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Healthwise Blog

HEALTH RELATED ARTICLES AND NEWS. ANY CHANGE OF DIET OR MEDICATION SHOULD BE DISCUSSED WITH YOUR DOCTOR

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

BUSINESS BEFORE HEALTH

Until about 150 years ago, people used only natural methods of preserving food. It was dried in the sun, in the air or at the fireplace, or preserved using sugar, salty or sour liquids, oil or starches. Later, it was preserved using heat and eventually by using very low temperatures or ice.

When food hadn't been changed by mechanical or chemical methods, freezing or drying were the best and healthiest ways of preserving it. However, as soon as fresh food has been processed by industrial methods to become non-perishable, it loses a great part of its vital ingredients.

About 80 per cent of food in supermarkets is treated to increase shelf life or improve its appearance. When a natural product is processed, it loses its attractive appearance, taste and smell. So the chemical industry uses many substances to enhance them.

Many preserving additives can kill the bacteria present in food. Bacteria and human cells are very similar, both having their own metabolism and both highly sensitive to toxins. Therefore, we may assume that such additives could have a similar effect on human cells as they have on bacteria. But as long as there is no proof some additives are dangerous, they will continue to be used.

The human body isn't equipped with anything that could be used to detoxify the ever increasing quantity of foreign substances we consume. They remain somewhere in the body, where they may start to accumulate. These substances hinder metabolism as well as many other functions and little is known about what may happen when toxins come into contact with each other, producing cross-reactions.

In certain quarters these problems have been known for some time, but the food industry largely ignores the fact that such reactions could be detrimental to our health. Business comes before health.

Many people like to drink coffee, tea, hot chocolate, fizzy drinks or alcohol instead of water. Drinks containing caffeine stimulate the taste buds. They also stimulate digestive juices in the stomach, increase heartbeat and brain function. These reactions may last a few minutes or even several hours. Then the counter-reaction begins.

The coffee drinker gets nervous and sometimes shaky and sometimes depressive. Sleeplessness and depression are only two of the problems. Habitual coffee drinking can also be the cause of chronic migraines. Cola type drinks can also cause hyperactivity in children. Over the last fifty years the consumption of coffee and sweet drinks has increased massively. Because coffee and alcohol stimulate kidney function and water elimination, these drinks can dehydrate the body. Chocolate drinks can also provoke allergies which can cause loss of appetite. Moderation or elimination altogether is the best choice.






Saturday, March 24, 2007

The Effect Of Free Radicals

Researchers have demonstrated a correlation between exposure to air pollution and the risk of developing certain respiratory disorders such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer.

The exact mechanisms remain unknown, but scientists believe there is a strong link between environmental exposures and the production of free radicals in the body. These highly reactive compounds can cause inflammation in the lungs and damage the tissue lining the lung walls.

To prevent free-radical formation, and the damage they can cause, avoid exposure to cigarette smoke, secondhand smoke and air pollution. Increase your intake of foods rich in antioxidants, especially organically grown vegetables and fruits. Antioxidants are also found in green tea and dark chocolate. Consider taking a daily antioxidant supplement as insurance against those times when you can't eat right.

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Sunday, March 18, 2007

New Treatment for Wrist Fracture Shortens Recovery Time

With 206 bones in the adult skeleton, it's not surprising that one or two of them might get broken over the course of a lifetime. As it turns out, the average person will experience at least one fracture at one time or another. One of the bones most likely to be broken is the radius of the arm, an injury commonly known as a wrist fracture.


Fortunately, the majority of wrist fractures do not require surgical intervention. In most cases, a plaster cast is used to immobilize the joint for six to eight weeks while the bone is allowed to heal. Although wearing a cast may seem simple enough, it can cause a number of problems.

Many patients require several weeks of intensive physical therapy to strengthen the muscles of the affected wrist and hand. In some cases, patients may not recover normal wrist flexibility or function for several months to a year.

Another relatively common treatment option is external fixation. The procedure involves embedding metal pins into the bone on either side of the fracture. The pins are then connected through the skin to an adjustable rod known as an external fixator, which remains outside the wrist. Since the device is cumbersome and a bit weighty, it tends to significantly limit the function of the affected hand.


A significant improvement in treatment can be achieved with the Micronail. This is a small titanium rod designed to be implanted completely inside the fractured bone of the wrist. The surgery is minimally invasive, requiring only a three-quarter inch incision in the skin. The Micronail sits inside the bone, so there's very little risk of irritation to surrounding tendons, muscles, and nerves.

In most cases, the surgery lasts less than an hour, and patients typically go home the same day, wearing a removable splint instead of a plaster cast. Afterwards, patients can expect to begin using the injured wrist in just one to two weeks.

While the Micronail implant isn't appropriate for every patient, it can be used in the treatment of a variety of wrist fractures.

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Sunday, March 11, 2007

BODY MASS INDEX

If you're concerned about your health you're probably aware of how important your Body Mass Index (BMI) is and the size of your waistline. Health and fitness experts agree that having a waist measurement above 37 inches for men and 32 inches for women increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, for example, heart attacks, strokes and diabetes. Yet despite all the warnings, it seems that many peoples waistlines are rapidly increasing.

It's often said that it's harder to keep in shape once you hit your 40s and figures seem to bear this out. The over 45s are responsible for buying more than two thirds of the men's plus size clothing (waist size 37 inches and above) on sale in stores. However, younger men needn't be complacent. Research also reveals that there's an emerging market for larger sizes among their age group too.

You can calculate your BMI as follows.

Work out your height in metres and multiply the figure by itself.

Measure your weight in kilograms. There are 14 pounds in one stone and 2.2 pounds equals one kilogram.

Divide the weight by the height squared.

For example, if you are 1.6m tall and weigh 65kg the calculation would be

1.6 x 1.6 = 2.56. BMI would be 65 divided by 2.56 = 25.39.

Most people are either "apple or "pear" shaped. This means that when they put on weight, the fat is stored around the hips (pear- shaped) or the middle (apple-shaped). Doing about thirty minutes of exercise on most days of the week will improve your general health.

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Friday, March 02, 2007

Burn The Fat

For details of the most powerful fat loss system ever developed using natural methods visit www.webinfo.fastspace.biz. This course involves no drugs, no supplements and without screwing up your metabolism.

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