TheWellnessLiving Health Tips

Health and Medicine Advice at your Fingertips

Archive for the 'Medicine' Category

QualityHealth keeps you informed and your medical cabinet full

December 22nd, 2007 by admin

QualityHealth is one of those resources that seem to have an answer for virtually every question related to health issues so it is a great address to have in our Internet bokmarks. Information at QualityHealth is arranged among about two dozen Health Centers, each dedicated to a specific subject such as Cancer, Osteoporosis, Allergies, Asthma, Depression, Nutrition, Epilepsy and many more. Each center is loaded with accurate and up-to-date information aimed to the general public. But this is where the similarity to other websites ends. HealthQuality also hosts several Suport Groups where people can post questions, concerns or comments about issues like ADHD, insomnia, diabetes, pain management and many more.

Ask your Doctor… the right questions!

Another great section is Ask Your Doctor. By signing up to this free service, you’ll receive lists of questions to ask your doctor. As many of us often forget many of the questions we’d like to ask to our Doctors, this lists are a great thing to take with us when visiting our Doctor. The questions are tailored to your specific concerns and are designed to get the most out of your appointment.

The reference section is a real treasure box. The A-Z “conditions” and “medications” lists have literally thousands of entries with useful information and advice about diseases, symptoms and medications. The latter come especially handy when you are in doubt about taking or not certain pill when experiencing a symptom.

Real added value: Fill your cabinet with free samples

By signing up the QualityHealth email list you’ll receive periodically free samples from dozens of Pharmaceutical, Health, Wellness and Fitness providers that will keep you stocked for the season. Also, the emails come with rebates, valuable discount coupons, offers, articles, recipes and many more free gifts for you and your family. The free samples are actual products and not just promotional gimmicks. Some examples of samples are Robitussin, Nexium and Alavert. Considering that OTC products are not covered by health insurance, these samples are a great way to save! Click here to get your FREE HEALTHY SAMPLES from Qualityhealth.com. !

Category: Allergy, General health, Internet Resources, Baby Care, Medicine, Nutrition, Resources and reference, Homecare, Education | No Comments »

Link between obesity and diabetes explained

November 17th, 2007 by admin

A link between obesity and diabetes has been take for granted for a long time, but the exact relationship has been elusive. New evidence suggest that excess fat may be contributing to the accumulation of pollutants that eventually influence the appearance of tye 2 diabetes.

Certain pollutants present in the environment tend to accumulate in the fatty tissues of animals. An example if these substances in PCB, which occurs in many types of electrical equipment. Another example is the pesticide DDT, which in spite of being banned still persists in the environment. Some pollutants are directly conmumed by people, and in other cases they are ingested by animals, entering the food chain and end up in people as well.

Researchers at the Kyungpook National University in South Korea found out that people that had elevated levels of six different kinds of pollutants in their fatty tissues had more chances to develop diabetes than people with low levels of these pollutants (for more info see New Scientist, 30 September 2006, p 18). This study was backed by further evidence suggesting a link between PCB and some pesticides and development of insulin resistance in non-diabetics. The hypothesis is that fat people will tend to accumulate more pollutants as their fat acts as a storage agent. Although the theory is appealing, other investigators warn that the relationship is much more complex and other factors may be at play.

Category: General health, Obesity, Medicine, Nutrition, Diabetes | No Comments »

The mangosteen fruit

November 9th, 2007 by admin

Mangosteen - Much has been made over the recent scientific studies completed on the mangosteen fruit. One of the leading mangosteen researchers (Professor Nakatani from Japan) was recently recruited by Pfizer Inc. Pfizer secured Nakatani’s research under a non-disclosure agreement and he may no longer discuss his research on the mangosteen.

Why would the world’s fastest-growing major pharmaceutical company, the one Fortune® magazine ranked #14 on it’s list of “World’s Most Admired Companies,” be so interested in the mangosteen fruit? Maybe there is something to the mangosteen and what it holds!

Some Keywords to Research on:

- Xanthones
- Gamma Mangostin (one of the many xanthones in Mangosteen)
- Mangosteen
- Garcinia Mangostana (scientific name)

Mangosteen Ingredients

The research on Mangosteen & Xanthones is astounding. What’s more, the fact that the world is just finding out about this gift from nature, means that we are very lucky to be hearing about this fruit now.

But Xanthones are not the only great component of the mangosteen fruit. There are other ingredients which have their own set of benefits. It is also known to have: Vitamins C, B1, B1, Protein, Iron, Calcium Fiber, Potassium, Phosphorus, Sodium, Niacin, and Polyphenols, Cathechins/tannins, Flavonoids.

Polyphenols - These are a group of plant chemical substances. They are considered to be strong antioxidants in their own right. You’ve probably heard of some of the other things with high polyphenols - pomegranates, green teas and extra virgin olive oil.

Flavonoids - there have been over 5,000 naturally occurring flavonoids identified in various plants. Quite often, the benefits associated with plant foods actually come from the flavonoids instead of other known nutrients.

Catechins - Usually associated with Flavonoids.

Category: General health, Medicine, Ethnic medicine | No Comments »

Affordable hearing aids

November 2nd, 2007 by admin

Do hearing aids have to costs $10,000 per pair? The costs of all electronics are falling so why not hearing aids? The answer lies in where you purchase the hearing aid. An Apple Ipod costs around $150 at a local electronics store. What if you had to buy the Ipod from a doctor – how much would it costs then? A lot more.

Until recently all hearing aids had to be purchased from an Audiologist. Audiologist apply huge mark ups to what they sell. They need to in order to cover their rent, staff and years of education. The internet is quickly changing how things are done. For example, Audiologist sell the Siemens Artis 2 Life for $3900each. It can be purchased at www.openfitonline.com for $999! The Siemens Cielo 2 Life sells for $3400 and can be purchased for $820!

As always, it is very important that you checkout any internet company that you are thinking of dealing with. Also research the companies return policy. The internet is truly making things affordable that once were out of reach.

Category: Neurology, Medicine, Homecare, Hearing, Disabilities | No Comments »

Studies confirm the benefits of “yerba mate” tea on cholesterol

October 24th, 2007 by admin

University of Illinois scientist Elvira de Mejia conducted a study that showed that  mate tea drinkers increased the activity of enzymes that improve HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. “Yerba mate” is a traditional infusion drunk in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and regions of Chile and Brazil. “Ilex paraguayensis, the mate plant has been grown and consumed for centuries. Dr Mejia has signed a five-year agreement with La Universidad Nacional de Misiones (UNaM, national University of Misiones) to carry out a collaborative study to assess 84 genotypes of mate tea for their ability to provide benefits on cholesterol and other health factors. Both cultivated and wild varieties will be included in the study.

In the September issue of the specialized journal Planta Medica, Dr mejia said that their studies show that some of the most important antioxidant enzymes in the body experience induction by this mate herbal tea, and since Argentina has so many different mate varieties, they’ll perform more comparisons between the various genotypes. They’ll be also able to explore the benefits of cultivating under different conditions.

The aim is not only identifying the most beneficial genotypes of the herbal tea in terms of nutrition value, but also help Argentine producers to improve drying and processing of mate tea to achieve better extraction of the tea’s bioactive compounds.

“Food companies are very interested in adding tea extracts to juices, soda, and even beer to increase the nutritional value of their products,” she said.

Adapted from http://www.eurekalert.org/

Category: General health, Medicine, Nutrition, Ethnic medicine, Cholesterol | No Comments »

Scientists explain predisposition to bronchiolitis in babies

October 21st, 2007 by admin

A recent report informs that a great proportion of infants with bronchiolitis have an inherent predisposition.

Bronchiolitis is the most common acute wheezing disease in infants and is a frequent reason of admission to hospital during the first year of life in developed countries. Moreover, about 10% of these patients need respiratory support.

Bronchiolitis usually develops in babies undergoing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Although in most cases infection with RSV produce mild symptoms like cough and wheeze, some can develop potentially life-threatening bronchiolitis. Although premature babies are more susceptible to this condition, the majority of hospitalized infants were otherwise healthy. The study made by University of Liverpool researchers found that these babies that got the severe manifestation but were previously healthy have a different immune response to the ones with mild symptoms. The study, with about 200 babies recorded during 5 years found that those having severe bronchiolitis had lower levels of interferon-gamma and P-substance in their airway secretions. Gamma interferon is made in the body in response to viral infections. P substance is less known but is believed to be involved in the inflammatory process.

Study members said that the work helps to understand the relationship between chest problems in childhood with the occurrence of bronchiolitis in infancy. This study shows that the predisposition to bronchiolitis is related to the capacity to fight viruses. Since the RSV is the most common respiratory virus around, it is the most lilely to be caught by babies with reduced ability to fight infections. The investigators conclude that the relation between bronchiolitis in babies and chest propensity in childhood is due to a common immune predisposition and is likely to have genetic basis.

Category: Baby Care, Medicine, Children, Respiratory | No Comments »

Vaccination: how is it possible?

September 27th, 2007 by admin

No one can deny the fact that infectious diseases vaccination has always been the most effective curable method that is used to combat such deadly diseases like Smallpox, Rabies, Hepatitis A and B, Mumps, Tuberculosis and other. But, anyway, how can alien cells (poisonous cells that ultimately destroy our bodies) prevent people from falling ill with these diseases and can create a certain immunity to combat these pests?

Long ago people understood that some diseases can be cured by the special chemical substances that contain some cells of the initial disease complex. How can this be possible? How can we be sure that ushering a limited portion of poisonous substance in a human body will prevent us from falling sick of the terrible diseases mentioned above? The doctors can explain this in the following statements: if we dose a poisonous substance over a period of time – our body will be struggling against the alien cells and will use all spare capacities to overcome the nidus of infection. That is why every doctor is absolutely convinced that, for example, Hepatitis vaccination, Meningitis vaccination and Diphtheria vaccination are to be conducted in the childhood when the human body is able to produce enough resistance cells to combat the small pestholes.

At the same time you may notice such headlines as: “Experimental AIDS vaccine doesn’t work; study halted” or “Intradermal Hepatitis B vaccine is worthless” and etc. Sure, all the diseases can not be prevented and much efforts are to be made in order to find at least painkillers for the most dreadful pests like AIDS and Cancer (though bladder cancer treatment is developing very fast) but one thing remains evident: there is a bunch of illnesses that can be averted if necessary vaccinations are being carried out, especially if you are travelling abroad - travel vaccinations is a must. Plan ahead your trip! Agree that travellers diarrhea is not a pleasant experience and special treatment is absolutely necessary. Millions of people that are in the risks-groups can be saved and that is our mission today.

Category: General health, Medicine, Immunization | No Comments »

The unique properties of Buah Merah

September 26th, 2007 by admin

It may seem surprising, but even the most sophisticated biochemistry and pharmacology industry cannot beat nature’s ability to provide efficient compounds and substances to cure and alleviate disease. Aboriginal tribes from all over the world are excellent sources of information when it comes to discovering natural compounds with curative properties. Such is the case of Buah Merah, a unique tropical fruit found in Papua. Papua people have known about the properties of Buah merah for centuries. They use it for food, craft materials and also as medicine for intestinal worms, skin disease, to prevent blindness and to increase energy.
However, ongoing research has shown that buah merah contains a myriad of natural compounds such as carotenes and other pigments and it is thought that its extracts could be used to cure and prevent many more diseases. Some claim that buah merah constitutes an efficient alternative cancer treatment, but also promising results have been reported when treating immune disorders, viral infections, hepatitis. There are even testimonials about progress on lung cancer and breast cancer. Experts who know buah merah say that with all the antioxidants, multivitamins,  minerals and antiviral compunds, the ability to defeat many different diseases is not at all surprising.
Buah Merah is another example of the power of nature and certainly more research needs to be done to uncover its full potential.
Source: http://www.redfruitoil.com

Category: General health, Medicine, Cancer, Ethnic medicine | No Comments »

Umbilical cord blood donations on the rise

September 20th, 2007 by admin

Use of stem cells from donated umbilical cord blood has been around for a while, but most people have been unaware about the chance of donate or preserve umbilical cord blood, probably due to the lack of public cord blood registries. But as the number of successful transplant cases increases, this simple and potentially life-saving treatment is getting slowly into the medical spotlight.

Nine-year-old Presley Nash, from Bowling Green, KY, received nine years ago a self transplant of cord blood with the hope of treating a rare genetic disorder that commonly results in premature death. Thanks to the stem cell transplant, Presley’s body was able to create an enzyme that it could not produce on its own. She is now disease-free life and does not require any further treatment. “I get to see all my teachers and friends and run and play,” Nash said

Martha Houchin is Nash’s grandmother and an O.B. teacher at the Bowling Green Medical Center. She became an active advocate and supporter of private cord blood banking. “Presley was close to death many times and I bargained and said I will educate the world about cord blood. She continued “cord blood transplants are also being used for… illnesses such as leukemia, Alzheimer’s and spinal cord injuries…[and] it takes a very small amount of blood from the umbilical cord to generate a whole new system in your body.”

Umbilical cord blood donation is very simple and painless. Parents-to-be can choose between free donation to a public registry for publis use, or make a private donation that allows access to their own stored cord blood in case of medical need.

Source:Cordplan

Category: General health, Medicine, Pregnancy | No Comments »

XanGo Mangosteen Juice

September 5th, 2007 by admin

Native people throughout Southeast Asia have historically used the mangosteen fruit for its natural properties. In 599 AD, scribes in Southeast Asia first recorded the use of the Mangosteen fruit as a natural remedy and healing agent. More than a thousand years later, Laurens Garcin , studied the fruit, provided detailed diagrams, and determined that the mangosteen was helpful in treating various intestinal inflammations. In the following centuries, research and documentation multiplied. Today, you can visit the National Library of Medicine website and simply type the word: Mangosteen. You will get more than 30 documented results from the last 15 years alone. And each entry provides detailed research on the medicinal properties and health benefits of the mangosteen.

As you read through the scientific research and talk to people who know about XanGo Juice, they will mention the word: Xanthones. So let me take a minute to explain what they are talking about. You have heard of antioxidants; they are a common health-conscious buzzword. So let’s define xanthones this way: xanthones are some of the most powerful antioxidants ever found. Xanthones, are very stable and robust molecules, which show biological activity. The mangosteen fruit contains approximately 40 known xanthones and the majority of these are found in the highest concentration in the rind. In addition, there are two flavonoids in the mangosteen: catechins (found in green tea) and proanthcyandins (found in grape seeds). Many research institutions, such as The Mayo Clinic, The Linus Pauling Institute, UCLA Center for Human Nutrition and many others have studied flavonoids extensively. While science is still progressing in its attempt to validate the uses of mangosteen, the research of the mangosteens powerful phytonutrients thus far is quite promising.

XanGo Juice is a great tasting beverage with naturally occurring nutrients, such as xanthones and flavonoids. XanGo’s whole mangosteen fruit puree represents the next generation of powerful phytonutrients. What are phytonutrients? All-natural plant compounds offering health-protecting benefits that will change the future of dietary supplements. Now you can search far and wide for xanthones. But chances are, you will only find trace amounts in certain fruits and vegetables. However, the pericarp of the mangosteen is the premier source of these nutrients in concentrated amounts.

Category: General health, Medicine, Ethnic medicine | No Comments »

Close
E-mail It