Diabetics Can Enjoy The Festive Season

Diabetes should not prevent anyone from enjoying the holiday season and attending festive events.

Diabetics can still attend and participate in social events as their non-diabetics friends; they can still enjoy some of their festive favourites. The physical activity, dancing and being active are actually beneficial to their health.

Do not let a busy holiday schedule get in the way of regular diabetes care. These are things to remember:

• Check your blood sugar on time
• Take any medication on time
• Keep any medical appointments
• Ensure you have the necessary medical supplies and medication on hand

Food is a major part of most celebrations so I am focusing on eating and your health.

Dinner Events
If you are attending dinner parties, prepare ahead of time, know what your daily food requirements are for your age and gender.

Our Healthy Eating Guide is based on Canada Food Guide and is simple to use; it contains your daily food requirements. If you are concerned about information overload, you can use it to work out yours.
Click here to use it.

At The Event
-If you have to bring something, bring a nutritious dish or dessert.
-Avoid overeating-Eat small portions
-Include what you eat in your daily total food intake
-Limit yourself to1 alcoholic drink for women and 2 for men.
-If you have already had one drink for the day, it is wise to stick to mineral water, unsweetened fruit juices and tea.
-Watch out for the bad things, they are mentioned in the guide
-Avoid the gravy,salted stuff, cakes and pies
-Salt-Remember your daily recommended alowance so you don't over do it

Look for the goodies such as fruits, vegetables, unsweetened desserts. Go for lean cuts of meat and whole grain foods.

When Traveling.
 If you are traveling, the Center for Disease Control(CDC) has some medical advice for you,  while you are on the road or in the air.
Click here to read it.

Have a healthy festive holiday !

Washing Hands-A Health Safety For Santa

This holiday season one very important person is Santa Claus. How is his health managed during his tours?

This post is about hand washing to protect his health and prevent the spread of communicable diseases to others.

The World Health Organization(WHO) has guidelines for hand washing and is advising everyone to take proper hand washing precaution on a daily basis, to protect their health from communicable diseases.

The health of Santa is at risk due to the many boys and girls who shake his hand and come in contact with him.  Santa's activities were criticized during the H1N1 outbreak because proper hand washing was not used during his tours.

Since he shakes many hands and meets many boys and girls on one tour hand washing is an issue.

The spread of virus infection such as the H1N1, influenza, the swine flu and other communicable diseases is a threat to Santa Claus and other children who meet him. This places his and children's health at risk.

Washing hands before meeting with Santa will protect  his health, yours and the many children who meet him. It will protect the community from communicable diseases that are easily spread from one person to another.

Parents can ensure that their children are aware of the risk and teach them proper hand washing. Including hand washing in preparation for a Santa Claus event can instill this healthy habit in boys and girls.

Why Should We Wash Our Hands?
Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water.


This is a link to hand washing facts from The WHO.

The Threat Of Noncommunicable Diseases

Noncommunicable diseases (NCD) also called chronic diseases are a global health concern. Noncommunicable diseases are responsible for 60% of the world mortality.

What are NCD's? They are:

• Cancers
• Diabetes
• Lung disease
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Asthma

The global threat of these diseases are being presented to us by the World Health Organization(WHO).  Watch the video.

We are all responsible for reducing the global threat by protecting our own health. The global burden  shared by everyone will then be a burden reduced by everyone.

What Can You Do?

• Be informed about the facts of noncommunicable diseases
• Know the risk factors
• Remove or reduce the risk factors
• Make lifestyle changes to prevent them
• Share your knowledge
• Take responsibility

There is a health program that prepares individuals worldwide to protect their health. Thanks to the Internet and technology,  it is accessible to anyone. For more details or to join, CLICK HERE.

About Cellulitis

Cellulitis is inflammation of the tissue below the skin;  the infection most often occurs on the face, neck or legs.

In cellulitis, the cells become infected causing redness, pain, and swelling.  If untreated, the infection may spread to the lymphatic system or to the blood stream causing bacteremia.

In orbital cellulitis the infection is of the tissue surrounding the eyes and is a more serious form. It is characterized by redness, swelling of the eyelids pain and tenderness.

The infection is caused by the streptococcus pyogenes or the staphylococcus aureus. It can be picked up from someone who has a strep throat or by direct contact with infected lesions.

In children orbital cellulitis may be caused by the haemophilus influenzae.

Risk factors
Those that are at risk are those with existing medical conditions such as:

• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• AIDS
• Those with organ transplant
• Those on steroids
• Those with reduced blood circulation

    

Orbital cellulitis can occur after surgery of the face. It can be as result of an upper respiratory tract infection or sinus infection.

Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms are pain, redness, fever, swelling, chill and general malaise.

The area will feel overly warm.

When the lymph vessels are infected a thick red line can be seen leaving the area and extending to the heart.

Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by taking a medical history and by assessment of the symptoms. A swab from any infected wounds or lesions can be obtained for culture and sensitivity.  Blood tests for blood cells count would show increased white blood cells as the body tries to fight the infection.

In orbital cellulitis a CT scan will identify the extent of any damage.

Treatment
Antibiotic such as penicillin or erythromycin can be used to treat the infection.  In severe cases antibiotics would be given intravenously to prevent complications and to speed up recovery.

To relieve the symptoms, analgesia such as acetaminophen can be given for relief of pain.  Aspirin will reduce the fever.

Rest and elevation of the affected area will hasten recovery.

Most cases of cellulitis can be treated without hospitalizations. When the infection is severe; however, or if the patient is a high risk for severe cellulitis, hospitalization may be necessary.

Caring For Someone With Depression

Depression is a mental disorder characterized by sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy and poor concentration. 

Depression affects people of any gender, age or background, it affects over 120 million people worldwide and is a leading cause of disability.

Depression can become chronic affecting the person's ability to take care of himself or to do everyday chores.

Depression can lead to loss of employment and relationships with family and friends.

If your loved one is suffering from depression there are things you can do to help and make them feel.
 better. 

The loved one will need support, but support is more than a shoulder to cry on.

If you are a care giver,  you must realize that treatment is important.
 
Here are some ways to go about giving your help.

• Get active in their care- If you are a care giver , get active in their care.
• Talk about it- let them know you care
• Stay in contact-Call, visit or involve them
• Focus on small goals- Praise their small achievements
• Keep informed
• Give them help to get to and from appointments
• Encourage and remind them to take medication
• Remind them to keep doctor's appointment

This article is about many ways you can help a family member or loved one who is suffering from depression.
View the ways and read about each in more detail, they are in slide format.

Controlling Cholesterol Level With Diabetes

 There are two types of cholesterol:

1. Bad, also called LDL
2. Good, also called HDL

Adults with type 1 & 2 diabetes are at risk for heart disease and strokes even if their cholesterol level is normal. The risk is; however,  greater if the LDL cholesterol is high. 

The goal  for diabetics is to lower the bad or LDL cholesterol because it increases the risks of cardiovascular disease. The good cholesterol reduces the risks of these diseases, so increasing it will contribute to a healthy LDL: HDL ratio.

Diabetics should have their cholesterol tested every 1-3 years. if they are taking cholesterol medication it may be more often.

You can control your cholesterol  with  healthy eating, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight. These can all be combined and  done at home with self care.



 There is also cholesterol testing  that can be done at home.

Unhealthy eating, physical inactivity and overweight are avoidable health risk factors that can be eliminated without cost.
 
Healthy Eating

• Choose food with little or no cholesterol-Aim for less than 200mg per day
• Choose food with little Saturated Fat
• Choose food with no Trans Fat
• Choose food high in fibre- Aim for 25g per day or more

Physical Activity-Thirty minutes of physical activity per day or 150 minutes per week is recommended.
Walking is a simple way to keep active and to get the recommended physical activity.

Weight Control- Maintaining a health body weight is important, this can be accomplished by combining physical activity with healthy eating and by eating wisely (not overeating or binging).

Assessment of your body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference can help you develop a healthy body weight plan.  These two measurements are used by experts and are highly recommended.

There are online health programs that teach people to self-care at home to manage diseases like diabetes. Even with no medical coverage people every where can learn to take control and improve their health.

Click here for details of a Free program that can help you self-care at home and develop healthy habits.

Nutrition And The Food Groups

Proper nutrition is about healthy eating, for healthy eating food is classified into four groups. The four food groups are essential to a balance diet, but they are not equal in value.

The four groups are shown in the picture below. Can you identify them?

The four food groups in order of importance are:

1. Vegetables & Fruit
2. Grain Products
3. Milk and Milk Alternatives
4. Meat & Meat alternatives 

To maintain a healthy lifestyle and a healthy weight, it is important that the right amount of food from each group is consumed daily. The amount we need is measured by the number of servings and the size of a serving.  

Although the size of a serving is the same for everyone, the number of servings we require is based on age and gender. The number of servings we need also varies from one food group to another.

The daily food intake for overweight and obese people is the same as for everyone. With the daily recommended exercise overweight people can control weight gain.

It is essential that we eat foods from all four groups and not eliminate any from our diet. The most important group is 'Vegetables & Fruit, the second most important is 'Grain Products.' These two groups provide most of our essential nutrients.

Milk and Meat Products are the next two groups, they are associated with caution when choosing them.  They are both associated with saturated fat, for this there is a limit on  how much should be eaten and which ones should be avoided. Too much animal meat is linked to cancer, for this it is wise to eat no more than is recommended.  legumes, beans and lentils are excellent alternatives to animal meat and can be eaten without restriction.

Diabetes in Childen and Adolescents

Type 1 diabetes is a disease which occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. The disease was previously called juvenile diabetes.

Due to  deficient insulin production, children with Type1 diabetes require daily administration of insulin.
Type 1 diabetes affects children of all ages, but the poorest are hit the hardest.  Unfortunately there is no known way to prevent it.  Here are some facts:

• More than 200 children develop type 1 diabetes daily.
• 700,000 children annually under the age of 15
• 50% of children develop complications 12 years after diagnosis
• Over 50% of type 2 diabetes can be prevented
• Children die because they cannot get medication
• Children with diabetes can live full productive lives.

Due to deficient insulin production, children with Type1 diabetes require daily administration of insulin.
Warning signs:

• Urinary frequency
• Excessive thirst
• Increased hunger
• Weight loss
• Tiredness
• Lack of interest and concentration
• Blurred vision
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain

Promoting a health lifestyle will prevent them from developing type 2 diabetes. This includes:

1. Maintaining a healthy weight
2. Keeping physically active
3. Developing a healthy eating pattern
4. Avoiding exposure to second hand smoke

These children cannot afford to be overweight. They need to adopt healthy eating habits. Parents can help by setting an example and by preparing nutritious healthy meals.

Health agencies can help by supporting and funding Initiatives to reduce incidents of diabetic ketoacidosis, this will reduce the number of deaths.

World Heart Day-Make Heart Choices

World Heart Day is hosted every year to honour heart health and to raise worldwide awareness of Heart Disease. Heart disease is the number one killer globally for both men and women. The World Heart Federation has organized the biggest World Heart Day event on September 29, 2014. Watch this video.



There are several ways to get involved:
-Signing their petition
-Follow on Twitter and Facebook
-Sharing their videos
-8  Week walking challenge
-Donating
-Becoming a World Heart Day partner

 Read about them.

Don't have time to get involved on September 29?  You can participate year round by following the steps to a Heart Healthy Lifestyle.

• Quit smoking 
• Keep Physically active 
• Eat a healthy diet 
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Enjoy clean Air 
• Keep informed

 Click here to learn how to protect your Heart Health year round.

Oils and Fat for Healthy Eating

Oil and fat are important to a healthy diet. Oil and fat supply calories and essential fats; they help our bodies absorb fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K.

The type of fat we consume:  however, is as important as the amount . Polyunsaturated and mono-unsaturated fats are good  for our diet, they are  excellent sources of Omega- 3 and Omega-6.  A certain amount of these fat  in our diet is good for proper nutrition.

Saturated and trans fat contribute to an unhealthy diet and increase your risk for cardiovascular disease. We want to LIMIT saturated fat and AVOID trans fat.

Too much fat in the diet can contribute to obesity, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol and hypertension. To ensure you get the right type and amount of fat in your diet, include 45-60 ml of unsaturated fat each day in your diet. This can be fat or oils used for salad dressing, oil used for cooking, soft margarine at the table or mayonnaise.




These are recommended sources of fat:

• Olive oil
• Canola oil
• Coconut oil
• Soya Oil
• Omega 3 and Omega 6 oils
• Fish oils
• Soft margarine
• Salad dressing

 When purchasing oils, prepared food or package food products, it is wise to check nutritional labels to avoid an unhealthy fat intake. Food products with trans fat should be avoided,  choose those with the least saturated fat.

Preparing your own food will allow you to measure the fat and oil you use and will prevent you from consuming too much and the wrong type.

Epilepsy Seizures

Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain characterized by spontaneous repeated seizures of any type occurring without an immediate cause.  Epilepsy can affect people of any age.

The seizures of epilepsy, called fits or convulsions are a result of abnormal electrical signals of the brain. A seizure may last from a few seconds to minutes. The type of seizure depends on the part of the brain affected and the cause of the seizure.

Causes of Seizures
 In most cases the cause of the seizure cannot be identified; these seizures may begin between age 5 and 20.  Seizures may also be as a result of an inherited abnormality.  Other causes are:

• Head injury
• Birth trauma
• Strokes
• Family history of seizures
• Infections
• Injury during development in the womb

Some seizures are related to: Exposure to drugs, withdrawal from drugs, abnormal levels of sodium in the blood or to abnormal levels of glucose in the blood. If these seizures cease after correcting the problems, a diagnosis of epilepsy cannot be made.

Types of Seizures
The two main types of seizures are Generalized and Partial.
 
1-Generalized seizures affect all or most of the brain, they can be tonic-clonic or absence seizures.

Tonic-Clonic Seizures- In this type of seizure there is violent muscle contractions of the whole body.  It is the most frightening of seizures. The following may occur:
The body will go rigid and stiff.
Breathing may stop temporarily.
The person may utter a cry and fall to the ground.
The person may bite his tongue causing bleeding
There is confusion following the seizure.
There may be incontinence of urine and loss of consciousness.

Absence Seizures- In Generalized Absence seizures there may be minimal or no movements at all, except for eye blinking. There could be sudden loss of awareness or loss of full consciousness .This type of seizure occurs most often in childhood.

2-Partial Seizures-Partial seizures affect only a portion of the brain; it can be a simple partial seizure or a complex partial one.

The person with a partial seizure may have abnormal feelings or sensations.  Other signs  are:

• A strange smell or odor
•  Hallucinations
• Muscle contractions of a part of the body
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Feelings of déjà vu

In partial complex seizures there may also be a change in personality and meaningless behavior. There may be confusion and loss of memory.

Seizures may change over the years. Persons who have lived with epilepsy for many years may find that their seizures change as they age.

When to seek medical Attention?
Call emergency 911 if the person is having a seizure for the first time or is not wearing a medical alert bracelet.

If the person is a known epileptic call emergency 911 when:
There are repeated seizures with loss of consciousness and consciousness is not regained between seizures
There are repeated seizures over a few minutes
The seizure is lasting longer than is normal for that person

Individuals living with epilepsy would contact their health professional if their symptoms change or become worse. They would need to contact their health professional for any change in medication.

Managing Weight With Diabetes

Being overweight increases your risk for developing type 2 diabetes. If you are both a diabetic and  overweight you are dealing with two health issues. 

Once diagnosed with diabetes, maintaining good health will require both weight control and disease management. This will require health care at home; you will require special care to control your blood sugar.

 After seeing a diabetes specialist you will need to self-care at home to control your blood sugar and weight. Self-care will help you maintain good health.

A healthy weight will help you manage diabetes. A healthy weight will improve your blood glucose and prevent complications from diabetes. Any weight loss plans would be integrated with blood glucose management.

 Diet and physical activity are important in maintaining a healthy weight, but you will also need to keep your blood glucose within a target range

Remember your weight loss and lifestyle changes can affect blood glucose. Monitoring your blood sugar at home will allow you to keep track of its’s progress. There are many self monitoring glucose devices for home use that are simple to use, get one so you can monitor your blood glucose keep records of their value 

Set a goal to lose the excess weight by making changes to your diet and improving physical activity. 
Know your body mass index, this can be calculated online and is available free. Your body mass index (BMI) will be 25 and over if you are overweight and 30 and over if you are obese. 

Once you are diagnosed with diabetes work on losing 5-10 % of your body weight. You can calculate it online and from home. Ca

 If you are on medication for diabetes, tell your doctor about your plans to lose weight and ask for support and recommendations.

 Most medical professionals do not include weight control in their care so you will have to manage your weight at home with self-care.

 Weight management programs will help. Here is a weight management program that is easy to use and free, it will enable a diabetic to self-care with or without medical supervision for diabetes.
 Click Here to read about this FREE program. It can help you self-care at home, lose weight and manage your diabetes.

Eat Fish -Not Supplements

Unhealthy eating is the #1 avoidable risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as stroke, cancer and heart disease. Fortunately it is also the simplest risk factor to modify.

For healthy eating,  it is recommended that a diet includes 2 servings of fish per week, also recommended is omega 3 and 6 fish oils.

According to a recent study 2 servings of fish per week reduces the risk for strokes, but not fish oil supplements. This is another reason to place diet as number 1 and not rely on supplements.

For the study, researchers examined the association between oily fish and the risk of strokes or mini strokes; The study was a very large one involving 800,000 participants from 15 countries.The researchers examined the participants fish and long chain omega 3 fatty acid consumption. 

The study found that those who eat two to four servings of fish per week had a 6 % lower risk for strokes. Fish oil supplements were not linked to reduced risk for the disease.
 
During the study, 34,817 strokes and mini strokes were recorded.
Read more On the study

Fish is a healthy alternative to animal meat, it is recommended instead of red meat. Too much red meat has been linked to the cause of colon cancer in industrialized countries.

These oily fish that are so good for the diet are:

• Salmon
• Sardines
• Mackerel
• Trout
• Tuna

 You can develop healthy eating habits by being your first health insurance.
Click Here. 

COPD- Risk factors

Chronic Obstructed Pulmonary Disease ( COPD) is a non-communicable disease,  a chronic disease of the lungs.

The cause of COPD varies according to geographic area and socio-economic status.  In middle to high income countries tobacco smoke is the biggest health risk factor, this includes second-hand smoke and passive smoking.
In low income countries exposure to indoor pollution is the biggest risk factor, this pollution may be from:

• Biomass fuel used for heating and cooking
• Coal used for heating and household use

Even with non-smokers the health risk from biomass fuel is high.

Other risk factors for COPD are:

• Frequent lower respiratory infections in childhood
• Occupational chemicals and fumes

Protecting one's health from COPD involves certain lifestyles. Choosing to live and work in a clean air environment will contribute to the prevention of lung disease.

Smoking cessation  will protect health from COPD as well as  all non-communicable diseases and lung cancer.

Taking control of your health to prevent COPD will also protect you from cancer, diabetes, heart disease, strokes and premature deaths.

Learn how to become your first health insurance and prevent all noncommunicable diseases. CLICK HERE.

Arthritis- Methods of Treatment

The aims in treating arthritis are to control pain, improve quality of life and to restore function of the joint. These are the approved methods:

Medication:
1- To control pain
2-To relieve the inflammation-There is a group of drugs called anti-inflammatory that can be prescribed by a medical doctor.

Structured physical activity-This could involve physical/occupational therapy.

Weight loss planning- Obese people will be encouraged to lose weight.

Self-management- Patient education will prepare the person to manage the arthritis at home on a daily basis. This will require the development of specific skills.

Surgery- This will replace or repair the damage joint.

Medical aids and device-There are many devices and splints that are used to assist with joint function and to improve quality of life.  Many are available online, so people everywhere can have access to them.

The Arthritis Foundation has a number of programs to help people develop skills and increase their physical activity.

Click here to read about the risk factors for arthritis.

Arthritis- Risk Factors

Arthritis is inflammation of a joint; arthritis is a condition that affects the joints, the tissues surrounding the joints and connective tissues.

Certain forms of arthritis can involve the immune system and internal organs.

There are several forms of the condition, the most common are:

    Osteoarthritis
    Rheumatoid arthritis
    Gout
    Fibromyalgia
    Childhood arthritis

Other less common forms are systemic lupus erythematous and ankylosing spondylitis.

Arthritis can be inflammatory as in rheumatoid arthritis, or non-inflammatory as in osteoarthritis.

The symptoms of arthritis are pain and stiffness around a joint; they can develop gradually or suddenly. The condition can worsen with age.

Risk Factors
There is a genetic disposition to developing arthritis, some genes are associated with a higher risk for it.  Osteoarthritis of the knee is associated with occupations that involve repeated bending and squatting.

Other risk factors are:
    Age -The risk increases with age.
    Female gender
    Overweight/Obesity
    Joint injuries
    Infection

Click Here for the Treatment of Arthritis

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Obesity A Greater Risk For Fatty Liver

There is another reason for obese people to be concerned about their health and healthcare. This time they were compared to those who drink alcohol.

A study that found moderate alcohol consumption didn't have much effect on fatty liver, researchers found obesity to be a greater risk.

The study involved 44 people, they were instructed to drink every day for three months either:

1.  No alcohol
2.  One glass of red wine for women
3.  Two glasses of red wine for men

The fatty contents of the participants livers were measured at the start and at the end of three months.

Researchers found the fat in the liver was linked to obesity or insulin resistance, but not to red wine.  None of the wine drinkers developed fatty liver.
Click here to read about the report.

With self-care at home overweight and obese people can lose weight and keep it off.  This FREE health insurance plan has a weight loss plan that prepares individual to do just that.
Click here to read about this plan.

Breast Self-Examination

It is easier to treat breast cancer if it is found early enough and chances of survival are increased.

Regular breast examination from your doctor and mammograms are effective in detecting the disease and can save lives.

Although it is controversial, some experts recommend self-examination once a month to look for changes and lumps.

Self-examination is not a substitute for medical screenings and there are limitations with it; however, it can keep you in tune with your health and can contribute to early detection.

The Examination
The best time to examine the breast is 3-5 days after a period.

Firstly- Lie on your back.
Placing your right hand behind your head, with the middle fingers of your left hand examine the entire right breast.

With fingertips together press down using small circular motions. Feel for any lumps or thickness. Make sure you cover the entire breast.

Next-While sitting or standing examine the arm pit. Check for any discharge by gently squeezing the nipple.

Repeat the above process for the left breast, by placing the left hand behind your head and using the middle fingers of your right hand.

Next- Stand in front of the mirror with your arms by your side. Look directly at the breasts ( In the mirror) for changes in texture.

Check for any abnormal texture, shape or contour such as:

•     Orange peel skin
•     Puckering
•     Indentations
•     Nipple turning inward
•     Dimpling

Repeat this process with arms raised above your head.

Discuss any changes or concerns with your doctor right away.

Further you can participate in reducing health risk factors that cause non-communicable diseases such as cancer.

There is consumer health education program  that prepares people to develop healthy lifestyles that would protect them from diseases. Whether you have regular breast examinations or not, the tutorials will enable you to protect yourselves from breast and other cancers.

Click here to learn about it.

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A Tutorial On Healthy Eating

Good nutrition is important for a healthy lifestyle, to prevent diseases, to protect health, to promote speedier recovery from illnesses and to boost our immune system.

This tutorial will provide consumers with the basic knowledge required for healthy eating; It will enable them to make changes and modify their diet for a healthier eating pattern.
.

Good eating habits need not be expensive, nor healthy meals difficult to prepare.

Quite often; however, nutritious meals are associated with a large grocery bill and lots of time to prepare. This makes eating healthy a challenge to those on a budget or without time.

Healthy eating is not about having plenty to eat either, but about eating the right amount of the right foods.

Healthy eating is not about having a lot of meat in your diet.

 The four food groups for the purpose of healthy eating, in order of importance are:

1. Vegetables & Fruits
2. Grain Products
3. Milk & Milk Alternatives
4. Meat & Meat Alternatives

* Meat is not as important as 'Vegetables & Fruit'  or 'Grain products.' We need  more vegetables and fruit in our diet than the other three food groups.

 We use Canada Food Guide to teach healthy eating.

 *Salt, sugar and saturated fats are to be limited, they are your enemies when consumed over the limit.

 Avoid trans fat in your diet, it is a risk for non-communicable diseases, it is the bad type of fat.

 *Include fish in your diet- Two servings per week is recommended. Red meat can be replaced by legumes, beans, lentils and nuts for the food group Meat & Meat Alternatives. They are healthier choices and cheaper.


Watch this Video:
-Making Healthy Food Choices

- Article on Eating For Health& Vitality

-Study:
 The Healthy Eating Guide.

-Join this program to develop healthy eating habits.

Heart Disease- Know These Numbers

Heart disease is still the  number 1 killer globally, it is a major non-communicable disease and has experts worried because of the number of deaths worldwide.

Heart disease is preventable, but with knowledge of certain facts and numbers.  Heart disease can be prevented by developing healthy habits, the choices we make about what we eat and drink and our level of activity.

Our blood pressure and cholesterol levels are good indicators of our risk for heart disease and heart attacks.

According to report on heart disease cholesterol and blood pressure are not the only indicators of our heart health, there are more.  Knowing 14 important numbers can protect your health, your  heart from disease and prevent premature deaths. The numbers include sugar, alcohol and salt intake, the ones for healthy eating, but there are others such as:

1. Waist circumference
2. Body mass index
3. Resting heart rate
4. Hours of sleep
5. Exercise
6. Sex

The article is in slide format, there are 15 slides. To read about the 14 numbers in more detail and view each slide individually.
Click Here to start.


This FREE Online consumer health education program prepares people to develop healthy eating habits and to reduce risk factors that cause heart disease. Those who participate in this  Health Program can be their first health insurance.

Lifestyle Habits To Avoid

 I want to share this article with you, but don't be surprised by what you learn. Use  your new found knowledge to make changes to unhealthy habits.

Every day we come in contact with numerous substances; we use certain consumer products regularly making them a part of our lifestyle. According to a consumer report certain products, from water to antibacterial cleansers can cause of cancer:

The lifestyle products mentioned are:

•     Pesticides
•     Water
•     Dry cleaning
•     Non stick products
•     Antibacterial cleansers

View the slides in the article for details CLICK HERE.
 
This patient health program prepares people to reduce avoidable health risk factors that cause cancer and other other chronic diseases. Reducing them can contribute to overall health promotion.

Click for more information about this program.

Caregiving-Someone With Special Needs

Caregiving is an important responsibility that can only be replaced with self-care.  When there is a member of a family with special needs, it takes another family member to provide his self-care through care-giving.

A caregiver will improve the quality of life and replace self-care by taking responsibility for the loved-one's health care.

A caregiver; however, will be faced with responsibility for his/her own self-care, plus that of the family member with special needs.

For the caregiver there may be many challenges along the way. It is vital that the caregiver keeps a balance in his/her life to maintain health throughout.

Here are some tips from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) on how caregivers can help themselves and the loved one be safe and healthy throughout. The following topics are covered:

• Keeping informed
• Getting support
• Be an advocate
• Be empowering
• Keep balance in the family
• Take care of yourself

Click to read each in detail.

Insect Stings-Important Things To Know

More than 1/2 million people go to emergency departments each year due to insect stings. A small number die.

For those persons who are  allergic the following are key recommendations.
   - Consider an allergy shots.
    -Avoid all stinging insects including bumblebees.
    -Be aware of factors that increase the chances of a serious reaction.

The symptoms of a severe allergic reaction are:

•     Tightness in the chest
•     Swelling of the nose, lips, tongue and throat
•     Dizziness and fainting
•     Loss of consciousness
•     Hives
•     Itching and swelling in areas other than the site

For more details on the guidelines and treatment of insect sting allergies, Click Here.

Dry Eye Syndrome-A Computer Related Condition

Opthalmologists have discovered that the growing dependence on computer technology may have brought a certain health risk to computer users.

Those who use the computer for long periods or work with computers may develop dry eye syndrome from blinking too infrequently.  Concentrating for a long time without blinking can result in loss of water with eye irritation. This condition is called computer related eye irritation.

Researchers believe that stress is a factor; they believe and that a lot of dry eye is a stress response that feeds on itself.

Those at risks are home-based businesses, Internet workers, Internet marketers, webmasters  and web designers. Anyone who spends a lot of time on the computer is at risk.  Symptoms of computer related eye irritation are:

• Burning,
• Itching and
• Blurring
• Eye fatigue
• Sensitivity

Self-Care Tips:
-Close eyes for a minute or two at frequent intervals while working with the computer.
-Take a break from staring at the screen to look briefly at other objects in the room.
-Replenish the tears film with artificial tears or mist.

Natures Tears Eye Mist is a mist which can be sprayed across the eyes in a sweep lasting just a second or two. It is more convenient than applying drops, especially in an office setting.

Protect your health by developing healthy eating habits. A diet with lots of vegetables and fruit will provide proper nutrition that will protect your general health, including your eyes.

Have You Been Diagnosed With Diabetes?

Receiving a diabetes diagnosis will bring tremendous changes into one's life.  To protect your health and manage the disease education is necessary.  Taking care of your health will involve managing the medications you have to take and your diet.

Here are some useful  things to do and know once diagnosed with diabetes.

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

It will be necessary to make lifestyle changes to prevent complications of diabetes and to reduce it as a health risk factor for other health problems. Important lifestyle changes would involve diet, exercise and weight  management. Reduce or eliminate the following:

• Unhealthy eating
• Overweight/obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle

  You can learn to eliminate risk factors with these resources at manageyourhealthonline.com.

Risk Factors For Breast Cancer

A number of studies have identified risk factors that increase the risks for breast cancer.
The studies involved risk factors such as:

• Smoking
• Previous smoker
• Exposure to second hand smoke
• Body mass index
• Physical activity
• Waist and hip circumference

These risk factors are also used to teach people how to  prevent cancers and other non-communicable diseases. CLICK HERE.

One study compared women who never smoked with those who smoked for some time. The highest risks were among:

• Current smokers
• Women who smoked during their teens
• Women who smoked before their first full term pregnancy

The researchers found that those who smoked  for some time and quit had a 9% increased risk for invasive breast cancer, while those who were current smokers had a 16% increased risk.

Among those who quit, the increased risk continued for up to 20 years after.  Compared to those who were not exposed to second hand smoke, those who had extensive exposure had a 32% increased risk.

Another study looked at body mass index and physical activity. The researchers found that in postmenopausal women as the body size increases and physical activity decreases, the risk for breast cancer increases. The participants were 155, 000 women.

Women who have a family history of breast cancer or a history of benign breast tumors must protect their health by avoiding these risk factors.  All women can prevent non-communicable diseases by pursuing a healthy lifestyle.

Vitamin D-Things You Should Know

Vitamin D is called the sunshine vitamin, it is necessary to prevent diabetes, to build strong bones and teeth
 and for general health.

We produce it ourselves through exposure to the sun.

Unfortunately we need a lot more sun than we can get to produce enough vitamin-D for our health.

Due to the harmful effects of the sun we need to protect our health from it.  Actions and products that can do so also prevent us from the exposure necessary to produce vitamin-D.

Certain people are especially vulnerable,they are:

• People who live in regions where there is not enough sunlight
• People with dark skin who are naturally protected from sunburn by their pigment
• People who protect their skin from ultra violet rays with sunscreen

Because of these reasons vitamin-D has to be taken in the diet or by supplements.
 
Adults need 400IU per day, children and teenagers 200IU, babies and infants need 400IUper day.
 
Sources of Vitamin-D

• Milk  
• Eggs,
• Cheese
• Liver
• Salmon, 
• Canned tuna 
• Sardines

Some foods such as Infant formula, milk and fruit juice are fortified with vitamin D.

Breast milk does not provide vitamin-D, so breastfed babies and infants need to get their daily recommended dose through fortified foods or supplements.

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What Can Abdominal Pain Be?

If you have abdominal pain it could be a simple stomachache, it can be due to heartburn, a heart attack, menstrual cramps or even kidney stones.

The two common conditions are: appendicitis and ulcers.

Ulcers: Pain in the upper,central abdomen. It may be a few hours after eating or during the night. It may be relieved by taking antacids. An ulcer can bleed or rupture at which time it is a medical emergency.

Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix starts with pain in the center of the abdomen around the belly button. As the pain becomes worse, it moves to the right lower abdomen.An inflamed appendix can rupture at which time it becomes a medical emergency.

Seek emergency assistance for your pain immediately if:

• You have a fever
• You are vomiting blood
• You are constipated
• You also have chest, neck or shoulder pain
• You are dizzy or light headed
• Your abdomen is rigid and tender to touch

Contact your physician if the pain is accompanied by:

• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• If you may be pregnant
• Diarrhoea
• Burning or pain when urinating
• If pain becomes worse with antacids
• Nausea
• Bloating for more than two days

Your doctor will ask you specific questions such as:

• When did it start?
• How long does it last?
• What makes it feel better?
• Is the pain sharp or dull
• Is it cramps.
• Does the pain come and go? ____________________________________________________________________________

Workout Tips For Seniors

Physical activity is at the top of the list of healthy habits. When combined with healthy eating, being physically active lays the foundation for health, vitality and longevity.

The two lifestyle habits are also necessary for any weight management. Experts recommend 30 minutes 0f moderate-intensity aerobics exercise 5-7 days per week.

Here are some tips from the American Council on Exercise(ACE) on how seniors can make the best use of exercise and workout.

The tips include:
1-Cardiovascular exercise
2-Flexibility
3-Safety
4-Resistance training
5-Strength training

Click on the ACE link below for more details on how seniors can incorporate these tips into their exercise routine. TheSpec - Five workout tips for seniors.