How to Find Out About Wheat Allergies | eHow.com

How to Find Out About Wheat Allergies | eHow.com

Coughing, Post Nasal Drip, Gluten Intolerance, and Other Allergies

Here is a detailed article about an allergy, sensitivity, gluten allergy, or whatever it may be called. This is a serious condition that is almost always missed during the investigative process with your doctor. Well worth knowing. Healthcare Lady



Coughing, Post Nasal Drip, Gluten Intolerance, and Other Allergies: "http://hubpages.com/hub/Coughing-Post-Nasal-Drip-Gluten-Intolerance-and-Other-Allergies"

How to Regain the Joy of the Christmas Season | eHow.com

Christmas can be difficult for many people who suffer from depression or other issues that have drained the joy from their lives. Stress, job loss, or even obesity can affect your enjoyment of the Christmas Season. Take some time now before the Season gets underway to reflect on what Thanksgiving and Christmas mean to you in your heart of hearts. I am enclosing a new article about regaining the joy of the Christmas Season.


How to Regain the Joy of the Christmas Season | eHow.com

How to Understand Your Diabetes | eHow.com

Getting the facts about diabetes is the first step in your road to recovery. Learning to control your diet, your water intake, and exercise will extend your life and make you healthier. Take some time to read my article listed below. I hope you will find it helpful.

How to Understand Your Diabetes | eHow.com

Celiac Disease and Gluten Free Living With Type I Allergies

Hello Friends,
Please take the time to read my latest article on Celiac Disease and Gluten Free Living With Type I Allergies. This is an informative article and you should take the time to view the video. It is packed with solid information.



Celiac Disease and Gluten Free Living With Type I Allergies

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Thank God we are past the Halloween party full of sugar and other sweet treats. Take some time to check out your symptoms or lack of symptoms.
Find out the symptoms of diabetes. There are four types of diabetes.
1. Prediabetes
2. Type I Diabetes
3. Type II Diabetes
4. Gestational Diabetes.

Read all about it at the American Diabetes Association Web site.

Pros and Cons About Getting Swine Flu Vaccine

There continue to be many questions about the swine flu vaccine. Some are running to stand in line for the shot and others are taking a wait and see attitude. No one can make this decision for you, but you should know that every year the flu (the seasonal flu) takes the life of 36,000 people according to the CDC. The problem with the seasonal flu is that it takes a different strain every year. You cannot develop an immunity to the flu.

The swine flu (H1N1) is something different again. So even if you get the regular flu shot you will not be protected against the swine flu. This is the first time there has been a vaccination for H1N1 and this vaccination has had no significant research behind it.

Take the time to check out the Centers for Disease Control Web site to help you make a wise decision about this vaccination.

Before you vaccinate you should consider:

1. Am I or my family member in a high risk group? (senior citizen, pregnant, or a child)
2. Am I at risk for coming in contact with the sickness?
   
3. Is my immune system weak?
   
4. What does my doctor advise?
   

Take precautions such as good hand washing. Use a tissue to cover your mouth and protect your hands when coughing and sneezing. Regularly use liquid hand sanitizer. Never touch the door handles in a public place with your bare hand. Always use a tissue or gloves to protect your hands.

If you feel the usual flu symptoms, immediately see your doctor. Do not wait until you are seriously ill. Swine flu can kill you if you do not get treatment in time.

Now that you have all the warnings, you should remember to use your common sense. Proper protection is really the best means of preventing the seasonal flu or swine flu.

Healthcare Fraud

Healthcare Fraud is part of the problem being debated in Washington. Take a look at the piece done by Sixty Minutes. It is appalling!


http://www.healthtransformation.net/

How to Find the Pros and Cons About Getting the Swine Flu Shot | eHow.com

How to Find the Pros and Cons About Getting the Swine Flu Shot | eHow.com

Autism and Diet

Autism and Diet

More About the Swine Flu

The swine flu (H1N1) virus is frightening and most of us do not know how to combat this sickness. There have already been confirmed cases of the swine flu in Houston locally so it is coming. In October the first of the swine flu vaccinations will become available and there is some controversy about the safety and efficacy of these vaccinations. I am including a link to my article Pros and Cons About Getting Swine Flu Shot.

Avoiding crowded places is the best way to protect yourself, but that is not possible for most of us. Here are some other ways to protect yourself.

If you are sick stay home. I know there is significant pressure to show up regularly to work, but if you are truly sick with a temperature you should not go in to work. You will delay your recovery and spread your sickness to others around you. Stay home.

There are ways you can protect yourself that are just plain common sense and you should already be practicing these methods. Good handwashing is the first line of defense against these seasonal sicknesses. If you are in a public rest room wash your hands and use the paper towel to open the door when you leave. Be careful about touching doors in public places.

Keep liquid hand cleaner with you at all times. Use it regularly. There will be times when you must touch things or shake hands with people. Do not be afraid, just keep your hand cleaner available and use it regularly.

Sneezing is a problem. If you have a tissue, sneeze into the tissue. If you do not have a tissue sneeze into your arm. This is the best way to keep germs from spreading to those around you. Sneezing into your hand is not sanitary because you will spread germs to everything and everyone you touch.

This flu season is going to be difficult but if everyone makes an effort to control the spread of germs it will be better for everyone.

Baby Boomers and Healthcare

Take Charge of Your Healthcare

The Baby Boomers are a huge population in the American economy. In 2011 the first of the 78 million baby boomers will be turning 65 and with it will be eligible for Medicare. This population will continue to grow for the next 20 years due to the population growth in the years following World War II. By 2030, this population will be 71.5 million people over the age of 65. This number is a massive 20 percent of the population.

In view of this information is it unbelievable that the Obama Administration could possibly believe that Americans would favor cuts to eliminate many Medicare provisions. It is also foolish to believe that these senior citizens who have worked all their lives and contributed in good times and bad times to this economy would be willing to accept the current attempt to marginalize their lives and make them feel as if it is time to get out of the way for a new generation.

While it may be extreme to call the attempts to institute consultations about creating living wills and advanced directives, death panels; anyone who knows the views of the individuals who are pushing this on the American people should be extremely skeptical of their motives.

There is no doubt that creating access to healthcare for people is important. But to say that our healthcare system is totally broken is a flat out lie and should not be accepted by Americans. Senior citizens are a significant portion of the population and should not hesitate to let this government know that as a people we know our rights and will not accept such treatment. Your vote counts and you should be watching these people and taking names. Make your list and check it twice! Elections are coming!












Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Center for Health Statistics. Health Data Interactive. www.cdc.gov/nchs/hdi.htm. [Date of access].
AFB Senior Site. http://www.afb.org/seniorsite.asp?SectionID=68&TopicID=320&DocumentID=3374

Granulomas and AutoImmune Disease

According to Princeton:

A granuloma is a tumor composed of granulation tissue resulting from injury or inflammation or infection. wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn This tumor may form in many areas of the body and is usually benign. They are not usually removed.

If you have been told you have a granuloma, that means that you have a lump that has grown as a result of inflammation (usually chronic) somewhere in the body. If you continue to have inflammation new granulomas will continue to form. The root cause must be treated.

It is important to understand that inflammation is the body's way of dealing with infection, irritation, or other types of injuries. Inflammation is a recognized type of nonspecific immune response.

If you have problems with your immune system you should find a doctor who understands the treatment of auto immune diseases such as Lupus. This specialist is called a rheumatologist, the specialty is Rheumatology. Take a look at the following informative videos. Perhaps it is time to take a look at how our diet combined with toxins and chronic inflammation affects the way our body functions.

Autoimmune Disease


Healed Granuloma

American Healthcare System...Is it broken?

Healthcare is in the news this month. The Obama administration is pushing HEALTHCARE REFORM that will change the way you access medical care forever if enacted. Because of the life changing implications of this plan it is important for every one of us to become informed about these changes. If you do not like what you see happening it is time right now to make your voice heard.

There is no doubt that changes need to be made but we need to think long and hard before following Canada, England, and Europe down the road to UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE. I worked in the healthcare industry for many years and am personally acquainted with a number of Canadian healthcare workers who explained the system to me personally. There are some benefits to the system. It works particularly well if you are not really sick, young and healthy, or starting a family. The benefits to families during and after pregnancy are great. Mothers and fathers are paid to stay home for a year. You go back to work for six months and have another child and you can be off for another year. Very good benefits!

Unfortunately, there is a darker side to this story. As a patient if you have a serious medical emergency it will be necessary for you to get in line for everything from your visit to a specialist to getting necessary scans to getting the surgery. Hospital time is rationed and you may need to wait for a year for the first scan. There is a reason why Canadians are coming to the US for treatment. They are unable to get treatment in Canada. Many come here for charity care as well because many of our medical groups have charity care guidelines that offer treatment to many people on a need basis.

This is just a glimpse of healthcare as it is around the world. The implications for Americans is frightening. No reasoning person believes that our HEALTHCARE SYSTEM is perfect. But there is a reason why people from all over the world are trying to get into this country for treatment and other reasons.

We are a pround and sometimes arrogant people. We are accustomed to our freedom to choose. But we tend to be apathetic until something rouses us to move. This is one of those signal moments that we must do something or things will change. If we do nothing here is what you can expect:

1. The rate of cancer deaths in Canada is a staggering 16% higher than in the United States.
2. RATIONING OF HEALTHCARE. At present in the United States the wait for a doctor appointment is weeks to months depending on the specialty.
3. When the government controls the salary of doctors, more doctors will seek other careers. We already have a shortage of primary care doctors. Currently only 2% of graduating doctors become primary care physicians.
4. Right now over half of American doctors do not accept Medicaid. The new plan will change Medicare and Medicaid to include many new types of patients. These are the programs that will be in place under a new healthcare system. What do you think will happen when 50,000,000 patients are added to the mix. That is the number being bandied around to provide mandatary coverage to all Americans including illegal aliens.
5. A large number of people who will not receive treatment will be the over 60 group.

These staggering statements seem almost too horrifying to believe and the rhetoric of some off the wall crazy, but these statements are being made every day by the mainstream media and we would do well to listen. The most horrifying thing I know is that NONE of the US Senators have any intention of reading the current bill for HEALTHCARE REFORM before VOTING on it. The bill is too large to read. That should offer a WARNING FLAG to any reasoning person.

I have listed web sites for your Texas state senators and the US senators for Texas. You would do well to contact them and encourage your friends to contact them to let them know how you feel about the presently offered changes in healthcare. You can make a difference. NOW is the time to act.


U.S. Senators from Texas
House of Representatives...TX
Texas Governor Office
Texas State Senators and Information
Alternative Healthcare Now

Healthcare Reform Cost Visualization


Healthcare Reform Fraud

Discover the Truth About Cholesterol

Top 7 Cholesterol Myths Busted!

Check out this web site for common myths about cholesterol. Heart Healthy Living is important for your healthy lifestyle. Look for low sodium, low fat alternatives to your food choices.

Take a look at the following short video lesson about cholesterol.



Healthcare Lady

General Health

Taking care of your body is so important. Unfortunately, many of us put our bodies in last place when we set our priorities. The truth is that most of us merely need to tweak our lifestyle just a bit to make our bodies function well.

Some things to consider:

1. Eat a well balanced diet.
2. Choose less fat and sugar.
3. Fruit is an excellent sweet.
4. Limit the number of deserts you have per week.
5. Drink more water.
6. Keep a food log is you need to lose weight. (This is a big one. You will be shocked to discover how much food you are really eating during the day).
7. Get up and move around! Take a 10 minute walk. If you are unable to walk for long distances walk in front of your house for a few minutes several times per day. Every time you move you are working on your body.
8. Get regular checkups. Discover problems before they happen!

Only a few changes will make a difference in your well being. Take time to think about it today.

Healthcare Lady


100 Healthy Tips




Believers With Diabetes

Thoughts About High Blood Pressure

Image Credit: www.nhf.org.nz/images/Heart%20works.jpg


Did You Know?

1. That high blood pressure is known as the silent killer?
   
2. That your body can suffer damage for years before you know you have the disease?
   
3. That 50% of the blood pressure medications are not taken as prescribed?
   
4. That your blood pressure may read differently depending on which arm you use for the reading?
   
5. That losing even 10 pounds can help you lower your blood pressure?
   
6. That 1 our of every 3 adults in the United States suffer from high blood pressure?
   

Here is a checklist to get you ready for your doctor visit.

1. Do you need to lose weight?
   
2. Do you smoke?
   
3. Do you drink alcohol regularly?
   
4. Do you have a family history of high blood pressure?
   
5. Do you have diabetes, kidney disease or sleep apnea?
6. Do you get regular exercise?
7. Do you eat healthy?
   
8. Do you take medications or over the counter medications? List them.
   

What is hypertension, or high blood pressure?

Basically, blood pressure is the force of your blood pressing on the walls of your arteries. Every time your heart beats your blood is forced into your arteries. Your blood pressure is the highest when your heart beats. Your blood pressure is lower in between beats. At night when you are resting your blood pressure is lower. When you are excited or stressed your blood pressure will usually be higher. It is possible to have hypertension for years and never experience even one symptom. You should have regular check ups to keep a handle on what your blood pressure is doing. You cannot find out any other way.

Update On Swine Flu Outbreak

World Health Organization Image Credit: Ben Heine Flickr

WHO to Member Countries: Flu Pandemic Has Begun

Today the World Health Organization is expected to issue an update to their previous alerts informing member countries that the flu pandemic has begun. This means that WHO has scientific verification that the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) is circling the globe. While WHO believes that this is a moderate outbreak and does not advocate that countries close their borders, they do state that 74 countries have reported 27, 737 cases that include 141 deaths. Agents of WHO have made it clear that most cases are actually mild and no treatment is required other than the standard flu medications. The scientific community is being urged to create a vaccine as early as possible but the greatest threat remains to poorer countries without access to adequate healthcare facilities.
Follow this link to get the latest numbers and figures from around the world at the World Health Organization.

We do not need to panic but use common sense and take precautions. Use good hand washing techniques and cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. Also avoid close spaces and large crowded areas.

Centers For Disease Control and Prevention

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The CDC is a storehouse of information where you can find out anything you need to know about your health and prevention techniques. Here are a number of links to information that will start you on your way to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Explore the site.

• Child Development
• Eat your Fruits and Veggies
• Food Safety
• Healthy Joints
• Healthy Pets, Healthy People
• Healthy Swimming
• Heart Disease Prevention
• HIV/AIDS Prevention
• Healthy Water

• Healthy Weight
• Prevent Diabetes
• Prevent Skin Cancer
• Preventive Cancer Screenings
• Quit Smoking
• STDs Prevention
• Stroke Prevention
• WISEWOMA

Learn more about current programs and information that will help you in your search for healthy living!

It's That Time Again...Hurricane Season!

Every year about this time we start thinking about preparing for the hurricane Season.
Who can forget how Hurricane Ike roared into the Houston Galveston Area in the middle of September 2008. It was a red letter day that marked the beginning of a new life for me. The day before Hurricane Ike made his appearance I worked my last day at the Methodist Hospital where I had spent the previous 16 years.

Image Credit: a.abcnews.com creative commons Google Images

The Hurricane Ike experience was not my first disaster experience but it will definitely be remembered as one of those moments in history that will not be forgotten. History has turned the page and we are wondering what the new hurricane season will bring.

Now is the time to get prepared for a hurricane. Most of us wait until we see a storm on the horizon before running to the store for bread and water. This year there will be a few more items on my list. Make a list of medications or any other devices and treatments that are a part of your health care routine. Get your medications filled in plenty of time to pack and be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice. Your health and your life are the most valuable things you posess. Now is the time to prepare for the worst. Here is a list of some things you need to have ready:

1. Medications
2. Food
   
3. Water
4. Extra clothing
5. Battery operated radio or radio that can be cranked.
   
6. Cash
7. If you plan to use your grill in case of an emergency make sure you have fuel before the storm
8. Electrical generator
9. Know the evacuation route and plan your destination in advance.
   

Prepare your home for the disaster and store your valuables in a safe place. Be sure to have any important papers with you if you evacuate.

Taking a little time to get prepared right now will save you much stress when you see the storm approaching.

Should I Take a Sick Day?

Dear Healthcare Lady,
Perfect attendance is practically a job requirement for me. Missing work is frowned upon and I don't know what to do! I have the flu but feel like I must show up for work! What should I do?
Benjamin

Benjamin,
Taking a sick day can be trouble in many companies. If you are really sick you should not expose everyone in the office to your sickness. As we have learned from the recent swine flu epidemic, sometimes we just do not know how sickness is passed from one person to another. Make sure to see your doctor and get appropriate medication when you must call in sick. Bring a note from the doctor verifying your sickness. I know you feel like a child back in grade school again but it is better to do bring a note than find yourself penalized for being off.

Try not to let the stress get to you. You will only delay your recovery and be out even longer. Take care of your health and soon you will be back to normal.

Do Everybody a Favor: Take a Sick Day

Believers With Diabetes

What is a Bad Carb?

Dear Healthcare Lady,
I am learning about low carb dieting but I do not understand about "bad carbs". What does this mean. Bev

Dear Bev,

The best way to describe bad carbs is with a list: white flour, refined sugar, and white rice. Basically, refined and processed foods that are created for quick and easy preparation. Refined carbs digest so quickly that they cause blood sugar surges that lead to weight gain and other health troubles. Unfortunately, refined sugars do have an adverse affect on individuals with type1 or type 2 diabetes.

Living a low carb lifestyle will benefit you but be sure to make healthy choices from all the food groups.

Swine Flu

Dear Healthcare Lady,
I keep hearing about the swine flu. They say people are dying from this flu! Can I get it from eating pork? I don't know anything about it. Jeanne

Jeanne,
The swine flu actually started in pigs. It is a respiratory disease caused by the type A influenza virus. The disease does not normally pass from pigs to humans. The swine flu is passed from person to person but in the past the disease did not pass beyond three people.

It has been determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious but the CDC has not determined how easily it is passed from person to person.

The swine flu behaves very much like human flu with the usual symptoms, fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu.

This is a very serious illness and has caused death in some cases. Also as in the case of human flu underlying respiratory illnesses such as asthma or other respiratory disease may be worsened.

The best treatment is prevention. Cover your mouth when you cough. Use good handwashing techniques. If you touch door handles wash your hands immediately. Take care when touching anything in high traffic areas. If you do exhibit flu like symptoms stay at home and see your doctor immediately to get a diagnosis. The health department is concerned and have used the word pandemic to indicate that cases of this swine flu have appeared all over the world.

Check out the link below to get accurate information from the Centers for Disease Control that will answer all your questions.

Take care.
Swine Influenza (Flu)

Which food is Healthier?

Dear Healthcare Lady,
I love to eat potatoes but I am a diabetic. I know there are many kinds of potatoes such as red, white, and sweet potatoes. Which one should I eat? Bill

Dear Bill,
Potatoes are a part of the starch food group and are a very healthy food. However, you should know that you must keep your portion small (1/2 cup).

Take this test. Which potato is the most nutritious?

Red Potato.............. White Potato................................................Sweet Potato
Answer
1. Sweet potato
2. Red potato
3. White potato



You should eat a potato about the size of a red potato that will fit into the palm of your hand. About 2 inch around.

Images retrieved Creative Commons Google Images www.flickR.com

Alzheimer's the Fastest Growing Disease

Dear Healthcare Lady,

What is Alzheimer's Disease? Is it contagious? Thanks, Bill

Dear Bill,

5.3 million people currently have Alzheimer's disease. It is the fastest growing disease right now in this country. It is expected with the increased number of Baby Boomers reaching age 65 years within the next couple of years that this number will increase to 1 million new cases per year by 2050. However, by 2010 it is expected that another 500,000 people will be diagnosed with this dreaded disease.

ALZHEIMERS is not contagious. It is a progressive brain disease that destroys the brain cells slowly causing memory loss and making the body forget how to function. Many people are unable to swallow, or eat their food.

Symptoms of Alzheimer's

• Confusion and disorientation
  
• Depression or anxiety, apathy
  
• Loss of language and math skills, lack of judgement
  
• Inappropriate behavior and personality changes
  
• Eating and sleeping disorders
  
• Delusions and paranoia as the disease progresses
  
• Loss of control of body functions as well as complete lack of self awareness

If someone in your family has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's it is important to get as much information as possible to form a care plan after the initial diagnosis. Alzheimer's is an expensive disease that many times is not covered by health insurance or Medicare. The Alzheimer's patient is not the only one to suffer with this disease.

Caregivers have been shown to suffer from severe stress that brings on new onset HEART DISEASE, and hypertension. Even stress hormones begin to function differently and immunity levels have been shown to drop due to the stress involved with becoming a caregiver for the Alzheimer's patient.

Get the facts and get help as early as possible.

Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's Association
How to Get the Facts About Alzheimer's

Can Peanuts, Honey, and Dates Be A Part of a Diabetic Diet

Carbs, Calories, Cholesterol, and Diabetes

Nutrition planning can be confusing when juggling carbs, calories, and cholesterol on a diabetic diet. Many people believe that there are foods that must be banned from your diabetic diet. A common misconception is that diabetics can never eat sugar. It is true that simple sugars should not be a large part of the diabetic diet but it is more important to gain an understanding about carbohydrates. Diabetics may need to lose weight so counting calories is important. However, the carbs are the culprits that spike your glucose or drop it to the danger level!

Let's take a look at the nutritional makeup of peanuts, honey, and dates.

Peanuts: 1 cup 875 calories 76.5 gm fat 22.3 carbs 0 cholesterol
Honey: 1 Tablespoon 64 calories 0 fat 17.3 carbs 0 cholesterol
Dates: 1 date, pitted 66 calories 0 fat 18 carbs 0 cholesterol


Peanuts, honey, and dates have no cholesterol and therefore will help to lower your LDL. If you are a diabetic you must take a closer look at these foods by portion size. You will notice that 1 cup of peanuts has a whopping 875 calories, 76.5 gm fat, and 22.3 carbs. Clearly, on a weight management program peanuts must be taken in moderation! Honey and dates have nearly 18 carbs per serving! Before reaching a conclusion about adding peanuts, honey, or dates to your diet you must understand some basic information about eating on a diabetic diet.

A diabetic meal plan should include foods from all the basic food groups. Managing your carbohydrate intake means you should eat enough carbohydrates throughout the day to keep your glucose levels within normal ranges without damaging spikes or lows. To accomplish this you should have 5-6 small meals throughout the day. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner should have 45 carbs each while your between meal snacks should be about 15 carbs each.

Fat combined with white flour can be as detrimental to your health as eating foods high in sugar content. Potatoes and rice are converted into sugar in the digestive system. Moderation and portion control is the key to managing your diabetes. Eat healthy foods in the right portion to keep your glucose level balanced throughout the day.

Peanuts, dates, and honey are healthy additions to your diet as long as you count your carbs and use portion control.

What Acai Berry Product Should I Buy?

Dear Healthcare Lady,
I have learned a lot about the ACAI BERRY, and I think it is probably a good addition to my diet. How do I know what product I should buy? Thanks, Lana


Dear Lana,
If you have been reading about the ACAI BERRYyou already know that research has shown this wonderful fruit to be at the top of the list in antioxidants and anthocyanins that may help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases. At present there is no conclusive evidence that acai berries prevent disease, but these products have been shown to be great nutritional supplements.

Be very careful about purchasing your products from companies you do not know or that you have made previous purchases. READ THE FINE PRINT before buying any products from online companies you do not know. They may offer free products with a built in agreement to send you more products if you do not cancel your order within a specified time frame. This is important because you may find your bank account or credit card charged with a large fee unexpectedly. Again, I repeat READ THE FINE PRINT before you buy. Make sure you know exactly what you are buying and how much it will cost before you agree to make any purchase.

ACAI may be purchased in pill or liquid form. Many products are available in your grocery store. You might consider visiting a health food store. There are many options for you other than online purchasing. Choose wisely and always take good care of your health!

• How to Not Get Scammed By Acai Diet Sellers
• How to Get the Skinny on Acai Berry Diets

Acai Berry and Your Health

Dear Healthcare Lady,
What is the acai berry? Is this some new kind of wonder fruit? What is all the fuss about? Jim

Dear Jim,

The Acai (A-sigh-ee) berry is a fruit that grows on the same palm trees that give us hearts of palm. It is a tiny purplish red fruit similar in size to a cranberry or blueberry and is grown in Central and South America. Only the skin and a small part of the pulp is edible, but you really get a bang for your buck when you consume this fruit! Researchers in Texas have recently established that the ACAI BERRY is absorbed by the body and not thrown off like some other nutrients. This raises exciting new possibilities for the use of this fruit!

Some people describe the tast of the Acai berry as a mixture of red wine and chocolate. It is marketed in the United States and can be found as a juice drink. Beware of unsubstantiated claims that this fruit will increase weight loss. At present the acai berry appears to be an excellent source of antioxidants needed to prevent diseases caused by oxidative stress such as heart disease and cancer.

Research at present is focused on the antioxidant properties of the acai berry. Your body produces free radicals as a byproduct of stressors. It is believed that the antioxidant properties of the acai berry will prove to be a strong deterrent to free radicals and interfere with the aging process. However, at present there is no known health benefit to the use of the acai berry. The jury is still out on the health benefits of the ACAI BERRY but it looks very promising.


Texas A&M AgriLIFE/Acai Research
Web MD: Acai Berry

Articles by Sandra Mireles on eHow.com
Articles by Sandra Mireles on Bukisa

Image retrieved from Creative Commons Google Images March 11, 2009

Human Growth Hormone and Aging

Dear Healthcare Lady,

My friend told me about a product called HGH. It is supposed to reverse the affects of aging and keep you young. What is HGH? Is it safe and does it work? Meg


Dear Meg,

Human growth hormone (HGH) is being touted as the latest so called fountain of youth miracle cure from aging. Research has shown that there may be some benefits but the data is far from conclusive so you should use caution before you decide to use these products. According to research done at the Mayo Clinic HGH may increase muscle tone and reduce body fat in otherwise healthy adults. However, only a few studies using healthy adults have been done so the jury is still out. Also Meg, when looking at a new product it is extremely important to look at the down side. It appears that the risks may out weigh the benefits. These risks are:

• Swelling in the arms and legs
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain
• For men, enlargement of breast tissue (gynecomastia)

Conditions such as diabetes and heart disease may also be adversely affected by the use of HGH. It has been suggested by some researchers that these side affects may be more likely to affect older adults than younger adults. However, no long term research has been done to show the affects of HGH on older adults and any claims at present must be viewed with caution. HGH is quite costly in appropriate doses. These recent claims about sprays and pills should also be viewed with caution. Most of these products are presented at much smaller doses than was used in research studies. As with any new product it is very important to get all available information and follow the recommendation of your primary care physician.

Mayo Clinic
Sandra Mireles on eHow.com
Sandra Mireles on Bukisa

Image retrieved from Creative Commons Google Images March 8, 2009

Vision Loss and Aging

Dear Healthcare Lady,
Something has happened to my vision. I never needed glasses and now that I am forty the print on pill bottles seem to be much smaller. What happened to my eyesight? Betty

Dear Betty,
One of the first symptoms of aging is the loss of vision. It is quite common for mature individuals to have changes in their eyesight after the age of forty and experience some vision loss. The four most common age-related eye diseases (AREDs) are glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts according to the National Eye Institute.

Many people suffering from AREDs do have some usable vision, but without treatment their vision will continue to deteriorate. It is important to have regular eye exams as you get older to diagnose the early onset of ARED. Without treatment permanent loss of sight is possible due to these diseases. Blindness or low vision affects approximately 1 in 28 Americans older than 40 years (Eye Disease Prevalence Research Group, 2004).

Take care of your eyesight, Betty! Get a check up!

National Eye Institute
Aging and Vision Loss Fact Sheet
How to Create a Healthy Meal Plan for the Elderly

Image Retrieved from Creative Commons Google Images March 8, 2009

Food and Nutrition for the Elderly

Dear Healthcare Lady,

My father has colon cancer and is going through chemotherapy. He does not want to eat and says he is not hungry. What should I do? Janie

Dear Janie,

Colon cancer is a serious disease and you should check with your oncologist (cancer specialist) for recommendations. There are prescription medications available that will increase his appetite. Good nutrition is extremely important for the patient who is undergoing cancer treatment. A balanced diet should include foods from all the food group. Give your father a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Only give him dairy products that include fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products. You should give him protein choices that include lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. You should try to offer your father foods low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars.

If your father continues to have loss of appetite you may need to give him a nutritional drink supplement such as Ensure® or Boost®. To find out more about nutrition for cancer patients check out the resources listed below.

American Cancer Society
Colon Cancer: Nutrition for Cancer Patients
Nutrition and Colon Cancer
Continue to Live Frugally During Your Hospital Stay

What To Do if You Need Surgery and Have No Insurance

Dear Healthcare Lady,

I injured my foot and the doctor says I must have surgery right away. I do not have insurance. What should I do? Nancy

Nancy,
You are in a really tough spot but there are options for you. Because you have an emergency situation you should call the business office of the largest hospital or most reputable hospital located in your area. If you have a large medical center nearby call each individual hospital group and ask for their charity care guidelines. Many hospitals offer charity care but you will need to meet certain income and other requirements to be qualified. If you are not qualified for charity care at the facility you are calling, ask if they can direct you to a group or organization where you can get help.

There are many groups where help is available and you must take the lead in seeking them out.

Resources

Rockford Health System
http://www.rhsnet.org/aboutus-charitycare.aspx

St. Peters Health Care System
http://www.sphcs.org/CharityCare

Charity Care at Wyoming Medical Center
http://www.trib.com/articles/2008/06/15/news/casper/4ebac3e253f0dec3872574670082148d.txt

Mercy Medical Center
http://www.mercyrose.org/notforprofit.html

Image retrieved from Creative Commons Google