Rheumatoid Arthritis

A more serious form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, occurs when the immune system attacks rather than defends the body. Along with joint pain and swelling, rheumatoid arthritis can cause fatigue, poor circulation, anemia and eye problems. Here are some strategies to try in addition to medical treatment (with your doctor's approval).

A. Start a food diary to identify what you were eating when your symptoms flared up.

B. Start a low acid diet. My mother loves citrus but it made her body swells and she can't stand up after eating those kinds of fruits. These dietary changes help slow the build-up of acid in the body.

C. Try becoming vegetarian under your doctor's supervision. It will lessen the swell after a month of having this kind of diet. And then after 3 months you may take dairy products again. Try congee, put a boiled egg in it.

D. You make take GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) supplements. It can help to lessen the pain and inflammation. Consult a medical herbalist for GLA supplements. There is also over a counter GLA and usual dose is much lower.

E. Brief Fasting. It gives some of our system a little to to rest and will boost our immune system. Drink plenty of water. But check your doctor first.

Natural Pain Removers

a. To reduce pain and slow down cartilage loss, take in glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate. Evidence suggests that they can be effective for people with mild to moderate arthritis. Follow the label directions. You will feel the benefits after a month.

b. Take 1/2 teaspoon of powdered ginger or up to 35g. ( about 6 teaspoon) of fresh ginger once a day The ginger root helps to relieve arthritis pain, because of its ability to increase blood circulation, and there by help remove inflammatory chemicals away from painful joint.

I  make  ginger tea. It is really best for my mother.

c. Seek heat relief and cold comfort-Apply heat to a painful joint can provide significant relief. Electric blankets and had warmers, heating pads or hot packs all work well. Warm the achy joint for 20 minutes.

• A hot bath with eucalyptus and rosemary essential oils help ease painful, stiff joints. Add 5 drops of each to hot water and soak in the tub for around 15 minutes.
• Cold treatment can work well when joints are inflamed.  But i do this alternately with hot towel and then cold. It made my mother sleep better.
• Eat fish that gives enough oil.salmon, sardines, mackerel and trout. You will discover that pain and stiffness are lessened. These substances seem to discourage inflammation in the body.
• My mother is taking in oil in a capsule form. Cod liver oil can slow and may ever reverse the destruction of cartilage that leads to osteoarthritis. She also takes in Grape seed oil capsule. Really a healer.

d. Rub on relief. Eucalyptus oil can be effective. Put a few drops on  the skin and rub it in.

e. Keep those joints moving. Gentle exercise will do. My mother  had started weight lifting program and it made her muscle strong which supported her joints. Thanks to Scott Sonnon, John Sifferman, Ryan and Adams. I really thought weight lifting will hurt my mom but then my mom after being bed ridden for 7 years and after the operation. Its been 2 years now after the operation. And then Scott Sonnon talk about weight lifting and simple instruction I followed his blog and watch in his link. And then i made my own that will apply for my mother with her doctor's consent. And voila now after all those years my mom can stand alone and walk but of course she is still using a cane. But she is much better now.

f. Ask the doctors to measure your legs. Usually the arthritis in these joints is slightly longer than the other. Your doctor may refer you to a podiatrist to have corrective shoes made for you.

g. Pain is also triggered by changes in weather. So when storms are forecast; try turning on a dehumidifier to dry the air.

h. Maintain a healthy weight. Just imagine the weight carried by our knees.  One of the elder I met, her knees is becoming bowed. It is because of over weight. So when I ask her to do some diet plan for weight reduction. It doesn't only lessen the pain. It made her movement and walking easy.

i. Buy a shoe that is good for walking.Softer heels will  lessen the impact of walking on your foot, ankle, knee,and hip joints.  Flat supportive shoes are generally considered best for knees.

j. Take in Vitamin C. To boost your immune system.

God bless you all.

My Health: Anxiety

My Health: Anxiety: " It is a reaction to a threat or danger that is vague or even unknown. You feel worried, but you are not quite sure why. It can manifest..."

Anxiety

     It is a reaction to a threat or danger that is vague or even unknown. You feel worried, but you are not quite sure why. It can manifest itself via any number of symptoms, including sweating, tummy churning, rapid heart beat, shivering, irritability, poor concentration, shallow breathing and unwanted thoughts or behavior.

Here are some ways to lessen the worries.

1. Warm Bath is one of the most pleasant and reliable ways to soothe your senses. To enhance its effects, add some lavender oil to the tub and soak to your heart's content. Or just sit quietly for a few minutes after dabbing a little lavender oil on your temples and forehead

2. Breathe slowly and deeply. This will bring your anxiety swiftly under control. Sit down and put your hand over your tummy and slowly inhale, when your belly expands under your hand hold your breath for 4 or 5 seconds, then exhale slowly. Repeat until you feel calmer.

3. Drink anti-anxiety tea such as Seville orange blossom, lavender and lime tree. These scented teas taken at bedtime will help to encourage a good night's sleep. Passionflower is also a tea. A very gentle sedative herb that can be used for relieving anxiety.

3. Limit your self to coffee, tea or cola drink. Also, taking in wine, beer and other alcoholic drinks. They seem to subdue anxiety at first, but it can actually increase.

4. Exercise is a great releaver. Spare 30 minutes of your time everyday. 

5. Take Vitamin B-complex, it is a natural stress-reduces. 

6. Take Grape Seed Oil Cap. It will not only help you to sleep better but it also rejuvenate every tissue in your body. 

7. Be positive. 

* When challenge

* When beginning a new job

* When dealing with setbacks and insecurity

* When faced with rejection

*When making a public speech or presentation

*When meeting new faces

Remember you are not alone in this world. Mistakes is not uncommon. And people do make mistakes. Remember you are as precious as anyone else. You are created because of love so let it be then.

God bless you all. 

My Health: Angina

My Health: Angina: " Glyceryl tinitrate is likely the prescriptions of the doctor with angina symptoms. This can come as tablets or more commonly, a spray ..."

Angina

     Glyceryl tinitrate is likely the prescriptions of the doctor with angina symptoms. This can come as tablets or more commonly, a spray to be used under the tongue. Glycerly trinitrate can help people deal with the onset of a heart attack, easing chest pain and tightness by increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. There are plenty of ways to cope with angina attacks, reduce the frequency or even prevent them from happening at all.
     Angina pain often begins below the breastbone and radiates to the shoulder, arm or jaw. Crushing, squeezing chest pain means your heart isn't getting enough oxygen-rich blood. The arteries is blocked. It may be accompanied by shortness of breath, temporary nausea, lightheadedness., irregular heartbeat and anxiety.
  
Immediate Actions:
* Rest and sit down if it occurs while you are standing or walking around.
* When you feel it while you're lying down, change your body position by sitting or standing up. It will takes pressure off the nerve in your heart that is signalling pain. If it occurs while at rest it means you might be at much higher risk of a heart attack.
 * Calm yourself. Physical, Emotional and Mental stress can increase your heart's demand for oxygen. Try to learn yoga and meditation or other stress-relieving technique that you can practice regularly.

Support our heart with proper nutritions and food supplements.
* Omega - 3 fatty acids protect your heart and blood vessels.
* A Clove of garlic a day can lower high cholesterol it also reduces the blood to clot.
* Folic acid and vitamin B12 can lower raised levels of homicysteine which causes heart disease.

The Power of Good habit.
* Work out an exercise program that can help to ward off angina pain.
* Quit smoking.
* Try and give up coffee.
* Engage in a quiet activity.
* Don't eat too much or too little. Everything that is excessive and lacking is not good.
* Don't stay outdoors in cold weather.
* Avoid sudden physical exertion.
* Maintain a healthy body weight.  Fruits and Vegetables and plenty of wholegrain cereals should be always included in your meal.
* Always consider MODERATION.

God bless you all.

ALLERGIES

                The common symptoms of allergy and hay fever are itching, sneezing, sore or irritated eyes, and a runny nose. The first thing that we do is to take anti-allergy in the medicine cabinet, but it is much better if  we take it in before the attack will happen. Handling pollen, dust mites in the home, pet dander and other microscopic menaces which  causes allergies and send our immune system into overdrive.
           Allergic symptoms are signs that the immune system is overreacting to normally harmless substances. Usually, the immune system ignores these "triggers" and focuses on protecting you from real threats, such as viruses or bacteria. But when someone has an allergy, the immune system cannot distinguish some harmless substances from dangerous ones. Triggers can be ingested, absorbed through the skin, inhaled or received by injection. Sensitivity to allergens tends to be inherited.
         Natural Anti-histamines
* Nettle contains a substance that works as a natural anti-histamine. Capsules of the freeze-dried leaf are available from most health food shops and some supermarkets. Take the capsules according to manufactures's instructions.
* Quercetin, the pigment that gives grapes their purple hue and puts the green in green tea, also inhibits the release of histamine. Take according the manufacturer's instructions.
*GrapeSeed Oil extract Cap. grape-seed oil is know as anti-oxidant. It is not known only for fighting cancer but also alleviating symptoms of asthma.It destroys radicals that damage certain compounds in the body. It can also be used in the homeopathic treatment of asthma. It help reduce inflammation of the airways, and the antioxidants help to inhibit mucus-production in the lungs. It can help control the allergic reactions and triggers that may prompt an asthma attack since it is known to suppress the production of histamine which occurs during an allergy attack.
* Vitamin C, is known to have a natural antihistamine effect in the body and there is some evidence to suggest that it can help control unpleasant hay fever symptoms.
Simple Things That will sooth You
* For red, itchy, swollen eyes, simply dampen a face washer with cool water and place it over your eyes as often as you wish. Always use a clean face washer each time to avoid the possibility of introducing infection into your eyes.
*Over use of nasal sprayer also harm you in any way. So try to make your own to make it safer for sometimes. Siddolve half a teaspoon of salt in 250 ml of warm water. Fill a bulb syringe, lean over the sink and gently squirt the saline into your nose.
*To relieve pain and encourage drainage of mucus quickly and easy is to apply a hot compress to your sinuses. Eucaliptus, tea-tree and peppermint essential oils all help to clear congestion and have antiseptic and antiviral properties. In a bowl of steaming hot water add 2-3 drops of the essential oil and then tent your head with a towel and inhale the vapour.

Have a nice healthy day...

Age Spots

      Despite their name, these flat or rounded brown spots that can appear on the face or backs of the hands aren't caused by age. They are simpley areas of excess pigment, which result from years of exposure to the sunlight. Because it takes decades to see the results of sun damage, many people don't notice the marks until later in life, but people who have had significant sun exposure can develop them in their twenties and thirties. Some drugs can make you more vulnerable to sun damage and related age spots. These include diuretics, tetracycline and drugs for diabetes and high blood pressure.

Lighten Up
* Apply the juice of a lemon to the spots at least twice a day. Lemon juice is mildly acidic and may be strong enough to take off the skin's outer layer and remove or lighten age spots.
* Blend honey and yogurt to create a natural bleach that can lighten age spots. Mix together 1 tsp. of plain yogurt and 1 tsp. of honey. Apply the gel once or twice a day.
* A Remedy for removing age spots is to wipe them with buttermilk. This contain lactic acid, which gently exfoliates sun-damage skin and pigmented areas.
* Mix a little bicarbonate of soda with enough of a 50:50 solution of hydrogen peroxide (available from pharmacies and some supermarket) and water to form a gritty paste. Dab onto age spots, allow to dry, then rise off and pat skin dry.
*Strawberry make a gentle, effective treatment mask for fading age spots and lightening freckles. Mash 1-2 fresh strawberries and mix with 2 tsp. of cream to make a sloppy past. Apply mixture to clean skin, leave for 15 minutes, then remove with a warm, damp face washer and pat dry.

Prevention is Better than Medication
* Avoid the sun as much as possible druing peak hours.
*Apply sunscreen to your face and backs of your hands.
* Wear a sun hat
* After you've been out in the sun, apply some Vitamin E oil. It is an anti-oxidant and may help to prevent age spots by neutralizing skin-damaging free-radical molecules.

Acne

   

  Your skin is producing too much sebum - a natural oily lubricant - and the excess is blocking your pores.
Two kinds of acne:
1. Vulgaris - the common form, it occurs on your face, chest, shoulders or back as black heads, white heads or red spots.
2. Cystic acne - occurs as painful cysts or firm, painless lumps.
     Hormone fluctuations caused by puberty, taking contraceptive pill, preiods, pregnancyu or the onset of the menopause often increase sebum production which can trigger an outbreak of acne. other culprits include certain types of make-up, sunbathing and stress. Acne is usually hereditary.
Eradicate Spots Now
* Topical Keratolytic Acids help relieve mild acne by breaking down the oily plugs blocking the hair follicles and slough off dead or hardened cells on the skin's surface. Keratolytes include slicylic acid preparations such as clearasil Medicated Wipes, Derma Veen Acne Cleansing Bar and sulphur-based treatments such as Clearasil Acne Treatment Cream.
* Benzoly peroxide treatments such as Benzac AC Gel and Wash, Clearasil Ultra, Oxy and PanOxyl work by mildly irritating the skin, encouraging an increased removal of skin cells as well as suppressing bacteria. Start with a lower strength as stinging and redness can result.
Topical antibiotic treatments can also be useful in controlling acne. Examples include clindamycin (Clinda Tech solution) and erythromycin (Eryancne 2 per cent gel), and both are available on prescription. in more severe cases, your doctor might also prescribe oral antibiotics.
* Retinoids are very effective treatment for acne but they can also cause the most irritation. They are available in topical or oral form, but are also on prescription.
* At the first hint of a pimple, put an ice cube in a piece of plastic wrap and hold it on the area affected at least twice a day, or every hour if you can, but for only 5 minutes at a time. The cold will reduce the redness and ease the inflammation.
Alternative Acne Treatments
* Apply a drop of tea-tree oil to blemishes three times a day to discourage infection and speed up healing. Research has found that 5% tea-tree oil is as effective against acne as 5% benzoly peroxide solution.
* For acne that flares up before a menstrual period, drink 1 to 2 cups of chasteberry tea a day. Some studies show that this herb helps to regulate female hormones, but give it two or three months to work. Sage and red clover may also help control excess production of sebum by moderating hormone levels.
* Apply vinegar or lemon Juice to pimples using a cotton wool ball. The acids present in lemon juice and all vinegars can help to fluch out pores. Toothpaste smeared on an outbreak is also reputed to work well - try applying it before you go to bed.
* A folk remedy for healing pimples is to use a mixture of spice and honey. Mix 1 teaspoon of powdered nutmeg with 1 teaspoon of honey and apply it to the pimple. Leave it on for 20 minutes, then rince off. There's no scientific proof that this helps, but honey does have antiseptic properties.
* Apply aloe vera. One study found that 90% of skin sores were completely healed with aloe vera within five days. buy a product containing aloe vera, or squeeze the gel from the middle of a freshly cut leaf and apply it to the skin.
* Applying live, natural yogurt to the skin soothe and heal, particularly after a camomile steam bath has opened up the sebaceous glands. Allow the steam to rice over your face.

Keep Your skin clean- but not too clean.
* Over cleansing itself can cause acne by stimulating the sebaceous gland to produce more oil. Avoid granulated cleansers. and don't use a face washer, which is abrasive and may harbour bacteria. use disposable cleansing pads.
*Make a skin cleanser by adding 1 teaspoon of Epsom salts and 3 drops of iodine to 125 ml water. Bring to the boil, allow to cook and dab it onto spots with a clean cotton wool ball.
*Clean face razors with surgical spirit after each use.

Tuberculosis in an Elder

                                                       

In  Elder people, according to doctors Tuberculosis (TB) is not easy to detect and diagnose because it does not manifest so clearly in these people. Usually doctors can easily be lead to suspect another disease. Because of their age doctors tend to classify them as belong to other diseases in which case most common illness found within their age range. The frequent symptom found in this kind of illness is cough present for a long time. Sometimes doctors often concluded that it is pneumania or flu. Since they affect elders easily and have cough as a primarily symptom. Some symptoms of tuberculosis like losing weight and appetite leads also to other disease. Sometimes gum desease, a digestion problem, cancer, or even bad eating habits.  So in elderly person it is really  hard to see if they are really suffering from this kind of disease.

In my country, there are times children are suffering from coughs for a long period of time. Doctors usually ask if we have elder at home. Primary complex is one of the most problems in the children in my country. And it happened that in my country we don't put our elderly at HOMES. They stayed in the family and been taken care of by their children until death came to them. So, the only times that we knew that our elders suffer from tuberculosis is when our children are also infected by it. I am sharing this to you for a hope that it will help our children to avoid having this kind of disease if elders are at present. And also to help our elder who is commonly affected by this kind of illness.

If the elder acquired the germs earlier in life, it is much easier to administer, because the germs are not resistant to the drugs that will be used to them. But if the germs had been treated and diagnosed yet was not cured after all then its resistance is difficult to control. Meaning they must be treated with special drugs for a while until they get better and the microbe will not transmit to other people. They need to be separated at home and be hospitalized.

Tuberculosis is a contagious disease. It can affect some parts of our organs if not treated properly. So before an elder person spit blood while coughing, they must be diagnosed properly at early stage. An easy and reliable test to see if your elder is infected is through the intra-dermal reaction. It is a skin test. Doctors will isolate the germ by culture and even if found in small amount, it is considered positive. Another reliable test is the throacic Rx, It can detect the exact location of the TB and its position in the lungs.

Treatment should therefore be supervised by a reliable person. Specially if it is a member of a family. The elder should be motivated and encouraged by that person at the commencement of treatment. The best treatment ever is an early detention. Don't make any excuses of illness that may occur because of their age. Nor don't make an assumption of the diseases that may arise. An early detection of such illness will save everyones pocket and the affects of it at home.

We love our elders. And I know you keep them from harm. The best way for them to avoid this kind of illness is prevention. They are old and prone to any kind of virus. So prevention is better than treatment.

So keep our oldies in good shape. Our best interest is to keep them happy and healthy.
Bless you all.

Heart in Process

Elderly  represents the fastest growing population in our world. Everyday and everywhere we can see old people. In fact most of our families have elder that they take care and look up to. Despiteof our awareness of how aged people with regards their health. Heart is common ailments to their age.  Clearly the nation's effort to prevent and effectively treat heart desease must include older and take into account their special needs and concerns.

 Heart disease is not just one medical condition, it is a name given to a group of heart related conditions. These are the common conditions.

-- High blood pressure

-- Coronary heart disease
-- Angina pectoris
-- Congestive heart failure
-- Congenital cardiovascular defects
-- Rheumatic heart disease
-- Stroke
-- Heart attack
And one of the risk factor is the age. As we grow older we increase the risk of heart disease dramatically, over two thirds of all heart disease sufferers are aged 65 or over. And our population is not merely consist of young people.  But since we cannot change time nor rewind it to avoid having one. I learned from my readings few risk factors that we can control.
These are the risk factor which we can control.
1. General inactivity reduces cardiovascular fitness, this can have a huge impact in the possibilities of risking heart disease.
2. Smoking
3. Obesity
4. High blood pressure
5. High cholesterol

Because the risks are high, especially in those over 65 years in age, it is important to try and look after oneself to reduce the risks that can cause heart disease. By looking at the risk factors we can control, there is a clear evidence that we can physically reduce our risks quite dramatically just by eating healthily, becoming more active and trying to stop smoking.

Heart disease statistics are currently growing year on year. Sadly to say this year even young ones are suffering and been attacking by this kind of illness. If we manage to take more care with our own bodies then we can try to combat heart disease and reduce the number of people who suffer.
Unfortunately, my father suffered with this. And I hope I could reach those ones with real issue.


We have only one body. So take care of it.

Fighting Old Age

It was officially recommended that people with 65 and over must do a weight lifting at least twice a week to ensure good health. But a new study shows that only 11 percent of the elderly are actually reaching for the dumbbells. Including my mother aged 78. What's worse, only six percent of this group are fitting in a cardiovascular workout as part of their regular routine as well. For those who need a reminder or can cut this out and pass it along to loved ones: which I did with my mother who is now actively hit the weight stack and profoundly can walk from being lame and bed ridden for 7 years. STARTING at the age of 50, people begin losing 12 percent of their muscle strength ans six percent of their muscle mass every decade. This is the reason why my mother was not able to walk before. She lost a massive muscle mass. What's shocking is that by weight training for two to three months just three times a week, the over-65 man or woman can increase strength and mass of their muscles by one third. I guarantee this to those aged people. I've been using the weight lifting to my mom and really she can now stand alone without holding a cane. A three decade of lost muscle regained in three months. But why should the elderly be concerned with muscle mass. You ask?
Weight training can reduce chronic diseases such as heart problems, diabetes and cancer. Reminds me of my Mother's ancestors and kins which most of them died in cancer. That's why when my mother begin releasing blood through pooing, really scared the hell out of me. Only to find out that what causes the bleeding is the pain re-leaver she was taking. She was taking this for muscle and bone pain (arthritis), whatever. Muscle work out reduces her to take  pain re-leaver medicines and until she no longer needs it.   Besides health, exercise is also known as the fountain of youth and will keep you looking younger and longer!
No one in my heart can replace the beauty of my mom.

Health snacks

 

Low Calorie Diet Snacks You Can Eat

When you get home from the grocery store, set aside some ready-to-eat snack packs in small plastic bags or containers so that you can stave off hunger and avoid impulsive food purchases. Strategically place these snack packs in lunch boxes, in your purse, in your gym bag, in your car . . . wherever and whenever you think you might need a quick bite. Here is a list of low calorie snack food you can use:

• Whole fresh fruit (apples, pears, oranges, bananas) or small cups of grapes, berries, or cubed melon.
• Bell pepper slices, carrot sticks, or other veggies with prepared hummus dip or low-fat ranch dressing.
• Carrot sticks, celery sticks, or apple slices with peanut butter
• Low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese cups
• Low-fat string cheese
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Whole-wheat crackers with peanut butter or cheese
• 100-calorie mini-bags of crackers or cookies
• Unsweetened applesauce cups
• Half of a small sandwich
• Whole-grain cereal or granola bars
• Small handfuls of nuts, trail mix, or dried fruit

Incorporate these snacks along with healthy food into your low calorie diet meal plan and you should be on your way to losing weight in no time!

Salad for meal

When anyone hears the term salad they think of lettuce and tomatoes with a dressing. That is not the only type of salad that to be eaten. That is actually considered a side Salad and not a dinner salad or a salad mea.
There are many kinds of healthy salads that can be eaten at any meal that are quite filling. In fact eating a healthy salad is far more nutritional when the right vegetables and meat are added. The salads can be a filling meal packed with vitamins and minerals as well as protein.
It is also a fact that a healthy salad is not always means to diet. Sure the healthy salad will help lose weight if that is the only type of foods you eat. Yet having a healthy salad several times a week will lower the sodium calories and cholesterol levels.
 The salad is not what is fattening it is the additives such as salad dressing that makes the salad an unhealthy meal so avoid adding the fattening dressing and you will have a healthy meal.
when you make your salad at home use spinach and romaine lettuce as well other vegetables such as carrots, beets, corn, red and green peppers, tomatoes, celery, nuts and seeds.
The added items will increase the nutrients and vitamins. Spinach is packed full of Vitamin K compared to iceberg lettuce that is mainly water.
Make the Salad colorful with the bright vegetables so that salad becomes more visually appealing. It is a proven fact that when a meal is pleasant to look at people enjoy eating the meal more.
add protein to the salad with hard-boiled eggs chopped baked or grilled chicken tuna or cottage cheese. The protein in the salad is good for making your new salad very healthy.
Avoid adding croutons bacon bits and chow mien noodles that are full of calories even when they do add taste they add bad calories which is not why you are eating a healthy salad.

Healthy Food for Slimming Purposes

If you can plan well, you can make inexpensive vegan dinners at home, though making a vegan meal is difficult because of the complete absence of animal or dairy products.

Tofu Scramble: This is alternative for scrambled eggs, with tofu substituting for the eggs. This dish need not be served only for breakfast, but it can be served any time. It is easy to prepare, requiring only a couple of minutes. Get vegetables of your choice and slice them into bite-sized pieces. Saute the vegetables, add tofu and salt. You can spice it up with jalapeno or chili peppers, and it is ready for you.

Happy Eating

My Health: Soya Diet

My Health: Soya Diet: "Soy foods are protein packed, low in fat and contain more healing power than our medicine kit. It stabilize estrogen level which manages sym..."