ULCER ::: 15 Soothing Treatments

ULCER  :::  15 Soothing Treatments

 

Just a few years ago, doctors might as well have told patients with ulcers to surrender their taste buds because they were already asking them to completely give up just about every food they could taste.

 

Chili, pizza, and tacos were out. Toast, crackers, and the rest of the bland band were in. It was anything but sweet music to the ears of people who were trying to live with recurring, raging infernos in the depths of their stomachs.

 

Now specific anti-ulcer diets, including those widely prescribed bland regimens, are out, says Steve Goldschmid, M.D., an assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Digestive Diseases at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. "There is no proof of a therapeutic benefit from altering your diet," he says.

 

MEDICAL ALERT Be Wise to These Symptoms   Much of the time an ulcer is just a literal pain in the gut. But a bleeding ulcer can become serious, even life threatening.   A bleeding ulcer can drain you of enough blood to drastically lower blood pressure and stop vital organs from functioning, says Steve Goldschmid, M.D.   "If you have an ulcer and get really nauseated and suddenly throw up blood or what looks like old coffee grounds, see your doctor immediately," he says. Other symptoms of serious trouble include passing a stool that is black or one containing bright red blood. A person with a bleeding ulcer also may become dizzy and pass out.

 

What doctors currently recommend recalls that old doctor/patient conversation that, today, might go like this: "Hey Doc, whenever I eat rocky road ice cream covered with kiwi sauce, it feels like there's a blowtorch in my belly."

 

"Well," says the doctor, "don't eat rocky road ice cream covered with kiwi sauce."

In other words, listen to your ulcer and use common sense—whether you have a gastric ulcer (on the lining of your stomach) or a duodenal ulcer (on the duodenum, the part of the small intestine nearest the stomach).

 

Scientists have yet to say what, specifically, causes ulcers. But stomach acid is the prime suspect and certain bacteria and stress are viewed as possible accomplices.

Certainly ulcers are not rare—an estimated 5 million Americans have them, says John Kurata, Ph.D., an epidemiologist and associate adjunct professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, and research director of the San Bernardino County Medical Center in California.

 

Unfortunately, ulcers are also stubborn. "Ulcer disease is really a chronic disease," Dr. Goldschmid says. "Ulcers come and go." So here are some tips for living with ulcers that will hopefully make them go sooner.

 

The Alternate Route Pepto-Bismol to the Rescue The next best thing to a cure for ulcers already may be in your medicine cabinet—Pepto-Bismol.   So claims Australian researcher Barry Marshall, M.D., who tested hundreds of patients with duodenal ulcers and found that they had one thing in common: most carried the same type of bacteria. His conclusion: Bacteria, not stomach acid, may cause ulcers.   When Dr. Marshall treated his patients with bismuth (an ingredient in Pepto-Bismol that kills the bacterial invader in the stomach), the bacteria tended to disappear, and so did the ulcers.   No one, however, is going so far as to claim that Pepto-Bismol is a cure for ulcers. And some, such as Michael Kimmey, M.D., are even skeptical about the bacteria theory. "The bacteria research is interesting," Dr. Kimmey says, "but it's not been proven that bacteria cause ulcers."   But Pepto-Bismol could be worth a try, says David Earnest, M.D. "It might be useful," he says, "in certain cases where a person continues to relapse and the bacteria are shown to be present." But ask your doctor about the side effects of taking large doses of Pepto-Bismol over a long period. Pepto-Bismol does not have the approval of the Food and Drug Administration as an ulcer medication.

 

Avoid the arsonists. Whether it's an ice cream sundae or a pepperoni pizza, if it starts a fire in your stomach, don't eat it. "The foods that bother people seem to vary with each individual," says David Earnest, M.D., a professor of medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine Health Sciences Center and chairman of the Committee on Patient Care for the American Gastroenterological Association. "But obviously spicy foods may bother some people."

 

The Stress Connection Can stress cause ulcers?   Many doctors are skeptical. "Most of us think there is a lack of good evidence to show stress causes ulcers," says John Kurata, Ph.D. "But if you already have an ulcer, stress may worsen the disease."   Consider this, however: The incidence of duodenal ulcers in New York City is greater proportionally than it is in surrounding areas, according to Steve Goldschmid, M.D. And is there anyone who'll argue that New York City is less stressful than, say, New Rochelle?   Also worth considering: the case of Richard Maschal, art and architecture critic for the Charlotte Observer. He discovered he had a gastric ulcer during a period of "extreme stress on the job," he says. "I didn't see eye-to-eye—actually, detested—the person who was supervising my area." And he let it drive him crazy. He became tense!   It's not so much the stressful event that happens to us, but how we interpret it and react or overreact to it, explains Georgianna S. Hoffmann, coordinator of the Family Stress Clinic in the Department of Family Practice at the University of Iowa College of Medicine. With that in mind, here are a few suggestions for handling stress—and the ulcer it may be aggravating.   Think pleasant thoughts and talk to yourself. Maschal has a new boss, and that's helped a lot, as has the medication his doctor prescribed. But he also still catches himself heading toward tension. And only he can stop it. "Now," he says, "I take time to talk myself down."   Breathe slowly and deeply. Three or four deep breaths provide the most immediate feeling of calmness anywhere, anytime.   Exercise. "Moderate physical exercise is a very good coping mechanism," Hoffmann says.   Practice relaxation techniques. "When you relax the body, you relax the mind," Hoffmann says. "And when you relax the mind, you relax the body." Meditation, yoga, imagery, or listening to relaxation tapes, done regularly, are among the relaxation techniques you might want to explore.

 

Take it easy with milk. Long thought to be a great soother for a burning ulcer, milk's rebound effect is now well established. "Although it buffers acid for a while [and thus provides brief relief]," Dr. Goldschmid says, "it actually stimulates more stomach acid secretion" and causes more pain later.

 

Use over-the-counter antacids. They may not cure an ulcer, "but they are a good treatment for symptoms," says Dr. Earnest.

 

Don't take too many pain relievers. Aspirin has the bad reputation, but nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs—which have become very popular—are at least as hard on the stomach lining as aspirin is, says Thomas Brasitus, M.D., a professor of medicine and director of gastroenterology at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

 

Don't light up. Yes, smoking even gets indicted for contributing to ulcers. Although there is no evidence that smoking causes ulcers, they are less likely to heal in smokers than nonsmokers, says Dr. Brasitus.

 

Let it out. "Some evidence suggests that people who are frustrated and don't express their feelings very well are more likely to get ulcers," says Michael Kimmey, M.D., an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

 

Double your meals. Although many doctors are saying three normal-size meals are fine, some people may have less ulcer upset if they eat six smaller meals, says Dr. Brasitus. Food neutralizes stomach acid.

 

Don't pump iron. "Iron is a gastric irritant," Dr. Goldschmid says. "People who take iron supplements might have a lot of upset if they have a gastric ulcer."

 

Live by the moderation motto. Too much of one food or beverage could upset an ulcer. Alcohol, by the way, is not necessarily an irritant. "Moderate drinking probably does not increase the risk of developing new ulcers," says Dr. Kurata.

 

Give it time. Sometimes that's all you can do. "Ulcers have cycles," Dr. Brasitus says. "A lot of them will burn out within a few years."

........................................

 

ULCER ::: 15 Soothing Treatments

ULCER  :::  15 Soothing Treatments

 

Just a few years ago, doctors might as well have told patients with ulcers to surrender their taste buds because they were already asking them to completely give up just about every food they could taste.

 

Chili, pizza, and tacos were out. Toast, crackers, and the rest of the bland band were in. It was anything but sweet music to the ears of people who were trying to live with recurring, raging infernos in the depths of their stomachs.

 

Now specific anti-ulcer diets, including those widely prescribed bland regimens, are out, says Steve Goldschmid, M.D., an assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Digestive Diseases at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. "There is no proof of a therapeutic benefit from altering your diet," he says.

 

MEDICAL ALERT Be Wise to These Symptoms   Much of the time an ulcer is just a literal pain in the gut. But a bleeding ulcer can become serious, even life threatening.   A bleeding ulcer can drain you of enough blood to drastically lower blood pressure and stop vital organs from functioning, says Steve Goldschmid, M.D.   "If you have an ulcer and get really nauseated and suddenly throw up blood or what looks like old coffee grounds, see your doctor immediately," he says. Other symptoms of serious trouble include passing a stool that is black or one containing bright red blood. A person with a bleeding ulcer also may become dizzy and pass out.

 

What doctors currently recommend recalls that old doctor/patient conversation that, today, might go like this: "Hey Doc, whenever I eat rocky road ice cream covered with kiwi sauce, it feels like there's a blowtorch in my belly."

 

"Well," says the doctor, "don't eat rocky road ice cream covered with kiwi sauce."

In other words, listen to your ulcer and use common sense—whether you have a gastric ulcer (on the lining of your stomach) or a duodenal ulcer (on the duodenum, the part of the small intestine nearest the stomach).

 

Scientists have yet to say what, specifically, causes ulcers. But stomach acid is the prime suspect and certain bacteria and stress are viewed as possible accomplices.

Certainly ulcers are not rare—an estimated 5 million Americans have them, says John Kurata, Ph.D., an epidemiologist and associate adjunct professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, and research director of the San Bernardino County Medical Center in California.

 

Unfortunately, ulcers are also stubborn. "Ulcer disease is really a chronic disease," Dr. Goldschmid says. "Ulcers come and go." So here are some tips for living with ulcers that will hopefully make them go sooner.

 

The Alternate Route Pepto-Bismol to the Rescue The next best thing to a cure for ulcers already may be in your medicine cabinet—Pepto-Bismol.   So claims Australian researcher Barry Marshall, M.D., who tested hundreds of patients with duodenal ulcers and found that they had one thing in common: most carried the same type of bacteria. His conclusion: Bacteria, not stomach acid, may cause ulcers.   When Dr. Marshall treated his patients with bismuth (an ingredient in Pepto-Bismol that kills the bacterial invader in the stomach), the bacteria tended to disappear, and so did the ulcers.   No one, however, is going so far as to claim that Pepto-Bismol is a cure for ulcers. And some, such as Michael Kimmey, M.D., are even skeptical about the bacteria theory. "The bacteria research is interesting," Dr. Kimmey says, "but it's not been proven that bacteria cause ulcers."   But Pepto-Bismol could be worth a try, says David Earnest, M.D. "It might be useful," he says, "in certain cases where a person continues to relapse and the bacteria are shown to be present." But ask your doctor about the side effects of taking large doses of Pepto-Bismol over a long period. Pepto-Bismol does not have the approval of the Food and Drug Administration as an ulcer medication.

 

Avoid the arsonists. Whether it's an ice cream sundae or a pepperoni pizza, if it starts a fire in your stomach, don't eat it. "The foods that bother people seem to vary with each individual," says David Earnest, M.D., a professor of medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine Health Sciences Center and chairman of the Committee on Patient Care for the American Gastroenterological Association. "But obviously spicy foods may bother some people."

 

The Stress Connection Can stress cause ulcers?   Many doctors are skeptical. "Most of us think there is a lack of good evidence to show stress causes ulcers," says John Kurata, Ph.D. "But if you already have an ulcer, stress may worsen the disease."   Consider this, however: The incidence of duodenal ulcers in New York City is greater proportionally than it is in surrounding areas, according to Steve Goldschmid, M.D. And is there anyone who'll argue that New York City is less stressful than, say, New Rochelle?   Also worth considering: the case of Richard Maschal, art and architecture critic for the Charlotte Observer. He discovered he had a gastric ulcer during a period of "extreme stress on the job," he says. "I didn't see eye-to-eye—actually, detested—the person who was supervising my area." And he let it drive him crazy. He became tense!   It's not so much the stressful event that happens to us, but how we interpret it and react or overreact to it, explains Georgianna S. Hoffmann, coordinator of the Family Stress Clinic in the Department of Family Practice at the University of Iowa College of Medicine. With that in mind, here are a few suggestions for handling stress—and the ulcer it may be aggravating.   Think pleasant thoughts and talk to yourself. Maschal has a new boss, and that's helped a lot, as has the medication his doctor prescribed. But he also still catches himself heading toward tension. And only he can stop it. "Now," he says, "I take time to talk myself down."   Breathe slowly and deeply. Three or four deep breaths provide the most immediate feeling of calmness anywhere, anytime.   Exercise. "Moderate physical exercise is a very good coping mechanism," Hoffmann says.   Practice relaxation techniques. "When you relax the body, you relax the mind," Hoffmann says. "And when you relax the mind, you relax the body." Meditation, yoga, imagery, or listening to relaxation tapes, done regularly, are among the relaxation techniques you might want to explore.

 

Take it easy with milk. Long thought to be a great soother for a burning ulcer, milk's rebound effect is now well established. "Although it buffers acid for a while [and thus provides brief relief]," Dr. Goldschmid says, "it actually stimulates more stomach acid secretion" and causes more pain later.

 

Use over-the-counter antacids. They may not cure an ulcer, "but they are a good treatment for symptoms," says Dr. Earnest.

 

Don't take too many pain relievers. Aspirin has the bad reputation, but nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs—which have become very popular—are at least as hard on the stomach lining as aspirin is, says Thomas Brasitus, M.D., a professor of medicine and director of gastroenterology at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

 

Don't light up. Yes, smoking even gets indicted for contributing to ulcers. Although there is no evidence that smoking causes ulcers, they are less likely to heal in smokers than nonsmokers, says Dr. Brasitus.

 

Let it out. "Some evidence suggests that people who are frustrated and don't express their feelings very well are more likely to get ulcers," says Michael Kimmey, M.D., an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

 

Double your meals. Although many doctors are saying three normal-size meals are fine, some people may have less ulcer upset if they eat six smaller meals, says Dr. Brasitus. Food neutralizes stomach acid.

 

Don't pump iron. "Iron is a gastric irritant," Dr. Goldschmid says. "People who take iron supplements might have a lot of upset if they have a gastric ulcer."

 

Live by the moderation motto. Too much of one food or beverage could upset an ulcer. Alcohol, by the way, is not necessarily an irritant. "Moderate drinking probably does not increase the risk of developing new ulcers," says Dr. Kurata.

 

Give it time. Sometimes that's all you can do. "Ulcers have cycles," Dr. Brasitus says. "A lot of them will burn out within a few years."

 

Electrical Burns -Electrical shock

Electrical Burns 

Electrical Shock, Electrocution  

Electrical burns occur when a person is directly exposed to an electrical current. Electrical burns can result from contact with either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). Although some electrical burns look minor, they can cause extensive internal damage, especially to the heart, muscles, or brain.

 

Classification of Skin Burns 

Causes 

Electrical burns result from accidental contact with exposed parts of electrical appliances or wiring, such as:

 

• Children biting on electrical cords
• Poking utensils or other metal objects into electrical outlets or appliances, such as a plugged-in toaster
• Failing to shut the power supply before making home repairs or installation
• Dropping a plugged-in appliance into water
• Occupational accidents due to, for example, electric arcs from high-voltage power lines. (Electric arcs occur when a burst of electricity jumps from one electrical conductor to another, such as flashes of electricity from the wheels of an electrically powered train or where a trolley car connects to an overhead power line.)

 

Symptoms 

 

Symptoms include:

• Skin burns
• Muscle contraction or pain
• Numbness or tingling
• Weakness
• Bone fractures
• Headache
• Sudden hearing impairment
• Seizures
• Heart arrhythmias
• If you experience any of these symptoms don't assume it is due to an electrical burn. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If you experience any one of them, consult your doctor.
• Electrical burns can cause cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, and/or unconsciousness.

Diagnosis 

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.

 

Like other burns, electrical burns have three degrees of severity, each with distinctive symptoms:

 

• First-degree burns—injure only the outer layer of skin. They are red and painful, and may cause some swelling. The skin turns white when touched.
• Second-degree burns—are deeper and more severe. They cause blisters and the skin is very red or splotchy. There may be more significant swelling.
• Third-degree burns—cause damage to all layers of the skin down to the tissue underneath. The burned skin looks white or charred. These burns may cause little or no pain because the nerves in the skin are destroyed.

 

It may be more difficult to diagnosis damage under the skin caused by electrocution. Test may include:

• Electrocardiogram —to detect rhythm disturbances of the heart
• Urine or blood tests–to check for severe damage to muscles

Treatment 

Electrical burns require an immediate call to paramedics. If possible, shut off the electrical current from its source (such as unplugging a cord or turning off the circuit breaker). Often, simply turning off the appliance itself will not stop the flow of electricity.

 

If the current can't be turned off, use a non-conducting object, such as a wooden broom, chair, rug, or rubber doormat to push the victim away from the source of the current. Don't use a wet or metal object. If possible, stand on something dry and non-conducting, such as a mat or folded newspapers.

 

Do not attempt to rescue a victim near active high-voltage lines.

 

Once the victim is free from the source of electricity, his or her airway, breathing and pulses are checked and, if necessary, cardiopulmonary resuscitation efforts are started. The victim is covered with a blanket to maintain body heat and feet are raised above the head.

 

Ice, butter, or ointments, should not be applied.

 

Any patient with an electrical burn should be taken to the hospital for further evaluation. Treatment will depend on the severity of the burn and any other associated complications.

Prevention 

To help reduce your chances of an electric burn, take the following steps:

• Use child safety plugs in all outlets.
• Keep electrical cords out of children's reach.
• Avoid electrical hazards by following manufacturer's safety instructions when using electrical appliances. Always turn off circuit breakers before making repairs to wiring.
• Avoid using electrical appliances while showering or wet.
• Never touch electrical appliances while touching faucets or cold water pipes.

 

DNA Finger Printing

Unlike a conventional fingerprint that occurs only on the fingertips and can be altered by surgery, a DNA fingerprint is the same for every tissue, and organ of a person .It cannot be altered by any known treatment.

Fingerprinting with ink and paper , based on fingertip ridge patterns is the standard method for personal identification.Finger prints are constant throughout life, finger prints can be used to distinguish one person from any other. Similarly the DNA of every individual is also unique in its own way. Actually the method should be called simply DNA printing or DNA typing since it has nothing to do with the fingers.

 

The degree of variation in bands from one person to another is so large that the theoretical probability that the bands seen in one individual are present in another unrelated individual may be in millions. The advantages over finger prints are numerous. DNA can be isolated from any part of the body,skin cells, blood or blood stains or semen.

 

 

The human DNA is different from other living organisms Hence blood of an animal will have different DNA sequence and characteristics. Hence DNA fingerprinting is a very

quick way to compare the DNA sequences of any two living organisms.

However some of the disadvantages of DNA finger printing are:

It requires further standardization and quality control, to be universally accepted as a tool. 

There are only a few reliable labs around the world that can give accurate results

There is also 1 in 50 billion chance of two DNA sequence being similar 

 

APPLICATION OF DNA FINGER PRINTING 

It is

currently employed in paternity disputes

Identification of bodies of soldiers killed in war. It was also used for identification of the body of Nazi physician Joseph Mengele, the so-called "Angel of Death." In fact it has been used a to reunite a kid lost in the Tsunami with his parents.

To diagnose inherited disorders in both prenatal and newborn babies, like 

     a. Cystic fibrosis

     b. Sickle cell anemia

     c.Thalassemia

     d. Hemophilia

     e. Huntington's disease

     f. Alzheimer's Disease( Familial 
        Type)

     g. Huntington's Chorea

     h. Marfan's syndrome 

Many other similar disorders can be diagnosed

 

 Biological Evidence to identify criminals: Where fingerprints are not available but biological specimens are available like

blood or semen stains, hair, or items of clothing at the scene of the crime then these items may prove to be valuable sources of DNA of the criminal .Since the year 1987, innumerable cases have been solved with the help of DNA fingerprint evidence.

Personal Identification - DNA maybe the best way to identify a person as all body tissues and organs contain the same DNA type. The specimen required also is very small. In fact the US army has been doing DNA fingerprinting of  all its soldiers and has a huge databank. The DNA method for personal identification is far superior to the dental records and blood typing methods that were popularly being used.

 

natural birth control after delivery

What is the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)?

Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) is a natural, temporary birth control method. It is based on the natural fertility reduction that occurs in most women after giving birth. The fertility reduction usually lasts up to 6 months after a delivery.

How does LAM work?

LAM prevents ovulation. Since the ovary doesn't release an egg you cannot get pregnant.

A bit more detail. Most women after giving birth do not ovulate, and do not have menstrual periods in the months immediately after delivery [medspeak for the lack of periods: physiological amenorrhea]. This happens because the hormonal processes involved in breast milk production also affect the ovarian and the uterine (menstrual) cycles.

This is a natural process called lactational amenorrhea--breast milk production (lactation) causes the absence of menses (amenorrhea).

How do you use LAM?

If you have just given birth and would like to use LAM as your temporary method of birth control you need to observe these guidelines:

• You must breastfeed exclusively and continuously (day and night).

• You must be less than 6 months postpartum.

• You should not be menstruating (you should be amenorrheic) after the first 56 days. Bleeding or spotting during the first 56 days is not considered menstruation. However, after that, if you have two or more consecutive days of bleeding your menstrual periods have probably returned.

It is important that you follow all these guidelines to insure that you are protected against an unintended pregnancy. Because ovulation may return before the menstrual period does, simply waiting for the first menses is not reliable enough, and is risky.

How well does LAM work?

LAM is a temporary method and can only be used for up to 6 months after giving birth. The failure rate is 2% during the first 6 months after delivery, with perfect use. By 6 months after giving birth, the failure rate increases to over 5%.

The efficacy of breastfeeding decreases when:

• you start giving your baby formula or foods other than breast milk

• your menstrual periods return

• 6 months have passed since delivery

Who should use LAM?

If you are less than 6 months postpartum, and you are willing to abide by the LAM guidelines, you can use this method.

Who shouldn't use LAM?

Don't use this method if:

• You cannot or do not want to observe the associated guidelines (more than 6 months have passed since the delivery, you do not plan to breastfeed continuously and exclusively, your periods have returned).

• Your ovulation returns immediately after giving birth. In about 6% of women, ovulation returns with the first cycle after delivery, so if you are one of these women, you cannot use LAM.

What are the advantages of using LAM?

• It's naturally-occurring.

• It's immunologically and nutritionally advantageous for the newborn. Breast milk is especially beneficial for the newborn because it allows passage of antibodies (infection-fighting agents) from the mother to the baby. This gives the baby greater protection against certain types of infections.

• There's minimal user involvement (other then continuously breastfeeding, of course).

And the disadvantages of using LAM?

• It's a restricted and temporary method. LAM can only be used by women who have just given birth.

• Breastfeeding continuously and exclusively may be difficult and/or impractical.

• You must be willing to adhere to a healthy diet regimen and you might not be able to take certain medications. Because most of the substances you ingest are passed to the baby in the breast milk, you have to carefully monitor what you eat and drink, and what medications you take. [If you need to take a medication on a regular basis, don't just discontinue the medication on your own; please consult with your doctor first.]

• It's difficult to tell when breastfeeding no longer provides effective birth control. Because each woman is different, it is hard to determine exactly when your fertility returns after giving birth.

• The natural reduction in fertility is not seen in all women who have given birth. Although the fertility reduction in breastfeeding women is a natural process, some women will begin to ovulate almost immediately after a delivery. Unfortunately, it is not possible to predict who will have a reduction in fertility, and who will not..

Like most of the other methods of birth control, LAM does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

When does fertility return?

The return to fertility is hard to predict. In general, once you start having menstrual periods (approximately 6 months postpartum), you're fertile.

The problem is the menstrual period is not a very accurate indicator of fertility: it's possible to ovulate before menstruation returns. Once the mature egg is released from the ovary, you can become pregnant, period or no period. Moreover, even the 6 months interval isn't absolute--ovulation can return with the first cycle after delivery..

Bottom line: If you're breastfeeding and sexually active, it's best to use a birth control method. Set some time aside to discuss with your Ob/Gyn which method would best suit you. Last, but not least, LAM works best if you observe the guidelines.

Bananas: Natural Weight-Loss Food

Natural Weight-Loss Food: Bananas

Bananas come in their own perfect package, so there's no mess, no fuss -- they're the perfect take-along snack. No wonder they're one of the most popular fruits in the United States . Admittedly higher in calories than most other fruits, their calories are nearly fat-free calories.

Bananas are ideal for people looking to lose or maintain weight through sound nutrition, while also giving the body sustenance for daily strength and fitness. Bananas offer the body carbohydrates -- its main source of energy -- and provide a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium and fiber. Bananas offer an amazing fat-free package of natural energy, minerals, vitamins, and fiber.

Health Benefits

Bananas are loaded with potassium, and researchers state that adding potassium may play a stronger role in the control of high blood pressure than restricting salt. Bananas also have a lot of magnesium, a mineral that helps keep blood pressure levels in check.

Generally, fruit is a poor source of vitamin B6, but bananas are the exception; a single serving has more than 30 percent of the recommended daily amount. Vitamin B6 helps to keep your immune system performing at its peak, and recent studies have found that, like a deficiency of folic acid, a long-term deficiency of vitamin B6 may increase your risk of heart disease.

Selection and Storage

There are different types of bananas, but Cavendish, the yellow bananas, are the most familiar. To appeal to a variety of cultures, supermarkets sometimes stock red bananas and plantains -- those seemingly underripe bananas that never lose their mossy green color.

Most bananas ripen after picking, and as they do, the starch in them turns to sugar. So the riper they are, the sweeter they are.

 Look for plump, firm bananas with no bruises or split skins. Brown spots are a sign of ripening. If your banana skins are tinged with green, allow them to ripen at room temperature (don't refrigerate unripe bananas; they'll never ripen); refrigerate them once they are ripe to stop the process. They'll turn an unsightly, but harmless, black color.

Nutritional Values Banana, Yellow Serving Size: 1 (7-8") banana Calories: 105 Fat: 1 g Saturated Fat: 1 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Carbohydrate: 27 g Protein : 1 g Dietary Fiber: 3 g Sodium: 1 mg Vitamin C: 10 mg Vitamin B6: 1 mg Magnesium: 33 mg Manganese: 1 mg Potassium: 422 mg

 

Natural therapy for heart vain opening

For Heart Vein opening  

 

1)                  Lemon juice         01 cup

2)                  Ginger juice         01 cup

3)                  Garlic  juice          01 cup

4)                  Apple vinegar      01 cup

 

Mix all above and boil in light flame approximately half

hour, when it becomes 3 cups, take it out and keep it

for cooling. After cooling, mix 3 cups of natural honey

and keep it in bottle.

 

Every morning before breakfast use one Table spoon

regularly. Yourblockage of Vein's will open

(No need any Angiography or By pass)

 

 

This is e-mail received from a person working in a Software Company

Dear colleagues, I am working in Blore Software City ..... I wanted to share an incident of my life with you, hoping that it may be an eye opener to you so that you can live more years.

 

On 27^th October afternoon, I had severe heart attack symptom and I was rushed to the hospital.

 

After reaching to the hospital, the doctors prescribed a test called angiogram. This test is basically to identify blood flow of heart arteries. When they finished the test they found a 94% block in the main artery, please see the image below with red circle.

 

 

At this point, I wanted to share my living style, which has caused this block in my heart arteries. Please see the below points of my life style, if any of these points are part of your life style then you are at risk, please change yourselves.

 

1. I was not doing any physical exercise for more than 10 years , not even walking 30 minutes a day for years.

2.     My food timings are 11:00 AM Breakfast or no Breakfast, 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM Lunch and dinner at 11:00 PM to 12:00 AM.

3.     Sleeping in very odd timings, going to bed between 12:00 AM and 3:00 AM. Waking up at between 9:00 AM and 10:30AM ........ Some times spending sleepless nights.

4.     I used to eat heavily because of long gaps between lunch and dinner and I used to make sure that Non-Veg is available most of the time, there were times when I did survey on city hotels to find delicious Non-Veg dishes. I was never interested in vegetable and healthier food.

5.     Above all I was chain smoker from years.

6.     My father passed away due to heart problems, and the doctors say the heart problems are usually genetic.


Once they identified the major block they have done immediately a procedure called angioplasty along with 2 Stints, mean they will insert a foreign body into the heart arteries and open the blocked area of arteries. Please see the below image after the procedure.

 

 

 

I learnt from the doctors that 60% people will die before reaching the hospital,20% people will die in the process of recovering from heart attack and only 20% will survive .. In my case, I was very lucky to be part of the last 20%.

Doctors instructions:

1. Need to have physical exercise for minimum of 45 minutes daily.
2. Eat your food at perfect timings,like how you eat during your school days. Eat in small quantities more times and have lot of vegetables and boiled food, try to avoid fry items and oily food. Fish is good than other non-vegetarian food.
3. Sleep for 8 hours a day, this count should complete before sun rising.
4. Stop smoking.
5. Genetic problems, we cannot avoid but we can get away from it by having regular checkups.

6.Find a way to get relived from the stress (Yoga, Meditation etc).

 

So I urge you all to please avoid getting into this situation, it is in your hands to turn the situation up side down, by just planning / changing your life style, by following simple  points above.

Home Remedies for STOMACH ULCERS / H. PYLORI

Helicobacter pylori commonly referred as H.pylori are a type of bacteria commonly responsible for most of the peptic ulcers and inflammation of the stomach lining. In severe cases this infection can also contribute to stomach and other digestive system cancers.

This bacterium produces toxins which inflame or affect the cells in the stomach lining. H pylori by destroying the stomach lining allow the acids of the stomach to seep in the sensitive lining beneath.

The bacteria along with the acid irritate the sensitive inner lining and cause a sore or an ulcer. Although many people do not exhibit any signs and symptoms till the matter worsens, for other may experience a dull ache or burning pain in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, bloating, burping, weight loss, changes in appetite, bloody or black tarry stool and bloody vomit or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

H. pylori enter the digestive system through mouth via some infected food or water.

Although stomach acids are very hostile for many bacteria, H. pylori can create a low-acid buffer zone for itself and survive happily in the stomach.

Medically this H pylori treatment included antibiotics which kill the bacteria and other acid lowering treatments. But the infection can be prevented by some H pylori natural cures and taking certain preventive measures like for many other infections.

1. After using the toilet and before eating food, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with warm clean water and soap.
2. As the infection can spread through saliva also, avoid sharing the same dining utensils like plates and drinking glass as these can act as a carrier to transmit bacteria to other person.
3. Avoid consumption of contaminated water and food as this is the most common cause for getting H pylori infection.

 

When To See A Doctor

See your doctor if you experience:

 

* Severe pain between your breastbone and navel, especially between meals or early in the morning

* Blood in your stool

* Unexplained nausea

* Vomiting

* Weight loss

* Loss of appetite

Maybe you have an ulcer, and maybe you don't. A doctor can sort it out.

 

If you have been diagnosed by a stomach or duodenal ulcer due to H pylori bacteria then the following H pylori home remedies will be very helpful.

Avoid the culprits – Most people with ulcers caused due to H pylori infection can not tolerate too spicy and heavy food. If you are one of those then it would be wise to avoid certain spices like chilies, hot peppers, pepper, and fatty meals.

Elimination technique – If you are not sure which food causes the problem then an elimination diet would work best to identify the triggers. This can be done by eliminating the suspected foods for a 2-3 weeks and then slowly reintroducing them one by one to identify the culprit.

Eat well – Never over eat, even if it is your favorite food. Always have small but frequent meals, this will keep the digestive tract active.

Strict no – Say a strict no to alcohol, smoking and stress as these are the main aggravating causes for ulcers.

 

Alternative Names: Peptic Ulcers, Gastric Ulcers

 

Some of the home remedies of the stomach ulcers are:

 

Milk - Milk can help to cure stomach ulcers. You must take at least 2 or three glass of milk daily.

 

Hog Wood - You may eat 5 gm powder of hog wood daily. This will help to cure peptic ulcer fast.

 

Fenugreek (Methi) - Fenugreek (Methi) is also is also a good curative for the treatment of stomach ulcer.

 

Cayenne Pepper - This one is a good spice for the treatment of gastric ulcer. You may take one-eighth teaspoon of cayenne pepper in a glass of water twice daily.

 

Cabbage and Carrot - Another good remedy is a raw cabbage. To make for eating, take out a juice of it. You can also mix in it it some carrots in your juicer to make it go down easier! Drink half a cup of the juice before each meal and at bed time.

 

Don't take too many Pain Relievers - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen - though they may be very popular otherwise, but must be avoided by a patient suffering from peptic ulcers.

 

Avoid Smoking and Drinking Alcohol - you should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, as it may interfere in the healing process.

 

Comfrey - Drink comfrey tea or liquid acidophilus culture often to help heal intestinal and stomach ulcers.

Some other good Herbal Remedies for stomach ulcers may be:

• Bansalochan.
• Aloe Vera Juice.
• Chandan.
• Goldenseal.
• Lime.
• Marsh mellow Root.
• Vegetable Juice.
• Almond Milk.
• Barley Water.
• Red Raspberry.
• Sage.
• White Oak Bark.
• Propolis Capsules.
• Licorice Root.
• Wild Yam.

 

tummy tuck

What No One Tells You About a Tummy Tuck

Most people who decide to have a tummy tuck do so for cosmetic reasons such as they have an abundance of loose, saggy and stretched skin in their abdominal area that bothers them a great deal. However there are instances where people have a tummy tuck in order to repair abdominal muscles that are weak and are causing the person to have health problems such as constant back pain.

 

When a person has a tummy tuck because of weak muscles it is considered to be reconstructive surgery instead of cosmetic because it has to do with the proper functioning of the body as opposed to aesthetics only. When a tummy tuck is for cosmetic purposes it is unlikely that health insurance will pay for it however when it is done for reconstructive purposes the insurance company might pay for the bill partially or in some cases in full.

 

It is important to realize that tummy tuck surgery is not meant as a method for weight loss and it is not recommended for extremely overweight individuals. Instead a tummy tuck is best suited to individual of a normal weight who has some loose, stretched skin they wish to get rid of.

 

Tummy tuck surgery may be beneficial for women who have developed baggy folds of skin in their abdominal areas due to childbirth or weight loss and also women who have abdominal muscles that have been weakened due to multiple pregnancies. This surgery is also helpful for both men and women who find that despite following a healthy diet and a conventional weight loss plan they still have a great deal of fat and loose skin on their abdomens.

 

In order to have liposuction done on the abdomen, an individual must have skin that is elastic enough to bounce back and if not then the loose, saggy skin will be better suited to a tummy tuck procedure. The tummy tuck procedure is one that older individuals often like to undergo due to the fact of their age and being a little overweight can cause abdominal muscles to be weaker and/or there can be loose and sagging skin on the abdomen.

 

There are some potential patients of tummy tuck surgery who will need to wait awhile before they are able to undergo this type of procedure. People who are overweight or obese need to wait until they lose a great deal of weight and then wait a while longer for their weight to stabilize before they are deemed fit to have the surgery. Women who want to have another baby should wait until after they have done so before having the tummy tuck procedure. This type of surgery should not be undertaken until a woman has finished having children.

 

Tummy tucks are one of the top five most popular of all types of cosmetic surgeries. In the United States from the years 1997 until 2001 the amount of tummy tucks being performed jumped 72 percent.

 

Home Remedies for PTOSIS

PTOSIS     Ptosis (pronounced toe' sis), or drooping of the upper eyelid , may occur for several reasons such as: disease, injury, birth defect, previous eye surgery and age. The droop may be barely noticeable, or the lid can descend over the entire pupil . The eyelids serve to protect and lubricate the outer eye. The upper eyelid is lifted by a muscle called the lwevator muscle. The muscle controlling lid opening is the levator palpebrae superioris and it is innervated by the third cranial nerve. Ptosis is a drooping or sagging of a body part. Blepharoptosis is a drooping of an upper eyelid. Abnormal lowering or drooping of an organ or a part, especially a drooping of the upper eyelid caused by muscle weakness or paralysis. This is a more complex procedure in which muscles of the brow or forehead may be used to assist in elevation of the upper eyelid.   Ptosis is defined as a drooping of the upper eyelid below its normal level resulting in narrowing of the palpebral opening. It can affect one eye or both eyes and is more common in the elderly, as muscles in the eyelids may begin to deteriorate. Children born with ptosis may require surgical correction of the lid if it covers the pupil. There are two types of ptosis, acquired and congenital. Acquired ptosis is more common. Ptosis occurs when the muscle that usually raises the eyelid is not strong enough to do so. Congenital ptosis can also occur when the innervation to the levator is interrupted through neurologic or neuromuscular junction dysfunction. Ptosis can occur in both children and adults, but happens most often due to aging. Causes of Ptosis Common causes and risk factor's of Ptosis include the following : Blepharophimosis syndrome. Horner syndrome. Birth trauma. Diabetes. Myasthenia gravis. Periorbital tumor. Duane syndrome. Stroke. Symptoms of Ptosis Some common Symptoms of Ptosis : Drooping lid . Double vision. Difficulty closing the eye completely. Crossed or misaligned eye. Children may tilt head backward in order to lift the lid. Irritation.  Eye fatigue from straining to keep eye(s) open. Treatment of Ptosis Treat underlying condition causing the ptosis Surgery can generally be done on an outpatient basis under local anesthetic. http://www.health-disease.org/eye-diseases/ptosis.htm