April 2012 - Wellness Sultana //]]>

Monday, 30 April 2012

What to Know About Alcohol Addiction
April 30, 2012 3 Comments


Do You Suffer From Alcohol Addiction?

Addiction to alcohol can be dangerous and even deadly. It builds up a tolerance in your body and causes the system to crave more and more. This further encourages a devastating addiction to alcohol. Most people with addiction to alcohol will deny there is any problem, thus leaving the chemical to damage even more of their internal organs. Alcohol will affect every organ in the human body causing illness and eventual shut down of some organs like the liver or kidneys.

Side effects of alcohol abuse are:

- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Poor judgment
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Shakes
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Violence
- Alcohol poisoning

With long-term abuse, chirrosis of the liver, dementia, central nervous system damage, jaundice, cherry argiomas of the skin, and blackouts can occur along with the other side effects. When someone has an addiction to alcohol and has abused, it for a period of time, they will also most likely suffer social problems, legal problems and relationship problems. Basically, alcohol addiction can cause complete devastation in one's life.


The Alcohol Detox Process
Alcohol detox symptoms can be dangerous and can even cause coma or death. Detoxification from alcohol abuse must be monitored by professionals in a safe medically controlled environment. Self detox or home detox takes lives when things get complicated.

Alcoholism can affect any age, nationality, or background. Anyone who abuse alcohol can fall into the dangerous levels of alcoholism. To give you an idea of the dangerous realm of alcohol detox symptoms and of alcohol abuse damage pay attention to these symptoms that arise from abusing alcohol:

To begin with alcohol abuse will cause side effects such as:

- Headaches/migraines
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- sweating
- Nausea, moiting, diarrhea
- Weakness
- Depression

Alcohol detox symptoms can be very dangerous. Alcoholism is a disease that affects every organ in the human body.  When alcohol abuse has become an addiction and a disease it brings more serious complications. These can range from:

- Anorexia
- Anxiety
- Catatonia
- Euphoria
- Fear/hallucinations
- Palpitations
- Psychosis
- Seizures
- Tachycardia
- Hypertension
- Dementia
- Death
Another alcohol detox symptom is organ de-saturation. When saturation has occurred, many organs become damaged and don't work efficiently any longer. This alcohol detox symptom can be difficult to tolerate without medical supervision. Cravings are another alcohol detox symptom that is difficult to bear.

When an alcohol abuser enters a treatment facility for detoxification and treatment, a team of  professionals work to assess, detoxify, counsel and safely monitor our clients during their alcohol detox symptoms. Therapeutic programs and strategies are also utilized to achieve lasting sobriety.

Getting Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Many with alcohol addiction will be in a state of denial until much damage has been done to their lives, and will not ask for help until the long-term effects begin to appear or until friends or family intervene. If you know someone who has an addiction to alcohol guide them gently to get treatment. Do whatever you can to encourage them, reminding them of the awaiting dangers. Believe it or not, addiction to alcohol kills thousands every year, mostly because they will not get into treatment. Don't let this happen to you or your loved one. Treatment is available for all ages who have addiction to alcohol.

Let the professional team at alcohol rehab clinics, help you with your addiction to alcohol to avoid those long-term alcohol abuse dangers.

About the Author
Marilyn Kegley works with several alcohol rehab clinics to educate individuals about the dangers of substance abuse. After watching numerous loved ones struggle with addiction, her goal is to help as many people as possible get effective and successful rehabilitation treatment.
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Thursday, 26 April 2012

Lessons In Motivating Yourself
April 26, 20120 Comments
So face it, if you are just starting out, creating a habit of regular exercise is not easy to do.  You really will have to get out of your comfort zone and push yourself if you want to get into a healthy habit and stay in shape.

However, there are times in the creation of a habit of exercising that you will just feel like it is not worth it, times when you are running on your treadmill and just do not want to go on anymore, and you will want to sink back into being unhealthy.  It is times like these that you will have to call upon your innermost desires and propel yourself forward; you will have to motivate yourself. 

Motivation is an interesting word, because in truth, it is very hard to actually motivate someone, including your own self.  There are some forms of motivation that come from outside sources and they in a sense cause us to move, or cause us to become something that is acted upon.  This type of motivation is superficial and has no real lasting effect on us.

However, there is another type of motivation, a type of motivation that works from the inside out.  It is a type of motivation created when we see something as it really is or how it can become.  In cases of exercise, we see ourselves as we really can become.

This second type of motivation is a type of motivation that stays with us and is internal; we ourselves are agents, choosing to move, instead of being forced or coerced to move.  This type of motivation is useful not only in fitness, but in everything we do, as it is how we make things happen.

To create this type of motivation, it really takes some deep thought to consider what you really want to become as a result of your exercise and you have to see yourself becoming it.  It has to become so tangible that you can recall what it feels like in times of distress or hardship; this is the type of motivation that will not break down.

Once you understand this type of motivation and have gained a true vision of things as they really are, you can propel yourself forward even when you feel like your body cannot do it anymore.  Eventually, the time will come, when both your vision of yourself on the inside and your vision of yourself on the outside will match and you will be able to achieve any reasonable goal you set your mind to.


About the author: Jessica Staheli is a health and fitness nut. She loves to write about being healthy and getting in shape. You can follow her at Google+
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Saturday, 14 April 2012

Andropause - Effects on Manhood
April 14, 20120 Comments

Andropause, otherwise known as male menopause, is that stage in a man’s life where he experiences the effects of aging along with the signs and symptoms related to the reduction in the production of testosterone. This is common among men aged between 45 and 65 years old, although there are those that go through this in their early 30s.

Symptoms

Andropause have various effects on the physical, emotional, and wellbeing of a man. Their most common concern is associated with sexual disturbance. Men who undergo this condition suffer from erectile dysfunction and decreased libido as an effect of the reduced levels of testosterone in their bodies.

Aside from these, it can also cause a decrease in the bone density as well as the muscle mass and strength. Sweating, hot flashes, and fatigue are also very common along with impaired memory, difficulties in concentration, and sleep disturbances. Its emotional effects are bought about by changes in the body and mind, leading to irritability, anxiety, depression, and mood swings.

Effects

Andropause is generally not life-threatening. The problem with this condition is that is can be very bothersome for many men. Also, it can open up the body to conditions that are potentially very dangerous to the health. This is, however, very rare as many men do not exactly experience all the symptoms to a large degree.

Still, it is not wrong to assume that this condition does have an effect on the quality of life of any man going through it. Its effects on sexual function, appearance, and emotional wellbeing are apparent. if these problems are ignored, they have a potential to get worse and can result in a variety of conditions such as diabetes, memory loss, anxiety, hair loss, and infertility, to name a few.

Recent studies have shown strong evidence on the relationship of low testosterone levels to the many forms of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. Middle-aged men that suffer from depression have also shown a strong link with that of low testosterone.

Management

Andropause is not exactly considered  a medical condition today so there are no medications specifically formulated for it. There are, however, treatments that can somehow neutralize the symptoms that this condition brings about. Such treatments are actually only specific to one or two of its conditions. An approach that will treat all symptoms is testosterone replacement therapy but this is only prescribed to patients that suffer from too severe conditions.

There is actually no escape; a man should go through it. The best thing that he can do is to prepare for it by leading a healthy lifestyle early on. A positive attitude will also be a big help as this gives way to get a clearer view of the situation and have a clear perspective of it. It will also help to have a strong support system. The presence of family, friends, and spouses will be a big help during those times that the man does not feel at his best.


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Amy C. is a health enthusiast who tackles the most common issues that are related to the upkeep of the wellbeing of the human. She particularly tackles on the medical conditions that are specific on men and women. When she is not giving health advices and tips, she helps in the blogging and administration activities of DMac Industries, a b deck and steel deck fabrication company. Watch out for her other health advices on her next post.
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Sunday, 8 April 2012

Autism Facts Every Parent Should Know
April 08, 20120 Comments
Everyone is encouraged to wear a ribbon this month to show support and help raise awareness of the struggles and issues surrounding  autistic children.

Since April is recognized officially in the United States as National Autism Awareness Month it ushers in a special opportunity to educate the public on some of the most puzzling questions that seem to plague areas related to the disease.

(1): What is Autism?
Autism represents a spectrum of complex neurological and developmental disorders that ranges from mild to severe. Its formal name is: autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and is characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, restrictive and repetitive behavior. Autism is the most severe form of the disease. A milder case is called Asperger syndrome.

(2): Early Signs of Autism
The earlier the diagnosis and treatment the better the prognosis. Some early signs include:
a. Unresponsiveness: the infant does not smile or interact with others
b. Fixation: focusing intently on one item
c. No response to name
d. At  age 1:  No babbling or any meaningful gestures
e. Not speaking by 16 months; loss of language and other social skills
f.  Poor eye contact
g. Repetitive movements

(3): How is it Diagnosed?
Only brain scans can truly provide accurate diagnosis. Another school of thought requires  a multidisciplinary approach that embraces neurological testing, language testing, and in depth cognitive assessments.

(4): Who is More Vulnerable to the Disease?
Autism and its milder form is linked to genetic factors and researchers are still trying to identify which of the genes contribute to a higher degree of susceptibility in children.

Children of all racial groups develop autism at the same rate, however, black children are less likely to be diagnosed earlier than whites. According to Martell Teasley, a researcher and associate professor in the College of Social Work at Florida State University, Tallahassee, gave the reason for delayed diagnosis in black children as: the “lack of access to quality, affordable, and culturally knowledgeable healthcare” and which includes cases of misdiagnosis.

(5): When Should Treatment Start?
Teasley recommends that Intervention and treatment should start at age 3: “Later intervention will result in poorer developmental outcome that can have a lasting impact on the child’s and family’s quality of life.”

(6) Do Symptoms Get Better or Worse Over Time
The National Institute of Neurological Disorder and Stroke (NINDS) advise that many symptoms improve with treatment and age.  Overall “people with an ASD usually continue to need services and supports as they get older” some adolescents may require treatment modifications as they transition into adulthood.

For more information on National Autism Awareness Month and how individuals can make a difference visit Autism Society and access a Puzzle Ribbon as well.



Article first published as Autism Facts Every Parent Should Know on Technorati.



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Thursday, 5 April 2012

Ten Reasons Why Nuts Are Vital To Our Well-being
April 05, 20120 Comments
If people just took the time to stop and think about the health benefits of nuts, they would actually go nuts for them. Why? Because this seemingly small and inconsequential food source comes to you raw and ready to eat yet naturally high in calories and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. In fact nut nutrition is some of the best nutrition you can introduce into your everyday diet.


Scientists have been looking very closely at nuts and have discovered that just on their own, raw and unsalted nuts are quite simply one of the best food sources - right up there with daily portions of fresh fruit and vegetables. Not only are they nutritious, they are also high in calories and in fat. Now while with most food sources we would want to shy away from fat – especially animal fat such as meats and dairy products - nuts have a type of fat that is not bad for the heart – in fact they are the opposite; nuts are good for the heart.


Great for your heart
Nuts have monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats which, unlike animal and dairy fats actually help to lower your LDL cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol is the type that builds up on the walls of your arteries in the form a plaque – rather like the plaque you get on your teeth throughout the day. The difference is, you can’t brush your arteries the way you can your teeth. Narrowing of the arteries and blood vessels leads to high blood pressure, whereas with a daily diet of nuts, high blood pressure can be reduced. This in turn reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.


Offsets diabetes
Did you know that nuts can help stave off the effects of diabetes? Diabetics have higher triglyceride levels, which nuts can help to reduce. Nuts also act to stabilize blood sugar levels due to the fact they contain a hormone known as adiponectin. This hormone encourages your blood cells to absorb more sugar from the bloodstream thus preventing it from becoming too high.


Great for weight Loss
This may sound strange considering nuts are packed with calories and fat, but nuts can help you to lose weight as part of a calorie controlled diet. They are a filling and nutritious food source and therefore help you to feel fuller for longer by eating less quantities than less efficient food sources.


You can avoid the saturated fats of red meat simply by replacing nuts in the diet with a variety of tasty high protein recipes. Nuts provide great levels of protein and calcium.


Excellent source of fiber
Nuts are naturally high in fiber and therefore help to cleanse your overworked dietary tract. Try 100 grams a day of just about any nuts you want and notice the difference. Not only will you become more regular, you will also feel a new surge of energy.


Prevents Cancer
When there are too many toxins in the body the cells begin to divide themselves and weaken the immune system. Nuts are rich in antioxidants which can cleanse the body of toxins, thereby enabling cells to stay healthy.


Improves Memory
Again, due to the toxins in our body and metals that can permeate the blood flow to the brain, memory function can become affected, Scientists still don’t know why some people get more affected with memory malfunction than others, but once again, the antioxidants found in nuts can cleanse the body of toxins and unhealthy metals so that you can improve your memory and focus more clearly.


Good for the prostate
If you are pushing 50 and you have noticed that your urine flow is not what it once was, that’s a sign of a swollen prostate.  Once again, it’s time to turn to nuts. Nuts include a substance known as boron which can help reduce the swelling of the prostate. Various nuts and seeds have been effectively used for centuries to aid prostate problems.

Unsaturated fats
We have talked about unsaturated fats, and nut fat is unsaturated so it’s lighter on the arteries and doesn’t create fatty deposits.


Lower cholesterol
This naturally occurring good fat source in turn lowers cholesterol in two ways; by helping to cleanse the body and by reducing pressure caused by fat build up on the arteries.


Energy releasing food
Magnesium provides our body with a source of slow burning energy. Nuts and good nut recipes can help to process energy which in turn helps with muscle and nerve function.


No one is pretending that nuts are the be all and end all of any keep fit program, but they are a great food source when eaten by themselves, or when tossed into salads, smoothies and with a range of delicious oriental dishes. Give nuts a try.


John Grant is a printed writer on many subjects relating to the importance of balanced diets and backpacking around the world. He also writes on the nutritional importance of many natural foods available as he travels around Asia such as nuts.

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Wednesday, 4 April 2012

Exercise To Enhance Cancer Treatment
April 04, 2012 2 Comments
Over the past fifty years cancer treatments have advanced to help patients that suffer from even the most advanced forms of the disease. While these treatments can help to prevent further growth and save lives, they also can cause drastic damage to a person’s physical strength. Mesothelioma treatment and chemotherapy are intense, but there are ways to stay positive and preserve your physical strength during your cancer treatment and recovery.

In 1997, a team of researchers found that walking on treadmills and participating in strength training can decrease both fatigue and pain during chemotherapy treatments.

Exercising during cancer requires a different mental focus than it does when you are healthy. Instead of focusing on losing weight or toning muscle, the goal of exercise during cancer is to maintain your health. To get the most out of your exercise routine as you are fighting cancer, focus on cardiovascular activity and strength training.

There are a number of potential benefits to gain from participating in exercise during cancer treatment, including:

•           Reduced nausea
•           Improved quality of life
•           Improved self-esteem
•           Lowered risk of heart disease
•           Reduced risk for depression and anxiety

Cardiovascular Activity

Walking on a treadmill is one leading form of cardiovascular activity. It is important not to push your body too far as you are undergoing chemotherapy treatment. While many people are able to run, going for a brief brisk jog followed by a long walk on a treadmill is a great way to keep your heart rate up and rejuvenate your muscles during cancer treatment.

The treadmill is not the only option for cardiovascular activity. Take your walk outside and enjoy the trails or beaches in your community instead of confining yourself to a gym.

If walking is not ideal for you, then try riding your bike out in the sunshine instead. Stationary recumbent bikes are available at most gyms and are a great way to work your legs while using the stability of the bike to balance yourself during your workout.

Elliptical machines are another option for a cardio workout, as they will simulate running to get your heart rate up without causing any increased impact on your knees.

Strength Training

The American College of Sports Medicine considers strength training to be essential for chemotherapy patients in order to combat the possible bone and muscle loss that they are at risk for during their cancer treatment. Most gyms offer weight machines to help you during your workout. Weight machines can guide your workout, helping you to target specific muscles while reducing your risk for injury during your workout. However, you do not need fancy equipment for a good strength-training workout.

Push-ups, for example, are a great way to build your arm muscles using only your own body weight in the comfort of your own home.

To fit in a good strength-training workout, grab hand weights or resistance bands and find a spacious room to workout in. Holding the weights or resistance bands with your arms at your sides, begin doing arm curls, rotating each arm and doing as many repetitions as you feel comfortable for your strength level.

With resistance bands you can also focus on building strength in your lower body with leg extensions and leg curls, which can be done as you sit on the couch, lifting one leg and then the other.



For more information about the benefits of physical activity during cancer treatment, visit http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/SurvivorshipDuringandAfterTreatment/StayingActive/
physical-activity-and-the-cancer-patient




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