Healthy Living Tips

One of the most significant concerns of breast cancer patients is the rate at which the cancer is likely to spread. If the rate and aggressiveness with which the cancer will spread cab be determined, the aggressiveness of the chemo treatment can also be determined. Patients with a type of cancer that is less likely to spread need not be treated as aggressively as the ones with cancer that has a tendency to spread rapidly.

Breast cancer is a disease that takes a physical and emotional toll on the patient. The violent effects of chemo on the body disturbs even the strongest of individuals. Therefore, if the strength of the chemo treatment that must be administered can be determined it will be of great help to several women suffering from this devastating disease.

As a result of recent studies, researchers have been able to discover how to determine, with a certain level of accuracy, the rate at which the breast cancer cells in a particular patient is likely to spread. This is groundbreaking research because as of now there is no reliable method by which physicians can predict what cancers will spread and how rapidly they will. This makes it very difficult to determine which patients should receive aggressive chemo and which ones need not.

For patients who have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer, there is no hundred percent accurate way of predicting whether the cancer cells will return with a vengeance even after they finish treatment. If doctors are able to identify those patients who need especially aggressive chemo sessions because their cancer cells have a propensity to spread rapidly and aggressively, the right treatment can be administered at the right time to save lives. At the same time, unnecessary treatments and hardships can also be avoided by patients who do no particularly need aggressive chemo courses.

The researchers studied a group of women with cancer that had not spread to their lymph nodes and who had not received any chemo or hormonal therapy. The results that were gathered from them were then used to analyze the tumor cells and identify the specific markers that predict relapse of cancer. Studying how these genes travel give researchers a fairly accurate method of predicting what type of cancer they are dealing with, whether the cancer cells are likely to return in future and whether it will spread aggressively.

The results of the study give patients more options to decide on how they need to approach the disease.

Source:http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Marker-that-Indicates-Breast-Cancer-Recurrence/1280940

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Several different types of cancer can occur in the stomach. The most common type is called adenocarcinoma, which starts from one of the common cell types found in the lining of the stomach. There are several types of adenocarcinoma. Because other types of gastric cancer occur much less frequently, this article focuses on adenocarcinoma of the stomach.

Adenocarcinoma of the stomach is a common cancer of the digestive tract worldwide, although it is relatively uncommon in the United States. It occurs most frequently in men over 40 years old. This form of gastric cancer is extremely common in Japan, Chile, and Iceland. The rate of most types of gastric adenocarcinoma in the United States has declined over the years. Experts think the decrease may be related to reduced intake of salted, cured, and smoked foods.

Diagnosis is often delayed because symptoms may not occur in the early stages of the disease, or because patients self-treat symptoms that may be common to other, less serious gastrointestinal disorders (bloating, gas, heartburn, and a sense of fullness).

Risk factors for gastric cancer are a family history of gastric cancer, infection, blood type A, smoking, a history of pernicious anemia, a history of chronic atrophic gastritis, a condition of decreased gastric acid, and a prior history of an adenomatous gastric polyp.

Symptoms

Abdominal pain
Breath odor
Difficulty swallowing, particularly difficulty that increases over time
Excessive belching
Excessive gas (flatus)
General decline in health
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Premature abdominal fullness after meals
Unintentional weight loss
Vague abdominal fullness
Vomiting blood
Weakness or fatigue

Signs and tests

The following tests can help diagnose gastric cancer:

Complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with biopsy
Stool test to check for blood in the stools
Upper GI series

Source: http://www.healthline.com/

Definition of Vertigo

Vertigo is a type of dizziness felt as a shift in a person's relationship to the normal environment (a feeling that the room is spinning is common) or a sense of movement in space.

Although dizziness and vertigo are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. While all vertigo is dizziness, not all dizziness is vertigo.

True vertigo, from the Latin "vertere," to turn, is a distinct, often severe form of dizziness that is a movement hallucination.

Description of Vertigo

There are four major types of dizziness -vertigo, presyncope, disequilibrium, and lightheadedness.

Most patients with true vertigo have a peripheral vestibular disorder, such as benign positional vertigo. This is usually associated with tinnitus and hearing loss.

Central disorders, such as brain stem or cerebellar lesions, tend to be more chronic but less intense than peripheral disorders and are not associated with hearing loss. Central disorders account for only 15 percent of patients with vertigo.

Vertigo is the illusion that you - or your surroundings - are moving. You may feel that you are spinning, tilting, rocking, or falling through space. You may vomit or have ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Also, your eyes may uncontrollably jerk back and forth (a condition called nystagmus).

 

Causes and Risk Factors of Vertigo

There are several causes of vertigo:

Benign positional paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV) is a disorder of the inner ear. The cause usually is unknown, but an upper respiratory tract infection or a minor blow to the head may be responsible. This type of vertigo occurs abruptly when you move your head up and down, or when you turn over in bed. Symptoms can be distressing but they fade in a few seconds. Avoiding positions that bring this on may reduce its occurrence.

BPPV is the commonest form of vertigo, with attacks lasting 30 to 60 seconds, typically set off when rolling over in bed, moving the head to one side or reaching for something ("top-shelf vertigo"). Sufferers can usually describe specific head movements that trigger it.

Although BPPV often occurs for no apparent reason, it can follow an ear infection, head or ear injury, and is thought to result from the dislodgement of normal crystalline structures in the ear's balance detectors. People with BPPV are often relieved to hear that it is due to an inner ear condition and does not signify some serious disorder such as a stroke or tumor.

Labyrinthitis refers to a variety of conditions within the inner ear. It may be associated with inflammation, an upper respiratory infection or nerve deterioration, but often occurs independently of other problems.

Central nervous system disorders that can cause vertigo as a symptom include multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, neck injuries, certain forms of migraine, acoustic neuroma, cerebellar and brain stem tumors, and TIAS (transient ischemic attacks).

Symptoms of Vertigo

A patient may experience severe vertigo for days or weeks. Nausea, vomiting, and involuntary eye movements are common. The condition gradually improves, but symptoms can persist for weeks or months.

Treatment of Vertigo

Treatment depends on the diagnosis. A complete medical evaluation is recommended for anyone with vertigo. This can reveal the true cause and suggest one or more solutions based upon treating the underlying disorder.

Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Vertigo

Is it true vertigo?

What is the probable cause?

Is it related to a central nervous system disorder?

How can the symptoms be controlled?

Do I need to see a specialist?

Source:http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/462/main.html

The lungs are two large spongy organs located inside the chest cavity. Air is breathed into the trachea (windpipe) and moves down two tubes called bronchi, each going to a lung. These tubes divide into bronchioles and then into tiny air sacs called alveoli. Lung cancers usually start in the cells lining the airways. There are different types of lung cancer, depending on which cells are affected.
Over 1,400 Victorians are diagnosed with lung cancer every year. Lung cancer occurs most often in adults between the ages of 40 and 70 who have smoked cigarettes for at least 20 years. We do not know the cause in all cases; however, up to nine out of 10 lung cancers are caused by smoking. Lung cancer is the most common cause of death from cancer in Australia.

Different types of lung cancer
A cancer that starts in the cells lining an organ is known as a carcinoma. There are different typesc of lung cancer, depending on which cells are affected. The two main types are:

Small cell carcinoma or ‘oat cell carcinoma’, named after its cell shape. Around 15 per cent of lung cancers are small cell carcinomas. This type of cancer spreads early and shows few early symptoms.

Non-small cell carcinoma – these cancers affect the cells that line the main bronchi.

Different types of non-small cell cancer
Some of the different types of non-small cell cancer include:

Squamous cell carcinoma is generally discovered earlier than other lung cancers and has the best outcome after treatment

Adenocarcinoma – is now the most common type in both males and females; the reason for the increasing incidence may be related to changing patterns of smoking including filtered cigarettes

Large cell carcinoma

Bronchiolo-alveolar cell carcinoma.

Sometimes it is not possible to tell which type someone has. This is because, when the cells are looked at under a microscope, they are not developed enough.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of lung cancer include:

Persistent cough and/or new or changed wheeze
Breathlessness
Blood-streaked phlegm
Pains in the chest
Recurring pneumonia or chest infections
Recurring bronchitis
Unexplained weight loss.

Diagnosis
Lung cancer is diagnosed using a number of tests, which may include:

Chest x-rays – cancers as small as one centimetre can be spotted on x-rays.

Sputum cytology – a sample of sputum (phlegm) is examined under a microscope to check for abnormal cells.

Bronchoscopy – a flexible tube is inserted through the mouth or nose and down the trachea, allowing the doctor to look at the lung tissue and take a small sample of tissue and phlegm.

Fine needle aspiration – a small sample of tissue is removed using a needle inserted through the chest wall.

Mediastinoscopy – a flexible tube is inserted into a cut in the neck and down to the lymph nodes to check for cancer cells in the lymph nodes.

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery – instruments similar to bronchoscopes are inserted into the chest wall under general anaesthetic and tissue samples may be taken.

Computed tomography (CT) scan – a specialised x-ray taken from many different angles, to build a three-dimensional picture of your body.

Fluoro-Deoxy Glucose (FDG) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan – used in diagnosis and staging of lung cancer. This test involves having an injection of a small amount of radioactive material. Using the signals from this radioactive injection, a scanner can build up a picture of the body.

Other tests – including bone scans, to see if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment
Lung cancer is categorised into stages according to its spread. This helps the doctors to decide on appropriate treatments. Treatment options include:

Surgery – to remove the affected part of the lung (lobectomy) or an entire lung (pneumonectomy). This offers the best chance of cure if the cancer has not spread beyond the lungs.

Chemotherapy – anti-cancer drugs are given to stop cancer cells from multiplying. This treatment is most effective for small cell carcinoma.

Radiotherapy – the use of x-rays to target and kill cancer cells. Radiotherapy may be used against some early stage lung cancers and to stop cancer in the lymph nodes from spreading further. Prophylactic brain radiotherapy is often offered to people with small cell lung cancer to reduce the risk of their lung cancer spreading to their brain.

Multimodality therapy – for some people, several treatments used together give the best results.

Targeted therapy – use of small molecules, often in tablet form, that may be used after chemotherapy.

Clinical trials – participation in a clinical trial that investigates the safety and effectiveness of novel drugs may be offered.

As with most cancers, the results are best if the cancer is diagnosed in its earliest stages. However, some lung cancers aren’t diagnosed until they are quite advanced. Treatment may then be limited to easing the symptoms and can include:

Radiotherapy and chemotherapy – to contain the cancer.

Medication – including pain relievers.

Surgery – to remove cancers that are blocking main airways or to seal bleeding blood vessels.

Quit smoking programs – people diagnosed with cancer have seen benefits ranging from increased longevity (length of life) and improved quality of life, depending on their disease status, once they quit smoking.

Source:http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/

Not all brain tumors cause symptoms, and some (such as tumors of the pituitary gland) are found mainly after death. The symptoms of brain tumors are numerous and not specific to brain tumors, meaning they can be caused by many other illnesses as well. The only way to know for sure what is causing the symptoms is to undergo diagnostic testing.

The symptoms are caused by the tumor pressing on or encroaching on other parts of your brain and keeping them from functioning normally.

Some symptoms are caused by swelling in the brain caused by the tumor or surrounding inflammation.

The symptoms of primary and metastatic brain cancers are similar.

The following symptoms are most common:

Headache
Weakness
Clumsiness
Difficulty walking
Seizures

Other nonspecific symptoms and signs include the following:

Altered mental status - Changes in concentration, memory, attention, or alertness
Nausea, vomiting - Especially early in the morning
Abnormalities in vision
Difficulty with speech
Gradual changes in intellectual or emotional capacity

In many people, the onset of these symptoms is very gradual and may be missed by both the person with the brain tumor and the family. Occasionally, however, these symptoms appear more rapidly. In some instances, the person acts as if he or she is having stroke.

Brain Cancer Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Care

See your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms:

Unexplained, persistent vomiting
Double vision or unexplained blurring of vision, especially on only one side
Lethargy or increased sleepiness
New seizures
New pattern or type of headaches

Although headaches are thought to be a common symptom of brain cancer, they may not occur until late in the progression of the disease. If any significant change in your headache pattern occurs, your health care provider may suggest that you go the hospital.

If you have a known brain tumor, any new symptoms or relatively sudden or rapid worsening of symptoms warrants a trip to the nearest hospital emergency department. Be on the lookout for the following new symptoms:

Seizures
Changes in mental status, such as excessive sleepiness, memory problems, or inability to concentrate
Visual changes or other sensory problems
Difficulty with speech or in expressing yourself
Changes in behavior or personality
Clumsiness or difficulty walking
Nausea or vomiting (especially in middle-aged or older people)
Sudden onset of fever, especially after chemotherapy.

Source:http://www.webmd.com/ 

Breast cancer begins with abnormal cells developing in breast tissue. It can be confined to the breast or may spread beyond your breast or into other parts of your body. The most common type of breast cancer begins in the ducts designed to carry milk to the nipple. But cancer also may occur in the small sacs that produce milk, called lobules, or in other breast tissue. Breast cancer varies widely and the treatment options are selected to match your individual needs.

Breast cancer may occur in several different forms, such as the five types below:

• Breast Cancer in Situ, DCIS and LCIS -- Many breast cancers detected early, typically by mammography, are classified as breast cancer in situ or noninvasive cancer. These early cell changes may develop into invasive breast cancer. Two types of breast cancer in situ are:

  • DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) means that abnormal cells are found only in the lining of a milk duct of the breast. These abnormal cells haven't spread outside the duct. There are several types of DCIS. If not removed, some may change over time and become invasive cancers, while others may not. DCIS is sometimes call intraductal carcinoma.

  • LCIS (lobular carcinoma in situ) means that abnormal cells are found in the lining of a milk lobule. Although LCIS is not considered to be actual breast cancer at this noninvasive stage, it is a warning sign of an increased risk of developing invasive cancer. LCIS sometimes is found in a biopsy for another lump or unusual change detected on a mammogram.

• Invasive Breast Cancer -- These cancer cells form in the ducts or the milk lobules and spread to the breast tissue around them. Tumors can be found during a breast exam or through screening, such as a mammogram. The size of the tumor, what it looks like under the microscope and whether it has spread to the lymph nodes determines the severity of the cancer, the therapies and the difference treatments will make.

• Metastatic Breast Cancer -- Metastatic cancer begins in the breast, but spreads outside the breast through the blood or lymph system to other organs. Women usually develop metastatic disease in the months or years following the diagnosis of breast cancer. This cancer most commonly spreads beyond the breast to a patient's bones, lung, liver and brain.

• Locally Advanced Breast Cancer -- Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare but very serious and aggressive type of breast cancer. The breast may look red and feel warm. A patient may see ridges, welts or hives on the breast or its skin may look wrinkled. It is sometimes misdiagnosed as an infection.

• Recurrent Breast Cancer -- Recurrent disease means that the cancer has come back or recurred after treatment. It may come back in the breast, in the soft tissues of the chest or chest wall, or in another part of the body.

Symptoms

Early breast cancer usually doesn't cause pain. In fact, when breast cancer first develops, there may be no symptoms at all. But as the cancer grows, it may cause changes that you should watch for:

- A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area

- A change in the size or shape of the breast

- Nipple discharge or tenderness, or the nipple pulled back (inverted) into the breast

- Ridges or pitting of the breast, making the skin look like the skin of an orange

- A change in the look or feel of the skin of the breast, areola or nipple such as warmth, swelling,  redness or scaliness.

Source:http://www.ucsfhealth.org/

Have you had your spinach today? The savory dark-green leafy green, among many vibrantly colored vegetables and fruits, is frequently overlooked, and often nonexistent on the plates of Americans across the country.

We often hear why we need fruits and veggies — for heart health and cancer prevention. Now we can add to that list "eye health" — something that's so often taken for granted when we're young. But, don't assume your vision will keep getting worse as you age and that there's nothing you can do about it. You can do something about it.

"Nutrition is critical," says Robert Abel, Jr., M.D., clinical professor of Ophthalmology at Thomas Jefferson University and author of "The Eye Care Revolution." A firm believer that the eyes can be a good indicator for general body health, Abel adds, "We need an orchestra of nutrients, not just one player" for good eye health. The nutrient "players" at the top of the good eye-health chart are largely found in fruits and veggies. So, make sure you're consuming a total of five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. That's a minimum!

Where to Begin
Are certain fruits and veggies better than others for eye health? Yes. But just eating more fruits and vegetables period is the best place to begin. According to the Produce for Better Health Foundation, just 27 percent of women and 19 percent of men report eating the Food Guide Pyramid-recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

Maye Musk, a registered dietitian, international speaker, and author of "Feel Fantastic" and "Executive Stamina" says, "Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, especially dark-colored ones like carrots, broccoli and Hubbard squash" is important for the eyes. The deep-colored fruits and vegetables are typically "good sources of beta-carotene and many, many carotenoids," she adds. Beta-carotene and certain carotenoids (plant pigments) are just a handful of the array of nutrients linked to good eye health.

Let's take a closer look at some of the vital vision-healthy nutrients, especially those so richly found in veggies, fruits and other plant-based foods.

Vitamin C
A water-soluble vitamin and effective antioxidant, vitamin C helps keep eyes young and healthy by protecting some parts of the eye against damage caused by ultraviolet light. Antioxidants are substances that help protect cells from the natural but damaging effect of oxidation.

Barbara Gollman, M.S., R.D., an expert on functional foods and phytochemicals and co-author of "The Phytopia Cookbook: A World of Plant-Centered Cuisine," says, "Vitamin C might help prevent cataracts or delay their development, but studies do not confirm this yet." Cataracts, a clouding of all or part of the lens of the eye, cause blurred or dimmed vision and unusual sensitivity to light.

Think of vitamin C as an age-protector for your eyes, kind of the way rust-protector is for your car or wrinkle cream is for your skin. Thanks to the popularity of OJ, most Americans meet their minimum vitamin C needs, which is 75 milligrams for women and 90 milligrams for men.

But studies indicate we might need as much as 300 milligrams, possibly more, for a cataract-preventive effect. Where do you find vitamin C besides citrus fruits? Go for guava, red bell peppers, papaya, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, mango, strawberries, raspberries and pineapple.

Vitamin E
This fat-soluble vitamin and potent antioxidant, may help in prevention of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common eye disease associated with aging. AMD impairs vision by affecting the macula, a small spot in the center of the retina where vision is sharpest. Blurred vision is often the first symptom of this leading cause of irreversible blindness in people over age 65.

Abundant in the food supply, vitamin E is especially high in vegetable oils. That's one good reason why we don't want to overdo our "fat-free" eating. Some of the best sources of vitamin E: wheat germ oil, sunflower seed kernels, sunflower oil, hazelnuts, almonds, cottonseed oil, wheat germ, papaya, fortified cereals and peanut butter.

Zinc
This trace mineral may have a protective effect on the development of some forms of early AMD. As zinc is acutely concentrated in the eye, Dr. Abel says zinc is "very important for the retina," the back part of the eye that senses light.

Zinc intake seems to drop as we age — when our eyes need it most. To be sure you're getting enough zinc, enjoy wheat germ, garbanzo beans, black-eyed peas, sunflower seeds, almonds, tofu, brown rice, milk, ground beef and chicken.

Beta-Carotene
A carotenoid and antioxidant, beta-carotene aids in night vision and maintaining good vision. It may play a small role in cataract prevention. Luckily, beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body, is easily obtained through the diet. Gollman suggests, "Beta-carotene supplements are not recommended."

Don't worry about eating too much beta-carotene. Your skin might temporarily turn an unusual shade of orange, but it's harmless. For a beta-carotene boost, choose apricots, carrots, sweet potatoes, collard greens, beet greens, turnip greens, kale, spinach, papaya, red bell pepper, cantaloupe, winter squash and romaine lettuce.

Carotenoids are antioxidants that are plant pigments. This category is considered by many eye-care and nutrition experts to be the most promising of the eye-protective nutrients. Over 600 carotenoids are known, though just a handful are found in the diet and even fewer are found in the human body. Alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin are all found in the body, but only lutein and zeaxanthin are found in the eye.

Specifically, these two carotenoids help maintain the health of the retina and macula, potentially "protecting against AMD" adds Gollman. Carotenoids give foods their rich colors. They give spinach, kale and broccoli their delicious orange-yellow color. Huh?

Actually the carotene is disguised as dark green by the chlorophyll in their leaves. Carotenoids also make tomatoes ruby red, watermelons vivid pink, and sweet potatoes deep orange.

So, "color" your plate happy — it'll make your eyes healthy!

Source:http://health.discovery.com/

Brain cancer is a disease of the brain in which cancer cells (malignant) arise in the brain tissue. Cancer cells grow to form a mass of cancer tissue (tumor) that interferes with brain functions such as muscle control, sensation, memory, and other normal body functions. Tumors composed of cancer cells are called malignant tumors, and those composed of noncancerous cells are called benign tumors. Cancer cells that develop from brain tissue are called primary brain tumors while tumors that spread from other body sites to the brain are termed metastatic brain tumors. Statistics suggest that brain cancer occurs infrequently and is likely to develop in about 22,000 new people per year in 2009, with about 13,000 deaths as estimated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
Not all brain tumors are alike, even if they arise from the same type of brain tissue. Tumors are assigned a grade depending on how the cells in the tumor appear microscopically. The grade also provides insight as to the cell's growth rate.

NCI lists the following grades:
Grade I: The tissue is benign. The cells look nearly like normal brain cells, and they grow slowly. Grade II: The tissue is malignant. The cells look less like normal cells than do the cells in a grade I tumor.
Grade III: The malignant tissue has cells that look very different from normal cells. The abnormal cells are actively growing (anaplastic).
Grade IV: The malignant tissue has cells that look most abnormal and tend to grow quickly. The most common primary brain tumors are usually named for the brain tissue type from which they originally developed. These are gliomas, meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, vestibular schwannomas, and primitive neuroectodermal tumors (medulloblastomas). Gliomas have several subtypes which include astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, ependymomas, and choroid plexus papillomas. When the grades are coupled with the tumor name, it gives doctors a better understanding about the severity of the brain cancer. For example, a grade III (anaplastic) glioma is an aggressive tumor, while an acoustic neuroma is a grade I benign tumor. However, even benign tumors can cause serious problems if they grow big enough to cause increased intracranial pressure or obstruct vascular structures or cerebrospinal fluid flow.

What is metastatic brain cancer?
Cancer cells that develop in a body organ such as the lung (primary cancer tissue type) can spread via the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other body organs such as the brain. Tumors formed by such cancer cells that spread (metastasize) to other organs are called metastatic tumors. Metastatic brain cancer is a mass of cells (tumor) that originated in another body organ and has spread into the brain tissue. Metastatic tumors in the brain are more common than primary brain tumors. They are usually named after the tissue or organ where the cancer first developed (for example, metastatic lung orbreast cancer tumors in the brain, which are the most common types found).

What causes brain cancer?
Primary brain tumors arise from many types of brain tissue (for example, glial cells, astrocytes, and other brain cell types). Metastatic brain cancer is caused by the spread of cancer cells from a body organ to the brain. However, the causes for the change from normal cells to cancer cells in both metastatic and primary brain tumors are not fully understood. Data gathered by research scientists show that people with certain risk factors are more likely to develop brain cancer. Individuals with risk factors such as having a job in an oil refinery, as a chemist, embalmer, or rubber-industry worker show higher rates of brain cancer. Some families have several members with brain cancer, but heredity as a cause for brain tumors has not been proven. Other risk factors such assmoking, radiation exposure, and viral infection (HIV) have been suggested but not proven to cause brain cancer. There is no good evidence that brain cancer is contagious, caused by head trauma, or caused by cell phone use. Although many lay press and Web articles claim that aspartame (artificial sweetener) causes brain cancer, as of 2009, the FDA maintains that it does not cause brain cancer and base their findings on over 100 toxicological and clinical studies regarding the sweetener's safety.

Source:http://www.medicinenet.com/brain_cancer/article.htm

Hepatitis C virus causes an inflammation of the liver. The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is found in the blood of persons who have this disease. HCV is spread by contact with the blood of an infected person.

What are the causes?
Hepatitis C infection is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Persons who may be at risk for hepatitis C are those who:
* received blood, blood products, or solid organs from a donor who has hepatitis C
* have injected street drugs or shared a needle with someone who has hepatitis C
* have been on long-term dialysis for kidney failure
* have frequent contact with blood on the job such as doctors
* have sexual intercourse with multiple partners
* have sex with a person who has hepatitis C
* share personal items, such as toothbrushes and razors, with someone who has hepatitis C
* are born to hepatitis C infected mothers

What are the symptoms?
Many people who are infected with the hepatitis C do not have symptoms. Hepatitis C is often detected during blood tests for a routine physical or other medical procedure. The following symptoms could occur:
* jaundice
* abdominal pain in the right upper abdomen
* fatigue
* loss of appetite
* nausea and vomiting
* low-grade fever
* pale or clay-coloured stools
* dark urine
* generalised itching

How is it diagnosed?
There are several blood tests that can be done to determine if one has been infected with HCV. Your doctor may order one or a combination of these tests.
A) Anti-HCV (antibody to HCV).
* EIA (enzyme immunoassay) : This test is usually done first. If positive, it should be confirmed
* RIBA (recombinant immunoblot assay): A supplemental test used to confirm a positive EIA test
Anti-HCV does not tell whether the infection is new (acute), chronic (long-term) or is no longer present.
B) Qualitative tests to detect presence or absence of virus (HCV RNA)
C) Quantitative tests to detect amount (titre) of virus (HCV RNA)
* Hepatitis virus serology with negative antibody to hepatitis A and hepatitis B
* ELISA assay to detect hepatitis C antibody
* Hepatitis C PCR test
* Elevated liver enzymes
* Liver biopsy showing acute or resolving hepatitis

What is the treatment?
Some patients with hepatitis C benefit from treatment with interferon alpha or a combination of interferon alpha and ribavirin.
Interferon alpha is given by injection just under the skin and has a number of side effects, including flu-like symptoms, headaches, fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, depression, and thinning of hair. Treatment with interferon alpha may also interfere with the production of white blood cells and platelets.
Ribavirin is a capsule taken twice daily, and the major side effects are severe anaemia (low red blood cells) and birth defects. Women should, therefore, avoid pregnancy during and for 6 months following treatment.
Recently, a version of interferon alpha with a longer half-life (pegylated interferon alpha) has been introduced, and the longer half-life means the injections are taken weekly instead of the three times a week with standard interferon alpha. Pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin lead to a sustained response in approximately 50% of patients. A sustained response means that the patient remains free of hepatitis C virus 6 months after stopping therapy. People with hepatitis C should avoid any substances toxic to the liver (hepatotoxic) . All patients with hepatitis C should be immunised against hepatitis A and B also.
People with hepatitis C should also be careful not to take vitamins, nutritional supplements, or new over-the-counter medications without first discussing it with their doctor. Patients with hepatitis C should avoid alcohol. Even moderate amounts of alcohol speed up the progression of hepatitis C, and alcohol reduces the effectiveness of the treatment.

What are the complications?
Chronic hepatitis
Cirrhosis

What is the prevention?
One should avoid contact with blood or blood products whenever possible. Health care workers should practice universal precautions when handling blood and body fluids.
One should not inject drugs of abuse, and especially not share needles with anyone. One should be cautious when getting tattoos and body piercings done.
Sexual transmission is low among stable, monogamous couples. A partner should be screened for hepatitis C. If the partner is negative, the current recommendations are to make no changes in sexual practices. Individuals having sex outside of a monogamous relationship should practice safer sex behaviours to avoid hepatitis C as well as sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and hepatitis B. Currently there is no vaccine for hepatitis C.

Steps You Can Take

To help keep your heart healthy, Dinesh Thakur, M.D., FACC, a cardiologist at Sutter Regional Medical Foundation and Sutter Solano Medical Center, recommends high doses of the following preventive "medicine."

Don't smoke.
Not only can smoking cause lung problems, but it can also hurt your heart.

Maintain a healthy body weight.
Your heart has to work harder if you're carrying around excess pounds.

Get regular physical exercise.
You don't need to run marathons. Simply getting regular cardiovascular exercise helps maintain a healthy heart.

Eat a balanced diet.
Eat a lot of vegetables and fruits, and make sure that you get plenty of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Get regular physicals.
Risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and diabetes may not have symptoms that you can see. That's why regular physicals are so important. If you have any of these conditions, see your doctor right away for treatment to help lower your risk for heart disease. It's not uncommon for people in their 30s and 40s to have heart problems. And heart disease is the number one killer of women, regardless of race or ethnicity.

Eat less sugar and fat.
Read food labels and be sure to stay away from trans and saturated fats.

Minimize stress.
Too much stress can raise your blood pressure, which can strain your heart.

Know your family history.
If heart disease is common in your family, let your doctor know. He or she can work with you to help you avoid developing heart disease yourself.

Ignore stereotypes.
Heart disease isn't limited to older people and men. It's not uncommon for people in their 30s and 40s to have heart problems. And heart disease is the number one killer of women, regardless of race or ethnicity.

Don't trick yourself or ignore possible symptoms.
Think that feeling in your chest is just heartburn? Let a doctor decide. And talk with your doctor if you're thinking about taking aspirin on a regular basis.

 

Source:https://mylifestages.org/

Kidney stones are rock-like masses of minerals typically found in urine that have crystallized inside the kidney. Usually, the stones are really small for a person to notice and they pass out of the urinary system without causing any pain. However, kidney stones can grow to a size bigger than a pebble and you can imagine how painful it would be when these stones try to pass when a person urinates.
To prevent the formation of kidney stones, good kidney health is of course essential. Below are some simple tips to help you this:
1.) Drink plenty of water. You may have heard so many times of the benefits of drinking lots of water to kidney health and kidney stone prevention. That is because it is effective. In fact, increasing the amount of water you take in every day is the first form of treatment of kidney stones. Remember, it is the lack of water in the body that leads to buildup of waste substances in the kidneys that form the stones so drink up to your kidney health (water not soda, coffee or tea).
2.) Make the necessary dietary changes. This is fundamental not only to kidney health but overall health. For the purposes of preventing kidney stones, the specific changes you would need to make include adding fiber to your diet and limiting your intake of meat. A high protein diet runs the risk of developing uric acid kidney stones. Another type of kidney stone is calcium stone and because of this, reducing foods rich in calcium (dairy products) in the diet to 1-2 servings is recommended. Another important food substance to watch out for is sodium, high levels of which greatly contribute to the formation of kidney stones. This means avoid salty foods, do not flavor your food with salt and make sure to read the label of foods that you buy to check for sodium content.
3.) Live a more active life. Being active is great for kidney health as with your overall wellbeing. A sedentary lifestyle is a huge risk factor to kidney stones. If you are not able to commit to a daily exercise program, there are many simple ways to be more active. Take a stroll for a few minutes or if possible, take the stairs instead of the elevator or just get up from your seat and move around.
4.) Do not hold in your urine. When you feel the need to urinate, do so right away. Delaying it will cause the kidneys to start reabsorbing the substances that it needs to eliminate.
If you suspect that you already have kidney stones because you are experiencing pain in your side or you found blood in your urine, you need to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with kidney stones, keep in mind the above suggestions towards good kidney health so you can prevent the stones from re-occurring after treatment.

Source:http://www.kidneystonetips.com/

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, spilling blood into the spaces surrounding brain cells. Brain cells die when they no longer receive oxygen and nutrients from the blood or there is sudden bleeding into or around the brain. The symptoms of a stroke include sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble with walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination; or sudden severe headache with no known cause. There are two forms of stroke: ischemic - blockage of a blood vessel supplying the brain, and hemorrhagic - bleeding into or around the brain.

What is the Prognosis?

Although stroke is a disease of the brain, it can affect the entire body. A common disability that results from stroke is complete paralysis on one side of the body, called hemiplegia. A related disability that is not as debilitating as paralysis is one-sided weakness or hemiparesis. Stroke may cause problems with thinking, awareness, attention, learning, judgment, and memory. Stroke survivors often have problems understanding or forming speech. A stroke can lead to emotional problems. Stroke patients may have difficulty controlling their emotions or may express inappropriate emotions. Many stroke patients experience depression. Stroke survivors may also have numbness or strange sensations. The pain is often worse in the hands and feet and is made worse by movement and temperature changes, especially cold temperatures.

Recurrent stroke is frequent; about 25 percent of people who recover from their first stroke will have another stroke within 5 years.

Symptoms of a Stroke

If you see or have one or more of these symptoms, don't wait, call 911 right away.

- Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.

- Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech.

- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination.

- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

Treatment can be more effective if given quickly. Every minute counts.

Risk Factors for a Stroke

Stroke prevention is still the best medicine. The most important treatable conditions linked to stroke are:

- High blood pressure. Treat it. Eat a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise to reduce blood pressure. Drugs are also available.

- Cigarette smoking. Quit. Medical help is available to help quit.

- Heart disease. Manage it. Your doctor can treat your heart disease and may prescribe medication to help prevent the formation of clots. If you are over 50, NINDS scientists believe you and your doctor should make a decision about aspirin therapy.

- Diabetes. Control it. Treatment can delay complications that increase the risk of stroke.
Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs). Seek help. TIAs are small strokes that last only for a few minutes or hours. They should never be ignored and can be treated with drugs or surgery.

• Source:http://www.agingcare.com/

What is chronic kidney disease (CKD)?

Healthy kidneys remove waste from your blood. The waste then leaves your body in your urine. The kidneys also help control blood pressure and make red blood cells. When the kidneys are damaged, they cannot remove waste from the blood as well as they should. This is called chronic kidney disease. Almost 20 million people in the United States have this disease.

What are the symptoms of CKD?

Most people don't have any symptoms early in the disease. Once the disease progresses, the symptoms can include the following:

Feeling tired

Feeling weak

Loss of appetite

High blood pressure (hypertension) may develop as a result of kidney damage. This may exacerbate the problem by damaging the kidneys further. However, progress of the disease is usually very slow and it may go undetected for years.

Puffiness around the eyes, swelling of the hands and feet

Pain in the small of the back just below the ribs

High blood pressure

Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease

Unlike acute renal failure, chronic renal failure slowly gets worse. It most often results from any disease that causes gradual loss of kidney function. It can range from mild dysfunction to severe kidney failure. The disease may lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Kidney disease present at birth (congenital)

Bladder outlet obstruction

Overexposure to toxins and to some medications

Family history of kidney disease

High blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure causes another 30% of all kidney disease. Because blood pressure often rises with chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure may further damage kidney function even when another medical condition initially caused the disease.

How is it diagnosed?

The most common symptom of IgA nephropathy is blood in the urine, which causes the urine to look tea-colored. To confirm the diagnosis, a small piece of kidney tissue must be removed (biopsy) and examined.

Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease

The goal of therapy is to slow down or halt the otherwise relentless progression of CKD to stage 5. Control of blood pressure and treatment of the original disease, whenever feasible, are the broad principles of management. Generally, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARBs) are used, as they have been found to slow the progression of CKD to stage 5

Initial treatment

One of the most important parts of treatment for chronic kidney disease is to control the disease that is causing it. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, you and your doctor will develop a plan to aggressively treat and manage your condition to help slow additional damage to your kidneys. If your child must take so much medicine that it affects his or her appetite, contact your doctor for advice. Try to find the most acceptable forms of medicine (smaller pills, capsules, or more concentrated liquids, for example) and simplify the medication schedule under your doctor's guidance.

Source:http://www.streetdirectory.com/

The word gout comes from Latin gutta and old French gote meaning "a drop". Several hundred years ago gout was thought to be caused by drops of viscous humors that seeped from blood into the joints. In fact, this supposition was not that far from the truth. When a patient experiences the symptoms of a gout attack uric acid has been accumulating in his blood, and uric acid deposits have been forming in the joints.
Gout is a complex disorder, it is more prevalent among men, and afflicts women more commonly after the menopause. Men have higher uric acid levels in their blood than women.

What are the symptoms of gout?

Signs and symptoms of gout are generally acute - they come on suddenly without warning. A significant proportion of patients experience them at night.

- Severe pain in the joints - The patient may experience pain in his ankles, hands, wrists, knees or feet. More commonly the big toe is affected (podagra). Many patients describe the affected areas as warm/hot. The fluid sacs that cushion tissue (bursae) may become inflamed (bursitis) - when this happens in the elbow it is called olcranon bursitis, while in the knee prepatellar bursitis.

- Gradually goes away - A bout can last for over a week if left untreated - and then gradually goes away during the following week or two.

- Itchy and peeling skin later - As the gout subsides the skin around the affected area may be itchy and peel. By the end of it the patient feels fine.

- Redness and inflammation - The sufferer will most likely have tender, red and swollen joint(s) in the areas that experienced the most pain.

- Red/purplish skin - The affected area may become red or purplish, making the patient think he has an infection.

- Fever - Some patients have an elevated temperature.

- Less flexibility - The affected joint may be harder to use, the patient has limited movement.

- No symptoms - Some patients experience no symptoms. In these cases it may develop into chronic gout.

- Nodules - The gout may first appear as tophi (nodules) in the elbows, hands, or ears.

Source:http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/144827.php

Stroke is one of a dangerous disease, because it can lead to paralysis and even death. The following are practical tips on avoiding stroke:
1. Blood Pressure Check In Routine. Research shows that the diligent control of blood pressure can reduce the 40% risk of stroke.
2. Get rid of Tobacco. The results of the study show that away from tobacco reduces the risk of stroke by 33%.
3. Neck Check. Ask your doctor to listen to swish around her neck. This is important if you have atherosclerosis, or hardening and thickening of blood vessels which causes clogging of blood flow.
4. Sports. Research shows that those who start exercising at age between 25-40 years, stroke risk decreased 57%. While who started exercising at age 40-55 years, 37% chance just better to avoid the stroke.
5. Vegetable and fruit consumption. Either is green or orange, just eat it! Too early to say that beta-carotene can prevent a stroke. But consumption of vegetables and green fruits every day is very good.
6. Potassium consumption. Research said that consume of potassium-rich foods daily may reduce the risk of stroke by 40%. Potatoes are a good source of potassium, in addition to avocados, eighth, bananas, salmon and tomatoes.
7. Reduce Fat. What is good for your heart, better for your brain. Maintain cholesterol levels that inhibit atherosclerosis and stroke. Eat fat, no more than 25% of caloric needs.
8. Stay away from alcohol. Indeed there is research that says that a certain amount, alcohol can prevent stroke and heart attacks. But it would be better if you do not consume alcohol because it was never clear measure of drinking.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in developed countries. In the U.S. alone estimated 12.4 million people suffer from this disease and 1.1 million people will be affected by a serious heart condition this year.
In 2000, 16.7 million people died of this disease, or approximately 30.3% of total deaths worldwide. More than half reported from developing countries. In Indonesia, the prevalence of heart disease from year to year continue to increase.
In addition to classical risk factors (smoking, obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, lack of activity, diabetes mellitus, stress), the results of research recently mentioned that the inflammatory reaction (inflammation) of the chronic infectious disease may also be a risk factor. Even so, only a chronic disease that proved teeth associated with heart disease.

Dissemination mechanisms
The spread of dental diseases to other organs can be explained by the theory of focal infection.
Focal infection is a chronic infection in one place and trigger the disease elsewhere. Toxins, wastes, and infectious microbes can spread to other places in the body such as kidneys, heart, eyes, skin. The impact of dental disease may be at the heart of coronary heart disease, inflammation of muscles, and heart valves (endocarditis).
Bacteria that shipped with the blood flow can produce enzymes that speed up the formation of blood clots that harden the heart blood vessel walls (atherosclerosis). Bacteria can also be attached to the coating (plaque) of fat in the blood vessels and strengthen heart plaque. All that, blocking blood flow and distribution of food resources and oxygen to the heart, so the heart does not function properly.
The initial symptoms may include chest pain, including burning feeling, depressed, and the heavy burden on the left breast, which can be extended to the left arm, neck, chin, and shoulders. Chest pain was also felt in the middle of the chest for several minutes. After the event is usually followed by nausea, vomiting, dizziness, cold sweat, legs and arms into the cold, panting, and shortness of breath.
Prolonged angina will lead to a heart attack (myocardial infarction). But often lasted coronary heart disease without symptoms, it does not cause problems until the situation was severe. Alternatively, inflammatory reactions caused by dental disease increases plaque formation that spurs blood vessel wall thickening. Research showed that people with dental disease have twice the risk of higher coronary heart disease.

Endocarditis
The bacteria found in dental plaque is a risk factor for endocarditis.
Bacteria in cavities and damaged gums can enter the blood circulation through bleeding gums. These bacteria easily attack the heart valves and heart muscle has weakened. Symptoms include fever, noisy heart, bleeding under the skin, even embolization (blockage) small blood vessels in the organs of the body.
Although rare, this disease can be fatal and sometimes require emergency heart valve surgery. It is also highly recommended as profilaksi of antibiotics in people who suffered heart valve prolapse, rheumatic heart disease and congenital heart defects, prior to getting dental treatment measures.
Because prevent is always better than cure, need a good dental care and regular dental examinations. How to prevent the formation of tartar is quite simple, that is diligently and thoroughly clean the teeth properly and correctly. Brushing the tongue for 30 seconds is also shown to reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth.
Brochures way to brush your teeth is good and right can be obtained easily at any dentists. Use of dental floss (dental floss) is also very important to clean the areas difficult to reach by a toothbrush, especially the are between the teeth and also in the teeth of the crowded.

Adults people who regularly eat fish may have a lower risk of suffering subtle brain damage that contributes to stroke and forgotten memories, as long as it was not fried fish, researchers said. In one study conducted in 3660 adults aged 65 years and over, some Finland researchers found that those who ate more fish faced less risk for brain infarct show "quietly" certain (small areas of dead tissue due to supply the inadequate blood) on MRI examination.

Tissue damage was seen going on in quietly, or subclinical, because the incident did not show obvious symptoms and can only be detected through examination of the brain. But it can increase the long-term risk for stroke someone or have forgotten memories.

Among adults in the current study, those who said they ate tuna and other fish are roasted or boiled at least three times per week a quarter smaller than those who rarely ate fish to have subclinical brain infarct at the beginning of the study. Fish eaters also have a smaller tendency for new infarct attacked during the next five weeks. However, no such benefit if people ate fried fish, the researchers report in the journal Neurology.

Although the study could not definitely indicate the reason for the benefit of the brain, seems acids omega-3 fats (healthy fats are mainly found in oily fish) play a major role, says Dr. Jyrki K. Virtanen and colleagues at the University of Kuopio. When the researchers estimate the consumption of the two major fatty acids omega-3 (EPA and DHA) by the study participants, they found an association between more consumption and lower risk of brain infarct secretly.

In addition, the researchers said, the lack of protective effect of fried fish may stem from the fact that foods like fish burgers and fish pieces in particular made from fish with omega-3 content is low.
Overall, these findings add to evidence that fish rich in omega-3 fats (such as salmon, mackerel and tuna Albacore), may have "significant health benefits," wrote the researchers.

"Previous findings have shown that fish and fish oil can help prevent stroke, but this is one study that examined the impact of fish on the brain infarct secretly in elderly people healthy," Virtanen said in a written statement.

"Further research is needed on why these fish species may have a protective effect, but the omega-3 EPA and DHA seem to have a major role," said Virtanen. Brain infarct secretly can increase a person's risk of cognitive decline and would be a stroke. A total of 30 adults aged 65 years and over are free to quietly infarct estimated at least be free in five years. American Heart Association recommends that all adults to take at least two servings of fish per week, especially fatty fish, for the sake of their cardiovascular health.

A recent Time magazine article, "Why Exercise Won't Make You Thin," is misleading at best. Exercise is critical to losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight, especially when paired with healthy eating habits. Countless studies, numerous experts who study exercise, and the millions of people who have lost weight all attest to the fact that working out works.

1. Exercise zaps belly fat

Regular moderate to high intensity aerobic exercise has the greatest impact on reducing abdominal fat -- the dangerous fat that increases your risk of diabetes and heart disease.

2. Exercise controls calories
You need to burn more calories than you consume in order to lose weight. Regular exercise uses up excess calories that would otherwise be stored as fat.

3. Exercise keeps lost pounds MIA

Ninety percent of people who have successfully lost weight and kept it off for a year do about an hour of physical activity a day.

4. Exercise boosts metabolism

You'll lose fat when you diet without exercising, but you'll also lose muscle, which means you'll burn fewer calories. The more muscle you have, the higher your metabolism and the more calories you'll burn.

5. Exercise does more than the scale shows

If you gain 3 pounds of lean muscle and lose 4 pounds of fat, you've actually experienced a 7-pound improvement in your body condition, despite the scale only showing 1 pound of weight loss.

6. Exercise curbs emotional eating

Working out has been proven time and time again to help regulate mood, which has a direct effect on people who eat when they're stressed or upset.

7. Exercise creates a healthy chain reaction

Healthy habits tend to cluster together. When people make positive changes, like getting more exercise, they tend to work on other health improvements as well, such as eating better.

8. Exercise brings on the fun

Rock-climbing is more exciting than eating a celery stick. That's why it's sometimes easier to be active to stay slim than to maintain a strict diet.

9. Exercise stops hunger

People who exercise and diet are actually less hungry than those who only diet, according to at least one study.

10. Exercise ups energy

Regular physical activity increases stamina by boosting your body's production of energy-promoting neurotransmitters. That gives you even more motivation to get moving and shed pounds.

Source:http://www.getnidokidos.com/

A person who has excess body weight was not only has the risk of various diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Another risk that must be faced by the degeneration of the brain.

The study found that people who are obese have less brain tissue 8% compared with people who have normal weight. In other words the brain of the obese condition is 16 years older than those with normal weight.

Results are based on the results of brain scans of 94 people aged 70s. "The results of a scan showed degeneration of the brain of someone who are obese," said professor of neurology and principal investigator, Paul Thompson, from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), United States (LiveScience.com).

"Eight percent is a very large number and may increase the risk of diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and other brain attack," added Thompson. Obese people can lose brain tissue located at the front. This area has a memory function and the brain can think critically. Not only are obese have a risk. Someone who has overweight but not including the risk of obesity also has a brain degeneration.

"For those who obese, the brain will look sixteen years older, whereas for the excessive weight of the brain will look older than eight years," said Thompson.

The level of obesity can be seen through the measurement of body mass index (BMI), i.e weight (kilogram) divided by height squared (meters). Body mass index above 25, counted being overweight, and above 30, classified as obesity.

The human heart is a valuable organ. It is our source for love, life and vitality. Keeping your heart healthy involves taking care of not just your body, but your mind and spirit as well. Obviously, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and not smoking are vital to having a healthy heart. However, there are a few unconventional tips that you can use to get heart healthy, too.

Breathe Deep

Simply taking a deep breath can help to ease your mind and calm your nerves in just a matter of seconds. Even more effective, try inhaling as you count to four, then hold your breath as you count to four once more. Finally, exhale…one…two…three…four. Do this for a total of four times. You will feel your body unwinding, as stress melts away and your blood pressure decreases.

Show Those Pearly Whites

The love center resides in the heart; not enough pleasure and joy in your life could cause problems with your heart. One of the simplest ways to enhance your heart health is with a smile. Bring to mind thoughts of whatever gives you the most pleasure in your life, or memories that make you laugh aloud. Hold onto that joy, keep your attitude positive as much as possible. A good sense of humor will not only lead to a healthy heart, but also a happy life.

Going Green

The center of energy that presides over harmony, connection and love is the heart chakra. The heart chakra is signified by the color green. Meditate on the heart chakra to nurture love, hope and compassion as well as heal wounds. Meditating will remind you that love heals all, and keeps your heart running shipshape.

Tea Time

Studies have found that just by adding a little cayenne and ginger to your diet, you will effectively improve the circulation and flow of blood throughout your entire body. Try a simple tea with ginger, lemon, honey and a pinch of cayenne as a delicious pick-me-up to really get your heart pumping.

Keep It Moving

In addition to keeping off unwanted weight, exercising also lowers cholesterol levels and blood pressure, boosts energy, relieves stress and genuinely makes you look and feel at your best. However, if you mention exercise to some people you will hear a lot of moaning and groaning. If you are a groaner, try putting a fun twist on exercise. Try a few salsa lessons, sign up for sports or ask a friend to join you at the gym. Make your exercise routine light and social so moving around is simple and fun.

Falling In Love

You do not have to find a man or a woman to sweep you off your feet to fall in love. You can fall in love with a new kitten or puppy. You can fall in love with your parents, grandparents or your best friend. You can even fall in love with a new leisure pursuit. All you need is someone or something about which you are passionate. You will instantly feel the effects the bliss of falling in love has on your heart.

Take Care Of Those Tootsies

Take care of your heart by taking care of your feet. Reflexology is a type of bodywork that applies pressure to specific areas on your feet that correspond to various other parts of your body. Speak with your reflexologist about focusing on the area around your heart, or ask your sweetheart for a gentle massage around the ball of your foot to keep your heart healthy.

These are just a few of the many steps you can take every day to get heart healthy. Continue to research the Internet often to find the latest and greatest ways to get heart healthy.

Source:http://promotehealth.info/?p=576