DoctorSolve Blog

6 Myths Your Parents Told you: Were they right?

2010-02-08T17:43:00.003-07:00

1. If you don't wait 30 minutes before you swim after you eat, you will get stomach cramps and drown

False! I truly believed this when I was a child. The only time I ever swam immediately after I ate, I had an unfortunate accident and was convinced it was because of this myth. For some reason parents were under the impression that because your blood moves to the stomach to help digest food, there will not be enough blood to circulate through your arms and legs to keep them working properly. In truth we have enough blood to keep all of our parts functioning just fine after we eat. This myth was probably created to allow parents to rest after eating before having to be on the watch over their children at a pool without lifeguards.

2. If you swallow your gum, it will take 7 years to digest

False! Perhaps our mom's got confused somewhere down the line when the gum packages read "indigestible". Indigestible means that the components of gum can't be broken down by your stomach acids. The same thing that happens to corn happens to your gum - you will find it intact upon exiting the body.

3. Don't crack your knuckles - it will give you arthritis

False! For those who are avid knuckle crackers, this is good news. According to research, there has been no solid proof that there is a link between cracking your knuckles and developing arthritis. It is believed that when the bones are pulled apart, they release a gas bubble and break the adhesive seal in the joints and many people thought that this can inflame the joints and cause arthritis. The truth is that although many people in the US partake in frequent knuckle cracking, it probably isn't the healthier habit out there. Cracking your knuckles can decrease your grip strength and weaken the fingers.

4. Having candy before bedtime will give you nightmares

True! Studies have found that going to bed on a full stomach can increase brain stimulation, therefore triggering nightmares. Apparently unhealthy foods create even scarier nightmares. A study conducted in 2000 found that after feeding ice cream, sandwiches, and candy bars to participants 30 minutes before going to bed, seven of the participants had nightmares while sleeping. The next night, the nightmares dramatically diminished for four of the participants. This may have been a way for your parents to scam you out of dessert though - sleeping on a full stomach (no matter the sugar content) can have the same effect.

5. Coffee will stunt your growth

False! I actually believed this up until the time I met someone who is 6 foot 1 and apparently started drinking coffee when he was a toddler. Research proves that height can only be affected by genetics - no matter how much coffee you drink or don't drink, your height is predetermined. The reason the myth was created was probably another way to keep kids under control - the caffeine in coffee is a very strong stimulant. In adults, coffee can actually be a good thing for your body - there are recent studies that have found a link between coffee and diabetes prevention.

6. Going outside with wet hair or without a jacket will make you sick

False! This is more to keep you feeling comfortable outside than anything. The only thing that can make us sick is exposure to a virus. By inhaling airborne viruses released by the cough or sneeze of a sick person is the most common way to catch a cold. Its more likely that you will get sick indoors where viral particles are trapped than outside.

DoctorSolve Healthcare Solutions Inc., a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), offers low cost, long-term prescription drugs. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all Canadian prescriptions. A certified member of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, DoctorSolve is ranked as one of the best online Canadian pharmacies by PharmacyChecker.com.

For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-732-0305 or visit http://www.doctorsolve.com/ - a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy since 1999.

Hangover Remedies – Fact or Fiction

2010-02-05T10:59:00.015-07:00

Consuming 8.5 ounces of an alcoholic drink will cause the body to force out 27 to 34 ounces of water. Hangovers are unpleasant. Many people have said things like drinking in the morning or chugging fruit juice will help prevent you feeling the symptoms of a hangover (or at least lessen the symptoms of the hangover) Some of these said remedies are true, and some are absolute bogus.

1. Burnt toast – This is true! Carbon, found on burned toast, is like a sieve to the body; it strains out most bad substances. Carbon is better than some over the counter remedies, as they may (in some cases) attract congeners.

2. Black coffee – Coffee, jam-packed with caffeine, helps fight exhaustion (a symptom of most hangovers). Coffee is excellent in some ways and terrible in others. It helps rid of headaches associated with hangovers, but caffeine during a hangover, may make you urinate more often, and increase your dehydration. Also, as long as you have coffee in your system, you will be aware and awake, but when it wears off, you can be even more tired than you were initially.

3. Hair of the Dog – Drinking alcohol the morning after is not a good idea. It only will delay your hangover. Your liver is still sifting through toxins left from the alcohol metabolism, so drinking more will worsen your hangover when your liver has to break down more alcohol and more toxins.

4. Fried Foods – This is not recommended. Fried foods will upset your stomach and it has already endured enough so do not put it through that as well. If you eat fried foods before consuming alcohol, this is okay; in fact it may even be beneficial. This is because fatty foods stick to the stomach lining longer, slowing the alcohol absorption into the bloodstream.

5. Eggs – Eggs will give you a ton of energy, and they contain cysteine, which breaks down toxins which cause hangover symptoms.

There are other measures you can take when preventing hangovers. Things you can do before consuming alcohol include, drinking water before and throughout drinking, eating fruit, taking a vitamin B supplement, eating a ton before drinking. You can also rely on medications if nothing else works.

DoctorSolve Healthcare Solutions Inc., a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), offers low cost, long-term prescription drugs. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all Canadian prescriptions. A certified member of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, DoctorSolve is ranked as one of the best online Canadian pharmacies by PharmacyChecker.com.
For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-732-0305 or visit http://www.doctorsolve.com/ - a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy since 1999.

6 Health Signs That Shouldn't Be Ignored

2010-02-04T17:02:00.003-07:00

Last winter, actress Natasha Richardson was admitted after complaining of a headache. Earlier that day she was skiing on a beginner hill and took a fall without wearing a helmet. She claimed she felt fine and joked about the fall with her ski instructor, and carried on with her day. An ambulance that could have saved her life was turned away. Richardson said she felt fine and didn't think anything of the head trauma, ignoring a dangerous health sign that caused her death. Seemingly mild symptoms can be more dangerous that we think - so a little knowledge about health signs could one day save your life.

1. Splitting headaches - We all get headaches every now and then, but if you ever experience a headache more painful than any other headache you've had before, make sure you go to the doctor. It could be a sinus headache if you have a cold, but it could also be a brain tumor or a hemorrhage. If you aren't completely sure what causes the pain, have it checked out. Painful headaches are also a symptom of brain bleeding and could be signs of an aneurysm. If you also are unable to move your neck, you may have meningitis and require immediate antibiotics to prevent damage.

2. Pins and needles sensation in the feet or legs - Nearly 24 million Americans have diabetes, and 1/4 of those are not diagnosed. High blood sugar levels could damage your nervous system (causing pins and needles) and resulting in diabetes and deadly complications if not diagnosed. This is the first sign of diabetes for many people.

3. Stomach pain - If you have intense pain in your stomach and still have your appendix, head to the ER right away. An appendix could rupture within 48 to 72 hours after symptoms start. A ruptured appendix can cause an infection that can be life-threatening.

4. Calf pain - A blood clot that occurs deep down in the calf vein is called thrombosis. Affecting 2 million Americans a year, deep vein thrombosis can be life-threatening. A piece of the clot can break loose and cause a clot in the lungs. Cancer, obesity, immobility due to bed rest or long-distance travel, pregnancy, and advanced age are risk factors.

5. Chest pain - Chest pain is the most important health symptom that shouldn't be ignored. Discomfort in the chest (such as pressure) is the first sign of a heart attack. Don't wait for the feeling of pain before you call a doctor - if it feels like an elephant is sitting on your chest, have someone call 911 immediately.

6. Shortness of breath - If you feel short of breath after running after the bus or taking the stairs, its nothing to be worried about. If you are experiencing shortness of breath while sitting down, however, it is a sign of heart failure. It could also be asthma, anxiety, or a blood clot in the lungs.

DoctorSolve Healthcare Solutions Inc., a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), offers low cost, long-term prescription drugs. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all Canadian prescriptions. A certified member of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, DoctorSolve is ranked as one of the best online Canadian pharmacies by PharmacyChecker.com.

For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-732-0305 or visit http://www.doctorsolve.com/ - a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy since 1999.

What to do (and not to do) in a Medical Emergency or Household Accident

2010-02-02T16:52:00.008-07:00

Many people have very different ideas of what to do in certain medical emergencies and even household accidents. The problem with this is some things can increase the chance of permanent or serious injury.

Seizure – If someone is having a seizure make sure to call 911 and try to roll them on their side. Do not try to pry their mouth open or move them, unless they are in an unsafe location. If the person suffers from epilepsy, only call 911 if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes.

Spraining your ankle – If you sprain your ankle you should use ice, as this will help reduce swelling. Do not heat your ankle. Heat actually makes the injury worse and may cause it to take longer to heal. Normally a sprained ankle does not require medical attention, but if you experience significant pain and are unable to put pressure on your foot, consider seeking medical attention.

Nose Bleed – When it comes to nose bleeds, many people have many different ideas on how to handle the situation. My grandmother still refuses to admit that there is a better way than the one she used back in "old country." The proper treatment is to lean forward and pinch your nose shut, just underneath the bone. You shouldn't lean back as this can be dangerous in severe nose bleeds. If the bleed lasts more than 5 minutes seek medical attention.

Choking – What to do if someone is choking depends greatly on the situation. If the person is coughing and still able to talk let them continue coughing. Coughing and talking is a sign that the airway is still partially open. Don't touch the person or give them food or anything to drink, as it may cause the object to completely block the airway. If the person is not making any sounds or is turning blue you must act. Call 911, and begin the Heimlich maneuver. This will hopefully force the obstruction out.

DoctorSolve Healthcare Solutions Inc., a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), offers low cost, long-term prescription drugs. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all Canadian prescriptions. A certified member of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, DoctorSolve is ranked as one of the best online Canadian pharmacies by PharmacyChecker.com.
For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-732-0305 or visit http://www.doctorsolve.com/ - a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy since 1999.

Vegetarian Versus “Meatetarian”

2010-02-01T18:11:00.004-07:00

Being a vegetarian takes plenty of sacrifices but may reap great benefits. It is thought that a vegetarian’s diet lacked many essential nutrients only acquirable with eating meat. Comparing the pros and cons of meat free diets may change people’s minds about vegetarianism.

Pros of Vegetarianism:

An omnivore’s diet is normally high in fat.

Hamburgers are made from cows which are dead, disabled, diseased, and dying.

In eating cow, we also maintain the chemicals and hormones that are supplied to them to promote growth and weight gain.

Vegetarians have a cheaper diet than omnivores.

Meat raises cholesterol levels and increases the risk of arthritis and gout.

Vegetables contain protein.

Soy products provide isoflavins, which limit bone loss, restrain tumor growth, and lower cholesterol (healthier than meat)

A successful diet of a vegetarian lessens ones risk of various diseases including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity.

Vegetarians can live up to ten years longer than “meatetarians”.

Green leafy vegetables are a terrific source of calcium.

Cons of Vegetarianism:

Having a diet including meat gives you rich quality proteins and essential amino acids which can only be obtained by eating red meats.

Red meat also contains iron in great amounts.

Phosphorous is also more easily acquired through meat than through vegetables.

Vitamin B12 can only be obtained through meats only. Although vitamin B12 can be found in seaweed and fermented soy products, it is thought that vitamin B12 does not have the same benefits when eaten in plant form. B12 is needed in forming red blood cells and helpful in keeping the nervous system healthy.

Vitamin B2 may also be lacking in a vegans diet. This vitamin is essential in changing protein, fats and carbohydrates into energy.

A vegetarians diet lacks Vitamin D as well.

From this you can conclude that being either a vegetarian and being an omnivore have different outcomes.

DoctorSolve Healthcare Solutions Inc., a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), offers low cost, long-term prescription drugs. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all Canadian prescriptions. A certified member of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, DoctorSolve is ranked as one of the best online Canadian pharmacies by PharmacyChecker.com.
For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-732-0305 or visit http://www.doctorsolve.com/ - a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy since 1999.

Natural Health and Beautifying Remedies from A - Z

2010-01-28T11:03:00.010-07:00

Cheap natural remedies for anything from anxiety, to oily skin, to a queasy stomach, to zits!

Anxiety – Chamomile is an amazing remedy for Anxiety. Chamomile tea is cheap and widely available.

Bloating – Drink sage or fennel tea to alleviate your bloated sensation.

Constipation – Grapes, oranges, papaya, pears, and figs are great fruits to cure diarrhea and stimulate the bowels. AS for vegetables, spinach will disintegrate your diarrhea.

Dehydration – Avoid coffee, tea, and pop. The more of the bad beverages you drink, the more water you must consume. Eat fruits and veggies.

Earaches –Sprinkle basil in carrier oil and rub it in and around your ear. Oils are essential in curing earaches.

Fatigue – Mix 3 parts lemongrass, 2 parts cloves, and 1 part nutmeg, rosemary, and black pepper in boiling water to make tea to fight fatigue.

Gas – Chew your food and prevent future gas and possible embarrassment. Dandelion tea also prevents gas and can be simply homemade using the milk found in the dandelion stem.

Hiccups –Inhale as deeply as you can, until you feel you can inhale no further. Then swallow. Repeat!

Insomnia – Eat proteins to help you sleep. Herbal tea may also aid you in sleeping.

Joint stiffness – avoid cold water and attempt to get lots of calcium, vitamin c, and zinc to prevent and cure joint stiffness.

Knee pain – Rest is all I can prescribe. Don’t get down on your knees to do anything. You might need to buy a new pair of shoes.

Lost voice – Gargle with Aloe Vera juice twice a day. Boil pomegranate rinds and drink the juice. Tumeric powder dissolved into boiling water also helps considerably.

Migraines – Using menthol ointment or Vicks Vapor Rub works when applied to your face with a q-tip. It also helps if you place a warm towel over your face.

Nausea – eat a banana before breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Drink coke in very small sips. Stir 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar into water and drink.

Oily skin – Apply diluted tea tree oil to dry out oily patches of skin. For very severe oily skin use a mix of lemon juice, flour, and turmeric powder in a paste and massage it onto your face like a facial.

Post nasal drip – Drink herbal tea or eat soup. Gargle with salt water, baking soda to clear up post nasal drip.

Queasy stomach – Similar to nausea, queasy stomach can be cured with sipping coke, or smelling ginger. Sucking on ginger flavored candies can also solve the queasiness.

Rashes – Olive oil, baking powder, and provides some help in the irritation of rashes. Washing the affected area with chamomile tea can also provide relief.

Sunburn – Do not use vinegar! Although it may be suggested, vinegar is ghastly for most sunburns and for most people does not take away the burn, therefore don’t risk it. Take a bath in cool water with an added cup or two of oatmeal. Soak the sunburn in peppermint tea, but make sure it is lukewarm before applying.

Teeth whitening – Do not use lemon juice or strawberries, as they strip your enamel off your teeth. Lemon peel may be a safer option, as is eating crunchy vegetables. Baking soda is the best option. It whitens, kills bacteria, and reduces acids which may potentially harm the enamel.

Under eye dark circles – Slices of cucumber placed on the dark area for 10 minutes, refrigerated teaspoons placed on the skin under your eyes, and empty teabags (or full chamomile teabags) all help reduce the dark circles you may get under your eyes.

Vertigo – Lemon and lime peel added to your meals can help reduce vertigo symptoms. Mix almonds, pumpkin seeds, poppy seeds, and wheat and leave overnight. Grind up (to a powder) and fry with butter and cloves in the morning. Mix it with milk and boil. Drink it. It is said to cure vertigo fast.

Warts – Eat garlic, it will remove warts and prevent any viruses causing future warts. Cut a potato and rub it on the warts for 5 – 10 minutes, twice a day, for a week.

Yeast infection – Tea tree oil is a good remedy, but always be diluted. Inserting a garlic tab or clove into the vagina every few hours provides relief.

Zits – Cut potatoes, vinegar, lemon juice, toothpaste, garlic, lime juice, and basil, applied to the affected area are said to help rid of zits.

DoctorSolve Healthcare Solutions Inc., a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), offers low cost, long-term prescription drugs. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all Canadian prescriptions. A certified member of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, DoctorSolve is ranked as one of the best online Canadian pharmacies by PharmacyChecker.com.

For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-732-0305 or visit http://www.doctorsolve.com/ - a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy since 1999.

Eat Your Brussel Sprouts

2010-01-26T12:08:00.005-07:00

At Christmas time, or Thanksgiving, practically whenever you can get your family together, brussel sprouts are a delicacy. Like escargot, people either love or hate brussel sprouts. Cruciferous vegetables, including brussel sprouts, and cabbage, are jam packed with healthiness. Here is why you should pile up those brussel sprouts on your plate whenever you have a chance.

1. Cancer – Consuming brussel sprouts frequently can lessen your chance of contracting lung, colon, breast, bladder and ovarian cancer. A recent study looking at over 700 people showed those who ate cruciferous veggies had risks 29 percent lower of getting bladder cancer than those eating very few cruciferous vegetables.

2. Sulforaphane Stops Cancers- Brussel sprouts contain sulforaphane, which lowers liver cells’ emission of the cholesterol transporter. (This also is attributed to clearing substances which may cause potential cancers.

3. Protect Your DNA – Another study conducted on 10 men showed that the 5 men who ate brussel sprouts daily had 28% less DNA damage. This also can be related to cancer as mutations in DNA may allow cancer cells to develop.

4. Let Brussel Sprouts Beautify You – Brussel sprouts contain high amounts of vitamin C. This manufactures collagen, which is the protein that gives good skin structure (lack of collagen means earlier wrinkles, and visible at a younger age, you will have flexible skin). A study conducted in England proved that those with high levels of vitamin C had 50 % less risk of dying from heart disease, stroke, or cancer. Also Brussel sprouts contain huge amounts of vitamin A and beta-carotene which encourage beautiful even skin tones.

5. Brussels Prevent Birth Defects – Folic acid is vital for perfect cell division as it is necessary in DNA synthesis. Folic acid deficiency has been associated with numerous birth defects, like spina bifida. Folic acid is the most common vitamin deficiency in the world. One cup of brussel sprouts contains 93.6 mg of folic acid so eat up!

Although brussel sprouts may taste disgusting to you, they are filled with essential nutrients your body needs. Adding mustard to brussel sprouts may alter their flavor as well as garlic, balsamic vinegar and lemon juice are good to flavor brussel sprouts.

6 Healthy things that Aren't so Healthy

2010-01-25T16:19:00.004-07:00

If you're an avid blog reader, then you may be getting tired of blogs telling you what you should and shouldn't do (eat this not that, whatever you do don't do this) - and sometimes these facts seem to contradict other facts you've heard. There are some things that seem healthy enough but may actually do you more harm than good. Be sure to take note of these "healthy habit faux-pas" to protect your body from ailments and keep you in optimal health!

1. Staying in the Sun - you have probably heard that it is healthy to spend 30 minutes in the sun everyday.. well this is only half true. Yes, our bodies need vitamin D to stay strong and fight off illness by improving our immune systems, but too much time in the sun is damaging to your skin. The general rule is if you are going to spend more than 20 minutes in the sun, use SPF 30 all over your body, especially your face where the skin is more susceptible to burns.

2. Religiously using Hand Sanitizer - Ever since the Swine Flu scare, hand sanitizer sales have sky rocketed. Thanks to my former science teacher, I conducted an experiment that proved that hand sanitizer is more likely to get you sick in the long run. The "sanitizing" doesn't just kill viruses and bad bacteria (there is actually way more good bacteria than bad bacteria on earth to begin with), but they also kill the good bacteria on your hands that do all of the fighting against viruses. So even if you feel content and clean after sanitizing your hands, they won't stay that way for long - in fact, they'll become worse and your good bacteria count will be compromised. Plain old soap and water should do it.

3. Exercising... a lot - Even though they say that you should get some form of moderate exercise every day, your body and mind do not need more than three or four days of cardiovascular activity (30-45 minutes per session) a week. These exercises should be done every other day alternating with more mild forms of exercise like Yoga, Pilates, walking, and weight training. The best way to stay toned and energized is to vary your exercise regime and take it easy on your body.

4. Over/Under Sleeping - If you are regularly sleeping for more than 9 hours a night, its not good. It's also not good if you are sleeping less than 7 hours a night. We need 8 full hours of sleep per night in order to function at our best. We aren't built to think or process at an optimal level on more than 9 or less than 7 hours of sleep. Too much or too little sleep is bad for your skin, it causes bloating, overeating, confusion, and sometimes depression.

5. Air Conditioning - AC is great, but if you rely on it day and night it is doing you harm. The recycled air can contain bad bacteria, air-born viruses and germs that will in turn give you a cold or flu. If you suffer from allergies the air conditioning can emit particles of dust that can irritate your allergies. Every couple hours, try to turn off the air conditioning and open the windows or go for a walk. Wash your air conditioning filter with warm soapy water and let them air dry once a month. If you work at an office go for a lunch or afternoon break outside in the sun.

6. Buying Organic Food - Organic foods have earned the reputation that they are not processed and more healthy than regular foods. The fact is is that they are more expensive, and may still be heavily processed. Read the labels carefully when you are buying from a health foods store. Organic doesn't mean healthy. Choose simple items with few ingredients and a low amount of natural sugars, salts, and processed carbohydrates.

DoctorSolve Healthcare Solutions Inc., a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), offers low cost, long-term prescription drugs. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all Canadian prescriptions. A certified member of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, DoctorSolve is ranked as one of the best online Canadian pharmacies by PharmacyChecker.com.

For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-732-0305 or visit http://www.doctorsolve.com/ - a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy since 1999.

Just a Pinch Less Salt

2010-01-20T18:46:00.004-07:00

Only 3 grams (half a teaspoon or 2.5 mL) of salt less per day and almost 100,000 lives could be saved. This is comparable to reducing major problems, such as obesity, smoking, and other well-known health issues. If everyone in the USA reduced their intake of salt by half a teaspoon per day, we could prevent 12,000 cases of coronary heart disease from starting. We could stop 66,00 strokes, and 99,00 heart attacks.

Also, the money saved would help enlarge and improve the health care system. It would save health problems by anywhere between 10 billion dollars and 24 billion dollars annually. If all the people in the USA lowered their salt ingestion by just half a teaspoon per day for one year, it would be just as significant as if the smoking rate declined 50 percent and the level of obesity in all American adults went down 5 percent. Even if the change was not so dramatic and only 1 state lessened their salt intake, it would significantly reduce the cases of strokes and heart attacks over time. Despite all these warnings about ones salt intake, salt is actually becoming more and more popular and more and more of a danger.

Although the study was geared towards Americans, it is also quite applicable to Canadians health care as well. The recommended daily salt intake is 1,500 mg. The average intake is 3,100 mg. Amongst Americans the average intake is slightly higher, sitting at 3,400 mg. Cutting down by only half a teaspoon is a generous amount, and is simple to do.

1. Do not add salt while cooking

2. Do not put salt on the table

3. Avoid seasoning salts, soy sauce, salsa, bouillon and ketchup

4. When eating out, ask for low sodium options

5. Season your food with other ingredients such as garlic, lemon, pepper, and other herbs.

7 Ways to Prevent Cancer

2010-01-18T17:07:00.004-07:00

There are many simple lifestyle changes you can make in order to prevent cancer. Following these tips will put you on the path towards better health and hopefully a cancer-free future.

1. Don't smoke - You've probably been warned of this many times before, but whoever was warning you had a valid reason to. Smoking is the highest cancer risk factor that we can control. Smoking is responsible for lung cancer, and many other types of cancer. The best way to prevent cancer is to never start - or quit if you already smoke. Secondhand smoke is also a significant cancer risk factor. The smoke contains more than 60 carcinogens which disturb natural cell development and can trigger the development of cancer cells.

2. Be sun safe - It is important to try to get 15 minutes of sunlight on your skin each day. Researchers have found that getting too little sunlight can be a cause of numerous cancers such as breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, and stomach cancer. In addition, a lack of vitamin D can cause osteoporosis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and high blood pressure.

Be careful not to get too much sun though. Over one million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. In order to prevent skin cancer, avoid UV ray over-exposure by wearing sunscreen when outside, avoiding the hot mid day sun, and staying away from tanning beds. If you want to be safe, yet still get the vitamin D you need, get vitamin D supplements.

3. Drink more water! - Stop for a glass of water whenever you can. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1996 found that men who drank 6 full glasses of water every day reduced their risk of contracting bladder cancer by half. Another study found that women who drank a lot of water reduced their risk of developing colon cancer by up to 45%.

4. Drink Green tea - Ancient cultures have always believed that the benefits of green tea are superfluous - it's no wonder that new research shows that green tea protects against numerous cancers, as well as heart disease. Some scientists believe that a certain chemical in green tea is one of the most powerful anticancer agents ever discovered!

5. Eat more fish - Researchers found that people who ate four or more servings of fish each week were 1/3rd less likely to develop blood cancers such as leukemia, myeloma, and non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The omega 3 acids in fish are said to reduce a woman's risk of developing endometrial cancer.

6. Eat your veggies - a proper diet (and regular exercise) will ensure that you get your essential vitamins and nutrients and keep you healthy. Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants which help damaged cells, and many important vitamins which make you healthy. Many studies suggest that reaching ideal levels of vitamins and minerals in the body can improve the immune system and prevent a variety of cancers and illnesses. If you're a picky eater, take a multivitamin every morning.

7. Wet your Whistle... in moderation - Beer protects the body against a bacteria which is known to cause ulcers and can be linked to stomach cancer. Easy on the drinks though, more than one or two alcohol beverages a day can actually increase your risk of developing mouth, throat, esophageal, liver, and breast cancer.

DoctorSolve Healthcare Solutions Inc., a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), offers low cost, long-term prescription drugs. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all Canadian prescriptions. A certified member of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, DoctorSolve is ranked as one of the best online Canadian pharmacies by PharmacyChecker.com.

For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-732-0305 or visit http://www.doctorsolve.com/ - a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy since 1999.

Drugs Past Their Expiration Date; Are they Safe to use?

2010-01-14T17:33:00.005-07:00

You may have wondered whether or not drugs that have passed their expiration date are still save and effective to use. A recent article in The Medical Letter - Volume 51, December 14 2009 reports that Doctors are often asked by their patients if expired drugs can still be taken safely. The answer is entirely dependent on the circumstances of the drug; including what type of drug it is, how it has been stored over a long period of time, and the relative stability of the drug in its original sealed container.

Is expired medication safe to use?

A column published in Pyschopharmacology Today advises that the expiration on a drug is a requirement of a law passed in 1979 where drug manufacturers are required to post an expiration date on their products. This way, the manufacturer can ensure the date at which he can guarantee the full efficiency and safety of the drug. No information on the safety of taking expired drugs has been published. Toxicity due to indigestion, injection, or topical application of drug formulas after their expiration date has not been reported. However, on one occasion it has been reported that the use of degraded tetracycline caused renal tubular damage in a patient. This form of medicine has since been removed from the market. A study conducted by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) requested by the military occurred due to the fact that the military faces tossing out and replacing a large expensive pile of drugs every few years. The study found that 90% of more than 100 different prescription and non-prescription drugs were still safe and effective to use even 15 years after the date of expiration.

Do expiration dates on drugs mean anything?

The Expiration date on the packaging of a drug is based on the stability of the medicine in its original sealed container. The date does not mean that the drug becomes unstable after the indicated date; it means that the drug in its sealed container will still be stable at that point in time. The average expiration date for a drug product in its labeled shelf life is between 1 and 5 years. When the container is opened and used, the expiration date on the container does not apply. The expiration date doesn't necessarily indicate a time in which the medication is ineffective or unsafe. Medical authorities claim that expired drugs are generally safe to take, with the exception of Tetracycline.

Do drugs still work after their expiry date?

The stability of drug products after their expiration dates have been researched. Information from the Department of Defense/FDA Shelf Life Extension Program has shown that 88% of 3005 lots of 122 drug products stored in their unopened containers remained stable for an average of 66 months after their labeled expiration date. Of these, 18% eventually failed in terms of presence of impurities, pH levels, water content, potency, dissolution or appearance. None failed before one year or expiration, and 312 passed tests for more than 4 years past the expiration date. The original effectiveness of medicine may decrease over time; however a lot of its original potency will still remain after the date of expiration. Excluding nitroglycerin, insulin, and liquid antibiotics, many medications are safe to use due to their long-lasting abilities.

How can I store my medication safely?

Placing a medication in a cool place, such as a refrigerator will help a drug remain potent for many years. However, storing medicine in heat or high humidity can shorten the life of medications. In a published study, certain medicines such as captopril tablets, cefoxitin sodium powder for injection, and theophylline tablets stored under stressful (hot or humid) conditions remained chemically stable after storage for 25 years and remained fully antiviral after boiling and holding at 65 - 85 degrees Celsius for many days. Another study showed that theophylline retained 90% of its potency 30 years after its expiration date.

Can liquid drugs be used after they expire?

Liquid drugs such as solutions and suspensions are generally not as stable as solid forms of medicine. Solution drugs such as injections, which have become cloudy or discolored, should not be used. The EpiPen loses its potency after its expiration date. In a study of 28 EpiPen 0.3 mg and 6 EpiPen 0.15 mg that was conducted 1-90 months after the expiration date on the auto injector labels, the decrease in epinephrine content was proportional to the number of months past its expiration date. Ophthalmic drugs such as Xaltan, the problem might not be with the stability of the drug, but more about the continue ability of the preservative to prevent microbial growth in the solution.

If you have no other alternative to your expired medication and a splitting headache, outdated drugs may work. There are no current reports of toxicity from degrading products available on the market today. If drugs are stored in reasonable conditions in their original unopened containers, they can retain up to 90% of their original potency for 5 years or more past their expiration date. The EpiPen, however, is an important exception.

DoctorSolve Healthcare Solutions Inc., a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), offers low cost, long-term prescription drugs. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all Canadian prescriptions. A certified member of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, DoctorSolve is ranked as one of the best online Canadian pharmacies by PharmacyChecker.com.

For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-732-0305 or visit http://www.doctorsolve.com/ - a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy since 1999.

January is National Blood Donor Month: Time to Roll up the Sleeves and Give A Little Back

2010-01-12T16:38:00.004-07:00

With the New Year many people have probably made resolutions to lose some weight, take up something new, but how about a commitment to save lives? January is national blood donor month, and we're going to need all the help we can get.

Blood is a very important substance, obviously, but many people never take the time to go and donate. The truth is, donating blood doesn't take very long, and is very rewarding to both the person donating and the person receiving the blood. Obviously the person who needs the blood will be pleased that their life has just been saved because someone took that one hour out of their day to donate. However, when you go to donate you get a feeling of accomplishment. After donating you know that you may have just given a person another shot at life. You must remember that it could be anyone that might someday need blood, a complete stranger, maybe a relative of yours, maybe one day, you will need blood.

However, blood supplies are low, especially during these winter months. Unfortunately, winter is the time of year when blood is needed most. There are many accidents occurring every day, this combined with those that need blood for different conditions, like cancer, or surgeries puts a lot of stress on the American Red Cross. Not to mention, blood only remains usable for about forty-two days, making regular donations necessary.

Giving blood isn't some giant obstacle, like competing in the Olympics. It takes about an hour, and you can do it about six times a year (every eight weeks or so). So why haven't you gone and helped save a life. As long as you're seventeen and healthy you should try to donate every so often. If you can only donate once a year, that's great. If you can donate twice a year, awesome. If you can donate the complete six times a year, that’s fantastic. Try to donate and give back to your community this year. Remember, "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country."

DoctorSolve Healthcare Solutions Inc., a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), offers low cost, long-term prescription drugs. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all Canadian prescriptions. A certified member of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, DoctorSolve is ranked as one of the best online Canadian pharmacies by PharmacyChecker.com.

For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-732-0305 or visit http://www.doctorsolve.com/ - a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy since 1999.

7 Health Benefits of Cheese

2010-01-11T16:53:00.003-07:00

No matter what type of cheese you eat (cheese in a can and cheese whiz don't count) you are doing your body good. Cheese doesn't get enough credit for it's health benefits which include things like cancer prevention, bone strengthening, and cavity fighting - but the best part is that is also tastes great!

1. Nutrition - There is a very high concentration of essential nutrients in cheese including high quality proteins and calcium. There are also other elements in cheese such as phosphorous, zinc, vitamin A, riboflavin, and vitamin B12.

2. Cavity Prevention - Cheese is extremely high in its calcium content. This is the most important thing when it comes to strong teeth. In addition, cheese has a very low content of Lactose. Lactose is a substance that comes from food and can harm teeth (The older the cheese, the lower the Lactose levels). Eating certain varieties of cheese such as aged Cheddar, Swiss, Blue, Monterey Jack, Brie, Gouda, and processed American cheese immediately after a meal or as a snack has been proven to prevent tooth decay.

3. Cancer Prevention - Cheese contains substances called Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Sphingolipids that help prevent cancer. In addition the vitamin B in cheese is good for maintaining body functions and protecting the body from disease.

4. Weight Gain - Be careful if you are trying to loose weight - cheese contains a lot of natural fats which may cause weight gain. There are cheese which have a low-fat content that can be very healthy for you to eat and perfect for keeping your weight balanced. However, if you are trying to gain weight, whether its muscle weight, fat, or bone density, cheese is the healthy way to go. Cheese is full of protein, fat, calcium, and vitamins and minerals that keep muscles and bones strong and healthy. The vitamins and minerals are better for a balanced metabolism.

5. Bone Strength - Cheese is high in calcium content and rich in vitamin B. This is especially good for the bones of children, elderly people, and pregnant and lactating women for strengthening bones and cartilages. the vitamin B in cheese helps the body absorb and distribute calcium.

6. Osteoporosis - Since Osteoporosis is a deficiency diseased caused due to a lack of calcium, cheese is a perfect way to help the bone density of those suffering from Osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can be treated with protein, calcium, and a high intake of vitamins and minerals. All three of these things are found abundantly in cheese.

7. High Blood Pressure - Sodium and cholesterol are the elements that are considered harmful in people with high blood pressure, and hypertensive people are told to avoid them. Cheese in this situation must be considered critically. The fat in cheese depends on the quality of the milk it was made with. Full fat or cream milk, or low fat or fat free milk will determine how high the fat content of the cheese is. Typically, high fat cheese are more popular because they taste better, but many low-fat cheese are being introduced to shelves. Make sure to look for the fat content in the cheese before you buy it. The sodium content in cheese depends on the amount of salt added to the milk before it was turned into cheese. There are low-sodium cheese that are helpful in reducing agents which are associated with heart disease. The content of vitamin B in cheese is also helpful for those with high blood pressure.

DoctorSolve Healthcare Solutions Inc., a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), offers low cost, long-term prescription drugs. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all Canadian prescriptions. A certified member of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, DoctorSolve is ranked as one of the best online Canadian pharmacies by PharmacyChecker.com.

For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-732-0305 or visit http://www.doctorsolve.com/ - a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy since 1999.

Obesity is a Big, Fat Problem

2010-01-07T17:28:00.008-07:00

The longest adult health study conducted in the United States shows that obesity is a more worrisome threat to people’s health than smoking. It was discovered in this study that obesity causes equal or more disease than tobacco. It also shortens the same or more life spans than the use of tobacco.
The study lasted 15 years and included interviews of over 3.5 million people and calculations of the number of “quality-adjusted life years” (QALYs) which were lost due to either obesity or smoking. The QALYs were measured in quality and quantity of the life lived.

Important facts found by the study are as follows:

• In the past 15 years, while the smoking rate fell more than 18 percent, the rate of obesity was rising rapidly by 85 percent.

• Obesity can shorten your lifespan by up to 12 years.

• Type 2 diabetes causes the government over 100 billion dollars per year. This cost is expected to continue rising.

• In the United States, by 2020 (if patterns continue on their current path) smoking will decline by 21%, but 45% of the American population will be overweight.

• If the QALYS continued in the pattern they are following now, the future for a current 18 year old would not look very bright. By 2020 they will have lost 0.71 years of life.

• If things changed and all American adults were a healthy weight and did not smoke, the average 18 year old would have a life span nearly 4 years longer than normal.

Between three to five years of an overweight person’s life is spent with significant disabilities causing lack of functioning in their daily activities due to their obesity. Obesity is a major problem in America and the surrounding world, but its severity can be reduced.

Ginkgo Biloba Proven Ineffective on Elderly

2010-01-04T17:45:00.008-07:00

A commonly used herbal supplement, Ginkgo biloba, is meant to ward off dementia and improve one’s memory, but has no effect on the elderly. A recent study done by the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory showed that Ginkgo biloba does not prevent cognitive decline for the elderly. Last year it was discovered that a twice a day dose of 120 milligrams of Ginkgo biloba for men and women ages 82 – 96 did not improve or prevent Alzheimer’s dementia or other dementia's.

The study lasted 7 years long and included over 3,000 participants. It was one of the longest and largest scientific studies ever completed. Half of the participants were given a placebo and the other half was given Ginkgo biloba. Every 6 months the patients were observed and their mental state tested; five things were checked up on of all the participants: memory, how well people could use language, their awareness of space, how well they could concentrate, and how well they could carry out simple tasks.. At the conclusion of the 7 year study both sets of patients showed no difference in mental state. They all performed worse as time went on.
Ginkgo biloba is an extract from the root of a ginkgo tree. Ginkgo biloba has been used for 40 years in North America, and has been used for over 500 years in traditional Chinese medicine.

Ginkgo biloba is not harmful for the elderly, but is definitely ineffective. If you or someone you know is having difficulty with remembering or other tasks, make an appointment to see your doctor. If dementia is a possibility your doctor can help you look at treatments and plan for the future.

Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

2009-12-31T12:10:00.008-07:00

Carpel Tunnel Syndrome is the most common nerve compression disorder of the upper extremity. It is a potentially devastating disorder. It affects a wide range of the population. People who work or participate in recreational activities which require a great deal of use of your hands are more prone to Carpel Tunnel syndrome. A simple repetitive action such as clicking a computer mouse or typing, when does continuously, can cause Carpel Tunnel syndrome. Something as serious as repetitive injuries to one’s hand or wrist area may also cause Carpel Tunnel syndrome.

Statistics:

• Repetitive stress injuries have increased 770% since 10 years ago.

• Repetitive stress injuries is the fastest growing workplace illness in the U.S.

• Half of all the workers who have Carpel Tunnel Syndrome missed 30 or more days of work.

• In the year 2000, 50 cents of every dollar spent on medical care was spent on repetitive stress injuries.

• About 260,000 Carpal Tunnel release operations are performed each year. 47 percent of these are work-related.

• Women are more likely to contract carpal tunnel syndrome than men.

• Carpel Tunnel tends to be hereditary (runs in the family).

Preventing Carpel Tunnel Syndrome is an exceedingly difficult process. Tools, workstations, and many other things which cause you to twist your wrist in awkward positions would have to be redesigned. Carpel Tunnel Syndrome occurs over a long period of time. When you bend your finger, your tendon moves approximately 2 inches. The tendons slide through the sheaths which enclose them. In the sheaf there is a lubricant which allows the tendon to slide. Excessive movement causes the lubricant to malfunction and the tendon to swell and become inflamed. When this process is repeated enough times, you may get Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, which hinders tendon movement.

Carpel Tunnel can be solved completely by a surgery called an open Carpal Tunnel surgery. Other ways of relieving Carpel Tunnel Syndrome include medicines such as corticosteroid injections, wrist splints during the night, or just stopping or reducing the number of repetitive movement you do.

Coffee and Tea are linked to Diabetes Prevention

2009-12-28T15:49:00.006-07:00

According to the International Diabetes foundation, By 2025, about 380 million people worldwide will be affected by Type 2 diabetes. It is suggested that some day, people who are at greater risk for diabetes may be told to consume more tea and coffee on a regular basis as well as exercising more often.

Researchers looking at 18 studies involving over 450,000 people between 1966 and 2009 have found the link between coffee and diabetes. The data was recently analyzed by Rachel Huxley and her colleagues from the George Institute for International Health in Sydney, Australia.

Huxley found that each cup of coffee that a person drank per day reduced the risk of diabetes by 7%. The researchers from the Archives of Internal Medicine concluded that those who drink three or four cups a day have a 25% lower risk than those who drank between zero and two cups per day. People who drink more than three cups of decaf coffee a day have around a 1/3rd lower risk of developing diabetes. Those who drink more than three to four cups of tea have a 1/5th lower risk than those who drink no tea.

The fact that these results were found in decaf beverages eliminates the possibility that caffeine is the cause. Researchers suggest that compounds in the drinks such as magnesium or antioxidants might be linked to the findings. Other research showed that caffeine may actually increase the risk of diabetes in obese people. More research must be made in order to take into account specific things like the effects on certain ethnic groups and whether tea drinkers are more health aware than coffee drinkers in general.

DoctorSolve Healthcare Solutions Inc., a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), offers low cost, long-term prescription drugs. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all Canadian prescriptions. A certified member of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, DoctorSolve is ranked as one of the best online Canadian pharmacies by PharmacyChecker.com.

For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-732-0305 or visit http://www.doctorsolve.com/ - a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy since 1999.

Dark Coloured Alcohol Causes Worse Hangovers

2009-12-28T11:34:00.003-07:00

In the holiday season, alcohol is a common beverage, and a hangover is a common problem. Recent studies show that drinking lighter colored alcoholic beverages rather than darker alcoholic beverages lessens your hangover symptoms.

The study conducted to obtain this information included 95 healthy adults, men and women. They were given either dark liquor or light liquor, enough to get them drunk. The following day they were surveyed. The adults who drank dark liquors reported symptoms of sickness and feeling hung over much more than those who drank light colored liquors. However, both groups had comparable levels of impairments with various tasks the next day.

The reason researchers give for the effects of dark alcohol being more severe than light alcohol is the fact that dark alcohol has up to 37 times more toxins than light alcohol. Bourbon was found to be the worst drink when trying to avoid a hangover; better options would be white wine, vodka, and gin.

Whisky, red wine, and beer cause more hangover symptoms the next day than many other drinks do. Although beer and whisky are fairly light toned drinks, they contain numerous chemical byproducts which are attributed to hangovers.

In fermenting materials to make alcoholic beverages many byproducts of materials, called congeners, like woods casks and grains, are used. These have toxic effects on the alcohol which causes the hangover symptoms. Bourbon has 37 times the congeners than vodka.

To cure your hangover completely, medications are always helpful. Taking a swig of Pedialyte before bed but after drinking, can prevent your hangover symptoms in the morning. Dissolving a tablet of Alka-Seltzer Wake-Up Call into a glass of water in the morning may also help. Other drugs such as Rosiglitazone help to relieve your hangover symptoms.

DoctorSolve Healthcare Solutions Inc., a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), offers low cost, long-term prescription drugs. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all Canadian prescriptions. A certified member of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, DoctorSolve is ranked as one of the best online Canadian pharmacies by PharmacyChecker.com.
For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-732-0305 or visit http://www.doctorsolve.com/ - a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy since 1999.

5 Myths about the Common Cold

2009-12-22T11:22:00.006-07:00

There are many misunderstood facts about colds. Many myths that we hear all the time and believe to be true. Here are 5 common cold myths.

1. Don’t Drink Milk – Many people think that drinking milk affects and builds up ones mucus during a cold. This is a myth. Milk does not affect mucus levels, so drink away.

2. Don’t Kiss – Kissing is off limits when you have a cold. People tend to believe that kissing a person with a cold increases your chances of getting the cold. The amount of the virus on your lips is microscopic and tiny and kissing is not very likely to transfer the virus.

3. Cold Weather Causes Colds - “Don’t go out with wet hair and dress warmly or you will catch a cold!” Everyone has been told this, but the truth is the temperature makes no difference at all. You catch a cold by coming into contact with the virus. It doesn’t change anything if you are freezing, boiling, soaking, or parched.

4. Let The Symptoms Be – People believe that cold symptoms help us rid of the cold quicker, so we should not try to solve them with medicine or home remedies. The symptoms do not alter the duration of the cold at all. Coughing and nose blowing spread the germs. Painkillers and medicines help keep the cold contained, as the symptoms would usually spread the cold.

5. Eat! Don’t Eat! – “Starve a fever, feed a cold.” This is untrue. Food gives the body energy to fight the illness. It is important when sick to eat healthy and well. Chicken soup is a good meal.

DoctorSolve Healthcare Solutions Inc., a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), offers low cost, long-term prescription drugs. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all Canadian prescriptions. A certified member of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, DoctorSolve is ranked as one of the best online Canadian pharmacies by PharmacyChecker.com.
For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-732-0305 or visit http://www.doctorsolve.com/ - a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy since 1999.

Curious Cases - Fatal Familial Insomnia

2009-12-21T16:01:00.005-07:00

Fatal Familial Insomnia (FFI) is a very rare condition that affects the brain causing the complete loss of sleep, and eventually death. The condition is caused by a gene mutation that can be passed down to the children of those that suffer from FFI. However, FFI has only been found in 50 families worldwide.

The condition was discovered in 1974, by Dr. Ignazio Roiter who investigated a family who had a history of deaths by insomnia. The condition affects the thalamus, the part of the brain that is responsible for regulating sleep. Initial symptoms of the condition include insomnia, but progress to much more severe symptoms over time.

Generally, the condition begins to present itself in those ages 30-60, but most commonly in those of 50 years of age. The condition takes between 7-36 months to result in death. FFI has 4 stages of development. The first stage incorporates increasing insomnia, panic attacks, paranoia, and phobias. During the second stage, hallucinations begin to manifest, and panic attacks become much more noticeable. By the third stage, sleep is impossible and rapid weight loss begins to occur. Finally, in the fourth stage dementia sets in, leaving the patient unresponsive or mute until the patient dies.

Unfortunately, there is no current treatment for FFI. Scientists have tried some methods of possible treatment, such as gene therapy, but the treatments have been unsuccessful so far. However, there has been some evidence that suggests treatments that focus on the symptoms can improve the quality of life for a short while.

I can't imagine how horrible it would be to slowly lose my ability to sleep and eventually die after months of agony and the very significant possibility of insanity. The worst part about this condition is the fact that there really isn't a whole lot anyone can do to help. Unfortunately because FFI is such a rare condition I have a feeling a cure won’t be available for quite some time, but here's hoping that someone finds out how to fix it.

DoctorSolve Healthcare Solutions Inc., a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), offers low cost, long-term prescription drugs. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all Canadian prescriptions. A certified member of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, DoctorSolve is ranked as one of the best online Canadian pharmacies by PharmacyChecker.com.
For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-732-0305 or visit http://www.doctorsolve.com/ - a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy since 1999.

15 Health Benefits of Cinnamon

2009-12-21T11:13:00.008-07:00

Cinnamon is most often used in baking, or as a garnish on fancy desserts, or as an indulgence on cereal or porridge. But one wouldn’t guess that cinnamon can solve your stomach aches or cure a cold, or various other things. Cinnamon is much healthier than it is credited for.

1. Half a teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower your cholesterol.
2. If you have Type 2 diabetes cinnamon can positively and exceptionally affect your blood sugar.
Cinnamon has stopped yeast infections which haven’t responded to other medications.
Because cinnamon contains cinnaldeyde, a substance preventing blood cells from conglomerating, it has anti-clotting result on blood.
Cinnamon contains high amounts of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium.
Cinnamon has reduced the increase of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.
Cinnamon may lessen joint and muscle pains, especially when associated with arthritis.
If you have problems with your blood circulation, cinnamon can help improve it.
Because cinnamon can help to kill and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, it helps in the prevention of urinary tract infections, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Cinnamon may also bring relief to stomach aches and pains, and in relief of women’s menstrual cycle pains.
For symptoms such as nasal sinus congestion, cinnamon may solve or aide in relieving you of those discomforts.
Cinnamon is a natural preserver. When added to food it prevents bacteria and food spoilage.
Smelling cinnamon enhances cognitive function and memory.
Cinnamon fights E. coli bacteria which are often found in unpasteurized juices.
Cinnamon has properties preventing fungus, parasites, and bacteria. This helps fight and prevent oral and vaginal yeast infections, stomach ulcers and head lice.

Cinnamon isn’t the type of food you would want to eat in spoonfuls, but you can add it to foods you eat on a daily basis. In baking, a spoonful of cinnamon can always be thrown in, even in bread or pancakes. Add some to your cereal or porridge or a ½ teaspoon in your tea. There are even pill forms of cinnamon available, but these should be discussed with your doctor before used.

How Stress can Make you Sick

2009-12-17T16:12:00.004-07:00

Stress is sometimes considered to be the root to all ailments. When we are stressing out our bodies can't put as much energy into keeping us healthy. We can suffer from things like cold sores, flu's, and indigestion when we have too much on the brain. Here are some ways stress can make you sick, and how to become healthy by reducing your stress levels.

Headaches and Migraines - When you are stressing out, your brain will go through hormonal, neurochemical events that stimulate your nerves and cause your blood vessels to swell. This creates pressure in the brain and causes headaches. to reduce the number of headaches and migraines you experience, try relaxation and stress-management techniques. Doing this has been proven to reduce the number of headaches you have up to 50%.

Colds - Stress weakens the immune system, therefore making it easier for you to get sick. A recent study at Carnegie Mellon University surveyed volunteers about what was happening in their lives, and then exposed them to a cold virus. Those coping with high stress levels were twice as likely to become sick than those with lower levels of stress, or no feelings of stress at all.

Stomach Aches - Anxiety and stress can cause your body to produce more digestive acid, which leads to heartburn. Stress can also slow the digestion of food in the stomach, causing gas and bloating, and can affect the muscles in your colon resulting in cramps and diarrhea. The next time you start to become stressed or anxious about a big presentation at work or while you are rushing to meet deadlines, take a 5 minute break to relax and collect yourself.

Breakouts - Ever notice that your skin breaks out before an important event that you've been worked up about - such as your sisters wedding or your Christmas dinner party? Stress effects the levels of the hormone androgen in the body which triggers your glands to speed up oil production in the skin. this causes clogging which leads to break outs. When you're stressed out your nerve endings can also act up leading to skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, and even cold sores. To prevent break outs, drink lots of water and spend at least an hour a day doing something stress free and relaxing.

Insomnia - Stress is the biggest cause of sleep deprivation. When you are lying in bed and your mind is still thinking about all of the problems you have to deal with in the morning, its hard to get a good night's sleep. A lack of sleep leads to other problems including a weakened immune system and other stress problems and it becomes a vicious circle. If you are having difficulty winding down before bed, try taking a soothing bubble bath to calm down.

Back Pain - Research shows that chronic back pain is usually caused by stress. Stress triggers the nervous system to reduce blood flow to the muscles making them have more spasms. When people hunch over and tense their shoulder and neck due to stress and anxiety it makes things worse and can lead to back problems.

Infertility - Stress will impact every part of the body - especially the reproductive system. A woman is less likely to become pregnant if she is having a hard time dealing with stress. Learning how to cope with stress can reduce your distress and boost your chances of conceiving.

DoctorSolve Healthcare Solutions Inc., a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), offers low cost, long-term prescription drugs. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all Canadian prescriptions. A certified member of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, DoctorSolve is ranked as one of the best online Canadian pharmacies by PharmacyChecker.com.

For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-732-0305 or visit http://www.doctorsolve.com/ - a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy since 1999.

Alien Hand Syndrome

2009-12-15T17:02:00.011-07:00

Anarchic Hand, also known as Alien Hand Syndrome or Dr. Strangelove Syndrome, is when a person’s hand doesn’t obey its owner. One hand takes a mind of its own. The person has total feeling in his hand, but is unable to control its movements and doesn’t believe the disobedient hand is a part of their body. The symptoms only occur in a patient’s hands, hence the name “Alien Hand syndrome”. Also with AHS, (Alien Hand syndrome) one sometimes performs complex movements and actions, such as trying to undo buttons. In one case a women couldn’t prevent herself from touching her eyes and mouth.

Alien Hand Syndrome can be caused by serious injuries such as brain tumor, aneurysm, or a stroke. It may also be caused by severe injuries to the frontal lobe or other areas of the brain. Lastly it may be caused as a side effect of some brain surgeries.

For right handed people (left brained) an injury to the nerves connecting the right and left half of the brain can cause AHS and give complex and purposeful movements in the left hand. An injury to the frontal lobe can make the right hand grasps and does other somewhat purposeful movements. When AHS causes only pointless movements such as flailing it is most likely caused by an injury to the cerebral cortex.
When patients are experiencing an episode of anarchic hand, they sometimes talk to the limb, restrain it, punish it, or refer to it as a 3rd person. Sometimes the patient doesn’t notice what their hand is doing until someone else brings it to their attention. Alien Hand Syndrome, although interesting, is very embarrassing to the patient. There is no simple solution to Alien Hand syndrome, but symptoms may be relieved by the rouge hand an object to hold, and keep it occupied.

DoctorSolve Healthcare Solutions Inc., a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), offers low cost, long-term prescription drugs. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all Canadian prescriptions. A certified member of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, DoctorSolve is ranked as one of the best online Canadian pharmacies by PharmacyChecker.com.

For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-732-0305 or visit http://www.doctorsolve.com/ - a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy since 1999.

5 Easy Ways to Boost Your Energy at Work

2009-12-15T16:18:00.004-07:00

Most people that work in an office most of the day know that feeling of extreme fatigue that normally happens in the middle of the day. It's frustrating because when you're tired all you want to do is just lie down and take a nap. This makes you much more unproductive, and may actually cause you to dislike your job. However, there are ways that you can boost your energy when you're at work.

First of all, getting a good night's sleep is extremely important. Make sure you go to bed at a decent time, and get all the adequate sleep you need. You could sleep from 2am-10am, but you will probably feel better if you slept from 11pm-7am.

1. Take a Nap – If you're in an office that allows you to take a quick nap, then go ahead. Try sleeping for 15-20 minutes as this will help you refresh your brain and help boost your energy.

2. Move Around – If you sit most of the day, try standing up and moving around. Go and have a quick talk with a friend in the office, maybe do a couple of quick stretches, or just do a lap around the office. By moving, even just a little bit, you will increase your blood circulation, and those pains you get in your neck and back will feel better too.

3. Have a Snack – Bring a healthy, energy boosting snack to work every day. By eating foods that raise your blood-sugar level you will boost your energy. However, do be careful to eat the right kinds of food. Certain foods like potato chips and other junk foods do increase your blood-sugar level and energy, but only for a short period of time. After that energy is gone you are left with the burnt out feeling of a sugar crash.

Side Note- Drink lots of water throughout the day to make your energy levels stay balanced. The main reason for lack of energy is due to not enough water consumption throughout the day.

4. Deep Breathing – Deep breathing can help increase energy and boost stamina. Take a short break every so often to just stop everything and close your eyes and breathe. Diaphragmatic breathing, or belly breathing is an amazing way to re-focus yourself and boost your energy. You will also find you will have less stress. Make sure to breathe deeply and slowly to really benefit.

5. Natural Light – Try to expose yourself to natural light as much as you can. Don't use your desk lamp if you can open the windows and use the outside light. If you are in a part of the office where you can't get proper access to natural light take a break and take a walk outside. If you can't go outside at least walk over to a window and stay there for a bit.

DoctorSolve Healthcare Solutions Inc., a Canadian Internet-based pharmacy intermediary (license #BC X23), offers low cost, long-term prescription drugs. A professionally registered pharmacist fills all Canadian prescriptions. A certified member of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, DoctorSolve is ranked as one of the best online Canadian pharmacies by PharmacyChecker.com.
For more information on how to order Canada drugs safely and securely call 1-866-732-0305 or visit http://www.doctorsolve.com/ - a trusted and reliable Canadian online pharmacy since 1999.

How to stay healthy (and slim) over the Holidays

2009-12-14T17:15:00.003-07:00

The Christmas season is famous for it's many parties, drinks, and belt-loosening dinners. Here are some ways that you can stay healthy and energized over the winter break.

Hydrogenated Fat - One way to avoid weight gain is to stay away from foods made with hydrogenated fat (like margarine) - it will make your bodies detox system slow and increase the amount of energy it requires for digestion.

Snack frequently - Every couple hours have a small healthy snack to stabilize your blood sugar. If you have regular blood sugar fluctuations your energy will be used more quickly, you are more susceptible to weight gain, and your immune system will weaken. Try having pre-prepared snacks like carrots and dip and crackers and cheese ready for when you start to get the munchies.

Eat more fruit - Heavy food can slow down your lymphatic system and make you feel more tired. Eat plenty of fruit to cleanse your lymphatic system and make you feel more energetic.

Eat healthy at home - when you aren't attending parties or dinners, have a healthy meal at home like a big leafy salad with nuts and fruit.

Exercise - It may be hard to find the time or location to do so, but it is important to exercise during the Holidays in order to maintain your stress and energy levels. 20 minutes of daily vigorous activity will get your blood flowing and keep your brain awake.

Plan Ahead - Many people feel stressed out during the holidays. This can hinder your mood and energy levels. If you plan your month ahead of time you will find that you won't feel rushed when Christmas day closes in, and therefore you will feel less stress. Try to make sure you do your Christmas shopping and gift wrapping early, and try to do any baking ahead of time so that when the time comes, you aren't rushing to get everything done.

Drink Water - During parties and dinners, be sure to drink plenty of water in order to prevent dehydration and help your body systems function properly.

Take it easy - Don't over do yourself at the snack table. Eat in small amounts and go easy on the sugar - of course you are allowed to treat yourself every now and then.

Get lots of sleep - We tend to feel more sleepy during the winter months. Its important to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night to feel your best. To avoid burning out - take a nap when you begin to feel drowsy. This will ensure that you have enough energy for upcoming parties and evening events!

Take your Vitamins - Vitamins B and C are both reduced by alcohol and stress. To make sure that you are getting the vitamins and minerals you need, take vitamin B-Complex and vitamin C or a multivitamin. Enough vitamin B in the body helps reduce symptoms of stress.

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