Dr. Phil Hariram's Health Blog

It is an uncomfortable thought to imagine that out of every 3 people alive today, 1 has arthritis of one form or another. While we are grappling with HIV and Aids infections and cancer management, it shocks you even further when you realise that no other illness or accident or catastrophe causes more disability than this disease of the joints. In America, 1.2 % of GDP is spent in managing this disease.

But it is also a known fact that there is no cure for arthritis. What then is the point of research? Is it to simply come up with newer ways of managing it? The answer is yes. But there is a whole branch of researchers who have invested lots of talent in observing the development of this illness with a view to expose an observable pattern on how it begins.

Everyone feels sorry that a person they know and love is afflicted by this disease. But what can they do? You feel helpless that you cannot even prevent the next person from getting it. other than secondary osteoarthritis that is caused from repeated trauma on joints, most other forms of this malady are rather obscure when they are in their early stages.

Professor James Cook, who is with veterinary medicine and surgery, said that according to their findings, there is a pattern in the way canine arthritis begins. It is a matter of certain genes being found around the joints just before the disease is diagnosed. The research is still in its early stages and there are difficult in its progress.

While the researchers working with man's best friend have identified this gene, they have not yet been able to find a way of either knowing its source or interfering with its work there. It is hoped that once they establish such salient points, it is going to be possible to stem arthritis in people as well.

The problem has traditionally been to diagnose it early. If this research comes to a successful close, we shall be ahead of that goal already. This means that we shall not only diagnose early but pinpoint to specific individuals that they are at risk of getting the disease.

By so doing, many will change their lifestyles and improve their lives. This has already been suggested as a way of managing the illness of the joints. Exercise, diet, pain and inflammation control are current areas of concern with today's patient. It will soon be only a matter of diet, exercise and specialised pre-emptive surgery and pharmaceutical regimes. But that all depends on the route this research will take and the magnitude of its success. Professor James cook presented his paper at a meeting of the orthopedic Research Society in D.C. in February, 2005.

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Whenever you are feeling pain and discomfort, you’d usually reach for your painkillers for relief. While they do relieve the pain, they also bring along side effects that comes with taking foreign chemicals into your body. As much as modern medicine has developed drugs that can relieve pain right off the bat, do you really think that the quick fixes you’ve been taking are actually good for your body? Why not try something safer and more effective like acupuncture.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture has surged in popularity for the last few decades as brought on by the recent health trend. Mostly known as a traditonal Chinese medical technique, acupuncture is seen as a homeopathic method of treatment. While alternative medicine does raise a lot of eyebrows for the scientifically-inclined, it does merit attention before being dismissed as a quack cure.

Basic Procedure

Basically, needles are inserted into the skin, each corresponding to one of the numerous pressure points located throughout the body. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, by inserting a needle into the pressure point, an acupuncturist can manipulate the flow of chi or life force, thus relieving pain and gradually treating the patient. While most would say that the whole chi thing is a bunch of nonsense, science has suggested that with the needles inserted, the body’s natural painkillers called endorphins are released, thus helping with pain relief.

Instruments

Modern acupuncturists nowadays use disposable fine stainless steel needles that are 0.007 to 0.020 inches in diameter which are sterilized with either ethylene oxide or by autoclave. Since they are way finer than hypodermic syringe needles, being poked by these needles are relatively painless. The upper third of the needle is covered with either a thicker bronze wire or plastic to make the needle sturdier and easier to handle. The length of the needle and how far they are inserted is all up to the acupuncturist and his practised style of acupuncture.

Example Of Treatment

If a patient has a headache, he/she is diagnosed and is treated by stimulating the sensitive points located at the webs between the thumbs and palms. In acupuncture theory, these points are connected to the face and head and can be used for treatment of headaches and other ailments involved. Needles are then carefully inserted into the skin until the patient feels a twinge, which is usually accompanied by a slight involuntary twitching of the area. During this treatment, a number of things may occur.

– Sensitivity to pain in where needles are inserted.

– A hint of nausea during treatment in case of bad headaches.

– Near-immediate headache relief.

Evolution

As an ancient method, acupuncture has crossed over into the modern age with implementations of technology and recent scientific findings. Electrical stimulation is now a common technique that is combined with acupuncture to produce more effective results. Also, acupuncturists combined this eastern technique with western methods to further enhance the treatment.

Practitioners have eventually realized that leaning towards one school of thought can’t propagate progress unless they are willing to move towards the future by looking towards other horizons as well.

Reactions And Research

Not everyone is impressed with acupuncture itself. Most western medical professionals have expressed either doubt or indifference to the oriental method while others have downright driven it down into the earth with criticisms and brutal skepticism. However, recent research shows the efficacy (or lack thereof) of acupuncture, and while more research has to be done, it has been proven to actually positively affect some, but not all, forms of ailments that it claims to cure.

So as the doors open to a new age of acupuncture, give it a try when you feel the need for pain relief and you will not be disappointed. As the Chinese have used it for many centuries, so should we.

The core foundation for arthritis was begun in 1984 and has since grown to become the biggest organisation for the public in Singapore. All around the world, we have such foundations that put mind and dollar to the cause of ensuring the world is a better place for the sufferers of this malady. Among the goals of these foundations is to support research, work with companies that seek to provide pharmaceutical solutions to this disease as well as to spread information on how best the illness can be managed.

The American foundation for the disease is a non-profit making organisation which has over half a million volunteers and close to 200 service points where information support and care for arthritis patients can be procured.

It is among the campaigns' strategies to get people to respond to this illness with greater understanding. For instance, specialised exercise techniques are taught to surfers as well as care givers so as to extend both the meaningful lives of patients as well as slow arthritis' ruinous reign. They hold workshops attended by members as well as other willing participants. Mainly, speakers range from sufferers, doctors and care givers, encouraging each other and bringing to light any new skill, medicine, herb, technique and confirmed therapies.

Diets are also crucial in the word spread by these foundations. As much as pharmaceutical companies are partners with these organisations. Members can easily see a specific leaning towards natural therapies, herbs and non-pharmaceutical cures.

Many patients are now aware that they can counter the disease by slowing its progress. In member meetings, the members share experiences and improve on each other's info package.

There is a magazine in America called Arthritis Today published six times in the year. Through this as in the audio-visual media, populations are put in greater awareness of this disease. It is not the only magazine that deals with awareness on the illness. Almost all medical journals, except those for specific diseases and concerns, have been giving information as well. The internet is perhaps today the most prolific in production and provision of material that the patient can find useful. With a click of the mouse, many sufferers and care givers are able to stay abreast with the world of arthritis. It is now possible to go straight to a site that features only the variety of illness that you are suffering from.

It will also assure you to note that about half a billion dollars have been used in the awareness and fight against arthritis by these foundations alone. The governments of the world have their own small outfits with regard to health ministry priorities and they are able to respond to this problem alongside other diseases and pressing issues.

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Acid reflux or GERD is a major health issue. It can affect both women and mens health. In this condition, there is reflux of stomach content high in acid into the esophagus. Reflux is prevented by the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which remains tightly closed and opens when peristaltic waves herald the imminent arrival of swallowed food. When the LES becomes faulty acid reflux will result. This is called GERD or gastro-esophageal reflux disease.

Is it possible to cure your acid reflux? If it is due to true LES incompetence, then there is no cure. In LES incompetence, you need maintenance acid suppressant treatment such as omeprazole, or if very severe or you develop secondary problems then surgical treatment such as fundoplication will relieve your symptoms.

However, the effeciency of the LES can be affected by several factors. Consider eliminating these factors that may impact on acid reflux before seeing your doctor or taking over the counter acid suppressants. Sometimes all you need is a change of lifestyle.

Obesity can cause or contribute to acid reflux. This is especially so in the apple type distribution of weight. The increased bulk in the abdomen makes it difficult for the esophagus to discharge food effectively into the stomach. In addition obese individuals are prone to developing hiatus hernias. The LES can be weakened by a hiatus hernia. An important aspect of acid reflux treatment is losing weight.

Acid reflux can be caused by wearing tight fitting clothes especially if it is two sizes too small. The increased pressure on the stomach may force acid back up into the gullet. Wear loose clothes and your reflux symptoms may go away.

Large volume of food in the stomach will increase the pressure on the LES and can trigger acid reflux. We all experience this at some time or other. Gastric clearance time is also increased by large volume allowing more opportunity for reflux. To counter this problem, eat smaller portions.

Acid Reflux can be affected by certain foods. Allergic Eosinophilic Esophagitis is an inflammation caused by cow’s milk intolerance. This is controlled by removing cow’s milk protein from the diet. Other foods that can affect the LES include fats, coffee, tea, alcohol, and some spices.

Some drugs can affect the LES and cause acid reflux. These drugs include broncho-dilators such as theophylline, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), tri-cyclic antidepressants ie amitryptilline and drugs for Parkinson’s disease.

Female hormones can affect GERD symptoms. In a Scandinavian Study, women on hormones had increased risk of GERD. These drugs include the hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the contraceptive pill. Sedatives and tranquillisers can slow down peristaltic waves in the esophagus affecting proper discharge of food from the esophagus.

If you are on medication and you have GERD, opt for liquid medication. Tetracycline and certain other drugs are corrosive to the esophageal lining. Tablets and capsules (gelcaps) can get stuck in the esophagus. Always drink a glass of water to wash the medication down. Avoid taking medication while lying down. GERD patients should always take medication sitting up or standing and avoid lying down immediately after.

Smoking relaxes the LES and nicotine is corrosive to esophageal lining. Stop smoking and your GERD might improve.

GERD risk is increased by certain exercises. This is the case in competitive weightlifting and cycling. Joggers can develop acid reflux symptoms.

If by eliminating all the risk factors, your symptoms disappear, then you have actually cured your acid reflux. However, if the symptoms persist, the next step is a visit to your doctor.

The K vitamin is essential for the blood to clot to repair injuries. Whenever a person has a bleeding wound, it is the K vitamin that is present in the blood that stops the bleeding and enables most minor cuts to heal quickly.

There are three different forms of the K vitamin. The first variant of the K vitamin is vitamin K1, also known as phylloquinone. This is the form of the K vitamin that is found in types of plant foods. Vitamin K found in plant foods. The second form of the K vitamin is the vitamin K2, or menaquinone. This type of the K vitamin is formed by friendly bacteria in the intestines. Thirdly, there is vitamin K3 which is also known as menadione and is actually an artificial form of the K vitamin. All three of these types of K vitamin end up in the liver where it is used to create the blood clotting substances.

The best natural sources of the K vitamin are green leafy vegetables, such as spinach. However, because the friendly bacteria in the intestine makes one of the forms of the K vitamin it is extremely rare for a person to have a deficiency of the K vitamin and so K vitamin supplements are not needed by the majority of people.

Apart from the main function of helping blood to clot, the K vitamin, specifically the Vitamin K1, has an important part to play in the bone building process. This K vitamin is required to retain the calcium in the bones and redistribute it to where it is needed.

Although a K vitamin deficiency is relatively rare there are certain groups of people who may suffer from it. Newborn babies may not have enough of the K vitamin as they have insufficient bacteria in their intestines to produce it. The majority of newborn babies in developed countries are therefore given a K vitamin injection to tide them over until the natural process takes over. That is the only time that a K vitamin supplement will be taken by most people throughout their lives. However, an extended course of antibiotics may lead to a K vitamin deficiency due to the fact that the antibiotics kill the intestinal bacteria as well as the ones that they are being taken to cure. Again, a K vitamin supplement may be given if the course of antibiotics has to continue for a long period of time.

This information about Vitamin K I got from my friend, who is working in a company handling Medical Transcription, Medical Billing, and Electronic Medical Records. 

If you have diabetes then you are going to need to learn more about your condition and learn about the different things that you can do to manage it and make sure that you are always in the best health. It is really important that you follow a pre diabetes diet or something of the sort, and this way your condition is not going to get out of control and possibly even be life threatening.

How to Get Started With Type 2 Diabetes Diet

If you want to get started with a type 2 diabetes diet plan then you are going to need to first learn about insulin resistance. This is the only way that you are going to be able to figure out what type 2 diabetes diet is going to be right for you and how to learn about the different things that you are going to need to be eating.

So before you create your own type 2 diabetes diet plan, there are some things that you are going to want to be aware of.

For one you need to realize that the majority of people with type 2 diabetes are insulin resistant which means that the insulin that is produced does not work very efficiently and that large amounts are needed in order to keep the blood glucose levels down. This means you should not only eat proper food but be busy in your daily life.

One can manage this condition properly by doing exercise in adequate amount and be aware to keep it under control.

Now for your type 2 diabetes diet you are going to need to make sure that you eat lots of legumes. These provide a lot of protein to your body and so you should include them in at least one meal everyday. You also need to be eating lots of fresh fruit but you should try to eat the majority of them in the morning so that your body can work off the natural sugars before the end of the day.

These are all important things that you want to be aware of when it comes to creating a diet plan for your diabetic condition. You are going to need to work with your doctor and hopefully a nutritionist as well so that you can come up with the best diet plan for you.

There is no doubt that hypnosis is a very effective  treatment of stress. When an individual feels he does not have the resources to cope with a task he is confronted with stress develops. Hypnosis works by changing perception, belief and ability to cope so the subject feels he is no longer incapable.

90% of diseases are caused by stress, said Dr. Lipton. Persistent stress starves vital organs of nutrients and oxygen. On the odd occasion this is not a problem but when it becomes persistent, diseases are likely.

It is not the situation you confront that is the cause of stress but by the way you perceive this situation and whether you feel you have the coping mechanisms to deal with it. hypnotherapyis a very effective treatment for stress because it changes your perception, expectation and belief.

Following hypnosis treatment, things that trigger extreme stress are converted to easy tasks because, you have the belief that you have the resources to successfully carry out anything you are faced with little effort on your part.

Hypnosis takes you down to a deep relaxed state and to brainwave level theta. At theta brainwave level, the filters that block unwanted messages to enter the Subconscious Mind,ease their tight grip and the hypnotherapist can alter attitude, belief and expectation.

Hypnosis is without doubt a powerful and safe treatment of stress and anxiety. Meditation is an effective tool and recommended for stress. It is, however, very difficult to see how a stressed person can relax, and if he or she cannot relax, meditation becomes very difficult. It is better to have hypnosis as an immediate treatment and then introduce meditation for the long term stress control and overall life enhancement.

Anyone who has experienced stress will tell you stress is an unpleasant thing. The fun goes out of your life and your libido goes away. Anger, rage, anxiety and depression are symptoms you can develop. During stress you become less creative and makes unnecessary mistakes.

Worse of all, because it triggers the fight or flight reaction, it shuts off vital nutrients to some organs of the body while at the same time stimulating the heart. Researchers believe this is the reason it is the underlying cause for 90% of diseases. Annually millions of days are lost in industry through stress and the cost to the health providers is enormous.

Attitude to stress can be changed by hypnosis and it is not just a treatment for your present stress but it gives you belief and coping skills to control stress in the long term.

In a hypnotic session, powerful post hypnotic suggestions are given not just on how to cope with your current situation but generally on all aspects of your life. Things a hypnotist will say are, “You are calm and relaxed. You will confront any situation calmly and know that if it can be done, you are very capable and competent to do it.” Effective post hypnotic suggestion enables you to adopt the attitude, “Now what is the best way to do this?” rather than, “I don’t think I can do this.”

So have hypnotherapy rather than drugs, counselling, CBT or psychotherapy for safe and outstanding results of stress. Bear in mind that hypnosis is simply a state of heightened awareness where your right brain becomes very alert. It does not analyse or filters like the left brain. While remaining in a deep relaxed state, the Subconscious Mind simply accepts positive suggestions.

Glycemic Food Index: Shows You Which Foods Are Good For Your Blood Sugar Levels

 It is a well known fact that different types of foods will cause different types of effects on the level of sugar in a person’s blood and it was the study of these different effects have led to the development of the glycemic food index. Depending on how fast or slow the food is absorbed by the system changes at varying speeds will take place in the blood sugar levels. If the foods are absorbed faster then levels of sugar will be high in the blood while slow assimilation will not make much change in the levels of sugar in the blood.

Healthy Foods As Per Glycemic Food Index

When foods in the glycemic food index are rated low then there is every possibility that your health will not be adversely affected as the body can absorb such foods easily and there is also not much stress put on the system as a consequence. Furthermore, by keeping a close check on your blood sugar levels, you can over a period of time, learn whether the foods that you are eating are causing your sugar levels to rise or not.

The advantage of using the glycemic food index is that you can know which foods make your sugar levels rise and then you can learn to avoid these foods. Foods that cause a spike in blood sugar levels is recommended to perform your exercises in case you are planning on working out.

Another way of using the glycemic food index is to identify foods that cause a drop in your blood sugar levels. Such foods will have lower values and that in turn indicates that they do not lead to rapid absorption of foods and consequently do not cause a rise in blood sugar levels. Such foods are therefore recommended as they release sugar very slowly which means that your body has enough time to absorb the sugar and so there will be no corresponding rises in blood sugar levels.

The glycemic food index gives you a good indicator concerning the foods that are beneficial to you as too those that are harmful. This in turn helps diabetics and obese persons take remedial action in order to control their conditions more effectively.

Some people wonder whether foods that are high on a glycemic index foods list can actually do your body any good at all. As mentioned, for those people that are planning on working out strenuously, foods that score high on the glycemic food index can be considered as being beneficial as they provide the extra sugar content to give your body sufficient energy to complete the workouts.

If you are looking for a simple though effective gestational diabetes recipe then you should check out a wonderful recipe that involves cooking the Spanish omelet. It requires a few things to prepare Spanish omelet and is very easy to cook it. It is very effective and controls the level of sugar in blood. To start with, it pays to understand exactly what ingredients are required to create this excellent gestational diabetes recipe.

The Ingredients Of Gestational Diabetes Recipe

You can start of by peeling and slicing five potatoes and have on hand a tablespoon of olive oil or even vegetable cooking spray. You will also need half a medium sized onion that should be minced and you can also make use of a small sliced zucchini. Add to these ingredients, half cup of green and red peppers as well as five medium sized mushrooms. You need three eggs that need to be beaten and you will also need five egg whites that also must be beaten. Finally, you need pepper as well as garlic salt,  some herbs and three ounces of mozzarella cheese (part skim and shredded) and a tablespoon of Parmesan cheese will round off all the necessary ingredients that are required to create a Spanish omelet.

The procedure for this gestational diabetes recipe is preheating an oven to about 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Potatoes can be cooked separately until they become soft. Then you need to add oil to a non-stick pan which should be heated up until the pan becomes medium hot. Now, you are ready to add onions which need to be sauté till they turn brown. Add some vegetables and sauté till everything becomes tender though these should not  turn brown.

The next step in this gestational diabetes recipe is to take a bowl (medium sized) and add eggs that must then be beaten very slightly along with egg whites, garlic salt, pepper and the mozzarella cheese. Once you get the right mix you can then add this mixture to the vegetables thatare already cooked.

You can then add some oil to a ten inch pan and put the potatoes and egg mix into this pan and add some Parmesan cheese and then you can bake the omelet till it becomes firm and the top of the omelet turns brown. This is all that it takes to create an appetizsng Spanish omelet from a very simple but fun gestational diabetes recipe.

Diabetics must be very careful about what they eat and also what they do not eat. The level of blood sugar can be managed by having a sensible diabetes diet. Such a diet can help ensure that you eat the right foods and in the right quantities while also staying away from foods that can worsen your condition.

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There has been numerous questions asked about the safety of mobile phone and so far no one has given conclusive proof that it is dangerous. What I do know, is that if there are dangers, it should not be used by the young simply because the skull is thinner than in adults and microwaves can reach the developing brain.

Below is an email sent to me. I am sure it is controversial and it is certainly food for thought.

Interesting article in today’s Daily Telegraph – page 30 of the main section. The most important part is “Evidence is increasing that radiation from handsets presents a cancer hazard, particularly to children and to those who use their phones for more than a decade. On Monday, some of the data will be presented at a US Senate hearing. Later this month, a long-awaited 13-nation study should be published.  The official European environment Agency (EEA) is sounding a discreet alarm. And the French government is so concerned that it is developing measures to ban the devices from primary schools, stop their promotion to children under 12, and prevent them being sold without a headset to heavily reduce radiation exposure.”

It goes on to say that earlier studies were flawed, because at that time people had not been using mobile phones for long enough for problems to reveal themselves, but that more recent studies in Sweden have shown that long-term users are twice as likely to get incurable brain cancer on the side of the head where the phone is held, and people who started to use mobile phones before the age of 20 were much more likely to contract the cancers.

Apparently there are nearly two mobile phones per person in the UK! One possible outcome is that phones may have to prominently display the radiation level of each phone – apparently they vary wildly.

Hope this post will not cause you chest pain stress.