Showing posts with label Health and wellness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health and wellness. Show all posts

Sunday, May 20, 2018

The Main Causes of Acid Reflux

The acid reflux is a common disorder that is related to the valve that exists at the entrance of our stomach. This is generally a muscle ring and is most commonly known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The normal process consists of the LES closing as the food goes through it. If the LES has the delayed or inconsistent closing and opening time, it may make the acid to move into your esophagus. If this symptom is occurring more than twice a week that means you are most likely to be suffering from the acid reflux disease. This is also known by another name Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Both the names are equally popular in different parts of the world and are used widely. The main Causes of Acid Reflux are briefly discussed in this article for further information.

The Main Causes of Acid Reflux


Why does it happen?

There are really a huge number of reasons that could make it to the Causes of Acid Reflux. The main reason that makes you suffer from this disease is a stomach abnormality that is called hiatal hernia. In a normal body, the diaphragm will help to keep the acid within your stomach. But in case you are suffering the hiatal hernia the acid is being moved to your esophagus. This movement of acid can produce a lot of symptoms of the acid reflux to occur.

Also read: 5 reasons you feel bloated after eating

The other most common Causes Of Acid Reflux are:
  • Smoking on a regular basis
  • Pregnant women are more likely to suffer
  • Taking the blood pressure medications
  • Depending on some of the muscle relaxers
  • Regularly taking alcohol
  • The high amount of caffeine can also lead to it
  • Having a large amount of spicy or fatty food can also lead you to sufferance
  • Having snacks close or just before your bedtime
  • Bending at your waist or lying on the back after taking a heavy meal
  • Being obese or overweight
  • Lying down right after you take any meal
  • Eating chocolate, mint or garlic in extreme amounts on a regular basis

Also read: 5 foods that can calm the symptoms of GERD

What to do about the acid reflux disease?

Every disease has its own results and consequences on our bodies and must not be ignored in the first place. It is not vital for you to simply oversee any difficulty or health disorder that you are facing. The Reflux Disease Causes sounds to be common and a simple one but can have its own worse effects on any of the body. That is why you are recommended to go for an early medical visit if you encounter any of the symptoms or Causes Of Acid Reflux in yourself or any dear one. It can really cause a lot of adverse effects if not taken care of at the right time or ignored for too long. The disease must not be taken lightly and is to be treated with proper care and medication. You can always check out a number of online sources for any kind of help in this matter.

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

How Your Dentist Can Save Your Heart?

Poor oral hygiene could risk your heart health!
Many studies have proved how not taking proper oral care could hurt your heart a great deal. This may not sound a warning signal to many but don�t take it lightly, as you just can�t ignore the health of your teeth and gums. If you did, it might have some serious repercussions on your overall health.   

If you still think that poor oral hygiene can only make your smile dull and ruin facial aesthetics, it�s time you smelled the coffee, saw the bigger picture and consulted the dentist. There is a strong connection between your oral hygiene and heart disease. And this is something you just can�t ignore.   

Also read: Blood shot eyes: Causes, symptoms and treatment

There are several dental problems that have a negative impact on your heart. And most of them originate from poor oral care. In fact, lack of brushing, flossing, tongue cleaning on a daily basis could push your health down a lot. So, be better prepared!


How Your Dentist Can Save Your Heart?


Here are some of things not ignore ever when you have dental problems -

Get your root canal done at the earliest

Did you know that those who need a root canal are nearly three times more prone to acute coronary syndrome? Well, this means there will be triple the risk of clogging of the heart arteries that can cause a heart attack.

Clearly, you must never leave a cavity left untreated else it might worsen leading to deep decay. Root canal is needed in cases where someone develops a root tip infection either in the pulp or in the tissue of the tooth�s center.  

Must read: 8 teeth whitening methods that gives the best result

Get bacteria from your mouth removed as soon as you could
If you have tooth infection, there is always a possibility of the bacteria spreading to other parts of the body. So, naturally, the bacteria can reach to your heart and cause infection. This level of infection might turn serious in cases where someone�s heart is already damaged due to heart disease.

Consult the dentist even if you don�t have a heart problem

The bacteria from tooth infection is also very harmful to those with no history of heart problems. In such cases, the body often reacts to the bacteria and tries to fight it off by initiating inflammation in the system. And you should know that too much inflammation is often associated with the development of plaque in the blood vessels and arteries. Which can damage the heart a lot.          

Dental problems may lead to stroke 

Not taking proper oral care may lead to dental problems where most of them involve bacterial growth in oral cavity. With bacteria, there is always a chance of body producing inflammation. This can this create blood clots which is often responsible for stroke or heart attack. 

Also read: 8 simple ways you can take proper care of your heart

Get regular dental cleanings and examinations 

There are no symptoms of root tip infection. People who suffer from it can�t feel pain. This problem can�t be spotted unless an x-ray is done upon the patient. This is why you should visit the dentist at least once every 6 months and get cleanings and examinations. Only then can you expect tooth decay problems to be spotted early and right treatment be started to minimize heart problems.  

Ask the dentist about right techniques of brushing and flossing 

Even if you have got done dental implants Manhattan, you should still ask the dentist about right techniques of brushing and flossing. The same holds true for fillings and gum treatments. After all, unless you know the right way to brush and clean between the teeth, your oral health can never reach an optimum state for sure.  
   

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Varicose Vein Treatment To Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

For a long time, doctors at varicose vein treatment centers have observed an association between patients having varicose veins and a propensity to develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT), i.e. dangerous deep blood clots. Furthermore, there have been published research reports showing a statistically significant correlation between varicose veins and DVT. However, the sample sizes used to gather data for these previous studies were all rather small. The small sample size involved in previous studies cast a slight doubt about the association.

Varicose Vein Treatment To Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)


All of this changed on February 27, 2018 when the world's first large scale study proving a strong correlation between varicose veins and DVT was published! Making it an even more significant study, the work was published in the well respected and peer reviewed Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). This research is the strongest evidence we have to date that varicose vein treatment can literally save lives by reducing the chance of developing DVT, as well as other dangerous diseases (see below).


The research was published by a panel of eight Taiwanese scientists from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University. The large scale study involved 212,984 patients with varicose veins and another 212,984 patients without varicose veins who served as the control. The source for the data was the claims database of Taiwan�s National Health Insurance Program so the data can be trusted as it all would have been supported by competent medical reports and screened for accuracy. The claims were made over a thirteen year period from January 1, 2001 through December 31, 2013.


None of the patients included in the study presented with any evidence of DVT when they initially made their claim. The patients in the group with varicose veins were all at least twenty years old and had a mean age of fifty-four and half. A little over sixty-nine percent of the varicose vein group were women with just over thirty percent being men. The control group was selected to be extremely close in age and gender ratio to eliminate these two variables as factors in the study. Thus, the large scale study was designed well.


The elapsed time before the follow-up looking for DVT (dangerous deep blood clots) was 7.6 years. The results were remarkably clear and statistically highly significant! The group that had varicose veins had a whopping 5.3 higher chance of having DVT than the control group! Furthermore, the researchers also discovered a significantly higher incidence rate in the varicose vein group for both pulmonary embolism (PE) and peripheral artery disease (PAD), 1.73 percent and 1.72 percent respectively, although the study was not designed to exclude other potential factors for the development of these correlated diseases, such as smoking and weight gain (obesity).


This is the first large scale study that clearly demonstrates why people with venous disease should receive varicose vein treatment as a life saving procedure. All too often, varicose vein disease is not taken as seriously as it should be. Insurance companies often resist in paying for varicose vein treatment procedures like sclerotherapy, endovenous laser ablation, radiofrequency ablation, and ambulatory phlebectomy even though these procedures have been long established to prevent deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and peripheral artery disease! The new study should make it abundantly clear to anyone who should try to claim otherwise!


Pulmonary embolism (PE) is when a deep blood clot dislodges, travels to the lungs, and becomes lodged there. This is a life threatening event that requires emergency life saving procedures and a careful full time critical watch over a patient. While peripheral artery disease (PAD) is not usually life threatening, it is still considered a very serious disease. In fact, it can shorten one's lifespan significantly due to complications that can lead to life threatening events like heart attacks and strokes. When you think about the fact that a relatively simple thirty minute varicose vein treatment can prevent these life threatening diseases, you have to wonder why some people still consider varicose vein disease "benign" or even "just cosmetic."


Deep vein thrombosis is known as a "silent killer" since most people who have these dangerous life threatening blood clots don't even know they have them. However, if you are evaluated at a good varicose vein treatment center like Metro Vein Centers, you'll be able to find out if you have one or more of these dangerous deep blood clots. You'll also be able to find out if you have varicosity in deeper veins that you can not see from the surface of your skin. Just remember that many varicose veins, including some of the most serious, cannot be seen through the skin because they are too deep.


At Metro Vein Centers, you can have some of the best vein experts in the country do a duplex ultrasound to see not only inside your legs but actually inside your deepest veins! To set this up, just call one of their locations. Good luck to you! We sincerely hope you do not have a deep blood clot or hidden varicose veins. However, if you do have them, it's far better to know about them so you can receive varicose vein treatment to alleviate the dangers.

Monday, February 26, 2018

Red Bloodshot Eyes - Causes, Symptom, and Treatment

Red bloodshot eyes is described as a condition where the blood vessels located in the outer surface of the cornea appear swollen and in some cases, broken with minor bleeding giving the eye a reddened appearance on the sclera. This enlargement of blood vessels stems from an inadequate oxygen flow to the cornea. The extent of the redness in bloodshot eyes may range from minor redness in the corners of the eyes to localized reddening on specific parts of the cornea which is a result of hemorrhage in the blood vessels located in the cornea. Bloodshot eyes do not evoke a major medical concern until they accompany other serious symptoms like eye pain, hazy vision and fever.

Red Bloodshot Eyes - Causes, Symptom, and Treatment


SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of bloodshot eyes vary from person to person which are dependent on the actual cause that leads to reddening in eyes. These include:

  • Redness or bright red blotches in the cornea
  • Discharge
  • Gritty feeling
  • Inflammation on eyelids
  • Colds
  • Headache
  • Visual disturbances
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Pain in the eyes
  • Burning sensation
  • Nausea
If you experience pain and disturbances in your vision along with reddening of the cornea, you need to get yourself examined by an opthalmologist to avoid any damage to your vision.

Also read: Natural remedies for Eye floaters

CAUSES


Allergies


Any inflammation on the outer surface of the eye can be a result of allergy to external irritants like pollen, dust, chemicals, cosmetics and environmental pollution. Allergic red eye accompanies other symptoms like sneezing, coughing and watery eyes.


Dry Eyes


Staring at bright screens for long durations lowers the blinking rate of eyes and leads to dry eyes. Severely dry eyes have a greater likelihood of turning into red eye, if adequate measures are not undertaken to treat the condition.


Sub-conjuctival Hemorrhage


Bloodshot eyes often appear as bright red patches on the cornea which are caused by bleeding in blood vessels located in the cornea. This bleeding is termed as Subconjunctival Hemorrhage and may be brought on by factors like hypertension, a blood disorder called hemophillia or as a side effect of blood thinning medications.


Contact Lenses


Wearing contact lenses on a regular basis influences tear production in the eyes making them dry and irritated. If the lenses are not disinfected properly, they may lead to inflammation and infections in the eyes resulting in bloodshot eyes.


Eye Infections


Bacterial or viral eye infections are one of the factors leading to development of Red eye. Also termed as Pink Eye, this condition leads to inflammation on the outer membrane lining the cornea and the eyelids giving a reddened appearance to the eyes.

Also read: Top 10 natural remedies to get rid of syringomas


Sleep Disorders


Disruptions in sleep patterns adversely affect eye health and lead to inflammation of tiny blood vessels in the eyes, thereby causing dry and red eyes.


Injury


Any injury to the eye may lead to bruising or bleeding from broken blood vessels in the cornea. The physical trauma may also result in inflammation in the cornea leading to red eye.


Alcohol Consumption


Excessive alcohol consumption gives rise to dilation of blood vessels which makes the blood in the vessels flow at a higher speed making the eyes appear red and inflamed.


Glaucoma


Many people suffering from glaucoma report redness in the eyes along with blurry vision. This condition is a result of damage to the optic nerve which causes pressure in the eyes and makes them appear inflamed.


TREATMENT


Treatment of bloodshot eyes is done by adopting a two-pronged approach targeting the symptoms and cause behind the condition. Most cases of bloodshot eyes can be resolved at home without seeking any medical help. If you notice pain and blurred vision or if the condition is caused by injury, inappropriate use of contact lenses and other underlying conditions like glaucoma or subconjunctival hemorrhage, it's better to get yourself treated by an eye doctor. We have outlined some ways to manage symptoms of bloodshot eyes at home.

Common Symptoms of Stroke in Older Adults

There are a few common types of stroke symptoms among seniors which may help family caregivers to better understand the early symptoms of the disease. By knowing these symptoms, you can help your aging loved one manage his or her daily activities and encourage him or her to live a healthy life.

Common Symptoms of Stroke in Older Adults


Difficulty Performing Daily Tasks

Seniors who are on the verge of stroke may experience severe changes in vision, speech impairment, sudden confusion, or issues related to coordination.  During a stroke, seniors may not be able to speak properly or have difficulties answering simple questions. Other signs of stroke may include feeling sudden disorientation, trouble waking up easily, or difficulties in accomplishing daily tasks.

Seniors who need help with stroke-recovery should seek assistance from an expert and trained caregiver. Huntsville home care providers can help seniors by offering live-in caregivers to enjoy greater independence and receive mental and social stimulation at home. Caregivers are trained in many holistic care methods, which can be beneficial for seniors to speed up the recovery process.

Paralysis and Weakness

Muscle weakness, stiffness, paralysis on one side of the body, are a few major effects of stroke observed in older adults. Paralysis can occur in senior men and women both, and it may affect the whole right or left side of their body. Seniors who are experiencing a stroke may have a lopsided smile or a drooping eyelid which occurs because some of their facial muscles are disabled.

Stroke Symptoms in Senior Men and Women

Common stroke symptoms in senior men are difficult to detect because the changes are abrupt. For example, your aging loved one may take a while to answer your simple questions, he or she may be unable to walk straight, or experience changes in vision. Apart from senior men, stroke symptoms can be hard to detect among women because they are complex and subtle. Hallucinations, confusion, severe headaches, or fatigue are a few stroke signs common in senior women. They might feel one or a combination of many symptoms during or after the stroke.


How To Recognize Stroke Symptoms

The FAST test is the simplest and easiest way to recognize stroke symptoms in seniors regardless of the gender. To perform this test, ask your senior loved one to smile and if he or she drools while smiling, his or her facial muscles may be paralyzed.  For checking another sign of muscle weakness, ask your loved one to raise his or her arms, and observe whether one arm sags or appear to sink more than the other one.

To investigate slurry speech, have your loved one speaks an easy and simple sentence or a phrase, if he or she is unable to speak then consider calling emergency services. Also, take your loved one to the hospital if you observe any of the stroke symptoms such as speech impairment or recurring headaches.

Caring for a senior loved one who is recovering from a stroke can be challenging and overwhelming for family caregivers. However, family caregivers don�t have to face the daily challenges alone and can turn to Huntsville home care services for comprehensive stroke care. A reliable caregiver agency can offer live-in caregivers who can help seniors live safely and comfortably at home.

Author Bio

 Marina Torres is fun loving and loves to blog. She is a story teller, a foodie and looks forward to anything adventurous. She is a seasoned writer with experience in writing on any topic that catches her fancy. Currently, she is working for Home Care Assistance of Huntsville

Monday, February 19, 2018

5 Foods That Can Calm The Symptoms Of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

In out today's world, there are many people who are suffering from acid reflux, which is commonly known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). This is gradually becoming a menace that needs to be curbed. GERD is a digestive disorder that affects the stomach, and the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). In this post, you will get to see 5 foods that can calm the symptoms of GERD.

5 Foods That Can Calm The Symptoms Of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)


Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease involves the backflow of the contents of the stomach, including the acid up into the esophagus. The most painful symptoms of GERD is heartburn. Heartburn is simply a burning pain or discomfort that you can easily feel from your stomach to your abdomen, chest, or throat. Other symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease GERD) includes; bloody vomiting, regurgitation, burping, nausea, hiccups, wheezing dry cough, weight loss, chronic sore throat, and bloating.

Also read: 10 simpple and practical tips to reduce bloating fast

One major thing you need to place into consideration when you are suffering Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is your diet. There are certain foods you should avoid eating during this period as they can trigger the symptoms of GERD. Such foods include; cheese, tomatoes, fried foods, milk, chocolate, citrus fruits, soda and refined sugars, spicy foods and lots more.

Still talking about diet, the good news is that there are some foods that can help you relieve the symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Below are foods that are suitable for people suffering from acid reflux as it can help ease the symptoms.

5 Foods That Can Ease The Symptoms Of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)


1. Turmeric

Just like most herbs and spices, turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It also contain curcumin, which is known as its most active ingredient. Curcumin is also known to possess antibacterial and anticancer properties. A study in 2007 indicated that Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) should be treated with antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. Another study also suggested that curcumin with its anti-inflammatory effects could prevent esophageal inflammation. 

Must read: 5 amazing health benefits of turmeric powder in health and beauty

2. Celery

Celery is an alkaline food. As a result of its nature, it can neutralize acid in the stomach. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that could help protect your stomach lining and reduce the risk of stomach ulcers.

3. Oatmeal

A 2005 study also suggested that an intake of high fiber could also reduce the risk of acid reflux symptoms. Oatmeal and other whole grains are examples of foods that are highly rich in fiber. Consuming lots of fiber-containing foods may also help prevent acid reflux.

Must read: Soluble and insoluble fiber foods suitable for weight loss

4. Ginger

Ginger has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. These properties are very healthy for your gut as it could heal digestive problems. Ginger also has the ability to decrease stomach acid production. Simply add it to your meal or make it as a tea to calm the symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

5. Wild Salmon

Wild salmon is a good source of astaxanthin, an antioxidant that could calm acid reflux symptoms especially in patients with indigestion or Helicobacter pylori (a bacteria that causes stomach ulcer). Wild salmon is a fish that is low in fat, and it is good for those suffering from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

Thursday, February 1, 2018

Preventing Alzheimer's Disease Naturally: 4 Simple Things You Can Do

The human brain is an important organ just like the heart, and it needs to be taken care of as well. Even till date, many people still assume that humans don't have control of what goes on above the neck, which is not true. In fact, over 60% of humans still believe Alzheimer's disease (a form of cognitive decline) is just another natural occurrence when people get older. Fortunately, that is not true as well. Alzheimer's is a disease and not an inevitable condition that happens along with aging.

Preventing Alzheimer's Disease Naturally: 4 Simple Things You Can Do


The good news is that you can play an active role in reducing your risk of cognitive issues, be it Alzheimer's or other problems that arises as you age. You can begin to take charge of such roles now, whatever your starting point. Preventing Alzheimer's disease naturally can become a reality if you adopt this four important and simple habits.

4 Simple Ways Of Preventing Alzheimer's Disease Naturally


1. Move around

You can walk, dance or simply do anything that will keep your body moving. Engaging in physical activities enables your body to clear up a substance known as amyloid, which is believed to accumulate and "gunk up" the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. Amyloid can start accumulating in your brain up to a decade or two before the symptoms start. The only thing that can lower amyloid in the brain us exercise. You should aim to get at least 20 to 30 minutes of purposeful activity in most days of the week. This simply means you should get involved in exercises that increases your heart beat.

Must read: 16 best exercises to reduce belly fat fast

2. Get your mind involved

Thinking in a new or deeper way can help boost your mental prowess. For instance, talking about the key themes in a movie rather than just rehashing the plot counts as thinking deeply, because it requires reasoning and attention.  Feeling engaged in varieties and being challenged all helps to build a healthier mind.

Another thing is that simple executing the same rush-rush routine on a daily basis squanders your mental energy and deprives your brain from making stronger, and more essential connections. These strengthened connections are a resource that your brain can use if the main pathway gets weakened by aging or clogged up later as a result of plaques that form with dementia. Even though your daily schedule is fixed and you can't likely change it, you can aim to think differently and add some brain-healthy pauses to your day.

Getting yourself seriously busy by doing more, more, and more is not always helpful. The more information your take in, the more shallowly you think. Giving yourself some minutes of rest can quite some of the  mental noise that is getting in the way of the thoughts that is valuable to your brain. In all your dongs, more often you should step away from what you are doing and walk around to clear your head.

Must read: 10 tips to improve your brain memory and boost cognitive function

3. Set up and ideal bed time

Sleep time is the period your brain does its housekeeping. During bed time, it feels as if there is a janitor inside your brain that cleans up some toxic by-products that may be a precursor ti amyloid.

You should simply change the way you think about bed time. Reframe your hours of bed time and make is a priority or a must-do, like other appointments in your schedule.

Also read: 10 tips that can make you sleep better during menopause

4. Treat your heart right and your brain will love it too

All those healthy moves you do make to keep your heart and body in shape, your brain loves them too. In other words, what is good for your heart is also good for your brain.

It is important you note that the risk factors for Alzheimer's disease are similar to those for heart. They include high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, obesity, and diabetes. Therefore checkmating all these risk factors means you are also helping to keep your Alzheimer's risk in check.

A heart-healthy eating pattern us associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline. You should eat foods such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, nuts, and fish. adopting all these healthy lifestyle can go a long way in preventing Alzheimer's disease.