep your skin healthy throughout the day. Prepare a delicious breakfast out of mashed strawberries, honey, yogurt and avocado, and get ready to flaunt radiant skin everyone will envy you for.

Vegetables that Are Good for Your Skin: Spinach

Spinach should also be included on the list of vegetables that are good for your skin. This food is very high in vitamin A. And if you want to have the strength of Popeye the Sailor Man, you should definitely increase your weekly spinach intake. You body will be energized all day long and you'll amaze others with your perfect and healthy looking complexion.

Healthy Raw Foods
Which Fruits are Good for Facial Glow: Papaya

So which fruits are good for a glowing complexion? Specialists in nutrition praise this fruit for being very rich in antioxidants and in a special enzyme called papain. This enzyme removes dead cells and encourages the production of new ones. If you want to flaunt a glowing complexion this winter, mix half papaya with yogurt, and apply it on your face. Let the mask sit for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water.

Is Star Fruit Good for Your Skin?

Here's a good question you might want to give some thought to! And if you're searching for an answer, you should know that star fruits (also called carambola) are high in phytonutrients such as gallic acid, epicatechin and quercetin from which your skin can benefit. Plus, star fruits are also high in vitamins A and C, and can help fight free radicals, thus preventing premature aging.

Great Vegetables that are Good for Your Skin: Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are some of the greatest vegetables for your skin. They increase the amount of antioxidants in your body which will ultimately fight and absorb free radicals. This way, you'll diminish your skin imperfections!

Excellent Fruit that's Good for Your Skin: Orange

Oranges are excellent fruits for your skin. The vitamin C in this fruit will help improve your skin texture and will encourage collagen formation. Thus, you'll slow down the aging process and you'll enjoy your youthful skin for a longer amount of time. You can use oranges as a daily food or as a natural beauty product to tighten your skin.

Good Vegetable that's Good for Your Skin: Brussels Sprouts

This food also deserves to be included among the top vegetables that are good for your skin. Brussels Sprouts are great sources of vitamin C, so if you want to keep your skin healthy and hydrated, you should increase the amount you eat on a regular basis.

FDA warns exceeding laxative dose may be deadly for some

 

Constipation can be quite unpleasant, and people experiencing the condition may be tempted to run to the drug store and buy laxatives. But, the FDA is warning such people to read the label carefully and not exceed the recommended dose, or they may risk their lives.

The problems stem from laxatives with the active ingredient sodium phosphate, which are recommended to be taken in a single dose once a day and for no more than three days. They can be taken orally or rectally, depending on the product.

Sodium phosphate laxatives, also called saline laxatives, are sold under the brand name Fleet and also sold as store and generic brands. They work by drawing water into the bowel, which softens the stool to allow it to pass easier.

The FDA is now finding that adults older than 55 and children with certain health conditions may face added risks if they exceed the laxative dosage. The agency has received 54 reports of side effects, including 13 deaths, linked to over-the-counter sodium phosphate laxatives.

Serious side effects include dehydration and/or abnormal levels of electrolytes in the blood that can lead to serious complications, including kidney damage and sometimes death.

The most harmful side effects occurred when people overdosed by taking a single dose that was higher than recommended or took more than one dose in a day because the first laxative didn’t have the desired effect, said Dr. Mona Khurana, a medical officer in the FDA’s division of nonprescription regulation development.

Twelve adults and one child died after they overdosed on over-the-counter sodium phosphate products. Side effect case counts could be higher than the 54 reported cases, she added, since not everybody who develops problems reports them to the FDA.

"The bottom line is that these products are safe for otherwise healthy adults and older children for whom dosing instructions are provided on the Drug Facts label as long as they follow these dosing instructions and don't take the product more often, or in greater amounts, than the label instructs," she said in a statement.

The FDA's new warning also urges people to check with their doctors if they are taking drugs that affect how the kidneys work, including diuretics; angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors used to lower blood pressure; angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) used to treat high blood pressure, heart, or kidney failure; and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin.

People with inflammation of the colon should also check with a doctor before taking laxatives, according to the FDA. These warnings are not currently on product labels.

The product labels do warn people to not to orally or rectally take another dose of the product if they have yet to have a bowel movement after taking the laxative. In addition, the labels tell adults and children to ask health care professionals before using these products if they have kidney disease, heart problems or dehydration.

Children under 2 years old should never take laxatives rectally, the label adds.

Constipation is marked by infrequent bowel movements or trouble passing stools. Causes include insufficient water intake, not enough fiber in diets, a disruption of regular routine (such as traveling), stress, eating large amounts of dairy products, hemorrhoids, medications, pregnancy, depression, eating disorders and other medical conditions, according to WebMD. People may take a laxative to help relieve their symptoms.

Laxatives are also often misused following eating binges by people with eating disorders who mistakenly believe the medications will rush food and calories through the guy before they can be absorbed, according to the National Eating Disorders Association.

Taking too many laxatives overtime may weaken the bowel muscles, further leading to constipation.

Contact a doctor after taking laxatives if you experience symptoms including dry mouth, thirst, reduced urine output and lightheadedness, especially with changes in position, after taking these laxatives. These may all be signs of dehydration. People experiencing kidney injury may report drowsiness, sluggishness, and swelling of the ankles, feet and legs.

If the rectal laxative doesn’t leave the body for more than 30 minutes, contact a doctor.

The 5 Healthiest Winter Vegetables and Fruits

 

 

It seems every year when winter approaches, many of my patients complain, "There just aren’t as many fruits and veggies available.” I, of course, beg to differ. Yes, the farmers markets and supermarkets aren’t booming with an assortment of colorful berries (at least tasty and inexpensive ones), tomatoes, or corn, but they still have plenty of healthy options. These five are delicious and provide the greatest nutrition bang for your caloric buck. You just might miss them come summer.

1. Beets. 
The problem with beets is that many people avoid them because they think they are high in sugar. However, that really isn’t so: One raw beet has 5.5 grams for 35 calories. [Tweet this fact!] Plus they are a good source of magnesium and calcium (both important for bone health), iron (which you need for energy and to prevent and hair loss), fiber (to help to fill you up), and folic acid (necessary for the production and maintenance of new cells in our bodies, and especially important for pregnant woman). Beets are especially important during the winter because they have a unique source of phytonutrients, called betalains, which provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support to help keep your immune system strong.

2. Brussels sprouts
 A member of the cabbage family, Brussels sprouts have seen a recent rise in popularity, and that's a good thing. (I wonder what took everyone so long—I love them!) They are an excellent source of bone-strengthening vitamin K and may give you a glow thanks to the vitamin C, which supports collagen production and products against free radicals. A cup also provides 15 percent of your daily iron and 13 percent of your recommended fiber.

3. Cauliflower
 Ever since we were told to load our plates with color, white foods have been getting a bad rap. Cauliflower doesn’t deserve it. It is an excellent source of folic acid and vitamins C and K, and also contains lots of iron, fiber, potassium for efficient muscle function, and B vitamins, which play a role in everything from hair growth to red blood cell creation to carrying oxygen and nutrients to cells of our body.

4. Clementines
I know the winter season is upon us when I see the boxes of clementines, a cross between a mandarin and an orange, in the supermarket. So easy to peel, they make the easiest grab-and-go citrus fruit this time of year. Besides being a excellent source of vitamin C, they also contain calcium and potassium, and are a great low calorie fruit: a serving of two clementines is only 80 calories. [Tweet this snack idea!]

5. Pears
I think pears are an overlooked fruit, with so many more people grabbing apples at this time of year. One of the highest-fiber fruits, a medium pear offers about 6 grams, which can help with blood sugar control and promote weight loss. An excellent source of vitamins C and K, pears are also packed with B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and manganese.

Unfortunately during this time of year with everyone being so busy with holiday parties, events, and shopping, a lot of people are not eating enough fruits and veggies at all. When on the run, one option is a small Jamba Juice smoothie. I like the sixteen-ounce Berry UpBeet, which combines fruits and veggies, including beets.

H5N1 bird flu death in Canada is North America's first case

 

TORONTO -- Canadian health officials said Wednesday a fatal case of H5N1 bird flu has been reported in Canada, the first such case in North America. The victim was travelling from China when symptoms first appeared.

Health Minister Rona Ambrose said the case, in Alberta, was an isolated one and that the risk to the general public is very low.

CTV News reports the victim was a woman in her late 20s who spent several weeks in China.

Officials said the person began to feel ill on a flight to Canada from Beijing on Dec. 27. They said it was the first case of H5N1 circulating in Beijing and said China looking is looking into it.

"This is the first evidence of this particular virus circulating in Beijing. Chinese authorities are going to be very interested. We've contacted them already," Dr. Gregory Taylor, deputy chief health officer in Canada, said.

Taylor said the victim only visited Beijing in China. The victim did not travel to a farm or visit markets, he said.

The World Health Organization says that as of mid-December, there had been 648 laboratory-confirmed human cases of H5N1 flu, reported mostly in Asia. Of that total, 384 infections have been fatal.

Dr. Nikki Shindo, a medical officer with the WHO, told CTV the news is "substantial"since it's the first case in North America, and the agency is awaiting samples of the virus for testing.

Experts are cautious when it comes to bird flu viruses infecting humans. They have been closely watching the H5N1 bird flu virus. The virus remains hard to catch with most human infections linked to contact with infected poultry, but scientists fear it could mutate and spread rapidly among people, potentially sparking a pandemic.

There is no evidence that anyone else was infected by the victim. Dr. James Talbot, Alberta's chief medical officer of health, said that family members of the victim are being monitored and treated with medication, but noted that there's nothing to indicate they are sick. Talbot said two companions travelled with the victim but have shown no signs of becoming sick.

"This is not a disease that's transmitted between humans so unless you were in the infected in the area and were in contact with an infected bird you are not going to get this illness," Dr. Theresa Tam of Health Canada said.

beverage companies cut 6.4 trillion calories from products in past five years

Food and beverage companies are trying to help Americans fight obesity by cutting more than 6 trillion calories from their products over a five-year span, an independent review discovered.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation said on Thursday that 16 of the top food and beverage manufacturers sold 54 trillion calories in 2012, compared to 60.4 trillion calories in 2007. RWJF is a non-profit organization dedicated to health and health care issues in the United States.

“It’s extremely encouraging to hear that these leading companies appear to have substantially exceeded their calorie-reduction pledge,” Dr. James S. Marks, senior vice president and director of the Health Group at RWJF, said in a press release. “They must sustain that reduction, as they’ve pledged to do, and other food companies should follow their lead to give Americans the lower-calorie foods and beverages they want.”

In 2009, more than 40 of the largest retailers, non-profit organizations, food and beverage manufacturers and trade associations started the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation (HWCF) alongside the Partnership for Healthier America. The foundation's goal was to lower obesity rates by 2015, with a particular focus on childhood obesity.

Sixteen companies took a further pledge to remove 1 trillion calories from store shelves by 2012 and 1.5 trillion calories by 2015. The companies -- Bumble Bee Foods LLC, Campbell Soup Company, ConAgra Foods (including Ralston Foods), General Mills Inc., Hillshire Brands (formerly Sara Lee Corporation), Kellogg Company, Kraft Foods Group/Mondelez, Mars Incorporated, McCormick & Company Inc., Nestle USA, PepsiCo Inc., Post Foods, the Coca-Cola Company, the Hershey Company, the J.M. Smucker Company and Unilever -- have manufactured 36 percent of all calories in packaged foods and beverages in the U.S. since 2007.

So far, the companies have beat their promise by more than 400 percent. The calorie decreases equal about 78 fewer calories sold to each person in the U.S. per day.

Lisa Gable of the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation told the Associated Press that the findings “exceeded our expectations.”

"This is a very significant shift in the marketplace," she said.

The companies created new lower-calorie options, reformulated current food products and changed portion sizes.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers tracked the changing data on the food and beverage items and their sales over this time period. Their full, peer-reviewed study will be published later this year.

“The companies whose sales we analyzed have a big influence over the foods and beverages almost every American eats and drinks every day,” lead researcher Barry Popkin, the W.R. Kenan, Jr. Distinguished Professor in the School of Public Health at UNC, said in a press release. “The evaluation system we’ve created will enable to us to determine how changes to what’s sold influences what people consume.”

However, Jeff Levi, executive director of non-profit advocacy group Trust for America's Health, told Reuters that people should not assume that just because food and beverage companies are lowering calorie counts that our obesity problems will be solved.

Other significant sources of calories in the U.S. diet are from fast food and restaurants. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determined in Feb. 2013 that 11 percent of an U.S. adult’s calories come from fast food. Other recent reports, including May 2013 research in BMJ, showed that adults and especially teens underestimated the amount of calories in fast food meals by as much as 34 percent. Two more studies out that month in JAMA Internal Medicine found that restaurants and small food chains leave few choices for those looking to cut calories.

"Particularly with kids, there is a role for regulation,” Levi said.
© 2014 CBS Interactive Inc.

Chest Pain, Heart Disease or GERD?

Tightness or pain in the chest is identical to the symptoms of a heart attack . But in reality , such as squeezing sensation not only a symptom of a heart attack .

Chest tightness also be symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease ( GERD ) . This disease occurs due to weak muscles circle which is a barrier between the esophagus and stomach . As a result of stomach acid to flow out and potentially cause tightness in the chest .

But of course, tightness of the chest as a sign of a heart attack and different GERD . " Sense of tightness caused by GERD spread throughout the body . While tightness radiating from a heart attack the first time in the left part of the body , either the back or neck , " said a specialist in diseases of the RSCM FKUI Ari Fahrial the seminar lay Chest Pain , Symptoms of Stomach Acid or heart in Jakarta , Saturday (10/26/2013).

Another difference lies in the symptoms that accompany chest tightness . Ari said , heavy with GERD with heartburn and burning from the inside . In addition , patients with GERD mouth tasted very bitter . This phenomenon is not observed in the chest tightness due to heart disease .

If still not sure , Ari advised to use the GERD questionnaire . This questionnaire contains questions about the symptoms of GERD , which occurs during the last week . When the total value of the questionnaire is more than or equal to 8 , then we can be sure that the disease is experienced by GERD .

GERD questionnaire consists of 6 questions . The first two questions asked in the form of GERD symptoms such as burning hot chest ( heart burn ) , and the presence of something turning direction ( regurgitation ) . The next two questions ask any symptoms such as heartburn and nausea . While the last two questions of GERD Questionnaire ( GERDQ ) include sleep disturbances and drugs given to resolve the complaint .

Points are awarded based on the frequency of occurrence during the past week . If symptoms are not felt and do not take the drug given the score 0 . If the symptoms and frequency of drug consumption occurs during the first day of the given value . Bersaman increasingly value with more frequent symptoms and frequency of drug consumption . Frequency of 2-3 days got a score of 2 , while the rated frequency of 4-7 3 .

" Symptoms bitter mouth , heart burn , and burning it is likely 90 percent of GERD . With this questionnaire the diagnosis more certain , " said Ari .

If you experience these symptoms , Ari advised to immediately see and treat GERD suffered . GERD can be controlled with gastric acid-lowering drug treatment of type omeprazole or ranitidine . In addition, patients are expected to pay attention to avoid the intake of red meat , chocolate , and cheese that can trigger stomach acid .

Furthermore Ari said , GERD is not just cause chest pain . GERD is left can spread to the teeth and cause dental erosion , until the throat then trigger chronic pharyngitis , or in the lungs causing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis .

Do not Throw Orange Peel, Well Worth It

What do you usually do when eating grapefruit , if you throw away the skin ?Yes definitely be discarded , what if I can not eat? Uh no mistake , this was not orange peel know little benefit .Rebecca Wood , the author of The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia , as quoted from IndiaTimes explained that orange peel skin as helpful as apples . Both have nutrition and the benefits are almost the same .Orange peel of an orange contains more than 60 % flavonoids and 170 different types of phytonutrients . Both are very good for the skin and body systems . Even Dr . Jaishree Bhattacharjee , explains some of its usefulness for health and beauty.Ayurveda teaches , bitter orange peel that contains a variety of beneficial ingredients to the body . One is to help solve problems of digestion , relieve nausea , relieve stomach acid , as well as the issuing of gas in the stomach .The orange peel properties as well as anti microbe , as well as anti- inflammatory , so it can improve digestion conditions were sick or infected . Even he can control high cholesterol .When processed into oil , orange peel can make the body more relaxed and take the bed to sleep more soundly .Beauty benefitsIn terms of beauty , able to balance the orange peel skin condition . Reduce excess oil on the skin , making the skin become softer and away from the problem of acne .When dried and used as a powder , orange peel capable of acting as an exfoliator . Remove any dead skin cells , blackheads solve problems , and make the skin more lustrous .Another benefit of this is that if the orange peel used as a mask , it can help eliminate the black spots on the skin and revive dull skin . When applied to the skin on a regular basis , then it can prevent the growth of acne as well as prevent other bacteria cause skin problems .Benefits in the culinary worldLittle mention of orange peel in the culinary world , it may be the orange peel flavor you know. Gives a fresh sense in balancing fatty menu , regular orange peel added to the menus that are soupy and too oily .

" Raw Food " Make Women 29 Year Superficial Teen

Eating raw foods such as nuts , seeds , fruits , and vegetables may not sound too appetizing , but that's what makes Susan Reynolds ( 29 ) is often mistaken for adolescents aged 16 years .As early as seven years ago he stopped eating cooked food . Instead , she chose to eat fruits , vegetables , grains , and nuts are not through the cooking process before crude alias .This slim figure every day eating dozens of servings of fruits and vegetables . He even created a number of recipes to make meal menu more interesting and not boring .Such a diet is not started Susan since childhood . While still a teenager to college , Susan lifestyle even remotely healthy , he's eating junk food , to alcohol . But after taking a yoga class in India , suddenly changing his diet too .At that time , she decided to become a vegetarian and practiced yoga teacher before finally resorting to eating " raw food " . Susan said , he went to eat at the restaurant Red Sugar in Edinburgh that serves raw food . The restaurant owner explained a little about the diet before he came home ." And it turns out I immediately feel the benefits in a single day . Since then , I no longer eat hot food during the last seven years , " he said .According to Susan , the advantages undergo diet " raw food " very much , such as getting a clearer mind , positive , healthier body , energetic , and able to take better decisions ." Someone else commented on the better body odor , skin fresher and younger look . People say I look good for my age . Emotionally I also balanced and happy , " he said .Susan also developed a hobby as well as his diet into a business called Twist and Sprout offers a way to introduce the " raw food " on a day-to- day diet .Since deciding to shift to a " raw food " , Susan also makes the closest people to follow his lifestyle . Even his mother recover from neurological disease called acute fatigue syndrome by switching to diet " raw food " .

Miscarriage Risk of Using Plastic Packaging

In practical all the time , as now, very easy to find food or beverage that contained plastic . But should we have to be wise in using it .

The reason , a new study has found a link between chemicals in plastics called bisphenol A (BPA) and the risk of miscarriage . High levels of BPA in the blood can increase the risk of miscarriage in women . As well as , the CPA can also harder for them to get pregnant .

Dr Linda Giudice , a biochemist and president of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine said the study may not indicate a causal relationship , but it is clear BPA affects fertility and other aspects of human health .

BPA plastics and other chemical compounds have hormone-like effects are weak . Examination showed that BPA found in virtually every human urine into the body carried away from plastic berwadah drink milk or baby bottles .

The Food and Drug Administration USA ( FDA ) has actually set a safe BPA as a component of food and beverage packaging . However, the study emphasized that high concentrations of BPA in the blood can increase the risk of health, one miscarriage .

Stanford University reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Ruth lathi said , most miscarriages due to chromosome disorder or eggs . While experiments on mice showed that BPA increases the risk of miscarriage .

Lathis and his team analyzed the 115 young pregnant women with a history of miscarriage or infertility . A total of 68 of them had had a miscarriage , and the other 47 successful deliveries .Analysis of the blood samples showed that women who had the highest content of BPA in their blood turns to have a high risk of miscarriage , reaching 80 percent compared to those with a low content of the CPA .

However, this study does not take into account small-scale and other risk factors of miscarriage . " It could have been a woman with high BPA levels also have other risk factors that increase the likelihood of miscarriage , " said the lathi .

Lathi confirmed , this study instead declare BPA unsafe , but more emphasis so that people can be wise in the use of plastic packaging .

To reduce exposure to BPA , avoid the use of plastic materials in the hot food to prevent leaks BPA mixed with food . Also avoid sun exposure on plastic bottles , save the plastic bottles in the car , and limit eating canned food .

5 Secrets Able to Run Long Distance

Almost every week , found distance running competitions or known as the marathon , especially in big cities . This kind of competition was never quiet interested participants . Yes , this one sport is being loved .

Marathon is a sport that requires a strong immune system . How not to run a marathon distance can reach dozens to tens of kilometers . To get a strong endurance , of course you need to be diligent routine practice .

But not only require strong physical , it turns out running a marathon also requires mental readiness . By Tina Haupert fitness practitioners from the U.S. , the mental preparedness will help physically while doing a marathon.

Well, so you are mentally ready and able to run long distances , Haupert gives the following tips .1 . for the distanceIf you have to run as far as 20 miles , total distance do not think , however, divide the distance into four or three , for example, a 5 km . This will make up your mind not overly burdened with the distance that you have not passed . Running activity was better able you manage , for example, the first 5 miles at 7 minutes per one km , 5 km further on you can increase the speed again , and so on .

2 . Determine the purposeRather than just thinking about distance running that overload your mind , Hupert advised to determine the purpose of running in running your route . " For example in the route , you will pass three schools , then just think you are running to get to school . Do not just focus on distance and speed gauges you alone , " he said .

3 . Invite a friendResearch shows that exercise performed with friends will be more motivating . Especially in long-distance running , friends will distract you at a distance and make running more fun activities .

4 . Say the words of motivationAccording Hupert , motivational words will encourage you in the middle of running fatigue . Motivational words like "you're stronger than you think " , or " do not give up " or " the best results come from hard struggle " you might say in the middle of a run.

5 . Imagine you 're in a world class competitionWhen in important competitions , you would position yourself stronger than usual . Especially if you think anyone is watching and watching as you run . Well , then always think you 're in a competition that makes you not allow yourself to stop or walk in the middle of a marathon .

What Happens When Children Excess Antibiotics?

What happens when parents are overdosing on antibiotics in children who became ill due to a bacterial infection ?

For example , a given dose of 0.25 mg should , instead giving parents as much as 0.75 mg per day . Dangerous are ?

dr . Fransisca Handy , SpA , IBCLC , representatives of community Health Mailing List , in a talk show that was held at the Social Media Festival 2013 explains , that every drug has a half-life , and will be eliminated through the liver or kidneys . For dangerous overdosing or not , in the long term does not exist . With notes , new parents do this once , and not repeated in the next time .

"If once or twice , no long-term effects . 's To certain doses , it has been clinically tested , that should be right in the administration , " said the doctor on duty at the Pondok Indah Puri Indah Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, University of Pelita Harapan , Jakarta , written on Tuesday ( 10/15/2013 ) .

But ideally , it's good for parents to adhere to the guidelines given by the doctor . Therefore , it would maintain drug levels in the blood . " So far it is not dangerous , just do not let it happen again , " he added .

Antibiotics , described Fransisca , a drug that can prevent the proliferation of a variety of bacteria that causes a disease . And keep in mind , that antibiotics can not prevent illness caused by a virus .

" When a parent gives a child antibiotics in disease caused by a virus , then the virus will not get killed , but the good bacteria in the body of the child . And it was not to happen , " he concluded .

No Understand the dangers of Children Allergic Reactions

Allergic have many trigger the reaction is often not known in advance . This reaction also has the same level of severity among patients who did not.
 
One trigger allergies are drugs or anesthesia . While rare , these allergies have a fatal reaction . " Each country is different , there is one case in 10,000 or one in 100,000 . Allergy anesthesia is often not discovered and consequently very dangerous , " said pediatrician, Widodo Judarwanto , Monday ( 14/10/2013 ) in Jakarta .

This is reminiscent of the case of the death Andhika Oemar Faruh (13) , Saturday (05/10/2013) then in Semarang. Victims who will undergo surgical removal of the tonsils is suspected to have instantaneous reaction ( anaphylactic ) weight , due to the anesthetic drug is injected . This reaction resulted in the victim's condition continued to decline and eventually die . In this case the victim's parents admitted to not knowing who owned the child's allergy .

Responding to this case , Widodo urged parents to understand and be aware of allergic reactions experienced by the children . Information regarding allergic reactions must also be submitted when you consult a doctor .

Swelling of the tonsils , for example , said Widodo , is the body's reaction to infection invaders . This condition occurs in susceptible children with allergies . This condition is also a sign of poor children endurance . Frequent germs infect and cause illness resulting in the defense glands swell and deflate again .

" If you've got tonsillitis , beware of allergies . Remember , allergic reactions often do not get caught before it finally happened . While the trigger is very diverse , not only in food or air , but also anesthetic , " said Widodo .

Parents , he said, the generally considered an allergic reaction include itching and skin redness . In fact , recurrent swelling and pain also an allergic reaction . In patients with tonsillitis , the condition is manifested in the history of fever , cough , and runny nose that occurs repeatedly in a short time span .

" If this situation occurs , you should say the child suffered an allergic reaction . So doctors have no idea when to take action , " said Widodo .

If parents do not disclose the child experienced an allergic reaction , then the doctor does not have any description when taking action , including for anesthesia . As a result , the action will be carried out according to existing procedures , without consideration of the emergence of an allergic reaction .

Info about allergic reactions , for example , be considered the doctor gave drug gradually to see the response of the body . Usually for anesthetic will be given little by little through the process of dilution through intravenous fluids . There is also given through oral medication that is consumed gradually .

" This effort is a deterrent not to be life-threatening allergic reaction . Granted not always indicate a positive result for anesthetic drugs may not necessarily be a trigger , " said Widodo

10 Plants Clean Air Makes It Home

The air is clean , fresh and free of pollutants in the living environment is very important for health.  To get good air quality, experts recommend to use plants and trees. There are at least 10 species of plants are recommended to clean the air in the neighborhood around the house. The use of this plant allows indoor air to be cleaner and healthier for the whole family.

Plants are usually placed indoors ( indoor ) is fairly easy to find. They have several components such as leaves , roots , and bacteria in the soil to grow a place to clean the indoor air that contains toxins.

Toxins that can be cleaned include benzene and formadehyda . Benzene is found in cigarette smoke, whereas the dapay adalazat formaldehyde causes irritation to the eyes , nose , and throat.

Here are 10 recommended plants grown in the home environment

1 . Lili Peace 
2 . Dracaena 
3 . Janet Craig Dracaena 
4 . Bamboo palm
5 . English Ivy
6 . Chinese Evergreen
7 . Gerbera Daisy
8 . Dracaena Fragans
9 . Mother -in -Law 's Tongues 
10 . Chrysanthemum flower

The use of this plant will be more economical than buying air purifiers and filter tools that serve to filter allergens. Moreover, the current levels of air pollution inside the home can be worse than outside. This condition is due to the use of cleaning chemicals , heating and cooling systems , as well as other sources in the home.

Researchers recommend to put between 10-15 plants in the home environment . Every single plant can clean one room with an area of ​​about 9 square meters .

Whether Tangkal Honey as Good Infection with Antibiotic ?

Honey has long been known to have antibacterial properties and used to prevent infection . In fact , honey is touted as an alternative to antibiotics to ward off infection for patients with renal failure .

Renal failure patients undergoing dialysis therapy sometimes experience an infection from a catheter inserted into their bodies . The infection is then often treated with antibiotics . Meanwhile , honey with quality "medical - grade " is considered capable of being one of the alternatives .

However, a new study published in the journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases found , Applying honey on the wound catheter was not more effective than antibiotic consumption . Particularly if used in patients who undergo dialysis every day through a tube in the stomach .

Plus , according to the study , many volunteers who stop in the middle because the study was not comfortable with the method of application of honey .

Catheter infections can be very dangerous and life-threatening , so the treatment or prevention of infection needs to be done . However, attempts to use antibiotics also not without risk . Prolonged use may result in microbial resistance to antibiotics .

Meanwhile , previous research suggests that the quality of medical - grade honey , which has been through a series sterilization process , effective against a broad spectrum of microbes without having the risk of resistance in later life .

In the new study , the researchers found no significant differences between those who every day are given the quality of honey in wound treatment catheter with those who consume antibiotics . The study involved 371 dialysis patients treated at 26 hospitals in Australia and New Zealand .The average time of first infection in the honey group was 16 months , and 18 months in the antibiotic group . In patients who also have diabetes , the shorter the time it is 11.6 months than in antibiotics .

" When honey is touted as an alternative to antibiotics of the future, but until now we are still advised to not use it regularly as a prevention of infection , " said chairman David Johnson Tudi , researchers from the Australian Kidney Trials Network and the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane , Australia .