Tuesday, November 30, 2010

D-mannose - The Natural Medication For Cystitis

Nowadays, several people suffer from bladder infection. The disease effects people from all age group and gender wither men, women, children or adults. However, the disease is mainly found in women who have shorter urethra. Thus, a short anatomy leads to frequent transfer of the bacterium from the anus to the urinary bladder. The infection also effects people who are can't empty their urinary bladder at the time of urinary secretion.

Therefore, people are advised to consume D-mannose, a GlycoNutrient sugar that cures the lower urinary tract infection within two or three days. The infection is caused due to attack of Ecoli bacteria on the urinary bladder. This harmful bacterium sticks itself to the bladder walls and leads to frequent or urgent urine secretion. Some people also experience pain while secreting the natural waste. Hence, the condition can get worse, if you won't take immediate precautions. Later on, the infection can also travel to the upper urinary parts and lead to kidney infections.

Once an individual consume D-mannose, the sugar solution flows through the body and enters into the urinary bladder. This natural medicine attracts Ecoli bacteria towards itself. Hence, the bacterium moves from away from the bladder walls and sticks with the D-mannose molecules. Later on, the bacterium is flushed out of the human body in the next urine secretion. Therefore, it removes the harmful bacterium from the urinary system and cures bladder infections.

Hence, if your body is showing symptoms of urine infections, then consult a doctor and get immediate medication before the infection aggravates. Generally, doctors advise to consume one to seven tablespoons of D-mannose in a day. However, the intake may depend on your age and level of infection.

Moreover, always consume 100% natural D-mannose, since an artificially made medication can show adverse effects on your body.

So, consume D-mannose and get relief from painful bladder infection.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Treatment Options For Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are soft, jelly-like overgrowths occurring in the lining of sinuses. They appear as grayish grape-like mass in the nasal cavity. Polyps in the nose and sinuses are rarely malignant. But large polyps can cause nasal blockage, making it hard to breathe. Even so, most nasal polyp problems can be helped.

Nasal polyps occur in around 1 in 200 people. Most of the time, the cause is never known. Some may be a result of swelling from a sinus infection. Other factors like asthma or aspirin sensitivity and allergies may also trigger polyps and make them grow faster. Also, the chance of re-occurrence is greater even after sinus operations.

Polyps block the nose, and in most cases there is a decrease in the sense of smell. Since much of our sense of taste is related to our sense of smell, patients with polyp may describe a loss of both taste and smell.

Nasal obstruction can also occur - the pathways where the sinuses drain into the nose can be blocked by polyp. This would cause the mucous to remain in the sinuses, causing congestion. It can also cause pressure over the forehead and face. When mucous is in the sinuses too long, there is a high risk of infection.

Although most people with nasal polyps have no symptoms and require no treatment, those who do experience symptoms have different treatment options.

If the polyps are a result of a sinus infection, they often will be treated as how sinusitis symptoms are treated. Aggressive medical treatment of sinus infection is helpful to treat polyp growths. Nose sprays are the most effective because they allow easy topical application of medication to the infected areas.

Other treatment options include:
*Surgical removal - the polyp is extracted surgically from the affected area. Removing the polyps with surgery usually allows people to breathe easier through the nose. The surgery lasts approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. The surgery can be done under general or local anaesthesia, and the polyps are removed using endoscopic surgery. Recovery from this type of surgery is anywhere from one to three weeks. However, there is a risk of re-growth in 50% of patients.

*Cortisone or steroids - the polyp will shrink down temporarily and slow down polyp growth. Cortisone cannot be taken long term because of high risk of side effects.

*Sinus Rinse or Nasal Lavage - Sinus rinses with warm water mixed with a small amount of salt can be very helpful to clear sinuses. This method can also be used as a preventive measure to discourage the polyps from growing back and should be used in combination with a nasal steroid.

*Allergy desensitization injections- sometimes used in allergic patients with hay fever and polyps. While this often helps with hay fever and therefore reduces the fever's negative effects on the polyps, there is no guarantee that the injections help shrink the polyps directly.

*Although there is no real way to prevent or eliminate nasal polyps completely, therapy aimed at the cause can help.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Death By Sudden Cardiac Arrest - All The Facts You Don't Want To Know, And A few You Do

Of the many diseases that afflict mankind, sudden cardiac arrest is among the most insidious. Basically, it is the sudden, unexpected cessation of all regular heart activity. As you'll read later, there is a little more to it than that - but this is a good, workable definition for now.

The Problem

Sudden cardiac arrest, or SCA, although more common among the elderly, is not limited to a particular age group. Children, athletes, people in the prime of life, just about anyone can experience SCA. The reason lies in the fact that there are a number of different triggering factors. One of the more common is the regular heart attack, where one or both of the coronary arteries become blocked by fatty deposits and plaque, causing reduced blood supply to the heart muscle. In fact, sudden cardiac arrest is often preceded by one or more heart attacks. Other triggering factors include: congestive heart disease; sudden, heavy impact to the chest area; and congenital (present at birth) heart defects.

Survival rates among sudden cardiac arrest victims are quite dismal. Less than five per cent of people suffering cardiac arrest outside of a medical facility survive. This is in great part due to the fact that a person only has approximately four to six minutes to receive medical attention before the onset of brain and body death. The time-frame is painfully short because of what happens to the heart during sudden cardiac arrest.

Unlike a heart attack, in the case of sudden cardiac arrest an electrical malfunction occurs in the lower chambers of the heart, causing it to "fibrillate". Fibrillation is a condition where the heart ceases to beat, instead going into a chaotic quivering motion. Because this happens in the lower chambers of the heart known as the ventricles, it is known as the ventricular fibrillation. At this point the body and brain are no longer receiving oxygen and unless the heart resumes normal beating within several minutes, brain damage then body death will follow.

Over 250,000 deaths a year occur in the US due to sudden cardiac arrest. So what can we do about it? Well, in the first place, a knowledge of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), is great for anyone to have under their belt - especially those of us who live with people who have known heart disease and are at high risk of heart problems. This can be used on a victim of sudden cardiac arrest, but it's rate of success is poor.

So What Can Be Done?

The ideal solution would be to have a defibrillator near the victim at the time of the crisis. But home-use, portable defibrillators are very under-used today, mainly because the public is not as aware of them as they should be. This is the same basic device paramedics use on victims of sudden cardiac arrest once they reach the scene. Unfortunately, due to the small widow of opportunity open to save the person's life, these attempts often arrive too late.

Automated external defibrillators are not new, but, in their present form (since about the mid 90's) they really have become a new and revolutionary device. Once only seen in the hands of trained professionals, they can now be bought for less than the cost of an overnight stay at your local hospital (Ok, I know, so can a trip to the Bahamas or a hundred year old Ming Vase - well why don't I be a little more specific). You can pick one up for well under $1,500, possibly even under a thousand if you're willing to shop around.

They are able to talk a non-trained rescuer through the entire defibrillation process - and that after determining if defibrillation is even necessary. Some units will even talk the rescuer through CPR if it is needed.

So what does this mean for people at most risk?

It means they don't have to worry about the paramedics' arriving "too late". These devices are portable. If they want to go out to dinner or the movies, they can take it along. If the worst does happen they can rest easier in the knowledge that survival rates increase from 5% to around 75% if defibrillation is administered within several minutes of the onset of sudden cardiac arrest.

Sudden cardiac arrest has been tamed by the introduction of this new breed of defibrillator. What we need now is more public awareness and education. And we need to see more portable defibrillators in homes (where 80% of victims are when SCA strikes) and offices around the county.

We also need to see portable defibrillators available in schools, colleges, and universities. It's not uncommon to hear of young athletes or college students suffering cardiac arrest and dieing because medical crews couldn't reach the scene in time.

What to expect

Given that some of the above positives happen, we should someday see mortality rates from sudden cardiac arrest begin a dramatic decline. But let's hope it happens sooner rather than later.
Spread the word won't you!?

And On That Note:

if you would like to increase awareness of this subject, copy and email this article to your local congressman or congresswoman - in fact anyone you know who might benefit from the information.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Alternative Blood Pressure Treatment - The Hawthorn Option

Every year millions of people are diagnosed with hypertension, or high blood pressure, and millions more develop it without ever being diagnosed. If you are someone trying to cope with high blood pressure, you know that it is not as simple as finding a safe and effective medication, and returning to business as usual. You realize that your doctor and/or pharmacist can advise you on an appropriate medication. You, however, are more interested in an alternative blood pressure treatment.

Your big concern with the traditional high blood pressure medications is that they all put you at risk of side effects, even if they are simultaneously lowering your blood pressure. You do not want to trade one known health problem for a possible host of other unknown ones.

Finding an alternative blood pressure treatment to replace your medicating will relieve you of the side effects issue, but if the natural treatment you choose is not effective, you will be back where you started. And natural treatments, if taken in excess for a lengthy period, can cause severe health issues of their own.

But if you have done you homework, and researched the safety of the various alternative blood pressure treatments, you probably know that one of the safest and most effective is hawthorn. Hawthorn has long been used in Europe and Asia as an alternative high blood pressure treatment, and recent scientific research has verified its efficacy.

How Hawthorn Works

Hawthorn reduces blood pressure [http://www.lower-highbloodpressure.com/Blood_Pressure_Machine/] by inhibiting an enzyme, angiotensin-converting enzyme, or ACE, which constricts the blood vessels. The newly dilated blood vessels let blood circulate more freely, reducing the blood pressure. Hawthorn also has a mild diuretic action, which decreases the volume of the blood, again lowering blood pressure. As an alternative blood pressure treatment, hawthorn has a double kick.

Implementing Other Measures

If your blood pressure reading is in the 140/90 to 160/100 range, but your overall health is good, you can discuss with your doctor the possibility of giving a hawthorn supplement a chance as an alternative blood pressure treatment. Even if he or she agrees, you will have to implement other lifestyle changes, like adjusting your diet to include more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.

You'll also have to cut back on salt, caffeine, and fats, and increase your daily intake of water to one-half ounce for every pound of your body weight. If you use alcohol and tobacco, stop, and if you don't walk for between thirty and forty-five minutes a day, start. An alternative blood pressure treatment, if it is to work, requires a commitment from you.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Why You Need CPR Training

Over the weekend I was coming home from a night out, when somebody said "call 911" directly at me. I did it right away.

In CPR training they will tell you not yell out "Call 911" in to a crowd but to select somebody specific. In large groups, everybody assumes somebody else will take responsibility and nobody acts fast enough. You have to point or speak directly to specific people to have help arrive as quickly as possible. Fortunately the incident over the weekend did not require CPR and the injured man will most likely be okay.

Having CPR and first aid training can be necessary at any time. It's important to be trained to protect yourself, your family and strangers in need of assistance.

Five Reasons to get CPR training

1. By the time someone needs CPR they are dead. Their heart has stopped and they are no longer breathing. CPR at this point can only help a person until professionals arrive at the scene.

2. Being helpless in a crisis situation is a horrible feeling. When the victim is a friend or family member you will want to know how you can help. CPR is a life saving skill that can be crucial in a life or death situation. CPR training will also teach you what not to do in an emotional situation. For example, sometimes it's best not to move an injured person. If you are a parent your first instinct might be to pick up your child. This might not be the right thing to do and with proper training, you will learn what is helpful and what is potentially harmful.

3. CPR training teaches you how to handle a situation where you need to take control and give commands. "Hey you, in the yellow shirt call 911." "Hey you, with the glasses, wait over there to flag down the ambulance."

4. CPR training teaches you how to use a defibrillator. Defibrillators are located in many public spaces such as community centres, swimming pools and senior centres. They are good to have in public spaces but they are even better, if there are people around who are trained to use them.

5. CPR training will teach you how to keep yourself safe in an emergency situation. If something horrible has happened you need to know how to quickly analyze the scene for your own safety. Broken glass, possible explosions and bodily fluids are things you might not think about if you are running toward someone to help them out.

Being trained in CPR is crucial for anyone. More trained citizens means a safer and faster acting community.

Many organizations offer CPR training. Red Cross and St. John Ambulance as a couple of examples. The courses are not very long or expensive. It's definitely worth it!

Get Trained!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Three Top Defibrillator Manufacturers

The top defibrillator manufacturers include Zoll, Philips, and Medtronics. Each produces quality life saving devices that are used around the globe. Each offers products that have slightly different benefits from the others. All are excellent life saving products.

Zoll makes the smallest and lightest defibrillators. The smallest defibrillator weighs 5kg. This is about half the weight of similar defibrillators. It is approximately one-third the size of competing devices. Zoll is a leading producer of external defibrillators, producing some of the more popular portable defibrillators. Zoll designs its defibrillators specifically with medical professionals in mind. As a result, all Zoll defibrillation products share a common operating system, minimizing the need for training. Zoll's integrated information management system is state-of-the-art.

Philips manufactures a biphasic to monophasic defibrillator. It has an efficiency rate that produces a more significant return of spontaneous circulation, minimizing potential damage to victims. The HeartStart defibrillator is one of the most popular products manufactured by Philips. The HeartStart OnSite AED defibrillator is designed to be used by anyone just about anywhere. It was the first AED approved by the FDA to be sold over the counter to the general public. The display instructs the operator on proper use. Verbal instructions are provided as well. Easy to follow instructions ensures that anybody can use the device. The built-in safety features prevent accidental shock to the operator and heart attack victim.

Medtronic manufacturers the LIFEPAK 12, one of the most popular defibrillators used by emergency medical responders and on-site facilities such as clinics and hospitals. This defibrillator is small and portable, weighing only 14.5 pounds. This makes it easy to handle. A key feature of the LIFEPAK 12 is the Bluetooth wireless technology it uses to immediately transmit patient data to professionals. Medical professionals use the information to properly treat heart attack victims. The ability to get this on-demand information improves the chances for victim survival because professionals are able to immediately address conditions.

There are several high-quality defibrillator manufacturers today. Each offers unique life saving products. Do your research and know what your need is before making a purchase. Your specific personal or professional situation will determine the defibrillator that is your best fit. Make the right choice and be prepared to save a life!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Foods That Cause High Cholesterol

The much maligned substance known as cholesterol is actually a vital part of a normally functioning body. Not only does cholesterol give strength and stability to the cells in our bodies but it can increase the amount of vitamin D, it helps serotonin receptors to function and acts as a transport for antioxidants like vitamins E and A. However you rarely hear about this. More than likely you hear about cholesterol because too much is bad for your health. Specifically, too much can lead to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. As you get older you might be advised by your doctor to make lifestyle changes that lower cholesterol. One such way is to reduce your intake of foods that are high in cholesterol. This article will discuss foods that cause high cholesterol and ways to replace such foods.

There are two categories of food that need to be considered when thinking about cholesterol. There are animal products such as meat, eggs and dairy goods. These types of products have cholesterol from the animals that produced the foods. The second category are foods that are high in saturated fats and trans fats. These are normally processed foods that are cooked in oil or use trans fats as a flavor enhancer or preservative. In some cases, like a pre-cooked meat pie, the food may fit into both categories.

It has to be remembered that unless you are a vegan, it will be probably impossible to avoid eating food with cholesterol in it. The important thing is to eat it in moderation and exercise adequately. You can also follow some simple tips like drinking reduced fat milk. Or eating margarines with plant sterols in rather than butter. Also trim skin and fat off meat products and try grilling them rather than frying them. Only eat the whites of the eggs and leave thew yolk.

In terms of saturated and trans fats, look carefully at the processed foods you eat. Things like potato chips are high in saturated fats. Cakes and biscuits often utilize trans fats for flavor and as a preservative. Deep fried foods such as French fries should be eaten in moderation. Check the food labels on the packets. If there is a lot of saturated and trans fats then look for an alternative or avoid that type of product all together.

Another aspect of the cholesterol debate, is the eating of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates give us energy however if we don't use this energy each day, it is generally converted into fat. This can be converted to cholesterol. Thus, eating less carbohydrates and taking on regular exercise are also equally important as avoiding or moderating the intake of high cholesterol food.

It is a simple formula. Avoid fatty foods and try to eat fresh. Consume the right amount of carbohydrates for the level of activity you will be exerting and try to get regular exercise if your job is a low impact, physically undemanding role.