Lupus is a common disease and yet many people have not even heard of it. It is said that lupus affects more people than multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and leukemia. The treatment of lupus is difficult because of this massive ignorance when it comes to the disease. So what is lupus?

Lupus is an autoimmune disease in which the sufferer’s own body turns on itself. Antibodies are created that start attacking the body instead of protecting it. Some of the symptoms resemble those of other diseases so the treatment of lupus often goes ignored. The symptoms often lead to the condition being diagnosed as arthritis or multiple sclerosis. At the time of writing, the effective treatment of lupus is hampered by the fact that there is no one single test that can positively identify a disease as lupus.

Sometimes, lupus affects just a single part of the body, the most common areas being:

Lungs: lupus can cause an inflammation of the lining leading to pneumonia or pleuritis.

Kidneys: lupus can also cause inflammation of the kidneys, and this could lead to nephritis. In this case, there is usually no pain before the onset of nephritis so the lupus could go untreated.

Heart: in this case, chest pains might be experienced, or a hardening of the arteries may occur.

Blood: lupus can also result in anemia and it could also cause the blood vessels to become inflamed.

Lupus usually involves a red rash that breaks out somewhere in the body, most usually the face. The treatment of the rash should include a good sunscreen. Sometimes, the treatment of lupus has to take into account the fact that the patient may be on some medication which triggers off the attack. In the treatment of lupus flu shots are also recommended, as they can prevent secondary infections common to those with lupus. Some patients feel that lupus could be triggered off by dental fillings and hair dye although so far no conclusive evidence has been found of a connection. Fear and anxiety may trigger off an attack, so stopping the use of certain products may have a placebo effect, even if physiologically there is little benefit.

Natural Treatment of Lupus

An all-round healthy diet that includes all the necessary vitamins and minerals is the most effective way to prevent and treat lupus. The treatment of lupus must ensure that the patient has a good nutritious diet and exercise is a must. Calming breathing exercises and meditation could also be tried in the treatment of lupus to calm the patient and reduce the risk of skin flare ups.

Pneumonia is the infection and inflammation of the small alveolus inside the lungs and of the surrounding tissues. Pneumonia can be a cause of death for persons with additional chronic conditions and to pneumonia sufferers in developing countries. Pneumonia cases occurred inside the community are usually caused by the germ Streptococcus Pneumoniae, while pneumonias appeared in hospitals or institutions are mostly caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The severity of the symptoms and the required treatment depend a great deal on the type of the causing agent.

A series of factors can expose and predispose certain persons to developing pneumonia. Some medications, the age of the subject or some diseases can lead to the deprimation of the immune system and increase the susceptibility to pneumonia caused by abnormal microorganisms. Other conditions like alcoholism, smoking, diabetes, heart failure also predispose to pneumonia as well as extreme ages, debilitation, paralyzes or unconscious estates.

Pneumonia can appear after direct inhalation of infectious agents like bacteria, viruses or fungi or after the migration of the infection with the bloodstream from the initial localization. Pneumonia can occur after surgical interventions, after injuries especially chest injuries when the patient is unable to cough and mucus retention is possible. The aspiration pneumonia appears when different food, liquid or dust particles are inhaled from the mouth or when a bacterium is stuck inside the respiratory tract due to an obstruction.

The primer symptom of pneumonia is productive cough resulting in different amounts of mucus. Additional symptoms might be fever, chills, chest pains and breathing shortness. Auditory, pneumonia can be detected by the doctor listening to the patient’s lungs with a stethoscope. Pneumonia produces particular sounds caused by the presence of inflammatory cells inside the air tubes usually filled with air. A certain diagnose can be established with a chest X-ray that shows usually a dense white patch in place of the involved tissue. Pneumonia diagnose can also be established by help of sputum and blood specimen culture.

Some types of pneumonia can be prevented by vaccination against the Influenza virus and against the bacterium Haemophillus Influenzae. Persons at high risk of developing pneumonia can prevent it by making physical exercises and breathing exercises to fasten the clearance of the secretions.

Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics and the medication is started even before the exact agent is identified in order to prevent possible complications. Some patients with breathing difficulties require additional oxygen and assisted breathing. Low severity cases can be treated at home by oral medication but more severe symptoms make hospitalization necessary and the intravenous administration of antibiotics.

Antibiotics have no benefic effect on pneumonias caused by viruses or fungi.

Sex is the most enjoyed pleasure rated above all pleasures.
But, some times because of some physical and health problems, this could be the
most feared pleasure. The problem of not getting a proper erection is called Erectile
Dysfunction or impotence. It is a state where you do not get a strong
erection or you cannot sustain it long enough to make a successful penetration
to reach orgasm.

Erection requires a precise sequence of events, and when any sequence is
disrupted it leads to dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction usually occurs due to
damage of nerves, arteries or smooth muscles. Defective lifestyle pattern such
as smoking, obesity, excessive consumption of liquor, avoidance of physical
activity can also contribute to ED.

Sensory or mental stimulus or both initiates erection. The brain and local
nerves send impulses which lead the muscles of the corpora cavernosa to loosen
up, permitting blood to flow in and seal the spaces. The blood generates
pressure in the corpora cavernosa, in turn expanding the penis. The tunica
albuginea helps lock in blood in the corpora cavernosa, thus sustaining
erection.

Erectile dysfunction symptoms can be enumerated as:

• Inability to have erection while masturbation or while having sex with your
partner

• Inability to maintain erection firm enough for sexual intercourse

• Inability to maintain an erection long enough for sexual intercourse.

Physiological factors such as vascular disease, diabetes and many more are main
causes of erectile dysfunction. Apart fro
m physiological factors, psychological
factors such as stress, anxiety, guilt can also lead to erectile dysfunction.
In fact psychological factors amplify the physical factors.

As per the studies ED generally occurs among men above or in the age group of
40-65. Never the less, it should not be considered as an inevitable part of
aging.

ED can be treated at any age. With the advancement of medical science,
medications have evolved in order to treat erectile dysfunction effectively.
Though, these medications may vary from individual to individual.

The market is flooded with a gamut erectile dysfunction drugs such as Generic Cialis,
Viagra, Generic
Levitra. These drugs work on the same principle, to increase the blood flow
into the penis and thus sexually stimulate men and causing an erection. The
best part is that all these drugs are FDA approved oral prescription. A prior
consultation with a doctor recommended.

Out of all the relationship in this world, sexual
relationship is very important. Sex is one of the most beautiful feelings in
the world and is an integral part of a relationship. But sometimes some
problems like impotence can make one’s life hell.So go ahead take a dozes of Generic Viagra,
kamagra, Silagra etc, defiantly you will get amazing prompt result.

 

 

Current health studies show that our population is growing bigger and getting fatter each year. More than 50% is overweight! Obesity has now reached pandemic proportions and has become a serious problem to our personal health, making it a burden on our health system.

 

There are many health problems and diseases associated with being overweight and obese, for example: skeletal problems, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and sleep apnea to name a few. Studies have also shown that a relationship exists between excessive bodyweight and increased mortality. Increasing one’s body weight by 10kg will directly affect their lifespan by decreasing their living years. Obesity is a serious problem, however it can be fought and its effects reversed.

 

There are a variety of ways of combating obesity and preventing / reversing the health complications that arise from it. Obesity prevention can occur through a number of factors including 1.Dieting 2.Lowering Fat and Cholesterol. 3.Exercise.

 

1.Diet


Dieting can be extremely difficult, as a matter of fact, in the long term, more diets fail than succeed. So what is the secret to a sustainable and successful diet plan? The answer is lifestyle change. Change the way you eat and change the way you live. If you are seriously thinking of dieting, then think about the foods you eat on a daily basis and substitute them with healthier alternatives. Substitute the fast foods you would normally eat with fresh meats, cereals, fruits and vegetables. Keep score of your daily calorie intake and remember to exercise for at least 30 minutes per day.

 

2. Lowering Fat and Cholesterol

 

Inactivity, poor diet and lack of exercise lead to an increase in body fat and a rise in cholesterol. Cholesterol is a type of fat that is essential to the human body, however an excessive buildup of cholesterol in the blood and arteries can lead to serious health complications. Cholesterol is a major contributing factor in the cause of coronary artery disease which can lead to heart attacks. There primary cure for lowering the cholesterol levels is through dieting and reducing the amount of fat in your diet. A change of lifestyle and eating habits is also needed to have an overall impact in reducing and sustaining cholesterol. Below is a list of high cholesterol producing foods that should be avoided:


 

*Dairy intake – Reduce you high fat dairy consumption by substituting high fat cheeses and milks with low fat ones. You will find many 99% fat free dairy products are now on offer in supermarkets.

 

*Avoid meats that are high in visible fats and substitute them with lean cut meats and skinless chickens.

 

*Use healthy cooking oils and margarines. Choose oils that are low in saturated fats such as virgin olive oils and margarines that include plant sterols which help the body absorb less cholesterol.

 

*Minimise your fast food intake such as pizzas, burgers, fish and chips, and deep fried foods in general.

 

When combating high cholesterol, changing poor eating habits is only part of the solution, you also need to reduce the amount calories you consume on a daily basis, and that can only be solved through proper dieting and exercise. If unsure about your cholesterol level, it is always advisable that you seek the medical attention from your local physician.

 

3. Exercise

 

Exercise is a vital and essential part to our wellbeing. Whether riding a bike or walking 30 minutes a day, mobility is the key to a healthy lifestyle. Regular physical exercise is essential in preventing many bodily disorders including coronary heart disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes. Exercise is also vital in the building of healthy bones, muscles and in bolstering the human immune system.

 

Dieting, exercise and healthy eating plans are essential factors in maintaining strong and healthy bodies. They are all however interrelated and should be practiced in conjunction with one another; reducing a high cholesterol level depends on healthy eating habits and proper dieting. A proper diet should also be supported with regular and frequent exercise in order to achieve weight loss and an overall healthy lifestyle.

Studies have shown that trans fats reduce our levels of HDL (the good cholesterol) and increase our levels of LDL (the bad cholesterol). All of which may be bad for your heart.

So cities across the US have either already banned trans fats from their restaurants or are considering doing so. All in the name of protecting the public health.

Also, many food companies are reformulating their foods to eliminate trans fats. But then they have to. Otherwise, they’ll be portrayed as the bad guys trying to make a buck off the poor, unsuspecting public by poisoning us with their unhealthy foods.

The campaign to raise public awareness of the dangers of trans fats has led many consumers to believe that a ban will be healthy for them. So there are many people who are all for it.

**But The Hype Has Just Begun**

In fact, a recent study actually tried to link trans fats to infertility.

Even nutritionist Marion Nestle, PhD, MPH, a professor at New York University, expressed skepticism about that conclusion in an article recently published on WebMD.

So are city governments justified in banning trans fats from our foods? Or are these local governments making a mistake because of all the anti-trans fat hype?

Regardless of how you feel about the government legislating what we eat, here’s the problem.

Trans fats are being replaced in many foods by a new type of fat called interesterified fats.

But according to the results of a study published in the journal, Nutrition and Metabolism, interesterified fats may be even more dangerous for us than trans fats.

You see, interesterified fats also lower our levels of HDL (the good cholesterol). Just like trans fats. So there’s still a heart health issue.

**But Now There’s A New Health Risk**

Interesterified fats were found to significantly increase blood sugar and depress insulin. Which may increase your risk for diabetes. Or cause potential problems for you if you already have diabetes.

If you remember, trans fats replaced saturated fats years ago because saturated fats were supposed to be unhealthy. At the time, trans fats were believed to be healthier.

So much for that conclusion. But it gets worse.

These new interesterified fats were found to increase blood sugar by 20% more than good old saturated fats.

That was in a mere four weeks. Imagine what would happen over a longer period of time.

**Out Of The Frying Pan, Into The Fire**

It seems like every time the food police insist on changing the type of fats found in our food, they introduce new and potentially more dangerous health risks for us.

If you’re concerned about this new diabetes risk, you can check the ingredient list of your foods if it’s available. Interesterified fats are labelled as “fully hydrogenated oil.”

But maybe it’s time to consider another course. Maybe we shouldn’t be reformulating our foods after every study. And we certainly shouldn’t be banning foods unless we’re sure the alternatives are safer.

Most importantly, maybe it’s time for the food police to get off their high horses and quit telling the rest of us how to eat. They don’t exactly have a good track record.

**Should We Stop The Trans Fat Bans Before It’s Too Late?**

I’m not arguing that trans fats are healthy. But I think it’s a foolish mistake to reformulate all of our foods until more studies have been done. We need reasonable proof that we’ve found a safer alternative.

If you’re concerned about the health risks from these new fats, you may want to get in touch with your local legislators. And stop the ban on trans fats until we know for sure that we aren’t jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire.

The adrenal or “stress glands” are small, triangular shaped glands located on the top of the kidneys. Their function is to prepare the body’s resources to run or fight through the releasing of specific hormones. When this primitive, instinctive response is activated, blood is diverted from digestive system while our blood pressure, pulse, blood sugar levels increase. At the same time, our pupils dilate and the speed of reflexes increases. All of this happens as a way to ensure our survival.

In modern times, we don’t’ have to worry about becoming dinner for a hungry tiger or being trampled by a herd of buffalo. Our bodies, however, automatically respond the same way when we are under physical, emotional or mental stress. Many of us live in a state of constant stress that strains our bodies to the point of exhaustion. Over time, and through repetition, this can impact the way the adrenal glands function, causing us to experience adrenal insufficiency or “burn-out”.

If you think about it, our adrenal glands can be likened to the batteries in a flashlight. They are filled with a charge that is used to run the body and give us that extra edge in times of need. Each time we use our flashlight, we drain some of the charge from our batteries. Fortunately for us, our batteries are automatically recharged when we eat healthy and get lots of rest. If, on the other hand, we use our flashlight all of the time, and don’t recharge our batteries regularly, it is only a matter of time before the light starts to dim and eventually goes out all together.

Technically speaking, adrenal insufficiency refers to the inability of adrenal glands to produce the proper quantity of hormones needed to run the body. It should not to be confused with Addison’s disease, which is when the adrenal glands fail to produce hormones or shutdown completely. The most common symptom of adrenal insufficiency is fatigue. Other symptoms include: not feeling rested after sleep, inability to deal with life stressors, poor memory, a low sex drive, frequent infections due to a suppressed immune system, inability to concentrate, depression, mood swings, irritability, weight gain, weakness and hormonal imbalances.

There are a number of reasons why people experience adrenal insufficiency. It can be from a genetic or congenital abnormality, but the most common one is stress. Some of us force our bodies to run or fight all the time. Life challenges, financial pressures, relationship issues and unresolved emotional concerns will eventually deplete your adrenal glands. Internal stressors such as allergies, physical disease, nutritional deficiencies, food and environmental toxins can also put pressure on the body’s natural reserves. In addition, stimulants, such as sugar, white flower, caffeine, as well as constant exposure to loud music, loud noise or E M radiation can take a toll on our adrenal glands.

Recommendations For Wellness

First and foremost, stop forcing yourself to keep going and start listening to your body. It will tell you what it needs. If it is tired, try closing your eyes and taking a few deep breaths. Taking a break, even a short one is a great way to let your body rest.

Just let it go. Allow your body to let go of any resentment, blame, guilt, worries or fears that can paralyze the adrenal glands.

Learning relaxation techniques such as biofeedback, meditation guided imagery can help you cope with stress better.

Try taking a hot bath with l avender or n eroli oil at night. These oils can help to calm frazzled nerves, promote a feeling of calmness and bring about a restful nights sleep.

Siberian ginseng is an adaptogenic herb that supports the adrenal glands making it a great tonic to help the body deal with stress.

Found in the rainforest of South America, the herb suma has been reported to help increase energy levels and rejuvenate the spirit. It has been found to be useful in restoring glandular function and balancing the endocrine system.

Licorice Root has traditionally been used to support the adrenals. This herb is very sweet and is not recommended if you are diabetic.

Pantothenic Acid, vitamin B5, is vital for adrenal hormone production and is recommended in supporting the adrenal glands.

Nature’s Sunshine’s Energy-V Capsules and Nervous Fatigue Formula are a collection of stimulating & adaptogenic herbs which can help the body adapt to stress.

DHEA is a hormone precursor produced by the adrenal glands. Leading health experts to believe that after the age of 25, the body’s ability to produce DHEA declines and supplementation can help increase energy and counteract the effects of stress.

Supplements made from bovine adrenal glands provide nutritional support for proper adrenal gland function. Only use this supplement for short periods of time as to not disrupt the normal function of the adrenal glands.

© Copyright Body, Mind & SoulHealer – www.soulhealer.com 2007. All rights reserved.

Dr. Rita Louise, Ph D is a Naturopathic Physician and the host of Just Energy Radio. Author of the books “Avoiding the Cosmic 2×4” and “The Power Within”, it is her unique gift as a medical intuitive and professional clairvoyant that enlivens her work. Let Dr. Rita assist you bringing health, healing and wholeness back into your life. Visit http://www.soulhealer.com or listen live online to Dr. Rita on http://www.JustEnergyRadio.com.

 

Erectile
Dysfunction or Impotence is much publicized and talked about these
days in the media, in part due to aggressive advertising campaigns of
treatments such as Viagra. Before it was seldom discussed but that
does not mean that it wasn’t there. Erectile dysfunction is by no
means a modern phenomenon. It is undeniable that that the heavy
pressures of modern life can contribute to the prevalence of erectile
dysfunction, however, this does not mean that erectile dysfunction is
some sort of new disease. Impotence has been around for a long time.

Man’s preoccupation with potency has
been present throughout the ages.
href=”http://www.firstmed.co.uk”> Impotence
is even mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible, where
a cure is suggested for King David’s impotence. The Greeks and Romans
made constant references to erectile dysfunction. Both these nations
placed great emphasis on physical fitness and health and a man was
considered to be more of a man is he had sex on a regular basis
whether it was with his wife, his servants or in fact anything. It
was not considered important for a man to sexually satisfy his women,
but merely to be able to satisfy himself on a regular basis.

Today, women’s sexual needs are
recognized also and in this regard, men are put under increasing
pressure and may cause a man to get nervous and anxious and thus
suffer from erectile dysfunction. When this happens it is known as
performance anxiety and it appears to be far more prevalent in modern
society is than it was previously.

Speculation about the causes of
impotence continued throughout the centuries, with the ultimate focus
on divine providence rather than physiology. Treatments included
quinine, opium and digitalis, and sponging with cold salt water at 5
o’clock in the morning. For more difficult cases, physicians resorted
to scarification of the perineum, followed by suction cups that drew
out several ounces of blood, and the passage of a bougie smeared with
a mercurial ointment upon the mucous membrane of the urethra. This
was left for 5–10 min in the belief that the pressure would reduce
the congestion in the vessels of the urethra.

These days treatment is a lot simpler,
less painful and has less social stigma attached. Never the less
erectile dysfunction remains a serious and debilitating condition for
any man to suffer.

This
information has been brought to you by Firstmed.co.uk, the UK’s
leading online
impotence clinic
.If you wish to discuss any
of the above issues in more detail, do not hesitate to contact
info@firstmed.co.uk
or call +44 (0)870 199 5287

“Message in a Bottle” is a 1979 hit song by Sting and The Police.  The song was composed by Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner (a.k.a. “Sting”) and was The Police’s first number one hit in the United Kingdom.  The song is about a castaway that is stranded on an island, who sends out message in a bottle to ask for help. After a year, of sending messages in a bottle, he was surprised to see “a hundred billion bottles” washed upon the shore. This made the castaway realize that he was not alone in his loneliness. In fact, he realized that so many people were actually suffering from despair. Like him, so many people were sending messages in bottles too.  

Almost 30 years after the release of “Message in a Bottle,” its legacy still lives on. Critics believe that it touched the lives of many people and made them realize the importance of communication. Almost everyone can relate to the feeling of pain, loneliness, stress, and anxiety of being left by a loved one or in being alone.  In every part of the world, there are people longing to loved and give love. There are so many people wanting to be rescued from emotional despair.

Many health specialists claim that stress, depression, and emotional despair can have effects on physical health. In fact, emotions are basically connected to many aspects of physical health. Eating disorders and sleep disturbances brought by emotional despair may lead to low energy, chronic pain, and sexual dysfunction. In addition, ordinary physical symptoms like stomach ache, headache, and lower back pain may be traced to painful memories or experiences that caused a deep emotional, physical, and psychological strain.
    

Experts claim that these physical illnesses are general effects of stress which stimulates the release of adrenals to produce adrenaline and cortisol. Sustained levels of these substances may lead to destructive effects in the body like weight gain, high cholesterol, suppression of the immune system, and aging. Unresolved emotional issues may lead to chronic inflammation which causes imbalance in the components of the major systems in the body: endocrine, digestive, cardiovascular, and respiratory. Medical research show that such imbalance may lead to several diseases like cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.  In a healthy body, these systems communicate and respond properly.  

In the song, “Message in a Bottle,” the lonely castaway threw messages out to the sea to deal with his emotional dilemma caused by loneliness and isolation. In reality, emotional problems can be treated using different methods. Depending on the nature of the problem and state of development, psychotherapies might advise depressed individuals to undergo traditional therapies that include the following:

·    Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which involves changing one’s thoughts and actions, and includes systematic desensitization to reduce reactivity to a traumatic stressor
·    Relaxation/stress reduction techniques, such as biofeedback and breathwork
·    Hypnosis to deal with reactions often below the level of conscious awareness
   
Maintaining emotional wellness, positive attitude, and high self-esteem are critical factors in achieving healthy bodies. People should bear in mind that these factors are the most important components of a healthy lifestyle.