18
Apr

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: THERE IS NO WARNING

by admin Posted in Cardio & Blood-Cholesterol


The absence of symptoms is one of the major problems in identifying high blood pressure and getting treatment under way. The condition offers no warnings. It works its damage slowly and quietly while you feel fine.
Many hypertensive people don’t realize anything is wrong with them, and all too often, the first indication of trouble is a stroke or heart attack that might have been prevented had the condition been diagnosed and treated. United States statistics show the highest death rate from these ailments, with about 42 deaths per 100,000 population. The figure is growing.
Symptoms of trouble are not reliable clues. Headaches may be caused by hypertension, or they may simply indicate the need for new glasses. There may be dizziness, fatigue, heart palpitations or flushing of the face. But the only certain, typical change is in the blood pressure itself.
Headaches are the most common incapacitating symptom. They often are present on waking from sleep, but they may occur at any time of day. They do not signify that a hemorrhage in the brain is in the making; nor do they indicate that the blood pressure is exceptionally high. It may be exceptionally low! But consistent headaches are considered clues to increased blood pressure.
Dizziness, or lightheadedness, accompanies a feeling of fullness in the head and tightness over the scalp, and may signal hypertension. Numbness and tingling in the arms and fingers are also associated with elevated blood pressure. Vertigo, a sensation that the world is moving about you, or that you are moving in space, is a more definite symptom. These are warning conditions.
*6/151/5*

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20
Mar

CARE OF THE SPINE TO PREVENT DISORDERS

by admin Posted in Pain Relief-Muscle Relaxers


It is crucial to take care of the spine for general health. I gave detailed advice on keeping healthy in my earlier book The Integrated Health Bible. In brief, I recommended adopting a Lifestyle Programme based on moderation and variety supported by diet, massage and exercise. In particular I recommended massage and exercises for the spine, the latter including specific yoga exercises, swimming and walking. The significance of the yoga exercises is expanded in this book, since I hope I have made it clear that it is so much more important for the back to develop and tone up the posture-maintaining muscles than to work away at the lifting and carrying muscles so emphasised in manuals and gymnasia. The posture-maintaining muscles are deep and hard to access. Even normal massage does not have ready access to them. The Thai type of massage, which develops and tones through stretching, can work on them and this is also taken into account in yoga.
I also gave a list of the benefits of walking and would like to emphasise one of them here – it improves posture. Study of reflexes shows that repetitive exercises will contribute little to this vital function. Common sense, however, tells us that to walk over uneven ground will bring the reflexes into play constantly. Even stepping over a sleeping dog, will do more good to your posture than several minutes of repetitive aerobic exercises because it makes the reflexes do what they are supposed to do -meet the unexpected. In this chapter, therefore, I will concentrate on general care of the spine, from birth, or before, to old age, with particular emphasis on the posture-maintaining muscles.
*87\330\8*

CARE OF THE SPINE TO PREVENT DISORDERSIt is crucial to take care of the spine for general health. I gave detailed advice on keeping healthy in my earlier book The Integrated Health Bible. In brief, I recommended adopting a Lifestyle Programme based on moderation and variety supported by diet, massage and exercise. In particular I recommended massage and exercises for the spine, the latter including specific yoga exercises, swimming and walking. The significance of the yoga exercises is expanded in this book, since I hope I have made it clear that it is so much more important for the back to develop and tone up the posture-maintaining muscles than to work away at the lifting and carrying muscles so emphasised in manuals and gymnasia. The posture-maintaining muscles are deep and hard to access. Even normal massage does not have ready access to them. The Thai type of massage, which develops and tones through stretching, can work on them and this is also taken into account in yoga.I also gave a list of the benefits of walking and would like to emphasise one of them here – it improves posture. Study of reflexes shows that repetitive exercises will contribute little to this vital function. Common sense, however, tells us that to walk over uneven ground will bring the reflexes into play constantly. Even stepping over a sleeping dog, will do more good to your posture than several minutes of repetitive aerobic exercises because it makes the reflexes do what they are supposed to do -meet the unexpected. In this chapter, therefore, I will concentrate on general care of the spine, from birth, or before, to old age, with particular emphasis on the posture-maintaining muscles.*87\330\8*

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15
Mar

VOCABULARY OF SEX

by admin Posted in Men's Health-Erectile Dysfunction


In discussing our bodies, we have generally used standard textbook terminology. This is not the only type of vocabulary that exists to refer to our sexual organs or to sexual activities. In the main, there are four categories of such words: childish (that is, wee-wee, pee-pee), euphemistic (that is, down there, doing it), medical (that is, coitus), and slang or street words. Consideration of this last category can function as a helpful vehicle for insight into some cultural attitudes toward sexuality.
A good number of slang terms which refer to the female are considered by many people to be insulting or contemptuous, while a number of terms which refer to the male connote tools or weapons. Some of the words for sexual activities are either highly idiosyncratic or are also used as swearwords. It is a curious phenomenon that the classical slang word for intercourse can be used both to express contempt or exploitation and to refer to one of the most potentially intimate of human activities. What other words can be used to refer to this activity? “Coitus” is too clinical, “sexual intercourse” seems long-winded and impersonal, “go to bed with” and “sleep together” are quite euphemistic, and “make love” is not always an appropriate description of the context and circumstances. “Have sex with” and “be sexual with” are probably the currently most acceptable terms, yet it is all too obvious that our otherwise highly flexible language lacks a warm, human vocabulary with which to discuss sexuality in meaningful (neither joking nor casual nor embarrassing) ways.
*121\265\8*

VOCABULARY OF SEXIn discussing our bodies, we have generally used standard textbook terminology. This is not the only type of vocabulary that exists to refer to our sexual organs or to sexual activities. In the main, there are four categories of such words: childish (that is, wee-wee, pee-pee), euphemistic (that is, down there, doing it), medical (that is, coitus), and slang or street words. Consideration of this last category can function as a helpful vehicle for insight into some cultural attitudes toward sexuality.A good number of slang terms which refer to the female are considered by many people to be insulting or contemptuous, while a number of terms which refer to the male connote tools or weapons. Some of the words for sexual activities are either highly idiosyncratic or are also used as swearwords. It is a curious phenomenon that the classical slang word for intercourse can be used both to express contempt or exploitation and to refer to one of the most potentially intimate of human activities. What other words can be used to refer to this activity? “Coitus” is too clinical, “sexual intercourse” seems long-winded and impersonal, “go to bed with” and “sleep together” are quite euphemistic, and “make love” is not always an appropriate description of the context and circumstances. “Have sex with” and “be sexual with” are probably the currently most acceptable terms, yet it is all too obvious that our otherwise highly flexible language lacks a warm, human vocabulary with which to discuss sexuality in meaningful (neither joking nor casual nor embarrassing) ways.*121\265\8*

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02
Mar

COMMON PLANTS USED AS TRADITIONAL ANTIMICROBIALS BY TRIBAL PEOPLE OF M.P. INTRODUCTION

by admin Posted in Herbal


The ancient Indians were the custodians of a highly evolved civilization. Their approach towards life was very comprehensive, highly integrated with the environment, and, therefore, was ecologically sound and sustainable. It was aimed at promoting a peaceful coexistance with all living organisms as well as a fullar harmony with the physical environment. The ancient people observed their surroundings with great awe and wonder. Many useful plants and their antimicrobial properties were known to people in the form of customs and rituals. The ancient masters tactfully implimented much of their value oriented teachings through certain rituals, taboos and totems and made the people to observe it as spiritual duty.
METHODOLOGY
The plants with their antimicrobial properties were collected during the last 4 years while working on folklores and poisonous plants. These information and folklore collections has been done by interviewing the tribal and rural people of Baster, Mandla, and Bhopal Districts. The traditional practices were observed and recorded. The plants with antimicrobial properties were collected identified and their antimicrobial activity was also observed.
ENUMERATIONS
The plants which possess antimicrobial properties and their method of use by the rural and tribal people is also given in the form of traditional practice of folklore.
Azadirachta indica (L.) A. Juss.
It is a large tree of the family meliaceae, commonly called as Neem. Leaves pinnate, crowded towards the end of branches. Flowers white. Drupes ovoid-oblong, greenish yellow when riped.
FOLKLORES ASSOCIATED
If a branch of Neem with fresh leaves is hung in front of a bullock cart or any vehicle it is a sign of dead body lying inside the vehicle or cart.
It is believed that the garlands of Neem fruits are hung on doors and varandas in the belief that such a practice wards off the smallpox infection.
Patients suffering from measles get cured, if they sleep under Neem tree.
During journey a pregnant woman or a lactating mother generally carries a bunch of Neem leaves for protection against evil elements.
A dead body in transition always covered with fresh Neem leaves. It is believed that the soul of the person died remain in peace by this doing.
The possible explanations behind all these thoughts clearly show antimicrobial properties of Neem. Now-a-days, it is widely studied that leaves and seeds of this tree have oleic acid, steric acid, palmatic acid together with traces of linoleic acid and arachidic acids. Certain glycerides and traces of sulphur are also reported by certain authors. These elements are responsible for Neem’s antimicrobial properties. It also contains an important compound nimbidinic acid which is responsible for its properties.
So this plant, due to presence of such compound in it reduce the activities of infectious micro-organisms which cause several diseases like small-pox or measles.
Butea monosperma (Lam.) Kuntze.
It is a middle-sized tree with large, leathery leaves. Bark whiti3h-brown. Flowers are bright red. It isalso called as “flame of the forest”. The common traditional folk practice associated with B. monosperma is that the flower extract is poured on each other during Holi-festival with the indication of love and affection.
The flower of this plant has a beautiful, brilliant yellow dye, which has 18% of fixed oil called moodooga oil, and large quantity of a water soluble albuminoid. It is proved that the flower-dye has antimicrobial properties. So at the time of Holi festival the season is just changing, at this transitional phase microbial activites are on their peak, and human beings are likely to be attacked by them, so by this practice the activity of micro-organisms may be checked.
Ocimum basilicum Linn.
An erect, much branched, pubescent herb. Leaves entire with gland dotted, petiole slender, hairy. Flowers violet or pink. It is commonly called as Shyama Tulsi.O. basilicum is widely grown in the courtyard. It is considered to be the most pious as many spiritual and religious customs are associated with this plant.
During eclipse, leaves and inflorescence of this plant is kept in food material to preserve from evil spirits actfve.
Cinnamate, methylchaviol, linalool, cineole, ocimene, borneol, sambulene and safrole is obtained from essential oils gratissimin as dimenthyl easter of tryxillic acid extracted from leaves and inflorescence of Tulsi. These essential oils and bio-chemicals are responsible for plants antimicrobial properties. These are capable of absorbing the harmful extra erthen radiations which are active during the eclipses.
Ocimum canum Sims.
An erect, much branched, pubescent herb. Leaves entire with dotted gland. Flowers pale-violet or purplish-white. Lax inflorescence.
This plant has similar belief and activities like O. basilicum.
Ailthus excelsa Roxb.
A large deciduous tree producing abundant root suckers. Leaves upto 3 feet long, glandular teeth near the base. Flowers small. Samara twisted. It is commonly called as Akash Neem.
It is used by tribal people of Bastar and Mandla for various skin infections. They apply the paste of leaves of this tree on the skin and urenogenital infections.
It is effective against certain fungal infections of human and animal skin. Three bitter substances- 2,6 dimethoxyqui-nons, ailanthone and other compounds are isolated from leaves, bark and flowers of this plant which are proved to be antimicrobial.
Melia azadirachta Linn.
A moderate sized tree. Leaves bi-occasionally tripinnate. Flowers fragrant, yellow seeds with pulp. It is known as Ba-kain.
It is widely, used in skin diseases. The inner bark of plant which is stated to contain a yellowish-white resin with melinine and meldenin from bark and seed oil is effective against the micro-organisms causing skin disease.
Curcuma longa Linn.
A herbaceous plant, with underground stem. Leaves green, large. Rhizome is reddish yellow. Commonly known as Haridra or Haldi.
At the time of wedding Hindus used to apply Haldi powder on bodies of bride and bridegroom to enhance their beauty and project them from evil eyes.
Haldi powder is used by many rural as well as tribal people for healing wounds. It is common practice and in many Ayurvedic antibiotic ointments Haldi is main component drug.
Tectona grand is Linn.f.
It is generally known as Teak or Sagone tree. It is a large deciduous tree with high economical value, leaves large, green oval-oblong.
Teak is a valuable wood producing tree. The wood-oil of the tree is. used as powerful antifungal agent.
Tridax procumbens Linn.
A small herb with stem. Leaves hirsute glabrous dentate. Flowers yellow, small.
The tribals generally apply the fresh leaves on the cuts and deep wounds, and it is observed that the wound or cut gets cured without any microbial infection. In some cases it is also observed that anti-tetanus injections are not needed, if it is properly applied on the wounds or cuts.
Lantana camara Linn.
A straggling aromatic shrub with minute prickles on the branches. Leaves opposite. Flowers variously coloured, short capitate, spike’s. Fruits drupe, greenish blue or black.
The extract of leaves of plant is used as an antiseptic and said to be an alternative of tincture iodine.
An oxosteroid – camaron and a triterpene – lantalonic acid are found. These are the main constituents for its antiseptic or antimicrobial property.
Allium sativum Linn.
Bulbs short, compressed, with bulblets, enclosed in white or pink envelope. Leaves flat. Flowers white or pink. Anthers and style exserted.
It is common practice among the Muria tribes of Baster that the garlands of bulbs of plant is hung around the neck of children to protect them from infection and evil spirits.
The seeds and bulbs has 5-cystine and high sulphur contents. These 2 components are responsible for its antimicrobial activity.
Nicotiana plumbaginifolia Viv.
An erect scabridly hairy herb with spreading radicle leaves and slender leafy stems flowers in terminal lax, white, or pale pink. Calyx tubular. Capsule ovoid. Commonly called as Jangli Tambaku.
The fresh leaves and roots of the plant are chewed by tribals for mouth infections. They said that it is good remedy for tooth and gum problems. Nomicotine, anatabine is isolated from roots of the plant, which is effective against bacteria and mouth flora of the human beings.
Urginia coromandeliana Hook.
A bulbiferous herb. Bulb pale, ovoid thick with longer neck. Leaves flat. Flowers dirty-brown. Capsule ellipsoid.
Bulb-paste is used for external wounds and supposed to be effective against a wide range of microbes.
Many other such plants are identified and their antimicrobial properties are observed.
*22\218\2*

COMMON PLANTS USED AS TRADITIONAL ANTIMICROBIALS BY TRIBAL PEOPLE OF M.P.
INTRODUCTION
The ancient Indians were the custodians of a highly evolved civilization. Their approach towards life was very comprehensive, highly integrated with the environment, and, therefore, was ecologically sound and sustainable. It was aimed at promoting a peaceful coexistance with all living organisms as well as a fullar harmony with the physical environment. The ancient people observed their surroundings with great awe and wonder. Many useful plants and their antimicrobial properties were known to people in the form of customs and rituals. The ancient masters tactfully implimented much of their value oriented teachings through certain rituals, taboos and totems and made the people to observe it as spiritual duty.
METHODOLOGY
The plants with their antimicrobial properties were collected during the last 4 years while working on folklores and poisonous plants. These information and folklore collections has been done by interviewing the tribal and rural people of Baster, Mandla, and Bhopal Districts. The traditional practices were observed and recorded. The plants with antimicrobial properties were collected identified and their antimicrobial activity was also observed.ENUMERATIONS
The plants which possess antimicrobial properties and their method of use by the rural and tribal people is also given in the form of traditional practice of folklore.
Azadirachta indica (L.) A. Juss.
It is a large tree of the family meliaceae, commonly called as Neem. Leaves pinnate, crowded towards the end of branches. Flowers white. Drupes ovoid-oblong, greenish yellow when riped.
FOLKLORES ASSOCIATEDIf a branch of Neem with fresh leaves is hung in front of a bullock cart or any vehicle it is a sign of dead body lying inside the vehicle or cart.It is believed that the garlands of Neem fruits are hung on doors and varandas in the belief that such a practice wards off the smallpox infection.Patients suffering from measles get cured, if they sleep under Neem tree.During journey a pregnant woman or a lactating mother generally carries a bunch of Neem leaves for protection against evil elements.A dead body in transition always covered with fresh Neem leaves. It is believed that the soul of the person died remain in peace by this doing.The possible explanations behind all these thoughts clearly show antimicrobial properties of Neem. Now-a-days, it is widely studied that leaves and seeds of this tree have oleic acid, steric acid, palmatic acid together with traces of linoleic acid and arachidic acids. Certain glycerides and traces of sulphur are also reported by certain authors. These elements are responsible for Neem’s antimicrobial properties. It also contains an important compound nimbidinic acid which is responsible for its properties.
So this plant, due to presence of such compound in it reduce the activities of infectious micro-organisms which cause several diseases like small-pox or measles.
Butea monosperma (Lam.) Kuntze.
It is a middle-sized tree with large, leathery leaves. Bark whiti3h-brown. Flowers are bright red. It isalso called as “flame of the forest”. The common traditional folk practice associated with B. monosperma is that the flower extract is poured on each other during Holi-festival with the indication of love and affection.
The flower of this plant has a beautiful, brilliant yellow dye, which has 18% of fixed oil called moodooga oil, and large quantity of a water soluble albuminoid. It is proved that the flower-dye has antimicrobial properties. So at the time of Holi festival the season is just changing, at this transitional phase microbial activites are on their peak, and human beings are likely to be attacked by them, so by this practice the activity of micro-organisms may be checked.
Ocimum basilicum Linn.
An erect, much branched, pubescent herb. Leaves entire with gland dotted, petiole slender, hairy. Flowers violet or pink. It is commonly called as Shyama Tulsi.O. basilicum is widely grown in the courtyard. It is considered to be the most pious as many spiritual and religious customs are associated with this plant.
During eclipse, leaves and inflorescence of this plant is kept in food material to preserve from evil spirits actfve.
Cinnamate, methylchaviol, linalool, cineole, ocimene, borneol, sambulene and safrole is obtained from essential oils gratissimin as dimenthyl easter of tryxillic acid extracted from leaves and inflorescence of Tulsi. These essential oils and bio-chemicals are responsible for plants antimicrobial properties. These are capable of absorbing the harmful extra erthen radiations which are active during the eclipses.
Ocimum canum Sims.
An erect, much branched, pubescent herb. Leaves entire with dotted gland. Flowers pale-violet or purplish-white. Lax inflorescence.
This plant has similar belief and activities like O. basilicum.
Ailthus excelsa Roxb.
A large deciduous tree producing abundant root suckers. Leaves upto 3 feet long, glandular teeth near the base. Flowers small. Samara twisted. It is commonly called as Akash Neem.It is used by tribal people of Bastar and Mandla for various skin infections. They apply the paste of leaves of this tree on the skin and urenogenital infections.
It is effective against certain fungal infections of human and animal skin. Three bitter substances- 2,6 dimethoxyqui-nons, ailanthone and other compounds are isolated from leaves, bark and flowers of this plant which are proved to be antimicrobial.
Melia azadirachta Linn.
A moderate sized tree. Leaves bi-occasionally tripinnate. Flowers fragrant, yellow seeds with pulp. It is known as Ba-kain.
It is widely, used in skin diseases. The inner bark of plant which is stated to contain a yellowish-white resin with melinine and meldenin from bark and seed oil is effective against the micro-organisms causing skin disease.
Curcuma longa Linn.
A herbaceous plant, with underground stem. Leaves green, large. Rhizome is reddish yellow. Commonly known as Haridra or Haldi.
At the time of wedding Hindus used to apply Haldi powder on bodies of bride and bridegroom to enhance their beauty and project them from evil eyes.
Haldi powder is used by many rural as well as tribal people for healing wounds. It is common practice and in many Ayurvedic antibiotic ointments Haldi is main component drug.
Tectona grand is Linn.f.
It is generally known as Teak or Sagone tree. It is a large deciduous tree with high economical value, leaves large, green oval-oblong.
Teak is a valuable wood producing tree. The wood-oil of the tree is. used as powerful antifungal agent.
Tridax procumbens Linn.
A small herb with stem. Leaves hirsute glabrous dentate. Flowers yellow, small.
The tribals generally apply the fresh leaves on the cuts and deep wounds, and it is observed that the wound or cut gets cured without any microbial infection. In some cases it is also observed that anti-tetanus injections are not needed, if it is properly applied on the wounds or cuts.
Lantana camara Linn.
A straggling aromatic shrub with minute prickles on the branches. Leaves opposite. Flowers variously coloured, short capitate, spike’s. Fruits drupe, greenish blue or black.
The extract of leaves of plant is used as an antiseptic and said to be an alternative of tincture iodine.An oxosteroid – camaron and a triterpene – lantalonic acid are found. These are the main constituents for its antiseptic or antimicrobial property.
Allium sativum Linn.
Bulbs short, compressed, with bulblets, enclosed in white or pink envelope. Leaves flat. Flowers white or pink. Anthers and style exserted.
It is common practice among the Muria tribes of Baster that the garlands of bulbs of plant is hung around the neck of children to protect them from infection and evil spirits.
The seeds and bulbs has 5-cystine and high sulphur contents. These 2 components are responsible for its antimicrobial activity.
Nicotiana plumbaginifolia Viv.
An erect scabridly hairy herb with spreading radicle leaves and slender leafy stems flowers in terminal lax, white, or pale pink. Calyx tubular. Capsule ovoid. Commonly called as Jangli Tambaku.
The fresh leaves and roots of the plant are chewed by tribals for mouth infections. They said that it is good remedy for tooth and gum problems. Nomicotine, anatabine is isolated from roots of the plant, which is effective against bacteria and mouth flora of the human beings.
Urginia coromandeliana Hook.
A bulbiferous herb. Bulb pale, ovoid thick with longer neck. Leaves flat. Flowers dirty-brown. Capsule ellipsoid.Bulb-paste is used for external wounds and supposed to be effective against a wide range of microbes.
Many other such plants are identified and their antimicrobial properties are observed.*22\218\2*

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20
Feb

THE BONES -BODY MECHANICS: THE BACKBONE – A HEALTHY SPINE – A HEALTHY BODY

by admin Posted in Gastrointestinal


Osteopaths and chiropractors believe that a straight, flexible spine means a healthy body and that slight displacements of vertebrae -called subluxations – interfere with the nerve supply and can cause organic disease. Sometimes local pain in the spine is not a feature, and malfunctions of the internal organs are the first sign. The symptoms caused by these displacements correspond to the vertebrae concerned; for example displacements of the atlas – the first bone of the spine – can impede the flow of blood in the vertebral arteries and cause migraine. The commonest causes of this displacement are repeated movements of the head to one side – to look at a badly-placed television set or notes at the side of a typewriter for example. Lying on the tummy in bed and keeping the head in one position is another cause.
Some chiropractors believe that displacements in the thoracic area can cause digestive and heart problems, and also allergies.
*120\326\8*

THE BONES -BODY MECHANICS: THE BACKBONE – A  HEALTHY SPINE – A HEALTHY BODYOsteopaths and chiropractors believe that a straight, flexible spine means a healthy body and that slight displacements of vertebrae -called subluxations – interfere with the nerve supply and can cause organic disease. Sometimes local pain in the spine is not a feature, and malfunctions of the internal organs are the first sign. The symptoms caused by these displacements correspond to the vertebrae concerned; for example displacements of the atlas – the first bone of the spine – can impede the flow of blood in the vertebral arteries and cause migraine. The commonest causes of this displacement are repeated movements of the head to one side – to look at a badly-placed television set or notes at the side of a typewriter for example. Lying on the tummy in bed and keeping the head in one position is another cause.Some chiropractors believe that displacements in the thoracic area can cause digestive and heart problems, and also allergies.*120\326\8*

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15
Feb

CHILDREN WITH EPILEPSY: SEXUALITY SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT

by admin Posted in Epilepsy


In girls, some antiepileptic drugs may temporarily delay the onset of periods. A boy’s sexual development is not usually affected. However, teenagers who have taken anticonvulsants since they were small children may not be quite as tall as their friends of the same age who do not have epilepsy.
SEX DRIVE
Children whose seizures continue into adolescence and who take anticonvulsants during this time are often said to have a lower sex drive as adults. This seems to be more true for boys than for girls. Certainly boys who have grown up with seizures during puberty are less likely to marry than girls who had epilepsy during adolescence. This statistic is probably at least partly because they do not have the sexual drive to go out and find a partner. It may be that some anticonvulsants have a direct effect on the testes, reducing the levels of the male sex hormone testosterone which is responsible for the sexual drive.
CONTRACEPTION
The oral contraceptive pill is a popular choice for adolescents. However, some anti-epileptic drugs – barbiturates, carbamazepine, phenytoin and ethosuximide – make the liver break down the pill more quickly so that it is less effective as a contraceptive . This fact does not mean that the pill can not be prescribed, only that a higher dose may be needed if it is to be effective. This higher dose will not affect your health in any way.
For young people who are likely to have sex only irregularly, an alternative method may be a better solution. Other types of contraceptive (the condom, for example) are very effective if used properly. Although the condom is traditionally a ‘male method’, safer sex education has made it equally acceptable for a woman to carry condoms, and to insist on their use.
*75\193\2*

CHILDREN WITH EPILEPSY: SEXUALITYSEXUAL DEVELOPMENTIn girls, some antiepileptic drugs may temporarily delay the onset of periods. A boy’s sexual development is not usually affected. However, teenagers who have taken anticonvulsants since they were small children may not be quite as tall as their friends of the same age who do not have epilepsy.SEX DRIVEChildren whose seizures continue into adolescence and who take anticonvulsants during this time are often said to have a lower sex drive as adults. This seems to be more true for boys than for girls. Certainly boys who have grown up with seizures during puberty are less likely to marry than girls who had epilepsy during adolescence. This statistic is probably at least partly because they do not have the sexual drive to go out and find a partner. It may be that some anticonvulsants have a direct effect on the testes, reducing the levels of the male sex hormone testosterone which is responsible for the sexual drive.CONTRACEPTIONThe oral contraceptive pill is a popular choice for adolescents. However, some anti-epileptic drugs – barbiturates, carbamazepine, phenytoin and ethosuximide – make the liver break down the pill more quickly so that it is less effective as a contraceptive . This fact does not mean that the pill can not be prescribed, only that a higher dose may be needed if it is to be effective. This higher dose will not affect your health in any way.For young people who are likely to have sex only irregularly, an alternative method may be a better solution. Other types of contraceptive (the condom, for example) are very effective if used properly. Although the condom is traditionally a ‘male method’, safer sex education has made it equally acceptable for a woman to carry condoms, and to insist on their use.*75\193\2*

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05
Feb

TRAVELS OF PEOPLE WITH DIABETES: TEMPERATURE

by admin Posted in Diabetes


Heat
Hot sun and exercise may increase the rate of absorption of your insulin. Very hot weather may lead to dehydration and may increase the effects of urine loss associated with raised blood glucose. It is important to drink plenty of fluids. Beware sunburn.
Cold
Intense cold may mean that your insulin is absorbed slowly to start with and then is rapidly absorbed later when you warm up by the fire or in a warm bath. If you are out in cold, wet or windy conditions for any length of time, make sure that you are well protected against both wind and wet. The advice I gave in Chapters 9 and 10 on clothing and equipment for energetic expeditions is useful for all trips of this type.
People with diabetes who become chilled and hypoglycemic are at special risk of severe hypothermia; and from that you can die, as has been made so clear from recent publicity about the aged, who are also at risk. Studies made in Nottingham, England, showed that if people are put in a very cold room their temperature begins to fall and they start to shiver as they try to keep warm. If they are then made hypoglycemic they stop shivering and their body temperature plummets to dangerously low levels. As soon as their blood glucose is returned to normal, they start shivering again and the fall in body temperature is halted.
Always bear the following points in mind:
•   Think ahead. Take out travel insurance. Always carry your diabetes travel pack on your person. Always take twice the number of meals you think you are going to need on a journey.
•   Make sure that you are at no risk of hypoglycemia when driving or travelling in a car. Tell the driver and vehicle licensing authorities and your insurance company that you are diabetic.
•   Do not run the risk of hypoglycemia in a strange town or country.
•   Take motion sickness pills if you suspect you may need them and carry anti-emetics and anti-diarrheal pills.
•   Plan any air trips carefully. Never allow your insulin to get frozen in the baggage compartment.
•   Adjust your insulin to the way of life of the country you are visiting. Feel free to explore foreign food. If you get ill, start checking your glucose level frequently and adjust your treatment accordingly.
•   Beware extremes of heat and cold.
•   Learn from your experiences.
•   Have a good trip!
*115/102/5*

TRAVELS OF PEOPLE WITH DIABETES: TEMPERATURE
Heat Hot sun and exercise may increase the rate of absorption of your insulin. Very hot weather may lead to dehydration and may increase the effects of urine loss associated with raised blood glucose. It is important to drink plenty of fluids. Beware sunburn.
Cold Intense cold may mean that your insulin is absorbed slowly to start with and then is rapidly absorbed later when you warm up by the fire or in a warm bath. If you are out in cold, wet or windy conditions for any length of time, make sure that you are well protected against both wind and wet. The advice I gave in Chapters 9 and 10 on clothing and equipment for energetic expeditions is useful for all trips of this type.People with diabetes who become chilled and hypoglycemic are at special risk of severe hypothermia; and from that you can die, as has been made so clear from recent publicity about the aged, who are also at risk. Studies made in Nottingham, England, showed that if people are put in a very cold room their temperature begins to fall and they start to shiver as they try to keep warm. If they are then made hypoglycemic they stop shivering and their body temperature plummets to dangerously low levels. As soon as their blood glucose is returned to normal, they start shivering again and the fall in body temperature is halted.
Always bear the following points in mind:•   Think ahead. Take out travel insurance. Always carry your diabetes travel pack on your person. Always take twice the number of meals you think you are going to need on a journey.•   Make sure that you are at no risk of hypoglycemia when driving or travelling in a car. Tell the driver and vehicle licensing authorities and your insurance company that you are diabetic.•   Do not run the risk of hypoglycemia in a strange town or country.•   Take motion sickness pills if you suspect you may need them and carry anti-emetics and anti-diarrheal pills.•   Plan any air trips carefully. Never allow your insulin to get frozen in the baggage compartment.•   Adjust your insulin to the way of life of the country you are visiting. Feel free to explore foreign food. If you get ill, start checking your glucose level frequently and adjust your treatment accordingly.•   Beware extremes of heat and cold.•   Learn from your experiences.•   Have a good trip!
*115/102/5*

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25
Jan

CONTROL YOUR CHOLESTEROL: HOW DOES HIGH BLOOD CHOLESTEROL AFFECT ME? WHO SHOULD HAVE BLOOD CHOLESTEROL MEASURED AND WHEN?

by admin Posted in Cardio & Blood-Cholesterol


HOW DOES HIGH BLOOD CHOLESTEROL AFFECT ME?
High blood cholesterol is one of the three major risk factors for coronary artery disease (the other two being cigarette smoking and high blood pressure). High blood cholesterol can significantly increase the risk of your having a heart attack. Fortunately, all these risk factors are modifiable. You can take steps to lower your cholesterol levels and thereby lower your risk for coronary heart disease.
WHO SHOULD HAVE BLOOD CHOLESTEROL MEASURED AND WHEN?
Everyone should have their blood cholesterol checked at least once after the age of 30. If your cholesterol is ‘desirable’ it can be checked every 5 years. If it is borderline it should be checked every 2-3 years. But if your cholesterol is high, or you have some other risk factors for heart disease, you will need to have it checked more frequently.
*79\254\8*

CONTROL YOUR CHOLESTEROL: HOW DOES HIGH BLOOD CHOLESTEROL AFFECT ME? WHO SHOULD HAVE BLOOD CHOLESTEROL MEASURED AND WHEN?HOW DOES HIGH BLOOD CHOLESTEROL AFFECT ME?High blood cholesterol is one of the three major risk factors for coronary artery disease (the other two being cigarette smoking and high blood pressure). High blood cholesterol can significantly increase the risk of your having a heart attack. Fortunately, all these risk factors are modifiable. You can take steps to lower your cholesterol levels and thereby lower your risk for coronary heart disease.WHO SHOULD HAVE BLOOD CHOLESTEROL MEASURED AND WHEN?Everyone should have their blood cholesterol checked at least once after the age of 30. If your cholesterol is ‘desirable’ it can be checked every 5 years. If it is borderline it should be checked every 2-3 years. But if your cholesterol is high, or you have some other risk factors for heart disease, you will need to have it checked more frequently.*79\254\8*

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15
Jan

FALSE REMEDIES FOR ARTHRITIS: CHINESE METHODS

by admin Posted in Arthritis


Ignipuncture
The Chinese in olden times relied on acupuncture. The Arabians had their own methods, which depended on ignipuncture. (Meaning they cauterised by hot irons!)
Depending on the site, size, and form of the arthritis, they applied different types of hot irons. They seared through the entire skin as deeply and as near to the joint as could be humanly tolerated. This practice finally reached such a painful point that even the Arab surgeons didn’t want any part of it.
So it fell to Arab barbers and laymen to carry out the burning routine. Because of this quackery, ignipuncture fell into disrepute. It had been the habit to let the open burns remain unbandaged, to allow the diseased fluids to exude. Infections followed, and the arthritic soon had more trouble to cope with than before the treatment.
Gold Salts
By reviewing these old-time treatments and superstitions, we have been trying to show how modern “cures” for arthritis actually were born centuries ago. When you have gone seeking relief, too often you have been told old ideas—dressed up in new language. Take the case of “Gold Salts” . . . which may have been prescribed to you as a “surefire answer” to your pains. . . .
“Gold Salts” were first tried on arthritics back in the sixteenth century! Porterius, a French physician, first used colloidal gold compounds.
Chrysotherapy, as it is called, is regarded as an effective mode of therapy to stimulate lymphatic glands into withdrawing foreign materials from your system. We cannot affirm or deny the potential powers of gold metallic salts. But let’s look at the record . . . here’s the price you may have to pay. . . .
Using metallic gold salts has been known to cause inflammation of the skin, fever, stomatitis, neuritis, dizziness, albuminuria, white blood cell dyscrasia, or a deficiency of red blood cells. It seems hardly worth the effort to invite any of these afflictions in a doubtful attempt to rid oneself of arthritis.
The Golden Needle
We have been explaining chrysotherapy, so let’s not omit the Chinese version of gold salt injection. The Chinese inject the gold in the form of a golden needle—which they leave sticking in the troubled area of the body for a painful length of time.
The magazine section of a New York newspaper published a photograph showing an elderly Chinese seated in passive resignation—with a large golden needle piercing through many layers of clothing into his arm. (This same magazine showed another superstition, displaying how powder made from the skin of snakes would supposedly cure rheumatism.)
Gold salts, golden needle or snake powder . . . they may all be just about equal in their lack of effectiveness.
*57\146\2*

FALSE REMEDIES FOR ARTHRITIS: CHINESE METHODS IgnipunctureThe Chinese in olden times relied on acupuncture. The Arabians had their own methods, which depended on ignipuncture. (Meaning they cauterised by hot irons!)Depending on the site, size, and form of the arthritis, they applied different types of hot irons. They seared through the entire skin as deeply and as near to the joint as could be humanly tolerated. This practice finally reached such a painful point that even the Arab surgeons didn’t want any part of it.So it fell to Arab barbers and laymen to carry out the burning routine. Because of this quackery, ignipuncture fell into disrepute. It had been the habit to let the open burns remain unbandaged, to allow the diseased fluids to exude. Infections followed, and the arthritic soon had more trouble to cope with than before the treatment.Gold SaltsBy reviewing these old-time treatments and superstitions, we have been trying to show how modern “cures” for arthritis actually were born centuries ago. When you have gone seeking relief, too often you have been told old ideas—dressed up in new language. Take the case of “Gold Salts” . . . which may have been prescribed to you as a “surefire answer” to your pains. . . .”Gold Salts” were first tried on arthritics back in the sixteenth century! Porterius, a French physician, first used colloidal gold compounds.Chrysotherapy, as it is called, is regarded as an effective mode of therapy to stimulate lymphatic glands into withdrawing foreign materials from your system. We cannot affirm or deny the potential powers of gold metallic salts. But let’s look at the record . . . here’s the price you may have to pay. . . .Using metallic gold salts has been known to cause inflammation of the skin, fever, stomatitis, neuritis, dizziness, albuminuria, white blood cell dyscrasia, or a deficiency of red blood cells. It seems hardly worth the effort to invite any of these afflictions in a doubtful attempt to rid oneself of arthritis.The Golden NeedleWe have been explaining chrysotherapy, so let’s not omit the Chinese version of gold salt injection. The Chinese inject the gold in the form of a golden needle—which they leave sticking in the troubled area of the body for a painful length of time.The magazine section of a New York newspaper published a photograph showing an elderly Chinese seated in passive resignation—with a large golden needle piercing through many layers of clothing into his arm. (This same magazine showed another superstition, displaying how powder made from the skin of snakes would supposedly cure rheumatism.)Gold salts, golden needle or snake powder . . . they may all be just about equal in their lack of effectiveness.*57\146\2*

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01
Jan

DEPRESSION AND SUICIDE: EVALUATION AND PROGNOSIS

by admin Posted in Anti-Psychotics


I stayed for a few more minutes and worked with her by putting most of the responsibility for the future in her hands. Remember that a few moments before she had said, T hate talking . . . why would you have the feeling you should help me anyhow? I do not expect it.’ Now her position has completely reversed and she is saying, T am happy that you are here. … It was a great help and a good thing that I could talk about such intimate things with you. I am even getting good at talking about myself.’
My taking the position of the depressed and hopeless person helped Frau R. pick up a secondary process, the process of life and being interested in help and therapy. A smile from a chronically and severely depressed person is positive feedback. It should be mentioned, however, that one reason why she became optimistic is because I was congruently fed up with trying to help her. I was not just playing a depressed role. At first, like everyone else around’ her, I really wanted to help her. Only when I saw that it was a waste of time and energy could I really act as if I was finished helping her.
The fact that she smiled for the first time since she came to the social work station is not yet grounds for optimism. Frau R. would need continued treatment of this kind in a social service network. This means that everyone would have to be informed about the nature of her process and instructed on how to follow it. Since this was a one-time supervision seminar, such instruction was not possible. Under these circumstances, her process of hopelessness was bound to continue. Less than a year later she succeeded in killing herself.
*92\227\8*

DEPRESSION AND SUICIDE: EVALUATION AND PROGNOSISI stayed for a few more minutes and worked with her by putting most of the responsibility for the future in her hands. Remember that a few moments before she had said, T hate talking . . . why would you have the feeling you should help me anyhow? I do not expect it.’ Now her position has completely reversed and she is saying, T am happy that you are here. … It was a great help and a good thing that I could talk about such intimate things with you. I am even getting good at talking about myself.’My taking the position of the depressed and hopeless person helped Frau R. pick up a secondary process, the process of life and being interested in help and therapy. A smile from a chronically and severely depressed person is positive feedback. It should be mentioned, however, that one reason why she became optimistic is because I was congruently fed up with trying to help her. I was not just playing a depressed role. At first, like everyone else around’ her, I really wanted to help her. Only when I saw that it was a waste of time and energy could I really act as if I was finished helping her.The fact that she smiled for the first time since she came to the social work station is not yet grounds for optimism. Frau R. would need continued treatment of this kind in a social service network. This means that everyone would have to be informed about the nature of her process and instructed on how to follow it. Since this was a one-time supervision seminar, such instruction was not possible. Under these circumstances, her process of hopelessness was bound to continue. Less than a year later she succeeded in killing herself.*92\227\8*

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