Weight loss is one of the hype right now. Everyone, both men and women are trying to put off some of their weight for the simple reason that they want to look good. Esthetics is something that most people are aiming for nowadays that they would undergo even a weight loss surgery just to look more appealing. Well, we cannot blame them. But what about those who really need balloon weight loss surgery?
I am talking about obesity. Obesity is the condition where there is excessive accumulation of unhealthy fat. There are indeed nonsurgical options such as those best weight loss programmes which are a combination of exercise and diet. Unfortunately only a few people succeed in this only a few can really accept that weight loss should be a life-long practice.
Obesity poses a lot of health risks such as Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol levels and even depression. Fortunately, with the advent of our modern medical technology, balloon weight loss surgery is now an option for those who failed in the best weight loss programmes.
The weight loss surgery, also known as Bariatric Surgery, Gastric Banding etc, works by limiting the food that you take in. This will make you lose your appetite and the result is a drastic weight loss. Although there are risks involved in this type of weight loss surgery, it would be better to get the surgery than do nothing at all.
Living after balloon weight loss surgery may be tough but with discipline, it could be done care-free. You have to vigilantly follow your doctor's advice when it comes to the food you will be taking in. After all, it is your health that is at stake so you might as well do it the right way. Weight loss surgery should not hinder you from going back to work. However you should note that you need to rest and recuperate well before doing hard jobs. As with birth control and pregnancy, you are advised to practice safe sex 16 to 24 months after the surgery as you are still in the recovery period and an added burden to your body would not help a bit.
Balloon weight loss surgery is definitely an option for those who seek resolution to their weight loss problems. It may be a bit costly and may even require good cooperation from you but expect to see drastic changes immediately. More and more are turning to weight loss surgery and the health sector is expecting more patients as the obesity statistics rises yearly.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Be Healthy - The Advantages Child Private Health Insurance Coverage
Health is wealth - we all know that. If we are sick, we cannot attend to our work properly, we cannot even do simple things like take care of the house chores etc. Being sick is also equal to spending lots and lots of hard-earned cash. Just a mere regular check up would cost us a lot. Good thing we have health insurance. Today, your car, your pet and even your collectibles can be insured. So why not insure your health? Give yourself a favor by getting yourself and your children a health insurance.
I bet your children's health is one of the most important thing that you are thinking of right now that's why you are in this blog. They are the reason why you work hard day and night, right? When it comes to insurance, you can opt for a public or a private health insurance. The difference between the two is that a child private health insurance will give you the power to choose which hospital your child will be treated, when they will be treated and the specialist who will be taking care of them to ensure that they will be recover from the illness ASAP.
Child health insurance, in general, gives parents the assurance that whenever their child become ill and whatever sicknesses they will be having, they can easily go to a hospital and have their children treated. But what are the advantages of a Child Private Health Insurance in particular?
Advantages of a Child Private Health Insurance:
Flexibility
As mentioned a while ago, with a child private health insurance coverage, you will have the power to choose what hospital you will take your children. When choosing a hospital you should consider one that is accesible and which offers good and quality service. After all, it is your child's health that we are talking about here, right? You also get to choose the best specialist in the field.
Privacy and Luxury
When your children need to recuperate in the hospital, of course you want the room to be as private as possible. With a child private health insurance, you will get the privacy that is much needed for his speedy recovery. Not only that, you will also get to avail certain luxuries like television or a telephone line which you have to pay seperately with a public health insurance.
Shorter Waiting Time for Everything
Take this scenario of a mom who availed a public health insurance and her sick daughter who was not able to get his surgery because he has to wait in line. Yes. This happens. So sad but true. If you get a private health insurance, the higher the chances that you will be prioritize since you are paying a higher fee than public health insurance holders do.
Not only these but you are also entitled to get a 30% rebate including hospital and ancillary cover. So if you are a parent, which would you rather choose - a public or a private health insurance?
I bet your children's health is one of the most important thing that you are thinking of right now that's why you are in this blog. They are the reason why you work hard day and night, right? When it comes to insurance, you can opt for a public or a private health insurance. The difference between the two is that a child private health insurance will give you the power to choose which hospital your child will be treated, when they will be treated and the specialist who will be taking care of them to ensure that they will be recover from the illness ASAP.
Child health insurance, in general, gives parents the assurance that whenever their child become ill and whatever sicknesses they will be having, they can easily go to a hospital and have their children treated. But what are the advantages of a Child Private Health Insurance in particular?
Advantages of a Child Private Health Insurance:
Flexibility
As mentioned a while ago, with a child private health insurance coverage, you will have the power to choose what hospital you will take your children. When choosing a hospital you should consider one that is accesible and which offers good and quality service. After all, it is your child's health that we are talking about here, right? You also get to choose the best specialist in the field.
Privacy and Luxury
When your children need to recuperate in the hospital, of course you want the room to be as private as possible. With a child private health insurance, you will get the privacy that is much needed for his speedy recovery. Not only that, you will also get to avail certain luxuries like television or a telephone line which you have to pay seperately with a public health insurance.
Shorter Waiting Time for Everything
Take this scenario of a mom who availed a public health insurance and her sick daughter who was not able to get his surgery because he has to wait in line. Yes. This happens. So sad but true. If you get a private health insurance, the higher the chances that you will be prioritize since you are paying a higher fee than public health insurance holders do.
Not only these but you are also entitled to get a 30% rebate including hospital and ancillary cover. So if you are a parent, which would you rather choose - a public or a private health insurance?
Labels:
General Health
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Insulin Shock and Coma - How to Attend to Diabetic Emergencies
1. Insulin Shock
Insulin shock or the condition wherein there is too much insulin in the body and which can be caused by injecting the wrong insulin at the wrong prescribed time starts very quickly. The symptoms of this include damp, pale and clammy skin, strong and rapid pulse, sweating, dizziness, headache, hunger, aggressiveness, convulsions, fainting and occasionally coma. The condition is also called hypogylecemia or too few sugar in the body.
How to Treat Insulin Shock
The patient should be given something sweet. This could be juice, a candy, or sweet drink - anything that contains sugar and not a sugar substitute. This is why diabetics should always have candies with them. If the person is unconscious, never give him anything. Take him to the nearest hospital instead for proper attention.
2. Diabetic Coma
Diabetic coma is the condition wherein there is not enough insulin the blood and the blood sugar level is too high. In contrast to insulin shock, diabetic coma happens more slowly, over several hours or even days. The symptoms are thirst, abdominal pain, vomiting, restlessness, confusion, and a gradual lapsing into coma. The skin is dry and warm. The smell may be a sweeting smell of acetone, like nail polish remover, on the breath. Whether the person is conscious or noth, take him to the doctor or call an ambulance.
How to Treat Diabetic Coma
If you are not sure what to do or whether a conscious person is in the fist stages of diabetic coma or is going into insulin shock, ask them which it is. Most diabetics will know. If you are still in doubt, give the person some sugar and ask for help.
Insulin shock or the condition wherein there is too much insulin in the body and which can be caused by injecting the wrong insulin at the wrong prescribed time starts very quickly. The symptoms of this include damp, pale and clammy skin, strong and rapid pulse, sweating, dizziness, headache, hunger, aggressiveness, convulsions, fainting and occasionally coma. The condition is also called hypogylecemia or too few sugar in the body.
How to Treat Insulin Shock
The patient should be given something sweet. This could be juice, a candy, or sweet drink - anything that contains sugar and not a sugar substitute. This is why diabetics should always have candies with them. If the person is unconscious, never give him anything. Take him to the nearest hospital instead for proper attention.
2. Diabetic Coma
Diabetic coma is the condition wherein there is not enough insulin the blood and the blood sugar level is too high. In contrast to insulin shock, diabetic coma happens more slowly, over several hours or even days. The symptoms are thirst, abdominal pain, vomiting, restlessness, confusion, and a gradual lapsing into coma. The skin is dry and warm. The smell may be a sweeting smell of acetone, like nail polish remover, on the breath. Whether the person is conscious or noth, take him to the doctor or call an ambulance.
How to Treat Diabetic Coma
If you are not sure what to do or whether a conscious person is in the fist stages of diabetic coma or is going into insulin shock, ask them which it is. Most diabetics will know. If you are still in doubt, give the person some sugar and ask for help.
Home Remedies for Aging Grey Hair
Aging is a normal process that everyone of us is bound to face. A lot of normal physiological processes happen to our body when we age. However for most women (and men), one of the most negative signs of aging is growing grey hair. Here are some home remedies for grey hair which you can easily practice:
- If you use a permanent hair color or tint to cover up the greying portion of your hair, do not choose a very dark shade. A dark shade is very obvious so choose a shade one or two lighter than your hair color's original tone. This will make it look more natural.
- Since grey hair tends to be dry and wiry, you can opt to use a condition every time you shampoo. Keep your hair well-trimmed for manageability and to prevent split ends. For a more youthful look, avoid a rigid, overdone cut.
- If you are just beginning to grow grey hair and would want to conceal it, you would want to apply a semi-permanent color instead or a permanent tint that washed out after several baths. You should choose a shade that matches your original hair color for this.
- Your grey hair may look better than you think so if you just want it to look natural, just let it be grey.
Labels:
General Health
Circadian Rhythm - Human's Biological Clock
What is Circadian Rhythm?
If you are having trouble getting to sleep, you have probably passed by this term several times already in the internet.
Circadian Rhythm is our biological clock. Simple put this makes us sleep when it is night time and sends a signal to wake up when it is daytime.
If you are having trouble getting to sleep, you have probably passed by this term several times already in the internet.
Circadian Rhythm is our biological clock. Simple put this makes us sleep when it is night time and sends a signal to wake up when it is daytime.
Labels:
General Health
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Insomnia Tips - Home Remedies for Insomnia
Insomnia is a symptom of a much worse sleep disorder that is characterized by difficulty of falling asleep. Here are some of the common insomnia tips which you can easily practice.
- Cut back on your daily dose of smoking, chocolate, coffee and other caffeineited drinks, and alcohol particularly in the late afternoon and early evening. These food and drinks can cause your insomnia.
- If you suffer from insomnia, you should avoid eating heavy meal before bed time. If possible try to eat small serving of meals during the night or midnight and eat the biggest during the noon instead.
- A glass of hot milk (no chocolate) and biscuits may be helpful.
- One of the most common insomnia tips is to not exercise strenously just before bed. Most people have this notion that if they exercise hard just before sleeping, they would be really exhausted that they could doze of easily.
- Spend less time in bed. Get up at the same time every morning, but go to bed half an hour later. If necessary keep pushing back your bedtime until you can doze off readily. This is the same as going into diet. You do not want to hastily put yourself on a "diet mode" because it could only make things worse.
- Do not sleep late in the morning or take naps during the afternoon.
- Do not regularly check the time. To do this, turn your alarm clock towards the wall or anywhere as long as it is not facing you.
- There are also over the counter drug supplements which you can easily buy from the pharmacy and can help you sleep. Multivitamins with iron and melatonin are just two of the most common drugs for insomniacs. Melatonin is a commonly occuring hormone in our body that is responsible for causing drowsiness and maintaining our body's Circadian Rhythm. It is produced by the pineal gland.
Labels:
Diseases,
General Health,
Stress Management
Monday, June 8, 2009
Home Remedy For Removing Blackheads
The best way of keeping your skin free of blackheads is by cleansing it regularly in the morning and in the evening. But you might notice that after religiously washing your face and having a well-planned skin care routine, still you develop blackheads and white heads. Pores can clog even if you do practice such a vigilant skin care regimen.
The best way to remove a blackhead is by doing it just like how professionals do it - using steam. The best home remedy for blackhead is to place your face over hot water in a basin for a few minutes, to open the clogged pores. With clean fingertips, tissues or a blackheads remover, press gently against the blackhead to squeeze it out.
Never squeeze hard and never break the skin. Make sure that the blackheads remover you will buy is blunt and never sharp as it can puncture the skin and cause infection. If the pressure is too much, you might deal with a more serious skin problem - pimples! So be careful when squeezing out blackheads. If the blackhead resists pressure, try again after a few days.
Afterwards, dab the area with a medicated cream or witch hazel to prevent the pore from being infected with bacteria which can later on progress in to cystic pimples.
The best way to remove a blackhead is by doing it just like how professionals do it - using steam. The best home remedy for blackhead is to place your face over hot water in a basin for a few minutes, to open the clogged pores. With clean fingertips, tissues or a blackheads remover, press gently against the blackhead to squeeze it out.
Never squeeze hard and never break the skin. Make sure that the blackheads remover you will buy is blunt and never sharp as it can puncture the skin and cause infection. If the pressure is too much, you might deal with a more serious skin problem - pimples! So be careful when squeezing out blackheads. If the blackhead resists pressure, try again after a few days.
Afterwards, dab the area with a medicated cream or witch hazel to prevent the pore from being infected with bacteria which can later on progress in to cystic pimples.
Labels:
General Health,
Skin Care
Body Odor Remedies - Easy to do Tips on How to Effectively Remove Body Odor
Every person is created unique - and so is their smell. Each of us has a distinctive smell which is all normal. This only becomes a problem if the smell has become strong and offensive. Offensive body odor is caused by bacteria along with sweat that are stuck in closed areas, such as the armpits, groin and feet, that cannot evaporate freely. One of the best body odor remedies is still to bath or shower frequently so the bacteria can be liberated.
The following are simple, easy-to-do tips on how to effectively remove body odor.
- If you feel self-conscious about your smell, you could try using a deodorant. But remember that deodorants do not stop you from extreme sweating. It only merely disguises the smell.
- An anti-perspirant will do wonders if you perspire heavily. What it does is it dries out sweat glands and stops it from producing sweat. Do not apply anti-perspirant, deodorant or any chemical onto broken skin as it may get infected.
- There is no need to use a vaginal deodorant and indeed these can only cause irritations. Daily washing with soap and water should be sufficient. However, if the smell becomes offensive and you experience vaginal discharge, you have to consult your gynecologist as it may be a more serious problem such as vaginitis or any vaginal infection.
- If you have a smelly feet, one of the factors causing this is that you are wearing is too tight such that it is not allowing the sweat to evaporate. Avoid shoes made of synthetic materials and those with synthetic linings.
- Wear socks that are made of pure cotton as this material absorbs sweat.
- You have to wash your feet thoroughly and make sure that you dry them thoroughly as well. Foot powder is also advisable. Sprinkle foot powder before putting on your socks and shoes. It works the way anti-perspirant works, so it's very effective.
- Wear clean clothes. Obviously, I don't have to elaborate on this.
Photo Source: http://tinyurl.com/kwthj7
Labels:
General Health,
Skin Care
Do I Have Cancer? Find Out if You Already Have this Disease.
There are many different kinds of cancer and with the advent of modern medical technology, more and more of which can be cured. Cancer symptoms may be generalized but you have to see your doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms:
- Coughing up of blood.
- Persistent cough or hoarse voice
- Passing blood in your urine
- Blood in your bowel motions
- Change in your bowel habit
- Difficulty in swallowing because of a blockage in your chest
- Vaginal bleeding after intercourse
- Vaginal bleeding after the menopause
- Breast lump o Lumps in the neck, groin and in armpits
- Pigmented moles that grow bleed, itch or change
- Unexplained weight loss or tiredness
Sunday, June 7, 2009
How to Lose Belly Fat and Abdominal Flab the Easy and Most Convenient Way
Stubborn abdominal flabs are just... well stubborn. It does not only look bad physically but it also poses a lot of health concerns. Belly fat increases our susceptibility to certain chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The following is a list of simple tips which you can do yo decrease and even lose abdominal flabs.
Proper posture. This can do a lot of wonders for the way your stomach looks. If you want to have a flat stomach, you can start by standing up straight, put your shoulders back and tuck in your abdomen and buttocks. When trying to lose abdominal flab, you should start with the one that you can easily do. Not only will proper posture make you feel sexy but it is very healthy as well.
Proper breathing is also a key to losing that stubborn abdominal flab. Remember your music lesson? Proper breathing should be deep and should come from the diaphragm. This is the same breathing routine that most singers practice, FYI.
Pull in your abdominal muscles and hold for several seconds. You can do this while sitting, waiting for the traffic light to turn green or even while brushing your teeth. Make this a part of your routine. Tension in your abdominal muscles will strengthen it. This is the secret in most abdominal exercises so making it a part of your daily activities will do wonders.
Try the bicycle exercise. If you don't have a stationary bicycle, you could do this exercise as an alternative. Just lie on your back, put your hands beneath your buttocks and bend both knees up to your chest. Extend one leg straight up towards the ceiling. As you bend it with a pedaling motion (just like bicycling), extend the other. Repeat 10 to 20 times daily.
Just a warning though. Do not attempt to do this exercise if you suffer from back pain. You should always consult your doctor first before doing such exercises to ensure that you won't damage your back.
Photo Source: http://tinyurl.com/lp2p6d
Labels:
Weight Loss
Shiatsu FAQs - Release Stress with this Dry but a Very Relaxing Massage
Shiatsu is a form of massage that originated from Japan. The word shiatsu is derived from "shi" meaning finger, and "atsu" meaning pressure, so it literally means finger pressure. Its essential concept is the restoration of balace in the body. Especially in the body's chi.
What is Chi?
Chi is the vital energy that keeps our body alive. It is said that the imbalance of chi in the body manifests itself as physical pain, such as back pain, headache etc. The flow of chi in the body is characterized in shiatsue meridians which connect the different body organs wherein the chi flows.
How is Shiatsu done? What is the difference between this form of massage from other massages?
Unlike other massages, shiatsu makes use of static pressure. Static pressure is applied by a shiatsu therapist to these meridians to free trapped chi or to direct chi to areas lacking it, and this is the basic concept of shiatsu.
The static pressure is said to have a calming effect on a hyperactive sympathetic nervous system, which helps to relieve the stress and improve circulation
Unlike other traditional massages, shiatsu is a dry massage. Meaning, no oil is used to facilitate massaging thus the client remains fully clothed during therapy.
What are the benefits of Shiatsu?
Shiatsu is mainly used to alleviae body pain due to its relaxing nature. It is highly recommended for muscle-related conditions such as polio and arthritis.
Any contrandications of Shiatsu?
Contraindications of shiatsue include Bone-related deformations such as scoliosis and osteoporosis, some systemic conditions such as hypertentsion and patients with injuries such as bruises, cuts and inflamed tissues.
I am pregnant. Can I still undergo Shiatsu?
Pregnant women and those undergoing chemotherapy are advised to seek their doctor's advice first before undergoing Shiatsu therapy. Pregnant women should be really careful with the activities they will be doing as well as the meds they will be taking as these can have serious effects on them and their babies.
Photo Source: http://tinyurl.com/n3e7kp
Labels:
Alternative Medicine
Tetanus FAQs - A Highly Fatal Disease of Humans
Tetanus is a fatal disease of humans that is caused by a toxin which is produced by a bacteria known as Clostridium tetani. The condition is characterized by the contraction of skeletal muscles particularly the masseter muscles causing lockjaw.
Where can Clostridium tetani be found?
The causative agent of Tetanus can be found in soil especially in heavily manured soils and in the intestinal tracts and feces of animals such as horses, sheep, cattle, dogs, cats, rats, guinea pigs, and chickens
The disease occurs worldwide but the causative agent is common in tropical and moist region where there is plenty of organic matter in soil.
How can I be infected with Tetanus?
These bacteria enter open wounds or laceration and there they produce generate spores which in turn produce a potent neurotoxin (also known as tetanus toxin). The neurotoxin is responsible for the symptoms of this disease.
Can I get Tetanus from rusty nails?
Such an association is misleading. Although objects that rust harbor anaerobic bacteria (such as the Clostridium tetani bacteria) which can cause the disease, the rust itself does not cause tetanus. The association probably came from the notion that the rust, which is a perfect habitat for anaerobic bacteria, and the nail can puncture the skin and can deliver the spores easily. That is why it is very important to have clean environment.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Tetanus?
Generalized tetanus consists of sever painful spasms and rigidity of the voluntary musles. The prime characteristic symptom of tetanus which is lockjaw involves spasms of the masseter muscle.
As the disease progresses, it is characterized by rigidity and violent spasms of the trunk and limb muscles. Opisthotonos is the characteristic extreme arching of the back and risus sardonicus or sarcastic grin (right photo) are both symptoms of the disease. Spasms of the pharyngeal muscles cause difficulty in swallowing.
Death usually results from interference with the mechanics of respiration or the paralysis of the respiratory muscles.
How can Tetanus be prevented?
Tetanus can be prevented by tetanus toxoid for prophylactic immunization.
Where can Clostridium tetani be found?
The causative agent of Tetanus can be found in soil especially in heavily manured soils and in the intestinal tracts and feces of animals such as horses, sheep, cattle, dogs, cats, rats, guinea pigs, and chickens
The disease occurs worldwide but the causative agent is common in tropical and moist region where there is plenty of organic matter in soil.
How can I be infected with Tetanus?
These bacteria enter open wounds or laceration and there they produce generate spores which in turn produce a potent neurotoxin (also known as tetanus toxin). The neurotoxin is responsible for the symptoms of this disease.
Can I get Tetanus from rusty nails?
Such an association is misleading. Although objects that rust harbor anaerobic bacteria (such as the Clostridium tetani bacteria) which can cause the disease, the rust itself does not cause tetanus. The association probably came from the notion that the rust, which is a perfect habitat for anaerobic bacteria, and the nail can puncture the skin and can deliver the spores easily. That is why it is very important to have clean environment.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Tetanus?
Generalized tetanus consists of sever painful spasms and rigidity of the voluntary musles. The prime characteristic symptom of tetanus which is lockjaw involves spasms of the masseter muscle.
As the disease progresses, it is characterized by rigidity and violent spasms of the trunk and limb muscles. Opisthotonos is the characteristic extreme arching of the back and risus sardonicus or sarcastic grin (right photo) are both symptoms of the disease. Spasms of the pharyngeal muscles cause difficulty in swallowing.
Death usually results from interference with the mechanics of respiration or the paralysis of the respiratory muscles.
How can Tetanus be prevented?
Tetanus can be prevented by tetanus toxoid for prophylactic immunization.
Labels:
Diseases
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Safe Pedicure Tips - How To Avoid Infection During a Trip to the Salon
So you are thinking of heading to your favorite salon to get a relaxing pedicure. Before you do that, consider some do's and don'ts first.
Did you know that you can easily get infected just by getting a pedicure? Yes. Hepatitis B Virus and other fungi can be easily transmitted from those sharpinstruments and pedicure accessories.
The American Podiatric Medical Association offers these suggestions to reduce the risk of infection or injury during pedicure.
- Make sure that you schedule your pedicure in the morning when tubs are clean as well as the pedicure accessories to be used. Or if you can't help but come in during the afternoon, just make sure that all equipments are clean.
- A good pedicure salon should have good infection control. Sterilization of instruments should be an S.O.P. But if you're still doubtful, just bring your own pedicure tools and instruments. You should have separate kits for manicure and pedicure instruments.
- Skip shaving your feet before your pedicure to prevent bacteria from entering small pores.
- When it comes to removing dead skin, pumice stone is preferable over razor. This would lessen the chances of abrasions and cut injuries.
- Toe nails should be cut straight, not curved and should be smoothed by an emery board. For infection control purposes, emery boards should never be shared.
- Blunt manicure and pedicure accessories is better than sharp ones. Never allow your nails to be cut or cleaned out by such sharp object as it could easily puncture the skin.
- Toes should be dry when you have them cleaned. Fungi love moisture so the last thing you want is an open wound and wet skin.
- Cuticles should NEVER be cut, only pushed back.
Labels:
News
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