E Cigarette: Am Alternate To Smoking Tobacco
Posted by: chrsma on: October 12, 2009
E-Cigarettes are seen as a healthier tobacco alternative, as nearly all the harmful material produced by the burning of tobacco in traditional cigarettes is nonexistent in the form of atomized liquid used in these cigarettes. Moreover, battery operation makes it safe to use anywhere without the fear of fire hazards. Even the smoke prohibited places can easily access customers to smoke as E-Cigarettes eliminate the danger of fire or bothering others around.
See detailed reasons for E Ciagrette to become healthy smoking alternatives here:
Kidney Diseases in Childhood
Posted by: chrsma on: April 30, 2009
The kidneys play a critical role in the body: Acting as the body’s filtering system, they help control water levels and eliminate wastes through urine. They also help regulate blood pressure, red blood cell production, and the levels of calcium and minerals.
But sometimes the kidneys don’t develop properly and, as a result, don’t function the way that they should. Often these problems are genetic and not due to anything a parent did or didn’t do.
Many of these problems can be diagnosed before a baby is born through routine prenatal testing and treated with medication or surgery while the child is still young. Other problems may emerge later, such as symptoms of urinary infections, growth retardation, high blood pressure, etc. In some cases, the problems are more severe and require more extensive surgical treatment.
Birth Defects
Posted by: chrsma on: April 30, 2009
A birth defect is a problem that happens while a baby is developing in the mother’s body. Most birth defects happen during the first 3 months of pregnancy. One out of every 33 babies in the United States is born with a birth defect.
A birth defect may affect how the body looks, works or both. Some birth defects like cleft lip or neural tube defects are structural problems that can be easy to see. To find others, like heart defects, doctors use special tests. Birth defects can vary from mild to severe. Some result from exposures to medicines or chemicals. For example, alcohol abuse can cause fetal alcohol syndrome. Infections during pregnancy can also result in birth defects. For most birth defects, the cause is unknown.
Some birth defects can be fatal. Babies with birth defects may need surgery or other medical treatments. Today, doctors can diagnose many birth defects in the womb. This enables them to treat or even correct some problems before the baby is born.
25 Simple Tips to Improve Your Health and Fitness
Posted by: chrsma on: April 29, 2009
The quality of our lives is determined by the quality of our health. You can have all the money in the world but if you go through your day feeling tired, fatigued or weak, you can’t be living your life to the fullest. Here are 25 quick tips to increase your health and fitness:
1. Diets are evil
Because of their temporary nature, diets don’t work. The people who do lose weight end up gaining it back again once they come off the diet. Instead of dieting, try to change your lifestyle. The changes you make to the way you eat should be sustainable for the rest of your life.
2. Get rid of the junk food
The easiest way to ensure that you don’t eat the food you shouldn’t is to make sure it isn’t available. Go through your fridge and toss out all the junk food. Next time you go grocery shopping, make sure that you don’t buy more.
3. Make use of healthy snacks
Having a snack between your meals is a good idea – as long as they’re healthy. Stock up on fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds. Have them readily available for whenever you might feel hungry. This means both at home and at the office.
4. All carbs are not created equal
While carbohydrates are a necessary part of your diet, there are some that do more damage than good. Avoid white carbs wherever possible and switch to the whole-grain alternatives.
5. Kill the caffeine addiction
Whether it’s coffee or soft drinks, caffeine is a drug. It’s a legal drug but a drug nonetheless. If you feel the need for a warm drink, choose an herbal tea instead.
6. Don’t forget the fat
Although trans-fats and the like should be avoided, you need to consume sufficient essential fatty acids. Make sure you are getting your omega-3 and omega-6 fats. These can be found in flax oil, nuts, and seeds.
7. Water is your friend
Your body is made up mostly of water. The problem is most people walk around dehydrated. If you are feeling thirsty, it’s too late: you are already dehydrated.
8. Breathe deeply
Oxygen is more important than water for your health. You can survive days without water but only minutes without oxygen. Most people today have very shallow breathing and are not getting enough air. Breathe deeply from your diaphragm to ensure your cells are well oxygenated.
9. Eat your veggies
Vegetables are rich in micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) that are essential to your health. Plus they have a cleansing effect on your body because of their alkaline pH.
10. Buy organic
Much of the commercial produce available today is devoid of nutritional value due to the depleted soil used in the industrial farming process. Organic produce also has the benefit of tasting a lot better. It might be more expensive but the benefit is well worth it.
11. Get friends that live healthy
The ongoing interaction with people who have the health you desire will be a positive influence on you. It is far easier to make the transition to healthy living when you have the social support.
12. Find healthy foods you enjoy
Just because you are eating healthy does not mean you need to suffer eating foods you hate. Look for healthy foods you enjoy and eat them more often. Find recipes online that are both healthy and enjoyable.
13. Take your lunch to work
Not only will brown bagging your lunch save you some money, it will help you avoid eating unhealthy foods for lunch. Take the extra time to make your lunch in the morning or make extra for dinner and eat the leftovers.
14. Eat out intelligently
For the restaurants that you visit frequently, find out the menu choices that are healthy options. This way, you can enjoy going out without jeopardizing your health.
15. Give yourself a cheat meal
Every now and then, it’s okay to indulge in something you know that it is not good for you but you enjoy. You shouldn’t deprive yourself. Just make sure that this only happens from time to time.
16. Sleep deeply
Get a good night’s rest every evening. Sleep in a quiet room that is dark for the appropriate amount of time for you. Most people have heard that you need 8 hours of sleep for proper health. In my experience, the amount of sleep I need varies with my eating habits and exercise. When I am living in a healthy manner, I find I feel fully energized with about 6 hours of sleep. Find the amount of sleep that is right for you.
17. Schedule exercise
Make your workout an important appointment for yourself. Schedule it at a specific time and place. Make it as important to you as a business meeting or doctor’s appointment.
18. Get a workout buddy
Sometimes your motivation to exercise wanes. When you have a partner that pushes you, it is far easier to take action. Working out with a friend also tends to make it a lot more fun.
19. Exercise aerobically
Cardiovascular exercise helps to burn fat and raises your metabolism. It also strengthens your heart and lungs. Do at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least 3 times a week.
20. Don’t forget to stretch
Stretching is important for your flexibility and the recovery of your muscles. Don’t stretch a cold muscle – it’s a good way to injure yourself. If you stretch before your workout, only do so after warming up. It’s always a good idea to stretch after a workout where your muscles are already warm.
21. Train for strength
Building muscle not only increasing your strength but also increases your metabolism. Strength training also stimulates the release human growth hormone in your body which slows the aging process. It’s important to engage in strength training 2-4 times a week.
22. Make exercise a habit
The easiest way to follow through and make sure that you exercise is to make it automatic. Exercise at the same time every day if possible.
23. Get a trainer
Although a personal trainer is not necessary, having one while you start out exercising can be very helpful. They can show the proper form for exercises and help motivate you to really push yourself.
24. Make changes gradually
If you’ve been living an unhealthy lifestyle for a long time, the challenge of healthy living can seem daunting. Instead of trying to change everything at once and getting overwhelmed, make sustainable changes gradually.
25. Don’t give up
If you fall back into unhealthy patterns, there is no reason to beat yourself up about it. Identify why the lapse occurred and learn from your mistakes. Move forward with this knowledge and continue to move towards health.
Los Angeles County public health officials report no cases of swine flu
Posted by: chrsma on: April 29, 2009
Los Angeles County public health officials today reported no confirmed cases of swine flu locally but said they were closely monitoring hospitals and schools for signs of the influenza strain.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed 20 cases of the virus nationwide, including seven in California and eight in New York City, according to the CDC’s website. All seven California cases have been in San Diego and Imperial counties. The flu has led to numerous deaths in Mexico.
Dr. Robert Kim-Farley, L.A. County’s director of communicable disease control and prevention, said that none of the cases in the United States was fatal but that local public health officials “feel that this new strain is of serious concern.” He added that it would not be “unexpected to see cases occurring in Los Angeles.”
Kim-Farley said county health officials had put their operations center on 24-hour watch to detect the virus and were keeping a close eye on schools and hospitals. He said a public health laboratory also had been activated to receive additional specimens from people suspected of having contracted the virus.
He said cases in the United States so far can “be characterized as mild” and that two prescription medications, Tamiflu and Relenza, seemed to be effective in combating the flu strain.
An outbreak of swine flu in Mexico may have contributed to the deaths of as many as 86 people and sickened many others. Authorities there have closed schools and ordered other emergency health measures to contain the virus. Cases also have been confirmed in Canada and are suspected in New Zealand, France, Spain and Israel.
Federal officials declared a public health emergency because of the virus.
“That sounds more severe than really it is,” Janet Napolitano, the U.S. Homeland Security secretary, said at a news conference today, according to a transcript of the briefing. “This is standard operating procedure and allows us to free up federal, state and local agencies and their resources for prevention and mitigation; it allows us to use medication and diagnostic tests that we might not otherwise be able to use, particularly on very young children; and it release funds for the acquisition of additional antivirals.”
In San Diego, where the first cases of swine flu in the U.S. were reported last week, health officials reported no new cases Sunday, although they warned that more could be found as investigations continue.
Four cases have been diagnosed in San Diego County, and three people have been diagnosed in the Imperial Valley.
Dr. Wilma Wooten, public health officer for San Diego County, continued to warn residents to take seriously any signs of flu and to stay away from work and seek medical care if they are sick. Physicians have been asked to report flu cases to county health officials.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents at the San Diego and Imperial County border crossings have been alerted to look for persons crossing into the U.S. who appear to have flu symptoms. Those persons are then sent to a secondary screening process.
In secondary processing, people can be given instructions on finding medical care and, in extreme cases, denied entry. Agents also have access to masks and gloves both for themselves and for members of the public.
The agency is also in contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So far, no one crossing into the U.S. from Mexico has appeared to have the symptoms of swine flu, officials said.
Jack O’Connell, state superintendent of public instruction, also said today that the public can download posters titled “Keep Our School Healthy” and “Germ-Free Zone” with tips on how to avoid the flu. They are available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and other languages.
Kim-Farley of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said those with mild illnesses should be staying home. Anyone with flu-like symptoms — such as a fever, cough or sore throat — who has recently traveled to Mexico should see a doctor.
In a statement posted on the L.A. County department’s website, agency director Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding said: “We do not suggest any changes in what you would normally do to avoid either getting sick yourself or passing illness to others: if you are sick, stay home; if your child is sick, do not send him or her to school; cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze; wash your hands frequently, especially before eating and after using the restroom; and do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands.”
– Ari B. Bloomekatz and Tony Perry
Martin Luther King, Jr.-Harbor Hospital
Posted by: chrsma on: April 28, 2009
In August 2007, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released its negative decision on the “make-or-break” survey of King-Harbor Hospital. Earlier, the State announced its intention to revoke the hospital’s license. Due to the finding of not meeting Medicare conditions of participation, the hospital lost $200 million in federal support, which resulted in the closure of its emergency room and inpatient services. Given the alarming socio-economic and health disparities confronting the South L.A. community combined with the broken health system, primary care, public health and mental health should be integrated to create a population-based, chronic-disease focused model of health care delivery in order to create real and meaningful change.
US declares health emergency over swine flu
Posted by: chrsma on: April 27, 2009
WASHINGTON (AFP) — The United States has declared a public health emergency as officials confirmed 20 cases of swine flu in five US states and warned that they expected more in the coming days.
President Barack Obama is monitoring the spreading virus and has reviewed US capabilities to counter the deadly flu outbreak, which has killed more than 103 people in Mexico, White House homeland security advisor John Brennan told reporters.
Obama has ordered a “very active, aggressive, and coordinated response,” Brennan said.
Richard Besser, the acting head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), told a White House press conference that there were eight confirmed US cases in New York City, seven in California, two in Texas, two in Kansas and one in Ohio.
“As we look for cases of swine flu, we are seeing more cases of swine flu. We expect to see more cases of swine flu,” said Besser.
“We’re responding aggressively to try and learn more about this outbreak” and to implement measures to control its spread, he added.
“We’ve ramped up our surveillance around the country to try and understand better what is the scope, what is the magnitude of this outbreak.”
Although there the government has not issued a warning against travel to Mexico, Besser said this could change “based on what the situation warrants”.
Homeland Security Department Secretary Janet Napolitano said the US government would officially declare a public health emergency in response to the outbreak, adding that the declaration was “standard operating procedure.”
The move allows government agencies to free up federal, state and local agencies and their resources in preventing the spread of the virus.
The declaration also allows officials to use medication and diagnostic tests and releases funds to purchase additional antiviral medication.
“All persons entering the United States from a location of human infection of swine flu will be processed through all appropriate CDC protocols,” she added.
Suspected swine flu cases were being tested in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, after the new strain appeared in Mexico last week.
Health officials in Canada have reported a total of six confirmed cases of the potentially deadly virus.
Top 12 Health Fitness tips.
Posted by: chrsma on: April 27, 2009
Most of us have tends to be too busy that they have hardly any time for their health. We have hours of time to watch TV, Play computer games, Internet surfing and sitting inactive at home. But we don’t have 30 or 40 minutes for our health and fitness; that looks really astonishing.
Whatever may be the reason, we have to give 30 or 40 minutes at least to exercising for staying fit and fine. Exercising not only help us to keep our weight under control but also helps in staying away from many of diseases which can be really dangers to our overall health.
Every small effort counts when it comes about exercising. There are some workouts that take only few minutes to perform, but helps you in burning 100’s of calories. Here’re favorite ways of burning 100 calories:
1. Vacuuming for 25 minutes around your home helps in burning 100 calories.
2. Working in your garden for some minutes can help you in burning 100’s of calories.
3. A brisk walk for 15 minutes can help you in burning 100 calories.
4. Dancing for 20 minutes at a moderate pace can help you in burning 100 calories.
5. Ironing for 25 minutes will help you in burning 100 calories.
6. Playing badminton for 20 minutes will help you get the mark of 100 calories
7. Playing volleyball for 12 minutes can help you in touching the magic number.
8. Playing golf even for 20 minutes will help you to get the target.
9. Washing your car for 20 minutes will help you in burning calories as well as save some dollars
10. A 30-minute of Frisbee toss with your friends or kids will help you.
11. Use stairs instead of elevator. Using stairs for 20 minutes at different times will help you get the magic figure.
12. 20 minutes of painting experience will burn calorie as well as help in giving a new look to your house.
Are You Fit Enough?
Posted by: chrsma on: April 27, 2009
Most people want to be fit and healthy, but what does this mean? Health is relatively easy to comprehend. You are healthy if you have no medical problems and nothing that will decrease your expected life span. Some level of physical fitness is obviously tied into personal health especially when you consider factors such as strength and cardiovascular fitness correlate well with living a long life, along with enabling you to perform daily tasks. With the health part covered, how then do you determine if you are fit enough?
You can be sure that your fitness requirements differ from almost everyone else. Think about it, every athlete has different requirements even if they play the same sport. There are different positions for every sport and different ways of approaching the position based on your strengths. In daily life we all have different tasks that require some form of fitness, be it lifting something, bending down to pick things up and moving around in general. You need to decide how much strength, power, speed, aerobic endurance, mobility, flexibility etc. you require, not only to live a healthy life but to fulfill the requirements of your individual lifestyle.
Check out net to help decide your fitness requirements and ask yourself which you have reached and which you need to start working towards. Make sure you are always fit enough for the task at hand.
Relax and Reap the benefits.
Posted by: chrsma on: April 27, 2009
Relaxing has a number of health benefits. It can reduce the heart rate, lower blood pressure, increase blood flow to major muscles, reduce muscle tension, reduce headache and back pain, improve concentration and reduce emotional responses such as anger and frustration, reports Science daily quoting from Mayo clinic.
There are many ways of relaxing, but you can choose whatever best fits you , It is important, however, to regularly relax. You need to include this in your daily schedule. The goal is to refocus the mind and avoid distractions. Here are some tips :
Maintain positive emotions
Choose to focus on positive rather than negative emotions. This can help you stay on a more even keel emotionally, and when time is available to relax, recovery is swifter.
Practice self-control
Indulgence after a stressful day may bring temporary pleasure but undercut long-term well-being. For example, overeating while trying to lose weight. Relaxation time offers a good opportunity to create a list of constructive and relaxing activities to do when stress levels climb and fit your health.
Avoid ruminating
Mulling over issues that occurred earlier only increases stress. Moreover, it can lead to taking out anger on others. Instead, moving thoughts in another direction can allow irritation to fade away.
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