Diabetes In Children

You wouldn't usually associate diabetes with children and adolescents but diabetes is now one of the most chronic childhood diseases. Globally, an estimated 500,000 children under the age of 15 live with Type 1 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, once considered an adult health problem, is growing at an alarming rate in children as well.

Come November 14, the International Diabetes Federation and WHO together with United Nation will commemorate World Diabetes Day ( 2 Day ago). A two-year (2007 and 2008) focus on children hopes to raise awareness of the warning signs of diabetes and to promote healthy lifestyles to help prevent type 2 diabetes in children.

With huge increase in the number of children developing diabetes, chances are yu may know an affected family. Here are some of the signs of diabetes to look out :

>Frequent urination
>Excessive thirst
>Increased hunger
>Weight loss
>Tiredness
>Lack of interest and concentration
>Blurred vision
>Vomiting and stomach pain (often mistaken as the flu)

Source:WORLDDIABETESDAY.ORG

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Mood changes reflect 'growing pains' of changing your life

One topic that I think is important to cover when talking about stopping tobacco use is mood. Most people find mood changes occur frequently when first quitting and sometimes even severely enough to cause problems.

In fact, many remark that when they quit they "just don't feel like themselves." Some people believe that they become a "mean person" when they quit, or that their whole personality is altered. In many cases, this is symptomatic of the change process itself.

Before you ever started using tobacco, it felt "normal" not to smoke. Once you started to smoke on a regular basis, you began to identify with being a smoker. Over time, you got used to the behaviors and attitudes that surround it — both your own and those of the world around you.

After using tobacco for an extended period of time, it may now feel like it is a part of who you are. So it is not uncommon when quitting to not "feel like yourself" for a while. But with time you will gradually begin to feel "normal" again as a non-smoker.

Changes in mood can be a symptom of withdrawal. These symptoms may include irritability, anxiousness, frustration, nervousness, anger and depression. Some of these symptoms can be offset by proper use of medications to help you quit.

However, there is still the emotional attachment to the cigarette that needs to be acknowledged and addressed. You may experience feelings of fear, resentment, anger, and even grief from the loss. These are normal responses to making a change of this magnitude, to giving up that "old friend."

I want to emphasize that these mood fluctuations are temporary and are a result of your changing life. They are not personality characteristics or in any way a permanent condition. It is important to be aware of the potential for these ups and downs and realize that they are transitional — this is just a part of the "growing pains" of change.

It is also important to prepare ways to manage this emotional ebb and flow when interacting with others. One approach is to let people know in advance that you are quitting and how they can support you. It can also help to structure time alone during the first phase of quitting or plan to be away from typical stressors that could exacerbate a bad mood. Getting a few days or weeks of quitting "under your belt" before taking on tasks or situations you know could negatively impact your temper can be effective in avoiding relapse.

What are some of the feelings you have when quitting or even just thinking about giving up tobacco? When you've gone through other challenging periods in your life, how have you managed the mood changes? How do you get "re-centered" and put yourself into a better frame of mind when you are riding an emotional roller coaster? If this is something you haven't developed yet, consider seeking help in finding effective strategies to manage your mood during tough times. Think about ways that you can apply new strategies or helpful skills from the past to quitting smoking now.

Here is some tips to help you stop smoking [click here]

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Blood test can gauge prostate cancer risk

Thanks to Genomic research, a simple blood test can be used to determine a man's relative risk of developing prostate cancer. That's because blood work can detect five genetic variants that, according to an international study, are independently associated with the disease, but that, when combined, have a strong cumulative effect of risk.

Compared to having none of these genetic variants, researchers write in the New England Journal of Medicine, having four increases the risk of developing prostate cancer by 400 to 500 percent. Family history is added to the equation to make six risk factors. Having at least five of six factors increases the baseline risk by more than 900 percent.

"Our finding provides an opportunity to supplement the well-established risk factors (age, race, and family history) by looking at inherited variants," says seniors researcher Dr. Jianfeng Xu of Wake Forest University School of Medicine, in North Carolina. And being aware of the cumulative effect of these genetic variants, say Xu, "could substantially improve physicians' ability to assess risk and determine the need for more aggressive screening."

KNOW YOUR BODY:
The prostate is walnut-sized gland located just below the bladder in men. The prostate keeps urine and semen flowing in the proper direction, and produces a component of semen called prostatic fluid.

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Avoid these calcium robbers

Aerated drinks have high phosphate content. Phosphate binds calcium in the bowel and reduces its absorption.

Salt may adverse effect on calcium metabolism in the body. This can lead to bone loss. When the amount of sodium in the body goes up, more calcium is excreted from body to maintain a sodium-calcium balance.

Cereals and pulses contain phytates, phosphorus compounds, which bind calcium and reduce its bioavailability. Though generally safe, if you think that your intake of cereals may lead to loss of bone health, ask your nutritionist or orthopedic to guide you.

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Caffiene

Many people assume that decaffeinated coffee and tea is somehow healthier- and there have been suggested links between caffeine and heart palpitations and pancreatic cancer. But there's growing list of ways that it might actually be good for you.

Several studies have flagged coffee as combating or delaying the development of Parkinson's disease in men.

It's most likely the caffeine that's doing it, says Dr. Kieran Breen, director of research for the Parkinson's Disease Society in the UK; perhaps it stimulates nerve cells' production of dopamine to counteract the disease's symptoms, or it may actually be protecting the nerve cells.

Some studies have suggested the caffeine can help prevent gallstones, though there's no consensus yet. A Japanese study found that middle-aged and older people drinking cofee daily had half rate of common liver cancer.

Also, as a pick-me-up, caffeine doesn't just affect mood - there's evidence it can enhance the performance of athletes.

BUT WATCH OUT!
It has been suggested that caffeine is harmful to those with diabetes or hypertension, though doctors simply advice sufferers to drink it in moderation and the Blood Pressure Association in the UK says cutting out caffeine does not have a major impact on blood pressure.

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Detox

What is a detoxification?
A cleansing and detoxification program is a series of steps taken in order to actively enchance the elimination of toxic wastes from your body that creating, or have the potential to create bothersome symptoms and disease. An exceptional cleansing and detoxification program that greatly improve your health, requires the ingestion of higher quality nutrient. These nutrients include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, protein, carbohydrates, fats and water. Quiet activities such as prayer, meditation or slow diaphragmatic breathing are equally as important a successful detoxification program.

Types of detox.
Skin Brushing:
It facilitates the skin cleansing by stimulating the lymphatic system which eliminate toxins through the skin. Lymphatic system is the part of the body responsible for cleansing soft tissue found just under the skin.

-Instructions:
*Use a long handled natural bristle brush, or a loofah sponge.
*Begin at the base of your teeth and brush in small circles from the legs towards the chest, palms of the hands towards to chest and then back forward the abdomen. Use light pressure. End with the scalp.
*Avoid the face, breast and other sensitive areas.
*Skin brushing can be done either in the morning or evening shower. It takes only 5-10 minutes.

-Benefits:
*The circular brushing promotes a clearer lymphatic pathway. It rejuvenates dull, lifeless skin and gives a healthy glow.

Aromatherapy:
*Combine in a bath with one cup of Epsom salts and 1 to 2 tablespoons of an essential oil, such as lemon, jojoba, rosemary or olive. These stimulating properties naturally draw toxins through the pores of the skin efficiently.
*Or, combine 1/2 cup oatmeal, 1 tablespoon cornmeal and several drop almond oil with enough milk to form a paste. Then apply by hand to the entire body (not the face) with gentle and circular motions. Rinse and brush the skin using loofah or sponge. This help exfoliate the skin which indirectly increase respiration and removes toxins.

Balneotherapy:
This therapeutic bathing uses normal tap water, natural thermal or mineral water. A special built baths contain more than 200 individual jets aimed at various parts of the body. Aromatic essential oils, mineral salts or dried seaweed are added to the water enhance a more therapeutic affect.

-Benefits:
*Soothe sore muscles and calm mind
*Ease dry or oily, inflamed or itchy
*Help patients suffering from rheumatic condition or arthritis.
*Increase lymphatic drainage.
*Improved blood circulation
*Lowered blood pressure.
*Improved muscle tone
*Increase flexibility.
*Relief from emotional stresses and mental fatigue.
*Stimulate activity in the liver and kidneys.

Juices:
For your body's regenerative system to work, toxin must be flushed out and drinking eight glasses of a water a day won't do it alone. To purify your system, try fruit in the morning and vegetables juices in the afternoon along with your normal diet, And remember to stay away from salty food, sugar, alcohol and caffeine.

Go green:
Say no to snacks and head for food which are high in water content such as cucumber, celery, lettuce and kale. Avoid alcohol, excessive caffeine, red meat and dairy product and always remember to keep up your water intake. No more instant noodles or hamburgers, but it's best to stick to foods low in fat and high in nutrients.

-Try these:
*Grapefruits (increase metabolic stimulants)
*Grape (high in potassium-essential maintaining normal kidney function)
*Cantaloupes (High in digestive enzymes)
*Bananas and avocados (maintain blood sugar)

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How it works : Sunburn

It's a little more complicated than a simple heat-and-char process. Immediately after sun exposure, you'll see some pink skin: that comes from dilation of the capillaries in reaction to ultraviolent B rays. "The actual burn you see later comes from series of chemical reactions," say Dr Mehmet C. Ox. Mast cell in the skin release chemicals like histamine and serotonin, triggering more chemical production and inflammation. Whitin 12 hours, skin cells begin to die, and inflammation turn the skin a darker red. UV radiation damages your DNA, setting you up for possible skin cancer and suppressing immunity. But your skin does try to fight back. As soon as you're exposed to UV radiation, cells called melanoctyes release melanin pigments that block UV ray- in the form of a tan that can reflect UV light. You;re heard it before, but it bears repeating. To prevent burns, use a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB ray, and reapply often

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So you are 70s?

Who said when you are 70s you can have sex? But most of people have choose to not having sex when they are getting older. A five-year study, published in the American Journal of Medicine, of 989 men aged 55-75 in Pirkanmaa, Finland, showed that having sexual intercourse less than once per week doubled the risk of erectile dysfunction, compared to having sex once per week.

Although there are plenty of studies about sexual problem associated with old age, there is relatively little research about normal sexual behaviour later in life. More couples over 70 are having sex and finding it satisfying than in previous generations, a British Medical Journal survey suggests.

Swedish researchers asked 1500 older people across a 30-year period about their sex lives. The number of people saying they had sex increased - as did the number of women reporting having orgasms.

The scientist from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden interviewed 70-year-olds in 1971-2, 1976-7, 1992-3 and 2000-2001. They found that the number of 70-year-olds reporting sexual intercourse rose in men and women married and unmarried say:


More than two-third- 68%- of married men in the most recent survey said they had sex, an increase from 52%, while the percentage of married women having sex rose from 38% to 56%. The number of men reporting physical problems, such as erectile dysfunction or ejaculation dysfunction increased. The number of women who said they were highly satisfied with their sex lives rose too.

When sexual intercourse stopped, both men and women tended to blame men, in line with the finding from earlier surveys. Professor Peggy Kleinplatz, from the University of Ottawa, said that doctors should now trained to ask all patients-regardless of their age- about any sexual concerns.She said: "Sex is an important and positive part of the lives of their 70-year-olds participants, and more so for the current cohort of men and women than for their predecessors in 1971."

So, for those who are 70s and think that sex is not suit for you, think about it again. If you have doubt about it, i suggest you to see your doctor. :-). Have a meaningful life.

She said: "Sex is an important and positive part of the lives of their 70-year-old participants, and more so for the current cohort of men and women than for their predecessors in 1971."

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Diet myths debunked

When eating out, a salad is always the best option.

FALSE!

It's easy to believe that all salads are healthy but this is not actually the case. Some salads contain fatty ingredients and could, in some cases, contain more calories than a steak and fries.

High fat ingredients include croutons, crispy bacon, mayonnaise and oily dressings - these don't really add any vitamins and minerals, they all considerably boost the calories, fat and salt content of the dish.

Cheese and nuts contain more nutrients, but they can still add a lot of calories when mixed in a salad.

Organic food is "healthier" than non-organic food.

FALSE! (mostly)

Organic food isn't automatically the healthier option as the term 'organic' refers to the farming methods used to produce the food - not it's nutrient contain. Therefore, organic food might be better for environment but eating more of it doesn't necessarily mean you'll have a lower calorie diet.

Organic biscuits, chocolate and cakes contain on average just as much fat, sugar and salts as their non-organic counterparts - and it's often harder to find the 'healthier' alternatives in organic ranges.

However, products such as organic fruit won't have been sprayed with insecticides and animals raised for organic meat won't in most cases have been fed antibiotics.

Having a traditional cooked breakfast in the morning can be a healthy choice.

TRUE!

This myth is certainly true as long as you have a 'grill-up' and not a 'fry-up'

If you grill lean bacon, peach and eggs and include baked beans, grilled tomatoes and mushrooms (not cooked in oil/fat), this meal can then easily be healthy and balanced.

Maintaining your new healthy weight.

Achieving your weight goal is, for many, like winning the battle but not necessarily the war.

Remember, it is important to maintain your new slimmer, healthier body for the long run.

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Fast fact

Women under stress eat twice as much fatty food as those who aren't. Stressed men's snacking stays constant.

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Sneaky sign of diabetes

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be tricky, which helps explain why millions of people have the disease but don't know it. You may know the classic symptoms of fatigue, recurrent infection and frequent urination. Lesser known signs:

Bad breath
(A smell like nail polish remover). Excess sugar in saliva prompts bacteria growth, which help create foul-smelling gases.

Swollen gums
Increased bacteria can lead to inflammation and bleeding.

Blurred vision
Sugar in the lens of the eye makes it swell and refract light improperly.

Frequent thirst
In an effort to eliminate sugar, the body demands plenty of fluids.

If you have two or more symptoms, and any other risk factors (being over age 40 or overweight; having a family history of diabetest; having high blood pressure or cholesterol), see your doctor.

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Think quick: Smile more

"Racing thoughts" are commonly considered a symptom of bipolar disorder or maniac depression but study at Priceton University in New Jersey has found that when healthy people are made to think more quickly, they feel happier.

Researchers asked a group of people to read a statement twice as fast as they normally would from a computer screen. (They manipulated the speed of the words scrolled into view.) They then asked another group to read the same information but twice as slowly as they normally would. The participant then completed a questionnaire, assessing their mood, energy level and self-esteem.

It was discovered that when reading at a faster pace, people were made to think more quickly and felt happier as a result. In fact, they also felt more energetic, creative and powerful.

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When to get serious about snoring

Even if it sounds like a car with engine trouble, most snoring noise don't indicate health problems, say Professor Robin Blair from Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery at Dundee University in the UK. "Lying on your side to open airways more, exercising to tighten muscles and avoiding alcohol may help reduce the amount of snoring you do. "However, if you're snoring and gasping for breath, your airways could be blocked for longer than normal (it is common to stop breathing for a second or two) and you could be suffering from obstructive sleep apponea. If so, ask your doctor to refer you to a specialist who will monitor your sleep to see if you breathing is being restricted.

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Can pregnant mum fly?

Mums-to-be know to stay grounded. After all cosmic radiation from the sun can harm fetus right? Not necessarily. A new report reveals that the amounts of radiation is so small, the risk is negligible for most women.

Guidelines state that exposure to 1 milisievert (mSv) of radiation a year is save (in addition to the 3 mSv we get yearly from background sources). On a 12-hour return flight from Singapore to Tokyo, passengers get just 0.06 mSv.

Women may want to postpone flight in the rare case of a solar flare- a student burst that occurs every few years and may last several days. At their peak, they can expose a traveler to more than 30 times the amount of radiation she'd get in a single flight. If you're worried about a solar flare, you airline may know if one is occurring.

Frequent flier, of course may be at higher risk. For casual travelers, while there may be other health reasons your doctor doesn't want you to fly (hypertension, for example), don't let cosmic radiation make you miss a trip.

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Burn fat by eating chocolate

Chocolate-loving (and eating) men are in better health than those who don't like it, say researchers at Imperial College London and Nestle. Over five days, a group of healthy young men (half liked chocolate, half didn't) ate the same food, plus a choice bread or chocolate. Blood and urine showed the chocolate lovers processed fatty foods better and had lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol. So, indulging on occasion may have long-term health benefits- but researchers say, only when paired with otherwise healthy diet and lifestyle.

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Healthier ways to BBQ

I always have BBQ with my family and my friend. It is one way having a good time with them. But cooking meat over an open flame or BBQ creates chemicals long suspected of increasing cancer risk. According to two news studies, eating barbecued red meat may raise the risk of prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in post-menopausal women. This is some tips to prevent that happen:

Scrape off any charred portion, which contain many of the chemicals believed to lead to cancer.

Keep the temperature lower to lessen the smoke and flames that reach the food and raise the barbecue racks.

Flip with top or spatula- a fork pierces food, releasing juice and fat that lead to flare-ups.

Choose skinless chicken and fish. They don't appear to raise cancer risk.

Microwave meat before barbecuing to reduce time over the charcoal and use an oil-free marinade to hinder the formation of cancer-causing chemicals

Make kebabs with fruits and vegetables, which don't form harmful chemicals when flame-cooked.

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Do you think that you dont have hypertension?

What is hypertension?
Blood pressure is force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls. The heart pump blood into the arteries (blood vessels), which carry the blood throughout the body. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is dangerous because it makes the heart work harder to pump blood to the body and its contributes to hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis. There are several categories of blood pressure:
Normal: Less than 120/80
Prehypertension: 120-139/80-89
Stage 1 hypertension: 140-159/90-99
Stage 2 hypertension: 160 and above/100 and above
Primary hypertension or stage 1 has no specific origin but strongly associated with lifestyle. It responsible for 90 to 95 percent of diagnosed hypertension and is treated with stress management, changes in diet, increased physical, and meditation (if needed). Secondary hypertension is responsible for 5 to 10 percent of diagnosed hypertension. It is caused by preexisting medical condition such as congestive heart failure (major cause of stroke), can damage the coronary arteries, the brain, the kidney, and the eyes.


What causes hypertension?
The exact causes of hypertension are not known. Several factors and condition may play a role in its development including:
-Smoking
-Obesity or overweight
-Lack of physical activity
-Too much salt in the diet
-Too much alcohol consumption
-Stress
-Older age
-Genetics
-Family history of high blood pressure
-Chronic kidney disease
-Adrenal and thyroid disorders


What are the symptoms of hypertension?
There are usually no symptoms or sign of hypertension. In fact, nearly one-third of those who have it don't know it. The only way to know if you have hypertension definitely is to have your blood pressure checked.
If your blood pressure is extremely high, there may be certain symptoms to look out for, including:
-Severe headache
-Fatigue of confusion
-Vision problems
-Chest pain
-Difficulty breathing
-Irregular heartbeat
-Blood in the urine

Who is more likely to develop hypertension?
-People with family member who have high blood pressure
-People who smoke
-African-Americans
-Women who are pregnant
-Women who take birth control pills
-People over the age of 35
-People who are overweight or obese
-People who are not active
-People who drink alcohol excessively
-People who eat too many fatty foods or foods with too much salt

How is hypertension diagnosed?
Your health care provider can tell if you have hypertension by checking your blood pressure with a special meter called a sphygmomanometer, which consists of a stethoscope, arm cuff, dial, pump, and valve. You can also measure your own blood pressure at home. You should have blood pressure checked at least once a year to make sure you don't have hypertension.

What health problem are associated with hypertension?
As we have mention earlier, hypertension is a serious condition that can damage the heart and blood vessels, and can eventually lead to several other condition;
-Stroke
-Heart failure
-Heart attack
-Kidney failure
-Vision problem

How is hypertension treated?
Sodium intake has been primary target for hypertension control, though it is ranked fourth as the lifestyle factor associated for hypertension. About 50 percent of individuals appear to be "sodium sensitive" and this means that excessive sodium intake tends to increase blood pressure in these groups of people, and they do not appear to excrete amount of salt via the kidneys. Sodium-sensitive individuals include the elderly, obese individuals, and African Americans. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults consume no more than 2400 milligram of sodium daily.
Hypertension also can be treated by making changes in our lifestyle, and with drug therapy. Lifestyle change include losing weight, stopping smoking, eating a healthy diet (such as the DASH diet, which includes lowering sodium but including daily serving of fruit, vegetable, and whole grain foods), and getting enough exercise, especially aerobic exercise.
Several types of drugs are available to treat hypertension, including ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), diuretics, beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers.

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High cholesterol

What is high cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a type of fat called a lipid. The body uses it for many things, such as making new cells. Your liver makes the cholesterol that your body needs. You also get cholesterol from the foods you eat.

Your body needs some cholesterol. But if you have too much, it starts to build up in your arteries. (Arteries are the blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.) This is called hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis.It is usually a slow process that gets worse as you get older.

To understand what happens, think about how a clog forms in the pipe under a kitchen sink. Like the buildup of grease in the pipe, the buildup of cholesterol narrows your arteries and makes it harder for blood to flow through them. It reduces the amount of blood that gets to your body tissues, including your heart. This can lead to serious problems, including heart attack and stroke.

What are the symptoms?

High cholesterol doesn't make you feel sick. But if cholesterol builds up in your arteries, it can block blood flow to your heart or brain and cause a heart attack or stroke.

By the time you find out you have it, it may already be clogging your arteries. So it is very important to start treatment even though you may feel fine.

What causes high cholesterol?

* Diet. Eating too much saturated fat and cholesterol can raise your cholesterol. Saturated fat and cholesterol are in foods that come from animals (such as beef, pork, veal, milk, eggs, butter, and cheese), many packaged foods, stick margarine, vegetable shortening, and snack foods like cookies, crackers, and chips.
* Weight. Being overweight may raise triglycerides and lower “good” HDL.
* Activity level. Not exercising may raise “bad” LDL and lower HDL.
* Overall health. Diseases such as hypothyroidism can raise cholesterol. Smoking may lower HDL.
* Age. Cholesterol starts to rise after age 20. In men, it usually levels off after age 50. In women, it stays fairly low until menopause. After that, cholesterol levels rise to about the same levels as in men.
* Family. Some people inherit a rare disease called a lipid disorder. It can cause very high total cholesterol, very low HDL, and high triglycerides. If you have this problem, you will need to start treatment at a young age.

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IPODS disrupt pacemakers

Close encounters with Ipods caused interference with cardiac pacemakers in 50 percent of patients, according to electromagnetic test. When the iPods were held 5cm from patients' chests for 5-10 seconds, some pacemakers could misread heart function, and, in one case, the life preserving device temporarily stopped functioning.

The study of 83 people fitted with pacemakers was conducted by a secondary school student, Jay Thaker, with the help of University of Michigan researchers. "Although the typical pacemaker patient may not be an iPod user, they are often in close contact with grandchildren who are users," say Thaker.

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Your jeans, your heart

You know that being chubby, especially around the waist, is unhealthy. Heres new way to measure the danger. Check you jeans. Men with pant sizes 38 inches and over and women sizes 16 and up are at higher risk of heart disease and diabetes, say British researchers.


Why? The bigger you trousers, the more dangerous belly fat you have and the shorter you are, the greater your risk. The American Heart Association says aim for a waist circumference less than 40 inches for men and 35 for women.

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