Showing posts with label Conditions and Diseases. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Conditions and Diseases. Show all posts

Friday, April 20, 2012

Embarrassing Problems

Embarrassing Problems

 

If you are like most people at some point in your life you have had an embarrassing problem that you really couldn't talk about to even your closest friend. I know that when I was in high school I had a problem with dandruff and even though that doesn't seem all that much of an embarrassment for a guy in high school who was dating a popular cheer leader it was very embarrassing.
Later on when I was a working man just out of school I developed a new problem that was quite an embarrassment at the tender age of 18. Can you guess? No! I started to go bald. It was a very touchy subject even until my late thirties, however now that I'm 48 years old it's not so much of an embarrassment.
There are so many embarrassing problems that there is no way one person could have them all in one lifetime but there is a good chance that everyone has had or will have at least one.

Here are some of the top embarrassing physical problems:

  • Bad Breath
  • Acne
  • Mole or wart
  • IBS
  • Cellulite
  • Yeast 
  • To many to mention here.
If you have an embarrassing problem please don't hesitate to put it in the comments and I will research it and write about it. 


Monday, September 21, 2009

Foods That May Help Increase Your Lifespan




Research has shown that some chemicals in foods such as sulforaphane, a phytochemical in broccoli, works with your genetics to raise your natural defenses, knocking out toxins and free radicals before they can damage cells that leads to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and premature aging.
Hopefully in the future doctors will be able to tell someone what diseases they might be genetically predisposed to, so their diets can be adjusted accordingly. You'll know which foods to add, which foods to avoid, and be able to take a more active role in preventing or stopping a genetic disease.



Meanwhile, many foods have been determined to slow down the aging process.
Lycopene, found in tomatoes, is said to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease, and some cancers as well as macular degeneration. It’s also been said that it increases self sufficiency in elderly adults. Fresh tomatoes have a good amount of lycopene. The most usable form is found in cooked tomato products, like spaghetti sauce, soup and fresh salsas. Other great sources of this phytochemical are pink grapefruit, guava, red bell peppers, and watermelon.
Beta carotene is another great phytonutrient. If you eat at least two cups of orange fruits like sweet potatoes, squash and carrots you will boost your intake of beta carotene. This converts to vitamin A, an essential component for healthy skin and eyes. This nutrient may also reduce the risk of some cancers, cardiovascular disease, as well as osteoporosis. Lutein and lycopene, found in orange produce as well, may also reduce the risk of macular degeneration and protect skin from sun damage and reduce wrinkling. Other beta carotene sources are mango's and cantaloupes.
The one essential thing you need to change in your diet is eat dark leafy greens. This type of greens have been shown to greatly reduce your risk for heart disease and could save your eyesight. The best dietary guidelines advise three cups of greens a week. Frozen and bagged are as good as fresh.
To help the mental aging process, heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to keep your brain sharp. Some studies found that a higher intake of fatty fish greatly slowed or reduced mental decline. When fresh fish isn't available, canned tuna, salmon, and sardines are just as effective.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Great Flu Fighting Foods





The flu is responsible for millions of lost hours at work and home each year, bringing about many miserable days of recovery. If you don't know what you can do to organically boost your immunity and make ready your body’s defenses, just pay attention to the foods you’re eating. Look at your meal plans, and make changes to ensure everyone is eating a balanced diet abundant in nutrient packed fruits and vegetables, low fat protein, and complex carbohydrates.

Black currants richer in vitamin C than citrus fruits (oranges), containing three times the RDA (recommended daily allowance) for adults. It’s crucial that you get lots of of vitamin C because it helps prevent infections and helps the immune system to remain healthy.
Pork has elevated levels of zinc and selenium, which help maintain a strong immune system. It’s also a great source of B vitamins and contains little more fat than beef. Be sure lots of pork entrees are in your menu plan.

For breakfast try a glass of grapefruit juice instead of orange juice for a vitamin C rich drink. Remember to check with your doctor if you're on certain medications for blood pressure, AIDS, anxiety, or hay fever, because mixing grapefruit juice with some prescription drugs could lead to dangerous toxicity levels.

Brussel sprouts are another great source of vitamin C, fiber and are a great source of folate. They are a great source of anti oxidants, which have important cancer fighting properties. Add some in a stew to provide lots of flu fighting nutrients.

Live culture yogurt has a great effect on your intestinal tract, and helps the body purge the germ more quickly and thus helping to more effectively fight the flu. Your yogurt must contain the active culture L. acidophilus, also helps to fight off yeast infections.

One of the most affordable sources of vitamin C is potatoes, and they complement any meal with fantastic levels of potassium and fiber. The most fiber is in the skin and the most vitamin c is in the flesh just under the skin. Fresh potatoes are the best. Don't soak them in water because this robs them of the germ busting vitamin C.

Whole wheat pasta rich in niacin, fiber, and iron. Its complex carbohydrates will keep your immune system strong. Substitute traditional pasta with whole wheat variety instead, for a delicious, nutritious flare to your favorite pasta recipe.


Friday, August 7, 2009

Great Skin Requires a Great Regimen





Good skin care is essential to graceful aging and optimum health. Good skin care is an essential part of maintaining both good health and a healthy sense of self-esteem. A good skin care regimen is vital for healthy skin and eliminating pimples. Good skin care is not a once in a while thing, and a good skin care regimen must be followed daily to ensure great, youthful looking skin.


Skin beauty is closely linked to good skin health. Skin products that include retinal help minimize fine lines and help prevent wrinkles to a good degree. Skin can get dry on your legs, feet, elbows, and other places on your body. Skin has amazing powers of regeneration and renewal.

Healthy skin is very important for a person's well being. Healthy and beautiful skin can be yours with the right treatments and skin care programs. Natural skin care remedies can erase most of your skin care problems effectively. Soap or lotion and moisturising are the two main ways you can improve the look of your skin.

Good skin care is designed to maximize skin health and is an integral component of looking good. Good skin care is important to overall health. Good skin care is a key component in controlling eczema.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Is Heart Diseaese Preventable


Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America. Heart disease is often thought of as an older woman's disease, and it is the leading cause of death among women aged 65 years and older. Heart disease is a very general term, and is not a single condition, but an aggregation of different disease and conditions. Heart disease is a major cause of death throughout the world, and many of its variants are considered silent killers because of their asymptomatic nature. Heart disease is a broadly used term to describe several conditions, all of which are potentially fatal, but can be treated. Diseases of heart and stroke rank as the #1 killer of Latino Americans.

Heart disease begins when plaque buildup begins to adversely affect health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. Heart disease is on the rise, causing 27% of all deaths (650,000) in 2006 in the US. Heart attacks and strokes are by far the deadliest complications associated with heart disease. Heart problems are the leading cause of death among people with diabetes, especially in the case of adult onset or type II diabetes, also known as non insulin dependent diabetes. Heart attacks occur more frequently among people who smoke. Heart attacks are common among people that are obese. Heart disease conditions, aside from coronary heart disease, other diseases classified under this condition include congenital heart defects, heart valves disease and heart attacks.

Women seem to become more vulnerable to heart disease only after their estrogen levels fall with menopause, and so they tend to suffer first heart attacks later than men. Women with diabetes have a higher risk for heart disease than men with diabetes. Women develop the condition later in life. Their symptoms are often different from men's or more subtle, and they are affected more by certain risk factors, such as high levels of triglycerides (a fat in the blood). Women still haven't gotten the message that heart disease, not cancer, is most likely to send them to their graves. Women often don't experience the hollywood like heart attack symptoms that men do, but women may experience fatigue, indigestion, shoulder jaw and neck pain. In 2004, all cardiovascular diseases combined caused the deaths of 461,152 American women. Women are more aware of their risk for heart disease now than in the past. Women and men are affected differently by a wide range of conditions.

Blood pressure can be reduced by losing weight, becoming more physically active, limiting alcohol intake and taking blood pressure medicine. Blood pressure can vary with activity and with age, but a healthy adult who is resting generally has a systolic pressure reading between 120 and 130 and a diastolic pressure reading between 80 and 90 or lower. Blood pressure is a measure of the force at which your blood flows through your veins.

Health trends documented over the past 30 years of reduction in risk for heart disease is not as strong as is widely perceived and, in fact, the trend has flattened, according to a new analysis of national data by Mayo Clinic. Healthy living and a heart healthy lifestyle are smart choices that can pay big dividends as we age. Health care expenditures are 36% higher for obese than for non obese persons.

Risk factors are divided into two categories, major and contributing. Learn which risk factors are inherited and which can be modified or controlled. Risk factors including high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity, may also be passed from one generation to another. Risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking. Strokes are caused by broken blood vessels, blood clots, or a lack of blood flow to the brain. Lifestyle risk factors that contribute to heart disease include lack of exercise, high fat diet, emotional stress, and having a type A personality (aggressive, impatient, competitive).

Cholesterol consists of two ingredients; HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol) and LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol). Cholesterol should be closely monitored and tested on a regular basis. Cholesterol, a fat like substance carried in your blood, is found in all of your body's cells. Fatty deposits build up on blood vessel linings, which narrows the passage, causing the heart’s blood supply to decrease.

Coronary artery disease is a disease of the artery caused by the accumulation of atheromatous plaques within the walls of the arteries that supply the myocardium. Coronary artery disease is atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries, producing blockages in the vessels which nourish the heart itself. Coronary artery disease, the most common form of cardiovascular disease, is the leading cause of death in America today. Coronary artery disease and the reduced blood flow that follows can lead to other heart problems, such as chest pain and heart attacks. Coronary heart disease is the most common form of heart disease in both men and women. Coronary heart disease is the most common kind of heart disease that causes deaths in the US.

Symptoms of heart disease include heart attack, stroke, arrhythmia, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Symptoms of heart disease usually occur during exercise or activity. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach. Symptoms typically linked with this heart disease include shortness of breath, and chest pain.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among both men and women. Cardiovascular disease can take many forms like high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, stroke, or rheumatic fever-rheumatic heart disease. Cardiovascular disease is any of a number of specific diseases that affect the heart itself or the blood vessel system, especially the veins and arteries leading to and from the heart.

Research has shown that smoking increases heart rate, tightens major arteries, and can create irregularities in the timing of heartbeats, all of which make your heart work harder. Research on disease dimorphism suggests that women who suffer with cardiovascular disease usually suffer from forms that affect the blood vessels while men usually suffer from forms that affect the heart muscle itself.

The first step in preventing heart disease is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Treatment methods should be discussed with a physician, and keep in mind that many of the medications are available through prescription. Exercise continues to be important as the risk of heart disease doubles in people who remain inactive as opposed to those who don’t. Exercise helps to strengthen your heart and purify your bloodstream, preventing heart attacks and stroke.
Exercise also strengthens the heart muscle and makes the arteries more flexible.
Smoking also raises blood pressure, which increases the risk of stroke in people who already have high blood pressure. Smoking is a major risk for several diseases including heart disease,stroke, and several cancers. Smoking causes fatty buildups in the arteries, blood clots, artery spasms and rhythm problems, which all contribute to these attacks.

Stress may also contribute to other risk factors. Stress is considered a contributing risk factor for heart disease because little is known about its effects. Stress can lead to hypertension and coping habits that raise cholesterol. Stressful situations raise your heart rate and blood pressure, increasing the your heart's need for oxygen. Stress can increase the risk of heart disease, although we still do not know how this happens.

Lupus endocarditis usually causes the surfaces of the heart valve to thicken or develop wart like growths (lesions). Lupus can cause inflammation of the myocardium, the muscle tissue of your heart. Lupus is a chronic life long disease in which the immune system fails to tell the difference between foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria, and the body's own cells.

Heart disease is preventable as long as one consistently makes good lifestyle choices, such as regular exercise, consuming low sodium and fat diets, and avoiding alcohol and smoking are among these choices. Heart disease is commonly caused by atherosclerosis, and this process can also cause strokes. Heart disease is the #1 killer of men and women in the US, but many cases are preventable. Heart disease is a highly preventable and reversible disease. Heart disease is potentially reversible by attending to risk factors like cholesterol, blood pressure and smoking. Heart disease is not caused by cholesterol alone and probably the root cause of heart disease is free radicals. Heart disease is reversible by decreasing free radicals and increasing HDL. Cancer, the second largest killer, accounts for only half as many deaths. Family members live together, eat together and can influence one another's attitudes toward smoking, exercise, weight, diet, portion sizes and other factors that have an impact on heart health and disease. Controlling your blood pressure and sugar, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking will also help you have a healthy heart, according to doctors. Reduce fat intake and include fruits and vegetables in your daily diet.

Saturday, July 25, 2009

How Social Groups Can Help With Obesity


Obesity is a health problem that causes many severe diseases, besides hampering your normal personal and social activities. Obesity is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Obesity is increasingly becoming a concern in many developed countries. Obesity is thought to have numerous causes with physical, emotional, environmental, endocrine and neurological problems. Obesity is not just a cosmetic problem, but a lot of health problems & complications are associated with it. Obesity is a function of social progress so there's no point in blaming unhealthy food. Obesity is a result of multiple factors like environmental (food access, sedentary lifestyle), behavioral, social, cultural and genetic factors.

Obesity has become one of the major health problems worldwide. Obesity in adults is on the rise and is a major problem causing a significant rise in disease and death worldwide. Obesity itself is not a major risk factor for premature death until your body mass index is 40 or higher. Obesity is considered to be today's principal neglected public health problem, and is causing great harm to our society.

Weight loss is becoming a social issue. Weight loss diets, drugs and surgery all have well-documented side-effects, most of which include weight regain and decreased health. Overweight and obesity are products of certain lifestyle factors and it's unclear whether the weight itself, the lifestyle or the combination of both is more important for disease risk.

Obese people are at greater risk of cancer. Obese children are very likely to become obese adults who will have a significantly higher risk of developing medical problems. Obese children are more prone to vitamin deficiencies, especially Vitamin B12, which helps the body maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells.

Abdominal adiposity is an important determinant of impaired pulmonary function, and it is of greater importance than overall adiposity markers such as weight and BMI. Abdominal fat is especially active hormonally, secreting a group of hormones called adipokines that may possibly impair glucose tolerance. Abdominal adiposity may restrict the descent of the diaphragm and limit lung expansion, compared to overall adiposity, which may compress the chest wall. Body fat index calculators are used to find out the percentage of fats in the body.

Friends influence each others diet and exercise patterns. Friends who will commit to losing weight together can encourage each other along in healthy habits. Friends, siblings and spouses who agree to convert to healthy lifestyle habits and weight loss diets increase the chance of weight loss success for all concerned.

Researchers found that when a friend loses weight that their social network may follow suit. Researchers studied many factors, including gender, natural weight gain, and the tendency of people to associate with similar people. Researchers think it's more than just people with similar eating and exercise habits hanging out together. Researchers found that a person had a increased chance of becoming obese if their social network was obese.

Obesity is one of the major health problems increasing at an alarming rate. Obesity is not just a cosmetic problem, but it can lead to a lot of health problems and complications. Obesity is a public health problem which can translate into a large economic burden as steadily rising obese population can succumb to the medical complications of obesity and can threaten to overwhelm health services. Obesity is a growing problem among adults worldwide and the way to combat it is simple; eat less and eat more healthy food. Health is a big asset which requires proper care and nurturing.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Don't Let Tinnitus Affect Your Quality of Life

'Image via Wikipedia

  • Get Help Here
  • Tinnitus is the sensation of a sound in the ear or head that is not being produced by an external source. Tinnitus is usually caused by a fault in the hearing system. It is a symptom, not a disease in itself. Tinnitus is a physical condition, experienced as noises or ringing in the ears or head when no such external physical noise is present. Tinnitus is often referred to as "ringing in the ears" which, upon testing, proves to be best matched by a single high frequency tone. Tinnitus is typically not a serious condition, but, it is frequently accompanied by hearing loss. Tinnitus is also a side effect of some oral medications, such as aspirin, and may also result from an abnormally low level of serotonin activity. Possible causes of tinnitus are ear wax impaction, exposure to loud noises, ear infection, tumors, ototoxic drugs, meniere's disease, and lyme disease.


    Tinnitus can be cured when the cause of tinnitus is corrected. Tinnitus can be extremely disturbing to people who have it. Tinnitus can have a great impact on a patients quality of life. Tinnitus usually appears first as a continuous high pitched sound. Tinnitus will not cause you to go deaf and statistically, 50 percent of patients may express that their tinnitus with time decreases or is hardly perceptible. Tinnitus that is not annoying and well tolerated should not be treated. Drugs that commonly cause or increase tinnitus NSAIDS (motrin, naproxin, relafen,) aspirin and other salicylates Lasix and other "loop" diuretics "mycin" antibiotics quinine and related drugs. Chemotherapy such as cis platin Rarely, some of the SSRI antidepressants.

    Hearing loss from being around loud noises is also often accompanied by tinnitus. Hearing loss worsens the effect of tinnitus, so hearing protection and avoiding loud noises is very important in preventing worsening of the symptoms. Hearing aids are ideal if there is an associated hearing loss with the tinnitus. Hearing aids are among the most effective tools for providing relief from tinnitus in individuals with hearing loss. Hearing aids take away the strain of listening and distract from the tinnitus by bringing you more environmental sounds from the outside world.


    Treatment of tinnitus should be directed toward the underlying disease, because its treatment may lessen the tinnitus. Treatment is selected based on lifestyle, personal preferences, tinnitus hyperacusis severity and cost. Treatment consists of biofeedback exercises in hourly sessions, in which the patient learns to control circulation to various parts of the body and relax muscles attached to the head. Treatment, however, does not mean cure since most tinnitus is not correctable.

    Patients with objective tinnitus typically have a vascular abnormality, neurologic disease, or eustachian tube dysfunction. Patients can mistake headache, drug reaction, fatigue, hypertension, flu, and even depression as tinnitus. Patients may hear blowing sounds within the ear coincident with breathing. Patients often have difficulty describing their tinnitus due to the scarcity of adjectives available to describe sounds of any sort. Patients should be advised to avoid loud noise, or if unavoidable, to wear appropriate ear protection.


    Stress is a prime cause of tinnitus, and in cases where this is the cause the removal of the cause of the stress is the aim. Stressful situations cause changes in our chemical make up, and alterations in such can result in forms of tinnitus that are very irritating and sometimes debilitating. Stress management, whether through relaxation therapy, biofeedback or exercise, may provide some relief.


    Masking refers to exposing the patient to other sounds in an effort to block out, or take their mind off their tinnitus. Masking is simply arranging an external sound which covers-up the tinnitus and which is readily acceptable to the patient as a substitute for their tinnitus. Masking devices are similar in appearance to hearing aids. Masking seems to work for only a few patients, but like most treatments, it is impossible to predict in advance of testing and trial which patients can be helped with this treatment.

    Medications may occasionally help lessen the noise even though no cause can be found. Medications that help people with obsessive compulsive disorder may be helpful. Medications such as anti-arrhythmics (usually used for irregular heart rhythms), antidepressants, vasodilators, tranquilizers, and anticonvulsants may help.

    Pulsatile tinnitus is usually due to a small blood vessel that is coupled by fluid to your ear drum. Pulsatile (like a heartbeat) tinnitus is often caused by sounds created by muscle movements near the ear, changes in the ear canal, or blood flow (vascular) problems in the face or neck. Pulsatile tinnitus, in which the tinnitus sounds are intermittent, continuous, or pulsating in time with the heartbeat. Pulsatile tinnitus subsides with light digital pressure applied over the ipsilateral internal jugular vein of the side with tinnitus. Pulsatile tinnitus of this nature usually goes away with time.


    Subjective tinnitus is described as a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whistling sound that resembles bells, crickets, or a variety of complex sounds. Subjective tinnitus differs in that it is louder in quiet. Subjective tinnitus, which is more common, is heard only by the patient. Subjective tinnitus is by far the most common type of tinnitus.

    Objective tinnitus occurs when certain blood vessels become noisy. Objective tinnitus can be heard through a stethoscope placed over head and neck structures near the patient's ear. Objective tinnitus can occur suddenly and may be temporary because it can accompany elevated blood pressure; when the blood pressure is reduced, the tinnitus may stop as suddenly as it started. Objective tinnitus is a much rarer form of tinnitus and consists of head noises that are audible to other people in addition to the sufferer. Objective tinnitus is far less frequent than subjective tinnitus. Objective tinnitus is mostly associated with vascular or muscular disorders and relates to less than 5 percent Tinnitus cases.

    Surgery should be considered when there is a clear structural reason for tinnitus that can be improved with surgery. Only rarely is surgical treatment indicated, and even more rarely, is Tinnitus relieved. Surgery of the ear or brain is extremely dangerous, and is considered a treatment of last resort. Surgery is seldom justified and can aggravate tinnitus.


    Tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease. Tinnitus is most common in people over age 40. Tinnitus is common; nearly 36 million Americans have constant tinnitus and more than half of the normal population has intermittent tinnitus. Tinnitus is usually most bothersome at night or other times when it is quiet. Tinnitus is not a disease in itself. Tinnitus is usually more marked after one goes to bed and his surroundings become quiet. Tinnitus is most commonly treated with a calming sedative. Tinnitus is rarely linked to any serious problem and people usually learn to manage it quite successfully. Tinnitus is bothersome but does not impair function; consequently, people who have tinnitus usually do not seek treatment. Management consists simply of reassuring the patient and treating the underlying disorder. Avoid loud noise, loud noise is the enemy of the tinnitus patient. Avoid stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine. Avoid exposure to loud noises and sounds. To find out more click this link>>Tinnitus Help
Reblog this post [with Zemanta]






Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Don't Neglect Your Eyes: Keep Em' Healthy

Illustration of Gowers' tractImage via Wikipedia

Simple Trucker Diet << click
In my 22 years experience as a trucker I have experienced dry eyes, red eyes, and tired eyes, but the one thing I want to stress in this article is that as a Truck Driver you definitely don't want to leave the health of your eyes to chance.



Dry eyes are a common source of discomfort. Dry eyes are caused by problems in tearing fluid production. Dry eyes are also a symptom of systemic diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, rosacea or Sjogren's syndrome . Dry eyes are a common problem in the menopausal female. Dry eyes are a very common complaint among older adults. Dry eyes are also a frequent side effect of many systemic medications, medical conditions such as Thyroid disease, Parkinson’s Disease and Sjorgren’s Syndrome and Vitamin A Deficiency. Dry eyes are typically treated by a specially formulated eye drop solution that simulates real tears.


Eyelid problems that may develop as you age include an out-turning of the lids (ectropion) or an in-turning of the lids (entropion). Eyes are sensitive with much heat, burning and aching. Eyes are painful in the evening and at night, as from sand, with frequent watering. Eye drops for dry eyes are not to be confused with eye drops for red eyes. Eye redness reducers can also interfere with the eye’s natural healing process. Eyelid glands secrete oils, water and mucin as we blink.


Symptoms of dry eyes can include redness, dryness, burning, grittiness, excessive tearing, tired eyes, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light. Dry eye symptoms usually first appear in adults over the age of 40, but they can appear in individuals between the ages of 20 and 30. Dry eyes may also be stimulated by environmental aspects such as weather that irritate the eye and dry up tears. Dry Eyes can be caused by several factors which include those relating to less tears and less moisture within the eyes. Dry eye is sometimes worsened by contact lens wear or surgery. Dry eyes condition is not good for your eyes. Dry Eyes Treatments will vary depending on the level of dry eye syndrome.


Contact lenses don't cause dryness, however a patient with dry eyes will experience discomfort because their eyes can not support the presence of the contact lens. Contact lenses essentially work like a sponge in the eye. Contact lens wearers usually experience dry eyes because their contacts seems to work against moisturization. Contact lens wearers will often find eye drops effective especially if the lenses are removed prior to adding the re wetting drops. Contact lenses rely on our eyes to produce enough tears to Hydrate the contact lenses and allow them to float on a cushion of tears.

Tears are of composed of three distinctive layers: the outer, oily, lipid layer; the middle, watery, lacrimal layer; and the inner, mucous or mucin layer. Tears are necessary for the normal lubrication of your eyes and to wash away particles and foreign bodies. Tears not only wash away dust from the eyes, but also soothe the eyes, provide oxygen and nutrients to the cornea, as well as help defend against eye infections by removing microorganisms that can colonize in the eyes. Tears are essential for good eye health.


Symptoms are the best way to know if you have dry eye and it is always important to have the diagnosis confirmed by an eye doctor. Symptoms include burning, irritation, pain, foreign body sensation, blurring of vision, photo phobia, and excessive tearing. Symptoms include eyes that burn or feel gritty, itchy or sticky or blurred vision with prolonged reading or computer work. Symptoms usually develop between 45 and 55 years of age.


Treatment of dry eyes aims to restore a more normal tear film to minimize your dryness, blurred vision and discomfort. Treatment may be as simple as prescribing lubricating eye drops or supplements. Treatment for dry eye syndrome depends largely on the severity of the case and underlying causes. There are some very good prescription medications that can be used chronically with no side effects. Treatments for dry eyes may include artificial tear drops and ointments. Treatment depends largely on the source of the problem.


Patients who suffer with dry eyes are at increased risk of eye infections or infections around the eye. Patients often delay seeking care for their dry eyes until the tissue damage is at a more advanced stage. Patients with dry eyes rate their discomfort at a level similar to the way heart patients rate chest pain. Patients with dry eye symptoms should be seen and followed by an ophthalmologist for periodic complete eye exams including the Schirmer to determine tear production, and slit lamp exam to rule out corneal abrasions.


Artificial tears containing active ingredients such as carboxymethylcellulose and polyvinyl alcohol are helpful in mild cases of dry eye syndrome. Artificial tears are available over the counter, without a prescription. Artificial tears are chemical solutions similar to the eye’s natural fluids. Artificial tears can help with treating dry eye. Artificial tears are saline eye drops that lubricate the eye. Artificial tears containing active ingredients such as carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, glycerin, castor oil, polyethylene glycol or polyvinyl alcohol are used in mild cases of dry eyes. Artificial tears are only a temporary solution, but they can still provide much needed emergency relief to someone needing dry eye care.


Dry eyes are one of the most common eye complaints; in fact over 10 million Americans suffer from dry eyes. Dry eyes are one of the most common problems older men and women have as they age. Dry eyes are a common source of discomfort, and usually dry eyes are a chronic problem. Dry eyes aren't comfortable and the condition will not just go away on its own. Dry eyes are a very common problem, especially in the aging population and patients with autoimmune disorders including Sjogren’s, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Remember that when you are driving down that highway, your dry eyes may be caused by more than just stress and tiredness. As a driver your eyes are to important to take chances with so get them checked. It could prolong your career and keep those miles flying by with a little less stress.
Reblog this post [with Zemanta]


Saturday, June 13, 2009

Trucking and the Risk of Repetitive Motion Injury

Cat stretching from a relaxed positionImage via Wikipedia

In the trucking industry I don't feel that enough attention or consideration is given to the fact that Truck Driving is almost all repetitive motion. When the FMCSA decides to write up and implement their new rules I doubt seriously that this is taken into account or there would be more attention taken into consideration for drivers ability to reduce the stress from this type of motion.
If you drive for a living and are lucky enough to be operating equipment with multiple seat adjustments, a multiple steering wheel adjustment, and arm rests always consider using them with keeping the best spinal alignment for good posture in mind.
Repetitive Motion Injuries are among the most common injuries in the United States. Repetitive motion injuries are wear-and-tear injuries that occur because of repetitive activities that we perform at work and at home. Repetitive motion injuries are caused when the soft tissue structures that are being used during the motion do not have time to repair and eventually become degenerated, torn, or stretched. Repetitive motion injuries are most common in fingers, wrists, elbows, arms and shoulders. Repetitive motion injuries are one of the fastest growing causes of lost time to business and industry, not to mention their impact on worker health and morale. Repetitive motion injuries are caused, not from a one-time event, but from years of repeating the same movement. Repetitive motion injuries are a multi-factorial problem and so are difficult to control there is no universal control measure that eliminates causes of repetitive motion injuries . Repetitive motion injuries are often tough to diagnose and treat.
Safety
Safety problems in work settings range from immediate threats like toxic substances and grievous bodily injuries to subtle, progressive dangers such as repetitive motion injuries, high noise levels, and air quality. Safety newsletters, workshops, posters, incentive programs and articles are key components in communicating effectively.
Trigger
Trigger point therapy isn’t "too good to be true" — it’s just ordinary good. Trigger point therapy is not a miracle cure for chronic pain — but it’s close. Trigger points are not a flaky diagnosis. Trigger points routinely complicate most injuries and often begin to overshadow the original problem. Trigger points have many strange "features" and behaviours, and can easily be confused with many other problems. Trigger points might explain many odd aches and pains.
Ergonomics
Ergonomics deals directly with the problem of work related musculoskeletal disorders, and this type of injury is one of the most prevalent lost time injuries in the country.Ergonomics is the science of matching tools and tasks to the work environment. Ergonomics is used to fit the person into his or her environment in order to prevent repetitive motion injuries . Ergonomics is the applied science of equipment design that’s intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort. Ergonomics, also referred to as Human Factors Engineering, is the study of the interaction between people and their work. Ergonomics is the practice of designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely. Ergonomics in the workplace aims to fit the job to the worker in an effort to limit strain on the body and thus reduce the risk for work related injury, especially musculoskeletal disorders. Ergonomic injuries, including back and repetitive motion illnesses, account for more than half of all workers compensation claims.
Osha
OSHA, which developed an ergonomics standard that Congress revoked in 2001, has since that time released voluntary ergonomic guidelines for nursing homes and other sectors with high numbers of reported MSDs. OSHA says its rules would be limited to manufacturing and manual operations where workers use their limbs in repetitive motions. OSHA claims that federal ergonomic standards will save businesses money. OSHA's effectiveness in reducing industrial injury and illness has been debated since its earliest years.
Muscle
Muscle tissue is incredibly powerful and complex, and like any finely-tuned machine, it breaks down easily. Muscle tissue, and its problems, simply has not gotten the clinical attention it deserves. Muscle tissue is the largest organ in the body, metabolically active and filled with nerves, the primary target of the wear and tear of daily activities, but it is the bones, joints, bursae and nerves on which physicians usually concentrate their attention. Strained cervical postures (eg, sitting in the drivers seat using you arms and legs in the same repetetive motion ) are common.
Symptoms
Symptoms of repetitive motion injuries develop over time and are subjective with the result that it is difficult to identify the cause and also the solution for the problem. Symptoms that are persistent and don't go away overnight may indicate a more serious problem. Symptoms include chronic aches, stiffness, sore muscles, decreased coordination, tingling or numbness especially upon waking, and trouble sleeping because of the pain. Symptoms that go away overnight are usually a sign of fatigue. Stretching is a good way to help increase your flexibility and reduce some of the physical effects of stress. Stretching the tendons and muscles can help reduce your risk of injury. Stretching is generally over-rated … but it might be good for trigger points. One of the worst problems I have is my lower back from all the sitting all day behind the wheel. This shortens the thigh muscles which helps to aggravate any back pain. If you take a short twenty minute walk to warm the muscles, then do some stretching exercises you will over a short time span begin to feel you back pain less and less.
Conclusion
Repetitive motion injuries are on the increase. Repetitive motion injuries are some of the most common, painful, soft tissue problems in the United States, making up over 50 percent of all athletic-related injuries seen by physicians. Repetitive motion injuries are easier to treat in their early stages. Repetitive motion injuries are the most common type of office injury, followed by back injuries and trips and falls. Repetitive motion injuries are one of the more frequent hazards of the modern workplace. Repetitive motion injuries, also called repetitive stress injuries, are temporary or permanent injuries to muscles, nerves, ligaments, and tendons caused by performing the same motion over and over again. Repetitive motion injuries can often be healed quickly if promptly reported. Ergonomic techniques have been recommended and successfully used to improve or correct workplaces that cause cumulative trauma disorders.
If you have the time between on duty and off duty shifts take the time to stretch go for a walk and do some basic calisthenics. This will save you from a lifetime of aches and pains, and help you to live a happier healthier life.




Reblog this post [with Zemanta]