Monthly archive March, 2012
Nutrition: how to read a nutrition label
What is a nutrition label? The nutrition label helps you determine the amount of calories and nutrients in a serving of food. This information helps you determine whether you are eating a healthy and balanced diet. The label, which is included on every packaged food product, has a list of the amount of: Fats Total fat...
Returning to work and breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is good for you and your baby. It provides the best nutrition and protects the baby against many diseases. According to some experts, babies should be breastfed or should be given only breast milk for about the first six months of life, and should continue breast feeding until they reach one year of age. Can...
Lead poisoning in children
What problems does lead cause? Elevated levels of lead in the body can cause problems in the brain, kidneys and bone marrow (the soft tissues inside the bones). Symptoms of high lead levels can include stomach pain, headache, vomiting, confusion, muscle weakness, seizures, hair loss and anemia have low red blood cell count in the...
Teens: Staying Healthy
Will the habits I have now really make a difference when I’m older? Yes, 65% of deaths in adults are caused by heart disease, cancer and stroke. In many cases, these diseases are preventable. Many of the behaviors that cause these diseases start early in life. For example, if you had used snuff when you were a teenager...
Mouth and Teeth: How to Keep Them Healthy
Taking good care of the mouth and teeth can help prevent problems as you age. Taking care of your teeth means brushing and flossing daily and visiting your dentist regularly. Infants and children The first set of teeth is almost completely formed at birth. At first these teeth “hide” under the gums. These teeth are important, because after...
Genetic Testing: What You Should Know
What are genes and how do they relate to disease? Genes are sets of proteins that are present in every cell of our body. Genes are found on chromosomes and they control growth and help you stay healthy. Sometimes, when genes are abnormal or damaged, they may not work properly, which can lead to disease....
Kegel Exercises for Your Pelvic Muscles
The pelvic muscles help stop the flow of urine. Pregnancy, childbirth and being overweight can weaken pelvic muscles. Fortunately, pelvic muscles are just like other muscles: exercise can make them stronger. Women who urinate droplets inadvertently can have better control of these muscles by doing pelvic muscle exercises called Kegel exercises. What muscles control my...
Chronic Disease: How it can affect your sex life
How can chronic illness affect my sex life? A chronic illness is a health condition that will be present for a long period of time like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis or cancer. People with chronic disease may feel tired and depressed much of the time. They may have pain, stiffness, or difficulty in sleeping. They...
What is Urticaria?
Urticaria Hives are areas of red, inflamed skin (hives) that cause intense itching. The hives appear suddenly and disappear quickly in one or two hours, but can also last up to 24 hours. Often they occur in groups. New hives may also form while old ones disappear. It is estimated that 20% of the population...
Treatment for Anaphylaxis
Reaction Causing Agents There are several agents that can cause anaphylaxis or anaphylactoid reactions. The drugs are the leading cause of anaphylaxis, the most important are antibiotics, anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants and some post-surgical solutions. The blood and its derivatives have also been implicated in anaphylactic reactions. They are often blamed as a cause of anaphylaxis...
Extreme Allergic Reaction: Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency involving an acute systemic allergic reaction that affects the entire body. This occurs due to the exposure to an antigen (allergen) to which the person has been previously sensitized. Anaphylaxis is caused by an immunological mechanism which includes an IgE antibody which binds to the mast cell or basophil...
How to Prevent Skin Allergies
The Atopic Dermatitis is characterized by poor fat production in the skin. If you are suffering such a condition you must often creams or lubricants on the affected areas. Because prolonged hot baths or getting skin degreased are mot the solution. After bathing, use a smoothing cream of your choice and one that “sits...
