http://www.healthzine.org/feed/ http://www.healthzine.org/ Every day new articles and updated info on all your health, beauty and fitness concerns. Thu, 19 Mar 2009 04:23:43 +0100 Thu, 19 Mar 2009 04:23:43 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Medicine/alternative-and-complementary-medicine http://www.healthzine.org/Medicine/alternative-and-complementary-medicine Indeed there is a growing acceptance of alternative medicine among the majority today. It is actually of alternative and complementary medicine, and this happens to be a healthy acknowledgement for the world. Combining alternative and conventional therapies has created synergies which helped to tackle the many incurable diseases of our time. So what is alternative medicine? And what are complementary treatments, on the other hand. These two terminologies were considered synonymous or used interchangeably, and often this is a common misconception. The alternative modality refers to medicinal systems like Acupuncture or Ayurveda which are used in place of conventional treatments. Complementary treatments however, are therapies used in conjunction with conventional therapies. Massage is one, for instance. But in western countries, alternative and complementary treatment methods perform the same role. In popular parlance, alternative medicine has then come to be known as complementary medicine. And the term alternative and complementary medicine was thus derived. The most important forms of these therapies are Ayurveda, Acupuncture, osteopathy, herbal treatments, homeopathy and chiropractic. These comprise the major list of these modality treatments. The list does not end there, however. Within the scope of alternative medicine are other medicinal systems such as nutrition, naturopathy, massage, aromatherapy, crystal healing and other forms of energy healing. Not including homeopathy, these forms of treatments evolved in ancient times. Countries such as China, Egypt, Tibet, and Persia have long resorted to these therapies. The salient aspect of alternative medicine is that it focuses on the person as a whole. Treatments employed in this modality do not solely focus on the physical symptoms. The person’s lifestyle, environment and diet are considered as crucial in the treatment process. Mental, emotional and even the spiritual aspects are also major considerations. Alternative medicine then has also been called holistic medicine. Alternative and complementary therapies are no longer exclusive to the mystic Orient. The Western world has in fact acknowledged these medicinal therapies as important components of the healing process. These treatment modalities have also been used to promote medical tourism by countries like China and India. Westerners in search of holistic cures would fly to these Asian countries. A large percentage of women in the west resort to aromatherapy and massage. Quite a number of men prefer holistic therapies for back pain and sports injuries, too. Even practitioners begin to employ complementary treatments for chronic ailments such as asthma, cystitis, chronic fatigue and arthritis. The World Health Organization has recognized the value of holistic therapies in the arena of recovery and healing. The WHO acknowledges that the holistic approach is capable of curing asthma, headaches, eczema and digestive disorders. This is the world’s growing acceptance of alternative medicine which is but welcome. It is the majority’s healthy acceptance of a vital synergy of healing modalities which could be the ultimate cure to the distressing and threatening ails of today’s age. It has to be taken into account that alternative medicine originated thousands of years ago. Across the ages, holistic medicine has been successful in treating millions of individuals. And the modern age continues to realize how essential holistic treatments are. In fact, they can only be more expedient. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Fri, 23 Jan 2009 16:11:29 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Medicine/chemotherapy-side-effects http://www.healthzine.org/Medicine/chemotherapy-side-effects It is a grueling battle having to contend with a deadly disease, one of which is cancer. Incidences of cancer have increased throughout the years instigating more awareness towards the general populace to be mindful of their health. Medical science and technology on the other hand devised more means and measures for prevention and treatment. Conventional medicine generally resorts to chemotherapy for treatment of cancer. Chemotherapy as a cancer treatment makes use of pills, catheter or injection to infuse drugs or certain substances in the body. The primary purpose of these drugs and substances is to attack cancer cells, and ultimately kill them. Cancer cells generally grow and reproduce rapidly. They are those causing havoc to a certain body part or parts. Chemotherapy drugs are chemically designed to hamper the growth and spread of cancer cells. The treatment can be carried out at home, a clinic or the hospital. As for the dosage and frequency, they are dependent on the extent of the illness or cancer stage and the patient’s response to the medication/s. Therapy sessions can range from daily, weekly or monthly bases. Some on off schedules. A large number of cancer cases have had positive responses from chemotherapy. To a significant extent, it is an effective cancer treatment. But entailed of this measure is yet another battle- against chemotherapy side effects. Drug and chemical treatment does not only destroy cancer cells. Normal and healthy cells in the body can be damaged as well. As a result, there is an offshoot of chemotherapy side effects, some of which are temporary, others permanent. What are common chemotherapy side effects and the means to relieve them? Fatigue is one. Chemotherapy side effects often differ from one patient to another, but tiredness is common among them. The degree of fatigue as a side effect varies. Some patients may find it debilitating while others can manage with their lives normally. Nausea and vomiting are also two very common chemotherapy side effects. These symptoms may be controlled with an anti-sickness medication, but supervised by the doctor. Certain cancer drugs can cause mouth sores and ulcers to appear. Washing the mouth regularly can be helpful pertaining to this symptom. One of the distressing chemotherapy side effects is hair thinning or hair loss. This can be avoided by covering around the scalp when undergoing treatment. This can prevent the dilemma to some extent. In most cases, however, hair grows back after the therapy. Normal cells such as white blood cells may be diminished during chemotherapy causing a weakened immune system. Susceptibility to infections may then arise. Decrease in blood cell count may be experienced. As a result, one may become weak or even develop anemia. A useful measure is to have regular blood tests for monitoring and regulation. Battling a disease is often distressing, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. It can also tremendously drain one’s financial resources. But perhaps everything is worth compromising for life to be spared. And a battle won over a disease may not necessarily mean having been freed from its grip. But rather having the courage to go on and rise above the anguish. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 7 Oct 2008 09:32:49 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Medicine/medicinal-plants http://www.healthzine.org/Medicine/medicinal-plants Medicinal or herbal plants. For many, they seem outmoded. With the convenience and quick fix results delivered by pharmaceuticals, who needs medicinal plants? But there are people who (still) recognize the true value of medicinal plants, and they might even have chosen to grow them. Medicinal plants have in fact numerous benefits. When it comes to treatments or even cures for certain ailments and diseases, and more. Beauty can be enhanced through medicinal plants, too. Some people even use them as spices for cooking. And these are but to mention a few. Unlike ornamental or garden plants, herbs are not so difficult to grow. Potent as they are and containing much medicinal properties, they do not need as much attention and maintenance. Often, distinction is made between herbal medicine and modern medicine. Putting it another way, the contradiction between medicinal plants and pharmaceuticals. But the basis for the generics of modern medicine is in fact herbs and their properties. Effective treatments and medications made use of today had their beginnings from the discovery of healthy solutions found in plants. Medicinal herbs initially go through various tests and processing until they are made into capsules and syrups. Medications and other treatments most people resort to these days are products of meticulous processing of herbs. But herbal medicinal plants are limited in number. People who have been growing them have attested to the declining focus rendered to these plants. Despite this limited source, the demand for these herbs’ health benefits continue to grow. To be able to keep up with the need, medical experts have formulated synthetic ingredients to imitate these natural properties. These synthetic elements may have been effective to certain degrees, but there are drawbacks. Being synthetic that they are and “unnatural”, they often have side effects when taken. More likely dependence develops when taking synthetic medications. Realizing this, some people have opted to grow herbal medicinal plants on their own. They are aware and have grown wary of the side effects produced by modern medicine. Other than warding off side effects, they get to retain some of their resources, too. After all, pharmaceuticals can be costly, and using them may be disadvantageous in the long run. Instead of expending their resources on possibly costly pharmaceuticals, these are allotted on growing herbs to perfection and optimizing their benefits. These people may have taken an "unconventional" route, yet they are aware of the many benefits they can gain out of growing herbs. Whether it is for treating and curing ailments, illnesses and diseases, enhancing beauty, spicing up their meals and many more. Science has created modern machines designed to treat and “heal” all known diseases. Of all these inventions, one is yet to be made which can work as well as natural herbs. In some cases, herbal medicine has been effective where technology has failed. Instances such as these brought back the trust of many people to natural herbs. None can still be as effective as what the wonder of nature has to offer. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Wed, 6 Aug 2008 14:04:29 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Medicine/steroid-use http://www.healthzine.org/Medicine/steroid-use The use of steroids is quite rampant among many athletes. Potent as they are, steroids often bring about fast and significant results. You yourself might be taking these drugs. But take note, there are risks involved with steroid use, and in most cases, they are not recommended. So what are the common mistakes of steroid use which can become threatening? One thing you have to be wary about is making use of counterfeit steroids. There are many counterfeits in the market, and getting hold and using them can cause bigger problems. With counterfeits, you’d apparently not gain any positive benefits. But on the other hand, you’d get side effects similar to those of the genuine products’. Just as with most counterfeit medications, counterfeit steroids are toxic. Getting them into your system would mean that you are injecting poison into it. Taking excessive dosages can also put you to potential danger. When it comes to steroid use, many athletes think that the more, the better. Excessive steroid use has become a major problem today in the industries involved. There is apparent danger with such a tendency, not to mention that it is also ineffective. It doesn’t in fact mean that “the more, the better it is” with steroid use. The body can only handle a limited amount of this substance. Excess steroid in the body will be converted into estrogen. And then there are those who take this drug over an extended period of time. It simply means taking steroids for too long. An athlete must consider the warning signs their body would show with prolonged steroid use. Steroid use for over 8 to 12 weeks without an off period can be detrimental. With this condition, the negative effects of the drug will start to show and be felt. Continuous steroid use over a length of time can cause more damage. It’s because the body is not given time to recover from the steroids. The real danger would also be inflicted in the kidney and liver. How you eat will is also crucial with steroid use. While taking the drug, a person has to consume 4000 to 7000 calories a day. In this sense, an athlete should be particular about the foods they eat. Recommended foods are those high in calories and protein, but on the other hand low in fat. A blunder which you can also commit while taking the drug is incorrect training. You would need difficult and intense workout to go with steroid use. For the best gains, you ought to workout with more weights than what you normally had. Maximum weight is in fact involved for significant progress to take place. Make it a point to have regular blood tests when you are taking steroids. These drugs are dangerous in that they can cause elevated test results in the early stages. In a matter of a few weeks, the test results often resume to normal. During off periods from the use of the drug, make sure to go through tests as well. With this, you can ensure whether your body is recovering properly. And then there is using the wrong steroids, another common and potentially risky mistake. The most potent drugs of this sort may make you gain massive muscle mass, but they also have the most side effects. In the endeavor of pursuing athletic gains, steroid use has been inadvisable. It has to be avoided as much as possible, unless an athlete would want to have unbelievable gain. Otherwise, they can take the healthy and natural path towards athletic strength and growth. It often involves more hard work, but the rewards are safe and effective, and more so, more fulfilling. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 8 Jul 2008 06:00:29 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Medicine/holistic-medicine2 http://www.healthzine.org/Medicine/holistic-medicine2 The total person is comprised of the mind, body and spirit. Each of these aspects is intertwined with the other and if an irregularity takes place in one or more aspects, then the person as a whole could be affected. Take for instance when you are very stressed, say in an emotional sense. Wouldn’t you feel discomfort physically as well? When you are emotionally stressed, physical symptoms can beset you. Perhaps you’d feel headaches, or dizziness, or perhaps even a backache. Some people would feel nauseous or might lose their appetite. And these are just some of the few examples. A whole is usually divided into parts, and the parts make up the whole. That’s how it is with the being of a person. This is the underlying principle behind holistic medicine. Holistic medicine believes in promoting the wellness of the mind, body and spirit, otherwise known as holistic health. This approach believes that the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of a person are interrelated. And that these factors all have to be taken into account to achieve overall health and well being. Holistic medicine is generally associated with alternative medicine. This approach to wellness is in fact becoming more popular and mainstream. Holistic health as a concept is actually not new. “Holism” as it is referred to has been around for ages. But recently, holistic medicine is being incorporated into mainstream healthcare. There is an element of stubbornness in this medical field in that it is slow to accept new methods of treatment and thinking. The basic principle that it adheres to is “natural healing”, a modality which has been resorted to before the advent of conventional medicine. Conventional approaches are often focused on treatment methods in and of itself. This is opposed to holistic medicine which is instead more of an approach to how individuals should be treated. Practitioners in this field believe that good health is more than just being ‘well” in a physical sense. They believe that mental, emotional and spiritual aspects should be integrated with the physical as well. Holistic health refers to entire wellness, rather than simply lack of physical pain or disease. There are detractors to this approach. Some doubt its credibility, and others simply believe that emotional, mental and spiritual aspects are detached from the physical. Most people have been so used to conventional treatments as they are more popular. But holistic medicine can be a good arena to explore as long as one has an open mind. If you are at least intrigued or interested to know about holistic medicine, you can do your research. And make sure that your resources are credible. You could also consult qualified practitioners who can give you first hand information. When it comes to your health and wellness, you have a choice. And when making your choice, equip yourself with knowledge and information. As with anything else, it is always to your advantage if you make an informed decision about matters. More so when it has to do with your health and well-being which will greatly affect the quality of your life. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Mon, 9 Jun 2008 05:34:43 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Medicine/Chinese-herbal-medicine http://www.healthzine.org/Medicine/Chinese-herbal-medicine Before the advent of conventional medicine, people have relied on herbs and herb mixtures to cure ailments and diseases. Such has been known as herbal medicine, and it has ancient beginnings. When it comes to the expertise and use of herbal remedies, what has long been prominent is Chinese herbal medicine. Chinese herbal medicine had been the basic mode of treatment for thousands of years. To this day, Chinese medical practitioners still believe in it. In China, herbal treatments are in fact being used with conventional ones. Chinese herbal medicine is also known as CHM, and it is an evolving health care system. Just as the diseases and ailments which have afflicted mankind has evolved, so did Chinese herbal medicine. From its ancient beginnings, CHM remains to be integral, and may even be used to complement conventional approaches. The traditional view of CHM is to prevent illnesses and diseases from occurring. Such principle has always been basic to alternative medicine. A large percentage of the population may have relied on pharmaceutical medications. Nevertheless, herbal remedies remain to have a significant following. These people prefer herb treatments as they are not likely to have adverse effects. Herb remedies can indeed be effective, provided they are used appropriately and with the guidance of a qualified professional. CHM as a treatment is made to suit the corresponding ailment or disease. Depending on the severity, the duration of the herb treatment is expanded. In this sense, effectiveness and even a cure can be delivered. Some of the illnesses and conditions which CHM can address are allergies, respiratory conditions, digestive disorders and immune system disorders. So is pain which is associated with psychological disorders. Children’s diseases and women’s gynecological problems can be dealt with as well. CHM can be used by people of all ages. To obtain the best results, a skilled and qualified practitioner ought to be consulted. What the practitioner usually does is to consider the patient’s symptoms and history. That way, the most appropriate herbal medicine could be employed. Children and pregnant women can make use of CHM, and they have to be used with care. CHM comes in traditional and modern versions, and they are available in different forms. At first, the unusual taste may be unpleasant, and it takes getting used to. As for the prices, there is no standard structure. Nowadays, herbal treatments may be covered by health insurance. One form of CHM treatment is colonic dialysis therapy. Through colonic dialysis therapy, the body is made to get rid of toxins, and it can also help overcome addictions. Researches and studies have been conducted pertaining to colonic dialysis therapy. The PLA Institute of Drug Dependence and Treatment had been doing researches regarding the efficacy of colonic dialysis therapy to people addicted to heroin. They are trying to establish whether the therapy can help stop cravings for heroin. There may have been many people who have been skeptical of Chinese herbal medicine. But that skepticism has been done away with as many have proved that CHM can be effective, provided that it is used properly and with caution. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Mon, 19 May 2008 12:26:04 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Medicine/medicine-cabinet1 http://www.healthzine.org/Medicine/medicine-cabinet1 So now you have decided to have a medicine cabinet mounted in your bathroom. What are the basic and important things to consider when it comes to this? It depends on what things you want to store in your medicine cabinet. Primarily, you might consider storing medicines in it. A factor to take into account here is that your medicines have to be free from moisture. Moisture can affect the potency and quality of your medicines. As your cabinet will be installed in the bathroom, you need to protect its contents from moisture. Hot shower steam, regular weather humidity and other moisture ought to be kept out of the medicine cabinet. Or else, prescription medications, otc medicines and even some vitamins can be damaged. Thus, they would be rendered useless and inefficient and might even be harmful. In this sense, you should read the labels of the medications you are using. If moisture would affect them, you can make use of other options. Perhaps you should store such sort of medicines in closed air tight containers. Or better yet, make your choice of a medicine cabinet a closed one rather than storing medicines in open shelves. If any of these options are not feasible, then the bathroom might not be the right place for your medicine cabinet. You may also be in the habit of keeping perfumes and cosmetics there. Again, take note that they are protected from moisture. Remember that moisture content in an average bathroom can potentially damage the chemical components of such items. Having your cosmetics, perfumes and other personal items stored for a prolonged period of time can cause them to be exposed to moisture. And moisture can ruin the scent of colognes and perfumes. It may also affect the quality of facial cosmetics such as foundations. Then there is of course one most important factor to be concerned about- safety. If you have children in the house, they should be kept away from the medicine cabinet. You may think that safety is guaranteed as it is mounted on the wall or above the sink. But many times, this notion has been proven untrue. The best means to ensure safety is to have the cabinet locked. Or better yet, not to have dangerous items stored in it. The point in having a medicine cabinet is to keep things handy. Once you’ve chosen the right style according to your purpose, its best to keep it organized. Take note of things which you and your family use on a regular basis, and those which you rarely use. Have them stored in different shelves to make the distinction. That way, you can have easy access to the things you use regularly. This is for you to enjoy convenience as well. Other than medicines, you might decide to store disposable razors and toothpastes. Whatever your purpose may be, the main points to consider are safety and convenience with your medicine cabinet. That way, it serves its purpose and you can make use of it to the fullest. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Fri, 25 Apr 2008 14:06:33 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Medicine/natural-medicine1 http://www.healthzine.org/Medicine/natural-medicine1 It always pays if you take care of yourself the best that you can. Because if you don’t, then who else will? Take note for instance if you suffer from an illness. There may be health care professionals or relatives who will take care of you, but your initiative is most imperative. You have got to have the will to get better, and that makes the entire difference. When you have the knowledge that you should do the best for yourself, then you are most likely to take care of it. Doing so will deliver a host of rewards, those that you will find worthy and fulfilling. One of the best means for you to take care of yourself is through natural medicine. Natural medicine is among the pool of health measures included in the natural health market. It primarily has to do with medications with natural ingredients. The underlying principle behind this medicine is to instigate and stimulate the bodys natural healing ability. Natural health measures are those which work in harmony with the body’s workings. Natural and herbal ingredients are used rather than the bombardment of chemicals into the body. By no doubt, such health measure is less likely to have side effects. They boost the body’s inherent workings rather than go against it. It is making the best of what nature has to offer when it comes to natural medicine. This healing approach is effective in boosting the body’s immune system. The immune system is that which has to do with our defense system. It protects the body against toxins, bacteria and viruses. These elements undoubtedly cause harm thus they have to be warded off and eliminated. This is the crucial function of the immune system, thus it has to be fortified. You have to make means for yourself to prevent acquiring diseases. And if ever a disease would strike, you ought to make means to fight it. You should help your system fight against the elements which cause you ill health. Natural medicine has many ways to work for this purpose. You must take measures of incorporating healthy ways of living into your lifestyle. And it is best done through means which naturally work with your system. To boost your defenses naturally and to promote your health to be at its peak. You can do so through exercise, proper nutrition, supplementation and stress relief measures. Herbal remedies can also be useful in this sense. Rather than injecting drugs and chemicals into your system, why not try to heal yourself naturally? Prevention in this sense is crucial, and even better than a cure. Eat well and exercise regularly and find ways to relieve stress. Take medicines which work naturally rather than cause harm or side effects. Look for health modalities which can heal you safely and effectively rather than putting you at risk or discomfort. It is possible, and it’s a matter of keeping to the basics. The basics of what is natural and inherent to your body. Straightforward and simple yet it makes a whole lot of sense. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 8 Apr 2008 08:13:29 +0200 http://www.healthzine.org/Medicine/asthma-medicine http://www.healthzine.org/Medicine/asthma-medicine Asthma has affected millions of people worldwide, and they can be of any age. Many who suffer from the condition know how difficult it is to live with. Asthma is primarily a disease of the respiratory system, and it affects the airways. With this disease, the airways are constricted, thus, breathing is hindered. Asthma as a disease can be terrifying, especially as attacks may come randomly. Sufferers are most often dependent on medications in this respect, as health detriments can be possible. One’s life can be put at risk with this disease, which only shows that patients have to practice caution. Most of all preventative measures have to be resorted to to prevent untoward incidents concerning the disease. There is now a trend of patients turning to alternative asthma medicine for treatment. Alternative asthma medicine can aid in alleviating symptoms, and in preventing attacks. Alternative asthma medicine is not so much focused on conventional treatments, but it can be effective in ensuring lasting health to the patients. It must however be noted that asthma is a disease, and it should be treated as one. Using alternative medicine for it should not be the sole recourse. It means that alternative asthma medicine should not be used independently. Proper medical supervision from a specialist is always recommended. Alternative treatment for the disease is best used in conjunction with conventional means. With such measures, patients can enjoy the best of both worlds for treatment. By alternative asthma treatments, it can range from acupuncture, yoga and dedicated chiropractic treatments. Each of these alternative modalities need consistency to be effective. This means that one should not expect a quick fix from them. They are not at all a one-time procedure, otherwise they will not be effective. To ensure increased health on a long-term scale, patients often have to keep to a weekly treatment regimen. And this is complemented with the care and guidance of a professional medical doctor. As logic follows, many of the symptoms of a disease would be alleviated and would greatly improve when preventative measures are employed. With the trend in alternative asthma medicine, patients have reported having gained control of their condition. They feel that they have a responsibility and play a crucial role towards managing their disease. The word is that they have an “involvement” and a significant influence toward their treatment. When resorting to alternative treatments, one ought to gain thorough information. There are countless sites on the subject, as well as forums. Through online forums one can have access to first hand information and experiences which can give them ideas. Ideas of which ones have worked and may have been effective. That way, one can determine their options. There may be no one remedy which would exclusively eradicate asthma. Other than knowledge, experimentation would also aid in determining which treatment would be most suited. It is primarily through research, patience and experimentation until one finds a safe and comfortable path through alternative asthma medicine. One ought to take time, as the best results often come with several tries and with effort. This is to be borne in mind when it comes to health and well-being and any other endeavor. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Fri, 21 Mar 2008 07:38:30 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Medicine/blood-pressure-medication http://www.healthzine.org/Medicine/blood-pressure-medication Being diagnosed with high blood pressure is not to be taken lightly. High blood pressure, or hypertension is regarded as the “silent killer”. Yes, it can take one off guard and can kill. That is, when the disease is neglected and not addressed accordingly. Suffering from hypertension entails that one educates themselves from proper authority on how to deal with the condition. Among them are measures on how to limit its effects- ways to manage and control. Primarily, the doctor may recommend an appropriate diet and exercise scheme to regulate and stabilize blood pressure. But in cases where hypertension poses a health threat, blood pressure medication might be recommended. Blood pressure medication may in fact be advised in conjunction with lifestyle modifications. Medications to regulate blood pressure are among the most commonly prescribed worldwide. This indicates how massive high blood pressure has affected the global populace. Surprisingly though, not many of those taking the medications know how they combat hypertension. This could be because they are not aware of the causes of their condition. More often, patients are under the notion that if their blood pressure returns to normal, they can stop taking the medications. But such a notion ought to be rectified, as nothing could be further from the truth. Being hypertensive can be an indication that one is headed towards other diseases. They can be cardiac disease, liver disease or renal disease and failure. Such conditions are not to be brushed aside- they can lead to significant hospital time, and even death. Taking blood pressure medication is one of the means for warding off such health threats. To maximize the benefits of the medication, one has to know when to take them. Most of these medications are taken once in 24 hours. Upon getting up and throughout the day, blood pressure is more elevated than when sleeping. An hour after taking the medicine, the initial effect takes place. Between four to fifteen hours later, peak effectivity occurs, and then tapers down to the final eight hours. Taking the medication properly would allow it to be at its weakest while one is asleep. Most blood pressure medications are pharmaceutical products, thus, they may produce side effects. These side effects can in fact be serious and could be bothersome. Once these are experienced, it is best that one consults with their doctor. A switching of medications might then be recommended. That way, side effects would be minimized, or better yet tolerated. What’s important is that the medications are taken regularly and properly. That way, hypertension can be controlled and not instigate harm or damage. After all, it is a condition too dangerous to ignore. Having acquired it entails that one should be mindful of their habits and their lifestyle. It can mean that one would be limited or restricted, or that they have to make more effort to be healthy. But such are necessary if one wants to ensure their health and longevity. Furthermore, being health conscious would lead to a better quality of life despite having a medical condition to live with. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 4 Mar 2008 08:49:47 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Medicine/holistic-medicine1 http://www.healthzine.org/Medicine/holistic-medicine1 The total person is composed of the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects. It is multidimensional- made up of the mind, body and spirit. And a person should be regarded as that, and treated as such- as a whole. Many healthcare practitioners treat an ill person in just the physical sense. That is usually the case with conventional medicine. But another sort of healing principles are applied with holistic medicine. Holistic medicine sees the totality of a person- the tangible and the intangible aspects. It regards the person in its total, holistic sense. And holistic medicine, it treats people all-encompassingly, in every aspect of their being. There are many ways to call holistic medicine. This sort of treatment has everything to do with natural healing. It is also called alternative or complementary and yes, natural medicine. However it is called, this treatment modality aims on delivering optimal health of the mind, body and spirit. Massage therapy, acupuncture, aromatherapy, homeopathy and herbalism are some of its methods of treatment. They’re non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical treatments. Hence, they’re natural means for wellness. Many people doubt the efficacy of these treatment methods. They believe that since they are natural, they’re ineffective. Most are under the notion that pharmaceutical medicines hold the ultimate solution for treatment of diseases. But what these people often overlook is that these pharmaceuticals are chemically based. Thus, they can be harmful. In fact, almost all of them have adverse effects. But methods and medicines in natural healing, they are treatments with no side effects. Just because they are natural doesn’t mean that they are weak. The contrary is in fact true. Anything which comes from nature is more potent, gentle yet potent. Their components do not contradict the body’s physiological processes. In fact they are in harmony with how the body works. By no doubt, holistic medicine promotes a harmonious flow of energy throughout the body. That way, there will not be a “dis-ease”. When something within the whole bodily system is erratic, it is more likely that an illness will strike. An imbalance in the body most often causes a disease. Such is why holistic medicine aims on balancing the total person in all its aspects. That would promote inner and outer harmony and will only lead to total health. A person’s inner and outer state are significantly interrelated- one affects the other. So when a physical illness strikes, it is more likely that something is wrong with one’s emotions, or perhaps their mental state. More so if they have an illness of the spirit. Natural medicine is in fact more concerned with the inner, invisible aspect. This is often deemed as more essential than the physical state. In fact, what happens outwardly or physically is merely an outcome of what is within. This only goes to show that one should give due concern to their non-physical aspects. Mental, emotional and spiritual health. And socially, too, one must be healthy. After all, establishing relationships with others is essential for one’s total and complete growth. This would serve to cultivate a healthy character and personality which leads to happiness. And happiness is in so many ways related to optimum health. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Thu, 7 Feb 2008 08:42:23 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Medicine/herbal-medicine1 http://www.healthzine.org/Medicine/herbal-medicine1 Mother Mary was born 5,000 years ago, but she herself may have benefited from herbal medicine. Such is the credibility of herbal medicine- it has the backing of time and history. Herbal medicine can be more beneficial than pharmaceutical ones, and it can be in so many ways. For one thing, herbal medicine is cheaper. It is not only good for the health, but for the pocket, too. A person can be plagued by many ailments all throughout their lifetime. Imagine the cost allotted for medicines when one constantly buys pharmaceuticals to address them. But herbal medicine, its cost is far from skyrocketing. It can be quite affordable. One can garner a host of benefits from herbs. Other than potent treatment or even cure, that’s safety and affordability. Herbal medicine can also be made from ingredients right in the kitchen or from one’s backyard. It’s quite easy to concoct and formulate it. Such medicine can be made in the same manner as following a kitchen recipe. It’s not only affordable and safe, but it is free from complex formulations. Just the basics, and yet it can be potent. One can always be sure of what components they are taking into their body. Especially when they themselves created the herbal medicine. Herbal medicine is by all means natural. So no worries of side effects or health risks. Herbal components are unlikely to cause harm, especially when they are taken as directed. Herbal medicine has to be prepared carefully though. And that’s with clean hands and clean utensils. When one wants to get the best out of this medicine, then they have to prepare it properly. They must take time in following directions from a credible authority and source about the matter. Herbal medicine can be useful in so many ways. But a word of caution – it can be a danger, too. When resorting to herbal medicine, precautions must be taken. In this manner, the medicine can benefit the body to the fullest. When one is out to buy herbal medicine rather than make it, then they must ensure the source. The company or the store selling the medicine must be reputable. That way, the product is guaranteed to be safe, authentic and effective. One should resort to herbs which are proven. Countless fake herbs abound in the market, and it can be risky taking them. It’s better safe than sorry, so one must always be wary. It is also possible to overdose on herbs, as much as one may think they are anodyne. Herbs must be taken just as the doctor has directed. It is almost always not wise to self-medicate, especially without much knowledge. So it is with herbal medications. When one is taking any other medications, they have to inform their doctor about it. Herbal medications can deliver treatment or even cure, but they have to be taken properly. Herbs can negatively interact with other medications, especially pharmaceuticals. It is best that the doctor is informed thoroughly on all the medications one is taking. That way, the safety and efficacy of herbal medications are ensured. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 22 Jan 2008 07:15:25 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Medicine/medications http://www.healthzine.org/Medicine/medications Nobody wants to get sick. But illnesses is a fact which everybody has to deal with. From minor ailments to discomforts to threatening illnesses, everybody is bound to suffer from. When these conditions strike, it generally means spending money. Don’t we all rush to the drug store to buy medications even with the slightest pain? Such is why the medical industry is a big and lucrative one. People can’t leave without them. Diseases can leave a person’s bank account dry. When somebody is fraught with an ominous disease, it could mean shedding off finances. For medications, hospital bills, the doctor’s fee and medical exams. And these are just to name a few. But one of the basic necessities that people have to spend for is medications. When one is on maintenance medications, then it means regularly spending for them. In the long run, expenses for them can add up. People would definitely want to save up in this endeavor. But it is a fact that prescription medications can be expensive. And it can put a real dent on the budget. How can one save when buying medicines? For this, there are generic medications. One can save a big amount of money when buying generic medicines. However, most people have misconceptions about generics. Others say that these medicines are not as effective as prescribed medicines. Others even believe that they are not effective at all. They often have this misconception as generic medications are made up of some different ingredients. But these misapprehensions about generic medicines are baseless. Generic medications are actually made up of the same active ingredients as branded or prescribed medicines. What is the difference between generic medications and prescribed drugs? Manufacturers of prescribed drugs spend a large sum of money for production, R & D, government approval and marketing. Those big companies shed of a hefty amount for them. Such is why branded or prescription medications are expensive. Consumers pay for a host of other things for them other than the drug itself. But manufacturers of generics, they don’t spend for these things. They don’t expend resources for R & D and other costly affairs. That’s why generic medications are more affordable. But these generic drugs, they can be as effective as prescribed or branded ones. They act in the body in the same manner as their branded counterparts. Generics can treat serious medical conditions with their effective curable properties. When the patent of the original medicines has expired, it is then that generics are prepared. Generic pharmacies are now headed towards producing more generics. Generics in large proportions. That way, consumers and the general populace would be provided with more affordable medicines. In the United States, the FDA monitors the safety of these generics. Hence, one can be assured that these drugs can be safe. They are legally approved, thus, there are less chances that they are substandard. In fact, many health experts now prescribe generics, especially to those who can’t afford prescription or branded drugs. For a less expensive yet effective treatment then, generic medicines can be the answer. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Tue, 11 Dec 2007 17:05:17 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Medicine/ADHD-medications http://www.healthzine.org/Medicine/ADHD-medications Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder is among the cluster of disorders gaining a wide attention today. ADHD affects 8-10% of school going children and it can quite be disturbing to both the child and the family. Three times more boys than girls suffer from ADHD. Children with ADHD are often restless and hyperactive. They tend to behave compulsively and erratically without thinking of the consequences. Such children also have difficulty focusing. They have trouble minding details, paying attention and even sitting still. These are the symptoms which ADHD medications aim to combat. Along with the prevalence of ADHD came the demand for ADHD medications. Children with ADHD are often treated with ADHD medications. ADHD medications are often measures employed in conventional medicine. There are various ADHD medications which come in different brand names. Apparently, ADHD medications are resorted to in dealing with the behavioral symptoms of ADHD. Researches have indicated certain ADHD medications to have better results in treating the disorder. Among them are Synaptol and Hypinol. Synaptol is regarded to be the ADHD medication delivering the best results. Manufacturers of this ADHD medication claim that it can eliminate ADHD symptoms immediately. Ultimately, studies and tests have proven it to be true. As obtained from studies of researchers, 90% of positive results were gained from administering Synaptol. Many ADHD afflicted children were able to derive immediate relief from Synaptol. Synaptol is 99% effective, as shown in independent laboratory trials. Synaptol is one of the best ADHD medications which reduce ADHD symptoms quickly and naturally. ALso considered as one of the effective ADHD medications is Hypinol. Hypinol is regarded as one of the ADHD medications which showed impressive results in clinical studies. What seems more remarkable is that Hypinol is made up of natural ingredients. Children with ADHD and their parents have no choice but to be introduced to the world of ADHD medications. This is called for upon diagnosis of ADHD on the children. For some of the cases, ADHD medications work well in managing the symptoms of ADHD. Nevertheless, not all ADHD medications work for every child afflicted with the disorder. In this regard, parents should be in constant search of ADHD medications which would suit their children well. Other than ADHD medications, another alternative is nutrition therapy. For instance, the healthcare practitioner may recommend increased amino acid and essential fatty acid intake for the child. This would promote optimal brain functioning. One of the best natural nutritional supplements for ADHD is Attend. Unlike medications for ADHS, this measure has no side effects. Other than medications, parents can also have their child undergo Neurofeedback or EEG feedback. This is also an alternative treatment for ADHD. In such a measure, training is given to the brain to control its own brainwave functions. This is done through the brain’s own feedback which is immediately received. This alternative treatment for ADHD can improve sleeping patterns and reduce depression and anxiety. Acupuncture and acupressure are other alternatives to medications. They are however serious options. Unlike ADHD medications, these alternative treatments work to align and balance the energy path within the body. These alternative treatments can also be used on ADHD afflicted children who are scared of needles. With these options, parents can find which ADHD treatment would be most effective for their child. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy. Fri, 9 Nov 2007 09:35:33 +0100 http://www.healthzine.org/Medicine/prednisone-side-effects http://www.healthzine.org/Medicine/prednisone-side-effects Inherent to pharmaceutical drugs are side effects. True, pharmaceutical drugs can deliver immediate treatment, but they come with a price. Along with the treatment provided by such drugs are possible discomforts and adverse effects on other body organs. The same can be said with prednisone. Prednisone is generally and anti-inflammatory drug and is used for treatment of various diseases such as arthritis. But what of prednisone side effects? Prednisone side effects are more apt to manifest according to the patient’s prednisone dosage. The higher the dose, the more chances prednisone side effects will be disturbing. But what really is prednisone? Prednisone is a commonly prescribed glucocorticoid medicine. The truth is, the body naturally manufactures glucocorticoid through the adrenal glands. Glucocorticoids in the body are responsible for many of its functions. Some of them are proper utilization of sugar and protein, fat metabolism and blood pressure maintenance. Stress response and many other bodily functions are influenced by glucocorticoids. By these glucocorticoids naturally produced by the body, they are termed as endogenous steroids. They are steroids inherently manufactured by the body. Steroids can also be taken intravenously or orally. They are referred to as exogenous steroids, one of which is prednisone. Taking exogenous steroids such as prednisone can have adverse effects on the body. Prednisone side effects can manifest when it is taken intravenously or orally. One of the prednisone side effects is that the adrenal glands will have reduced ability to manufacture natural glucocorticoids. As a consequence of such prednisone side effects then, a patient can possibly go into shock in the face of stressors such as injury, infection or surgery. Prednisone side effects include the suppression of the adrenal glands. The chances prednisone side effects of this nature increases as the dosage of the “outside steroid” becomes higher. By this increased dosage, it means it exceeds the daily equivalent glucocorticoid output of the adrenal glands. When a patient has a higher dosage of prednisone intake for an extended period of time, it is highly possible that they will suffer from side effects. Prednisone side effects are more likely to be experienced upon prolonged prednisone intake of 20mg or more. There are quite a number of prednisone side effects which can have adverse consequences on the body. These prednisone side effects include elevated blood sugar, higher risks for bacterial and opportunistic infections and elevated blood lipids. Aggravation of hypertension, fluid retention leading to edema and electrolyte abnormalities are possible prednisone side effects as well. One of the most common prednisone side effects is fat distribution changes. These prednisone side effects lead to one having a moon face or a buffalo hump. Insomnia, stomach ulcers, muscle wasting, cataracts and glaucoma are other discomforting prednisone side effects. The same can be said with increased body hair and sweating, easy bruisibility and purple stretch marks. There are quite a number of other prednisone side effects. Some of them are bowel perforation, impaired wound healing, psychiatric disturbances and accelerated hardening of the arteries. With these are more prednisone side effects, it is more likely that the doctor weighs the risks and consequences prior to administering the medicine. About the author. Dr. Rose Windale is a successful Health & Wellness Coach who has been advising and coaching individuals for many years. Rose now decided to share her knowledge through this site, Healthzine.org. You can sign up for her free weekly newsletter and learn how to become truly healthy and happy.