Category: HEALTH

Introduction

There has been a significant rise in the number of cases of sleep disorder, with most victims being the older adults. This condition has resulted to more persons experiencing depression and negative health effects. Most physicians are now recommending Sleep Drops to patients as a solution.

Sleep disorder is a condition that affects the ability to sleep well on a regular basis. After a slight insight of the irregular sleep patterns of laborers in the 16th century, knowledge about sleep was not clear until the 20th century when the medical importance of sleep was recognized. By 1970 most western countries had founded laboratories devoted to the study of sleep and disorder treatment. No restrictions were put across and anyone could get the title “sleep doctor”, thus pushing for the need of standards. It was not until later when restrictions were put across to ensure only individuals who have studied sleep could put up a laboratory.

Sleep disorders

Insomnia

A person does not have sufficient sleep at night. It may be caused by circadian rhythm disorders, depression or anxiety.

Sleep apnea

This occurs when the upper airway becomes completely or partially blocked, interrupting regular breathing for short periods of time. If left untreated it may cause strokes, high blood pressure or even a heart attack. Drinking alcohol or being overweight can cause sleep apnea.

Narcolepsy

It is a brain disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness. The causes of narcolepsy are not clear though some rare nerve disorders may be linked to narcolepsy.

Restless legs syndrome

It is a common problem among middle-aged and older adults. It is a disorder where one experiences discomfort in the legs and feet peaks at night. This disorder may be caused by kidney failure, vitamin and iron deficiency, nerve disorder, pregnancy and some medication.

Besides sleep disorders, some other factors that may cause sleep disorders are:

Age

Infants tend to sleep up to 16 hours during the day and lack sleep at night. Persons over 60 years of age may not have sound sleep as younger people.

Lifestyle

People who drink alcohol, coffee or smoke cigarettes may succumb to sleepless nights.

Treatments for sleep disorder

Relaxation techniques such as meditation and breathing. Physicians recommend this especially for insomnia patients.
Natural remedies such as acupuncture which are said to relieve one of sleep disorders.
Prescription medications such as Sleep Drops natural products which are carefully formulated to aid in a restful night’s sleep. The medication support the nervous system, liver functions and energy levels throughout the night.

Heart attack and coronary heart disease rank top in the list of leading causes of death in Australia for persons aged 45 years and over. In fact, in 2015 alone, over 45000 deaths were attributed to cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack, stroke and blood vessel deformities. In a bid to prevent more deaths, Australians are encouraged to track their risk factors by taking heart attack risk assessments.

What is a heart disease risk calculator?

A cardiovascular risk assessor is a tool that takes into account your age, weight, family history and your lifestyle habits to determine your level of risk for having heart complications. By taking into account these personal factors, the tool then relays back your chances of having a heart event or dying from it in the next ten years. The tool is a lifesaver in predicting future coronary complications for people who have not suffered a prior heart event.

Personal risk factors explained

Age

The risk of heart disease or failure is directly proportional to a person’s age. What this means is that as we grow older, so does our risk of experiencing coronary complications. Aging is associated with the gradual buildup of fats in the major arteries, a factor which causes the narrowing of blood vessels. This narrowing of vessels results in clotting of the coronary artery thus leading to heart attack. The risk rises significantly in men after the age of 45 and 55 for women.

Gender

Generally, men are at a higher risk of contracting heart diseases compared to women. A significant proportion of coronary complications, up to 80%, occur in men. However, in women, menopause is usually accompanied by a drop in estrogen levels leading to a greater risk of experiencing a cardiac event.

Cholesterol levels

Total cholesterol level is defined as the sum of the HDL and LDL cholesterol levels in an individual’s body. Cholesterol is a critical component of the plaque that builds up and eventually clogs the arteries. Generally, the more LDL cholesterol you have in your blood, the greater you the chance of having blood clots in your arteries. HDL cholesterol, on the other hand, contributes to your heart health. The higher the HDL level, the lower your risk of having a cardiac event.

Smoking history

Smoking raises your risk of arteriosclerosis. Nicotine and other substances present in cigarettes do compromise your heart and blood vessels thus raising the risk of atherosclerosis. Fortunately, quitting can help avert further damage to your heart and vessels.

Conclusion

Note that the risk of heart disease increases two-fold if you have diabetes mellitus. Finally, remember that though it’s important to understand your risks, it’s even more important to work closely with your doctor to mitigate these risks.

Anyone who has experienced the signs and symptoms of oxidative stress needs to seek medical attention to determine whether or not they are suffering from this health problem. An oxidative stress blood test can show whether or not a person has free radicals in their body. If the test turns out positive, the doctor will prescribe medication and lifestyle changes. The doctor will also give the patient nutritional tips to ensure they never experience oxidative stress in the future. It is important to note that long term exposure to oxidative stress can cause serious health problems, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, inflammatory conditions and neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. That is why it is important to get tested early on to ensure you can make the necessary lifestyle changes.

Oxidative Stress Explained

Oxidative stress can be defined as an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Reactive oxygen species known as free radicals are often neutralized by antioxidant defenses. When the antioxidant defenses are weak, therefore, a number of problems will occur. For starters, you will start experiencing headaches, blurred vision, memory loss, brain fog, muscle and joint pains, and many other signs and symptoms. If you have unexplained headaches, impaired vision or any other signs and symptoms mentioned above, it is important you seek medical attention to have your blood tested. An oxidative stress blood test will show whether or not you have this medical problem.

How to Deal with Oxidative Stress Without Medication

There are two main options for dealing with oxidative stress. The first option is to minimize oxidative stress. The second option is to increase antioxidants in your body. For best results, be sure to take a two-pronged approach. For instance, you should take measures to minimize oxidative stress as well as steps to boost antioxidant levels in your body.

i) How to Minimize Oxidative Stress

For starters, you should exercise, meditate and take long walks in the park. You should also eat organic foods and stay away from people who have colds and flu. In addition to that, you should reduce your sugar intake and avoid processed foods while maintaining your sugar balance.

ii) How to Improve Antioxidant Levels

To counter oxidative stress, you only need to add asparagus, peaches, spinach, walnuts and tomatoes to you diet. These food items are known to promote production of antioxidants in the body. Kale, beets, berries, avocados, onions and garlic are also helpful in increasing antioxidant levels in the body.

Most of us are familiar with a colon cleanse, but did you know that you can even do a saline flush to cleanse your colon, right in the comfort of your home? So, what is salt water flush and why should you do it? Also known as a “master cleanse” or a “salt water cleanse” a saline water cleanse helps eliminate old waster materials, toxins, and parasites that may be lurking inside the colon. It is designed to detoxify the colon, improve digestive system, reduce bloating, relieve chronic constipation and help you feel lighter and healthier. Apart from these benefits, a salt flush also works effectively in helping reduce stress naturally. To know more about this, read this interesting guide listed below.

How to do a salt flush?

Procedure:

#1: In one quart of warm water mix two teaspoons of non- iodized salt (pink Himalayan salt)
#2: Add a dash of lemon to the mixture (optional)
#3: Drink the quickly on an empty stomach.

How does Salt water Flush help reduce Stress?

Salt, especially natural unrefined salt helps lower stress, calming the mind and allowing the body to stay relaxed. According to an article published in the ‘Journal of Neuroscience” it has been found that when sodium levels in the bloodstream are increased, it helps reduce the stress response. Drinking salt helps alleviate anxiety and averts your mind from generating distressing scenarios that may keep you awake all night. In addition, scientific research has revealed that when salt consumption is increased, it is highly effective in reducing levels of cortisol, referred to as stress hormones. Drinking warm salt water also works beneficially in increasing your oxytocin levels. Oxytocin is a hormone that plays a vital role in helping you feel calm and relaxed, increasing your sense of well- being. An increase in the oxytocin levels helps one to fall asleep quickly and encourages deeper sleep, thereby eliminating the root cause of stress.

Tips on practicing saline cleanse to ease stress

• Drink your salt water tonic about an hour before retiring to bed.
• Avoid eating anything at least one to two hours before you perform the flush.
• Do the flush occasionally (every few weeks) to achieve maximum benefits.

A salt water cleanse when incorporated into your lifestyle from time to time can play a vital role in helping reset and rejuvenate your body for improved digestion and vitality. However, though the saline cleanse is safe, it is highly recommended that you consult a health practitioner before you embark on this natural health routine.

Deep tissue massage can bring relief to people suffering from many conditions. This type of massage is similar to Swedish massage and focuses on the deep layers of muscle and other structures that surround bones, muscle, and the joints. Massage has many benefits beyond pain relief.

What Can Massage Do?

Massage can assist those who have conditions which cause chronic pain. Many stress-related migraine sufferers can find relief by undergoing regular massage. Those who exercise regularly or are professional athletes can relieve sore muscles through massage. Lower back pain and other conditions, such as arthritis, can be lessened using massage.

How Does Deep Tissue Massage Work?

This type of massage is firm and much slower than other common massage types. There is little manipulation of the body and the person receiving the massage is usually face down or on their back. Depending on which part of the body is being focused on, the recipient could switch position part way through the massage.

Usually, the massage therapist will focus on certain muscle groups. For example, a chronic migraine sufferer might have the therapist focus on muscles in the upper back, neck, and shoulders. Even those who want to focus on certain areas can find that massage of other muscle groups helps as well.

Benefits of Massage

Massage has many benefits beyond pain relief. Those who undergo regular massage often find that their anxiety levels are decreased, and their muscles become more responsive. Massage stimulates the flow of blood and can also release hormones that make the recipient feel good, such as serotonin. Many people choose to use massage in lieu of prescription painkillers, which mask the pain but do not remove it.

There are some studies that show massage helping to lower blood pressure. As a result, the symptoms of high blood pressure are relieved. Regular massage helps to break up scar tissue from injuries. It can also decrease healing time and inflammation due to increased circulation after a massage.

Massage can be used to reduce leg and back pain in pregnant women. It can also be used to decrease pain levels during labor. Regular massage may influence the time needed to give birth. Massage can be used by both pregnant and post-partum women to relieve anxiety and depression.

Who Performs Massage?

There are many places that offer massage. Be sure to go to a reputable company. Anyone can easily research companies online and find one that works for you. A trained massage therapist will work with you and your comfort level to help you find relief from pain or injury.

For over 70 years, there has been the spread of lies and half-truths concerning medical marijuana. In 1970, the US government classified marijuana as a schedule 1 substance. That was until researchers studied CBD, the main component of medical marijuana. The recent findings concerning medical marijuana have made over 20 American states to legalize it.

Presently, many top journals and leading medical authorities including the World Health Organization, laud the benefits of CBD. Medical marijuana is not new. Hundreds of journal articles document the medical benefits of CBD.

CBD Sales

By 2020, CBD consumer sales will be over 1 billion US dollars. From 2014 to 2018, CBD sales have been increasing. Many people have started to realize the benefits of CBD pure paste.

CBD versus THC

Cannabis has THC and CBD. THC has anti-emetic, anti-tremor, analgesic, and appetite-stimulating effects. However, THC has mind-altering effects. It will cause a highness. On the other hand, CBD does not have mind-altering effects and it has more health benefits than THC.

CBD is Fascinating the Medical Community

The full medical potential of CBD has not yet been unearthed. However, the medical community has already been fascinated. Presently, the Israeli government fully supports medical marijuana. The biggest medical marijuana research center is in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Many medical practitioners who previously opposed medical marijuana are currently supporting it. One of such doctors is CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta. In a documentary aired on CNN, Dr. Gupta travels to Colorado where he finds a little girl who has benefited from medical marijuana.

The girl in the CNN documentary started having seizures after birth. By age 3, she used to have over 300 seizures in a week. She was using seven different medications that were not helping her. Those medications made her weak and she was at the point of dying. After using medical marijuana, the seizures reduced to 2-3 per month.

Cardiovascular Health

Heart disease is the leading killer in the world. Sedentary lifestyles are to blame for the increasing cases of heart disease.

According to a 2013 study by British researchers, CBD prevents vascular damage caused by inflammation and high glucose levels. CBD has anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, it has the potential to cure many diseases caused by inflammation.

Reduces pain and inflammation

The most common CBD benefit is natural pain relief. Studies show that CBD suppresses chronic inflammatory pain. A 2007 Canadian study demonstrated that a combination of THC and CBD treats neuropathic pain of multiple sclerosis.

The Bottom-Line

Medical marijuana is a political and emotionally charged issue. According to researchers, neglecting the health benefits of CBD in light of its low toxicity, lack of highness, and few side effects, is simply unacceptable.

For over 70 years, there has been the spread of lies and half-truths concerning medical marijuana. In 1970, the US government classified marijuana as a schedule 1 substance. That was until researchers studied CBD, the main component of medical marijuana. The recent findings concerning medical marijuana have made over 20 American states to legalize it.

Presently, many top journals and leading medical authorities including the World Health Organization, laud the benefits of CBD. Medical marijuana is not new. Hundreds of journal articles document the medical benefits of CBD.

CBD Sales

By 2020, CBD consumer sales will be over 1 billion US dollars. From 2014 to 2018, CBD sales have been increasing. Many people have started to realize the benefits of CBD pure paste.

CBD versus THC

Cannabis has THC and CBD. THC has anti-emetic, anti-tremor, analgesic, and appetite-stimulating effects. However, THC has mind-altering effects. It will cause a highness. On the other hand, CBD does not have mind-altering effects and it has more health benefits than THC.

CBD is Fascinating the Medical Community

The full medical potential of CBD has not yet been unearthed. However, the medical community has already been fascinated. Presently, the Israeli government fully supports medical marijuana. The biggest medical marijuana research center is in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Many medical practitioners who previously opposed medical marijuana are currently supporting it. One of such doctors is CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta. In a documentary aired on CNN, Dr. Gupta travels to Colorado where he finds a little girl who has benefited from medical marijuana.

The girl in the CNN documentary started having seizures after birth. By age 3, she used to have over 300 seizures in a week. She was using seven different medications that were not helping her. Those medications made her weak and she was at the point of dying. After using medical marijuana, the seizures reduced to 2-3 per month.

Cardiovascular Health

Heart disease is the leading killer in the world. Sedentary lifestyles are to blame for the increasing cases of heart disease.

According to a 2013 study by British researchers, CBD prevents vascular damage caused by inflammation and high glucose levels. CBD has anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, it has the potential to cure many diseases caused by inflammation.

Reduces pain and inflammation

The most common CBD benefit is natural pain relief. Studies show that CBD suppresses chronic inflammatory pain. A 2007 Canadian study demonstrated that a combination of THC and CBD treats neuropathic pain of multiple sclerosis.

The Bottom-Line

Medical marijuana is a political and emotionally charged issue. According to researchers, neglecting the health benefits of CBD in light of its low toxicity, lack of highness, and few side effects, is simply unacceptable.

When it comes to grounding, some of the most common methods of connecting to the earth are walking barefoot and sleeping on the ground. However, in the modern world, sleeping indoors can further isolate you from the earth. There is also the issue of elevation, especially if you are living in a storey apartment.

Essentially, when you are grounded, your body is freed from charges, which is a good state. However, the greater the distance between you and the ground, the greater the amount of charge that your body carries. Mathematically, for every meter that your body is above the ground, you are likely to build up to 300 volts of charge in your body. This means that if you are in the second story bedroom, you body is likely to accumulate 1000 volts of charge, on average. This increased charge may amplify your risks of contracting a number of health problems. In a 2009 study, for instance, it was found that there was 40% increase in risks of stroke among individuals living in multistory homes.

So when you are indoors or at an elevation, how do you ground yourself? Well, here are the 5 ways that you can leverage:

1. Use grounding sheets or pads to ground your mattress when sleeping. There are a wide range of grounding pads online and physical wellness stores, and choosing the best model that suits your preferences and budget won’t be an issue.

2. While working, strive to put your bare feet on a grounding mat. Generally, grounding mats will serve you well when you connect them to grounded electrical outlets. They can be particularly beneficial if you live or work in high-rise buildings. A grounding outlet is basically a 3-prong outlet with a ground port. You will find grounded electrical systems in most modern homes, especially hose built after 1970s.

3. Touching the faucet with one of your hands while brushing your teeth or shaving with the other.

4. Placing your feet (either bare or with socks) on the steel struts of the chair in front of you when you are flying in an airplane.

5. Using grounded yoga mats when you are working out indoors. Grounded yoga mats have been proven to reduce exercise-induced inflammations and blood viscosity—the same benefits that you would expect from walking barefoot on the ground.

If you have never identified a favorable nature around to ground yourself, you should note that you can still ground indoors. The above tips will go a long way in helping your body maintain equilibrium and health while you are indoors.

When it comes to hair loss, men and women alike have been searching for an effective treatment option for years. Hair loss is not just about physical appearances but also the loss of confidence that accompanies one of the most common physical signs of aging. Minoxidil is a topical hair loss treatment that is FDA-approved and was formerly marketed under the brand name ‘Rogaine’.

How Does Minoxidil Work?

Minoxidil has shown some positive results when it comes to preventing the appearance of thinning hair and the loss of hair. Many hair-loss treatments use Minoxidil as their primary ingredient. Minoxidil works as a topical treatment that penetrates below the scalp’s surface to the follicles below that nourish the hair. Minoxidil nourishes and stimulates the hair by penetrating the hair shaft through the hair follicles at the surface.

The Stages of Hair Growth

The hair goes through four stages of growth through life: anagen, catagen, telogen, and exogen. As hair growth occurs from the root of follicle under the skin, blood vessels at the follicle’s base provides the hair shaft with the nourishment it needs to grow. As we age, the anagen (growth phase) gets shorter; this means that the hair is no longer as actively growing or thick as it once was and often gets weaker, more brittle and prone to breakage. If our hair moves from the anagen to the telogen (resting phase) too quickly, excess shedding and noticeably thinning hair is often the unfortunate result.

The Science Behind Minoxidil

Minoxidil is said to penetrate the hair follicles and awaken hair from the telogen phase and move it into the anagen phase. Science suggests that the positive results experienced by users of Minoxidil can be understood in terms of the hormone dihydrotestsoterone (DHT). As DHT binds to the hair follicles, it makes them shrink. As Minoxidil is a vasodilator, it is thought that the increase to blood flow could account for the hair-growing effects of such hair-loss treatments. The positives of using Minoxidil for hair loss is that approximately 40 percent of people who try a hair-loss treatment containing Minoxidil notice a reversal to thinning hair and loss of volume. Users have reported minimal, if any, side effects. The hair-loss treatment is easily available and affordable and produces positive results. It is also ideal to be used in conjunction with other products to produce even more efficacious results.

While aging is a natural process that comes to use all, that doesn’t mean you need to go without a fight. Men and women often find the confidence loss that accompanies the loss of hair the hardest part as they struggle with the loss healthier and fuller-looking hair from their youth. Minoxidil hair growth provides many people with an answer to the struggle of premature hair loss and thinning.

If you suffer burns or scars from an accident or you were born with a deformity, a plastic surgery on the affected part will help to correct the mess. Perhaps you know someone who has gone through plastic surgery or maybe your doctor has recommended the procedure and you are wondering how it works. Well, you are not alone as there are thousands of potential plastic surgery candidates who share your concerns. Frankly, the decision to see a plastic surgeon is not an easy one. In Fort Worth, for example, there are plastic surgeons for almost all parts of the body. You just need to name the part of the body that you want them to correct and there is a plastic surgeon for the job. Here are the top FAQs about plastic surgery:

1. Does Plastic Surgery Have Anything to Do with Plastics?

Apparently, this is the first question that most patients ask the surgeons when they hear of the procedure. The procedure has nothing to do with the use of plastic. The name just has a Greek origin which means ‘to restructure’ or ‘to mold’. Basically, the procedure is meant to reshape your body to look better.

2. What are the most Common Plastic Surgeries?

The most popular plastic surgeries include breast enlargement (augmentation mammaplasty), nose surgery (rhinoplasty), tummy surgery (abdominoplasty), hair transplantation, buttock lift, liposuction, and facelift.

3. Can the Procedure Leave a Scar?

Plastic surgeries done by the best plastic surgeons in Fort Worth do not leave scars. If there is a scar, it’s usually small enough to go unnoticed. Experienced hands will ensure that the procedure runs smoothly and there are no mistakes.

4. How is the Procedure Done?

The technologies for plastic surgery have improved lately. So, experts use different approaches to restructure your body. Common ones include the placing of implants under the skin (in the case of breast surgery) and skin grafts (like in the case of burns).

5. Is it safe?

As with any type of surgery out there, plastic surgery has a few risks involved. However, every year thousands of people undergo the procedure for a variety of reasons without complications, and the overall risks are generally low. The best plastic surgeons Fort Worth has to offer will strive to review your medical history, your current health status, and reasons for undergoing the surgery to establish whether you should have the procedure and to keep you informed about the necessary steps involved. Following their advice carefully will minimize the risks involved.

Final Thoughts

Before you decide on a plastic procedure, you should talk to your expert and ensure you understand the details. This will help you prepare physically and psychologically for the surgery.