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Health and Fitness

Sharing information to promote health and fitness

21 May 2013

Blood Infection or Sepsis

Overview of Blood Infection (Sepsis)

Blood Infections

Blood Infections

Sepsis refers to a bacterial infection in the bloodstream or body tissues. Sepsis (blood poisoning) is a severe medical condition and can be a deadly infection. Septicemia is an interrelated medical term referring to the presence of pathogenic organisms in the bloodstream, leading to sepsis. Sepsis is caused by the immune system’s response to a serious infection, most commonly bacteria, but also fungi, viruses, and parasites in the blood, urinary tract, lungs, skin, or other tissues. Chemicals released into the blood to battle infection trigger widespread inflammation. Inflammation may result in organ damage. Often, Sepsis progresses to Septic Shock, blood pressure drop dramatically that may lead to death.

Causes of Blood Infection (Sepsis)

The most common primary sources of infection resulting in Blood infection or Sepsis are the lungs, the abdomen and the urinary tract. The infectious agents are usually bacteria but can also be fungi and viruses. Infections in the lungs (pneumonia), bladder and kidneys (urinary tract infections), skin (cellulitis), abdomen (such as appendicitis), and other areas (such as meningitis) can spread and lead to sepsis.

Risk Factors for Blood Infection or Sepsis

·         Old and very Young People

·         People taking immunosuppressive medications

·         Cancer Patients on Chemotherapy

·         People suffering from Diabetes, AIDS or Cirrhosis

·         People who are undergone Heart Valve Replacement, using catheters, having ostomy sites, having intravenous (IV) or arterial lines, having surgical wounds or surgical drains.

Symptoms of Blood Infection or Sepsis

Most common symptom of Blood Infection or Sepsis is fever, often accompanied by chills or shaking, or other flu-like symptoms. Generally, the symptoms are

·         Chills

·         Fever over 38C (100.4F) or low body temperature below 95 F

·         Rapid heartbeat

·         Shaking

·         Skin rash

·         Warm skin

In severe cases symptoms can be

  • Confusion or delirium
  • Dizziness
  • Vomiting and Nausea

Diagnosis of Blood Infection or Sepsis

Definitive diagnosis depends on a positive blood culture for an infectious agent and minimum two symptoms. Severe sepsis is diagnosed when the septic patient has organ dysfunction (low or no urine flow, altered mental status) or sepsis-induced hypotension also termed septic shock.

Treatment of Blood Infection or Sepsis

In early stages, it may be possible to treat the infection at home with antibiotics and there are good make a full recovery. In most of the cases, the patients need to be hospitalized, treated with appropriate intravenous antibiotics, and given therapy to support any organ dysfunction. Combinations of two or three antibiotics given at the same time; most combinations usually include Vancomycin to treat many MRSA infections. Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock are medical emergencies and require admission to ICU.

Sepsis Survival Rate

In case of mild sepsis mortality rates are approximately 15%, in case of severe sepsis  mortality rate is about 30%  and in people septic shock the mortality rate is approximately 50%.

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21 May 2013

Positive Thinking – Optimism

Positive thinking is a mental attitude that sees the bright side of things. The way we feel about a situation comes from our perception of it. Sometimes perception is right, but at other times, it is not. Age-old example of perception is “The glass is half full or the glass is half empty”.  Positive thinking does not mean that you bury your head in sand and should not evaluate the dangers or bad thinks that are approaching you. It definitely means that you analyze a situation, think rationally, study options and then make a choice with a positive attitude and conviction.

Positive Thinking

Positive Thinking

Health Benefits of Positive Thinking

Difference between an optimist and Pessimist is that “A pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity and optimistic sees opportunity in every difficulty”. The advantages of Positive thinking are as follows:-

  • Longer life span
  • No Depression
  • Less Anxiety
  • Less Psychological Problems
  • Better Physical Health
  • Less chances of cardiovascular disease(CVD)
  • Better Stress Management Capability
  • Better Interpersonal Skills

Practical approach towards of Positive Thinking

·         Positive attitude brings positive results.

·         Positive thinking does not to expect that every time the best think will happen, rather it is more about accepting the results and concentrating on good things that can be extracted from that very result. An example can be that you were traveling Destination A towards Destination B, Due to Bad weather the aeroplane was directed to Destination C. At destination C, you ask the airline to provide you hotel and then went to take a round of the city or meet an old friend who is living there. The negative approach may be that you sit in lounge and start cursing the weather that was responsible for the delay.

·         Positive thinking does not mean that you do not make an effort and hope for good results rather positive thinking is you make an all out effort with a hope to achieve good results.

·         Positive thinking does not mean that you seek the outcomes that are beneficial for you only, rather positive thinking you seek results that are beneficial for you and all other people around you

·         Positive thinking is not only about material benefit that you may get from an action; rather it is about spiritual benefit along with material benefit. Example is Mr. A and Mr. B makes a combined investment for profit. Mr. A Gets an opportunity either to share a reasonable profit with Mr. B or to get a very high profit with a Big Loss to Mr. B. Positive thinking would to choose a mutually beneficial approach.

How to develop Positive thinking

·         Develop Faith on your Ability to Change. Have faith and conviction that if you want to change, you can change. Believe that “You are driving your life, life is not driving you”.

·         Identify Areas of Improvement. Figure out what are the areas where you need to change, get a feedback from your closest friend or family member. It better to write it down.

·         Analyze daily. Analyze your thought process and dealing with others daily. Make a commitment early in the morning to remain positive complete day, before sleeping analyze your day, and grade it positive or negative. You can maintain a daily attitude log also.

·         Surround yourself with positive people. Try to meet people with positive attitude and remain away from people with negative attitude.

·         Accept Faults and Failures. Accept the fact that faults and failures are part of life and every person experience; you are also not an exception. Do not let today’s disappointments spoil your tomorrow.

·         Never miss a chance to laugh. Add some humor to your life; after all, you may have never seen a smiling face looking ugly except a face with cynical smile.

·         Do not complain without a solution. If you have a complaint, try to find a fix also.

·         Do not worry what others think. Do not start climbing a mountain to be visible to the world, Climb Mountain only if you want to see the world.

·         Stop Grudging Others. Holding your grudge and keeping it to yourself is like eating poison and expecting the other person to die.

·         Make you today amazing. Make a pledge to design your today amazing, your tomorrow would be amazing because it will be today after 24 Hours.

·         Appreciate yourself and thank. Daily appreciate yourself and your good work. Do not  forget to thank God for all his benevolence.

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19 May 2013

Fordyce Spots

What are Fordyce Spots

Fordyce Spots are harmless yellowish white spots that are typically found on the lips or genitals. Fordyce Spots have been named after a dermatologist John Fordyce.  Fordyce Spots can begin to appear during puberty and remain throughout a person’s life. They do not cause any damage to health, they mostly just a matter of aesthetics, especially when Fordyce spots on lips. Because of the location of these spots, many people are sensitive about having them.  

Fordyce Spots

Fordyce Spots

Causes of Fordyce Spots

Fordyce Spots are just a highlight of sebum, which can be seen to the naked eye having yellow-white or matte white appearance. Sebum is the oily fluid secreted by the sebaceous gland. When this oil gets blocked in the gland which does not contain any hair, it slowly converts into lesions or bumps. Normally the sebum is sent into the hair follicle or hair shafts. When no hair is present, it causes bumps called Fordyce spots.  This means that they are simply the outward emergence of the overgrowth of sebaceous glands under our skin. Fordyce spots on lips are found on both men and women, but Fordyce spots are more common in men. Men with this condition sometimes consult with a dermatologist because they are worried they may have a STD.

Treatment of Fordyce Spots

Most doctors consider this a normal physiological phenomenon and advise against treatment.

·         Vaporizing laser treatments such as CO2 laser or electro desiccation have been used with some success in diminishing the appearance of this condition. There are also reports of this treatment not lasting and  laser burns on the skin.

·         Treatment with pulsed dye lasers is expensive, but is less likely to leave scar than other methods. Treatment is very expensive, and it is not widely available.

·         Fordyce Spot treatment using micro-punch excision has achieved Good cosmetic results with no recurrence of the Fordyce Spots.

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19 May 2013

Boost Metabolism – Lose Weight

Metabolism is the series of processes by which food is converted into the energy and other products needed to sustain life. Metabolism breaks down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats to yield the energy your body needs to maintain it. The rate of your metabolism depends on the interaction between the numbers of calories you consume, the number of calories you burn. Genetics may play a role in fast or slow metabolism, however, if you have slow metabolism you can improve it by taking care of food you eat and changing your life style.Increasing your metabolic rate can also help to lose weight.

Fish, rich in Omega-3 Oil

Fish, rich in Omega-3 Oil

1.    Eat Fish. The Omega-3 Fatty Acids found only in fish oil, may have the power to boost your metabolism. Fish oil increases levels of fat-burning enzymes and decreases levels of fat-storage enzymes in your body.

2.      Sleep. There is a link between metabolism and sleep, less than required sleep may seriously slow metabolism. Lack of sleep seriously affects your Weight Loss efforts.

Enough Sleep

Enough Sleep

3.      Eat Frequently. Eating stimulate your metabolism for short time, it means if you divide your meal in to 6 times a day instead of three times a day, you boost your metabolism, resulting in Weight Loss.

4.      Build Muscles. Your body needs energy to maintain muscles, if you build muscles your metabolism will automatically becomes faster.

5.      Eat Right. Selection of right food is important, if you eat metabolism boosters more, you are likely to lose weight. Moreover, eating frequently does not mean eating more, divide food you eat into smaller portions  after small intervals.

Green Tea

Green Tea

6.      Drink Green Tea. Green tea contains a type of antioxidant called Catechins that reduce body weight and waist circumference.

7.    Add Chilies to your Diet. Chili Peppers contain bio-active chemicals called capsinoids, the consumption of capsinoids increases the energy expenditure.

Chillies

Chillies

8.    Drink Enough Water. Studies show that who drank eight to 12 eight-ounce glasses of water per day had higher metabolic rates than those who quaffed only four glasses.

9.    Add Exercises and Aerobics to your daily routine. Exercise is the safest and most effective way to boost your metabolism. Exercise not only raises our metabolic rate, it also keeps your resting energy expenditure high during the recovery period.

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17 May 2013

Important Components of Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet is a mix of the culinary traditions of the Mediterranean Sea. It is mostly a whole foods plant based diet primarily based on fruits and vegetables.

Mediterranean Diet

Mediterranean Diet

  • Plant Based Foods. The Mediterranean diet has been associated with a lower level of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, i.e. the “bad” cholesterol that is more likely to build up deposits in your arteries. Plant based foods are generally considered to be Low in Fats that usually results in higher cholesterol levels.
  • Fruits. Fruits are generally high in fiber, water, vitamin C and sugars, although this latter varies widely from traces as in lime, to 61% of the fresh weight of the date.  Regular consumption of fruit is associated with reduced risks of cancer, cardiovascular disease (especially coronary heart disease), stroke, Alzheimer disease, cataracts, and some of the functional declines associated with aging

    Red Wine

    Red Wine

  • Vegetables. Vegetables generally contain little protein or fat,  and varying proportions of vitamins (Vitamin A, Vitamin K and Vitamin B6), provitamins, dietary minerals and carbohydrates. Some vegetables also contain fiber, important for gastrointestinal function.
  • Whole Grains. All types of grains are good sources of complex carbohydrates. Whole grains were found to be associated with lower fasting insulin concentrations when compared to those associated with the consumption of refined grains. Whole-grain consumption to be an important component of reducing risk factors for type II diabetes when only compared to the consumption of refined grains. Consumption of whole grains has also been consistently linked with a significant decrease in risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Regular whole-grain consumption lowers LDL and triglyceride levels, which contributes to an overall 26% reduction in coronary heart disease-risk factors

    Olive Oil

    Olive Oil

  • Legumes.  Legumes are a class of vegetables that includes beans, peas and lentils. Legumes are among the most versatile and nutritious foods available.legumes are among the best protein sources. The low concentrations of the amino acid methionine in legumes may be compensated for simply by eating more of them.
  • Nuts. People who consume nuts regularly are less likely to suffer from coronary heart disease (CHD). consumption of various nuts such as almonds and walnuts can lower serum LDL cholesterol concentrations. nuts generally have a very low glycemic index (GI).
  • Olive Oil. consumption of olive oil may lower risk of heart disease risk factors such as lower blood cholesterol levels and reduced LDL cholesterol oxidation.  2 tbsp. (23 g) of olive oil daily may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease due to the monounsaturated fat in olive oil.

    Canola Oil

    Canola Oil

  • Canola Oil. Canola oil comes from the rape seed, which is part of the mustard family of plants. Canola oil is low in saturated fat and contains both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in a ratio of 2:1. If consumed, it also reduces Low-density lipoprotein and overall cholesterol levels, It is a significant source of the essential omega-3 fatty acid.
  • Herbs and Spices Instead of Salt. Too much or too little salt in the diet can lead to muscle cramps, dizziness, or electrolyte disturbance.Scientists have become aware of the health risks associated with high salt intake, including high blood pressure in sensitive individuals. Therefore, some health authorities have recommended limitations of dietary sodium.

    Red Meat

    Red Meat

  • ·Little Red Meat. Regular use of Red Meat daily is considered to be harmful for human beings. Studies suggest that those who consume Red Meat regularily are likely to die earlier.
  • Fish. Fish is rich in Omega 3 oil that has significant health benefits
  • Poultry.  Chicken meat contains about two to three times as much polyunsaturated fat as most types of red meat when measured by weight. However, for boneless, skinless chicken breast, the amount is much lower.

    Fish, rich in Omega-3 Oil

    Fish, rich in Omega-3 Oil

  • Red Wine in Moderation.  Red wine, in moderation, has long been thought of as heart healthy. Resveratrol in Red Wine is considered to be good for your heart. Research suggests that one or two glasses of wine a day may actually help your health.
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17 May 2013

Kegel Exercises

Overview of Kegel Exercises

Kegels are a series of exercises that can help tighten up the Pubococcygeus Muscles (PC Muscles). Kegels are strength-building exercises that contract, flex and release the pubococcygeus (PC) muscles of the pelvic floor. Dr. Arnold Kegel first brought to lime light the importance of Kegel Exercises in 1948, but the importance of his work was realized well after his discovery. PC Muscles originate from your pubic bone and ends at your tailbone. Both men and women have them. Pelvic bone has a hollow center, your pelvic floor muscles work like a netting system in the hollow pelvic bone center and hold up all your inner organs and intestines.

Benefits of Kegels Exercises for Men

Kegel Exercises for Men

Kegel Exercises for Men

Kegel Exercises for men can give following benefits:-

  •  Urinary and bowel incontinence is a big problem, especially for those who are mature in age or with poor muscle tone.
  • Many men struggle with leakage after a cough, a sneeze or a laugh, and with overnight accidents or difficulty holding in their bowel movements.
  • Kegel Exercises have been linked to improved bladder control.
  • Kegel Exercises are also used in the treatment of male prostate difficulties such as prostatitis and BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia).
  • Kegel Exercises may also increase sexual gratification and aid in reducing premature ejaculation


Benefits of Kegels Exercises for Women

Kegel Exercises for Women

Kegel Exercises for Women

Many factors can weaken your pelvic floor muscles, including pregnancy, childbirth, surgery, aging and being overweight.

·         urinary and bowel incontinence benefits,

·         Women who have experienced pregnancy or cesarean sections have found strengthening their PC muscles to be extremely helpful to improve vaginal and pelvic muscle tone.

·         Kegel Exercises can produce strong pelvic muscles that can help prevent pelvic prolaspe, which occurs when organs such as the uterus move or shift out of place.

·         improve your sex life

 

How to do Kegel Exercises by Men

1.   Locate Kegels Musscles or Pelvic Floor Muscles. One of the easiest ways to locate your muscles is during urination.

·               Halfway through urination, try to stop or slow down the flow of urine.

·               Do not tense the muscles in your buttocks, legs, or abdomen, and do not hold your breath.

·               When you can slow or stop the flow of urine, you’ve successfully located these muscles.

2.   Kegels Exercise Method for Men. Kegel Exercise has three basic steps that is contraction of muscles, holding and finally releasing of muscles. Men can do Kegel Exercises as follows:-

·         Contract these muscles for a slow count of five.

·         Release the muscles to a slow count of five.

·         Repeat 10 times.

·         Do a set of 10 Kegels daily, three times a day.

 

How to do Kegel Exercises by Women.

How to Locate Kegels Muscles or Pelvic Floor Muscles. Locate Kegel Muscles as discussed in previous section. Start with an empty bladder. Imagine that you are trying to stop yourself from passing gas and trying to stop the flow of urine midstream at the same time. The feeling is one of “squeeze and lift”( a closing and drawing up of the front and back passages). If you’re not sure you’ve got it, one way to check is by inserting a clean finger before doing a Kegel. If you feel pressure around your finger, you are on the right track. Squeeze and lift without pulling in your tummy, squeezing your legs together, tightening your buttocks, or holding your breath. Ensure only your pelvic floor muscles should be working.

Kegel Exercise Method for Women

·         Make sure to empty your bladder before doing Kegals

·         Contract Pelvic Floor Muscles for 5-10 seconds, relax, and repeat 10-20 times.

·         Breathe normally during the exercises, and do this at least three times a day.

·         Try not to move your leg, buttock, or abdominal muscles during the exercises.

After 4 – 6 weeks, most people will notice some improvement; however, it may take as long as 3 months to see a major change.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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16 May 2013

Music Therapy

Music Therapy

Music Therapy

Ancient Greek philosophers believed that music could heal both the body and the soul. A number of clinical trials have shown the benefit of music therapy for short-term pain, including pain from cancer. Music Therapy is a medical process that uses music to heal. When used with conventional treatment, music therapy can help to reduce pain and suffering. Music therapy is an interpersonal process, the therapist uses music and all of its features to help clients to improve or maintain their health.

Uses of Music Therapy

Many hospitals and research centers use Music Therapy for following purposes:-

·         To help with pain management

·         To help to protect against depression

·         To promote body movement

·         To calm down patients

·         To ease muscle tension

·         To improve cognitive functioning, motor skills, emotional and affective development

·         To improve behavior and social skills

·         To improve quality of life

MusicTherapy

MusicTherapy

How Music Therapy Works

Music Therapy is used to supplement medicines and results in more cooperation from the patient

·         Music with a strong beat can stimulate brainwaves to resonate in sync with the beat, with faster beats bringing sharper concentration and thinking that is more alert.  A slower music tempo promotes a calmness, serenity, tranquility and meditation. Music can bring the change in brain action levels that enables the brain to shift speeds as desired. In this manner, the music can bring lasting benefits to the patient.

·         Music can control breathing rate, slower the breathing rate the slower would be the heart rate and vice versa. Alteration in breathing rate means its impact on our nervous system. This is how music therapy can help to heal various diseases that are related with our nervous system like stress, depression and anger management.

·         Music can relax our mind and muscles, thus it is a useful aid in anxiety disorders and depressions.

·         The theme of the music can affect our thought process, resulting in happy and positive behavior

·         Slow and soothing music can result in relaxed mind and muscles, one can use music therapy to treat sleep disorder

How to Design Music Therapy

Doctor and qualified Music Therapist design the Effective Music Therapy with mutual consultation, most of the time Music Therapy will supplement medicines.

  • Re-creative experiences are most appropriate for patients who need to develop sensorimotor skills, learn adaptive behaviors, maintain reality orientation, master different role behaviors and identify with the feelings and ideas of others.
  • Playing instruments can help physically disabled clients to develop gross and fine motor coordination.
  • Music listening experiences can be used with clients who need to be activated or soothed physically, emotionally, intellectually or spiritually.
  • Composing music can be  used with clients who need to learn how to make decisions and commitments

Competences of Music Therapist

Competencies as a music therapist involves

  •          Client assessment
  •          Implementation of music therapy strategies
  •          Evaluation
  •          Documentation
  •          Discharge planning
  •           interdisciplinary team work.
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16 May 2013

Weight Loss Pills or Diet Pills

Weight Loss PillsIn recent years, there has been lot of awareness among people about the negative effects of the obesity and extra weight on our day-to-day life. Everyone wants a quick fix, that too without much of efforts. Surgery, weight loss pills/diet pills seems to be an easy way out. The questions are “Is it safe” “Does it work”. Let examine Weight Loss Pills or Diet Pills in detail.

Types of Weight Loss Pills or Diet Pills

Weight Loss Pills or Diet Pills can be divided into three categories:-

1.    Prescription Drugs. These drugs are available on prescription of doctor only. These drugs are approved by FDA and are monitored and evaluated by Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. The prescribing doctor closely monitors use of these drugs and its effects on the user.

2.    Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs. These drugs can be purchased without the prescription of doctor from drug stores and sometimes supermarkets. FDA also regulates these drugs. OTC drugs also fall under the jurisdiction of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

3.    Herbal Diet Supplements. These are considered by the FDA to be food products as opposed to drugs. Huge varieties of these food supplements are available in health food shops and nutrition stores along with regular supermarkets. These are often labeled as “All Green or All Natural”, these are regulated by FDA in a different manner.

How Weight Loss Pills or Diet Pills Work

Weight Loss Pills

Weight Loss Pills

1.    Appetite Suppressants. These drugs can be purchased by a doctor’s prescription or bought over the counter (OTC). These pills either decrease Hunger or increasing the sensation of fullness or thus promote weight loss.

2.    Fat Blockers. Fat blocker diet pills are not for everyone; these are usually available with doctor’s prescription. When we eat foods with fat in them, lipase normally breaks down the fat when it gets to the intestinal tract. With a lipase inhibitor in effect, a percentage of the fat ingested is removed from the body through bowel movements instead of being broken down and absorbed. The active ingredient in most fat blockers is Chitosan, a natural product that comes from shellfish.

Risks of using Weight Loss Pills or Diet Pills

 Many diet pills assure phenomenal outcomes while failing to unveil grave health risks to consumers. Diet pill side effects range from headaches to heart attacks and even death in some cases.

1.      Some of the medicines speed up the heart rate, thereby increasing the risk of heart attack. Ephedra is one such example that was banned by FDA.

2.      Some of these weight loss pills were found to be associated with heart disease, appetite suppressants fenfluramine (or dexfenfluramine) and phentermine were witdrawn from market.

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16 May 2013
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Lose Weight Fast

Lose Weight FastMany people want to Lose Weight Fast, occasionally they do not have temperament to go for a long sustainable diet plan, at other time there is an event or occasion where they want to look better. The main question they should ask themselves is “Is it wise to risk your long term health for an event or occasion”. There are many methods to get slim quickly, some of it are as follows:-

·         Crash Diet

·         Fad Diet

·         Surgery

·         Medications

·         Herbal Treatment

How to Lose Weight Fast

Lose Weight Fast

Lose Weight Fast

If you want to Lose Weight Fast, few tips are as follows:-

1.      Drink a Lot of water. Drinking water does not add calories, when feeling urge for a snack, first drink a lot of water, it will definitely decrease portion of snack you will eat. Drink lot of water before your breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner, you will eat less meal portion than usual.

2.      Keep raw vegetables and fruits near you. Whenever you feel hungry, try to munch raw fruits and vegetables instead of regular snacks. Eat lot of salad with rich squeeze of lemon over it.

3.      Eat Fiber rich Foods. Fiber makes your stomach feel full for a longer time, Add whole grain food to your diet.

4.      Eat Complex Carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates release sugar and starches slowly, denying your body to store sugar. The complex carbs from vegetables are digested more slowly, so you remain full longer. Simple carbohydrates in foods like white bread, white rice, spaghetti etc, results in bloating, especially around your belly.

5.      Say no to Fizzy Drinks. Fizzy drinks have a lot of sugar in it, avoiding it will reduce your sugar intake, thereby reducing your weight at a faster pace.

6.      Exercise regularly and vigorously. You must burn more calories than what you have taken. Drink sugar free coffee one hour before exercise.

7.      Have at least six-hour sleep. Sound and complete sleep keeps you active and helps you to make right decisions about food choices.

8.      Select what to eat. Make a selection of food for meals and snacks every time, rather than eating anything that comes in your way. Preplanning will result in better food choices.

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16 May 2013

Yeast Infections

The scientific name for yeast is Candida.  It crops up when there is overgrowth of the yeast called Candida. A fungus lives almost everywhere, including in your body. Usually, your immune system keeps yeast under control. Yeast Infections are not STD’s.

Types of Yeast Infections

Yeast Infection

Yeast Infection

If you are sick or taking antibiotics, it can multiply and cause an infection.

  • Thrush. It  is a yeast infection that causes white patches in your mouth
  • Esophagitis. It is thrush that spreads to your esophagus. Esophagitis can make it difficult or hurting to swallow.
  • Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC). Women can get vaginal yeast infections, causing itchiness, pain and discharge.  Genital / Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC) is also sometimes called a “yeast infection
  • Genital Yeast Infection. Sometimes in men, it occurs in pubic area.
  • Skin Yeast Infections. It causes itching and rashes on effected part
  • Bloodstream Yeast Infections. Yeast infections in your bloodstream can be life-threatening

Symptoms of Yeast Infection

Women frequently experience burning, itching, soreness, discharge, and pain during sex and urination and sometimes a “cottage cheese-like” vaginal discharge. Men with genital candidiasis may experience an itchy rash on the penis.

Risk Factors for Yeast infection

Yeast Infection usually occurs more relentlessly in people with weakened immune systems. In lifetime, 75 percent of all women are likely to have at least one yeast infection, and up to 45 percent have two or more. Other conditions that may put at risk for yeast infection includes:

  • Use of Antibiotics
  • Pregnancy
  • Diabetes
  • Use of corticosteroid medications·        
  • Previous history of yeast infections 
  • Birth control pills
  • Menstruation

Prevention of Yeast Infection

Wearing cotton undergarments may help to trim down the risk of developing a yeast infection. Evidence suggests that oral or intravaginal probiotics may help to prevent frequent infections.

Sources of Yeast Infection

Candidayeasts mostly live in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina without causing symptoms. However, when an imbalance occurs, such as when the normal acidity of the vagina changes or when hormonal balance changes, Candida can multiply and build up.  In rare cases, Candida infections can pass from person to person through intimate contact.

Diagonosis and Testing of Yeast Infection

Doctor may ask questions about medical history.  Most physicians can diagnose a yeast infection without laboratory tests. The diagnosis is made by taking a sample of the vaginal secretions and examines the sample under a microscope to see if an abnormal number of Candida organisms are present. A fungal culture may not always be useful because Candida species are normal inhabitants of the body.

Treatment of Yeast Infection

Antifungal medicines eliminate yeast infections in most people. Medications cure 80 to 90 percent of vaginal yeast infections within two weeks or less, often within a few days. If you have a weak immune system, treatment might be more difficult. Antifungal vaginal suppositories or creams are commonly used. The duration of the treatment course of creams and suppositories can range from one day to seven days of therapy. We can treat mild or moderate infections with a single dose of oral antifungal medication.

 

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