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Remedy For Knee Pain – Helpful Remedies For Knee Pain

irwanlib2063 — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:45:45 +0000

Remedy For Knee Pain, Helpful Remedies For Knee Pain – We bend them, kneel on them, run and jump on them daily, yet few of us give them a second thought. Knees are the most complex bodily part — and most injury-prone — joints in your body. Why? Unlike the more stable hip joint, which is a ball in a deeply-cushioned pocket, the knee joint is more exposed and more vulnerable.

Remedy For Knee Pain, Helpful Remedies For Knee Pain - As the knee straightens and bends, the kneecap slides up and down in the groove. The kneecap acts like pulley, increasing the power of the muscles attached to it. A tendon attaches the kneecap to the thigh muscles above, and a ligament connects it to the shinbone below.

What Causes Knee Pain?

Imagine, the knee cap as a puppet controlled by “strings”: muscles, tendons, and ligaments. As long as all of the strings pull in just the right way, the kneecap moves back and forth smoothly in its track. But if any string pulls not hard enough or too strongly, the kneecap is pulled out of its track and can no longer glide easily against the thighbone, which can cause pain and may even damage the kneecap.

The health and proper function of your knees depends on a number of factors including muscle strength, muscle flexibility, joint mobility, and gait pattern. If any one of these factors are compromised, you’ll be vulnerable to pain and injury.

If the supporting musculature of the knee joint is weak, more of the stress incurred by the knee will be transferred to its ligaments. Also if the major muscles that act on the knee are inflexible, it will increase the strain on the knee joint, the tendons attached to the muscles, and the muscles themselves. A lack of mobility in the hips and ankles will also increase the strain on the knee and exacerbate all of the problems listed above.

While knee problems can result from injuries such as falls, automobile accidents, and athletic injuries or diseases like osteoarthritis or arthritis. The vast majority of knee problems are caused from overstressing the knee, especially during strenuous physical activity such as running, climbing, or other repetitive, high-impact exercise. Poorly conditioned leg muscles also stress the knees.

Obesity is also one of the cause of knee pain. Carrying around a lot of excess weight puts additional pressure on the knees. Even a drop of ten to twenty pounds will make a big difference in the amount of strain that is put on the muscles of the knee. As an added incentive, the changes in diet and exercise required to effect a weight decrease will also provide a number of other health benefits for the body, including an increased ability to fight off inflammation in the joints.

Remedy For Knee Pain, Helpful Remedies For Knee Pain – Pain in the knees is particularly a serious problem faced by the obese as well as older people. Sometimes it becomes so severe that it incapacitates people in bed. Age related wear and tear of the knee — known as Osteoarthritis(OA) is mainly responsible for this. Although common, many people are not aware of the solutions that are currently available. Proper medication, physiotherapy, lifestyle modification and sometimes surgery can help stop or lessen the pain.

In Bangladesh, approximately 10 million people are suffering from Osteoarthritis. Women suffer more — 2 out of 3 women over the age of 65 have osteoarthritis. More than half of all men over the age of 65 have osteoarthritis. With the increasing longevity of life, the problem will multiply itself within a very short time. Osteoarthritis occurs when the knee undergoes age-related wear and tear around its joint. Almost every one is affected by it to some extent, as they grow older.

Osteoarthritis can also occur in weight bearing joints mainly hips and ankles. This form of arthritis slowly and gradually breaks down the overlying bony ends which forms the joint. With osteoarthritis, the smooth surface of bones becomes rough and pitted. In advanced stage it may wear away completely. Without the normal gliding surface the bones, eroded bones grind against one another causing pain, swelling, restricted knee motion, crispy sound inside the joint and sometimes bowing of the knees.

In addition to age related wear and tear, athletes, laborer and highly physically active persons often stress their knee joints that lead to prolong wear and tear, which places them at increase risk of developing arthritis.

Arthritis has been linked with joint injuries and damaging events like fractures and infections that can harm the internal tissues of the joints. Individuals who experience repeated knee injuries are much more likely to develop osteoarthritis as they get older.

Lack of exercise can weaken the thigh muscles that support the knee joints, eventually making the under-used joint stiff, painful and dysfunctional. Lastly, heavy individuals are at increased risk of developing osteoarthritis, because their knees become strained by excessive weight. Research indicates that people who are overweight as young adults are likely to develop osteoarthritisof the knees as they age.

“When and how would I understand that I have osteoarthritis?” is a common question I face in my clinical practice. People start limping and the knee may become swollen with fluid. There may be a reduction in the range of motion of the affected knee — the knee bends less than normal and may lose the ability to completely straighten out. Finally, as the condition becomes worse, the pain persists all the time and may even keep you awake at night.

Repeated knee pain is the main symptom. It tends to be worse after activity. Knee stiffness occurs after rest, the joint feels stiff and it hurts to get going after sitting for any length of time. In time, the joint gets stiffer and you are unable to fully straighten or bend the joint. Knee swelling is also common especially after excessive activity. Knee bowing is seen if osteoarthritis is severe, your joint may become deformed what we call bowlegged.

Most people suffering from osteoarthritis can be treated by non-surgical means which include pain killer, physiotherapy, life style modification and injection in to the knees. Unfortunately if the medical measures are not successful in relieving pain, surgery may be considered. Among the surgical options, arthroscopic washout of the knees is relatively new method in Bangladesh used to relieve pain for sometimes.

When medical measures and arthroscopic washout fail; knees become progressively worsened both in pain and deformity, total knee joint replacement are the better option which is now being done in state-of-the-art hospitals under skilled care of experienced Knee Consultants.

While exercise may seem like a painful way to deal with knee pain, the fact is that stretching and working the muscles of the knee can have a beneficial effect in many cases. Strengthening the hamstrings with simple stretching exercises will help prevent the knee from freezing up. Since the knee depends a great deal on strong ligaments and muscles to operate properly, simple limbering exercises that are not done in excess can have a beneficial effect on knee pain. Before beginning any type of knee pain regimen, however, be sure to consult your physician and make sure the steps you have in mind are right for your condition.

Remedy For Knee Pain, Helpful Remedies For Knee Pain - Regular and correct exercising will help to strengthen the knee and also make it more flexible. Here are some easy exercises that you can do at home:

Knee extensions exercise

Sit on a chair and keep a stool in front of you.
Place one leg on the stool. Hold the sides of the chair and gently press your knee toward the floor.
Hold the position for a few seconds and repeat again and then change legs and repeat the same way.
Do this ten times on each leg.
Now remove the stool and sit on the chair Raise one leg at a time and bring it down.
When the leg is lifted hold it for a few counts before bringing it down.
Repeat this exercise ten times on each leg and do it at least three times a day as it will help strengthen the knees.
Again while sitting on the chair; take a long towel and place it below the sole of one foot.
Gently pull the cloth from both ends so that your leg lifts up.
Hold this pose for a few counts and repeat on the other leg.
The leg must be raised not more than four inches off the ground. Again using the towel place it on the sole of the foot.
Hold the towel from the ends and try to straighten the knee by lifting the leg. Once the leg is outstretched push the sole of your foot on the towel for much as you can.
Repeat five to six times on each leg.

Remedy For Knee Pain, Helpful Remedies For Knee Pain - If these exercises are done regularly and correctly you will find tremendous improvement in your knee joints and the pain and swelling will be reduced considerably. As your knee joints get more flexible you can increase the amount of exercise you are doing.

Source: The Daily Star, by Dr. M. Ali

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Causes For Lower Back Pain – Beware Your Gait Causes For Lower Back Pain

irwanlib2063 — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 10:29:33 +0000

Causes For Lower Back Pain - On a daily basis, you walk more than any other physical activity. How you walk defines most everything about you, including predisposition to pain, athletic prowess, and health with respect to aging. Most people have something in their style of walking; i.e. an extreme foot turn-out, locked knees, a weak abdomen, that elicits imbalance in their body. The way you walk is in fact the actual culprit in why you have pain.

Causes For Lower Back Pain - Your walk involves several body parts, all interacting together to produce your style of head carriage, shoulder girdle, arm swing, hip movement, knee action, and the way you plant your foot. It’s as natural as breathing, and if any of your six (two ankles, two knees, two hips) weight bearing joints is just the tiniest bit askew, or crooked, you’re at risk for structural pain. Realize that one minor walking error repeated millions of times can do an incredible amount of damage to your muscles, nerves, and joints, eventually causing incredible pain. For your information, the average adult takes approximately 2500 steps per day per foot! That’s a lot of chances to either strengthen a joint and the muscles around it or wear them down!

A poor walking pattern can give rise to a host of problems affecting the spine and hips. Walking is an activity that comes so naturally that few ever give much thought to it. But a poor walking gait – due to injury, disease or poor habits – can throw the whole body out of balance. This could give rise to numerous problems affecting the back and hips.

Women who wear high heels, for instance, are at risk of such problems. Wearing high heels places more stress on the forefoot and shortens the calf muscle.

The woman will also tend to arch her lower back, thereby increasing the natural ‘S’ shape of the spine. This makes it less effective at absorbing shock from the ground when walking, said Mr Paul Richards, a physiotherapist at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH). This is why some women suffer lower back pain after prolonged wearing of high heels.

The gait, or the pattern of movement of the limbs, is a repetitive motion cycle in which one leg gives the body support while the other swings forward and makes contact with the ground. The ideal gait is one which enables the body to move smoothly using the least amount of energy, said Ms Malia Ho, a podiatrist at Novena Medical Centre. This requires the cooperation of the whole body. Mr Richards said: ‘If one part of the body is not functioning properly, particularly in the lower limb area, the whole body can be thrown out of alignment.’

If left untreated, a misaligned gait can lead to aches and pains in the musculoskeletal system. A poor gait can result in an increased risk of injury, falls and a degenerative joint disease called osteoarthritis.

Chronic gait problems can also accelerate the degeneration of the spinal disc and cause arthritis in the spine, said Dr Tan Jee Lim, an orthopaedic surgeon at Gleneagles Medical Centre.

Ms Melissa Phua, a senior podiatrist at TTSH, said: ‘The worst thing that can happen is when a poor gait causes injury and severe pain.’ Over time, ‘a poor gait increases energy expenditure and increases oxygen demand, which might reduce the person’s tolerance to activity’, said Mr Anirban Banerjee, a physiotherapist at National University Hospital.

Anyone who has ever had a stiff knee would understand how exhausting an abnormal gait can be. One has to swing the stiff knee outwards to clear the ground whereas a normal person would simply bend the knee, said Dr Tan.

Such swinging of the leg outwards requires an abnormal movement of the hip and spine which, on a prolonged basis, would give rise to hip and spine problems, he said. People with bow legs, knock knees and musculoskeletal trauma like broken bones are more likely to have a poor gait. Stroke patients who lose their ability to move their limbs also tend to have poor walking patterns.

Physiotherapists or podiatrists can help to improve their motion through physical therapy.

Flat feet can also be a risk factor for an abnormal walking gait. This is because the problem can affect the alignment of the feet and the way the knees move when a person walks, said Dr Jason Chia, head of the sports medicine and surgery clinic at TTSH.

Depending on the root cause of the poor gait, treatment may vary from strengthening exercises to assistive devices, such as those worn by people with flat feet to correct their arches and therefore their gait.

Common signs of a poor gait are pain or aches in certain joints during or after walking. ‘You may also feel that your foot, knee or hip is not moving in the way that it should,’ said Mr Robert Ashton, a podiatrist at a podiatry center in Forum The Shopping Mall.

The soles of one’s footwear could give clues about one’s gait. If the sole of one shoe is wearing out more than the other, it may point to an imbalance in the pressure exerted by the two feet, Mr Ashton said.

Causes For Lower Back Pain – It is important to keep one’s body in a well-conditioned state. This includes no slouching when walking, said Ms Phua. Mr Richards said regular stretches and exercises, like squats, can help to correct poor posture and muscle imbalances. ‘For older people, it may be helpful to do some simple simple balance training,’ he added.

Source: The Straits Times – by Jonathan Liautrakul

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Advantages Of Exercising – Exercise And Health Benefits

irwanlib2063 — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:13:14 +0000

Advantages of exercising to your health benefits are hard to ignore. And the benefits of exercise are yours for the taking, regardless of your age, sex or physical ability.

Advantages of exercising – Want to feel better, have more energy and perhaps even live longer? Look no further than exercise. Need more convincing to exercise? Check out how exercise can improve your life.

Physical activity contributes to health by reducing the heart rate, decreasing the risk for cardiovascular disease, and reducing the amount of bone loss that is associated with age and osteoporosis. Physical activity also helps the body use calories more efficiently, thereby helping in weight loss and maintenance. It can also increase basal metabolic rate, reduces appetite, and helps in the reduction of body fat.

Exercise controls weight

Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or help maintain weight loss. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn. You don’t need to set aside large chunks of time for exercise to reap weight-loss benefits. If you can’t do an actual workout, get more active throughout the day in simple ways — by taking the stairs instead of the elevator or revving up your household chores.

Exercise combats health conditions and diseases

Worried about heart disease? Hoping to prevent high blood pressure? No matter what your current weight, being active boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good,” cholesterol and decreases unhealthy triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly, which decreases your risk of cardiovascular diseases. In fact, regular physical activity can help you prevent or manage a wide range of health problems and concerns, including stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression, certain types of cancer, arthritis and falls.

Exercise on Cancer

A number of studies have indicated that regular, even moderate, exercise may reduce the risk of colon cancer and, in fact, any cancer related to obesity. A number of studies have also suggested that regular exercise, particularly if it is vigorous, reduces risks against breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. Indeed, a 2004 study showed that prostate cancer cells have a 27% reduction in growth when exposed to exercise serum (blood serum taken from patients who exercise) compared to control serum, suggesting that exercise changes blood chemicals to be less hospitable to cancer cells.

Several studies are underway to measure the effect of exercise on patients who have been diagnosed with cancer. Even though preliminary, they already suggest that exercise has a positive physical, mental, and emotional effect. Exercise can improve physical strength, functional capacity, and the ability to battle the negative side effects of chemotherapy, including nausea and fatigue. More studies are warranted.

Exercise improves cardiovascular health

Cardiovascular health – Lack of physical activity is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Regular exercising makes your heart, like any other muscle, stronger. A stronger heart can pump more blood with less effort.

Cholesterol lowering effect – Exercise itself does not burn off cholesterol like it does with fat, however, exercise favorably influences blood cholesterol levels by decreasing LDL (bad) cholesterol, triglycerides and total cholesterol and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.

Blood pressure lowering – The way in which exercise can cause a reduction in blood pressure is unclear, but all forms of exercise seem to be effective in reducing blood pressure. Aerobic exercise appears to have a slightly greater effect on blood pressure in hypertensive individuals than in individuals without hypertension.

Reduced risk of stroke – Research data indicates that moderate and high levels of physical activity may reduce the risk of total, ischemic, and hemorrhagic strokes.

Exercise help control and prevent diabetes

Scientists and doctors have already proven that there is strong evidence that moderate physical activity combined with weight loss and a balanced healthy diet result in improved insulin resistance and a lower risk of diabetes by 50-60%. Now a new study, conducted by UCLA scientists, suggests that their may be a correlation between increasing muscle mass and lowering insulin resistance.

Exercise improves balance and prevent falls in elderly

Exercise improves Muscle strength

Health studies repeatedly show that strength training increases muscle strength and mass and decreases fat tissue.
Exercise improves Bone strength

An active lifestyle benefits bone density. Regular weight-bearing exercise promotes bone formation, delays bone loss and may protect against osteoporosis – form of bone loss associated with aging.

Exercise improves the Gastrointestinal Tract

Endurance athletes often report gastrointestinal distress, such as bloating, diarrhea, and gas, even at rest. Experts suggest, however, that moderate regular exercise, might reduce the risk for some intestinal disorders, including ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, and diverticulosis. For example, in one 2000 study, exercise was associated with a lower risk for ulcers in men (although not in women.) Older people who exercise moderately may have a lower risk for severe gastrointestinal bleeding.

Exercise lower Neurologic Diseases and Mental Decline

A 2001 study reported that older people who regularly exercised had lower rates of mental deterioration, Alzheimer’s, and dementia of any type. Aerobic exercise is linked with improved mental vigor, in all people, including reaction time, acuity, and math skills. Exercising may even enhance creativity and imagination. According to one study, older people who are physically fit respond to mental challenges just as quickly as unfit young adults. Another study found that walking regularly protects women from mental decline, and in fact, the more they walked per week, the more protection they enjoyed. (Stretching and weight training appear to have no such effects.) A 2004 study showed that exercise can reverse a high-fat diets harmful effects on neurologic function.

Exercise improves mood

Need an emotional lift? Or need to blow off some steam after a stressful day? A workout at the gym or a brisk 30-minute walk can help. Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. You may also feel better about your appearance and yourself when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem.

Exercise boosts energy

Winded by grocery shopping or household chores? Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance. Exercise and physical activity deliver oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and help your cardiovascular system work more efficiently. And when your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you have more energy to go about your daily chores.

Exercise promotes better sleep

Struggling to fall asleep? Or to stay asleep? Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. Just don’t exercise too close to bedtime, or you may be too energized to fall asleep.

Exercise puts the spark back into your sex life

Do you feel too tired or too out of shape to enjoy physical intimacy? Regular physical activity can leave you feeling energized and looking better, which may maintains or improves sex life. But there’s more to it than that. Physical improvements in muscle strength and tone, endurance, body composition and cardiovascular function can all enhance sexual functioning in both men and women. Regular physical activity can lead to enhanced arousal for women. Researchers revealed that men who exercise regularly are less likely to have erectile dysfunction and impotence than are men who don’t exercise.

Exercise benefits on Pregnancy

Good regular exercise during pregnancy can reduce the time of your labor, improve the outcome of your pregnancy and decrease the risk of complications including low-birth weight babies. This not only helps you but your child as well as exercising increases the fetal heart rate, which in turn protects the baby.

The benefits of prenatal exercise are many. For instance, you’ll get a better posture and reduce discomforts and pains such as backaches or tiredness. But keep in mind, you should not exercise at the same rate you did before your pregnancy. At the most you should do only low-impact exercise such as yoga, pilates or easy aerobics.

Healthy women with normal pregnancies should exercise at least three times a week, being careful to warm up, cool down, and drink plenty of liquids. Many prenatal calisthenics programs are available.

Specific exercises may be particularly beneficial:

Aerobics. Either brief periods of intense training or prolonged aerobic workouts can raise chemicals in the brain, such as endorphins, adrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine, that produce the so-called runners high. And, of course, weight loss and increased muscle tone can boost self-esteem.

Yoga. Yoga practice, which involves rhythmic stretching movements and breathing have been found to positively affect mood and may have clinical potential as a technique for improving and stabilizing mood. One study, in fact, suggested that men actually may have better results with yoga than with aerobic exercise. In the study men experienced significantly lower levels of tension, fatigue, and anger after yoga than after swimming. (Yoga and swimming tended to produce equal benefits in women.)

Advantages of exercising and physical activity are a great way to feel better, gain health benefits and have fun. As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. If you want to lose weight or meet specific fitness goals, you may need to exercise more. Remember to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have any health concerns.

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Fingernails And Health

irwanlib2063 — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 11:01:29 +0000

Fingernails and health – Did you know your nails can reveal clues to your overall health?

Fingernails and health - The condition of our nails corresponds to our internal organs, and body functions. The color and condition of your nails is a reflection of the quality of the blood that nourishes them. They are reflections of your total health. A touch of white here, a rosy tinge there, or some rippling or bumps may be a sign of disease in the body, food intolerance or nutritional imbalances. Problems in the liver, lungs, and heart can show up in your nails.

Fingernails and health – When you care for your nails and hands, you must first note carefully that the appearance and color have changed since changes may signal the existence of a condition more or less serious. Despite its apparent solidity, nail is actually quite vulnerable to external environment, and so does the internal functioning of the body. Repeated aggression, lack of care or not, too many treatments, affect the nail, marking it clearly. Fatigue, poor diet, no daily intake of protein, vitamins and minerals, also influences the structure of the nail and, consequently, its resistance. Of course, they add real potential diseases that result in fingernails color change or producing micro-lesions that reflect a poor health of the body.

The nails on our body are composed of laminated layers of a protein called keratin that’s also found in our skin and hair, and are made up of six parts. This grows from the area at the base of the nail under your cuticles. This is another area where fungus can form and you can begin to have ridges on your fingernails.

Nails grow at a rate of around 1 mm per week – that’s twice the rate of toenails – and take around six months to grow from bottom to top. As a result they act as a map revealing your physical health and general well-being.

Healthy nail beds are pink due to the rich blood supply underneath them. Depending on their shape, texture and color, your nails can provide important clues to underlying disorders, food intolerance, nutritional imbalances or more obviously, an accident.

White Spots

Tiny white splotches dotting otherwise healthy-looking pink nails are not normally a sign of anything serious. Most often, those spots are the manifestation of some type of trauma to the nail. If you injure the nail matrix—the area at the base of the nail where new nail cells are created—you’ll see the results of that trauma show up as white spots as the nails grow out.

But if you’re certain you didn’t injure your nails and you are noticing recurring white spots, it could be symptoms of a serious disorder – but in most cases are caused by iron or zinc deficiency. There are several other causes—including the skin conditions psoriasis and eczema, or a diet that’s deficient in the mineral zinc (found in whole grains, poultry and seafood).

Show high content of sugar from alcohol, fruit and chocolate. Also indicates lack of zinc which is needed for mineral breakdown in the process of digestion. Eat zinc-rich foods such as whole grains and chicken and also, consider taking zinc supplements.

White nails

If the nails are mostly white with darker rims, this might indicate liver problems, such as hepatitis. Indication lack of iron and poor circulation where the blood is not reaching the end of your fingers. ‘Build blood by increasing your magnesium intake,’ recommends naturopath Cornelis Van Dalen.

Dark red nails

Can result from high content of fatty acids and cholesterol due to excess of dairy, sugar and salt. This can lead to an under-active liver and blocked arteries. Replacing refined foods with whole grain rice and bread. Also flush out the system with plenty of fresh vegetables and at least five glasses of water per day.

Red-purple nails

Indicate an upset digestive system caused by over consumption of sugar, pharmaceutical drugs, fruits and juices. Avoid tropical fruit – which hold a high content of sugar – and eat plenty of seasonal vegetables, whole grains and pulses.

Yellow nail syndrome

Yellow discoloration in your fingernails may result from a respiratory condition, such as chronic bronchitis, or from swelling of your hands (lymphedema). In yellow nail syndrome, nails thicken and new growth slows, resulting in discoloration. Nails affected with this condition may lack a cuticle and may detach from the nail bed in places.

Although this condition is often a sign of respiratory disease or diabetes, it’s possible to have yellow nails and not have a respiratory condition. Yellow nails may also result from any condition that causes the growth of your nails to slow down.

Nail pitting

When the normally smooth surface of the fingernail has several small dents or pits in it, this may be an early sign of psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis. Psoriasis is a skin condition that starts in the nails 10% of the time. The inflammatory skin condition—it shows up as red, scaly patches on the skin—can also affect the skin cells in the nails. Instead of growing out smoothly, the surface of the nail takes on a dented appearance. Once the psoriasis is treated and under control, nails will slowly return to normal. (Since nails only grow about a millimeter per week, it will take a few months for the old, pitted nail to fully grow out and be replaced with a healthy one.)

Gnawed nails

Biting your nails may be nothing more than an old habit, but in some cases it is a sign of persistent anxiety that could benefit from treatment. Nail biting or picking has also been linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder. If you cannot stop, it is worth discussing with your doctor.

Nail clubbing

Clubbing occurs when the tips of your fingers enlarge and your nails curve around your fingertips. This condition results from low oxygen levels in your blood and could be a sign of lung disease. Clubbing is also associated with inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease and liver disease.

Spoon nails

A healthy nail has a specific shape—slightly raised in the middle, then curving down a bit at the tip.Spoon nails (koilonychia) are soft nails that look scooped out. The depression usually is large enough to hold a drop of liquid. Spoon nails may be a sign of iron deficiency anemia. As with many health problems, it can take months of iron deficiency before the problem shows up in the nails. And when the anemia is corrected, it will take awhile for normal-shaped nails to re-grow.

Terry’s nails

With the condition known as Terry’s nails, your nails look opaque, but the tip has a dark band. Sometimes this can be attributed to aging. In other cases, it can be a sign of serious illness, such as Congestive heart failure, Diabetes, Liver disease, Malnutrition.

Beau’s lines

Beau’s lines are indentations that run across your nails. They can appear when growth at the area under your cuticle is interrupted by injury or severe illness. Diseases or illnesses associated with Beau’s lines include:

Uncontrolled diabetes
Circulatory diseases, such as peripheral artery disease
Illness associated with a high fever, caused by pneumonia, scarlet fever, mumps or measles
Malnutrition

Nail separates from nail bed

With a condition known as onycholysis, your fingernails become loose and can separate from the nail bed. If your nails show signs of detaching, this may be associated with:

Injury or infection
Thyroid disease
Drug reactions
Reactions to nail hardeners or acrylic nails
Psoriasis

Peeling

The nail plate is made up of several layers of keratin (a protein). Ideally, those layers are sealed together to form a unified, strong nail. But when nails aren’t protected—your hands are in water a lot, or exposed to cold, dry air—those layers tend to delaminate. The result is nails that are likely to peel. The main reason why most people face the problem of peeling nails is lack of protein. The ones who are facing the problem of nail peeling have to make sure that they add a good amount of fruits, vegetables and some supplements that could strengthen the nails on the overall basis.

Reactions to Climate Changes: There are many people who are quite sensitive to climatic changes and this leads to chipped and peeling nails. All those who feel that the cold weather leaves them with peeled nails have to make sure that their hands are properly moisturized and covered when they step out of their house.
Reaction of Medicines: – Any one who is taking some medicines also need to take care of nails as there are many that leave the nails chipped. It is better to speak to the doctor regarding side effects of the prescribed medicines as this would help one to take the medication that does not leaves the nails peeled.
Excess exposure to chemicals: – It is better to wear gloves and take necessary precautions if ones work involves exposure to any hard chemicals. It is better to keep the hands well moisturized as most of the times dry hands also lead to flaky nails.
In water for too long: – If the job involves wetting of nails on regular basis, it is always better to dry the nails properly using a soft towel. All those who immerse their hands in water on a regular basis have to make sure that they do not leave their hands dry overnight. It is better to apply olive oil on the hands while going to bed.

Brittle nails

By some estimates, about 20 percent of women suffer from a condition called “brittle nail syndrome.” While it may sound like just a fancy name for nails that break easily, the causes go deeper than that. Brittle nails are ones that can’t hold on to moisture, so the layers of the nail plate dry out and crack. Medically speaking, it’s possible for an under-active thyroid to cause both dry skin and brittle nails. Nutritionally, a diet low in iron can cause nails to become thin, brittle and easily broken (eating more green, leafy vegetables, red meat and eggs will help boost your iron intake). Biotin supplements (a B-complex vitamin) have also been shown to improve the condition of brittle nails. And your habits play a role as well. The main culprit: excessive exposure to water. Constantly wetting and drying your hands (and nails) can make brittleness worse. Indicate liver congestion from lack of vegetables, pulses and fish.

Cracked or split nails

Dry, brittle nails that frequently crack or split have been linked to thyroid disease. Cracking or splitting combined with a yellowish hue is more likely due to a fungal infection.

Horizontal ridges

Horizontal lines/indentations can be caused by moving from a warm climate to a cold climate. They can also be caused by a change in the way you are eating. These line/ridges take time to appear, so this can be an indication of past dietary problems, which will take time to clear up as long as you are feeding your body a balanced and healthy raw/vegan diet. I’ve seen people change to a raw/vegan diet and yet they are still not balanced because they eat mostly what I call raw junk. So please make sure that you are eating properly. Indicate high levels of stress.

Vertical ridges

Vertical lines/ridges are a result of nutrient imbalances, over intake of carbohydrates and salt, under intake of protein and fats. Point to congested liver, kidneys, digestion tract and liver stagnation.

Anyway, irrespective of whatever story your nails convey it really feels good to have well groomed finger nails. A healthy diet is the key yet sometimes we need a little boost and supplements rich in Vitamin B, potassium, iron and calcium such as soy products, celery, eggs, sea food or fish oil, which can help your fingernail health tremendously. The right vitamins and minerals is not only good for your nails, you will help your fingernails and health together.

Fingernails and health – To maintain healthy fingernails, avoid infections, and improve nail appearance, try the following tips:

Keep your nails clean and dry.
Avoid nail-biting or picking.
Apply moisturizer to your nails and cuticles every day. Creams with urea, phospholipids, or lactic acid can help prevent cracking.
Manicure at least once in a month is a good idea for maintaining the nails well and pampering them.
File your nails in one direction and round the tip slightly, rather than filing to a point.
Don’t remove the cuticles or clean too deeply under your nails, which can lead to infection.
Don’t dig out ingrown toenails. See a dermatologist if they become bothersome.
Avoid nail polish removers that contain acetone or formaldehyde.
If you have artificial nails, check regularly for green discoloration (a sign of bacterial infection).
Eat a balanced diet and take vitamins containing biotin.
Giving your nails a regular massage is also a great way to help give you healthy fingernails.

Fingernails and health – In Conclusion, the condition of our nails corresponds to our internal organs, and body functions. Therefore when a certain nail shows some problem or condition, (like white line/spots, ridges etc), it is a sign that the corresponding organ or energy is unbalanced. To maintain your healthy fingernails over time, ask your doctor to take a look at them during your next checkup. Your thumb/nail corresponds to your lungs, the index finger – the large intestine, the middle finger – your heart, the ring finger – triple heater, the baby finger – your heart and small intestine.

Remember our external appearance always reflects our internal condition.

by Irwanlee

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Fall In The Elderly – When The Aged Fall

irwanlib2063 — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 09:29:04 +0000

Fall in the elderly is becoming a major health issues and is the leading cause of injury-related of 65 years old according to the National Safety Council. Every year, more than 500,000 Fall in the elderly end up in accident and emergency departments after a fall. Falling is not an inevitable result of aging, but the risk of falling increases as people get older. The fact of the matter is that everyone is susceptible to a fall regardless of his/her age. Although persons of all ages do fall at one time or another in their lives, the elderly are more likely to become victims. Why are the elderly particularly at risk for falls? What can be done to prevent such falls?

Fall in the elderly can be markers of poor health and declining function. When you are still young and fit, picking yourself up after a fall is effortless and may result in nothing but a few bruises. However, this is not the case for the aged person, falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among elderly, according to the US Centers for Disease Control, and a significant factor in nursing home admissions. Two-thirds of all falls occur in the home. Some cause disability which may fracture the bones and change their entire life and even a loss of independence.

Falls in the elderly patients occurs due to various reasons such as age-related vision diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma. The limitations will hinder the ability to safely moving around in their surroundings, regardless it be in their own home or in a shopping mall. At least one-third of all falls in the elderly involve environmental hazards in the home; the most common hazard for falls is tripping over objects on the floor. Other factors include poor lighting, unsturdy furniture, lack of grab bars or poorly mounted grab bars, and loose rugs.

As people get older, they are more likely to suffer from a variety of chronic medical conditions that often require taking several medications. People with chronic illnesses that affect their circulation, sensation, mobility, or mental alertness as well as those taking some types of medications are more likely to fall as a result of drug-related side effects such as dizziness, confusion, disorientation, or slowed reflexes.

Due to hormonal changes, calcium and vitamin D deficiency, osteoporosis or lost in bone density is the culprits cause of fractured in elderly, especially among women. Lack of exercise regularly might results in poor muscle tone, decreased strength, and loss of bone mass and flexibility which all contribute to falls and the severity of injury due to falls.

Drinking alcoholic beverages also increases the risk of falling. Alcohol slows reflexes and response time; causes dizziness, sleepiness, or lightheadedness; alters balance; and encourages risky behaviors that can lead to falls.

What can be done to prevent such falls?

One of the best defenses against such possible hazards that accompany aging is exercise. Importantly, the level of exercise must be set appropriately to the health of the senior. Not only does exercise maintain strength and coordination, but this combination is one of the best defenses against accidental injuries. Benefits to the overall body are numerous and include: increased strength of heart muscle, increased blood flow to some organs, increased endurance, improved overall breathing and blood flow, decreased blood pressure, increased joint flexibility and strength, decreased vulnerability to bone fractures, improved digestion and excretion, increased bladder control, improved or maintained elasticity of the lungs, chest, ribs and diaphragm, improved circulation of air in the lungs, strengthened breathing muscles, maintained number and function of sweat glands, and the slowing down of the drying of the skin.

Eat Healthy Meals, good nutrition will help keep up strength, resistance and sense of balance. Eliminating unnecessary medications and getting regular eye exams and physicals are top recommendations for preventing falls among elderly.

Falling are often due to hazards that are easy to fix. Here are some useful tips to minimize the risk of falling and breaking a bone at home:

Keep all rooms free from clutter, especially the floors.
Don’t put electrical and telephone cords across pathways.
Improve the lighting, use bright light bulbs in your home.
Use night lights in your bedroom, bathroom, hallways and stairways.
Keep a flashlight, making sure with fresh batteries beside your bed at all times.
Keep floor surfaces smooth but not slippery.
Avoid shiny tiles, especially kitchen and bathroom floors which might become slippery from moisture.
Wear supportive, low-heeled shoes with nonskid soles, even at home. Avoid walking around in socks, stockings, or floppy, backless slippers.
Avoid wearing loose-fitting, trailing clothes that might trip you up.
Check that all carpets or rugs have skid-proof backing and are tacked to the floor.
Install grab bars put in your bathtub, shower and toilet area.
Use a rubber bath mat in the shower or tub.
Have handrails put on both sides of stairways with adequate lit.
Fix loose or uneven steps.
Keep stairways free of obstacles.
Never rush up or down your stairs. Rushing is a major cause of falls.
Have sidewalks and walkways repaired so that surfaces are smooth and even.
Have your eyes checked every year. Poor vision can increase your risk of falling.
Have your hearing checked every two years.
Limit your alcohol intake to two drinks or less a day.
Get up slowly after you sit or lie down. Getting up suddenly can make you dizzy.
Remove your reading glasses when you go up or down stairs.
Get regular exercise to strengthen the muscles you use for walking and lifting.
Practice Balance Exercise Every Day.
Eat good nutrition food that will help keep up your strength, resistance and sense of balance.
Do not skip meals. It can make you weak and dizzy.

But what about the outdoor environment? Slips, trips and falls in outdoor environments caused by rain, sleet, ice and snow and particulate soil that cause surfaces to become slippery or produce poor traction is sometimes unavoidable and are uncontrollable environmental conditions. What can be done to minimize the incidence of falls outside of the home?

Fall in the elderly outdoor can be prevented by:

Wear appropriate vision correction.
Use hand rails as you go up and down steps and on escalators.
Use a walker, a walking stick or cane as needed for added stability.
Wear properly fitted footwear or boots with rubber soles for added traction.
Improve balance. Keep your muscles strong, but maintain flexibility.
Keep your porch, deck, walkways and driveway free of snow, leaves, rocks, clutter or trash.
Stop at curbs and check their height before stepping up or down.
Avoid traveling in the dark.
Use a shoulder bag or a backpack to leave your hands free. Do not overload your pack which might contributes to poor balance and fatigue.
Avoid walking on ice and if sidewalks look slippery, walk in the grass for more solid footing.
Rest when you are tired.
Stay well hydrated.

By: Irwanlee

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Poor blood flow – Blood Circulation Problem and its treatment

irwanlib2063 — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 10:27:26 +0000

Poor Blood Flow or Blood Circulation Problem – Do you experience tingling, burning or numbness of either the hands or feet? Do you suffer from Cramps in the Calves or Leg? Does your skin Have a Blue or Reddish Color or pale complexion? Do you find skin sores heal slowly or don’t heal at all? If you answered YES to two or more of these symptoms then it is almost certain that you may just be one of millions of population who suffer from blood circulation problem. Now you may think these symptoms are no big deal. But make no mistake about it? This is SERIOUS, in-fact Potentially Life Threatening! This common condition can lead to various diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, angina, and arteriosclerosis (hardening of arterial walls).

Blood Circulation Problem – Poor Blood Flow Symptoms

Poor Blood Flow or Blood Circulation Problem previously known only to affect those of middle-age and the elderly, it is now more widespread among younger people. Blood Circulation Problem refers to limited blood flow throughout the body, particularly in the peripheral areas such as the hands, legs, and feet. The smoothness of blood flow is crucial to a healthy existence as blood carries oxygen and nutrients to every cell in the body. Many people underestimate the occurrence of these impaired circulation symptoms. The symptoms of Blood Circulation Problem do not develop overnight. They begin in a very mild form, and steadily worsen as time goes on.When your major organs do not receive adequate oxygen and nutrition, and if left untreated, it can result in a myriad of chronic conditions ranging anywhere from varicose veins to kidney damage to a heart disease, stroke and cancer which might Claim Your Life!

Poor Blood Flow or Blood Circulation Problem in many cases might also cause chest pain, shortness of breath, altered heart rate, pain in the legs while walking or do any physical activity and the pain goes away while sitting down. The brain is filled with many blood vessels, and needs a great deal of blood flow in order to function to the best of its ability. When that blood flow is reduced – means poor-oxygen to the cell, you might experience low in energy, feeling tired easily and all the time, loss of memory, lack of mental clarity, lack of stamina, feeling lethargic, unexplained headaches and sudden dizziness. Lack of blood circulation in the body can also further damage the liver and the kidneys.

Proper healing of wounds requires blood flow to the injured area. If blood flow is impeded, as is the case whenever circulation problems are present, the body is not getting the blood flow it needs in order to heal correctly. This results in a much slower healing of any wounds that may be present, and, in advanced cases, the wound may not heal at all.

Libido as well as erectile dysfunction is a touchy subject for many people, even though it is still an important component of good health; this may be one of the most difficult symptoms of poor circulation to confirm. Poor blood flow to penis causes sexual or erectile dysfunction. The symptoms are lack of sex drive, fatigue, also including lack of vitality. Poor blood flow can affect our reproductive organs as well. Serious poor blood flow problems could significantly impede such function make one impotent as well.

Causes of Poor Blood Flow or Blood Circulation Problem

Poor Blood Flow or Blood Circulation Problem is more rampant in urbanites due to overweight or obesity, hypertension (high blood pressure), and sedentary lifestyles. Spending long hours in poor occupational postures and the lack of exercise have since been credited as major culprits.

Poor dietary habits (imbalanced diets) also increase the risk of developing poor blood flow which then leads to circulatory system diseases and disorders. Excessive consumption of alcohol or caffeine, use of certain drugs or smoking could also be responsible for poor blood flow.

Obesity affects million adults and teenagers around the world, and is fast becoming a worldwide epidemic and there are many problems arising from being obese-these can range from heart disease through to diabetes through to lower leg circulation problems where blood is not able to get from the lower part of the body. In Men, Obesity decreases blood flow to penis thereby causes sexual or erectile dysfunction.

Treatment for Blood Circulation Problem or Poor Blood Flow

Fortunately, treatment is simple and generally relatively inexpensive, and can in some cases even reverse the condition, especially when you start treatment when poor blood flow symptoms first appear. When it comes to your continued health, the effort it takes to improve leg circulation is more than worth it.

You may prevent or improve circulation symptoms by making your lifestyle changes, particularly by maintaining a balanced diet, giving up smoking, sit with correct posture, lose weight if you are overweight, as well as regular exercise. Yoga is another useful exercise for improving blood circulation. Headstand, a part of the Yoga regimen, is another exercise which can prove useful for improving your blood circulation and keep your body fit. Headstands also provide nourishment to the pituitary glands and the pineal glands of the brain.

Drink plenty of water for proper hydration. Avoid saturated and trans fats, condensed milk, refined sugars in your diet and products that contain it, as well caffeine, red meat and products with white refined flour. Fruits and vegetables are good for your health, particularly oranges, which provide high levels of bioflavonoids to promote blood flow while also strengthening capillaries. Watermelon is a natural source of lycopene, which has been known to help prevent plaque buildup, a common hindrance to blood flow, to help promote healthy circulation. Garlic is very beneficial for poor circulation, so you should eat plenty of it. Consider the usage of herbal supplements such as Ginko biloba, rosemary and vitamin E are recommended.

Massage is another great way to improve poor circulation. Massage therapy releases contracted muscles and pushes venous blood towards the heart thus easing the strain on this vital organ. This increase in circulation brings energy producing nutrients and oxygen to your cells as well as carries away metabolic waste products that can make you feel listless and drained. In addition, it increases your body’s oxygen carrying red blood cell count helping to bring even more oxygen to your body’s cells.

Steam, Sauna or Jacuzzi is also very beneficial, the heat stimulates your blood vessels near your skin’s surface to expand, and more oxygen will enter to your body parts and muscles, which in turn helps increasing the blood flow to different body parts. The steam stimulates the lymphatic system to increase blood circulation.

Hot and cold showers or Hydrotherapy is another method of improving blood circulation. Hot showers followed by cold ones, but of course without extreme changes in the water temperature. The hot water will cause the blood vessels near the surface of the skin to dilate so that more blood can flow, cool down and maintain the right temperature, whereas the cold water will cause the vessels to restrict, and keep the blood away from the surface to maintain correct temperature. When these two mechanisms are alternated several times, it gets the blood circulating, bringing oxygen to skin, muscles and tissue.

By: Irwanlee

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How to Stay Erect: Yoga or Viagra?

irwanlib2063 — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 10:05:43 +0000

How to Stay Erect – Erectile Dysfunction goes by many descriptions: a lift off, getting a flag ceremony, awakening the one-eyed monster, and so on. To be sure, an erection by any other name.

How to Stay Erect - Long the pre-occupation of men especially as they grow older, that centerfold of masculinity took centerstage in March 1998 when Viagra made its debut in the world. Aimed primarily at men over 50 who have erectile dysfunction (ED), Viagra became the wonder drug of the hour as sales went through the roof. Within three months of its introduction, more than two million prescriptions were being written out for the $10 blue pill in the United States. It was an indication that many men, not prone to openly discussing mature sexuality issues (or any emotional issue for that matter), had a problem and wanted an immediate solution.

Viagra also focused on the nature of the problem.

How to Stay Erect – Erectile Dysfunction is the partial or total inability to produce an erection or to sustain one hard or long enough to complete intercourse. Men tend to stop at “I can’t get it up.”

Men need to know that the penis does two things: it releases urine and it releases sperm and seminal fluid. The latter case involves a three-step process:

(1) man is sexually aroused;

(2) the penis responds by becoming erect; and

(3) sustained penile stimulation leads to ejaculation. It is sufficient blood flow to the arteries in the penis that allows the organ to get stiff. ED, at whatever age, is an indication that blood isn’t flowing into the right arteries (i.e. step 2 becomes problematic, thus making step 3 impossible). In many cases, something is wrong with the pipes (arteries), and in far fewer cases, with the pump (heart). Viagra facilitates the opening of constricted arteries to allow the penis to become erect.

This said, men also need to know that plumbing issues aside, ED can also be caused by a number of other factors . In general, ED is a tell-tale sign that a man’s overall health is not the best. ED is only one symptom of a likely larger health issue, and a re-examination of one’s lifestyle is in order. This means proper nutrition and exercise. It’s not as quick a fix as vitamin V, but its effects are far more encompassing.

Enter stage left, yoga. It’s been around for millennia, and it’s been ascribed as having cured a whole slew of ailments and diseases from cancer to varicose veins. Is it a wonder, then, that it has something for ED as well?

The thing about yoga is that men are generally scared of it. One, it attracts far too many women so the perception is it’s definitely not manly enough and can’t be good for men. Two, men don’t like to look stupid (doing all those pretzel poses), so yoga for most of them is out of the question. Three, men like things easy, and since yoga is anything but, men’s excuses range from “I’m too old,” “I’m not flexible enough” or “I’m too busy” to justify their reluctance to even consider the idea of doing yoga.

Sigh. Guys, it’s not that bad really.

The first thing you have to remember about yoga is that it teaches you to relax. Remember how it was when you were working long hours, had bills to pay on your mind and crawled home through traffic to your wife leaning against the doorway in a skimpy outfit asking “What’s up?” And all you could say was, “Nothing much.” Ouch! Stress kills sex and your ability to have it.

Learning to breathe properly in yoga allows you to create space. By pushing back all the things that are fighting for attention in your mind, yoga actually helps clear your mind. Then it moves on to relaxing your body and your aching muscles. All of a sudden, feelings of calmness and serenity surround your body. Now you can show your wife what’s up!

Second, yoga helps you become more aware. The discipline of yoga, with its system of breathing and postures, helps you tune in to your body. You become alert to how both your mind and your breath react to changes in movement. This also applies to heightened awareness for subtle signs that your partner gives during sex. Sex is very much a mental ability. Any guesses on its outcome if you combine enhanced sensitivity for your partner and for yourself and ability to focus? A happy partner for one!

Postures for ED

In terms of muscular functionality, yoga allows you to comprehensively strengthen whole muscle groups, improve your cardiovascular conditioning and increase blood circulation at the same time. For those with ED, particularly helpful are postures that strengthen the core abs, the lower back and leg muscles while bringing circulation to the groin areas.

One such pose is the warrior pose. The wide stance helps to open up your hip and pelvic muscles while strengthening your leg muscles. Your core is engaged to keep your spine centered and your arms energetic. Upon release, circulation in the groin area increases as you come into a relaxed standing position.

In the eagle pose, the position of the legs makes it difficult for blood to circulate in the lower extremities. But by wrapping your limbs around each other, you are encouraging the major joints of the body to produce synovial fluid in the joints to maintain range of motion. Leg muscles are used for balance while your core and lower back keep your torso lifted and the posture stable. For guys, releasing this posture is a reward in itself.

The goal of the wind removing pose is to create pressure between the thigh and the abdominal area. While aimed at the systems of digestion and elimination, it also opens up the pelvic area and engages your core. Increased post-posture circulation in the groin is again a benefit.

Other postures that are helpful are the sun salutation, chair pose and cobra pose which all work on your core and back muscles. Also consider Kegel exercises—contracting and relaxing the muscles that form part of the pelvic floor (or that help guys urinate)—which allow you greater control of those muscles to prevent premature ejaculation.

Do these postures regularly and it can change your ED-ridden life. Assuming you do, you not only address any ED problems you may have, but you also take on a truckload of other benefits without the possible side effects of vitamin V. From a greatly reduced chance of having a heart disease and better ability to keep away stress to a trimmer, more responsive body and more vibrant over-all health, yoga trumps the competition. In short, guys, it’s time to dump the quick fix and take on yoga. You’ll find your partner and yourself smiling at whatever time of the day!

By Tristan Choa
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Last Longer During Sex! And Last Up To 20 Minutes or
More Before Ejaculating!

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Stroke Facts: When water is hard to swallow

irwanlib2063 — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 08:10:06 +0000

Stroke Facts: Drinking water poses a real danger to the elderly who have lost the ability to swallow.
A stroke or aging can take away someone’s ability to swallow and when that happens, the necessity of drinking becomes a very real danger.

Stroke Facts: Such patients – usually elderly – are not supposed to drink water because their impaired ability to swallow can cause the water to flow down the windpipe and into the lungs, instead of down the oesophagus and into the stomach. This can cause lung infections such as pneumonia.

Usually, patients are given water that has been mixed with a commercial powder thickener to make it easier and safer to swallow. However, this gelatinous glop can be rather unpalatable.

Now a team at Changi General Hospital (CGH) has come up with more than 60 recipes using fruit, jelly and vegetables to thicken drinks, soups and desserts for these patients.

One of the team members, speech therapist Sajlia Jalil, said: “Patients said that the thickened fluid doesn’t taste like water and they hate it.”

Instead of water mixed with starch, patients can be fed watermelon puree, banana shakes and agar-agar drinks.

About 15 per cent of CGH’s inpatients – about 110 a day – have swallowing difficulties.

The hospital found in a survey that 72 per cent of the patients disliked commercially mixed drink. As a result, many patients became dehydrated from not drinking enough. After they returned home, only 19 per cent would drink the mixture. The rest mostly drank just water, even though it put them at risk of lung infections. Another team member, senior dietitian Alvin Wong, said: “We want to improve patients’ quality of life. Even as you get older, you still want to be eating and drinking… If you have to drink starch water, it’s rather pitiful.” So the team of four speech therapists, two dietitians, a care coordinator, a senior staff nurse, a doctor and two cooks developed fruit purees, shakes and desserts to make drinking more palatable.

Since the end of last year, they have been sharing these recipes, like the one on this page, with caregivers. As a result, 71 per cent of patients now agree to drink these mixes. Ms Soh Ah Kim, 54, whose 91-year-old father-in-law was diagnosed with swallowing difficulties about seven months ago, noted that he barely touches the bottle of thickened water that she puts in his room every day. She said: “Nobody would like to drink that; it looks like glue.” Instead, she adds the thickener to beverages like Milo and tonic drinks – a tip CGH gives caregivers. The team is compiling the recipes into a book to be given to patients and caregivers.

For their efforts, the team bagged an Asian Hospital Management Award in departmental service improvement last month. The award was part of the annual Hospital Management Asia conference held in South Korea from Aug 19 to 20.

Source: LEE HUI CHIEH – The Straits Times Thursday

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Foot Ailments: Problems Afoot

irwanlib2063 — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 09:33:11 +0000

Foot Ailments - Your feet take you where you want to go and you may spend hours on them every day but they are often neglected. Poorly ventilated feet can lead to fungal infections while poorly fitted shoes will result in aches and strains. Wearing ill-fitting shoes subjects your feet to friction and pressure and can cause problems like corns and ingrown toe nails.

Foot Ailments – What are the common foot woes that can come about from the constant chaffing and pressure on your feet? Three experts give their input. They are: Ms Jessie Phua, a senior podiatrist from Changi General Hospital; Ms Tan Chiang Wei, a podiatrist from Singapore General Hospital; and Ms Kin Ismail, the head of podiatry at Singapore Footcare Centre.

CORNS AND CALLUSES

A callus is a patch of yellowish thickened skin (left).

A corn is a callus that has been pinched into a central point and usually causes pain when pressed on. (Photo on the right shows what is left after a corn has been removed.)

A person with corns may feel that he is walking on sharp rocks. The thickened outer layer of skin is caused by increased pressure over a particular area.

How it happens: Corns and calluses are caused by the constant rubbing on certain points of the foot due to ill-fitting footwear, foot deformities or certain walking styles.

For example, if you have a high-arched foot and often put more pressure on the outer part of the foot when walking, calluses may develop on the outer side of the heel.

Those who subject their feet to a lot of stress, such as athletes, are also more prone to calluses and corns.

Treatment: Filing with a pumice stone and applying moisturisers can reduce calluses. Corn plasters and corn removers which contain salicylic acid can also be used.

However, podiatrists say diabetics should not use over-the-shelf corn removers because any break of the skin may be difficult to heal and infection could occur.

This could result in ulcers and, in serious cases, gangrene and amputation. A podiatrist can help to remove the corn with a scalpel instead.

Corns and calluses will recur if a person continues to wear ill-fitting shoes. For instance, a corn on the last toe is a sign that the person’s shoes may be too narrow. If a woman reduces the height of the heels she wears, she can reduce the chances of calluses developing on the forefoot.

What to note: Some people believe in using lighted joss sticks to remove corns but this will only burn the skin and increase the risk of foot infection.

Sometimes, plantar warts are mistaken for corns. Warts usually appear as hardened lumps with multiple black specks and are caused by a virus. They are removed by applying salicylic acid or by freezing them off with liquid nitrogen.

INGROWN NAILS

They happen when nails cut into or irritate the nail bed, causing pain, swelling and inflammation.

If the skin breaks, infection can occur. In chronic cases, the flesh on the sides of the nail may bleed when touched.

How it happens: The most common cause is when people cut the nails too deeply, encouraging the skin next to the nail to fold over the nail.

Repeated trauma, such as you stubbing your toe or dropping something heavy on it, can alter the shape of the nails.
Repeated actions like kicking an object can also cause this problem.
Shoes that are tight around the toe area can aggravate the condition.
Sportsmen, especially footballers, are prone to getting this condition.
Some people are also genetically predisposed to having ingrown nails.

Treatment: Place feet in a salt bath to reduce the inflammation. Antibiotics may be given if infection has set in.

A visit to the podiatrist may be needed to remove part of the offending nail.

What to note: Nails should be cut straight across and should not be too short. Sharp edges should be filed. Ingrown nails should not be trimmed by pedicurists.

Avoid shoes that are too small or tight.

BUNIONS

Bunions are structural deformities of the bones where the big toe is angled towards the second toe, resulting in a bony bulge at the big toe joint.

Bunions can be painful and there may be inflammation at the joint mostly due to rubbing against the side of the shoe.

It may be hard to find shoes to fit feet with bunions and larger shoes are needed frequently.

How it happens: The condition may run in the family but, in most cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes over time leads to bunions forming.

Flat feet and ligaments which are too loose can also lead to bunions.

Treatment: Devices such as splints, toe separators and cushions can decrease the rate of bunion development. However, only surgery can correct the bony protuberance.

THICKENED NAILS

How it happens: Nails can thicken when there is trauma, such as when something heavy is dropped on the nail or when there is repeated pressure over time, like from wearing tight shoes. This is common among sportsmen.

Thickened nails appear yellowish and may be difficult to trim. They can also cause discomfort when wearing shoes.

Treatment: The condition is usually irreversible especially when the nail plate is damaged. What a person can do is to maintain the nail by trimming and filing it after a bath when the nails are softer.

A podiatrist can help reduce the thickness of the nail plate with a scalpel or special equipment.

Tips on foot health

Wear well-fitting and comfortable shoes, especially when doing sports. Avoid wearing high heels constantly.

Be cautious when buying insoles found in malls. Many are just over-the-counter types and may not be suitable. See a foot expert if you need customised insoles.

When in doubt about foot problems, do not try to treat them on your own. Seek professional advice.

By April Chong

Source: Mind Your Body, The Straits Times

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Causes of Osteoporosis – Skinny women’s bones at risk

irwanlib2063 — Sat, 22 May 2010 04:06:15 +0000

Causes of Osteoporosis – More women than men will get osteoporosis, the disease that makes bones lose their density and become brittle and fragile. This is because as a woman ages and undergoes menopause, her hormonal levels fall fairly quickly. This leads to loss of bone mass. Hormonal changes, as well as deficiency of calcium or vitamin D, are factors that can lead to osteoporosis.

Dr Ann Tan, a specialist obstetrician and gynecologist at Women & Fetal Centre, said declining estrogen levels as a result of menopause is behind the acceleration of bone loss in aging women.

However, this can also occur in younger women with eating disorders such as anorexia. Low Body weight in females can cause the body to stop producing estrogen. This results in a condition known as amenorrhoea, or absent menstrual periods.

Causes of Osteoporosis – Low estrogen levels contribute to significant losses in bone density.

Anorexia sufferers often produce excessive amounts of the adrenal hormone cortisol, which is known to trigger bone loss.

As for men, they do get it too. Andropause, the male counterpart of menopause, is responsible for the accelerated rate of bone loss as a result of lowered testosterone levels, said Dr Julinda Lee, a consultant obstetrician and gynecologist at Pacific Health-care Specialist Centre.

Thus, while osteoporosis is commonly associated with post-menopausal women above the age of 55, men should not think that they are in the clear.

Dr Tan said: ‘Men typically don’t think they will have this problem.

Young women who dismiss this possibility don’t realize that being too slim or malnourished lays a very poor foundation for bone health.

‘ To attain a good foundation for bone health, both men and women should participate in healthy weight-bearing activities particularly in their teens leading up to their 30s.

Weight-bearing exercises include brisk walking, dancing, weight-lifting and step aerobics. After all, bone mass is built up when one is young and likely to do more exercise.

Causes of Osteoporosis – Between the ages of 30 and 50, we must start to maintain our ‘bone stock’, said Dr Leslie Leong, a consultant orthopedic surgeon at Island Orthopedic Consultants.

He said: ‘It’s like growing a plant. After you nurture it to its full potential, you’ll have to nourish it.’ Dr Tan added that men and women should be conscious of the need to watch their general health through good diet and exercise.

As often as possible, instead of using the lift, take the stairs. Or take a longer route to the bus stop or train station, she suggested. An adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D is also key to good bone health.

Dr Leong suggested that, instead of just depending on supplements, one should obtain calcium from foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt.

Vitamin D can be absorbed from exposure to the sun, so engaging in some outdoor activities is a good idea. He recommends about 10 to 20 minutes of exercise daily.

‘There’s no need for intense marathon training or hitting the squash court. Daily exercise is enough,’ said Dr Leong, He added: ‘Use your bones or lose them.’

by Alvin Lim

Source: The Straits Times

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Advantages Of Exercising – Exercise And Health Benefits

Exercise controls weight

Exercise combats health conditions and diseases

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Exercise boosts energy

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Exercise puts the spark back into your sex life

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Specific exercises may be particularly beneficial:

Fingernails And Health

Fall In The Elderly – When The Aged Fall

Poor blood flow – Blood Circulation Problem and its treatment

How to Stay Erect: Yoga or Viagra?

Stroke Facts: When water is hard to swallow

Foot Ailments: Problems Afoot

Causes of Osteoporosis – Skinny women’s bones at risk