Postpartum Depression May Arise From Partner Abuse

If you know of someone who is family planning, is pregnant or has suffered from postpartum depression, this study may of interest you.

The report could be useful for helping these persons or for dealing with their depression.

Researchers found that intimate partner violence is common among women reporting symptoms of post natal depression.

They found that depression was associated with physical and emotional abuse in 40% of women and that emotional abuse is more common that physical abuse.

Participants for the study were 1,305 women pregnant for the first time and were between 6-24 weeks gestation. They were given questionaires on recruitment and at 3, 6 and 12 months pregnant.

After taking into account age and unemployment, the risk of depression was 3 times higher in women who had suffered emotional abuse and 4 times higher in those who suffered physical abuse.

Health professionals are advised to be aware of these findings and to regularly enquire about a women's mental health especially during the 12 months after birth.

People Taking Antibiotics or Acne- Risk For Sore Throat

Researchers found that young patients taking antibiotics for acne treatment are more prone to sore throats than those who don't.

Two recent studies linked these patient to frequent sore throats, when compared to those who do not take the medication.

In one study 266 students answered questions as to whether: 1-They had had a sore throat during the previous month 2-They had acne and were using antibiotics regularly for it.

Ten or 2/3 of the 15 students who had acne and were taking antibiotics for it also reported having had sore throat recently.

Of the students with acne who were not taking antibiotics only just over 1/3 had a sore throat.

Experts are advising people with acne to look at the risks and the benefits of taking antibiotics.

Read more about this and the second study.

ADHD In Young Children Better with parental Training

Young children with attention deficit hyperactive disorder(ADHD) do better with parental training, according to a recent report.

Children younger than 6 years do not benefit from prescribed medication to control hyperactive behaviour.

The report from the US Department of Health & Human Services found parents behaviour training is effective with no risk of complications for preschool children.

The report recommends that pediatricians consider advocating formal training in parent strategies.

Medication appears to be effective with older children.

Ovarian Cancer Risk Is Reduced With The Pill

In a recent study researchers found that using the contraceptive pill reduces the risk of developing ovarian cancer.

The study was a large European one in which more than 300,000 women were followed . The women were taking the contraceptive pill containing estrogen and progestogen.

When compared with the women who took the pill for a year or less those who took it for 10 years had their risk for ovarian cancer reduced by almost one half.

Researchers caution against the risk of breast cancer which is greater among women using the pill. Read more on this study.

Why More Men Are Prone To Diabetes Than Women

Researchers analyzed data from almost 52,000 men and more than 43,000 women with diabetes. They found that men develop diabetes at a lower body mass index (BMI) than women; this means that they develop the disease with less weight gain. Researchers believe the result may explain why men are more prone to develop the disease than women. In the study the men developed diabetes at a mean BMI of 31.83 while the women did at a mean BMI of 33.69. A diagnosis of obesity is made when a BMI is over 30. Obesity is a risk factor for diabetes and the major non-communicable diseases, it is a global health concern for both men and women. Healthy Weight Decisions has more information on maintaining a healthy weight and what you can do for yourself to prevent diseases.

How to Recognize A Stroke

Chances of surviving a brain attack are greater if the time between the onset and the start of treatment is minimal. Here are symptoms to recognize a stroke, knowing them could reduce the likelihood of the person being severely disabled.

1. Confusion and trouble speaking
2. Difficulty moving
3. Severe headache
4. Numbness of one side of the body
5. Weakness of the face, an arm or a leg
6. Visions and perceptions problems

Learn more about these symptoms.

Calcium Plus Vitamin-D Good Against Melanoma

In a randomized controlled trial of calcium and vitamin-D supplements, researchers found a trend towards protection of the skin from melanoma. Researchers wanted to evaluate the impact on bone health and fracture. For the study 36, 282 post menopausal women age 50-79 were followed for a mean period of 7 years. They were given either 400 iu of vitamin D3 plus 1000mg of calcium, or a placebo. Researchers found that the women with non-melanoma skin cancer, who took the combination supplements developed 57% fewer melanomas than those who did not take the supplements.

Read the results of the study in more detail.

Five Ways To Prevent a Brain Attack

According to a new study a low risk lifestyle will reduce the risk of ischemic stroke by about 80%. The report on this study gave 5 ways to maintain this low risk lifestyle, they are: 1-Smoking cessation 2- To women, get off the hormones 3-Eat your vegies 4-Keep blood pressure and cholesterol under control 5-Take aspirin and blood thinners if your doctor orders them Read about these in more detail. I want to add these important actions that will reduce health risk factors that cause cardiovascular disease. They are: 1- Quit smoking 2-Keep physically active 3-Maintain a healthy body weight 4-Healthy eating There is a consumer health education program that prepares people to live a healthier lifestyle. Click Here to learn more about it or to start preparing.

Children With Food Allergies Often Face Skepticism - US News and World Report

At a recent study, researchers interviewed 26 families dealing with nut allergies, they included parents, children and teens. The study found that some children described themselves as being taunted or feeling excluded during social events. Here is a story about Bela Mehta and her son who was diagnosed with peanut allergy, read about it and the report of the study. Children With Food Allergies Often Face Skepticism - US News and World Report

Information Technology Improves Diabetes Care

Using new information technology helps improve diabetes care through diet, exercise and medication compliance.

A study involving 12 primary care practices with 163 patients looked at the role of technology in managing diabetes.

Participants received cell phones preloaded with diabetes management software, they entered their own blood glucose levels when tested.

The application:

1. Analyzed the readings.
2. Send text messages coaching the patient on ways to stabilize their blood sugar levels
3. Send educational messages for lifestyle changes
4. Send information on disease management

Patients who used the the application saw a mean drop in glycated hemoglobin of 1.9%.

Smoking Isn't Just bad For The Lungs

Smoking is bad for your lungs, but the damage to your health and body goes further and beyond the lungs. Smoking increases the risk for about 15 types of cancers, for example. Smoking is also responsible for 10 million deaths worldwide every year, 1:5 deaths in the USA is caused by cigarette smoke.

Smoking increased the risks for many diseases including:

1. Alzheimer's
2. Heart disease
3. The Skin
4. Pregnancy
5. Diabetes

Smoking is a cause of many diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and tuberculosis.

In this article the author identifies the effects of smoking on other parts of the body and the risks for the many diseases. Click Here to read.

6 Ways to Help Yourself Reach a Healthy Weight - US News and World Report

Do you need help in achieveing your weight loss goals? This article from the UsNews&World Has 6 tips to help those who are working towards achieving a healthy weight. 6 Ways to Help Yourself Reach a Healthy Weight - US News and World Report

Smoking Cessation Facts and Help

Nicotine is the killer drug in the cigarettes and cigars that people smoke. When you smoke the nicotine affects the brain making you temporarily calm and more alert; you actually get a mood boost. When the effects wear off, the cravings to be calm and alert return and you go for another cigarette for another boost. These personal benefits make it difficult to quit. Smoking however is bad for health because it is a #1 cause of various cancers, cardiovascular disease, respiratory diseases and more. It suppresses your immune system. Smoking is a leading cause of premature death.

Smoking is a modifiable risk factor that can be stopped.

There are many things one can do to quit and stay quit.

While you are a smoker:

Think about the reasons why you smoke and write them down.

Try alternate ways to keep calm and alert.

Get sufficient sleep: instead of staying up with a cigarette, hit the pillow for sleep.

Have some free time? Go for physical activity such as walking, running and cycling. Don't remain inactive too long.

Purchase a good exercise/fitness equipment for home use.

Cut out habits that seem to accompany your smoking routine, for example: A certain a past time that triggers the urge to smoke. Hang out with people you know that don't smoke.

When you are ready to quit :

• Set a date to do so
• Tell your spouse or friends and ask for their support
• Talk to a health professional and ask for help
• Join a no smoking program online
• Check out the resources available in your local community
• Hang out with non smoking colleagues or peers
• You can go cold turkey
• Try nicotine replacement therapy
• Do a test run

Weight Control

Many people report weight gain after quitting, this can make it even more difficult to stay quit. There is a way to manage weight gain when you quit.

• Start a simple weight control plan for yourself if you are overweight
• Avoid quick fix weight loss products and services
• Concentrate on controlling calories and increasing your physical activity
• Remember you are quitting

For help with quitting and weight control, there is consumer health education program that will help you. You need to subscribe for it. Subscribe Here

If quitting is still difficult , try a behaviour change program, many of them are available online.

Parents can be an example to protect children from second hand smoke.

Support cancer prevention on World Health Day.

Participate in World No Tobacco Day Event

Take the Driven To Quit Challenge . If you live in Ontario , Canada and are a smoker you can register for this yearly event .

This is a free smoking cessation website that uses hypnosis:http://www.nosmokingagain.com/

Taking a Test Run

There are actions you can take to put your quitting to the test

1. Delay your first cigarette of the day
2. Cut down on the number of cigarettes that day
3. Cancel a habit or past time that gives you the urge to smoke

Folic Acid Supplement Not Linked To Childhood Asthma

Although there have been previous reports connecting folic acid supplements used in pregnancy and child hood asthma, according to a Dutch study there is no link between the two. Researchers in the Netherlands studied 2,834 pregnant women, some were on folic acid supplements. They followed their children's health and collected data on eczema and wheezing using questionaires, at these time after delivery.

• Three months
• Seven months
• Twelve months
• Twenty four months
• Four- five years
• Six to seven years

At 6-7 years the children were assessed for asthma. Almost 7% of children developed asthma whether their mothers took folic acid supplements or not. Lung function and allergic reactions were also similar among those whose mothers took folic acid and those whose mothers did not. According to the report, the study did not confirm an association between folic acid supplements used in pregnancy and asthma in the child.

A Report On Non-Communicable Diseases

In 2008 36 million people died from non-communicable diseases, that is about 63% of the 57 million global deaths. The United Nations Secretary General declared in a recent report that while diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis have been given much attention globally non-communicable diseseas such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer have gone un-noticed. The Secretary called for urgent action to start in order to solve what he has seen as a 21st century health challenge. The risk factors, physical inactivity, obesity, tobacco use and unhealthy diet are responsible for this global epidemic. Other factors such as the aging population, the negative impact of urbanization and the globalization of trade and marketing also play a role in the increasing magnitude of these diseases. Read the report Thanks to consumer and patient health education programs people can learn to reduce or eliminate the risk factors that cause them. This health education blog is a good place to start, and to take responsibility for protecting your health from these diseases.

Don't Just Diet—Exercise to Lose Weight, Too - US News and World Report

Diet and exercise must be combined for successful weight loss, yet many weight watchers diet and not exercise to burn excess fat and calories. I want to share this report with you. Don't Just Diet—Exercise to Lose Weight, Too - US News and World Report I teach individulas to develop individualized weight loss plans for themselves, they follow the plan in order to lose weight and keep it off. Compliance is fostered for long-term commitment, with diet and exercise going hand- in- hand. View the plan

Ways to Reduce Inflammation Without Medication and Testing

Here are some ways to reduce inflammation without the use of statin drugs and heart testing:

• Stop smoking
• Think oilve oil, fish and nuts
• Get active
• Shrink your waist size
• Get enough sleep
• Reduce stress

The bottom line is be active, no smoking, develop a healthy eating pattern and control weight. By reducing these health risk factors you are not only promoting good health but you are eliminating unnecessary medical intervention.

This health education program is about educating consumers on how to prevent diseases including heart disease. Read more on this study.

Gestational Diabetes Can Be Predicted Years Before Pregnancy

According to a recent research report, predicting diabetes in pregnancy is possible years before a pregnancy. In the study the partcipants were 199 women with gestational diabetes and 381 controls. They all had health check ups and were screened between 1984-1996 for: 1-Heart disease 2-Diabetes 3-Cancer They also all subsequently became pregnant. The reseachers found that it is possible to determine women who are at risk for gestational diabetes by as much as 7 years before a pregnancy. The risk for gestational diabetes rose with the number or risk factors linked to diabetes and heart disease, they include risk factors such as: -Obesity -Hypergylcemia -Pre-hypertension -Hypertension -High blood cholesterol The researchers found that overweight/ obese women and women with mild high blood sugar prior to pregnancy were strongly linked to gestational diabetes. The result of the study mean that women with these risk factors can plan to prevent gestational diabetes later on, should there be a pregnancy.

Food choices you make every day can boost your omega-3 intake: 8 Easy Ways to Load Up on Healthy Omega-3 Fats - US News & World Report

View this slide for eight ways to load up on Healthy Omega-3 fats Food choices you make every day can boost your omega-3 intake: 8 Easy Ways to Load Up on Healthy Omega-3 Fats - US News & World Report

Prostate Cancer Screeing May Not Reduce Death Risks

Screening does not appear to the reduce the risk of men dying from prostate cancer, this is according to a recent study. The blood test prostate specific antigen (PSA) looks for high levels of the antigen in the bood. A high level indicating a cancer tumor. PSA and a physical examination have become the routine screening for the disease, but it is still controversial as to whether their usefullness outweighs the risks. According to the study there was no difference in the number of prostate cancer deaths between those who were screened and those who where not. The study involved 9,026 men, 1,500 were randomnly selected and screened every three years from 1987-1996. The others were not screened. Researhers reported that the death rates from prostate cancer was similar in both groups. Read More: Prostate Cancer Test Doesn't Cut death risk.

Diabetes? Some Ways To Keep You Out Of Hospital.

If you are a diabetic, here are some tips to keep you at home and out of hospital.

1. Do a daily foot check
2. Take care of teeth and gums
3. Go easy on salt
4. Instead of butter use olive oil Stop smoking
5. Fend of depression They are from an article in USNews&World There is also a video on managing diabetes.

Public Sees Nanoparticles as Low Health Risk

The public is not concerned about the health risks that nanoparticles pose, according to a recent study. In a survey done to determine how people viewed nanoparticles compared to other public health risks, 60% felt that they were not a risk or of low risk. Included in the survey were: -Obesity -smoking -Using cellphones -Nuclear energy -Suntanning -Drinking alcohol Those that were viewed as less risky than nanoparticles are: Commercial air travel Medical Xrays Cellphone Bood transfusion

New Treatment For Urinary Tract Infections- Promising

A new treatment using probiotic may be the answer for many women who suffer from urinary tract infection(UTI). It was only a preliminary study, but the result is promising.

Read report.

Pot Might Blunt Damage of Binge Drinking - US News and World Report

A study concluded that marijuana is safer than alcohol and may even protect against some of the damage caused by binge drinking. Participants in the study were teenagers 16-19, they were divided into three groups:

1. Binge drinkers
2. Binge drinkers who also smoked marijuana
3. A control group of neither binge drinkers nor marijuana users.

Pot Might Blunt Damage of Binge Drinking - US News and World Report

Lung Cancer Deaths On the Rise In European Women

After examining data from cancer deaths , researchers predicted a decline in the number for both men and women in 2011. Researchers studied data on deaths from WHO and the European Union from 1970- 2007. They predict death rates from stomach, uterus, and prostate cancer and leukemia will fall in 2011. Lung cancer however is on the rise among European women everywhere; more women die of the disease than breast cancer. Some experts believe that it may be cultural others believe that smoking is the cause, for women find it more difficult to quit. Smoking is an avoidable health risk factor that can be eliminated through consumer awareness and health education. Many of these programs are available online. Health education blog.

With Type 1 Diabetes on the Rise, Parents Should Know the Warning Signs - On Parenting (usnews.com)

According to recent research the number of children with Type1 diabetes is on the rise.
It is expected that by the year 2020 the number of children under five with the disease will double.
Parents are being advised to be alert for warning signs.

With Type 1 Diabetes on the Rise, Parents Should Know the Warning Signs - On Parenting (usnews.com)

Things To Know When Your'e Diagnosed With Diabetes

 

 Here are seven things to know if you been told you are a diabetic. I want to share them with you.

 

1. Know facts from fuction
2. Incoporate flexibility into your diet
3. Be aware of risks of diabetes medication
4. Ask family members to have a self assessment
5. Lower Your AIC levels without medication
6. Protect your heart
7. Know more treatment options

 View the whole article and click on the slides to get more information and diabetes education.
Click Here.

 

Higher Vitamin D Intake Could Cut Cancer Risk - US News and World Report

A study of several participants in a Vitamin-D study found than more Vitamin-D is needed to reduce the risks of major diseases such as:
-Breast cancer
-Colon Cancer
-Multiple sclerosis
-Type 1 diabetes

Researchers have reported that adults need 4,000 to 8,000 iu per day to maintain the correct range of Vitamin-D metabolites levels in the blood.


Higher Vitamin D Intake Could Cut Cancer Risk - US News and World Report

Blood Pressure Medication No Benefit Against Stroke

Stroke patients with hypertension may not be benefiting from hypertension medication, but may be at risk from taking them.
This is according to a study at Oslo University in Norway.

For the study researchers administered candesartan to 1,017 patients
with acute stroke and a systolic blood pressure of 140 or higher.
A control group was given a placebo. They were followed for six months.

The study found:
-18 patients taking the medication suffered kidney failure compared to 13 taking the placebo.
-9 Patients taking the medication had symptoms associated with low blood pressure while 5 on the placebo had low blood pressure.

Researchers concluded that medication for lowering blood pressure is not beneficial in stroke patients.


Read more on this report

Breast Cancer On The Rise In The UK

The rise in breast cancer in the UK may be driven by increasing prosperity and modern lifestyles.
According to a recent report published by Cancer Research UK, 47,700 women were diagnosed with the disease in 2008, an increase of 5000 over the previous decade.
The risk has also risen to 1:8 from 1:9 .
Factors that contribute are:

• Rising obesity
• Increase drinking
• Hormone replacement therapy
  

 Read more on this report.

With the availability of consumer health education it is possible to learn to manage one's health to prevent diseases like cancer. Using avoidable health risk factors, this website teaches people to pursue a lifestyle to reduce or eliminate them.

More Canadians Going Online For Health Info

More Canadians are turning to online sites for health information, according to a CBC survey.
Although they may feel overwhelmed with too much information, the confidence is growing.

• 41% turn to online sites centered around a specific disease, medical issue or product.
• 9% visit online communities, chat rooms or support groups
• 67% of the time they trust the information they are getting
• Women are more likely to go online for health advice

The survey was done using an online panel. Particpants were 1,514 english speaking Canadains.

Take the survey

Looking for health education online? this is a blog with scientific data, tutorials and tools to prepare people to be experts in their health.

An American Survey On Personal Health Information

 Two thousand Americans participated in a survey on the use of  their personal  health information.  The survey looked for views on privacy, access to health information and health technology.

 Most favoured were:

1. Individual choice
2. Control over personal health information

Read  the report.