Monday, December 19, 2011

Osteoporosis- degeneration in bone density

Osteoporosis starts showing its effect as we start aging. The bones begin to lose density. It is found more in women compared to men. About 30-35% of women suffer from this disease compared to 20-30% of men. It grows in a gradual and sustained manner showing its effect after the age of 30.

One of the main reasons of losing bone density is the continual use of hydrogenated fats in daily diets. Increased use of such oils, iodized salts, sugar, white bread, white rice, processed food, aerated drinks and hot beverages can lead to reduction of calcium in human body. Their use is acidic in nature giving rise to acidosis. Acidosis is responsible for increasing the alkalinity by reducing calcium present in the body.

If calcium is considered the main mineral requirement to do away with osteoporosis then there is need of other mineral supplements too. Magnesium is another important mineral that needs to be adequately sustained to keep out osteoporosis. Vitamin D aids in effective use of calcium. 1.5 grams of phosphorus and .5 grams of magnesium help create one gram of calcium.

Thus, it is important to take calcium rich diets which can help maintain bones and cartilages. Natural foods like milk, yogurt, spinach, carrot, ginger, turmeric, orange and almonds are quite effectual and have long-lasting impact on bone structures if taken on a regular basis.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

What is hyper pigmentation?

There are several instances of skin getting darker as a result of increased melanin. Hyper pigmentation is caused by excess supply of melanin, a pigment responsible for producing color in skin areas like eyes, hands, face and hair. The intensity of the factor increases as one starts aging. This is, probably due to reduction in control over distribution and regulation of melanocyte that produces melanin.

It may be caused due to overexposure to sun rays. In few cases, skin injuries and acne may be the main reason for stimulating melanocyte. Skin inflammation is also attributed to this ailment.

When patches of skin darken due to such reasons, there are a number of treatments that can either restore the skin tone or remove the patches. The most commonly adopted treatment is laser procedure. The q-switched ruby and other pigmented lesion lasers are opted to remove the dark areas on the skin.

Bleaches are often put into application to reduce the production of melanin. An active ingredient called hydroquinone is present in bleach to lighten the patches and bring it back to normal skin tone. The results can be obtained at a faster pace. Bleach containing tretinoin and cortisone can take few months to show improvement.

At home, a paste of turmeric powder and yellow gram flour can be prepared and used on the affected areas. The solution can be used twice a day. It is advisable not to move outdoors or expose yourself to sun immediately after using the home remedy.

Hyper pigmentation is a harmless ailment that can be cured by visiting a dermatologist. Prescription bleaches and laser procedures can remove the dark patches. However, it is important to adopt a healthy diet with lots of green leafy vegetables, nuts and fruits to retain the natural tone of skin.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Lip plumping- a new fad!

The young generation has become more fashion conscious with passage of time. They want to look their best in everything- face, hair, hands, legs, attire. One of the changes quite noticed among them is alteration in shape and size of lips to look more sensuous and attractive.

Increasingly, young people are undergoing several types of cosmetic or plastic procedural operations to correct their lips. Very common among female folks to stand out in the crowd is the so- called lip plumping that helps them change the entire look of face with lips being a bit thicker or fuller.

The lips are plumped using dermal fillers on thin lips. This invasive treatment is carried out for about an hour wherein lips are numbed using an apt anesthetic paste. Once lips are fully numbed, a chemical named hyaluronic acid is injected in gradual manner. The hyaluronic acid is the most preferred natural filler used to achieve the purpose.

After treatment, it is possible that the lips might get swollen or bruised. The swelling stays for a day or two while it may take a week for bruises to heal. However, it is always advisable to consult a qualified dermatologist.

The lip plumper is also available in shops in tube(with applicator) or roller ball. It basically contains irritant which makes lips swell for a temporary period of time and give the desired effect for the evening party or celebration. The irritant used in plumper may be camphor, menthol, caffeine and cinnamon oil.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Tip of the day

Drinking turmeric based milk is good for eliminating joint pains. Eating raw turmeric is good for joints in winter.

How to cure gastritis?

Gastritis is engulfing a lot of young people who are living a stressful life. Due to improper diet, the stomach has to bear the rot giving rise to multiple such problems.

Gastritis is something that can be cured either by following GP's prescribed medicines or adopting home-made remedies which are crucial in reducing the problem to great extent.
Often GP's recommend medicinal doses at regular intervals of the day. This may solve the problem for some time but patient becomes a slave of medicines if he often receives such bouts of gastritis.

There are many things present in our kitchen which can do wonders to human body. Not only they help cure gastritis but other stomach related problems too.

One effective measure is adoption of buttermilk in meals. Taken after or in between the meals helps keep stomach healthy.
Raw ginger and raw garlic are quite effective too. Taken in small amounts, they are considered the best remedic solutions.Garlic eaten in the morning even helps in controlling cholestrol.Thus, considered quite apt for heart.

There are different vegetables and fruits along with herbs that help in controlling gastritis. However, it is important to improve one's own diet and change lifestyle in order to curb the onslaught of gastritis during meal hours.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

What is hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a one of the serious problems afflicting the front part of neck. The thyroid glands located in the throat get diseased due to lack of iodine. Once recognized, the proper treatment is very necessary.

The disease is caused due to downfall of thyroxin released in the blood through the hormones present in thyroid glands. As a result, the individual might see a climb in his weight and slowed heart rate. The skin is likely to get dry and coldness becomes unbearable. Found more commonly among females than males, timely precautions can control the spread on time.

The disorder can be detected with the analysis of three types of thyroid concentration in blood level namely T3, T4 and TSH. A high TSH with low T3 and T4 will show the symptoms of hypothyroidism.

One of the most efficient non-surgical methods is to take food with correct and accurate intake of iodine. A mineral like iodine is effective and useful in preventing diseases connected with thyroid. Iodized salt is the best solution that is not only cheap but can be used in salt based recipes.

The other option available to the person suffering from this disease is the regular intake of thyroxin based tablets. They should be taken as per course in the morning with breakfast.

If the disease has reached serious proportions, the east way out is to go for a biopsy. However, it must be adopted after proper radiology scans. The method adopted for the purpose is very effective ans does not cause pain.

Hypothyroidism
can be controlled if tests are conducted on time. This helps in controlling the disease on time. Iodine based meals are a necessity to control the disorder.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Tip of the day-2

For constipation or bad stomach, having a teaspoon or two of powdered fenugreek seeds with water at night can provide a great relief.

Friday, February 25, 2011

EMR- Significance and Uses

EMR - electronic medical record is a computer based application needed to store the medical details of the patient. In fact, it has played a crucial role in making the system paperless. With storage, easy retrieval is possible at the hospital without wasting a single second.

The major benefit is the reduced cost involved in keeping the records. With computer displays, the health care provider can prescribe the drugs according to the illness and drug allergies. The information is accessible from any part of the globe that supports this system.

With the help of electronic medical data, considerable time is reduced in looking for paper records. Even, duplication of work is reduced to zero due to data storage. The patient gets immediate attention for chronic illness. Ray of hope also arises as there is improvement in monitoring the quality of care.

"Prevention is better than cure." This fact is aptly supported by EMR. It enhances preventive health capabilities with the prudent applicability of the system. The consequent diagnosis and possible treatment can improve chances of living.

The system is quite helpful in all the major areas of care; emergency, community, consumer, chronic and acute care. The clinical orientation in these areas is significant for health care management of patient. There is a complete foolproof need of implementing the system structure so that it lasts long without any hassles.

Before installing pre-required software, it is vital to decide about the plan of action. This requires process planning and analysis. The medical legislation needs to be understood. With the consequent identification of the major stakeholders, the last step is to give final touches by collecting and recording the information.

Since it has computer focused usability, the role of IT professionals is very significant. The job is not limited to installation. Data migration, demographic confirmation and most importantly training play an elementary role to procure proper execution and success of EMR.

EMR has facilitated improved registration and scheduling procedures. Precision in accessing and reviewing the lab results enhances chances of proper medication and prescriptions without loss of time and energy. The fully automated system has been fruitful in reducing the burden of retrieval of necessary medical records.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Health Informatics- Emergence of Health Information Technology

Each century is observing and inheriting new technology in health care information as and when it gets invaded and put into use. Health informatics has become popular by creating a connection between three different elements. Patient, health professional and information store are bound together to be revisited in future whenever the need arises.

The word is a combination of two different concepts- health and information technology. Creating a link between two has become significant and vital in current era. The health information of the individual is stored using IT devices so that it can be retrieved at a later date when required.

One of the important factors is analysis, evaluation and customization of health information system that strengthens the medical expert-patient relationship. This follows from the fact to make use of guidelines and ethics needed in medical field. A foolproof system of privacy and confidence needs to be developed and implemented. Thus, it is the mere exchange of health information in a systematic manner through the process of a set of medical standards such as HL7. HL7 is a health care IT standard which every vendor has to follow globally for interoperability.

The main objective is to achieve the most apt and suitable health care deliverance and execution system. For the purpose, the health professionals need to be trained in the usage and applicability of most advanced IT features and functions. This may require gaining much of practical knowledge, experience and funding. At the same time, proper and prudent medical and clinical decision support system is a major requirement. M-health and e-health are equivalently needed to achieve the goals of this discipline.

Health informatics is gaining status with increasing use of information technology and communication in health care. This promotes and allows a long-lasting and ever-growing bond between the patient and specialist. Confidence- building and privacy should be maintained as much as possible.

Is E-health really important?

E-health has become a growing phenomenon with several governments putting effort to achieve the electronic transformation of patient's health and medical data. In order to ease the data retrieval in future, the patient's details are being compiled and stored. Time will help know how fruitful can be such efforts.

Tracing origins to late 1990's, it has undergone several changes in terminology. The term, however, settled for the electronic storage, transmission and retrieval of health information at a later stage. The medical field has increasingly felt its need due to the abrupt increase in medical cases over a period of time.

In some countries, the government through its health department has directed to create a separate section for the purpose. Several people at various levels have been employed to carry out survey and collect health details. The role of information technology has become inherent and significant in this regard.

With a certain amount of funds dedicated exclusively for the purpose, the state- owned agencies employed have started collecting relevant details from the hospitals, physicians' offices and other state recognized medical centers. Collected data is stored on the server or hard drive. This task is expected to allow accessibility by the medical units located far and wide.

Importance of this concept is highlighted on the foundation that the information can be retrieved even after several years for emergency requirements. The diagnosis is likely to ease once the doctor's panel comes to know the intricate details of the patient's health. Time and energy can be used for immediate medical attention and treatment with a ray of hope for patient's survival.

The records not only include the basic details like blood group, age and gender but other health related issues too. Information like prescribed drugs, blood works and scans and other related medical reports are also included. Childhood vaccinations, allergy conditions, chronic disease management like diabetes and hypertension also form a part of patient's health record.

E-health can succeed only if there is total transparency in providing or obtaining the patient's health information. The unpredictable future can be at rescue of the patient whenever any health emergency arises. It also helps him elongating his life if timely and critical decisions are carefully taken by the health care providers looking at the previous medical history.

Tip of the day-1

You have a bad stomach and suffering from constipation; put some seeded dried grapes in boiling milk. Drink the milk and eat the grapes one at a time. Next morning, you will get the result.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Essential called Water- I

Advices pour in at every moment of the day or night to have lot of water. H2O is extremely important for human survival. Anybody can live without food (for some time) but water is indispensable element.

The human body has around 70 percent water that is equivalent to existence of water on earth. Blood, oxygen, fluids, acids and vitamins run through the veins and arteries. Even hard body parts like bones too have water. Muscles and cartilages do consist of this fluid.

It is difficult to imagine a life without it. Even minute or hour, any human being has to fulfill his body requirements. This is not only to compensate the loss due to urination but its use in inhaling and exhaling too.

It is often seen that people using lot of brain or physical labor require greater amount of fluids. This will assist in not only providing stamina and energy but help stand on feet too. A lot of H2O is lost through dehydration and needs to be inserted back into the body through one or the other source.

The colorless and tasteless form of water is always the first preference after a meal or physical labor. However, there are certain supplements that are equally good and transmit fluids into the cells and tissues. Juice, fruits and drinks are most prominently used. Ice cubes in form of solidified water can give instant coolness to thirsty tongues.

Alcohol and soft drinks increase the fluid levels but are not good for health. Caffeine contained drinks like tea or coffee has detrimental effects on human body and must be taken in moderation. In fact, good sources of water are best for increased nutrition.

No matter in what way the water runs down the human body, it is essential and cannot be lived without. Water is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen but it is like pure oxygen that is needed with every breath.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Get Pregnant without pills and infertility treatment

God has blessed woman with exceptional and extraordinary power- giving birth to a child. However, there are cases where a woman cannot conceive either due to personal health reasons or genetic problems.

If she thinks about improving her health, she can conceive naturally without taking drugs or going for any infertility treatments.

Brief periods of three to four days can help a woman become pregnant. This period is called ovulation. If a woman does intercourse with man immediately before, during or after ovulation, there are chances to become pregnant. This is however possible only if active and healthy sperms come in contact with the eggs. Thus, the first factor that plays a role in natural pregnancy is man-woman relationship during ovulation period.

There are some external reasons that can facilitate pregnancy. If she is on frequent intakes of caffeine then she should cut on it. Caffeine might increase infertility or chances of problematic pregnancy and even miscarriage.

Taking narcotics or alcohol reduces the chance of child-birth. Drugs like cocaine, marijuana can affect ovum. Having too much of alcohol can cause hormonal imbalances. Smoking has even more serious repercussions. Nicotine can lead to fall in formation of eggs. Also, regular use of tobacco can cause depletion of eggs altogether. It is important to remove these items from life to make way for a new unborn life.

Stress and tensions of modern life can be quite detrimental for a woman’s body. Disturbances in nervous system can make it difficult for woman to return to normal life. Meditation, yoga, swimming and jogging can generate energy and build stamina. These activities are very helpful in relaxing mind and muscles.

Obesity is another important reason for not conceiving as the natural and normal intake of food gets hampered due to excess intake of fats. Even an underweight woman will find it tough to become pregnant.

Healthy and nutritious diet is considered a key to pregnancy. A diet of fruits, green vegetable, dry fruits and cereals can do wonders if adopted seriously and honestly. Fruits have high fiber, protein and vitamin contents. Fruits like apple, grapes, pineapple, orange, strawberry and banana can help improve and maintain fluids in body. Cereals like oats and staple can improve levels of protein, carbohydrates and minerals. Dry fruits like almonds, cashew, apricot and walnut are strong in fats, vitamins and proteins. Green leafy vegetables like lettuce, spinach, coriander and kale increase vitamins and proteins in body. However, water is one of the essential requirements that keep the body healthy and fit for conceiving.

Pills and infertility treatments are significant where there are rare chances of pregnancy and happen to be the last resort to give birth. Changes in routine life that ensures complete elimination of bad habits, healthy intake of nutritious food and stress-free life with control on weight can improve the chances of conceiving.