Obesity Increases The Risk of Premature Death

January 21, 2009 by  
Filed under General Health

obesity
According to CDC researchers, an estimated 300,000 American deaths a year are related to obesity, but see note, below. The risk of premature death rises with increasing weight. Even moderate weight gain (10 to 20 pounds for a person of average height) increases the risk of death, particularly among adults aged 30 to 64 years. Individuals who are obese (BMI greater than 30) have a 50 to 100 percent increased risk of premature death from all causes, compared to individuals with a healthy weight.

Increased Health Risk of Heart Disease

The risk of heart attack, congestive heart failure, sudden cardiac death, angina or chest pain is increased in persons who are overweight or obese. High blood pressure is twice as common in adults who are obese than in those who are at a healthy weight. Obesity is associated with high triglycerides and decreased HDL cholesterol.

Increased Health Risk of Stroke

Atherosclerosis, or narrowing of the arteries, which may lead to the formation of an arterial blood clot, is an important pre-condition of many strokes. Atherosclerosis is accelerated by high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol and lack of exercise. Obesity, especially morbid obesity is frequently associated with a high-fat diet, raised blood pressure and lack of exercise. Thus obesity is now considered an important secondary risk factor for strokes.

Increased High Blood Pressure

This may then also lead to:

Headaches

Ear noise & buzzing

Tiredness

Shortness of breath

Excessive sweating

Confusion

Vision changes

Nose bleeds

Blood in urine

Kidney damage / failure

Strokes

Increased Health Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

A weight increase of 11-18 pounds raises a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes to twice that of individuals who have not gained weight. Over 80 percent of people with diabetes are overweight or obese. This may account for the newly invented word, “diabesity”®, which signifies the close association between obesity and diabetes.

Increased Health Risk of Cancers

Obesity is associated with an increased risk for some types of cancer including endometrial (cancer of the lining of the uterus), colon, gall bladder, prostate, kidney, and post-menopausal breast cancer. Women gaining more than 20 pounds from age 18 to midlife double their risk of post-menopausal breast cancer, compared to women whose weight remains stable.

Increased risk of Erectile Dysfunction

This stressful disorder is often linked to Insulin Resistance, an imbalance in blood glucose and insulin levels associated with excess weight and obesity. Being overweight can place extra strain on the cardiovascular system and disrupt the delicate balance required to achieve an erection and, therefore, cause ED.

Excess insulin created by Insulin Resistance is implicated in ED because it damages the endothelium of cardiovascular vessels. The endothelium is the layer on the inside of the vessel which secretes chemical mediators that instruct the vessel to contract or relax. To achieve an erection, a release of nitric oxide from the endothelium creates vascular dilation, which allows vessels to fill with blood. This influx of blood is necessary to achieve an erection. Any decrease in nitric oxide supply to the penis caused by the insulin-damaged endothelium lessens or prevents vascular dilation and contributes to erectile dysfunction.

If neglected, excess weight gain can also lead to other conditions linked to ED like the cluster of increased risk factors for cardiovascular disease called Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X) as well as Pre-Diabetes, which, if neglected, can lead to irreversible Type 2 Diabetes. Between 35-50% of men with Diabetes experience ED because the disease can damage nerves and arteries, making it difficult to achieve an erection. However, major weight loss can be achieved can by reversing Insulin Resistance, thus removing major factors in the onset of ED.

As many as 70% of ED cases are caused by cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. This disorder is a type of hardening of the arteries in which cholesterol, fat and other blood components build up in artery walls via poor diet and lack of regular exercise resulting in excess weight gain.

As the condition progresses, the arteries to the heart may narrow, reducing the flow of oxygen-rich blood and nutrients to the heart and brain. This restriction can also reduce blood flow to the tissues of the penis, causing ED.

Other excess weight and obesity-linked cardiovascular diseases that can cause ED are hypertension (high blood pressure) and high levels of triglycerides and LDL “bad” cholesterol in combination with low levels of HDL “good” cholesterol – all factors in reversible Metabolic Syndrome.

Increased Health Risk of Fatty Liver Disease

The main cause of non alcoholic fatty liver disease is insulin resistance, a metabolic disorder in which cells become insensitive to the effect of insulin. One of the most common risk factors for insulin resistance is obesity, especially central abdominal obesity. Studies indicate a correlation between body mass index (BMI) and the degree of liver damage. The higher the BMI the worse the liver disease.

Obesity is a Risk Factor for Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Although obesity is not a direct cause of chronic venous insufficiency, it is an important risk factor. This is because obesity, especially morbid obesity, leads to raised blood pressure, a sedentary lifestyle and musculoskeletal problems (hampering mobility and use of leg muscles), all of which are contributory factors in the development of chronic venous insufficiency. Obese patients also have an increased health risk of other vascular disorders (eg. lower-limb ischemia), caused by inadequate blood flow to the extremities.

Increased Health Risk of Gallbladder Disease

The risk of gallstones is approximately 3 times greater for obese patients than in non-obese people. Indeed, the risk of symptomatic gallstones appears to correlate with a rise in body mass index (BMI).

Increased Health Risk of Breathing Problems

Obstructive sleep apnea (that is, interrupted breathing during sleeping) is more common in obese persons. Obesity is associated with a higher prevalence of asthma and severe bronchitis, as well as obesity hypoventilation syndrome and respiratory insufficiency.

Obesity and Deep Vein Thrombosis

Risk factors for deep vein thrombosis include prior history of the disease, vascular damage, hypertension and predisposition to blood clotting. Although obesity (BMI 30+) has traditionally been recognized as a risk factor for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, experts now consider that the evidence supporting this association is inadequate, as much depends on other factors such as history, illness, immobility, and age.

Increased Health Risk of Arthritis

Musculoskeletal disorders, including osteoarthritis, are much more prevalent among obese patients, especially patients diagnosed with severe clinical or morbid obesity. Health studies show that obesity is a strong predictor for symptoms of osteoarthritis, especially in the knees. The risk of osteoarthritis increases with every 2-pound gain in weight.

Increased Health Risks for Expectant Mother and Baby

Obesity has a strong detrimental effect on the health of both mother and new-born baby, both during and after pregnancy. Obesity while pregnant is associated with a higher risk of death in both the baby and the mother. It also raises the risk of high blood pressure in the Mom, by 10 times. Obesity during pregnancy is also associated with an increased risk of birth defects, such as spina bifida. Obesity-related health problems occurring after childbirth include higher risk of wound and endometrial infection, endometritis and urinary tract infection.

Psychological and Social Effects of Obesity

Emotional suffering may be one of the most painful parts of obesity. American society emphasizes physical appearance and often equates attractiveness with slimness, especially for women. Such messages make overweight people feel unattractive.

Other Risks:

- Elevated serum cholesterol levels

- Elevated LDL (”bad” cholesterol) levels

- Decreased HDL (”good” cholesterol) levels

- Elevated triglyceride levels

- Decreased blood oxygen

- Decreased testosterone levels

- Irregular menstrual cycles

- Incontinence

- Increased surgical risks

- Tinnitus

- Reduced immune function

- Swollen joints / fluid retention

- Muscular aches and pains, particularly:

Neck

Shoulders

Chest

- Biomechanical injuries & faults, including:

Sunken arches / flat foot

Heel spurs

Plantar fasciitis

Shin soreness

Creaking knees

Achilles tendonitis

Calcific tendonopathy

Sprained ankles

Bone chips

- Impotence

- Infertility

- Loss of libido

Health Improvements after Weight Reduction

The good news is that losing a small amount of weight can reduce your chances of developing heart disease or a stroke. Reducing your weight by 10 percent can decrease your chance of developing heart disease by improving how your heart works, blood pressure, and levels of blood cholesterol and triglycerides. Studies show that you can improve your health by losing as little as 10 to 20 pounds.

Is Snoring a Serious Problem

January 20, 2009 by  
Filed under General Health

snoring
Snoring is a serious problem which may distract your spouse’s sleeping. Use multiple or heavy pillows. This will help you to breathe peacefully and stop snoring. You should avoid alcohol or sleeping pills that cause sedative ness. This will block the air passage and cause snoring. You can stop snoring by avoiding this. You can avoid any dairy products before going to sleep. This will help to stop snoring.

You can sleep on your sides instead of sleeping on the back. As the tongue and throat rubs the sound is produced. More people use tennis ball on the back to prevent lying on the back. This will help to stop snoring. You should follow some regular sleeping time to stop snoring. You can also try to sleep in hard pillows rather than soft pillows. This will make your breathing easy. You should not eat heavy food like cakes, cookies etc before sleep. Indigestion may cause snoring.

Low carbohydrate food can stop snoring. So avoid any heavy meals at nights. Avoid sweets and soft drinks at nights. This will dehydrate your body and tempt you to breathe by mouth and as a result you may have snoring. Smoking will induce snoring. Stopping the habit of smoking will ultimately stop snoring.

If you have nasal blocks then try to take steam in before sleep. It will help to clear your nasal passage and stop snoring. You can use nasal strips to stop snoring. There are some anti snoring pills available in the market. You can use them after consulting your doctor.

You can use Noizelezz or somnaguard to stop snoring. Heavy snorers can use these products. Wear Noizelezz if you are open mouth sleeper and wear somnaguard if you are closed mouth sleeper.

You can stop snoring by following some regular sleeping pattern. You can stop snoring by losing your over weight. If you are over weight then you may have more snoring problems. Losing over weight will stop snoring. Some limited exercises like stretching and light walking can stop snoring.

Snoring is not a disease but it may be a symptom of any disease. You can avoid snoring by wearing some anti snoring mouth guards. Sleep pro is a boil and bite type mouth guard. You can wear them by putting it in hot water. It moulds and fits in your teeth and restricts snoring. You can select custom fit model or ordinary model. Both are effective in stopping snoring.

You can also use snoring sprays that can be applied to the soft tissues of your throat. You can use this to avoid noisy vibrations and to breathe smoothly through nasal passage. You should care about your pillows. Old pillows may cause dust allergies and can cause breathing problems. This in turn will cause snoring. SO use a firm and neat pillow to stop snoring.

Mouth breathing can cause snoring. You can use some devices available in the market to keep your mouth closed while sleeping. This will help to stop snoring. Stress may cause snoring. So you must learn to manage stress to stop snoring. Sometimes snoring may be the symptom of strokes or hyper tension. Treatment to such disease may stop snoring.

MRI and Ultrasound: The Two Vital Branches of Radiology

January 19, 2009 by  
Filed under Medical Technology

MRI
Radiology involves the study of images of internal organs of a living human body. A Radiologist is a physician who reads the results of various radiology exams. Before the arrival of diagnostic imaging, it was only a patient’s death that allowed doctors to study the internal organs of the human body.

Radiology was initially the branch of medical imaging that made use of x-rays on large flat sheets of photographic films for diagnosis. Modern day radiology is no longer confined to the practice of x-rays and now encompasses other methods of diagnostic imaging such as Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ultrasound. Unlike other branches of radiology, MRI and Ultrasound have become a separate method of diagnostic imaging that does not involve the use of ionizing radiation.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that combines a large powerful magnetic field with radio frequencies, to gaze into human body, without the use of x-rays. It is the type of an emission imagining that produces detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and other internal body structures, without the use of ionizing radiation. A detailed MRI allows doctors to better evaluate parts of the body and certain diseases that may not be assessed adequately with other imaging methods such as x-ray or computed tomography. MRI scans produce the highest quality of soft tissue contrast of all other forms of diagnostic imaging and is especially beneficial for the imaging of the brain, spine and musculosketal system.

Ultrasonography or ultrasound technology is an effective diagnostic modality that uses high frequency sound waves to visualize various organ and organ systems in the human body. It is an example of reflection imaging that produces real time images. Ultrasound procedures are commonly used to examine the abdomen, small parts, veins, arteries and the female reproductive system. Because there is no harmful radiation, ultrasound has a critical role in obstetrics and fetal imaging. Ultrasound is also often used during emergencies for rapid diagnosis of medical, surgical, obstetrical and gynecological problems. Radiology Departments provides services to outpatients, in-patients and emergency patients with the help of state-of-art equipment. Ultrasound technologists conduct ultrasound studies to provide the radiologist and referring physicians with the necessary information to diagnose and evaluate their patients.

MRI and Ultrasound modalities have occupied a vital position within the world of radiology. Not only do they produce computerized images, but are also involved in the diagnosis of patient ailments and has narrowed the bridge between any undetected illness. The demand for radiologists and diagnostic imaging technologists are significantly increasing. Workforce shortages in the health care industry are attracting a wide range of individuals to begin their career within the radiology field.

Anti-Aging Solutions

January 18, 2009 by  
Filed under General Health

anti aging
Anti-aging solutions are available in plenty on the market. However, most claim their solution works better than other anti-aging solutions do, therefore depending on your skin type, and the reviews available, you can find the best anti-aging solution for your skin.

Avotox B/C

You can take your chances on Avotox B/C for $95 bucks. According to reports, Avotox offers no reduction proof of wrinkles; however, the advantage of using the anti-aging solution is that it improves texture and color of skin.

Avotone

Avotone is another of the anti-aging solutions that provided no effects to few, and the reports claimed no advantages came from using the solution. The cost is apparently high. Therefore, the solution has a money back guarantee up to two months. It is wise to take advantage of the guarantee according to the dissatisfied reporter.

Other reports claim the same anti-aging solution is to satisfaction. The solution supposedly is easy to use, and has fragrances and tingling sensations. The effect of using the anti-aging solution is less and the cost is high. According to the satisfied party, the solution gave slight effects.

Another person using the same anti-aging solution Avotone claimed that there were no positive effects for around $90. The advantages were nil, however the product had no reversal side effect on the person.

The person noticed no obvious changes except trivial tingling after using the product for a few months twice daily, yet the wrinkles remain. According to one-report the solution gives off a stiff feel and pasty feeling, thus skin moisturizers is optional after using the anti-aging solution.

Yet another person using the same solution claimed that it gave him excellent results. After a short time of usage, the skin became smoother, and the wrinkles started to fade. The expense according to the person was the only setback. According to one source the anti-aging solution in a few days began delivering what it claimed to do.

Still, another report claimed that the solution had no apparent effect, and unlike few reports, the review claimed an exasperating aroma, pricing, and incapability to deliver what it claims is the disadvantage.

Like Botox, which is apparently an anti-aging solution that is injected and reduces wrinkles as a result, Avotone claims the same yet you do not experience painful injections.

The name of the anti-aging solution started with Avotox, changed to Avotone, and is comparable to other anti-aging solutions, including Strivectin and Botox. According to marketers and manufacturers the solution work to smooth out the wrinkles while vaguely is paralyzing the muscles underlying the skin, which leads to wrinkling of the flesh.

One review claimed that the solution did nothing to improve or decrease the lines after using the anti-aging solutions for a couple of months to reduce crowfeet. Like other reviews, the person claimed the ghastly aroma was lasting and that it applied with a greasy feel. The person claimed that Botox does work.

Thus, Avotone may work for you if you do not have stronger than usual muscle tone according to the report. Other reports on the same anti-aging solution gave excellent reports, claiming the product was a ‘miracle’ while others gave negative results from using the solution.

Thus, we can see that skin type may have something to do with anti-aging solutions and how they work. Still, the anti-aging solutions are of high cost, thus play at your own risk when considering anti-aging solutions.

Nicel

Nicel is one of the anti-aging solutions available; however, after using the product, you can find nothing other than a radiant glow once applied. The glow leaves until the next application and lines, or crowfeet are still showing.

Avon Solutions

Avon Solutions for reducing wrinkles including Avon Retroactive did nothing for reducing wrinkles according to reports. The anti-aging solution is claimed to have a friendly aroma, however no results came from using the solution.

The only benefit of this anti-aging solution according to few is that the solution is cheaper than most anti-aging solutions and provides moisture to the skin. However, cheaper solutions could give this same result.

Causes and Symptoms of Dimentia

January 17, 2009 by  
Filed under Mental Health

mental health
Our mental health can vary according to our circumstances and can change across our lifetime, in the same way as our physical health does.

Mental health problems are among the most common of all health conditions, directly affecting about a quarter of the population in any one year. Depression and anxiety are the most widespread conditions.

Mental Health – Type of Dementia

Dementia is the loss of mental functions, such as thinking, memory and reasoning, that is severe enough to interfere with a person’s daily life. Dementia is not a disease itself, but rather a group of symptoms that may accompany certain diseases or conditions. Symptoms may involve changes in personality, mood and behavior.

Causes of Dementia

• Vascular disorders, such as multi-infarct dementia, which is caused by multiple strokes in the brain

• Depression

• Infections of the central nervous system such as meningitis, HIV, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a quickly progressing and fatal disease that is characterized by dementia and muscle twitching and spasm

Causes of Mental Health Illness

Although the exact cause of most mental illnesses is not known, it is becoming clear through research that many of these conditions are caused by a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors.

Symptoms Of Mental Health Disturbance

ACTING DIFFERENT THAN USUAL. Can you link this change in behavior to something that has happened recently? Any event, such as the death of a close relative, or even something positive – like a job promotion – can trigger a troublesome emotional reaction.

BECOMES AGGRESSIVE, RUDE, AND ABUSIVE OVER MINOR INCIDENTS.

Are there remarks about groups or individuals “out to get me?” If that last remark was made in all seriousness, and blowups and violent physical behavior occur, there is a strong indication some help may be required.

The greatest symptoms which trigger mental health concerns have to do with the person’s ability to function. When they suddenly start missing a lot of work or school or losing jobs, not eating or eating too much, barely sleeping or not sleeping at all, and seem to be irritable or angry with everyone and everything, these are usually early symptoms of mental health issues. As symptoms progress the individual may experience self harm such as cutting or burning themselves and taking unnecessary risks with their safety. Any significant drastic change can be a symptom of a mental health issue

Failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest

Deceitfulness, as indicated by repeated lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure.

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