Posts Tagged ‘About’

What You Should Know About Cholesterol Testing

January 21st, 2010

When should I undergo a cholesterol test? What would the results say about my health? How many tests are there and which will give me the best results?

Unlike any other health tests, cholesterol testing does not diagnose disease. Instead, it reveals the risks of developing heart disease. Cholesterol testing is considered necessary in preventive health care for individuals over 20 years of age. The test should be repeated once every five years for healthy individuals.

Cholesterol testing, along with HDL, LDL and triglyceride testing is called the lipoprotein profile.

Cholesterol testing is done several times a year for individuals who are on a prescribed diet and for those who are taking cholesterol lowering medications.

Usually blood samples are drawn from the arm. Sometimes blood samples are taken from the fingertip. The samples are analyzed by a cholesterol testing device. Cholesterol tests are used to monitor the progress in lowering the cholesterol level.

Test results are grouped in three types:

* Desirable – the cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL below is regarded to be desirable because it has a low risk of heart disease.

* Borderline high - a total cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL to 240 mg/dL is at fair risk of having heart disease. Your doctor may decide to give you have a lipid profile in order to determine which cholesterol level is high.
* High Risk – a 240 mg/dL cholesterol level is considered to be at high risk of heart disease. Expect a lipid profiling if your cholesterol level is this high. It is more likely that you will be given a cholesterol lowering medication along with a low cholesterol diet.

Cholesterol tests are usually given when the individual is healthy because the blood cholesterol level of an individual who has an acute illness, (after a heart attack or after surgery or accident) is likely to be low. Individuals are advised to wait at least six weeks after any illness before taking cholesterol tests. Pregnant women are also advised to wait six weeks before having their cholesterol level measured.

A Brief Explanation of Cholesterol Ratios:

Cholesterol ratios consist of total cholesterol. Total cholesterol includes low level lipoprotein cholesterol levels (LDL cholesterol), triglycerides and high density lipoprotein cholesterol level (HDL cholesterol).

Cholesterol is measured by milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). Usually, only the total cholesterol amount is given when a person is tested for cholesterol. Sometimes you are given the HDL cholesterol and the total cholesterol results.

The desirable total cholesterol level is 200mg/dL and the beneficial amount of HDL is more than 40mg/dL.

There are two important cholesterol ratios. These they are LDL/HDL cholesterol ratios and total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratios.

In the latter cholesterol ratios, your cholesterol result is given by the total cholesterol divided by the HDL cholesterol. According to the American Heart Association, the desirable amount should be below 5:1 with the optimal amount of 3.5:1 or 3.5 to 1.

The LDL/HDL is done by dividing LDL cholesterol by the HDL cholesterol. The desirable amount in this ratio should be 3.5 below. The American Heart Association recommended that physicians must use complete numbers for total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol in determining the appropriate treatment.

A normal cholesterol level as suggested by the National Institute of Health:
* total cholesterol - 200mg/dL
* LDL – 100mg/dL
* HDL (man) – 40mg/dL above
* HDL (woman) – 50mg/dL above
* Triglycerides – 150mg/dL

It is important to remember to fast the night before, prior to taking a lipid profile test (a test that profiles the HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and total cholesterol) the next day.

If this information was useful, visit our website The Low Cholesterol Recipe to find out more.

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Posted in Cholesterol

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Facts About Cholesterol

January 12th, 2010

Fact #1: Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in cell membranes in the body.

Essentially, cholesterol is like a lipid, which is broadly defined as any fat-soluble, naturally-occurring molecule, such as fats and oils. Cholesterol is naturally made in the body via the liver, however can be created in small amounts through your diet. Cholesterol plays an important role in the body as a building block for cell walls and bile acids and it is needed to produce hormones and vitamin D. A low level of cholesterol in the blood is natural and healthy. Cholesterol only becomes a problem when there is more cholesterol in the blood than the body needs. It can cause the build up of fatty deposits in the arteries, reducing blood flow in arteries and may subsequently become a problem for a heart health.

Fact #2: There are Good and Bad Types of Cholesterol

There are indeed two different types of cholesterol in the blood, which are carried in special transport packages, called: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol), takes cholesterol from the liver to the body tissues. If there is a high level of bad (LDL) cholesterol in the blood it can build up in the walls of the blood vessels and cause them to narrow High-density lipoprotein (HDL cholesterol), takes cholesterol away from the arteries to the liver to be eliminated and a high level of good (HDL) cholesterol is thought to be heart healthy Your total cholesterol is made up from both LDL and HDL cholesterol. Hence, the total cholesterol level recommended for heart health for Australians adult is 5.5 mmol/L or lower. To help keep your heart healthy and lead a healthy lifestyle, it is important to keep your bad (LDL) cholesterol low and your good (HDL) cholesterol high.

Fact #3: Eating Too Much Saturated Fats Causes High Cholesterol Levels

Although there are many factors which may cause your cholesterol levels to exceed the target level of 5.5 mmol/L, the most common dietary cause is eating too much fat and in particular too much saturated fat. High intakes of saturated fat can raise bad (LDL) cholesterol levels and in effect cause heart health risks. Usually, saturated fats can be found in fatty meat and milk products, butter, cheese, chips, and other snacks. We can reduce the intake of saturated fat by consuming fewer foods rich in saturated fat, such as butter, fatty meats and full fat dairy; and by preferring foods low in saturated fats instead such as margarine spreads, oily fish, walnuts and pumpkin seed.

Fact #4: Physical Exercise Will Lower Cholesterol Levels

An increase in body weight usually increases blood cholesterol, blood pressure and generally the risk of negative effects on heart health. The body shape is also important: an "apple" body shape carries a higher risk than a "pear" body shape. Besides keeping the body weight in balance, physical activity can also lower blood pressure and increase overall health and wellbeing. Things you can change to lower cholesterol level:

Your weight and shape (an increase in weight tends to increase cholesterol levels)

Whether you are physically active (it lowers LDL cholesterol)

Whether you are under stress

Whether you eat a healthy diet (especially saturated and trans fats increase cholesterol levels)

How much alcohol you drink (a small consumption increases the good HDL cholesterol, however more than two standard drinks per day will increase your overall cholesterol)

Whether you smoke Things you can't change:

your gender (men tend to have higher cholesterol levels than women, until menopause when men and women are at equal risk)

your age (cholesterol levels increase with age)

your ethnicity (some ethnic groups have a higher risk than others)

your family history (if your family is affected by cholesterol then you are likely to be affected by it).

Fact #5: Lowering Cholesterol through Healthy Food sources

Your food choices can affect the cholesterol levels, especially if you diet consist predominately of saturated fats. Butter and dairy blends (made from a blend of butter and plant oils) are high in saturated fat, which is the type of fat that negatively influences cholesterol levels. Limiting these foods in your diet will help lower your blood cholesterol levels. A healthier choice in your dietary intake, as well as a healthy, active lifestyle will keep your cholesterol within the recommended levels. A sensible healthy meal should include the following:

Lean meat, poultry, fish, eggs or vegetarian meat alternative such as legumes, beans, lentils or nuts, and

Pasta, rice, noodles, couscous, potato or bread, and

Plenty of vegetables and salad As a general guide, aim for half your dinner plate to be vegetables, a quarter of the plate to be either rice, pasta, noodles, potato or bread and the other quarter of the plate lean meat or vegetarian meat alternative. Have a side salad. Experiment with lower fat cooking methods such as grilling, poaching, steaming or using the microwave.

The key to understanding cholesterol in distinguishing between bad ldl cholesterol and good hdl cholesterol. You should know the main causes of high cholesterol levels and act on lowering cholesterol through a healthy diet and physical exercise.

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The Truth About Dietary Supplements

January 9th, 2010

Dietary supplements include vitamins and minerals, as well as herbs, botanicals and other substances, and they are growing in popularity and number, but how do you know if you need them or which ones do what?

Some supplements may help ensure that you get adequate amounts of essential nutrients or help promote optimal health and performance if you do not consume a variety of foods. However, dietary supplements are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure disease. In some cases, dietary supplements may have unwanted effects, especially if taken before surgery or with other dietary supplements or medicines, or if you have certain health conditions.

Before you decide to add supplements to your routine, get the facts on what is known about them. Ask a registered dietitian and your physician the following questions about any supplements you are thinking about taking:

• Is the supplement safe and can it cause harm at any level?
• How does the supplement really work in the body?
• What are the claims and are they valid?
• Where did the product information come from?
• Does the supplement actually contain the amounts of ingredients it claims to?
• What is the scientific evidence behind the product?
• How much is recommended and how often should it be taken?
• Will this supplement interact with my medications?

Always keep in mind that good nutrition depends on overall healthful eating and physical activity. Be sure to choose wisely, and remember that there is no such thing as a little magic pill.

Amber O'Neal is a fitness & nutrition expert and owner of Cafe Physique. Her business specializes in nutrition & wellness coaching, personal training, and yoga/pilates training. Cafe Physique is headquartered in Atlanta and offers coaching services nationally via phone and email. Visit www.CafePhysique.com for more information.

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Frequently asked questions about home health care

January 3rd, 2010

Q: What is home health care?
A: Home health care is a service that permits patients to receive personalized health care, maintaining their quality of life in the privacy and comfort of their homes.

Q: Why home health care?
A: Home health care is a cost-effective option for receiving health care services. Returning to one’s home and family can quicken recovery and improve the quality of life for both patient and family or caregiver.

Q: Who pays for home health care?
A: Most health insurance companies, HMOs, PPOs and Workers Compensation cover home health care. In addition, Medicare and Medicaid pay for home care services. Some insurance providers do not cover all home health services. Our staff will verify health coverage for the patient.

Q: What criteria are required for Medicare to approve services?
A: The following criteria are used to meet Medicare requirements:
• The patient is a Medicare recipient.
• The patient must be homebound. This is defined by Medicare as “normal inability to leave the home and that leaving the home requires considerable and taxing effort.”
• The skilled care must be medically necessary as determined by the physician.

Q: What if I have a problem at night or on the weekend?
A: We have registered nurses on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Q: Do I need a physician’s order for home health care?
A: Yes, all health care provided in the home occurs under direct order and supervision of the patient’s physician.

Q: What types of services can be provided at home?
A: Many medical conditions that previously required hospitalization can safely be treated in the home. Home care services may include but are not limited to:

Skilled Nursing:
• Observation and assessment of condition
• Patient and family education of disease process
• Management and evaluation of patient care plan
• Medication education and management
• Dressing changes
• Home safety education
• Wound care
• Catheter care
• Injections
• IV therapy
• Ostomy care
• Pain management
• Diabetic care
• Nutritional support

Assistance with Daily Living:
• Bathing/dressing
• Transfer/ambulation
• Light meal preparation
• Light housekeeping
• Grocery shopping
• Medication reminder
• Laundry
• Companionship/Conversation
• Reading/writing
• Pet sitting/walking
• Escort to appointments
• Live-ins
• Respite
• Exercise therapy assistance

Q: How does Paloma Home Health Care, Inc. ensure quality care in the home?
A: Providing continuous quality care to patients is paramount to all we do. All patients are given a patient satisfaction survey that is incorporated into our ongoing evaluation process to continually increase our patient satisfaction. New programs and processes are developed through our quality improvement team to promote favorable outcomes.

Q: How do I find out more about home health care?
A: Please call our office to learn more about how you can benefit more about the service, at 972 346 2013

Q: What services can Paloma Home Health Care, Inc. offer?
A: Our services include but are not limited to:
• Supportive Care Education of Disease Process
• Individual and Family Counseling
• Management and Evaluation of Patient Care
• Observation and Assessment
• Home Safety and Emergency Education
• Medication Education
• Assistance with ADLs
• Nutrition Education
• Restorative Therapy (Physical, Occupational and Speech)

Paloma Home Health Agency Inc. provides quality service to the elderly, sick, and disabled
Let us meet your everyday needs

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Two Recent Studies Released About Oral Care

December 31st, 2009

Do you feel like you have a lot of stress? If you're like most people these days, you claim to be over stressed due to work, kids, bills, and more. We all know that stress affects our overall well being, but did you know that being even more specific, stress affects our oral health care as it leads to tooth loss and gum disease. Great, just one other thing to stress about right!

An article published in the Journal of Periodontology last summer, states there is a direct link between stress and periodontal disease, issues like bleeding, sensitive gums, and receding gums. In addition, other psychological factors such as depression, anxiety, and loneliness also cause periodontal disease.

You may be asking, how does stress lead to bad oral health? Well, the stress hormones cortisol is the issue. It is released by the adrenal glands and is necessary for many functions such as glucose metabolism, insulin, blood pressure control, and for inflammatory response and proper immune function.

High levels of stress equate to increased levels of cortisol production. And increased levels of cortisol are linked to an increase deterioration of gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth. This leads to a list of other oral health issue such as tooth decay, gum inflammation, and tooth loss.

Behavioral factors may also be a contributing factor. It's common for over stressed individuals or those suffering from depression to disregard normal day-to-day oral health care. They brush and floss their teeth infrequently. Additionally, high stress leads to increased alcohol and tobacco usage, both of which create an environment friendly for bad breath, germs and gum disease.

It's very important to find healthy activities the relieve stress. Regular exercise does wonders in lowering one's stress levels. Also, a well balanced diet adds even more balance.

Another study recently released in the journal of Microbiology shows that over 900 different types of odor producing oral bacteria were found in the throat and tonsil areas. This is a startling find, as most people think that by simply brushing your teeth, including your tongue, you get rid of bad breath.

Most traditional oral care products only cover the smell of bad breath. They don't actually get rid of it. There are very few products on the market that actually destroy the bad breath producing bacteria. These products, such as Therabreath, use a rich oxygen based formula for destroying the bacteria, as these bacteria don't survive in an oxygen rich environment. So next time, when looking for a mouth wash, read the label and sees if it contains and oxygen based formula.

Will Smith is an avid ecommerce strategist and promotes consumer awareness within the online market place. Increase your awareness of
Bad Breath by visiting http://www.badbreathexpert.com

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Posted in Women's Health

Tags: About Care Oral Recent Released Studies

Implantation Bleeding During Pregnancy is Scary. Reassuring Facts About Implantation Bleeding

December 24th, 2009

What is implantation bleeding?

It is not unusual that some women experience implantation bleeding in the early stages of pregnancy. Any vaginal bleeding outside implantation bleeding of pregnancy is classified as a threatened miscarriage, meaning the pregnancy is threatening to miscarriage. About 25% of all pregnancies are actually miscarried but 50% of all threatened miscarriages settle down and a normal pregnancy happens.

When does implantation bleeding occur?

Implantation bleeding occurs very early in pregnancy as a direct result of the fertilized egg (your growing baby) burying and snuggling its way into the lining of your womb. Implantation bleeding occurs about 10-14 days after the egg has been fertilized or when conception occurred. This is also around the time when your menstrual cycles would be expected.

Signs of Implantation Bleeding:

Signs of implantation bleeding can vary from one pregnant woman to another. It normally mild in nature and is much lighter than a normal menstrual period.

The color of implantation bleeding:

The color of implantation bleeding can vary form bright red to brown implantation bleeding. Bright red implantation bleeding means that there is an active area of bleeding within the womb and blood is flowing from the site of implantation to the vagina very quickly. It may indicate that implantation has just occurred.

Brown implantation bleeding is the color of old blood. When you get brown implantation bleeding it normally means that when the fertilized egg buried it way into the womb, a little blood was released. The bleeding that occurred at the moment of implantation stayed in the womb for some time so by the time you see it on your underwear or when you wipe yourself it showed up as brown implantation bleeding.

How long does implantation bleeding last?

Most cases of implantation bleeding last for a few minutes to a few days. If implantation bleeding lasts more than a few days then it may be a sign of vaginal infection or a threatened miscarriage.

How heavy is implantation bleeding?

Heavy implantation bleeding is unusual. The only thing you might notice with implantation bleeding is a pinkish or brown discharge when you wipe yourself after you go to the bathroom.

Cramps with implantation bleeding:

Cramps with implantation bleeding can happen. You may even experience cramps with or without bleeding. The reason you may experience cramps with implantation bleeding is because as the fertilized egg buries into your womb, it caused the muscle of your womb to contract. These contractions press on nerve endings and may result in mild to moderate menstrual like pains for 24-48 hours.

What to do if you have signs of implantation bleeding:

Don’t panic if you have any of the above signs of implantation bleeding. Remember 50% of all cases of implantation bleeding end up in a normal pregnancy.

Know your blood type. Depending on your partner’s blood type and if you are a rhesus negative blood type then it may be necessary to have an Rh-immune globulin injection within 24 hours of any pregnancy bleeding.

If you suspect you may be pregnant and your bleeding is from implantation bleeding then do a home pregnancy test. This home test should remain positive. If it is positive and you do not know your blood Rhesus factor, then call your provider for consultation for possible Rh-immune globulin.

Never insert a tampon, douche, or have sexual intercourse while you are bleeding.

Keep track of whether the bleeding is increasing or decreasing and how many pads you are using.

If you feel your pregnancy bleeding is heavier or lasting longer than the above ranges then call your health care provider for consultation immediately.

Bleeding during pregnancy is scary. Your fear is picked up by your unborn child. Intra uterine fear can stay with your child for a lifetime, so constantly reassure your baby that he or she is wanted and loved. Want to know more about how pregnancy is like from your babies viewpoint then check out my Birth, A Conscious Choice. at http://www.PregnancySuccessCoach.com

You may also be very interested in an amazing message that was telepathically dictated to me for humanity from my son when he was seven-weeks old. Yes you read correctly! I have the ability to communicate with baby’s emotions from inside and outside the womb. Down load this AMAZING MESSAGE FREE at http://www.PregnancySuccessCoach.com/Message_For_Humanity.html

If you wish to ask me a personal question about your pregnancy or an issue in your life then visit http://www.PregnancySuccessCoach.com/Ask_Hannah_Section.html

Hannah Bajor. C.N.M.,M.S.N.

Certified Nurse Midwife

Pregnancy Success Coach

Hannah Bajor, C.N.M.,M.S.N. The Pregnancy Success & Holistic Health Coach has rightly earned her title! During her twenty-year active midwifery career Hannah has delivered over a thousand babies and cared for thousands of women before, during and after pregnancy. She has specialized in high-risk pregnancies and as a midwife has seen almost every possible complication during pregnancy.

She has a master?s degree in nursing and is a certified bereavement counselor for miscarriages and baby loss. She holds numerous certifications in the field of energetic healing. She is author of two highly acclaimed books: "Birth, A Conscious Choice" and "Sex Education For Students".

Having personally experienced a miscarriage, unsuccessful infertility treatments, and a near death experience following the birth of her second son. As time passed, Hannah was driven to take her midwifery skills, her intuitive ability, and her knowledge about the energy anatomy of pregnancy and her formula for increasing fertility on an international scale. She is now in great demand for her international one-on-one coaching telephone practice and workshops. Her coaching and workshops serve to heal and empower women experiencing infertility, pregnancy, birth, miscarriage, adoption, abortion and post partum depression.

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More About Depression and Illness

November 26th, 2009

Suffering A Stroke And Feeling Hopeless

Getting severely depressed after having a stroke is not unusual. When my mother had her first massive stroke and I went to the hospital, tears were flowing down her face and she kept telling me, 'I don't want to live'. My mother was always a very proud, independent woman. She did not want to depend on anyone. She was depressed and very angry. Nurses did not want to come into her room because she would not play the game and act grateful because she was unhappy. No one discussed depression with me, not her doctor, not her neurologist. But I knew how bad it was. The depression had to be treated if my mother would ever get rehabilitated.

People who have a stroke need very much attention and love. They feel helpless and hopeless. Recently a neighbor of mine had a stroke and when I went to the hospital, she too was crying and so sad. She is a widow who prides herself on being independent at age 86. The problem with her situation is that she was depressed for at least a year prior to the stroke since her husband had died. When the stroke hit her it was double trouble.

Treatment for depression can shorten the rehab process, lead to quicker recovery, and save health care costs. It makes so much sense that it's hard to believe that doctors don't seem interested in explaining this to family members right up front. Depression is something that stroke victims deal with a large majority of the time. Even though stroke is a disease of the brain, it can affect the entire body. Some of the disabilities that can result from a stroke include paralysis, thinking problems, speech problems, emotional difficulties, fatigue, and daily living problems. Many people require psychological help after a stroke. Depression, anxiety, frustration and anger are common in stroke victims. It depends on the person and what his or her life has been like so far. If you know someone who has had a stroke, you know recovery is a slow and long lasting process.

If you or your loved one has a stroke, be prepared for damage to that person's self image and self esteem. It is very common for stroke victims to feel they have no future. Make sure that anti depressants are part of the program for anyone you care about who has a stroke. Insist that the doctor find the right combination of meds. Maybe it will take some time but you and your loved ones are worth it. Depression can be treated in addition to whatever other illnesses a person might have, including stroke. If you think you may be depressed or know someone who is, don't lose hope. Seek help

Depression and Parkinson's Disease

It is very sad to know that at least half the people with this disease experience depression. First they are the victim of one horrible disease, and then they suffer from depression. The person who has it, their families, friends, and doctors so often misinterpret the warning signs of depression and just think it is part of the other disease. Men in particular do not want to say that they are depressed as a result of this illness.

Symptoms of these two illnesses tend to overlap each other. Not enough research has been done on relationship between these two illnesses. People with depression who have Parkinson's disease have a different symptom group than those without Parkinson's. The Parkinson's profile includes higher rates of anxiety and sadness without guilt or self-blame.

Parkinson's disease is a chronic and progressive disorder of the brain. It affects the motor system, but also thinking and emotion. It results from the loss of brain cells that control movement. The four primary symptoms of Parkinson's are: trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face; stiffness of arms and legs, slowness of movement, and poor balance and coordination. Plus it causes difficulty walking and talking.

Anything which can help these victims and lift their sprits is needed ASAP. Antidepressants can be extremely helpful for anyone dealing with Parkinson's. Treating depression can help anyone feel better about and cope better with their illness. Doctors of Parkinson's patients need to devote the time and energy to finding the right prescription and right dosage. Be sure you insist that the doctor is "on it" and the help is given. As usual, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Don't hesitate to demand the care you need.

Depression can and should be treated when it co-occurs with other illnesses. Untreated depression can delay recovery from it or worsen the outcome. If you or someone you love has Parkinson's disease, don't give up and don't lose hope. Depression is a treatable disorder of the brain. Depression can be treated in addition to Parkinson's. Get the help you need, even if you have to demand it.

Learn about depression in teens and pregnancy depression at the Depression Facts Online site.

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Get The Facts About Depression

November 22nd, 2009

Get The Facts About Depression

April 2, 2009

Everyone feels blue at one time or another. A death in the family, a disappointment in your career, a romance gone awry--all can cause most people to feel down for a period of time. Grief and sadness are normal reactions to life's stressful events. After a time, however, most people will heal and return to a normal life.

Depression is more than the normal ups and downs of life that we all have. When sadness just won't go away and it begins to interfere with daily life we recognize this as a mood disorder called depression.

Sometimes depression goes unrecognized because it may manifest itself in more ways than just a sad mood. A depressed person may feel any or all of the following emotions: anger, irritability, hopelessness, fear, anxiety, fatigue, numbness, confusion, worthlessness, or shame. A depressed person may also feel physically ill, weak, or in some cases have hallucinations.

Depression can affect every aspect of your life: your physical health, your sleep, your eating habits, your job, and your relationships with friends and family. It affects your thoughts, feelings and behaviors.

People with untreated depression may choose to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. They may also relieve their emotional pain by overeating, physically harming themselves (cutting, burning), being sexually promiscuous, or other self-destructive behaviors.

Depression may come on suddenly as result of a stressful event or it may grow slowly over months and years. It may have an apparent cause or it may not seem to have any rhyme or reason. Depressed people suffer from an imbalance in their brain chemistry that makes them especially prone to stress. What may seem a small setback to someone else may be the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back for a person prone to depression.

It is very important for those who love a depressed person--as well as the depression person themselves--to understand that a depressed person suffers from a very real illness. A depressed person cannot just "snap out of it" or "cheer up". They are not weak, lazy, defective, or seeking attention. They are ill and need your help.

Like any other illness, depression is treatable. Although there is no "cure" for depression, it is very controllable. There are a wide variety of medications that are effective in treating depression. With medication, therapy, and time, a depressed person can get well and lead a happy and productive life. I'm living proof of that. When I say living, I mean that literally. Depression is also the number one cause of suicide. If you suspect that you or someone you love is depressed, take steps now to get treatment. You may just save a life.

For people looking for a natural alternative to treat depression without the side effects, please visit www.depressionfighters.com

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All You Need To Know About Depression Treatment

November 18th, 2009

Depression is a disease, a mental affliction. Getting the right depression treatment at the right time is vitally important. To someone suffering from depression, it is not only extremely stressful for the patient themselves but also people who are concern about them, especially their good friends and relatives.

Some symptoms of depression include mood swings, feelings of hopelessness, insomnia, suicidal thoughts, suicidal attempts, the frustration and helpless of not being able to snap out of it. Some other signs of depression include feeling of worthlessness, incapability to work (threatening to leave), inability to concentrate, inability to remember things, total detachment from favorite things, constant talk about afterlife, death, God, and so on. Basically, the earlier you notice the signs of depression, the easier it is to treat the depression.

Fortunately, doctors nowadays are well trained in depression related issues. They are well trained in giving enough information to the people out there about what is depression, its symptoms, how to avoid it and how it can be treated. In the old days, depression was associated with madness and mental instability. Such misunderstandings are minimized today. Today, people suffering from depression receive a more sympathetic viewpoint from other people and they are treated with dignity and care. You can get the correct depression treatment at any medical facility. The sufferer should only be able to recognize that he/she is not really feeling in control anymore and that aid is needed.

The best depression treatment is to identify the signs of depression as early as possible and find out the core reason that is causing the depression. The longer you wait, the worst the depression would get, and the longer it would take for the depression treatment to recover the condition. At early stage, depression treatment can be very effective. It also has a very fast recovery rate. Therefore, it does not seem smart to suffer and wait to snap out of your blues forever.

There are good amounts of anti-depressants and depression medications which can help ease depressive symptoms. Some drugs are to be taken with water and some are for chewing. Though there are number of anti-depressants and depression medications, the depression treatment will have to be customized as per individual condition. This is not like having fever, or a cold which has standard medicines and care. It takes special care and individual attention to ensure that the depression treatment given to the person actually works. Hence, no two depression cases may be alike, and no two depression treatments would be similar either. Depending on your condition, your doctor will be able to recommend the right medication for your particular type of depression, whether mild or severe.

Since the marketplace is full with anti depression medication, it is vital to note that never take over the counter anti depression pills/ medication. This is very risky and not meant to be experimented with. In case you take the incorrect medicines or in the wrong dosages, there can be enormous disasters. Always medicate yourself only after you consulted a medical doctor. Only the medical doctor will be able to advise you the correct dosage. I have known people who have taken this particular advice as a joke with very terrible consequences. Depression can lead to suicide if not checked in time. Hence, it is extremely imperative that it is rather prevented than cured.

Besides anti-depressants and depression medications, another alternative is to look for the cures which are natural based. This is because, in general, most of the anti depression medications have side effects. These side effects can be terrifying but most side effects will subside after a while. Inform your doctor about your side effects to find out if they are standard and keep a record of how long they last. If they persist for too long, you may have to either change your medication or reduce the dosage. Your doctor will be able to make that decision. Never make it on your own.

Besides taking chemical or natural anti depression medication, you should go for exercise, fresh air, and meditation. It is also true that one should be happy and proud with whatever God sends their way; high expectations are usually a very important trigger for depression.

The good news is that the amateur has understood that depression is a treatable and curable malady, just as the flu, which can and should be treated with the correct medicine and sometimes psychiatric treatment. This does not signify that the person is psychologically unstable or that he/she are on their way to become mad, as the belief was some decades ago.

Depression is treated with sympathy and care. Besides medication, meditation, yoga and positive thinking are other factors that help battle and treat depression time and again. Quality off-time and therapy sessions and anti-depressants also can bring you back from your blues; however, the best way to wrestle depression is regular relaxation of both mind and body.

Cindy Heller is a professional writer. For more information on

severe depression treatment and

depression self test, visit
Anti Depression Self Help.

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What You Need to Know About Dietary Supplements

November 4th, 2009

People need dietary supplements for a variety of reasons. Bodybuilders, for example, would need supplements to aid muscle buildup and strengthening of muscles such as concentrated protein, glutamine, creatine and weight gain powders. Athletes take in supplements to optimize or enhance their performance.

People with illnesses often require dietary supplements such as concentrated iron for anemia. And those on a diet also take supplements to ensure they get the required amount of minerals, vitamins, amino acids, herbs, enzymes and other nutrients. Most however take supplements for optimum overall health. A lot of people also take them to relieve stress and to boost their energy.

What are dietary supplements and how are they different from medicines and over-the-counter drugs?

The Congress in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, which was enacted into law in 1994, defines dietary supplements or nutritional supplements as supplements to the diet. These supplements contain one or more ingredients or their constituents. These are taken orally in the form of liquid, capsule, pill or tablet and are labeled as dietary supplement in the packaging.

Dietary supplements come in different forms, thus the confusion with over-the-counter drugs. The market is flooded with different types and forms of supplements such as capsules, tablets, drinks, energy bars and powders. Most can be purchased even without a prescription. They are available in drug stores, supermarkets, grocery stores, natural food stores, merchandise retailers and in health stores. One can even buy supplements on line. In order to distinguish these supplements from over-the-counter drugs, always read the Supplement Facts label.

Unfortunately, most of these dietary supplements are not regulated. Unlike with drugs, the US Food and Drugs Administration does not check the safety and effectiveness of supplements before they are sold to the public. In fact, the FDA only has authority over supplements once they have already entered the market. Usually, actions are taken by the FDA once a complaint against a certain brand has been received.

Many dietary supplements are guilty of false claims. Testimonials and so-called proofs of the efficiency and effectiveness of supplements abound in print, broadcast and on line media.

Worse, some are even unsafe. And so, extra precaution must be taken when choosing which dietary supplement to take. Always check with the manufacturer for more information. With the tons of promotional materials that abound, always be wary of the information being presented.

Keen in mind that dietary supplements are not intended to cure or prevent illnesses. In addition, although some supplements have beneficial effects, a significant number of them have potential health risks. Some supplements contain active ingredients that can have negative effects on the body, specially when taken in large doses and with other supplements and medicines. Supplementslike calcium, for example, interact with heart medicines like Digoxin, vitamin K counteracts with blood thinners etc.. In addition, too much intake of certain vitamins and minerals such as oil-soluble vitamin E and A, can be toxic to the body.

Pregnant women, nursing moms, those undergoing surgery and people with chronic illnesses should take extra care in deciding whether to take dietary supplements or not.

And so, when choosing supplements, it is always best to consult with a health care provider to avoid serious side effects. Remember, safety first!

The very first step is to undergo a nutritional assessment or evaluation with a health care provider. This will find out what your nutritional needs are and what dietary supplement is best suited to your medical condition.

Dietary supplements are supplements and not are not meant to replace some of the food needed in a healthy daily diet. Thus, bear in mind that no supplement can ever replace a healthy diet.

Never assume that "natural" is always safe. Some natural ingredients, specially if taken in large doses, can interact with medicines and may even result to life-threatening situations.

In addition, there are certain considerations in purchasing dietary supplements such as the quality, availability, your nutritional needs and price.

On a final note, dietary supplements are meant to supplement the body's nutritional needs. It can never replace the overall health benefits of regular exercise and a healthy diet. And in choosing supplementary diets, safety should always be the main consideration.

Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.a2z-vitamin-and-herbs.com where you can learn more about dietary supplements and learn how vitamins can help keep you healthy.

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