Archive for March, 2010

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Best Air Cleaners – What Is The Best Air Cleaner For Your Home?

Comments: 0March 22nd, 2010 by admin



Air cleaners are of different types based on different technologies; however a few ones are really best. Many people are allergic to dust contaminants and therefore air cleaners are necessary equipment for them as the air cleaners are capable to restrict dust particles. Pollutants such as bacteria are also harmful to us and we have many air cleaners capable to restrict bacteria also.

The various technologies that are generally adopted by air cleaner manufacturers include HEPA (high efficiency particle arresting), Ozone generators, ion generators, ionic breeze and electronic or electrostatic. Some of the renowned manufacturers of air cleaners include Blue air, Air-O-Swiss, Allerair, IQair and Austin Air.

Blue air and IQ air are the best air cleaner manufacturers. Blue air produces various models and model 501 and 601 are amongst the best cost effective models suitable to clean for medium to small room size from 400 square foot to 800 square foot. These models are available from a range of $400 onwards. Blue air models comes with the 10-year warranty the highest in this segment in the industry. Further the energy conservation tag makes these the perfect choices for individuals having needed to clean a small to medium room.

Blue air models are fitted with the HEPA filters and the unique features of these filters is that these can be vacuumed and cleaned for a longer life. If you do not want to reuse the filters, there will be a need to replace the filters within 6 to 9 months time. The Blue air models come with a filter change alarm and LCD display.

IQAir is another top manufacturer of air cleaners and its healthpro series is most popular and is in high demand due to its air-filtered quality. These models are available from $650 onwards and although the cost of these air cleaners is higher than the competitors, there is a huge demand for these air cleaners in the market. The air quality from these is of highest standard therefore people having allergy towards dust find these useful. The elegant look and slim models are capable to clean the big room even up to 900 square foot capacity. These models come with a five-year warranty. These are the industry standards now.

The next best air cleaners include of Aller Air and Austin Air. These are available from a moderate range of $200 and above. Air cleaners from Aller Air are based on HEPA, activated carbon and UV technology. Austin air models are based on HEPA, activated carbon and potassium iodide technology. These products come with the various features and therefore are preferred by many people, as these are available in low price range. So these are a few best air cleaners available in the market. Although most of the cleaners are HEPA modification technology, Blue Air and IQ Air products still remain the number one choice of millions of people.

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Posted in Allergy And Sinus

Alcohol Abuse

Comments: 0March 20th, 2010 by admin



Alcohol has been around for centuries. In fact, it is arguably the oldest abused chemical around. It has definitely had its ups and downs in popularity throughout the years. There are groups and countries that ban its use. There are religious sects that warn against its intoxicating ways and the immoral behavior associated with it. For generations, alcohol has continued a love/hate relationship with humankind. Love from the ones who like to drink it and hate from the ones who have seen lives destroyed by it.

In any major city today you may see a homeless man or woman holding a cardboard sign up, usually at a busy intersection, asking for money. What is the common and sadly, usual response to this? I would give them money but they’re just going to use it to buy booze. It’s a familiar situation to most Americans today. What is more regrettable is they are probably right. The person on the busy intersection corner is more than likely an alcoholic. Even today in the well informed society we live, many people associate alcoholism with the homeless wino, begging for money and living under bridges. But this is only partly true. The homeless alcoholic, begging and living under bridges accounts for only 3% of the entire alcoholic population. Surprising, isn’t it?

Many alcoholics have event-filled lives, jobs, families, homes, cars and pets. They may have never been in trouble and maybe have never had a DUI, not yet at least. They live to drink and drink to live while keeping up appearances to the outside world. But ask anyone who lives with them, or has seen them in an alcoholic stupor, and they will be quick to say otherwise. They know the truth and more than likely, the neighborhood, the boss, the teachers and coaches, family and friends do as well. It may be the secret no one talks about but everyone knows. Some of them may secretly wish for the time when the alcoholic will gather up enough will-power to stop on their own. Again and again they will quietly wish for something that will probably not happen.

But what is the difference between an alcoholic and somebody that just drinks? Leaving scientific debate aside, there are usually four classes of people who drink and only one of them is an alcoholic.

The first class of drinker is the Social Drinker. This individual usually drinks a glass of wine or a beer with friends at a social gathering or event. They have a low tolerance to alcohol and don’t ingest very much of it. They can put down a glass half full of alcohol and walk away, bothering them not one bit. The social drinker literally can take it or leave it. They may or may not have alcohol in the house. If they do, it’s for special occasions and is rarely brought out. The social drinker may have a bottle of alcohol that has been sitting in a cabinet for months or even years. Alcohol is absolutely not an issue for them.

The second class of drinker is the Problem Drinker. This individual enjoys drinking with others but rarely drinks alone, if at all. They like parties, bars and the social scene but every once in a while, a problem will arise due to their drinking. Maybe it’s relationship that has soured because of their drinking or even a DUI. Maybe they lost a job or went into a rage while drunk and threw the television out of the window. The problem drinker will have problems, even serious ones, but they are not alcoholic. Something will happen in their lives and they will be able to stop on their own. Maybe the DUI smartened them up and they stopped or slowed down considerably. Maybe the television being thrown out the window wasn’t such a grand idea and they stop. Maybe that last girlfriend, or wife, they lost because of drinking woke them up and they decided to stop. Whatever the reason, they can and probably will stop drinking by themselves.

The third class of drinker is the Chronic Drinker. This individual drinks heavily, maybe everyday and has for most of their lives. They may have lost a lot in their lives due to their drinking. Maybe those around them question whether they are alcoholic or not. They may even question it themselves. They drink alone or with other people. They’re drinking is definitely cause for concern. They may even have a damaged liver from years of hard drinking. But like the problem drinker, something will happen in their lives that will cause them to stop drinking. Maybe the doctor will warn them to quit or possibly die. They may need medical help to come off the booze. But the Chronic Drinker can quit drinking and lead a relatively normal life without alcohol.

The fourth class of drinker is the Alcoholic. This individual drinks because there is no other choice. Many alcoholics understand the term maintenance drinking. No matter who or what is lost, they continue drinking. Regardless what the doctor says, they may try to slow down or stop, but will be right back to their old selves in no time. When an alcoholic starts to drink, they usually cannot stop until the desired effect of oblivion is achieved. They may or may not realize the one drink theory applies to them. One drink and they are off to the races all over again. They are utterly incapable of leaving alcohol alone for any extended period of time.

The definitions above are in no way an exact model. An honest appraisal of oneself will reveal the truth. There are many alcoholics who need to change but don’t want to change. If every alcoholic was admitted to a treatment facility based on need, there wouldn’t be enough facilities to handle the load. Treatment and aftercare meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous are there for people who want it. Do you?

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Posted in Alcohol

Icicles and a Crescent Moon – Get The Facts And A Few Practical Tips On Avoiding Sickle Cell Crisis

Comments: 0March 20th, 2010 by admin



This could be the description of things you’d see on a crisp wintry night. But for many these words describe the shape of their red blood cells, a tell-tale sign of Sickle Cell Disease. Sickle Cell Disease is a hereditary condition, occurring in children whose parents both have the sickle cell trait. Sickle cell can be a very painful, sometimes debilitating illness. The red blood cells in individuals with sickle cell are less flexible, and can lose their usual rounded, disc-like shape, to become sickled-shaped, with jagged edges, kind of like an irregularly shaped icicle or a crescent moon. Because these oddly shaped cells do not travel easily through the smaller blood vessels, they tend to gather and cause blockages, which is why these individuals experience pain. The location of pain is directly related to where the ‘sickled’ cells have gathered. When blood flow to the major organs is occluded, pain may feel more generalized, and life threatening complications may occur. During these acute, painful episodes, the condition is known as Sickle Cell Crisis (SCC).

Sickled cells also have a shorter life expectancy than normal red blood cells, which can lead to anemia, hence the term sickle cell anemia. The red blood cells carry oxygen, which the body needs to function, to all the tissues and every organ in the body. If there are too few red blood cells, the patient may experience symptoms of anemia: unusual fatigue and weakness, breathlessness, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and possibly a host of other symptoms, depending on the severity of anemia.

Blood transfusions are given to patients with moderate to severe anemia. Other problems commonly associated with SCC are infection, and severe pain. The treatment includes: rest; antibiotics to fight infection; intravenous fluids for hydration and increased circulation; and narcotics for pain relief. Organ failure is a less frequent, but very dangerous complication, and it requires specific supportive care for the affected body system(s).

September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. The observance originated in 1975, but President Reagan signed the resolution to designate September as “National Sickle Cell Anemia Awareness Month” in August, 1983. Ironically, September is the perfect month to dedicate to learning about Sickle Cell disease; it’s the beginning of fall–the beginning of the cold season, the beginning of the holiday season…the beginning of the SCC season!
In my experience as a nurse, I’ve noticed that the number of patients admitted to the hospital in sickle cell crisis increases dramatically during these times. Crises can be brought on by anything that leads to constriction (narrowing) of the blood vessels, circulatory problems, decreased oxygenation (too little oxygen in the blood), or decreased hydration (less liquid in the blood causes the blood to be thicker). People with sickle cell will never be disease free, but they can lead relatively normal, healthy lives if they take some steps to help prevent the actual crises. Here are some helpful hints to make this winter season as pain free as possible:

*Exercise regularly, but not to the point of exhaustion.

*Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, especially during warm weather. And drink plenty of fluids during exercise (in addition to the 8 glasses per day).

*Reduce or avoid stress. Tip: yoga, exercise, daily meditation, and self-hypnosis are very good tools for relieving stress.

*Treat any infection fast, see your doctor ASAP.

*Always wear warm clothes outside in cold weather and inside in air-conditioned rooms during hot weather. Never swim in cold water.

*Take warm baths on a daily basis. Relaxing in a jacuzzi can be very beneficial, but always check with your doctor first. The temperature may be too warm for some individuals (i.e. pregnant women, men with a low sperm count, and other people with certain illnesses).

*Limit how much alcohol you drink.

*Don’t smoke. If you do smoke, quit.

*If you experience pain that is not relieved by mild analgesics or whatever the doctor has prescribed for you, see your doctor ASAP. You may be heading for crisis and require hospitalization, but your duration as an inpatient may be shortened by prompt medical attention.

Happy, Healthy Fall!

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Posted in anemia

This is Normal During Pregnancy

Comments: 0March 17th, 2010 by admin



A woman’s body goes through many changes during pregnancy and some of the changes like gaining weight were expected, but some of them like constipation, were not. A few changes that are normal during this time, along with some suggestions that may be helpful is following, nevertheless, always talk with your doctor before doing any of these things.

Iron

The baby needs enough iron so that his/her brain will develop in a healthy way. Babies who do not get enough iron during development stand the possibility of having, learning problems. This could be dealt with by eating peas, lentils, red meat and eggs.

Swelling

Many women find that during their third trimester, one, or, both of their feet and ankles swells. This is mainly due to a lot of water in the body, but as a mom to be, you should not reduce the quantity of water that you are drinking. Instead, stay off your feet as much as possible and whenever you are sitting, you should elevate it a little.

Additionally, when sitting do not cross your legs because this will cut off the blood circulation and cause cramping.

By also wearing loose clothing, this will give the body breathing space and do not forget that a lot of rest and exercise is also advantageous.

Constipation

Constipation in pregnancy is very common and this occurs because the food moves a lot slower than usual, during this time. However, by eating food that is high in fibre such as whole grain, vegetables and fruits will be helpful. Do not forget to drink lots of fluid, especially water, but stay away from laxative because it can bring on premature labor pains.

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Posted in anemia

Cocaine Treatment and Signs of Cocaine Use

Comments: 0March 16th, 2010 by admin



If you or someone you love is struggling with a cocaine addiction, then the best course of action is generally going to be getting them into treatment. This is most likely going to be a drug rehab of some sort, probably an inpatient rehab center. This is really one of the best options because it insures that the person will at least stay clean and sober while they are in rehab, because it is a controlled environment and they are generally searched before they can enter.

Now if you are trying to figure out if someone you know is using cocaine on a regular basis, then there are some signs you can watch out for that might cause you to think this. Keep in mind that these types of behaviors could also indicate abuse of other drugs as well, not necessarily just cocaine. One sign is that they are not sleeping or eating much, and they are staying up for all or most of the night.

They will probably be losing quite a bit of weight and will drop at least a couple of sizes in their overall figure. They might be irritable and cranky at times and then elated and super happy at other times. And of course they might be gone at strange hours, keeping different company all of a sudden, and hanging out in new and strange places that they normally would not be in.

If this is the case then you can always try to confront the person and encourage them to get help at a rehab center.

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Posted in Alcohol

General Aspects of Leukemia

Comments: 0March 15th, 2010 by admin



Many people suffer from leukemia these days. A large number of cases of cancer are identified to be leukemia. Leukemia is a sort of cancer of the blood and marrow. The disease is characterized through the overproducing of immature blood cells (stem cells) that aren’t able to fully develop and to carry out the activities of normal blood cells.

According to their functions and structure, there are three different types of cells within the normal blood: red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Through the process of hematopoiesis, these three types of blood cells are developed from a distinctive type of blood cell called stem cell. Stem cells divide and go through several stages of development to finally form a mature blood cell of a particular type, with a certain, distinctive function in the body. The process through which a stem cell morphs into a mature blood cell takes place within the bone marrow.

According to the speed of development and the persistence of the disorder, there are two types of leukemia: acute leukemia and chronic leukemia. Acute leukemia is known to develop very rapidly, while chronic leukemia is developed slowly. According to the types of blood cells affected by the disease, leukemia can either be lymphocytic or myelogenous.

Lymphocytic and myelogenous types of leukemia are developed from different types of cells: the lymphocytic type of leukemia develops from cells called lymphoblasts or lymphocytes in the spongious tissue of the bones, while the myelogenous type of leukemia (sometimes refered to as myeloid and myelocytic leukemia) develops from myeloid cells.

In the case of acute forms of leukemia, the abnormal cells come from early, immature cells. Such forms of the disorder have a very fast rate of development, due to the fact that normal stem cells tend to multiply frequently. Leukemia cells usually don’t divide faster and more frequently than normal stem cells, they simply don’t stop their process of division when they should. Sometimes the numbers of white blood cells are very high, while in other cases they can be normal or low.

Chronic leukemia, apart from its slow development, is different from acute leukemia by the level of maturation that the diseased cells are able to reach. Stem cells affected by chronic leukemia reach a higher level of maturation but they present abnormalities and they can’t act as healthy white blood cells do. Unlike acute leukemia, in the chronic form of the disease the unhealthy cells have much longer periods of life and they tend to accumulate in different parts of the body.

Leukemia affects people of all age groups. While children usually respond better to the treatment for leukemia and sometimes deal well with the disease, adults difficultly cope with this form of cancer.

Regardless of age and sex, many people are diagnosed with forms of leukemia. Children tend to respond better to some types of leukemia, while adults difficultly cope with the disease. The cases of acute leukemia exceed those of chronic leukemia by approximately 10 percent. Older adults seem to be affected the most by acute leukemia. Around two thirds of acute leukemia cases seem to occur after the age of 60.

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Posted in leukimia

Alcohol Abuse in the Army

Comments: 0March 15th, 2010 by admin



Alcohol abuse has reached an all time high in the US military. For almost twenty years now, the army has been unable to lower the figures of military personnel who are alcohol abusive drinkers. Findings show that military people between 18 to 25 years of age tend to drink more than their civilian counterparts.

As is the case for most abusive drinkers, stress and tension are the primary forces behind such excesses. The military personnel however, face an altogether different kind of stress. Their training programs are not only physically demanding, but also mentally challenging. To make them tougher and ready to deal with any kind of situation, they are deliberately put through strenuous training. Many try to look for solace in alcohol to deal with so much exertion. Many even find it difficult to strike a comfortable balance between their family and military responsibilities. At times of war or conflict, pressure and expectations increase.

Things are especially tough for women military personnel. They need to establish themselves and prove their worth in what is traditionally defined as a “man’s” arena. With an extra burden of this kind, tensions reach sky high. Sexual harassment at work is another issue, which women have to tackle with.

The army recognizes the need to control this rise in the number of abusive drinkers. Such activities affect the over all performance of the army, as it reduces efficiency. An ill and hurt soldier is of absolutely no asset to the army during war. Studies show that soldiers who drink heavily are more likely to abuse their spouses and are also involved in all kinds of personal clashes with each other, creating bitterness in the working arena.

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Posted in Alcohol

Vitamin B12 – Energy in a Bottle!

Comments: 0March 15th, 2010 by admin



Introduction

B-12 has so many excellent uses. It is a water-soluble vitamin. B-12 is necessary for the proper function of the nervous system and helping your body to make blood. Vitamin b12 is known for the energy and vitality it imparts to individuals who take it. It is sometimes called Energy in a Bottle! The source of B-12 is chiefly from dairy products and meats.

B12 Deficiency

A deficiency may lead to anemia and problems with the sensation of vibration. Anemia can make one continually tired or fatigued and even crave things such as clay or ice. Your energy is depleted!

B-12 deficiency is also associated with dementia and mood disorders. A deficiency could possibly alter your pap smear results. Excessive alcohol intake, chronic stomach diseases, strict vegetarianism, or any chronic poor absorption states places one at increased risk for b12 deficiency. Also, recent research suggests that diabetics on a certain medication may be at increased risk for b12 deficiency. If you are a diabetic, discuss this very important issue with your health care provider. Finally, the older we get, the greater the risk of b12 deficiency. Individuals over the age of 65 may be at greatest risk.

Injection vs Oral

What is the best way to take this vitamin? Is B-12 best taken by swallowing, injection, or sublingual (dissolved under the tongue)? Injections for the most part are expensive and unnecessary unless there is inability to take oral and poor absorption. High dose oral can be as effective as injections. However, sublingual provides a very efficient and rapid restoration of B-12 levels. Sublingual gets around the issue of poor absorption in the gut.

Final Thoughts

My recommendation is sublingual b12. However, the final decision should be made in conversation with you and your health care provider. Obtain a quality sublingual product (or liquid if you prefer) from a provider of quality Nutrition Supplements: http://healthywize.com/4404908

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Posted in anemia

Understanding Polymyalgia Rheumatica Symptoms

Comments: 0March 13th, 2010 by admin



Arthritis is a common ailment that more than 50 million American’s suffer from. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis some more common than others. Polymyalgia Rheumatica is a rarer form of arthritis that affects the muscles rather than the bones.

Polymyalgia does not affect the joints or bones but instead it causes the muscles to become sore, tender, and stiff with inflammation. This type of arthritis affects hips, thighs, lower back, shoulders, and the neck muscles. The pain is caused because the blood vessels in the muscles become swollen.

Symptoms include severe stiffness and pain in the muscles but there is no weakness just pain. The pain is located in thighs, hips, lower back, shoulders, and neck. You may experience low energy, fatigue, sweating at night, slight fever, and loss of appetite. Anemia is also common as is depression. Women suffer more often than men with it but both can develop it and it often materializes after the age of 50.

Giant cell arthritis is a condition that is often associated with polymyalgia rheumatica. The temporal arteries in the front side of the head begin to narrow and can become blocked and result in lost vision. It affects both men and women generally over the age of 50.

Warning signs of giant cell arthritis include skin around the forehead becoming tender, swollen blood vessels on the side of the head, blurred vision or blind spots, and pain in the jaw when chewing.

There are other symptoms that can be present and if you believe you suffer from polymyalgia rheumatica you should see your doctor who can assist you with treatments that can help reduce inflammation and pain.

What causes this disease is not really understood. In some cases other family members have suffered but not always. Genetics may play a role but it’s not the only element.

If your doctor believes you have this disease he or she will refer you to a rheumatologist who specializes in diagnosing such conditions. An EMG test may be performed which uses an electric current that is passed through your muscles. The main treatment relates to pain reduction because this disease usually goes away on its own.

NSAIDs are commonly used to reduce swelling and pain. At low dosages they reduce pain and at higher dosages inflammation. High dosages can cause stomach problems, ulcers, and bleeding so use caution.

Another option is oral cortisone which is a steroid which can reduce inflammation. Cortisone is a natural hormone produced by the body and Corticosteroids are man made and are very similar to cortisone. Prednisone is one of these drugs that can be used but because of the serious side effects it is important to reach a maintenance dose as quickly as possible.

Exercise is also important to the overall treatment. It will help reduce pain and it will stop muscles from becoming weak. There are three different types of exercise you should do – strengthening exercises, range of motion exercises, and endurance exercises.

Apply hot and cold compresses to relax the muscles and reduce pain. You can repeat this treatment as often as necessary. Your heat treatment can be a heating pad, a hot bath or shower, or a hot water bottle. Your cold treatment should be an ice pack.

Lastly be nice to your body. Avoid tasks that are too strenuous for you. After doing heavy work or repetitive tasks rest. Learn to lift correctly and use your back, arms, and legs as a group. Maintain a healthy weight. By loosing those extra pounds you will reduce the stress on your joints.

You can protect your joints by not overworking them and pacing yourself. Relax the muscles, reduce inflammation, and take care of the pain. A better understanding of polymyalgia rheumatica will help you learn to live with it better.

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Scientists Reveal New Aspects of T-cell Acute Lymphatic Leukemia

Comments: 0March 13th, 2010 by admin



The actual causes of leukemia are still unknown to medical science. Although there are many speculations upon this matter, scientists haven’t yet found any conclusive evidence regarding the exact causes and risk factors of leukemia. However, medical science has made great progresses in identifying various genetic particularities that are nowadays considered to be underlying causes of leukemia. It seems that each type of leukemia is caused by a specific set of genetic dysfunctions which triggers an overproduction of diseased cells. Thanks to the ongoing efforts of medical scientists focused towards unveiling the factors involved in causing the occurrence and the development of leukemia, modern medicine may soon come up with an effective cure for this type of cancer.

Scientists have recently revealed a connection between T-cell acute lymphatic leukemia (T-ALL) and ABL1 gene. ABL1 resides in chromosome 9. Due to genetic dysfunctions, a fragment of DNA that contains ABL1 fuses with another gene, thus causing T-ALL. ABL1 gene is also known to have a role in the occurrence of various other types of leukemia. Oncologists explain that the abnormal activity of ABL1 cancer gene can be countered with the means of already-existent leukemia medications such as Glivec. Thus, Glivec may also be effective in overcoming the cases of T-ALL that are caused by the malfunctioning ABL1 gene.

Inappropriate activity of ABL1 gene is known to be the underlying cause of more than 6 percent of all T-ALL cases. ABL1 is in fact a type of protein that regulates various cellular processes. Impaired activity of ABL1 determines a wide range of cellular dysfunctions. In the case of T-ALL, ABL1 is responsible for causing an overproduction of diseased blasts, cells that are unable to reach the stage of maturity. As a result, these partially-developed cells can’t fulfill their actual purpose inside the body, generating serious impairments at different levels of the organism.

Functionless blasts multiply at abnormally high rates, eventually outnumbering healthy cells. In addition, diseased T-ALL cells block the production of normal blood cells, causing a decrease in the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. In present, T-cell acute lymphatic leukemia is known as the most common form of cancer among children. T-ALL predominantly affects children under the age of 15 and it is rarely seen in older children or young adults.

Medical scientists are currently trying to modify the leukemia drug Glivec so that it can also be administered to patients with T-ALL. Although Glivec is considered to be a reliable medication, it hasn’t been tested yet on patients diagnosed with T-ALL. However, oncologists believe that in future Glivec and other ABL1 inhibitors will be able to completely overcome T-ALL.

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Posted in leukimia

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