Health News

24 million Americans have diabetes

2008-06-26T06:54:00.000-07:00

New government estimates show that nearly 24 million people in the United States have diabetes, an increase of more than 3 million in two years.

This means that nearly 8 percent of the U.S. population has diabetes, mostly the type-2 diabetes linked with obesity, poor diet and a lack of exercise, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Tuesday.

The estimates, based on 2007 data, also show that 57 million people have pre-diabetes, a condition that puts people at increased risk for diabetes. And up to 25 percent of people with diabetes do not know they have it, the CDC said — down from 30 percent two years ago.Almost 25 percent of the population 60 years and older had diabetes in 2007, the CDC found.The highest rates are among Native Americans and Alaska Natives, with 16.5 percent affected.Close to 12 percent of blacks and 10 percent of Hispanics have diabetes, but just 7.5 percent of Asian Americans and 6.6 percent of whites.

Diabetes causes the body to produce less insulin, or to use it less effectively, which in turn causes blood sugar levels to rise. This in turn damages blood vessels and organs, leading to blindness, kidney disease, limb loss and heart disease.

It is the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States.

“It is concerning to know that we have more people developing diabetes, and these data are a reminder of the importance of increasing awareness of this condition, especially among people who are at high risk,” said Dr. Ann Albright, director of the CDC’s Division of Diabetes Translation.

“On the other hand, it is good to see that more people are aware that they have diabetes. That is an indication that our efforts to increase awareness are working, and more importantly, that more people are better prepared to manage this disease and its complications.”

Your Head-to-Toe Guide to Natural Health

2008-06-26T06:08:00.000-07:00

We asked the experts—Christiane Northrup, MD, author of Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom and The Wisdom of Menopause; Mona Lisa Schulz, MD, PhD, author of The New Feminine Brain; Michael F. Holick, MD, PhD, of the Vitamin D, Skin, and Bone Research Laboratory at Boston University Medical Center; and integrative-medicine guru Andrew Weil, MD—for some of their favorite natural remedies. Here, from head to toe, from botanicals to biofeedback, we’ve got you covered.

Head

Biofeedback, a relaxation technique that sends brain wave info to the user via headphones and fingertip electrodes, can prevent migraines. Magnesium supplements or herbs such as butterbur or feverfew may also help headache sufferers.

Brain

Feeling down? Acupuncture, Chinese herbs, tai chi, and yoga are known depression-fighters; SAM-e, full-spectrum lighting, prayer, gratitude, and positive affirmations may also help. For fatigue with depression, try acetyl-L-carnitine (an amino acid derivative). Take 500 milligrams two or three times a day.

Eyes

Keep your vision sharp with bilberries, which are packed with antioxidants—even more than their blueberry cousins. Bilberry smoothie, anyone?

Sinuses

Prone to sinus infections? Try aromatherapy—research shows that oils from dill, bishop’s weed, and cumin work as well as or better than antibiotics against eight types of common bacterial infections. An herbal combination called Kan Jang can make sinus infections and the common cold more tolerable and reduce recovery time.

Jaw

Biofeedback paired with cognitive-behavioral-skills training (a mind-body type of therapy), can significantly reduce pain from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.

Throat

Fight germs and kill bacteria with a tea-tree–oil gargle (1 1⁄2 tablespoons of pure tea tree oil to 1 cup of water). Swish and spit. (Don’t swallow.)

Breasts

Flaxseed, which contains omega-3 fatty acids, reduces inflammation and tumor growth. Start with 1 tablespoon of ground organic golden flaxseed daily for a week, and work up to 4 tablespoons; drink lots of water to avoid constipation.

Tummy

Excuse you! Get rid of your burping and bloating with digestive enzyme supplements that help your body process sugars, starches, proteins, and fats; they’re available in capsule form. Mint (drink it in tea) has long been considered a tummy soother too. And enteric-coated peppermint-oil capsules (the enteric protects your tummy lining—never ingest essential oils in liquid form) may ease irritable bowel syndrome.

Pelvis

To relieve menstrual cramps naturally, try taking black cohosh, magnesium supplements, omega-3 fatty acids, or vitamins C, B, and B6—all of which are thought to ease pain; calendula oil (made from marigolds) applied topically may help, too. Castor oil packs placed on the abdomen may also decrease pain, reduce inflammation, and increase relaxation. And acupuncture and magnet therapy have been shown to dramatically reduce menstrual cramps and pelvic pain.

Back

Although magnet therapy for low-back pain is controversial, anecdotal studies do reveal that it may have some merit for the open-minded. For proven results, try acupuncture— relieving chronic low-back pain is one of the things it does best, research shows. In fact, recent trials in Germany showed it to be almost twice as effective for chronic low-back pain as conventional therapy. Meditation reduces pain, too.

Lungs

Breathing from deep in your belly removes more carbon dioxide from each breath. It can even strengthen lungs weakened by chronic bronchitis or asthma. Practice breathing by trying to squeeze more air out at the end of each breath. Or take a Kundalini yoga class.

Liver

Detox your liver with milk thistle seed (silymarin) capsules, which stimulate regeneration of damaged liver cells. Its active ingredient may even stop liver cancer cells from growing.

Butt

Heat therapy reduces muscle spasms and increases blood flow. Moist heat—heat packs, a microwaved damp towel, or soaking in a hot tub—penetrates deeper than dry heat. But be warned: Heat increases swelling, so don’t use heat packs after an injury.

Urinary tract

It’s not an old wives’ tale: Cranberries, in juice or capsules, can keep bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall—and this can help fight urinary tract infections. The herb uva ursi (bearberry) might also provide some relief; it contains a natural antibiotic that soothes irritation and reduces inflammation caused by bladder infections.

Colon

Research shows that hypnotherapy improves irritable bowel syndrome in most patients who try it. And probiotics, specifically Lactobacillus GG or Bacillus coagulans, can help maintain healthy gastrointestinal flora and restore balance after a bout of traveler’s diarrhea.

Skin
One way to prevent or lessen wrinkles is to build collagen, which becomes thinner as a woman’s hormone levels fall. Try natural progesterone cream (rubbed into the thin skin behind your knees or on your chest), foods rich in phytoestrogens (soy), and antioxidant supplements (vitamins C and E; glutathione; and pine bark or grape seed extracts).

Bones
Vitamin D has emerged as a potent way to strengthen bones, as research has shown that calcium is virtually useless without enough of it. For those who don’t get much sun (which produces D), try a daily supplement with 800 to 1,000 IU of vitamin D.

Knees/calves

Massage is a proven way to de-stress overused and tight muscles, including those in the calves and behind the knees. For chronic knee pain from degenerative joint disease, try magnet therapy. Magnets may reduce pain and increase mobility, according to a University of Texas Medical Branch study. How do magnets work? They may restore the natural electromagnetic balance of the body and increase blood flow to the area in pain.

Hands
Lifting weights and doing breathing exercises may help warm up cold hands and feet.

Feet
To ease the chronic pain of plantar fasciitis, try acupuncture or natural anti-inflammatories such as ginger, turmeric, or boswellia.

Toes
Yoga for your toes? Why not? Your toes could use a good relaxing stretch, too, to fend off cramps and other foot problems. Try using a pair of toe stretchers.

Tips for sleeping healthy

2008-06-24T08:56:00.000-07:00

نصائح لنوم هادئ وصحي

تجنب استخدام المنبهات قبل النوم مثل الشاى أو القهوة أو أىمشروبات أخرى تحتوى على الكافيين

تجنب التدخين قبل النوم بساعة على الأقل لأن النيكوتين يعتبر منالمنبهات التى قد تجعل نومك مضطرباً

تجنب تناول وجبات دسمة قبل لنوم بساعتين أو ثلاث لكن فى نفس الوقت لا تترك نفسك جائع

لأن الجوع قد يجعلك تستيقظ طوال الليل إن تناول وجبة صحية خفيفة هو أفضل شئ قبل النوم

حاول ممارسة الرياضة بانتظام أثناء اليوم لأن ذلك سيساعدك على النوم بشكل أفضل، ولكن تجنب ممارسة الرياضة قبل النوم مباشرةً

تجنب النوم لفترات طويلة أثناء النهار لأن ذلك قد يربك نومك أثناء الليل

قبل موعد النوم، تجنب أى مناقشات أو أنشطة قد تثير شعورك بالقلق مثل التفكير فى الأمورالمادية أو المشاكل

احرص على أن يكون جو غرفتك هادئاً ومريحاً. كما سيساعدك أيضاً أن يكون فرش السرير جميلاً وأن تكون المرتبة مريحة

اطفئ أنوار الغرفة. جزء المخ المسئول عن النوم قريب من العصب البصرى لذا سيساعدك الظلام على النوم

تناول كوباً دافئاً من اللبن قبل النوم لأن اللبن يحتوى على "التريبتوفان"وهى مادة طبيعية تساعد على النوم

إذا كنت تعاني من الأرق، حاول القيام بنشاط بسيط ثم حاول العودة للنوم مرةأخرى

Dangers of increased sleep?

2008-06-24T08:38:00.000-07:00

Sleep: A Necessity, Not a Luxury

ما هى أخطار زيادة النوم ؟ وما هو النوم الصحيح؟

وعن الاخطار التى قد تحدث.....اخطار النوم عندما يزيد عن9ساعات..!قد يستغرب

البعض عند قراءة عنوان هذا المقال,فالنوم له عند الانسان اهمية خاصة لا يمكنه

الاستغناء عنه ابداويرى البعض انه كلما نام اكثر كلما شعر بالراحة اكثر فهذا فهم

خاطئ يتبادر الى اذهان كثير من الناس فقد اثبتت الدراسات أن النوم الزائد عن

المعدل المحدد له يصيب صاحبه بأمراض خطيرة جدا خاصة امراض القلب

والدماغ التي قد تؤدي الى حصول الجلطات والنوباتمما يؤدي

بعد ذلك الى الوفاة لا سمح الله.. فالمعدل السليم للنوم اليومي

هو ما بين 7ـ 9 فهي تعطي الانساننشاطا يوميا مكثفا وهذا ما يخدم الانسان في

حياته العمليةفكلما زاد على المعدل اليومي للنوم كلما زاد كسلا وتقاعساويرى

أنه يحتاج الى النوم أكثر واكثر.وقد اثبتت دراسات أخرى ان النوم الزائد

قد يسبب اضطراباتفي الجهاز التنفسي ويضعف القدرة على الحصول

على كميات كافيةمن الاكسجين فتجده يستيقظ من النوم فيشعر بالتعب

والارق.وقد يتوقع البعض أن الراحة هي في مدة النوم وهذا فهم غير سليم

فالراحة لا تأتي من مدة النوم الطويلة أو القصيرة بل تأتي من عمق هذا النوم

فمتى ابتعد الانسان عن الاقراص المهدئة والمنومة وابتعد عن المنبهات

وحصل له جو معتدل ليس بالبارد ولا الحار فبذلك تحصل له الراحة المطلوبة

المستفادة من النوم ومن المنومات الخاطئة التي تحصل كثيراخاصة في مجتمعنا

هي النومات التي تأتي بعد الاكل مباشرة فمثل هذه النومات تتسبب في حصول

السمنة وترهل الجسموهذا أمر يجب معرفته على كل افراد المجتمع فالبعضلا

يعطي لهذه الاسباب القدر الكافي للابتعاد عنها فيقع فيها من غير انتباه

النوم الصحي يتحقق بما يلي

اما النوم الصحي فيجب أن يتحقق فيه ثلاثة شروط

أولها

الراحة الجسدية

وثانيها

الراحة العاطفية

والاخيرة

هي الراحة الفكرية

فمتى تمت هذه الشروط الثلاثة فانها تجذب للانسان النوم الصحي الملائم لجسمه

فان هناك في جسم الانسان هرمون (السيروتونين) الذي يتولى مهمة تنويم

جسم الانسان والعجيب في الهرمونانه يزداد افرازه في الظلام فهو

يعتمد على درجة الاضاءة المحيطةبجسم الانسان

قال تعالى( وجعلنا نومكم سباتا وجعلنا الليل لباساوجعلنا النهار معاشا). فالنوم

الطبيعي لا يكون الا في الليل.أما عن نوم القيلولة فمتى شعرت بالنوم في

وقت الظهيرة فنم فهي فترة للراحة تعيد للجسم نشاطه من جديد. ولا يلزم

كونها ساعات بل يكفي فيها الاسترخاء لفترة قصيرة قد تتجاوز النصف

ساعة. اما الارق وعلاجه فيمكن التغلب عليه بتجنب النوم لفترات

طويلة اثناء النهار والابتعاد عن المنبهات قبل النوم بثلاث ساعات

على الاقلوتهيئة الجو المناسب للنوم

فبذلك يمكنك التغلب على الارق

Sleep: A Necessity, Not a Luxury

2008-06-09T04:53:00.000-07:00

By Dennis Thompson, HealthDay Reporter - Sun Jun 8, 8:49 PM PDT

- SUNDAY, June 8 (HealthDay News) -- The pace of life gets faster and faster, and people try to cram more and more into every minute of the day.

As things get more hectic, sleep tends to get short shrift. It's seen as wasted time, lost forever.

"For healthy people, there's a big temptation to voluntarily restrict sleep, to stay up an hour or two or get up an hour or two earlier," said Dr. Greg Belenky, director of the Sleep and Performance Research Center at Washington State University Spokane.

"But you're really reducing your productivity and exposing yourself to risk," Belenky added.

That's a message doctors are trying to spread to Americans, including the estimated 40 million people who struggle with some type of sleep disorder each year.

Before Thomas Edison invented the light bulb in 1880, people slept an average of 10 hours a night. These days, Americans average 6.9 hours of sleep on weeknights and 7.5 hours a night on weekends, according to the National Sleep Foundation.

"The group of people getting optimal sleep is getting smaller and smaller," said Dr. Chris Drake, senior scientist at the Henry Ford Hospital Sleep Disorders and Research Center in Detroit. "When a person's sleep drops to six hours or less, that's when a lot of things become very problematic."

While experts recommend seven to eight hours of sleep each night, the amount needed for an individual can vary.

But lack of sleep affects a person in one of two ways, Belenky said. First, sleeplessness influences the day-to-day performance of tasks.

"The performance effects are seen immediately," he said. "You short-change yourself of sleep, and you see the effects immediately. You can make a bad decision. You can miss something. Have a moment's inattention, and you're off the road."

The longer-term effects of sleep deprivation involve a person's health. Doctors have linked lack of sleep to weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, depression and substance abuse.

"Hormones that process appetite begin to get disorganized," said Drake, who's also an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience at the Wayne State University School of Medicine. There's a decrease in the amount of leptin, an appetite-suppressing hormone, when a person gets too little sleep. At the same time, ghrelin -- a hormone that stimulates appetite -- increases with a lack of sleep.

Too little sleep also interferes with the body's ability to regulate glucose and can cause inflammation leading to heart problems and a rise in blood pressure. "There's a stress response to being in a sleep loss," Belenky said.

The types of people not getting enough sleep also break down into two groups. First, there are those who make the conscious choice to go without enough sleep.

"It's sort of part of the culture," Belenky said. "People pride themselves on getting little sleep. You'll hear people bragging, 'I only need six hours a night.' So there's a macho element here."

On the other hand, there are people who are suffering from sleep disorders. These disorders include:

Insomnia, an inability to go to sleep or stay asleep.
Sleep apnea, or breathing interruptions during sleep that cause people to wake up repeatedly.
Restless legs syndrome, a tingling or prickly sensation in the legs that causes a person to need to move them, interrupting sleep.

Someone suffering from any of these problems should visit their doctor or see a sleep specialist, Belenky said.

Sleep apnea, the most prevalent sleep disorder, can have particularly serious long-term effects if left untreated. "You're waking up out of sleep to breathe. You can't sleep and breathe at the same time," Drake said. "It's a risk factor for developing major cardiovascular health effects."

Some people who have trouble sleeping will resort to mild sedatives like Ambien and Lunesta.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently asked the makers of these sedative-hypnotic drugs to strengthen their warning labels. This action followed reports of dangerous allergic reactions, as well as a host of bizarre behavioral side effects that include sleep-driving, making phone calls, and preparing and eating food or having sex while asleep.

Drake and Belenky both consider sleeping pills to be fine for the short term if taken properly.

"Sleeping pills are a temporary solution," Belenky said. "If you're upset about something or have situational insomnia, or you're trying to sleep at the wrong time of day because you've traveled across time zones, they are effective."

But, both doctors noted the pills will do nothing to help a chronic sleep problem. "They don't address the pathology of their sleeplessness," Drake said.

The U.S. National Institutes of Health offers these tips for getting a good night's sleep:

Stick to a regular sleep schedule.
Avoid exercising closer than five or six hours before bedtime.
Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol before bed.
Avoid large meals and beverages late at night.
Don't take naps after 3 p.m.
Relax before bed, taking time to unwind with a hot bath, a good book or soothing music.
If you're still awake after more than 20 minutes in bed, get up and do something relaxing until you feel sleepy. Anxiety over not being able to sleep can make it harder to fall asleep.