• Disease and Care Health Tips
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    8 Ways to Prevent Migraines

    If you or someone you know suffers from migraines, you know how painful and disruptive they can be. When a severe migraine strikes, the pain and other symptoms can be so bad that everything else must stop so you can attend to the headache. You might miss work, social functions or family gatherings; you have no choice.

    Symptoms vary among sufferers and episodes. Some people have nausea and vomiting, while others become very sensitive to noise or light. Some experience visual disturbances, called aura, and some people even have the rare silent migraine, in which there is no pain but many other symptoms are present.

    1. Keep a Headache Diary
    Just as symptoms vary widely between migraine sufferers, so do the triggers, or what brings on the headache. Knowing your triggers is the first key to migraine prevention, so many doctors suggest keeping a diary. In a typical migraine diary you’ll record the date, time, severity, symptoms before and during the episode, and all possible triggers. Some people also record methods for relief and the duration of the migraine.

    2. Sleep
    Setting a consistent sleep schedule may help reduce migraines. Go to bed and get up about the same time every day, including weekends and holidays. Disruptions to your sleep schedule, getting too much or too little sleep, can trigger a headache.

    3. Exercise regularly
    You may be tempted to avoid exercise, afraid it might trigger a migraine. And, although overexertion may trigger a headache in some people, research suggests regular, moderate aerobic exercise may reduce the severity, duration, and number of migraines in many people. Regular exercise also helps control stress, another migraine trigger.

    4. Manage Stress
    Like obesity and poor diet, stress is a well-known culprit behind a host of medical ills, and migraines are no exception. Stress can cause tension in the neck and shoulders, leading to tension headaches that escalate into migraines. Stress also causes hormonal fluctuations, and—you guessed it—certain hormones can trigger migraines. Yoga, meditation, prayer and breathing exercises are all common relaxation techniques; experiment to see what works best for you.

    5. Eat regular meals
    Regular meals are important to maintain level blood sugar. A drop in blood sugar can trigger a migraine. Also drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, which can trigger migraine.

    6. Limit stress
    For many migraine sufferers, stress is a common trigger. Take time each day for a relaxation break. Find something that you enjoy that helps you relax. For example:

    7. Listen to calming music
    a. Take a short walk
    b. Meditate
    c. Do yoga

    8. Try complementary therapies
    Along with your prescribed treatment, consider using complementary therapy to help prevent migraines. For example, you may be able to manage stress and prevent migraines through:
    a. Acupuncture
    b. Massage
    c. Cognitive behavioral therapy

     

    Preventive Medications
    When natural remedies fail to prevent migraines, or don’t do enough to help, there are some medications that can help. Most of these drugs were originally formulated to treat some other disorder, like seizures, depression, or high blood pressure, and were found to lower the incidence of migraines or lessen their severity. If you have more than three migraines per month or have episodes so severe you cannot work or carry out normal activities, your doctor may be able to prescribe a preventive medicine.

    1. Antiepileptic drugs
    Certain antiseizure drugs are also effective for preventing migraines. These drugs may work by calming the neurons in the brain. Neuron “hyperexcitability” plays a role in migraine and epilepsy. Up to 20% of people with epilepsy also have migraine.

    2. Triptans for menstrual-related migraines
    Triptans are commonly used for acute migraine treatment. But one triptan — Frova — is also helpful for preventing menstrual-related migraines. It affects serotonin levels and may also relieve pain in other ways. Several other triptans are being studied and may possibly be effective in preventing menstrual-related migraines.

    3. Botox
    Botox is a type of toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. It weakens or paralyzes muscles. Botox is often used to treat wrinkles. But it was also found to help some people with chronic migraines. The FDA approved Botox for the preventive treatment of chronic migraines in 2010. It is used for people who have long-term migraine headaches at least 15 days per month, with the headache lasting four hours daily or longer. It is thought that Botox inhibits the release of certain chemicals involved in the transmission of pain signals.

    Sources:
    http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/09/17/6-ways-to-prevent-migraines.html
    http://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/guide/understanding-migraine-prevention
    http://www.houstonheadache.com

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  • Disease and Care Home Remedies
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    8 Ways to Treat Psoriasis Skin Disease

    1. Keep Your Skin Moist
    It’s one of the most effective yet easiest things you can do for irritated skin. It can help your skin heal and reduce dryness, itching, redness, soreness, and scaling.

    2. Manage food lifestyle
    Diet may play a role in managing psoriasis. Eliminating red meat and fatty foods have been effective for some. As healthy as olive oil is inside your body, it can have extra benefits for the skin. Applying olive or vegetable oil to scales and patches of psoriasis can lock moisture and nutrients in. Try massaging a few tablespoons on your scalp to help loosen troublesome plaques during your next shower.

    3. While taking shower
    Your dermatologist will tell you hot water is your skin’s enemy, but a lukewarm bath with Epsom salt, mineral oil, milk, or olive oil can soothe the itching and infiltrate scales and plaques. Moisturize immediately after your bath for double benefits.

    4. Heal With Sunlight
    The ultraviolet (UV) light in sunlight can slow the growth of skin cells, so small doses of sun can be a good way to soothe, improve, and even heal psoriasis lesions. Even indoor light can make a difference.

    5. Take It Easy
    Studies show that stress can make psoriasis and itching worse. Some people even trace their first outbreak to a very stressful event. You might be able to calm symptoms simply by lowering your anxiety.

    6. Go Easy on Yourself
    Avoid harsh products like lotions with alcohol, deodorant soaps, acids (glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acid), and even some laundry soaps. These can inflame your sensitive skin. Feel the texture of the fabric of the clothes you buy. Make sure they are soft and comfortable. Avoid wool and mohair. They can irritate already inflamed skin.

    7. Try Not to Scratch and Pick
    There’s no doubt about it: When you itch, you want to scratch. But scratching can tear open your skin, making way for infection-causing germs. It may also make sores appear where there weren’t any before. Keep your nails short and take an antihistamine if you are itchy.

    8. Stop Smoking and Limit Alcohol
    Smoking can trigger flares. Talk to your doctor to help you decide the best way to quit. For some, nicotine patches make psoriasis worse.

    Sources
    http://www.medicinenet.com/psoriasis_pictures_slideshow/article.htm
    http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/psoriasis-skin-care-tips?page=3
    http://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/treat-symptoms-home#2

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    7 Superfruits to improve health

    1. Cherries
    Researchers at the University of Michigan in East Lansing have found at least 17 compounds in cherries that possess antioxidant properties, with tart cherries having higher levels than sweet cherries. Identified as anthocyanins, these compounds help to reduce inflammation in the body.
    In fact, it was found that the anthocyanins in 35 tart cherries can have a better result than aspirin when it comes to reduction of pain and inflammation. Low-calorie cherries also contain melatonin which has been found to help prevent memory loss, decrease symptoms of jet lag and regulate natural sleep cycles.

    2. Apples
    Apples are an excellent source of fiber as well as antioxidants. They have powerful antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. The phytonutrients and antioxidants found in apples have been found to be beneficial in reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and even some cancers.

    3. Bananas
    As we all know, bananas are packed with high levels of potassium, which has the ability to help lower blood pressure. Bananas also contain healthy carbs that help keep you full longer, boosts energy levels, and metabolism. For thousands of years bananas have been used to help ease stomach aches, reduce stress levels, soothe heartburn, improve digestion, soothe symptoms of PMS, relieve heartburn pains and improve brain health. Bananas also contain a healthy amount of vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, B6, folate, riboflavin, magnesium, manganese, copper, protein and dietary fiber.

    4. Pomegranates
    Pomegranates are equivalent to green tea and red wine when it comes to the healthy antioxidants they provide. Packed with potassium and vitamin C, pomegranates are said to be helpful in lowering risks for cancer (particularly breast and prostate) and heart disease. They may also help reduce cholesterol and aid in the maintenance of healthy body weight.

    5. Tomatoes
    Tomatoes are packed with vital nutrients more than 20! One important nutrient, lycopene, has been studied for many years for its powerful antioxidant properties. It may help protect against a growing number of cancers (like breast, colorectal, endometrial, lung, pancreatic and prostate). In fact, lycopene is ten times more powerful when it comes to devouring oxygenated free radicals than vitamin E. It is important to note that levels of lycopene in tomatoes are significantly enhanced through cooking and the addition of a bit of fat or oil.

    6. Grapefruit
    A fresh, juicy grapefruit is an excellent way to boost your vitamin C intake as well as many other vitamins and nutrients. It helps lower cholesterol levels, boosting heart health and it contains healthy amounts of fiber and antioxidants. Grapefruits are a low calorie snack, known to help increase the body’s metabolic rate and lower insulin levels. In addition, grapefruits also have been found to help, improve fatigue, fevers, diabetes, constipation, indigestion, urinary problems and many more health conditions.

    7. Red Potatoes
    Red potatoes are also a rich source of many other vitamins, minerals and fiber, contain little fat and sodium and are completely cholesterol free. They stand alone as a side dish or snack, or you can use them to replace some of the meat in stews or curries to reduce the overall fat and cholesterol content. Get 30% of your daily B-6 and 46% potassium in a single, large red potato.

     

    Sources:
    http://www.pcrm.org
    http://blogs.natureshappiness.com/7-superfruits-you-need-for-improved-health/
    http://www.ivlproducts.com/Health-Library/Health-Concerns/Superfoods/The-Top-7-Red-Fruits/
    http://thescienceofeating.com/2015/03/12/benefits-of-red-potatoes/
    http://www.dailyperricone.com

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    8 Tips to Protect your Vision and Blindness

    1. Eat for Good Vision
    Protecting your eyes starts with the food on your plate. Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, zinc, and vitamins C and E might help ward off age-related vision problems such as macular degeneration and cataracts, studies show. Regularly eating these foods can help lead to good eye health:
    a. Green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and collards
    b. Salmon, tuna, and other oily fish
    c. Eggs, nuts, beans, and other non-meat protein sources
    d. Oranges and other citrus fruits or juices

    2. Smoking now can cause eye problems later
    “Get off tobacco in any form,” Taylor says. When you smoke, cyanide from the smoke gets into your bloodstream and can destroy the eye’s cells. Smoking puts you at higher risk of developing cataracts and increases problems with dry eyes. It also raises your risk of macular degeneration, an incurable condition that destroys vision in the center of the eye, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    3. You can help preserve your eyesight by protecting your eyes from the sun
    Taylor recommends two safeguards for your eyes: sunscreen and sunglasses. The skin around your eyes is some of the thinnest on the body and is susceptible to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Various kinds of skin cancer, like carcinoma and melanoma, can form in the eyelids and around the eyes, causing major damage to the eye structure

    4. Use Safety Eyewear
    If you work with hazardous or airborne materials on the job or at home, wear safety glasses or protective goggles every time. Certain sports such as ice hockey, racquetball, and lacrosse can also lead to eye injury. Wear eye protection (such as helmets with protective face masks or sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses) to shield your eyes.

    5. Look Away From the Computer Screen
    Staring at a computer screen for too long can cause:
    a. Eyestrain
    b. Blurry vision
    c. Trouble focusing at a distance
    d. Dry eyes
    e. Headaches
    f. Neck, back, and shoulder pain

    6. After age 60, macular degeneration is a leading cause of blindness
    Macular degeneration occurs when eye tissue degenerates, causing blurriness or loss of vision in the central part of the eye. There are two forms of macular degeneration: wet and dry. If vision loss is caused by fluid in the retina, the condition can be treated by injections in the eye. But most forms are dry, for which there is no treatment.

    8. Visit Your Eye Doctor Regularly
    Everyone, even young children, should get their eyes examined regularly. It helps you protect your sight and see your best.

    Sources
    http://www.everydayhealth.com/news/10-essential-facts-about-your-eyes/
    http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/good-eyesight?page=2
    http://www.telegraph.co.uk

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    9 Tips to Prevent Back pain

    1. Exercise
    One of the most important things you can do for back pain prevention is to get up and get moving. Why does exercise prevent back pain? Muscles are meant to move, says Robin Lustig, DC, a chiropractor at New Jersey Total Health Center in Lodi and Pompton Plains, N.J. If you aren’t in good shape, you’re more likely to hurt your back and feel pain when you do even simple movements, such as lifting your child from his crib. “Also, exercise helps keep your joints fluid,” Dr. Lustig says. Another reason exercise prevents back pain is that exercise helps you keep your weight down — being overweight, especially around your stomach, can put added strain on your back.

    2. Eat right
    “If you maintain good eating habits, you not only will maintain a healthy weight, but you also will not put unnecessary stress on your body,” Lustig says. A steady diet of excessively spicy or fast food can strain your nervous system, which is going to create back problems, she adds. Conversely, a healthy diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, dairy products, and whole grains will keep your digestive tract on track.

    3. Sleep sideways
    You don’t want to sleep flat on your back. The best position for sleeping is on your side. If you must sleep on your stomach, put a pillow under your lower abdomen to help take stress off your back. Having a supportive mattress and pillow for your head are vital as well. “Getting enough, restful sleep is always an important part of maintaining good health,” Lustig says. Also, if you exercise during the day, you sleep better at night.

    4. Maintain proper posture
    “People sitting at their computer for seven or eight hours a day is keeping me in business,” says Lustig. “People slouch over their computers and their telephones when they’re texting, and they don’t realize the damage they’re doing to their backs and the pain they could be causing.” Be sure to work at an ergonomically correct workstation, both at the office and at home, and break up long periods in front of the computer with stretching exercises. If you practice good posture, you will maintain the natural curves of your back and help keep it strong.

    5. Reduce stress
    You probably don’t realize how much stress can impact your back health. Stress causes you to tense your muscles, and constant tension of this kind can cause back pain. Any activity that helps you reduce stress will help prevent back pain, Lustig says. Stress reduction activities can include yoga, meditation, biofeedback, deep breathing, tai chi, and guided imagery.

    6. Quit smoking
    It’s well known that smoking raises your risk for heart disease and cancer, including lung and colon cancers, but most people don’t realize that smoking also can be a cause of persistent back pain. Research also shows smoking can make existing back pain worse. It’s not entirely clear how smoking affects back health, but one possibility is that it narrows blood vessels. Narrowed blood vessels result in less oxygen and nutrients reaching the spine and, in turn, it becomes more susceptible to injury and slower to heal.

    7. Apply heat or cold
    When deciding to apply heat or cold to your back, there is no official medical answer for which one is best. Cold decreases pain and spasms by blocking sodium channels in peripheral nerves. Heat helps relax the muscles and improves blood flow. Therefore, you should do what feels best.

    8. Explore alternative therapies
    Physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, acupuncture or massage all could be viable options for managing back pain. The key is to find someone who is licensed and well-trained. Better yet, ask for a referral from someone you trust. Traction works for some patients with a herniated disc. Core exercises are the standard regardless of the condition causing low back pain. Massage feels good and releases endorphins, a natural pain reliever.

    9. Rest but not completely
    If you injure your back, do not take bedrest. Instead, take it easy. Sit or sleep in a comfortable position that reduces spinal pressure. For a herniated disc or muscle strain, the best way to sleep is lying on your back with several pillows below your legs so that your hips and knees are flexed from 80 to 90 degrees. If you have a joint condition, lying on your side with a body pillow between your knees is best.

    Sources:
    http://www.detroitnews.com/story/sponsor-story/henry-ford-health-system/2015/08/04/lower-back-pain-back-exercises/30937075/
    http://www.everydayhealth.com/pain-management/back-pain/quick-tips-to-help-prevent-back-pain.aspx
    http://www.ohpkelowna.com

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    16 Tips to Quit Smoking

    1. Make a plan to quit smoking
    Make a promise, set a date and stick to it. Don’t be put off by a wedding, party or other time when you’d normally smoke.

    2.Change your diet
    Is your after-dinner cigarette your favourite? A US study revealed that some foods, including meat, make cigarettes more satisfying. Others, including cheese, fruit and vegetables, make cigarettes taste terrible. So swap your usual steak or burger for a veggie pizza instead.

    3. Know Your Motivation
    When the urge comes, your mind will rationalize. “What’s the harm?” And you’ll forget why you’re doing this. Know why you’re doing this BEFORE that urge comes. Is it for your kids? For your wife? For you health? So you can run? Because the girl you like doesn’t like smokers? Have a very good reason or reasons for quitting. List them out. Print them out. Put it on a wall. And remind yourself of those reasons every day, every urge.

    4. Not One Puff, Ever (N.O.P.E.)
    The mind is a tricky thing. It will tell you that one cigarette won’t hurt. And it’s hard to argue with that logic, especially when you’re in the middle of an urge. And those urges are super hard to argue with. Don’t give in. Tell yourself, before the urges come, that you will not smoke a single puff, ever again. Because the truth is, that one puff WILL hurt. One puff leads to a second, and a third, and soon you’re not quitting, you’re smoking. Don’t fool yourself. A single puff will almost always lead to a recession. DO NOT TAKE A SINGLE PUFF!

    5. Join a Forum
    One of the things that helped the most in this quit was an online forum for quitters (quitsmoking.about.com) … you don’t feel so alone when you’re miserable. Misery loves company, after all. Go online, introduce yourself, get to know the others who are going through the exact same thing, post about your crappy experience, and read about others who are even worse than you. Best rule: Post Before You Smoke. If you set this rule and stick to it, you will make it through your urge. Others will talk you through it. And they’ll celebrate with you when you make it through your first day, day 2, 3, and 4, week 1 and beyond. It’s great fun.

    6. Reward Yourself
    Set up a plan for your rewards. Definitely reward yourself after the first day, and the second, and the third. You can do the fourth if you want, but definitely after Week 1 and Week2. And month 1, and month 2. And 6 months and a year. Make them good rewards, that you’ll look forward to: CDs, books, DVDs, T-shirts, shoes, a massage, a bike, a dinner out at your favorite restaurant, a hotel stay … whatever you can afford. Even better: take whatever you would have spent on smoking each day, and put it in a jar. This is your Rewards Jar. Go crazy! Celebrate your every success! You deserve it.

    7. Delay
    If you have an urge, wait. Do the following things: take 10 deep breaths. Drink water. Eat a snack (at first it was candy and gum, then I switched to healthier stuff like carrots and frozen grapes and pretzels). Call your support person. Post on your smoking cessation forum. Exercise. DO WHATEVER IT TAKES, BUT DELAY, DELAY, DELAY. You will make it through it, and the urge will go away. When it does, celebrate! Take it one urge at a time, and you can do it.

    8. Replace Negative Habits with Positive Ones
    What do you do when you’re stressed? If you currently react to stress with a cigarette, you’ll need to find something else to do. Deep breathing, self massage of my neck and shoulders, and exercise have worked wonders for me. Other habits, such as what you do first thing in the morning, or what you do in the car, or wherever you usually smoke, should be replaced with better, more positive ones. Running has been my best positive habit, altho I have a few others that replaced smoking.

    9. Make it Through Hell Week, then Heck Week, and You’re Golden
    The hardest part of quitting is the first two days. If you can get past that, you’ve passed the nicotine withdrawal stage, and the rest is mostly mental. But all of the first week is hell. Which is why it’s called Hell Week. After that, it begins to get easier. Second week is Heck Week, and is still difficult, but not nearly as hellish as the first. After that, it was smooth sailing for me. I just had to deal with an occasional strong urge, but the rest of the urges were light, and I felt confident I could make it through anything.

    10. If You Fall, Get Up
    And Learn From Your Mistakes. Yes, we all fail. That does not mean we are failures, or that we can never succeed. If you fall, it’s not the end of the world. Get up, brush yourself off, and try again. I failed numerous times before succeeding. But you know what? Each of those failures taught me something. Well, sometimes I repeated the same mistakes several times, but eventually I learned. Figure out what your obstacles to success are, and plan to overcome them in your next quit. And don’t wait a few months until your next quit. Give yourself a few days to plan and prepare, commit fully to it, and go for it!

    11. THINK POSITIVE
    This is the most important tip of all. I saved it for last. If you have a positive, can-do attitude, as corny as it may sound, you will succeed. Trust me. It works. Tell yourself that you can do it, and you will. Tell yourself that you can’t do it, and you definitely won’t. When things get rough, think positive! You CAN make it through the urge. You CAN make it through Hell Week. And you can. I did. So have millions of others. We are no better than you. (In my case, worse.)

    12. Change your drink
    The same study looked at drinks. Fizzy drinks, alcohol, cola, tea and coffee all make cigarettes taste better. So when you’re out, drink more water and juice. Some people find that simply changing their drink (for example, switching from wine to a vodka and tomato juice), affects their need to reach for a cigarette.

    13. Get some quitting support
    If friends or family members want to give up too, suggest to them that you give up together. Also, there are your local NHS stop smoking services and the NHS Smoking Helpline, available on 0300 123 1044 (open Monday to Friday 9am-8pm, Saturday to Sunday 11am-4pm).

    14. Make non-smoking friends
    When you’re at a party, stick with the non-smokers. “When you look at the smokers, don’t envy them,” says Louise, 52, an ex-smoker. “Think of what they’re doing as a bit strange – lighting a small white tube and breathing in smoke.”

    15. Keep your hands and mouth busy
    Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can make you twice as likely to succeed. As well as patches, there are tiny tablets, lozenges, gum and a nasal spray. If you like holding a cigarette, use an inhalator. Try putting your drink in the hand that usually holds a cigarette, or drink from a straw to keep your mouth busy.

    16. Make a list of reasons to quit
    Keep reminding yourself why you gave up. Make a list of the reasons and read it when you need support. Ex-smoker Chris, 28, says: “I used to take a picture of my baby daughter with me when I went out. If I was tempted, I’d look at that.”

    Sources

    10 Tips for Quitting Smoking


    http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/smoking/Pages/Motivateyourself.aspx
    http://www.healthyfoodhouse.com

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    Elixir to help clear your lungs, best for Smokers

    Everyone knows how damaging smoking is. The smokers know best how bad they feel with the breathing difficulties and the loss of energy. Despite all the warnings and facts that cancer and heart attack is caused by smoking, smokers continue to smoke…
    Some people get bronchitis months after starting smoking, some later, some don’t but they all suffer consequences for sure one way or the other. All you got to do is Quit Now!
    In the mean time start cleansing your lungs from all the toxins and the tar the cigarettes have left behind.

    How to Clean Your Lungs
    1. Ginger
    Ginger is widely known for its numerous health benefits. It is good for this purpose because it will help you eliminate the mucus in your lungs.

    2. Onion and garlic
    Since onion and garlic among the vegetables with most healing properties it is not strange that they have strong anticancer properties which make them excellent for prevention of many malignant conditions. Onions are also efficient in the prevention of different respiratory infections.

    3. Turmeric
    Turmeric is rich with vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids. It also has antibacterial, anticancer and antiviral properties.

    Lung cleansing elixir:

    Ingredients needed:

    *.400 g (14 oz) sugar

    *.1 l (34 oz) water

    *.ginger, a thumb-sized piece

    *.2 tbsp turmeric

    *.400 g (14 oz) onion

    Instructions:
    First of all cook the water and the sugar together. In the meantime cut the onion on quatrains and add it to the water together with the shredded ginger root. Wait for the water to start boiling then add the turmeric into it and reduce the heat to low.

    You should cook the mixture until it reduces by half. Strain it and keep it in a jar. Wait some time for it to cool down and then store it in the fridge.

    Sources
    http://trendingstylist.com/best-for-smokers/
    http://www.feelhealthylife.com/elixir-to-help-clear-your-lungs-best-for-smokers/
    http://www.marthastewart.com

     

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    Pneumonia Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Preventions

    Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that is caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. It is characterized primarily by inflammation of the alveoli in the lungs or by alveoli that are filled with fluid (alveoli are microscopic sacs in the lungs that absorb oxygen).

    At times a very serious condition, pneumonia can make a person very sick or even cause death. Although the disease can occur in young and healthy people, it is most dangerous for older adults, babies, and people with other diseases or impaired immune systems.

    Causes
    Bacteria and viruses are the primary causes of pneumonia. When a person breathes pneumonia-causing germs into his lungs and his body’s immune system cannot otherwise prevent entry, the organisms settle in small air sacs called alveoli and continue multiplying. As the body sends white blood cells to attack the infection, the sacs become filed with fluid and pus – causing pneumonia.

    Pneumonia has bacterial, viral, fungal, and other primary causes

    Symptoms
    The general symptoms of bacterial pneumonia can develop quickly and may include:
    1. chest pain
    2. shaking chills
    3. fever
    4. dry cough
    5. wheezing
    6. muscle aches
    7. nausea
    8. vomiting
    9. rapid breathing
    10. rapid heartbeat
    11. difficulty breathing

    Pneumonia Diagnosed
    Pneumonia can be easily overlooked as the cause of an illness because it often resembles a cold or the flu. However, it usually lasts longer and symptoms seem more severe than these other conditions.

    A pneumonia diagnosis usually begins with a physical exam and a discussion about your symptoms and medical history. A doctor may suspect pneumonia if they hear coarse breathing, wheezing, crackling sounds, or rumblings when listening to the chest through a stethoscope.

    Chest x-rays and blood tests may be ordered to confirm a pneumonia diagnosis. A chest x-ray can confirm pneumonia and determine its location and extent in the lungs. Blood tests measure white blood cell count to determine the severity of pneumonia and can be used to determine whether the infection is bacterial, viral, fungal, etc. An analysis of sputum also can be used to determine the organism that is causing the pneumonia.

    A more invasive diagnostic tool is the bronchoscopy – a procedure whereby the patient is under anesthesia and a thin, flexible, and lighted tube is inserted into the nose or mouth to directly examine the infected parts of the lung.

    Pneumonia Treatment
    Pneumonia treatments depend on the type of pneumonia and the severity of symptoms. Bacterial pneumonias are usually treated with antibiotics, whereas viral pneumonias are treated with rest and plenty of fluids. Fungal pneumonias are usually treated with antifungal medications.

    Over-the-counter medications are also commonly prescribed to better manage pneumonia symptoms. These include treatments for reducing fever, reducing aches and pains, and suppressing coughs. In addition, it is important to get plenty of rest and sleep and drink lots of fluids.

    Hospitalization for pneumonia may be required if symptoms are especially bad or a patient has a weakened immune system or other serious illness. At the hospital, patients generally are treated with intravenous antibiotics and possibly put on oxygen.

    Pneumonia prevention
    There are several ways to prevent pneumonia. There are two vaccines that are available to prevent pneumococcal disease (the bacterial infection that is the most common cause of pneumonia): pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevnar) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (Pneumovax).

    Prevnar is generally administered as part of the normal infant immunization procedure and is recommended for children less than 2 years of age or between two and four years with certain medical conditions.

    Pneumovax is provided for adults who are at increased risk of developing pneumococcal pneumonia, such as the elderly, diabetics, those with chronic heart, lung, or kidney disease, alcoholics, smokers, and those without a spleen. The pneumonia vaccine may not completely prevent older adults from getting pneumonia, but it can reduce the severity of a future pneumonia.

    In addition to vaccinations, physicians recommend that people wash hands, refrain from smoking, eat healthfully, exercise, and stay away from sputum or cough particles from others with pneumonia.

    Sources
    http://www.healthline.com/health/pneumonia#Treatment6
    http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/151632.php?
    http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/360090-overview

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  • Disease and Care Medical Updates
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    Causes and Symptoms of Tapeworms

    Tapeworm

    Tapeworms, or cestodes, are intestinal parasites; they are worms that are flattened like a tape measure. A tapeworm cannot live freely on its own – it survives within the gut (intestine) of an animal, including a human.

    A parasite is an animal or plant that lives in a host; another animal or plant.

    Tapeworm eggs generally enter the human host from animals through ingested food, especially raw or undercooked meat. Humans can also become infected if there is contact with animal stools or contaminated water. When an infection is passed from an animal to a human it is called zoonosis.

    Common symptoms of tapeworm infection
    Symptoms of infection with tapeworm usually involve the digestive system and include:
    1. Abdominal pain
    2. Loss of appetite
    3. Malaise
    4. Nausea, which may be described as feelings of wooziness, queasiness, retching, sea-sickness, car-sickness, or an upset stomach
    5. Passing of tapeworm segments in the stool or by vomiting
    6. Presence of tapeworm segments in the stool
    7. Unexplained weight loss
    8. Weakness (loss of strength)

    Invasive infection signs and symptoms
    If the tapeworm larvae made their way out of the intestines and formed cysts in tissues elsewhere in the body, there is a risk of tissue damage. The following symptoms may be possible:

    1. Fever
    2. Abdominal pain or discomfort
    3. Jaundice
    4. Cystic lumps or masses
    5. An allergic reaction to larvae
    6. Bacterial infections
    7. Seizures and other neurological symptoms
    8. Blindness
    9. Intracranial pressure (pressure inside the skull.
    10. Signs and symptoms will depend on what type of tapeworm it is, how severe the infection is, and which tissues (which part of the body) are infected.

    Sources
    http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/170461.php
    http://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/infections-and-contagious-diseases/tapeworm-infection–symptoms
    http://www.telegraph.co.uk

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  • Home Remedies Medical Updates
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    18 home remedies for Gastric

    1. Turmeric leaves
    Turmeric leaves are one of the best remedies for gas. Drink chopped turmeric leaves mixed with a one cup of milk daily for better results.

    2. Guava leaves
    Take guava leaves and boil them in water. Once they come to a boil strain the leaves and drink the water. This is a simple remedy for gastric problems

    3. Potato juice
    Another best cure for stomach gas is potato juice. Take potato juice and drink about ½ cup of it before your meal. Repeat this three times a day for best results

    4. Ginger
    Ginger is an effective remedy for gastric trouble. It is best for treating indigestion as well. In order to prevent the stomach gas from getting formed, chew fresh ginger after your meals on a regular basis. Otherwise you can drink the mixture of water with a generous pinch of ginger powder, a small pinch of rock salt and asafoetida. You can even add fresh or dried ginger to your food. One of the best ways to control gas formation is to drink ginger tea, as it promotes proper digestion and prevents gas.

    5. Fennel Seeds
    While suffering from gas and indigestion due to spicy or fatty food, having fennel seeds can help cure your problem. The oil contained in fennel seeds reduces nausea and controls flatulence. Dry, roast and grind fennel seeds to make a powder. Take half teaspoon of this powder twice a day along with water. You will see some results.

    6. Black Pepper
    During the condition of lack of hydrochloric acid in our stomach black pepper can be very effective to cure the problem. Black pepper can increase the flow of gastric juices and thus help in digestion. Powdered black pepper with crushed jaggery can be taken along buttermilk during indigestion. Or a fine powder of black pepper, dried mint leaves, ginger powder and coriander seeds, all taken in equal amounts, can be consumed twice a day (one teaspoon) to treat gas and indigestion.

    7. Cloves
    The dried flower buds of Eugenia aromatic, clove is known to have a number of medicinal and culinary uses. Cloves can increase gut motility and gastrointestinal secretions thus helping in digestion and curing gas and indigestion problems. Pieces of cloves can be directly consumed or clove oil can be used to get rid of stomach irritability.

    8. Baking soda
    Baking soda gives instant relief from gas. Drink 1/4 tsp of baking soda mixed with a glass of water. This water solution is one of the most conventional remedies for stomach gas. It can be used as an efficient antacid.

    9. Apple Cider Vinegar
    Apple cider vinegar is another effective natural remedy for a number of health conditions. It gives instant relief from stomach gas and also helps you treat indigestion. Take a glass of warm water and add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and let the mixture cool to room temperature. Now drink it to get instantaneous relief from your gastric problem. It also leaves a soothing effect on the stomach. You can use normal vinegar if apple cider vinegar is not available.

    10. Onion
    Onion juice will help you get rid of stomach gas, but avoid eating any vegetables that cause gas

    11. Brandy
    Two teaspoons of brandy mixed to a glass of warm water will help you get relief from gas. Drink this solution daily before going to sleep.

    12. Dill oil
    Dill oil has some good properties that help you get rid for gas. Consume 1 teaspoon of honey mixed with a drop of Dill oil after every meal, to get relief from stomach gas trouble. Pregnant women should not use dill oil.

    13. Celery
    You can get fast relief from stomach gas by chewing celery leaves

    14. Charcoal
    Charcoal tablets are another simple home remedy for gas trouble by attracting the excess gas present in the intestine. Consuming one charcoal tablet before and after your meal will help you in subsiding acidity and gas. This method is not recommended for children below 12 yrs of age.

    15. Buttermilk
    Buttermilk is a wonder remedy when it comes to treating indigestion and gas. It is easier to digest than milk and contains more lactic acid. Buttermilk is already recommended to keep yourself cool in harsh summers and its digestive benefits just give you another reason to drink up a glass of buttermilk.

    16. Herbal tea
    People drinking herbal tea right after a heavy meal used to confuse me. If you have already ate heavy then why would you consume something more? But herbal teas work effectively in easing digestion. Mint, raspberry and blackberry tea can be taken after a heavy meal to reduce indigestion. Peppermint and chamomile work as great stomach pain relievers too. One can dip a herbal tea bag in warm water and enjoy the warm herbal tea. Fresh mint leaves or dried chamomile flowers can also be dipped in water.

    17. Lemon
    This tangy little citrus fruit is known to have a lot of health benefits. Preventing and curing indigestion is one of them. Mixed with hot water, lemon juice can help you get rid of nausea, heartburn and belching. It acts as a blood purifier, as a cleansing agent and stimulates digestion by helping the body to produce bile juices. Drinking fresh lemon water first thing in morning can help you prevent many kinds of digestive disorders and have a healthy digestive system.

    18. Warm water
    Oh yes! Besides being the most used solvent to other herbs and spices, warm water alone can also get you some immediate relief from gas and indigestion. It helps cleaning our body by flushing out all the toxins present and also breaks down the food to make it easier for our body to digest it. Having a glass of warm water in morning is a healthy practice and will keep your digestive system on track. Also having warm water after meals proves to be beneficial for your stomach.

    Sourcces
    http://www.myhealthtips.in/2013/07/home-remedies-for-gastric-problem.html
    http://listovative.com/top-15-home-remedies-gas-indigestion-problems/
    http://www.healthxchange.com.sg

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