April 23, 2012

Click Your Heels 3 Times: There’s No Place Like Home Birthing

Filed under: babies,health — Tags: home birth, unassisted birth — mjones @ 11:38 pm

woman contemplating birthing at home

We all know it: the archetypal image of the husband running around the house trying to throw together a bag of stuff so as to take his pregnant wife, who has just had her water break, to the hospital. Maybe your husband is the type that loses the keys often, or maybe you yourself are the type of mother who simply doesn’t want to give birth in the fluorescent lightening of a hospital—whatever your reasons, if you’re considering having your child at home, you’re amongst a growing number of women who feel the same way.

A new study by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) shows a thirty percent increase in home births from 2005 to 2009. Conversely, in 1969, ninety-nine percent of children were born in hospitals.

Marian MacDorman, author of the study, attributes this deviation from the prototypical (sitcom) birthing setting to fear of complication.

“A lot of women really like the idea of home birth because they want a lower-intervention birth. A lot of women are worried about higher C-section rates and other types of intervention that happen once you go to the hospital,” she said.

Of the women opting out of the flower-print nightgown: women who already have children (and hence have already gone through birth once) and women over thirty-five the groups that seem to the be leading the charge.

Done with proper planning and consideration, a home birth can be quite safe. In fact, a 2007 study reported that home births with registered midwifes were as safe is not safer than going to the hospital, with a lower risk of C-section, infection, and bleeding.

Saraswathi Vedam from the Home Birth Section of the American College of Nurse-Midwives feels that hospitals are best regulated for the sick; birthing is healthy.

“Women who are healthy and have a profile of having a good outcome for them and their babies have come to understand that the equipment and personnel a hospital has to offer is not necessary for all women. It’s most appropriate for women and infants who have medical indications that could benefit from what the hospital offers,” she says

Dr. George Macones, an obstetrician at Washington University believes that a middle ground may be found in the adoption of calmer, less invasive birthing facilities adjacent or within close proximity to a hospital.

“It’s a very nice, quiet, more natural experience, but if something happens you could literally be wheeled underground to the hospital,” Macones says.

“That’s the best of both worlds.”

How do you feel about this topic? We want to hear your comments.
Give us your impressions in the comments below and voice your opinion in the matter.

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.

April 12, 2012

Life Expectancy By Country: Where Do You Stand?

Filed under: health,study — mjones @ 6:49 pm

Living longer is a goal for most people all around the world. Depending upon where you live, your life expectancy can be significantly increased or decreased. Several things can be attributed to this, including access to medical care and ongoing medical developments. What are some of the countries that have the highest life expectancy?

Monaco

Monaco residents have an average life expectancy of 89.68 years. There are many things that can be attributed to this, including the fact that they eat the Mediterranean diet, which has long been known for reducing risk of many health problems. In addition, the clean environment can have an effect on stress and disease.

Macau

In Macau, the average life expectancy is 84.43 years. This is largely due to its fruitful economy, which has aided the healthcare system in this country. They invest money predominantly in their healthcare system, which helps all of the residents to get the testing and care that they need.

Japan

The Japanese have a much lower obesity rate at 3.1 percent, compared to almost 34 percent in the U.S. Their average life expectancy is higher than the U.S. at 83.91 years. Their diet that includes lots of fish and fresh vegetables can be largely the reason for longer life as well.

Singapore

Diet and clean environment are largely the reason for Singapore’s high life expectancy at 83.75 years. Even though the people life a very fast-paced life, their diet that includes lots of fish and vegetables keeps them very healthy.

San Marino

The people of San Marino have a higher life expectancy than the United States. A life expectancy of 83.07 years is largely due to the type of work that is done in this city-state. Manual labor is not common, as most people work in the banking and tourism business.

United States

At 78.49 years, the people of the United States have a shorter life expectancy than some people in the world. The high rate of obesity is probably largely the reason for this. Even though our health system is among the best in the world, the ramifications of obesity have a huge effect on how long we live.

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.

March 20, 2012

Bikram Yoga Under Heat

Filed under: health — mjones @ 6:04 pm

Since the 1970’s, Bikram Yoga (or ‘hot’ yoga) practitioners have been gathering in hot and humid rooms to do their exercises.  Bikram Yoga was created by Bikram Choudhury, synthesizing techniques learned from hatha yoga into a special sequence.  26 postures and 2 breathing exercises are present within Bikram yoga, and those exercises are practiced in a hot room of 105 degrees with a humidity of around 40%.  Celebrities as varied as Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Lady Gaga have espoused the benefits of Bikram yoga, though controversy surrounds the practice as being dangerous.

Hot and humid rooms are the biggest difference of Bikram Yoga.  The philosophy is that muscles are primed and ready to stretch at high temperatures, eliminating the need for warm up and a stretching period.  Bikram Yoga sessions take exactly 90 minutes, a time specially calculated to provide the most out of your yoga session.

Advantages of Bikram Yoga

When practiced properly and under the care of a certified yoga instructor, Bikram yoga participants receive several health benefits.

Stimulated Blood Flow – Full body movements stimulate blood flow to all areas of the body, including the extremities and the brain.  Increased blood flow boosts a person’s metabolic rate, encouraging weight loss and healthy cells.

Rids the body of toxins – Toxins are released through sweat within the 105 degree temperature.  This is the body’s natural way of expelling any bad chemicals which have accrued.

Stretches Muscles – The warmer temperatures and the high humidity are prime environments to stretch the muscles.  There are no warm-up exercises done before a Bikram Yoga session, as the climate is already conducive to muscle stretching.

Massages Lymphatic System – The lymphatic system prevents diseases and bacteria from entering your body and causing havoc.   Bikram Yoga touches all systems within the body, especially the lymphatic.

Cardiovascular Workout – Each of the 26 positions is held for 30 seconds before released.  Holding a particular position for a measurable duration stresses and strains your cardiovascular system, encouraging it to adapt to the stress.

The disadvantages of Bikram Yoga must also be taken into account when considering hot yoga as a form of exercise.  Many of the advantages and disadvantages are seen as anecdotal.  The following disadvantages have been cited.

Disadvantages of Bikram Yoga

Overstretching – After muscles have been stretched so far, they can become overstretched, causing muscle and joint pain.

Dehydration – The heat and the activity both lead to lots of sweating.  Drink a lot of water before and after a Bikram Yoga session to make up for the loss while doing the exercise.  Signs of dehydration include dizziness, vomiting, and fainting.

Quick Weight Loss – While losing weight is good, losing too much weight all at once can be hazardous.  Your body tries to overcompensate from the shock, yo-yoing from fast weight loss to fast weight gain.

Every form of exercise has its advantages and disadvantages.  The disadvantages of Bikram yoga can be lessened or alleviated under the tutelage of an astute teacher, but be aware of your body’s signals that you might be receiving too much of a good thing.  Practicing Bikram yoga in moderation is the key to using this form of exercise to its fullest benefit.

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.

February 23, 2012

Extreme Workout Routine for Recreational Athletes

Filed under: health — mjones @ 7:46 pm

While the media is most concerned with inactivity, it seems that there is another alarming trend – extreme workout routines among recreational athletes. These recreational athletes push themselves too hard. They often weight lift with no rests between sets and no days offs. They also compete in very dangerous races. For example, one extreme race waiver contained the phrase “there are sections of the trail that travel along cliffs. If you’re not careful, you could fall to your death. Very few runners go the distance without taking one painful spills. Most runners take lots of them.” Needless to say, the participant in this race found the trail “so arduous and dangerous that she never did it again.”

Every athlete knows that it is important to push yourself. Work out enough that you may not fully recover between sessions.

To point, in late January, 13 Iowa football players were hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis. This ailment is often caused by intense physical exertion that releases muscle fibers into the bloodstream and can cause kidney damage.

Below are some points to ensure your workouts are not too “extreme,” which result in harm to your body. However, it is quite difficult, because training programs vary so much from one individual to the next.

  1. Be sure to give yourself recovery time between weight sessions (this means between the actual weight reps as well as between weight training sessions) and heavy cardiovascular work outs.
  2. If you feel super tired between sessions, you are probably over-training, so you will need to take a day or two off. Eventually, the over-tiredness can turn into depression.
  3. Keep a diary detailing your training regime and how you feel after a workout. This will allow you to be better in tune with your emotions.
  4. If you are training towards a goal (i.e. a marathon), it’s perhaps better to work out with a coach rather than a friend. A coach will know what is appropriate and safe for your body, whereas a friend may push you too hard, or not enough. Of course, if your friend happens to also be a former athlete in the area of your athletic pursuits, I guess you’re set! For more information on the benefits of working out with a coach, visit the article Do I Need a Fitness Coach?.

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.

December 8, 2011

Is the Muffin Test a Reliable Alternative to the Oral Glucose Test for Diabetes?

Filed under: health — Tags: Diabetes, diabetic test, glucose, oral glucose test — jmullen @ 9:01 pm

A recent October 2011 study tested how effective a muffin diabetic test was for the purpose of diagnosing diabetes.  Normally a patient exhibiting diabetic symptoms will do an oral glucose tolerance test to see if they actually have the disease.  This test includes a person fasting overnight and then drinking a sugary glucose substance the following morning, and then a doctor monitors the patient’s blood glucose levels to see how their body reacts to increases in blood glucose levels.  However, patients, particularly women, do not like this test – they find the oral glucose taste unbearable.  From this study, researchers suggest that there is an appropriate alternative to this sugary glucose mixture – the muffin.  The muffin is a deceptive breakfast choice – it probably contains too much sugar to be labeled as a healthy breakfast option.  Moreover, as Dr. Michael Traubb, the doctor heading this study at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, indicates “a muffin more closely resembles what someone really eats – it may provide just a more adequate test.”  For, it is

Nonetheless, there are many medical critics of this study.  While they agree that muffins are “probably more convenient,” they take issue with the obvious – muffins vary greatly, while the glucose mixture used for the oral glucose tolerance test is standardized.

However, the findings from this study seem to prove that the muffin test for diabetes is just as accurate as the oral glucose tolerance test.  Perhaps the muffin test should be used as a complement to the oral glucose test instead of a replacement.  Do you think a muffin is an appropriate substitute for the oral glucose test?

The muffin test was administered to a group of twelve women, of which two of those women were diagnosed with diabetes.  Those same women then received the oral glucose test.  One of the two women ‘diagnosed’ via the muffin test was also diagnosed via the oral glucose test.

Advocates of the test deem that the muffin test is cheaper, and it doesn’t give women stomach problems; stomach side effects are normally a problem with the oral glucose test.  Thus, it will be interesting to see whether this test gains popularity in future years as a reliable test for diabetic 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.

January 21, 2011

How Safe Are Genetically Modified Foods

Filed under: health — Tags: FDA, genetically modified food, genetics, health, natural, nutrients, safety — John @ 11:17 pm

Genetically altered foods always create mixed feelings among different people. Some people are adamantly against even the idea of genetically altered foods because they believe we should not go about changing things that are in nature. Other people see the benefit of being able to change any “negative” aspects of our foods, such as the browning of fruits. There are also people who are somewhere in the middle of both arguments. These people accept the idea of having genetically altered foods, but say they would not feel comfortable actually eating the food.

According to science, genetically altered foods are perfectly safe for us to consume. In fact, many scientists would agree that these genetically altered foods are probably even better for us than their natural alternatives. By changing genetics in foods, it gives us the ability to lengthen the time it takes for a certain food to expire. While at the same time, we may be able to place more nutrients into the foods we eat to make them healthier for us to consume.

Those that are opposed to altering food, however, say that you cannot simply just change one thing without affecting the entire genetic makeup of whichever food you were eating. Basically this idea would suggest that by altering the expiry date of food, we would also accidentally and unknowingly alter some other aspect of the food, which may not be so beneficial. Some people go so far to suggest that in a few years time, we will discover that genetically modifying our foods will cause some very harmful and dangerous side effects.

There is no agreement on the safety of modified foods and there probably never will be. The most we can do is to keep ourselves informed and choose what we believe to be the best course of action.

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.

August 17, 2010

5 Most Common Conditions Misdiagnosed By Doctors

Filed under: health — Tags: doctors, hypothyroidism, incorrect diagnosis, misdiagnosed, misdiagnosis, mistakes — Candace @ 5:48 pm

It’s a good idea to seek a second opinion when seeing a doctor. 40 percent of doctor’s mistakes are misdiagnosis. Because multiple diseases share similar symptoms it is difficult to differentiate what illness a patient may have.

Case 1: The symptoms are headaches, ringing ears, backaches, neck pain, and toothaches. Most commonly this is diagnosed as a migraine or ear disorder, but in reality is probably TMJ. Temporomandibular joint syndrome is when the joint keeping your skull and jaw together becomes inflamed. A dentist is the best person to get to treat this! If it doesn’t go away you should visit the dentist as they have more knowledge in this area.

Case 2: The symptoms are numbness on the side, dizziness, headaches, loss of balance, impaired vision and speech. This is most commonly misdiagnosed as vertigo, migraines, or an inner ear disorder. It is probably a stroke. Numbness on one side is practically enough for you to go to the hospital already! Especially when accompanied with pain or any other symptoms. 14 percent of people under the age of 45 are misdiagnosed in this area. You should get this treated immediately. If a stroke is left untreated it could lead to a worse stroke and can progress to brain damage.

Case 3: The symptoms are difficulty breathing, chest pain, fatigue, and an abnormal heartbeat. Normally this is diagnosed as a panic attack or a lot of stress, but is often actually a heart attack or cardiovascular disease. Women are more commonly misdiagnosed in this case. You should try to make an appointment with a cardiologist.

Case 4: Sadness, tiredness, weight gain, muscle aches, stiffness, and difficulty sleeping. This is most commonly diagnosed as depression. Hypothyroidism has the same symptoms as this. When it doesn’t make enough hormones it can affect your emotions and add deserted and alone feelings. Hypothyroidism is dangerous and can lead to other life threatening conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Ironically, hypothyroidism can also lead to depression.

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.

December 11, 2009

Medical Student Syndrome

Medical students endure a lot of stress while going through university. In their classes they learn symptom lists of many rare diseases. When they have a symptom similar to one in a disease or illness they have studied they believe they have that illness. This is Medical Student Syndrome.

For example, a student studies something such as brain tumors and reads one of the symptoms to be headaches, the student then is convinced that he or she has a brain tumor. Medical Student Syndrome affects people who are not medical students as well. Anyone who reads or has knowledge of medical conditions and their symptoms is perceptible to this illness.

Unfortunately this syndrome is becoming more and more common. Students diagnose themselves or their friends, but are told by a professional that it is (most commonly) nothing. The internet is a highly guilty source to the student’s information. Some of the information on the internet is not precise and completely correct.

Medical student syndrome is a type of acute Hypochondriasis. Hypochondriasis is the belief that you have a serious illness. It lasts normally longer than 6 months. Hypochondriasis only affects between one and five percent of the general population. It is a medical syndrome and cannot be prevented. Medical Student Syndrome is self imposed. Students cause themselves to have this syndrome and let it spread.

Though medical student syndrome may transpire any time in a medical doctor’s studies or career, it is most common in India during the students first clinical year and the first year after graduation. “If a medical student hears hoof-beats outside the window they think it’s a zebra.” – This old saying means that they classify a normal sound applicable to a rare animal, or a common symptom to a rare disease.

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.

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.

November 24, 2009

Increased Risk of ADHD in Children with Smoke and Lead Exposure

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD for short affects about 5-8 percent of school age children. ADHD is a fairly common neurobiological condition that presents itself through inappropriate levels of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Although ADHD is not life threatening, it can become a very difficult obstacle to overcome.

However, recent data shows that smoking can raise the chances of ADHD by more than double. If the mother does not quit smoking during pregnancy, the chances of ADHD for the child will be increased 2.4 times. Furthermore, exposure to lead can also increase chances of child having ADHD. Most cases of lead exposure are due to contaminated paint, soil, and old water pipes.

The findings definitely showed that smoking raised the chances for ADHD by 2.4 times and lead exposure raised it 2.3 times. However, when a child was exposed to both smoking and lead, the chance of having ADHD was 8 times as high!

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.

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.

October 19, 2009

Which Candles are safe?

With the cold weather dark weather creeping in, its nice to light the house with candles. The scents and flickering lights are somewhat relaxing. Recently, however, there has been talk about candle fumes being unsafe. Most candles are made from oil which is bleached and mixed with dangerous toxins that are harmful to inhale. These candles are called Paraffin candles, and burning them will put toxins and carcinogens (cancer causing substances) into the air you breath. The EPA has recently confirmed that Paraffin candles contain some dangerous chemicals in large quantities that include carcinogens, neurotoxins, and reproductive toxins.

Which candles are safe to burn in the home?

A study presented at the American Chemical Society’s meeting in Washington D.C by R. Massoudi and Amid Hamidi found that the more expensive candles made from beeswax or soy are safer because they do not release harmful chemicals. Lighting one Paraffin candle occasionally will not harm you – but continuous use of paraffin candles for many years may increase the carcinogens that you consume.

It’s worth it to spend more money on Soy or Beeswax candles. They are safer for the environment and to those living in your home. In fact, soy candles have many benefits – the first being that they are not harmful to your health! Soy candles have the capability of lasting up to 50% longer than Paraffin candles, they are not made of foreign oil, they do not contain animal fats, and they are derived from a renewable resource. If you want to live healthy, try switching from Paraffin to Soy!

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.

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.

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