lung diseases

Lung Disease Explained
Lung disease is any disease or disorder that impairs the function of the lungs.

Lung Disease Statistics

Lung disease is the third leading cause of death in the U.S., taking one in seven lives every year. Lung disease and other lung infections and illnesses are the number one killer of infants. It is estimated that more than 35 million Americans are currently living with a lung disease. Lung diseases can be separated into two categories:

# Obstructive lung diseases
# Restrictive lung diseases

Obstructive Lung Diseases

Obstructive lung diseases cause a narrowing or blockage of the airways resulting in a decrease in exhaled air flow. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), emphysema, asthma, and bronchiectasis are examples of obstructive lung diseases.

Restrictive Lung Diseases

Restrictive lung diseases cause one or more of the following:

# Loss of lung tissue

# Decrease in the lung’s ability to expand

# Decrease in the lung’s ability to transfer oxygen or carbon dioxide with the blood.

Pulmonary fibrosis (including sarcoidosis), lung cancer and pneumonia are examples of restrictive lung diseases.

Common Lung Diseases

Although there are many lung diseases, some of the most common are:
# Asthma
# COPD
# Cystic Fibrosis
# Emphysema
# Lung Cancer
# Mesothelioma
# Tuberculosis

Lung Disease Symptoms and Signs

Millions of people are diagnosed every year with a lung disease, while many more may go undiagnosed. There are specific signs and symptoms characteristic of lung disease. The following is a list of lung disease symptoms and signs, and a description of each. If you believe you may have a lung disease, you should contact your doctor immediately.

TIP: You may want to print this page and check off any lung disease symptoms you are experiencing and take it with you to your doctor.

Lung Disease Symptoms – Cough

Coughing is a defense mechanism that is used to clear the airways of mucus, inhale toxins, or a foreign body. Coughs can be productive or unproductive depending on how it is done. A productive cough should result in the clearing of mucus or secretions from the airways.

A persistent or worsening cough hay be accompanied by a high fever, dyspnea, or bloody or copious sputum requiring immediate medical attention. Coughing is one of the most common lung disease symptoms.

Lung Disease Symptoms – Dyspnea

Dyspnea (shortness of breath) is sometimes a result of a problem with the respiratory system, heart disease, anxiety, or other condition. Sudden bouts of shortness of breath, particularly if is is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, may indicate disease, and should be evaluated by a doctor immediately. Shortness of breath is NOT a natural part of aging. It should be taken seriously and reported to your doctor.

Lung Disease Symptoms – Wheezing

Wheezing is a high pitched sound produced while inhaling or exhaling. It occurs when airways are narrowed or obstructed by abnormal tissue or inflammation, excessive secretions or mucus, or when a foreign material has been inhaled and is obstructing the airways. Wheezing may also be a signal that a lung condition is worsening.

Lung Disease Symptoms – Chest Pain

Chest pain generally indicates a problem in the lungs, pleura, or muscles and bones of the chest wall. The problem may be minor or severe, or even life-threatening, and may be constant or experienced only during inhalation. Pain in the chest may indicate infection if it is accompanied by cough or fever. If you are experiencing chest pain, you should immediately seek medical attention.

Lung Disease Symptoms – Hemoptysis

Hemoptysis (coughing up blood) may appear as pinkish froth, mucus with a bloody streak or clot, or pure blood. It may occur as a result of a persistent cough or it may be indicative of a serious lung disease. If you are experiencing hemoptysis, you should consult your doctor immediately. Hemoptysis is a serious lung disease symptom.

Lung Disease Signs – Cyanosis

Cyanosis is when the skin becomes a bluish or purplish color, most apparent around the lips and nail beds. It is a sign that the blood is not receiving enough oxygen. Cyanosis may appear suddenly as a result of acute lung disease or slowly as lung disease progressively worsens.

Lung Disease Signs – Swelling

Swelling of the arms, legs, and ankles may indicate lung disease. Swelling is typically associated with heart disease and accompanied by shortness of breath. Many times, the heart and lungs produce similar symptoms because many disorders affect both organs.

Lung Disease Symptoms – Respiratory Failure

Respiratory failure is the most severe sign of lung disease, acute and chronic. Acute respiratory failure may be due to massive infection, lung inflammation, cessation of the heartbeat, or severe lung disease. Chronic respiratory failure is when the lungs cannot oxygenate the blood and/or remove carbon dioxide normally.

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Low Carb Breakfast Menu Ideas

Quick and Easy Breakfasts

Especially for people new to low carb eating, it can be challenging to figure out what to make for breakfast. Especially if you’re used to reaching for the cereal box, the loaf of bread, or the packet of oatmeal, it can come as a bit of a shock to realize that you have to come up with a totally different breakfast plan. But don’t worry, there is a variety of low carb breakfast foods.

Eggs

I know what you’re thinking – “how can I possibly cook something first thing in the morning?” Well, eggs don’t have to be just for lazy Sunday mornings. Here are some ways to make them quick and easy.

1. Make a vegetable frittata and then freeze or refrigerate servings to pull out and heat in the microwave. A frittata is sort of a cross between an omelet and a quiche, made on the stove and sometimes finished in the oven.
2. Of course, it’s even easier to simply scramble leftover veggies and cheese with eggs. You can make a big batch of this, and save the extra; zip-type plastic bags work well.
3. Omelets are great vehicles for leftovers.
4. A serving of regular scrambled or fried eggs is quick to make. I recently mastered flipping fried eggs just with the pan. It’s fun, and cuts down on the cleanup. Serve with low-sugar fruit, and a flax muffin, and you’ve got a complete breakfast.
5. Eggs Florentine is an easy recipe using frozen spinach.

Yogurt, Cottage Cheese, Ricotta, Tofu

1. “Spoonable Dairy” can be combined with fruit such as frozen berries, and nuts or flax seed to make a quick breakfast.
2. Shakes: Any of the above can be used to make a shake with protein powder and fruit or flavorings. Or the shake can be made with just the protein powder and unsweetened soy milk, kefir, or water.
3. Use tofu as the central protein. A shake can be made from soft tofu, while the firmer types can be used in tofu scrambles and other dishes.

Low Carb Lunch Menu Ideas

Alternatives to Sandwiches

If the word “lunch” has become synonymous with “sandwich”, it’s time to get out of your rut! There are lots of low carb lunch possibilities.

Salads

We’re all familiar with the old fashioned chef salad –cut up cold cuts, cheese, and hard-boiled egg on a green salad (usually iceberg). But meal salads have become much more popular in restaurants and at home, in a variety limited only by the imagination. It’s basically any protein atop any combination of salad greens and vegetables.

Low carb “meal salad” tips:

# Use lots of dark green salad greens, which are much richer in nutrients than the traditional iceberg lettuce. Now that bagged greens are in every grocery store, salad making has never been more convenient.
# If you are using bottled dressings, check the label for carbs. Many “light” dressings have sugar added to make up for the loss of flavor when oil is reduced.

# Choose dressings with oils high in monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil.
# It is very easy to make dressings yourself – it literally can take less than a minute. Whip up an oil-based one in the bottom of the bowl, put the salad on top, and toss. For a creamy dressing, just mix some of your favorite herbs and spices into some mayonnaise. Thin down with water or lemon juice.

Examples of Salads include:

* Greek salad (put extra protein on, such as hard boiled eggs, chicken, or seafood)
* Chicken (cooked without breading, of course) atop salad greens, chopped snow pea pods, chopped red pepper, and walnuts
* Low carb cole slaw with chicken, pecans, and bits of apple
* Tuna salad with greens, tomato and avocado
* Salmon on top of greens, blanched green beans, mushrooms, and sprouts
* Chicken with greens, cucumbers, pecans, and crumbled blue cheese
* Steak with greens, thinly sliced red onions, green pepper, and mushrooms
* Cobb salad
* You get the idea

Roll ups and Wraps

There are three basic kinds of low carb roll ups:

1. Lettuce: Roll “mushy” stuff, such as tuna, salmon, egg, or chicken salad up in a large lettuce leaf, along with anything else that sounds good (as long as you don’t overload it). (A similar alternative is to use the “protein salad” as a dip, and use celery, Bell pepper, cucumber, etc as dippers.)
2. Meat: Roll cheese and veggies up in a slice of roast beef, ham, etc.
3. Low Carb Tortillas: Roll whatever you want up in a low carb tortilla and make a “wrap”. My husband eats hot dogs this way. Example of a wrap

Soups

Soups are very versatile, and can provide a vehicle for leftover meats and vegetables. Most soup recipes can be low carb if you just take out the starch (noodles, rice, potatoes). There are a few low carb canned soups, but the vast majority are not – you have to read labels carefully. Make up a big pot of soup and freeze portions. Rainbow Soup

Leftovers

The easiest lunch of all – just make extra at dinner and have it for lunch the next day!

Low Carb Dinner Menu Ideas

Main Dishes Don’t Have to Be Difficult

Making low carb dinners may seem challenging, but once you get the hang of it, it’s really not hard. You probably are already making a few main dish recipes that are almost “diet-ready”.

Start With What You Know

Main dishes that are “old standbys” and are naturally low carb or can easily adjusted are the best place to start. Think about your favorite meals. In particular:

* Look to your meals where the protein is fairly plainly cooked, such as grilled or pan-fried meats, broiled fish, etc. Include more vegetables instead of potatoes or rice, including substitutes such as “Cauli-Rice”. If the plate seems puny, add a green salad with an olive oil-based dressing, or a soup to help it seem more like a “meal”.
* Also, don’t be afraid of including more healthy fat than you are used to – it will help satisfy you until the next meal.
* Skillet meals consisting of meat and veggies are often naturally low carb, or you can just leave out a starchy or sugary ingredient or two.
* Make your favorite quiche without the crust

De-Carb Your Favorites

I firmly believe that to make low carb eating into a way of life (instead of a “diet”), it’s important to find low carb versions of a lot of your favorite meals.

Try a New Cuisine

Some cuisines are naturally less “carby” than others. Examples:

* Traditional Greek food is often less starchy and sugary than others.
* When people think “France” they usually think of bread, but traditional French food is only moderate in carbohydrates. In fact, recently the French have been decreasing their intake of fat and increasing their carbs, and getting fatter.
* Many Asian dishes become low carb if you leave out the rice or noodles.

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infertility

Infertility: Infertility is usually defined as not being able to get pregnant after one year of well-timed and unprotected sexual intercourse. A broader view of infertility includes not being able to carry a pregnancy to term. Infertility affects about 6.1 million Americans, or 10 percent of the reproductive age population, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).
You Can Benefit From Fertility Herbs

When it comes to trying for a baby the inability of being able to conceive a can certainly be very painstaking, but on the same token, it can also be confusing to say the least. One of the most important pointers that you should be certain to keep fresh in your mind is that you ought not to give up your dream of conceiving. There are a range of alternative options out there for you to choose from which may help enrich your fertility. Here, through this interesting article, we will take a much more detailed look at some fertility methods which you may be interested in, as well as how they can benefit you and your other half.

Naturally, there are different types of methods for you to choose from which may be effective for enhancing fertility. Some of these include hypnosis and acupuncture. One of the most dynamic ways that is put to use in as a way to enhance your chances of being able to have a child is fertility herbs. Chances are that you are probably thinking that fertility herbs is a “new” method. But, the truth in the matter is that fertility herbs have been used for many centuries in order to enhance fertility.

A combination of alternative prescription medicines can work by enhancing the male or female fertility. One of the other most popular methods which is used in order to escalate the chances of conceiving is in vitro fertilization. Hypnotism and acupuncture are also both very popular methods which are used in order to increase fertility.

If you are looking for a way that is effective, you should think about using fertility herbs. Chances are that you may be thinking that fertility herbs are a “new” method that works in order to increase fertility. However, the truth in the matter is that fertility herbs have been used for centuries.

If you are contemplating using fertility herbs, there are a number of different things that you ought to take into your train of thought. You probably are interested in learning what types of fertility herbs may be effective, as well as the benefits that they can provide you with. Here, we will take a detailed preview at some of the fertility herbs which you may be interested in.

Understanding The Upper Hand of This Approach

It is very likely that one of the major reasons which you have been experiencing infertility is due to the added stress that you have in your life. I cannot emphasize this enough as it is so very commonly overlooked when we consider fertility. In order to increase your fertility ratio, one of the most important things may be to find ways to add balance to your life and control the amount of stress levels that you experience each day. Stress by itself has its own health implications so it is very wise to take heed and try to eliminate any undue stress that may be upon you.

Probably one of the main reasons to blame for your fertility is due to the stress that your life is filled with. One of the most important factors to increasing your chances of having children is experiencing a more relaxing life. Getting rid of any unnecessary stress or frustrations can be very important for you.

An effective method to reduce the amount of stress that your body feels is fertility herbs. When they are taken regularly, fertility herbs can help you do a range of tasks that may be very helpful and improve your chances of having children. Some of these things include regulating hormones, as well as reduce anxiety and stress that you experience. All of these things can be important to improving your chances of having children.

This approach is so dynamic because it works to relax your body and it also works to regulate your sexual drive. If you are thinking who fertility herbs may be the most effective for, the answer is most likely women. It has been demonstrated that they can help provide the nurturing that the uterus needs.

A Great resource For Calcium, Magnesium and Protein

If you are looking for a fertility herb which has been proven to one of the most effective, then you should think about using red clover blossom. The main reason that is so effective is because it contains a variety of different vitamins which are quite useful for women. The main benefit that this fertility herb has to offer is the fact that it is packed with the protein that your body needs.

Two of the most important things which can be found in red clover blossom are calcium and magnesium. These are very important things that the body needs in order to remain healthy.

If you are wondering what form you will take red clover blossom in, you can feel rest assured to know that there are a variety for you to choose from. Whether you are interested in taking a tablet, a capsule, a tea or an extract, there are many options which are available for you. The recommended daily dosage of this fertility herb is between four hundred and fifty and nine hundred milligrams, and it can be taken between 1 and 3 times daily.

Using Female Ginseng as a Fertility Herb

One of the other most effective fertility herbs that you may want to consider using is dong quai. It has been nicknamed female ginseng, as it tends to work very similarly to estrogen, which is a female hormone.

It is recommended for this fertility herb to be taken in tincture form. The time in which it is most suitable to be taken is during the days between a woman’s ovulation and menstruation. The amount which should be taken is between six and twelve drops in a liquid dropper. The amount of times that this should be taken each day is between one and three.

The best way to find out which herb for fertility would be the most suitable for you, is to go ahead and ask your family practitioner. You ought to additionally find out whether or not it can be used in conjunction with any medications that you are already using.

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hepatitis

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, caused by injury or infection. There are several causes of hepatitis, including viruses, bacteria, natural toxins (such as those found in the Amanita phalloides mushroom), industrial toxins, drug (medication) toxicity, and autoimmune diseases.
Types of hepatitis

Viral hepatitis
By far the most well known, and one of the leading public-health problems worldwide, is viral hepatitis. There are several different types of viruses that cause hepatitis, and they are transmitted through different means. The common hepatitis viruses are designated A, B, C, D, and E.

Most commonly transmitted by the orofecal route, such as contaminated food, hepatitis A does not typically have a chronic stage and will not cause permanent liver damage. The patient’s immune system makes antibodies against hepatitis A that confer immunity against future infection. A vaccine is available that will prevent infection from hepatitis A for approximately 15-30 years.

symptoms of hepatitis

Not all cases of hepatitis show symptoms. This is especially true in young children who are infected with the hepatitis A virus, and the majority (~80%) of people infected with the hepatitis C virus. When symptoms do exist, they include:

* Fatigue
* Fever
* Abdominal pain
* Nausea
* Diarrhea
* Appetite loss
* Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes.

There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. Sufferers are advised to rest, avoid fatty foods and alcohol (these may be poorly tolerated for some additional months during the recovery phase and cause minor relapses), eat a well-balanced diet, and stay hydrated. Approximately 15% of people diagnosed with hepatitis A may experience one or more symptomatic relapse(s) for nine months to a year after contracting this disease.

Prevention

Hepatitis A can be prevented by good hygiene and sanitation. Vaccination is also available, and is recommended in areas where the prevalence of hepatitis A is high. To prevent it, use your own towels and toothbrushes, eating utensils, and other personal products. Always wash your hands after and before eating and more importantly after using the toilet.

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heart disease

The heart is the organ that pumps blood, with its life-giving oxygen and nutrients, to all tissues of the body. If the pumping action of the heart becomes inefficient, vital organs like the brain and kidneys suffer.And if the heart stops working altogether, death occurs within minutes. Life itself is completely dependent on the efficient operation of the heart.
There are many kinds of heart disease, and they can affect the heart in several ways. But the ultimate problem with all varieties of heart disease is that, in one way or another, they can disrupt the vital pumping action of the heart.

Medical Imaging at the Cellular Level

Magnetic resonance medical imaging, which is based on the principles of nuclear magnetic resonance, produces an image of the NMR signal in a narrow slice right through the human body. Pictures taken sequentially create a three dimensional picture of anatomical structures. Magnetic resonance medical imaging is the analytical tool of choice for viewing the nervous system and evaluating soft tissue.

Molecular magnetic resonance imaging brings the level of visualization and analysis to the cellular and molecular level. At this level, it’s possible to stalk and evaluate cellular functions that can provide never-before-available insight into the nature of the disease process.

For example, there has long been an established correlation between inflammation and heart disease. Nevertheless, the medical imaging tools to calculate inflammation related to the heart have simply not been available at a fine enough level of measurement to completely explore the relationship.

On January sixteenth 2007 the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences printed a study by researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York that uses molecular MRI medical imaging to get insight into the relationship between inflammation and heart disease. Researchers made a synthetic material, gadolinium diethyltriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), that’s able to discover and connect to white blood cells imbedded in arterial walls.

The DPTA allowed mMRI medical imaging visualization of the WBC’s, providing the ability to actually number the cells and calculate their stability. Researchers discovered a relationship between the number of white cells imbedded in the arterial walls and the odds of following heart attack.

The initial research was performed on mice. Additional research will be conducted on larger animals and if it is successful, the research will move to human clinical trials.

The search for better, more efficient and more specific medical imaging ‘tagging’ media is the hottest new field of research in molecular magnetic resonance medical imaging. Recently, researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the University of California at Berkeley have reported on research relating to a new medical imaging method for molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that can detect molecules ten thousand times lower concentrations than traditional MRI techniques.

The method, called HYPER-CEST, for hyperpolarized xenon chemical exchange saturation transfer, increases the atom’s MRI signal by hyperpolarizing them with laser light, then places the atoms into a nanoscale cage biosensor that is made specific for a particular protein target. This method will most likely be very useful in detecting cancer cells at the very earliest stages of cancer.

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health insurance

Want to know what the best health insurance plans are and where to get them? Read on …
Best Health Insurance Plans

The best health insurance plan is one that will give you the most benefits for the least amount of money. Here’s a rundown on the pros and cons of today’s health insurance plans.

Indemnity Plans

Indemnity plans are the original health insurance plan, but fewer and fewer people are buying them these days because of their high premiums.

* Pros – You can choose your own physicians and hospitals.

* Cons – You must pay a $500 to $1,000 deductible before your insurer will pay your claims. You may have to pay your medical bills yourself, then submit your bills for reimbursement. If your doctor charges more than what your insurer considers “reasonable and customary” you end up paying the difference.

HMOs

HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations) are the least expensive and the least flexible health plans.

*Pros – Your co-payments (the amount you pay before your insurer pays a bill) are cheap, usually $5 to $10. The paperwork involved is much less than that of an indemnity plan.

*Cons – You can only visit doctors within a prescribed network of doctors. You must choose an in-network primary care physician who oversees your medical services, and you must get a referral from him or her to see a specialist.

PPOs

PPOs (Preferred Provider Organizations) are more flexible and cost a little more than HMOs.

*Pros – Your co-payments are cheap – $5 to $10. You may visit an in-network specialist without getting permission.

* Cons – If you see a non-network physician you may have to pay his bill and submit it to your insurer for reimbursement. You may also have to pay a deductible or pay the difference between the non-network physician’s bill and what a network physician’s bill would be.

POS

POSs (Point of Service plans) are more flexible and cost slightly more than PPOs.

* Pros – You can visit a non-network doctor with your primary care physician’s approval and still receive coverage. These plans offer more preventative care (health workshops, health club discounts, etc.) than HMOs and PPOs.

* Cons – You must pick a primary care physician to oversee your services. If your primary care physician does not approve your visit to a non-network physician, you may have to submit the physician’s bill and only receive partial payment.

Best Health Insurance Rates

Getting the best price on health insurance is the same as getting the best price on anything else – you have to comparison shop. The quickest and easiest way to shop for health plans is to go to an insurance comparison website. There you’ll fill out a simple form with your health information and the type of insurance you want, then wait for your quotes.

Some comparison sites even have an insurance expert on call who can answer your questions either by phone or through an online chat service.

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hair loss

Today almost everybody complains from hair loss. Maybe so do you. But are you sure that you’ve removed all the reasons for hair loss? In order to be sure you should read all the list of main reasons:
1. You don’t wash your hair as soon as it becomes muddy. The muddy hair cannot breathe. Therefore sometimes hair loss begins.

2. You comb you hair while it’s wet yet. If you noticed wet hair is hardly combed. And as a result of it its structure is damaged. You should comb your hair only when it’s quite damp.

3. You wash your hair too often, even when it’s not necessary. As a result of washing too often, hair becomes dull and thinner. Because it loses most of its nutrients while washing process.

4. You often use a drier. Hair begins shedding, but also loses its health and natural shine.

5. You do not use the suitable shampoo for your hair. Today it’s very difficult to choose the right shampoo among numerous popular brands. But the famous and expensive don’t always mean the best. Before buying any hair remedies I recommend to read the following article that I’ll post tomorrow. I hope it may be useful for you.

6. You have just been operated or taken a lot of chemicals. After both of these events begins hair loss as a result of chemical poisoning of the organism. In this period your ration must be very rich in vitamins (especially A, B, C, D, E), minerals, microelements. You’d better drink fresh-squeezed fruit and vegetable juices (especially apple, carrot, cucumber etc.). You can drink them together in equal proportion. And of course, the second thing you should do is to make masks for external nutrition of hair. It’s recommended to wash hair with natural homemade shampoo for a while (see the receipt in my next articles).

7. You have anemia. The lack of iron and vitamins also causes hair loss. In this case besides treatment with natural hair remedies, you need also eat food rich in iron. I especially recommend you to drink fresh-squeezed apple juice and eat various salads, nuts, more fish, etc. Fish is very rich in vitamins A, E. Or you can consult with your doctor and take some multivitamin tablets. But I recommend you to choose the natural way.

8. You often dye or perm your hair. Regular coloring or perm damage hair and it begins to fade, becomes thinner and dull. Therefore such hair usually doesn’t seem healthy. Such hair needs special care most of all. You should make natural masks to nourish your hair. I recommend you to use natural homemade shampoo.

9. You “trick” your hair only with remedies you buy from stores. Don’t forget that the best shampoos, masks and conditioners that you buy from shops are not enough for health of your hair, especially if it is damaged. Because almost all these remedies contain chemicals thanks to which we could keep them for a long time. But true natural remedies can be usually kept for a week maximum. You’d better use homemade shampoos and conditioners minimum 3-4 months a year if you want to have healthy and bright hair with natural shine. (see the receipt in my next articles). You can also find such chemical free homemade shampoos at the natural shampoo section of natures brands store.

10. You eat much salt or sugar. Everything is useful in necessary dose. Consuming much salt and sugar also causes hair loss. You should reduce them in your ration; especially restrict pickles, cakes and sweets.

Homemade masks for hair loss

Mix coconut oil + mustard oil + castor oil in equal quantities. Apply on the scalp and massage gently. Leave overnight. Shampoo in the morning. It’s a good treatment for hair loss (at least once a week).

Home remedy for deep conditioning damaged hair (from perms, coloring or using a drier)

1 cup real mayonnaise (room temperature) + ½ cup olive oil + 3 egg yolks. Mix all in a bowl. Apply thoroughly on your scalp and hair. Cover with plastic cap, then with a hot towel. Keep at least 30 min and then rinse out. Do not shampoo afterwards, just rinse well. Do it when you are not going to go out.

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food allergies

A food allergy is an immunologic response to a food protein. It is estimated that up to 12 million Americans have food allergies of one type or another, and the prevalence is rising. Six to eight percent of children have food allergies and two percent of adults have them. The most common food allergies in adults are shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame seeds, fish, and eggs, and the most common food allergies present in children are milk, eggs, and peanuts.
The place to start when talking about allergies is with the immune system. The immune system is the catch-all term for the various bodily systems that act to fight against disease and toxins. These include the white blood cells, or leukocytes; the skin and mucous membranes that act as physical barriers to germs; and the bone marrow and spleen that produce disease fighting cells called antibodies. When the body is exposed to germs, the immune system produces antibodies to the specific germs (or antigens) it was exposed to in order to fight them off in the future. These antibodies bind to antigens to attack them.

How the Immune System Works in a Food Allergy:

For the most part, this system works well. The body recognizes cells that are part of itself and cells that are not, and recognizes cells that are threatening (e.g., viruses and bacteria) and cells that are harmless (e.g., food and pollen). However, in allergic individuals, the immune system identifes a food as a germ or antigen and produces antibodies — specifically, Immunoglobulin IgE — to it. A food that has been primed in this manner is called an allergen. The resulting IgE/mast cell complex recognizes and binds to allergens, and this reaction stimulates the release of histamine and other chemicals.

Allergic Reactions:

When the body is exposed to an allergen, Immunoglobulin IgE attaches to what it perceives as a foreign invader and releases a number of chemicals as a form of attack. The most well-known chemical, which is responsible for a host of allergic symptoms, released in this reaction is called histamine. (Many drugs that treat allergies are called antihistamines because they treat the effects of this chemical). Histamine induces tissue swelling and can cause a host of local and systemic symptoms, including hives, rhinitis, and vomiting.

Basic Treatment:

The basic treatment for food allergies is strict avoidance of the allergen. Unlike environmental allergens, which can sometimes be effectively treated by daily courses of antihistamines or by taking allergy shots, abstinence from allergens is currently the only medically accepted treatment for food allergies.

Emergency Treatment:

Allergic emergencies occur when a patient experiences a severe asthma attack or anaphylactic shock. Both of these events require prompt emergency attention. Patients or bystanders should call emergency medical services if an allergic individual has severe difficulty breathing, suddenly experiences a loss of consciousness, or experiences other symptoms that lead them to believe they are in the initial stages of an allergic reaction. If they have been prescribed rescue medication (such as epinephrine), they should take it per their doctor’s instructions.

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exercise

Get Started with Exercise
Beginning an exercise program is confusing, at best. Find out what to wear, how to set goals, how to set up a complete program and more.

Exercise benefits

At its most basic, exercise is any type of physical exertion we perform in an effort to improve our health, shape our bodies and boost performance. Obviously that covers a broad range of activities and, luckily, there are plenty to go around whether you want to lose weight, get healthy or train for a sport.

I could (and will) go on and on about all the things exercise can do for you, both physically and mentally. The great thing about it is that you don’t need much to get the benefits. Even just a few minutes a day can improve your health, well-being and help you:

* Lose weight
* Reduce stress
* Relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety
* Reduce your risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer
* Boost your mood
* Give you more energy
* Help you sleep better
* Increase bone density
* Strengthen the heart and lungs
* Improve your quality of life

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eating disorders

Eating disorders involve how a person eats, such as refusing to eat enough food, eating too much food, purging after meals, or a combination of these.
Eating disorders often include out-of-control behaviors and thoughts that powerfully reinforce unhealthy eating patterns. Also, women and men with eating disorders frequently experience distorted views of their bodies (usually believing that they are too fat).

Diagnosis of Eating Disorders

Knowing whether you or a loved one has an eating disorder is key to beginning to move into healthier ways of living. But how do you find out whether an eating disorder diagnosis is appropriate in your situation? Many people have eating problems of various kinds. When should you decide to get help?

There is no substitute for talking with a qualified counselor, doctor, or dietitian. An eating disorder diagnosis can be firmly established only in this setting. Without face-to-face contact and a comprehensive interview process, it is very difficult to make good judgments about the scope or severity of an eating problem.

With this in mind, it can be helpful to know what goes into making a diagnosis for each of the major eating disorders.

Do We Know What Causes Eating Disorders?

What causes eating disorders? The short answer is that we don’t really know yet. We do know, however, that there are many risk factors that seem to increase the chance of an eating disorder developing. Some of them can be avoided (dieting, for example) and some can’t (gender and age, to name two).

Eating disorder risk factors fall into a number of categories. It is important to recognize that some of these factors overlap. In other words, some risk factors contribute to the development of other risk factors.

Understanding Emotional Eating

Emotional eating is a common phenomenon in which the urge to eat is not due to physiological hunger. In a culture in which food is incredibly abundant, emotional eating represents a convenient way for individuals to manage emotions that are uncomfortable. Why Call it Emotional Eating?

To be clear, the term emotional eating is not eating with your emotions openly displayed. It is rare for most people to consciously feel their emotions while eating.

Instead, emotional eating occurs in response to emotions that often go unnoticed. Though they may be under the surface, emotions become too difficult to control in the normal course of the day, and food provides a powerful distraction.

What Feelings Are Avoided With Emotional Eating?

Anxiety, fear, loneliness, anger, guilt…any uncomfortable emotion may be at the root of emotional eating.

Maybe I Eat Emotionally. So What?

Emotional eating can have a profound effect on quality of life. It can contribute to other eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, for example). But there are ways to treat emotional eating and the underlying problems that fuel it. Taking a step toward greater health may mean speaking with a counselor, learning more about solid nutrition, getting medical attention for chemical imbalances, or finding a support group.

Source: Cumella, Edward J. and Darcy Tucker. “Emotional Eating.” Remuda Review 2006 (5): 38-44.

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