Health Care 101 Blog

Unfortunately, there is no known way on how you can prevent an eye disease called age-related macular degeneration. But if you take care of your body by eating the right kinds of diet, exercising regularly and managing stress, then you could at least lower your risk. Regular visit to the doctor for check-ups is also a must.

I’ve always read about the health benefits of caffeine and alcohol (like beer and red wine) and I’ve known that it’s the excesses of said substances that can actually be harmful to those who over indulge.

Anyway, here’s another article on how the combination of alcohol and caffeine can lower body temperature during operations. This in turn can limit damage and enhanced recovery.

According to new research by a group led by Dr. Sheryl Martin-Schild, a neurovascular fellow at the University of Texas Health Science Center, “giving stroke patients a caffeine-alcohol mixture in concert with a clot-busting drug was safe and led to better recovery.”

Hopefully, after more successful studies, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will also approve the use of caffeinol for common consumption.

Source: Health Day

I have had pregnant friends who have complained a lot about the not-so pleasant symptoms of impending motherhood. They have lamented over morning sickness, swollen feet, protruding bellies, and of course, difficulty of sleeping. When getting enough rest is particularly important, here are some tips offered by the National Sleep Foundation on how to get more comfortable sleep during pregnancy:

Foods that can induce heartburn are a no-no.

Indulge a little and take power naps whenever you can.

Avoid drinking fluids during the day just before bed. Instead, drink them during the day. This will also avoid you from waking up constantly to go to the bathroom.

Relax before going to bed. Try meditation, breathing exercises, or a nice warm bath or shower.

In later stages of pregnancy, sleep on your left side for better blood flow and avoid sleeping on your back. Try to support your stomach with pillows while you sleep.

Source: Health Day

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, there are some alternative treatments to arthritis – some of which may involve a few changes in lifestyle and exercise and activity regimen.

Arthritis causes a lot of pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints therefore making movement difficult and painful. Therefore modifying activities such as exercise routine so that they are lower-impact can help alleviate pain. Examples of good exercise is walking and swimming. It would also help to make sure that your body weight is in the healthy range and therefore a strict diet must also be implemented.

For more aggressive treatments to be administered by your doctor, there are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications, which can help reduce inflammation, pain and swelling. There are also corticosteroid injections for the joint that can improve joint function. These can also be complemented with physical and occupational therapy to help strengthen muscles, bones and joints and is highly recommended.

The final alternative is of course, surgery but that is to be considered as the last resort.

Source: Health Day

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Television-watching has really been a curse to older people, for it encourages hours of simply sitting. The mind is shifted into low gear. There is no challenge to real thinking. It is a passive occupation. Many older persons deteriorate rapidly on this hopeless inactivity – not only mentally, but physically as well.

In time there may be a prescription for treating and preventing the decline in the mental skills of the elderly. But in the meantime, everyone can find worthwhile projects for that necessary mental exercise, which not only serves others, but most importantly, stimulates one’s own brain!

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Hobbies offer relaxation and enjoyment. They break the monotony of work and humdrum of daily life. They allow you to learn and improve your craft in whatever activity you do.

Hobbies take various forms. The best hobbies however are those that involve some physical action.Gardening, sports, taking leisurely walks in the park, hiking, cycling, shopping and more activities that will make you move from your seat are best ways to spend leisure time as they help burn calories to make you more fit and active.

Studies reveal that people who engage in hobbies are more likely to recuperate fast and well from ailments and even surgery. Because they have developed well rounded attitudes such as being more motivated and determined to get results through their hobbies, they unconsciously apply such orientation with their battles in life.

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Did you know that having a healthy set of teeth can prolong your life?

Michael Roizen, a physician and book author, claims that healthy dental habits such as flossing should be included in the list of healthy activities like regular exercise and eating healthy foods.

Roizen’s contention is supported by some studies linking poor oral health to rheumatic heart disease. This is further sustained by research results showing how dental plaque producing bacteria can permeate the bloodstream. It is said these bacteria can obstruct blood vessels, resulting to heart disease.

Having good teeth is an asset. A perfect set of teeth can give you a toothy smile as well as helps in chewing and breaking down your food more easily, thus aiding food digestion and better nutrient absorption for the body.

Blood pressure is not a disease but it can be a symptom of a graver condition or illness. It is not enough that you monitor your blood pressure at home (most households already have these small digital machines). It is best to consult your doctor if you notice that your blood pressure is at a constant high. Here are some causes of irregular blood pressure:

Conditions such as adrenal gland tumors and chronic kidney disease affects blood pressure as well. Hormone abnormalities and the use of birth control pills can also cause high blood pressure. It is also quite common in pregnancy but expectant mothers should monitor regularly so as to avoid complications. High blood pressure can also be a result of a side effect of certain medications.

A medical study that was recently published online in Thorax claims, that one way to ensure that babies are born asthma-free is through a special diet followed by mom during pregnancy. Information on the study was collected by observing 468 mother and child pairs from pregnancy to 6.5 years after birth. Eating habits and the asthma and allergy symptoms of children were closely monitored.

The results of the study states that pregnant women whose diets consist of Mediterranean staples (such as diet rich in fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, dairy products and olive oil) may actually help protect their children against asthma and other allergies. Eating vegetables (more than eight times a week), fish (more than three times a week), and legumes (more than once a week) is a good asthma prevention. Which is the opposite of kids whose moms ate a more-or-less excessive amount (more than three to four times a week) of red meat.

Children’s eating habits at the age of 6.5 years seemed to have little effect on their asthma or allergy risk, the study found.

Source: HealthDay

Okay, so I am really lazy when it comes to Christmas shopping. I�m one of those who wait until the last minute and cram all their Christmas shopping in one day, But, good news for me (and others like me as well), Highmark Inc. released an alternative to gift giving. It offers prepaid card that can be used to pay for certain medical costs. This wonder card can also be used at health and wellness establishments. It doesn�t matter what your health insurance is or what its coverage is. Amazing, huh? I�m not only give �em away, I think I�m gonna get one for myself too.

For more information on the Health care Gift Card, Givewell.com

Source: Yahoo! News