Herbal Health

NATURAL MEN’S HEALTH: DIET FOR HEALTH AND VITALITY – LUNCH

admin — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 10:19:37 +0000

Between meals

Drink a jug of fresh water (filtered) between breakfast and lunch, and between lunch and dinner, or have a pot of herbal tea such as peppermint, Triple E or Summer Delight, hot or cold, throughout the morning. This is a lovely alternative to coffee, and is great to offer your colleagues and clients when they visit the office.

Lunch

For a hot lunch, fish or chicken are excellent choices. You might also consider some form of legumes; for example, lentil soup or a legume curry. Try to include a variety of cooked or raw vegetables and choose a variety of proteins across your week. It’s best to avoid eating red meat daily due to its high uric acid levels.

Pasta with a good quality protein on top, such as fish or meat,

accompanied by a salad is always a good option.

Soup makes a great lunch in the winter months. It not only warms you up, it’s also a good way of getting more vegetables into your diet.

Choose a healthy sandwich (have two or three if you’ re hungry) made from a good quality bread (preferably with whole grains, not white bread). Filling options include: chicken, tuna, salmon, egg or beef with three different raw vegetables or more. Go for a variety of colours, such as tomato (red), beetroot (deep red), carrot (orange), lettuce or rocket (green), cucumber or potato salad (white). This provides a variety of anti-oxidants in your diet.

I always encourage my clients to vary their diet as much as possible and to try different foods to those they normally eat.

Whatever happens, it’s vital to have a lunch break and eat a proper meal to keep your energy levels up for a busy afternoon. A fruit salad will metabolise in 30 minutes as it is predominantly made up of sugar, and you will be left hungry and craving more unhealthy sugars later. Fruit can be eaten after a proper lunch.

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HOME BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING

admin — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 10:08:30 +0000

Your doctor may recommend home measurement of your blood pressure as part of your treatment. You will need a device called a sphygmomanometer (pronounced “sfig-mo-ma-NOM-et-er”) for measuring blood pressure. All blood pressure monitoring devices have an inflatable cuff that encircles your upper arm. It is important check with your doctor and nurse about what cuff size is appropriate for you. When the cuff, the arteries in your arm are briefly closed.

As you gradually release the pressure with the airflow regulator and listen over an artery with a stethoscope, you will begin to treat a pulse beat (a tapping sound). The point at which you hear the first beat indicates your systolic pressure (the top number), and the point at which your pulse beat disappears indicates your diastolic pressure (the bottom number).

Mercury-column models feature an easy-to-read column of mercury that rises and falls in response to the amount of pressure exerted on the blood pressure cuff. This is the only device that actually measures your blood pressure in millimeters of mercury.

Spring-gauge models feature a round dial that is activated by a spring-pressure gauge that indicates the amount of pressure in the arm cuff. Each degree the needle moves in the measurement dial is equivalent to a millimeter of mercury.

Electronic digital models use built-in electronic sound sensors to read your blood pressure, which is displayed on a digital readout. Many models also have built-in pulse monitors that measure your pulse rate. You do not need a stethoscope for this type of device.

Multiple readings in different locations such as home or work, taken on a regular basis, can give your doctor valuable information that can help tailor your treatment. Be sure your device is calibrated periodically to ensure accurate readings.

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METHODS OF ABORTION: RU- 486

admin — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 09:13:12 +0000

In September 2000, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved mifepristone, known as RU-486, after a 20-year odyssey. RU- 486 is a steroid hormone that induces abortion by blocking the action of progesterone, a hormone produced by the ovaries and placenta that maintains the lining of the uterus. Similar in structure to progesterone, RU-486 binds to cell receptor sites normally occupied by progesterone, causing the breakdown of the uterine lining. As a result, the uterine lining and the embryo are expelled from the uterus, and the pregnancy is terminated.

Treatment consists of the ingestion of three pills of RU-486 A dose of prostaglandins must be administered 48 hours later to encourage contractions of the uterus. Ninety-six percent of women who take these two drugs during the first nine weeks of pregnancy will experience a complete abortion. The side effects of this treatment are similar to those reported during heavy menstruation and include cramping, minor pain, and nausea. Approximately 1 in 1,000 women requires a blood transfusion because of severe bleeding. The procedure does not require hospitalization; women may be treated on an outpatient basis.

While RU-486s nickname, “the abortion pill,” may imply an easy process, treatment does involve more steps for the woman than does a traditional abortion. A traditional abortion takes about 15 minutes followed by a physical recovery of about one day. A first visit to the clinic involves a physical exam and a dose of three mifepristone tablets, which may cause minor side effects such as nausea, headaches, weakness, and fatigue. The patient returns two days later for a dose of prostaglandins (trade name: misoprostal), which cause contractions of the uterus. These contractions expel the fertilized egg. Women are required to stay under observation at the clinic for four hours. A return visit is required 12 days later because the pills fail to expel the fetus completely in 4 percent of cases. In such an event, a clinical abortion becomes necessary. The new FDA approval of general use of RU-486 in the United States stipulates only a few restrictions on how the pill can be dispensed.

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BACH FLOWER REMEDIES: CHESTNUT BUD – SANJU’S CASE

admin — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:01:35 +0000

Sanju – 12 years – came to the dispensary for the treatment of his itch. Due to inattention he struck his foot against the leg of a stool in the dispensary when he was advised caution, his elder sister volunteered the information that he was inattentive anywhere and everywhere. He was inattentive at school, at the play ground and on the road and had met with several accidents, but he had never learned any lessons from his past experience. Now he had itching trouble. As he scratched one part, the itch started at another part. A combination of Chestnut Bud for his inattention and Scleranthus for the ever-changing nature of the itch (changing place on scratching) was given T.D.S for 1 month. There was complete relief of itch after 1 month. Chestnut Bud being his constitutional medicine it was continued alone for an other 2 months, so that all remnant symptoms of negative Chestnut Bud were got rid of.

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MEDICAL TREATMENT OF SEIZURES: GENERIC OR BRAND-NAME DRUGS?

admin — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 15:51:19 +0000

The rate of absorption of many anticonvulsants will vary with different manufacturers, and there may be some variation in their metabolism as well. Thus the blood level may vary. In a sensitive individual, small changes in blood level may either allow seizures or cause toxicity. Therefore, we strongly urge that children take the brand-name drug rather than the cheaper generic form, at least until the generic drugs become more standardized and consistent. We strongly urge also that you always stick to the form made by the same manufacturer. The only way that this can be done is to use the brand name drug.

The choice of an antiepileptic drug must be individualized, taking into account the seizure type and concerns about possible side effects in a particular child. The pharmacology of these medications is important because it tells us how long we should expect to wait to see the impact of our therapy and how frequently the drug should be administered.

All medications have potential side effects, and parents should be familiar with the ones most commonly associated with the drug their child is taking. Monitoring the impact of therapy is crucial—whether seizures have been completely controlled and whether there are any unwanted side effects. It is always the response of the child that is important, not what the blood level is. Understandably, one-drug monotherapy is preferable to multi-drug polytherapy, and a concerted attempt at seizure control with a single drug should be made before another drug is added. Most seizures can be controlled in children using this careful approach, leading to the question of how long therapy should be continued.

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DIET IN DIABETES: CONSTITUENTS OF DIET

admin — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 15:35:10 +0000

Our diet basically includes carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, fibre, salt etc.

Basic food groups are : Cereals, meat group (fish, egg, meat and poultry), pulses and gram, milk and milk products, fat and oils, fruit group, and green vegetable etc.

Balanced diet: Diet should not be monotonous. It should be a balanced diet prepared by proportionate quantity of different food groups depending upon liking and disliking, age, sex, weight, height, occupation of the patient, type of diabetes and complications of diabetes, specially prepared diet during pregnancy, sick days, travelling etc.

Carbohydrate : allowance : 60 – 65% of total calories

Source : Cereals and Cereal Products mainly from whole grain cereals, wheat, rice, ragi, maize, sorghum, are the major examples. Other sources are pulses, beans, fresh fruits and vegetables etc.

In our country Cereals are staple foods. In Northern India Wheat is the staple diet, in North-Eastern India rice is the staple food while in south India Ragi is the staple food.

A diabetic patient can also take rice in right amount preferably mixed with dal or Rajmah and green vegetable in consultation with physician.

Avoid : Sugar / simple carbohydrate, refined diet

Glycaemic index : The blood glucose and insulin response in various carbohydrates are not similar. Individual foods containing the same caloric amount of carbohydrate (isocaloric) may elicit a widely different response on plasma glucose levels.

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HEART AND BLOOD CIRCULATION

admin — Mon, 23 May 2011 15:25:12 +0000

Trouble with the human body may be approached from the point of view of its structure or its function. The heart may be enlarged, or its valves may leak or be narrowed, or its blood supply may be inadequate because of blocking. The changes in structure produce changes in function which are reflected in symptoms. From the functional point of view the heart may beat too fast or too slowly, or irregularly. Its beat may be weak or strong. The heart may be overactive or underactive.

When the heart is overactive people complain of palpitation. The heart sounds are loud and the pulse is full and bounding. Signs of an overactive heart may be seen when one has had severe exercise or emotional stress. With excessive action of the thyroid gland the heart beats more rapidly, as it does also with severe anemia. Whenever there is fever or lack of oxygen the heart becomes overly active.

When the circulation of blood through the blood vessels is insufficient because of failure of the heart, which means under-activity, the symptoms include apathy and lassitude, sometimes faintness, and collapse. If a sudden hemorrhage occurs the circulation fails. With failure of the heart the blood pressure falls and the skin becomes cold, clammy, dry, and inelastic.

In heart failure congestion of the lungs follows, with shortness of breath and the difficulty with breathing that occurs because of fluid. The doctor can hear with his stethoscope sounds in the lung that show the congestion. The patient coughs to get rid of the congestion.

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ADAPTING TO A CANCER DIAGNOSIS: SOME TIPS ABOUT FAMILY, FRIENDS AND SPIRITUALITY

admin — Thu, 12 May 2011 15:02:54 +0000

Inform family and friends of the diagnosis and treatment.

Nominate who will be your spokesperson to occasionally communicate with the doctor in extreme situations. Explain to your family and friends why you have chosen a particular person to help, and not others. Reassure them they will be kept just as informed and discuss other ways in which they can help. Ask for practical support, but take control of how you want to manage this time. It will be a natural protective urge for others to ‘wrap you in cotton wool’ and smother you with kindness. Dependency at such an early stage can reduce your capacity to feel like you are in charge of the situation. Some families and loved ones are often scared to talk about your condition for fear that ‘bringing it up’ might be worse for you or make you sadder. Sometimes confronting your fears together will bring not only tears, but relief.

Some women, however, will relish in the attention and care. Draw up lists of how your friends can best help to reduce the load of the roles you normally have. Remember that loved ones need to be doing something for you at this stage … it may often be of more help to them than to you!

Reassure your children that you have the best of care and that you are fine.

Managing children at this time requires extra sensitivity. Children are not stupid. Their radar instantly tunes in to any tension or anxiety in the family. Not informing them, in a manner appropriate to their age, will create more anxiety later. The hospital social worker or Cancer Council will provide information and support on how to communicate with children of all ages. They will advise on how to prepare them for your absence in hospital, or change in physical appearance. Purchase something special for the child to take care of for you in your absence – a toy, plant to nurture, special project. Give each child a special photograph of you that they will have when you go in to hospital. Some centers have special programs for the children of cancer patients. However, most children with limited knowledge of the world will be feeling highly vulnerable at this time. Identify who is really special in your child’s life and arrange for them to take special care.

Spirituality

Many women have religious and spiritual values. Others turn to a ‘higher force’ in times of urgent need only. Ask networks of friends, acquaintances and strangers to pray for survival and healing. Carers and friends need to be aware that your spirituality may evolve and change during the emotional healing process and they should not be alarmed.

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ADAPTING TO A CANCER DIAGNOSIS: SOME TIPS ABOUT FAMILY, FRIENDS AND SPIRITUALITYInform family and friends of the diagnosis and treatment.Nominate who will be your spokesperson to occasionally communicate with the doctor in extreme situations. Explain to your family and friends why you have chosen a particular person to help, and not others. Reassure them they will be kept just as informed and discuss other ways in which they can help. Ask for practical support, but take control of how you want to manage this time. It will be a natural protective urge for others to ‘wrap you in cotton wool’ and smother you with kindness. Dependency at such an early stage can reduce your capacity to feel like you are in charge of the situation. Some families and loved ones are often scared to talk about your condition for fear that ‘bringing it up’ might be worse for you or make you sadder. Sometimes confronting your fears together will bring not only tears, but relief.Some women, however, will relish in the attention and care. Draw up lists of how your friends can best help to reduce the load of the roles you normally have. Remember that loved ones need to be doing something for you at this stage … it may often be of more help to them than to you!
Reassure your children that you have the best of care and that you are fine.Managing children at this time requires extra sensitivity. Children are not stupid. Their radar instantly tunes in to any tension or anxiety in the family. Not informing them, in a manner appropriate to their age, will create more anxiety later. The hospital social worker or Cancer Council will provide information and support on how to communicate with children of all ages. They will advise on how to prepare them for your absence in hospital, or change in physical appearance. Purchase something special for the child to take care of for you in your absence – a toy, plant to nurture, special project. Give each child a special photograph of you that they will have when you go in to hospital. Some centers have special programs for the children of cancer patients. However, most children with limited knowledge of the world will be feeling highly vulnerable at this time. Identify who is really special in your child’s life and arrange for them to take special care.
Spirituality Many women have religious and spiritual values. Others turn to a ‘higher force’ in times of urgent need only. Ask networks of friends, acquaintances and strangers to pray for survival and healing. Carers and friends need to be aware that your spirituality may evolve and change during the emotional healing process and they should not be alarmed.*21/144/5*

TREATMENT OF ACUTE CALCULOUS CHOLECYSTITIS

admin — Mon, 02 May 2011 14:52:48 +0000

In approximately 75% of cases, acute calculous cholecystitis will subside with conservative therapy, which consists of maintenance of a fasting state, intravenous fluid hydration, and analgesia. Although acute calculous cholecystitis is primarily an inflammatory process, secondary bacterial infection of the gallbladder can occur, particularly when complications ensue. The organisms found in the biliary tract in these instances are typically the same as normal intestinal flora. Empiric antimicrobial therapy should be directed at these organisms. When the results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing become available, more specific antibiotic therapy should be substituted. Antibiotics are typically not required for the treatment of uncomplicated cholecystitis, since they do not appear to affect the outcome of the attack or decrease the incidence of local infectious complications.

The selection and timing of surgical intervention depend on the severity of symptoms and the patient’s overall risk of surgery. Surgical intervention should be considered in patients with a known or suspected complication (gangrene, pericholecystic abscess, perforation with peritonitis) or in those with intractable pain and progressive fever despite supportive therapy. Consultation with a general surgeon should be obtained to assist in the selection of definitive therapy. Although open cholecystectomy had been considered the gold standard for the treatment of acute calculous cholecystitis, laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the operative procedure of choice. In unstable patients in whom surgical intervention is contraindicated, drainage of the gallbladder may be performed with an ultrasound- guided percutaneous cholecystostomy. This involves placing a catheter into the gallbladder with the patient under local anesthesia. Complications include bacteremia, bleeding, and peritonitis due to bile leak.

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DIFFICULTY FALLING OR STAYING ASLEEP: PSYCHIATRIC DIMS – PSYCHOSIS TREATMENT

admin — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 14:40:50 +0000

The type of antidepressive medications known as tricyclics have proven very helpful in cases of depression; some forms of psychosis may respond to an antipyschotic drug. Sometimes a combination is needed in order to achieve success. Electroshock therapy may help some depressed patients. In virtually any case, however, psychological counseling is crucial if the patient is to understand and manage the disorder.

I must emphasize, as I have before, that treating the insomniac component of these disorders without taking the whole complex of symptoms into account is not only unproductive but possibly dangerous as well. Use of a sleeping pill to achieve sleep may make the patient feel more rested temporarily but does nothing to penetrate and manage the larger psychiatric disorder. Only when the physician addresses the underlying problem will the insomnia be conquered on any but a short-term basis.

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