Pneumonia - symptoms, causes, and preventive measures

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can make you very sick. You may cough, run a fever, and have a hard time breathing. For most people, pneumonia can be treated at home. It often clears up in 2 to 3 weeks. But older adults, babies, and people with other diseases can become very ill. They may need to be in the hospital.

You can get pneumonia in your daily life, such as at school or work. This is called community-associated pneumonia. You can also get it when you are in a hospital or nursing home. This is called healthcare-associated pneumonia. It may be more severe because you already are ill. This topic focuses on pneumonia you get in your daily life.

What causes pneumonia?

Germs called bacteria or viruses usually cause pneumonia.
Pneumonia usually starts when you breathe the germs into your lungs. You may be more likely to get the disease after having a cold or the flu. These illnesses make it hard for your lungs to fight infection, so it is easier to get pneumonia. Having a long-term, or chronic, disease like asthma, heart disease, cancer, or diabetes also makes you more likely to get pneumonia.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of pneumonia caused by bacteria usually come on quickly. They may include:

• Cough. You will likely cough up mucus (sputum) from your lungs. Mucus may be rusty or green or tinged with blood.
• Fever.
• Fast breathing and feeling short of breath.
• Shaking and "teeth-chattering" chills. You may have this only one time or many times.
• Chest pain that often feels worse when you cough or breathe in.
• Fast heartbeat.
• Feeling very tired or feeling very weak.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhea.

When you have mild symptoms, your doctor may call this "walking pneumonia."
Older adults may have different, fewer, or milder symptoms. They may not have a fever. Or they may have a cough but not bring up mucus. The main sign of pneumonia in older adults may be a change in how well they think. Confusion or delirium is common. Or, if they already have a lung disease, that disease may get worse.
Symptoms caused by viruses are the same as those caused by bacteria. But they may come on slowly and often are not as obvious or as bad.

How is pneumonia diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and do a physical exam. He or she may order a chest X-ray and a blood test. This is usually enough for your doctor to know if you have pneumonia. You may need more tests if you have bad symptoms, are an older adult, or have other health problems. In general, the sicker you are, the more tests you will have.

Your doctor may also test mucus from your lungs to find out if bacteria are causing your pneumonia. Finding out what is causing your pneumonia can help your doctor choose the best treatment for you.

How is it treated?

If pneumonia is caused by bacteria, your doctor will give you antibiotics. These almost always cure pneumonia caused by bacteria. Be sure to take the antibiotics exactly as instructed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
Pneumonia can make you feel very sick. But after you take antibiotics, you should start to feel much better. Call your doctor if you do not start to feel better after 2 to 3 days of antibiotics. Call your doctor right away if you feel worse.
There are things you can do to feel better during your treatment. Get plenty of rest and sleep, and drink lots of liquids. Do not smoke. If your cough keeps you awake at night, talk to your doctor about using cough medicine.
You may need to go to the hospital if you have bad symptoms, a weak immune system, or another serious illness.
Pneumonia caused by a virus usually is not treated with antibiotics. Sometimes, antibiotics may be used to prevent complications. But home treatment, such as rest and taking care of your cough, usually is all that is done.

How can you prevent pneumonia?

If you are 65 or older, you smoke, or you have a heart or lung problem, you may want to get a pneumococcal vaccine. It may not keep you from getting pneumonia. But if you do get pneumonia, you probably won't be as sick.
You can also lower your chances of getting pneumonia by staying away from people who have the flu, colds, measles, or chickenpox. You may get pneumonia after you have one of these illnesses. Wash your hands often. This helps prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria that may cause pneumonia.

Get vaccinated
Although a long list of germs and inhaled irritants can cause pneumonia, vaccination lowers your risk of two leading offenders.

• Seasonal flu shot. The influenza virus can be a direct cause of viral pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia is also a common complication of the flu. A yearly flu shot provides significant protection either way.
• Pneumonia vaccine. Doctors recommend a one-time vaccine against Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria (pneumococcus) for everyone older than age 65, as well as for people of any age residing in nursing homes and long-term care facilities. In addition, the vaccine is recommended for anyone at high risk of pneumococcal pneumonia. The high-risk categories are smokers; anyone with heart disease, lung disease or other chronic conditions; and anyone with reduced immune defenses due to HIV or long-term therapy with immunosuppressant drugs, such as corticosteroids or medications to prevent transplant rejection.
• Childhood vaccines. Children should receive the seasonal flu vaccine every year. Doctors also recommend a pneumonia vaccine — pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, as opposed to pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, which is for adults — for all children younger than age 2 and for children ages 2 to 5 years who are at particular risk of pneumococcal disease, including those with immune system deficiency, cancer, cardiovascular disease or sickle cell anemia. Children who attend a group day care center should also get the vaccine.

Take care of yourself
Ordinary respiratory infections sometimes lead to pneumonia, so do what you can to protect yourself from all kinds of germs. Here are the basics:

• Wash your hands. Your hands are in almost constant contact with germs that can cause pneumonia. These germs enter your body when you touch your eyes or rub the inside of your nose. Washing your hands often and thoroughly can help reduce your risk. When washing isn't possible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Don't smoke. Smoking damages your lungs' natural defenses against respiratory infections.
• Stay rested and fit. Proper rest and moderate exercise can help keep your immune system strong.
• Eat a healthy diet. Include plenty of fat-free dairy products, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Set an example. Stay home when you're sick. When you're in public with a cold, catch your coughs and sneezes in the inner crook of your elbow.

Does the male menopause exist?

The myths and realities surrounding male menopause

The male menopause has long been a subject of scientific debate. But does the condition — which is said to reduce sexual appetite, self-esteem and physical strength — truly have any medical grounding or is it merely a symptom of middle-age? This realbuzz.com guide takes a look at the myths and truths surrounding the causes of the male menopause.

If you’re feeling tired and moody, with little sexual appetite for the scores of nubile women throwing themselves at your feet, you might be wondering if there’s something inherently wrong with you. Gone are the days when you’d happily leap into bed with a bronzed beauty (if only!), or stay up late, playing obscure records until the early hours of the morning. Nowadays, you’re more likely to be tucked beneath your quilt by 9pm, willing the neighbours’ kids to lower their voices. So what’s going on? It could be that you’re going through the male menopause ...

Falling testosterone in middle-age

The question of whether a male menopause actually exists has long been a source of scientific discussion. Technically, men can’t experience the menopause per se, as this condition specifically relates to the moment when women of a certain age stop having their periods. Nevertheless, many of the side-effects associated with the female menopause are equally apparent amongst aging men. Depression, achy muscles and even increased body weight can prove highly troubling to males in their mid-40s onwards.Scientists have dubbed male menopause the ‘andropause’. The feelings of malaise, physical weakness and low self-esteem stemming from this condition are caused by a gradual drop in testosterone levels, similar to the fall in hormones experienced by menopausal women. Though the majority of middle-aged men remain unaffected, the andropause can exacerbate a mid-life crisis in a variety of troubling ways.

Symptoms of the andropause

As men grow older, their testosterone levels gradually fall, potentially causing symptoms of the andropause. These problems can include everything from a weakened sex drive through to full-blown periods of depression ...

• Lack of sexual appetite and infertility — It won’t be the news that your partner wants to hear, but a fall in testosterone can really dampen your sexual appetite. If you’ve been struggling to raise your enthusiasm in the bedroom (so to speak), or are unable to conceive, it might be time to see your doctor and assess whether the andropause is to blame. Sadly, the damage to your sex drive doesn’t stop there; the male menopause has also been blamed for shrinking testes and loss of pubic hair amongst aging men who are low in testosterone.
• Depleted energy and low motivation — Back in the day, you might have leaped out of bed in the morning, throwing open the curtains before greeting the world with a cocky spring in your step. Nowadays things have changed ... you sleep through your alarm clock, lethargically crawl out from under the sheets and then lope into the kitchen to eat another bowl of soggy muesli. Sound familiar? Sadly, your reduced energy and crumbling joie de vivre could be down to the andropause.

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7 life-changing foods

Event: Job interview

What to eat: Soybeans

If you’ve got a big job interview coming up, it’s easy for nerves to get the better of you. Fortunately, researchers at McGill University in Montreal have found that foods containing tryptophan (an essential amino acid) can give you that confidence boost you need to help things go well. While there are many good sources of tryptophan such as chicken and salmon, tryptophan-rich roasted soybeans or edamame beans are a handy food to snack on prior to your interview.

Event: Exam

What to eat: Breakfast cereal

In the lead up to exams, try eating a healthy diet packed with whole grains to help give your brain a boost. Whole grain breakfast cereals are not only a good source of energy to help keep you alert and focused, they are also a rich source of folate, which can help speed up information processing and memory recall. While not technically a food, you could also try popping in some chewing gum prior to your exam, as research has suggested that chewing on gum can improve test scores and improve memory by 35%.

Event: First date

What to drink: Chamomile tea

It’s natural to feel anxious before a promising first date, whether you are worried about making a bad first impression or concerned about how well you will get on. However, don’t be tempted to get some Dutch courage; instead, calm your nerves with a soothing chamomile tea beforehand. The calming effects of chamomile are so powerful that they have been found to reduce symptoms of mild to moderate generalised anxiety disorder, making curing pre-date jitters a cinch.

Event: Trying for a baby

What to eat: Oysters

Perhaps the most life-changing event you will ever encounter is conceiving a child, and if you want to increase your chances of conception your diet can make all the difference. Oysters are a famous aphrodisiac due to their high quantities of zinc, which can stimulate the libido and enhance desire. However, not only can zinc get you in the mood, it is also essential for the fertility of both women and men. For women, zinc can prove vital for healthy ovulation and steady egg production, while in men zinc helps maintain healthy testosterone levels and is essential for healthy sperm production.

Event: Heated argument

What to eat: Walnuts

While most of the time disagreements can be resolved, serious or frequent arguments can damage relationships and impact on your happiness. Rather than living to regret words said in the heat of the moment, try to defuse an argument by controlling your anger. Research has shown that Omega-3 deficiency can contribute to aggressive behavior, while a Japanese study has suggested that zinc may ease anger in women. To up your intake of both these nutrients, try snacking on walnuts when you feel your blood start to boil or to help you calm down before discussing a problem.

Event: Relationship breakdown

What to eat: Oily fish

The breakdown of a relationship can naturally lead to feelings of depression and negativity which can be hard to shake off. While these feelings are unavoidable and will take time to get over, to help get through this difficult time as best as you can try to up your intake of oily fish such as wild salmon and tuna, which are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12, both of which can help to regulate the mood and ward off depression.

Event: Making big decisions

What to eat: Yoghurt

If you’ve got a big decision to make, whether to do with your career, relationship, health or finances, it’s important to try to increase your mental clarity and focus to help you make the right decision. To help get yourself in the right frame of mind, try snacking on yoghurt which is rich in iodine and zinc, which can both help boost mental clarity and brain function. Researchers from Toronto University also found that the probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus casei found in some yoghurts can decrease anxiety, helping to put you in a calmer frame of mind for decision making

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Tips to reduce your blood pressure

High blood pressure can pose a number of serious health problems, drastically increasing the risks of strokes, kidney failure and heart disease. With sugar, salt and saturated fats becoming more prevalent in our twenty-first century fast food culture, there has never been a better time to fight back against high blood pressure. This realbuzz.com guide offers some useful tips on how you can cut down the strain on your arteries to lead a healthier and more active lifestyle.

What is blood pressure?

The term ‘blood pressure’ is often used by the media to explain national rises in heart attacks and kidney failure without any real explanation. In fact, the words crop up so often that they begin to lose any sense of meaning. So what is blood pressure and why is maintaining a healthy level so important?
The term simply refers to the pressure of blood as it flows through the body’s arteries. When blood has to force its way through these vessels with greater exertion, the body’s blood pressure is raised. Pressure is measured by two numbers, e.g. 120/80. The first number measures ‘systolic’ pressure, i.e. how effective your heart is at pumping blood around the arteries. Meanwhile the second number refers to ‘diastolic’ pressure, measuring how efficiently your heart relaxes between beats. A blood pressure level of 140/90 or more can signal potential health problems. When blood struggles to get round the arteries fast enough, the dangers of illness heighten significantly.

Lowering the risks of high blood pressure

So, what can be done about reducing high blood pressure? Soaring levels are often caused by fatty deposits in the arteries. A change in lifestyle and diet is therefore essential in combating the chances of suffering heart failure or kidney problems ...

• Cutting down on alcohol — That post-work beer may seem like a good form of stress relief after a long day at the office. Sadly, whilst drinking in moderation will not do your body too much harm, a regular intake of booze could seriously heighten your blood pressure and lead to some nasty side-effects. Try and avoid binge drinking, and don’t overdo it on your social tipples. Sometimes less really is more ...
• Reducing salt intake — Dousing your dishes in mounds of salt may tingle those all-important taste-buds. However, salty meals or snacks could also do some serious damage to your blood pressure, causing fatty deposits to form in the arteries. Chips and popcorn may all appease your hungry stomach but your heart certainly won’t appreciate the extra strain. Reduce the salt in your diet and you could go a long way in rescuing your health from the perils of sky-high blood pressure.
• Get some quality exercise — Of course, the best way to burn off fatty flab is to get some regular exercise. Whether joining up to a gym or starting out in a new sport, a frequent exercise routine should succeed in working out your body, cutting down the calories whilst offering a range of other health benefits such as improved flexibility, greater stamina and stronger muscles. So spend less of your energy on coming up with elaborate excuses and more time doing some fun yet healthy fitness training.
• Increasing potassium intake — Potassium helps balance the water in your body, as well as controlling acidity and muscular growth. As a result, a diet high in potassium-rich foods could offer some real health boons, better regulating blood flow through the arteries to feed muscles with oxygen more efficiently. Potassium-rich foods include bananas, oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, cucumber, cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, spinach, broccoli, and tuna.
• Stop smoking! — Okay, so we’re not going to win any awards for groundbreaking advice here, but banishing the cigarettes from your lifestyle could really do your blood pressure some big favours. Smoking has long been linked to rising blood pressure, with tar and toxic fumes damaging the integrity of blood cells and vessels. So do your best to quit those costly fags and you might start breathing a whole lot easier.
• Eating more fruit and veg — A simple one this ... Increasing the volume of fruit and vegetables in your diet could really cut your blood pressure, as well as boosting your general health with an influx of nutrients. Eating green vegetables will flood your body with essential minerals and vitamins, so try and enjoy a range of fruit and veg, covering everything from citrus fruits through to cabbage if possible!

Finding out your blood pressure

Many people remain unaware of the possible dangers posed by high blood pressure, potentially putting themselves at risk of unexpected heart and kidney troubles. As a result, it’s vital you find out your current blood pressure level so you can take decisive action when and where it’s appropriate.
The best way to measure your blood pressure is to make an appointment with your GP. However, the UK’s Blood Pressure Association (BPA) is also a valuable source of information, with further help and advice for people seeking to ease their pressure and live a less stressful life.

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10 health mistakes most men make

From workouts to healthy diets, many of us make an effort to look after ourselves. However, we could be compromising our health on a daily basis without even knowing it. From bottling things up to eating fast food, here are the top 10 male habits you should try to break.

Avoiding the doctor

Research by the charity Men’s Health Forum has revealed that men are 20% less likely than women to visit their doctor, despite the fact that they have shorter life spans than women and are more likely to die from cancer. While visiting the doctor is rarely a pleasant experience, diagnosing most illnesses early increases rates of survival, so stop ignoring those symptoms and give your doctor a call.

Not doing self-checks

Just like with visiting the doctor, many men avoid doing necessary health self-checks due to fear, denial of the risks, or confusion over what to do. However, it is vital that men check themselves regularly for signs of testicular cancer as incidence of the disease is on the rise, particularly in young and middle-aged men. If you are not sure how to go about checking yourself, visit a reputable website or ask your doctor for tips on performing these necessary checks.

Binge drinking

Although women are rapidly catching up with men in the drinking stakes, binge drinking is still more common among men than women, and there are consistently higher rates of alcohol-related deaths and hospitalisations in men. Binge drinking not only affects long term health, but it puts your immediate safety at risk and can also lead to rapid weight gain. To safeguard your health, it’s important to stick to recommended limits and drink in moderation.

Bottling things up

On the whole, men are less likely than women to talk about their feelings, express emotion or ask for help and support. Perhaps as a consequence of this, men are half as likely as women to be diagnosed with depression, yet are 77 per cent more likely to commit suicide. Depressed men are also twice as likely as depressed women to resort to alcohol and drug abuse. Bottling up anger is just as detrimental to men’s health, with research suggesting that men who don’t express their anger increase their risk of a heart attack.

Stressing over work

While men and women are equally exposed to workplace stress, according to a survey of 3,000 workers by Medicash, men are four times more likely than women to take a sick day due to work related stress and are twice as likely to turn to alcohol to help deal with it. As workplace stress can be an important factor in the development of depression, heart disease and stroke, it is vital to seek a way to resolve your feelings and ease your stress; whether it is by talking to your boss, changing your job or seeking professional help.

Taking hot baths

Many men enjoying soaking in the tub, but for all those trying to conceive it may be time to swap those long baths for showers. Researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, found through their three-year study that having hot baths can significantly reduce male fertility. As sperm develop best in cool surroundings, men should avoid any activity that leads to overheating this area, including sitting in hot tubs or Jacuzzis and regular, prolonged use of laptops.

Not applying sun cream

Although skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK, multiple research studies have shown that few of us regularly wear sunscreen, and that men are the worst offenders. According to research by Mintel on sun cream use in France, Germany, Spain and the UK, an average of 52 per cent of women use sunscreen, compared to only 37 per cent of men. However, with many men spending significant time outdoor for sports, work or leisure, it is vital to cover up with appropriate clothing and sun cream before heading outside.

Poor bathroom hygiene

Do you wash your hands after you’ve visited the bathroom? According to a study by the American Society for Microbiology and the Soap and Detergent Association, one in three men don’t! Furthermore, a study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine carried out at UK service stations found that only a third of men washed their hands with soap. Not washing your hands is the quickest way to spread germs and infection, so protect your health and those around you by making sure you lather up before leaving the bathroom.

Not brushing their teeth

According to a study by the American Dental Association, only 66 per cent of men brush their teeth twice or more a day, compared to 86 per cent of women. Furthermore, research findings published in the Journal of Periodontology showed that women are almost twice as likely to have regular dental checkups than men. Failing to look after your pearly whites is not only bad news for your teeth and gums; research has shown that gum disease can increase risk of heart disease, erectile dysfunction and dementia.

Eating fast food and takeaways

In today’s fast food culture, many of us are guilty of hampering our weight loss by indulging in too much junk food, and this is particularly true for men. A survey by Pew Research Center revealed that 47 per cent of men eat in a fast food restaurant at least weekly, compared to 35 per cent of women. With an average takeaway containing over half your recommended daily calories and copious amounts of salt, do your health a favour by cutting back on takeaways and replacing with home-cooked meals.

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Top 10 worst female health habits

Wearing heels

More and more of us are opting to wear heels on a daily basis, and this could be bad news for our health. High heels affect our posture, put pressure on joints, and can lead to a range of conditions including arthritis, hammer toes, back pain and tendon injuries – and that’s before you take into account any heel-related accidents! To minimise damage, limit your heels to 1.5 inches for daily wear, and wear insoles to help reduce the pressure on joints.

Carrying a heavy handbag

With the rising number of gadgets and accessories the majority of women haul around, many of us are carrying around several pounds of weight on our shoulders every day. As a result, lots of us are also putting our long term health at risk. While you may not feel the effects right now, lugging around a heavy handbag can lead to serious back problems and neck pain as well as poor posture. Don’t wait until the damage is done – do your health a favour and try clearing out all non-essential items and switching to a smaller bag.

Sleeping in makeup

Most of us have succumbed to the temptation to sleep in our post-party makeup at some point. However, leaving makeup on overnight – along with the dirt and oil that naturally accumulates on skin throughout the day – is a quick route to clogged pores, congested skin and spots. Sleeping with mascara and eye makeup on can also affect your health by causing eye irritation, bloodshot eyes or even infection.

Matching men drink for drink

From networking drinks to first dates and social events, there are many instances when women may feel compelled to keep up with the drinking habits of the opposite sex. However, women not only tend to weigh less than men but they have less body water to dilute the alcohol, which means they tend to get more drunk more quickly. To minimise the risks of alcohol on your health, try to keep within the recommended guidelines for alcohol consumption and alternate alcohol with soft drinks.

Wearing the wrong bra size

It is thought that more than 70 per cent of women are wearing the wrong bra size. However, wearing a badly fitted bra can not only affect the look of your clothes, but research suggests it can cause a range of health problems including back, neck and breast pain, breathing difficulties, poor posture, skin irritation, circulation problems and even irritable bowel syndrome. Rather than guessing your size, make sure you get measured to ensure you are getting the support you need.

Worrying and harbouring regrets

Stress is damaging to both our physical and mental health, and women are twice as likely as men to suffer from stress-related disorders, as well as having higher rates of depression and anxiety. While it is thought there may be biological reasons for this, worrying about the future and dwelling on regrets can also add to our problems, with research suggesting that women are more than twice as likely as men to harbour regrets over lost loves and broken relationships.

Obsessing over appearance

While both genders suffer from body insecurity, many women tend to overly obsess over their idea of the “perfect” body. Research findings published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology found that 16 per cent of the normal or underweight women studied believed themselves to be overweight, while a study commissioned by Dove found that 90 per of women wanted to change at least one aspect of their appearance. Body insecurity not only affects our mental health, but it can also lead to physical damage caused by extreme diets, yo-yo dieting, eating disorders and cosmetic surgery.

 

Emotional eating

While comfort eating affects both genders, research has suggested that men are more likely to reinforce positive emotions with food, while women comfort eat when they’re sad. Women are also more likely to satisfy their cravings with sweet, high-calorie foods. Rather than letting your waistline suffer next time you’re feeling blue, try distracting yourself from cravings by doing something you enjoy, or boost your endorphins and health with an uplifting workout.

Not getting enough sleep

Not only can lack of sleep make us look and feel at our worst, but insufficient shut-eye can also lead to increased accidents, calorie consumption and heart disease risk. Unluckily for women, statistics suggest that sleep problems affect more women than men, while a study by the University of Michigan found that women are more than twice as likely to give up sleep to care for others. Unfortunately, sleep has been found to affect women’s blood pressure and mood more than men’s, making it imperative that you do your best to get a good night’s sleep.

Putting themselves last

Not only are women more likely to compromise their sleeping habits to care for children and others, they are also prone to putting their own wants and needs at the bottom of a hectic to-do list of chores and obligations. To avoid running yourself into the ground, learn to sometimes say no to those requests and commitments that are less than essential, and make sure you set aside some “me” time each week to do something enjoyable just for you.

RealBUZZ

Sugar: One Of The Deadliest Things You Eat!

Sugar: The Bitter Truth. Read why it can be devastating to your health and what foods you should avoid!

Sugar: a sweet crystalline substance obtained from various plants, especially sugar cane or sugar beet, consisting essentially of sucrose and used in many foods and drinks to improve taste.

That’s the dictionary version of the term sugar but sugar is really the reason you aren’t losing weight, aren’t gaining muscles, and feel sluggish and sick all of the time. People tend to focus on the fat content of the foods they eat but they should really be focusing on the sugar content.

WHAT IS SUGAR?

Well, like the definition above says, sugar is a sweet, crystalline substance that is obtained from plants such as the sugar cane that consists of sucrose and is used in many foods and drinks to improve their taste.  The three most common scientific names for sugar: sucrose, fructose, and glucose. Sucrose is the sugar that you are probably most familiar with. It’s that white crystal sugar that you put in your coffee. Fructose is the sugar that is found naturally in fruits. Glucose, also known as blood sugar, is the sugar that is found circulating in the blood in your body.

WHY IS SUGAR HARMFUL TO YOUR BODY?

Aside from the obvious reasons such as it just being overall bad for you, there are many harmful effects that sugar has on the body. Sugar is high in “empty calories.” “Empty calories” means that these calories don’t provide a lot, if any, nutrition to the body. Another obvious reason that sugar is bad for you is because people tend to replace healthier, more nutritious foods with sugar filled foods.  Aside from these two noticeable reasons, sugar affects the body in many more serious ways.

SUGAR RAISES INSULIN LEVELS

Insulin is a hormone that is produced in the body that helps to store nutrients you get from the food you eat. Eating large amounts of sugar will cause your blood sugar levels to sky rocket which causes your pancreas to release a lot of insulin. Your pancreas is a smart enough organ to get your insulin levels back down to normal after one time but if you are someone who consumes high amounts of sugar on a regular basis, your pancreas won’t be able to catch up and sooner or later you are going to become a diabetic. Ever wonder why people who have diabetes need insulin shots? Because they have screwed up their pancreas to the point where it cannot release a normal amount of insulin to control the body’s blood sugar levels. Diabetes is the result of too much sugar.

SUGAR SUPPRESSES THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

The sole responsibility of the immune system is to ward off viruses and bacteria to prevent sickness. When you eat something with a lot of sugar, your immune system kind of goes into hibernation mode. This limits the immune system’s ability to fight bacteria entering the body. And this doesn’t only last for a couple of minutes, it lasts several hours after. That means if you are eating foods high in sugar throughout the whole day, your immune system has a hard time returning to its normal function which can lead to illness.

THE EFFECTS – SIMPLIFIED

• Sugar leads to weight gain.
• Sugar can cause tooth decay.
• Sugar speeds up the aging process causing wrinkles.
• Sugar raises adrenaline levels leading to hyperactivity, anxiety, and concentration problems, especially in children.

Aside from the couple of effects listed above that sugar has on the body, there are a ton more!

Aside from the couple of effects listed above that sugar has on the body, there are a ton more!

FOODS HIGH IN SUGAR

You can probably think of a million foods that are high in sugar such as cookies, cakes, candies, and so on. Many foods on your supermarket shelves and maybe even in your pantry in your kitchen are loaded with sugar. A lot of these foods may be surprising to you to see the sugar content. A lot of people do not look at the sugar content in their foods and this can be a serious problem down the road. Here are some foods that are surprisingly high in sugar that you probably eat weekly.

• CEREAL. Many cereal companies advertise how “healthy” their cereals are but are they really? Not so much. Many of the known “unhealthy” cereals such as Froot Loops, Reese’s Puffs, Trix, Captain Crunch and so on, are obviously loaded with sugar. But these ones that claim to be healthy pack in just as many grams of sugar as the unhealthy ones. Special K cereals, Kellogg’s Oat Bran, and Mini Wheat’s all claim to be a good way to start off the day…which really means starting the day by consuming on average 15 grams of sugar in only one serving of cereal. Be careful when it comes to eating cereal. It’s not always the best breakfast choice.
• SPAGHETTI SAUCE. Imagine putting a pop tart on top of your spaghetti rather than sauce. No one in their right mind would do that, but you might as well. Some bottled spaghetti sauces contain the same amount of sugar as a pop tart. It’s best to choose organic sauces or even make your own!
• YOGURT. Yogurt can be a great snack or a diet trap. If you ever have walked down the dairy aisle, I’m sure you’ve noticed the very wide variety of yogurts that you can purchase. Many of the yogurts in that selection are just loaded with sugar, especially the yummy flavored ones like red velvet, strawberry banana, cheesecake, and so on. It’s best to choose organic or Greek yogurt.
• JUICE DRINKS.  Many parents give their children all kinds of fruit juices such as apple juice, grape juice, or orange juice. These juices are basically sugar water and should really be avoided. If you are going to drink juice drinks, they should be watered down and limited. Your best options are unsweetened teas, water, or low fat milk.

So you can see that many foods are high in sugar. Consuming packaged foods on a daily basis will definitely sky rocket your sugar intake and can lead to serious health problems. Be sure to choose natural, whole foods rather than packaged ones.  Of course it’s always okay to eat these foods in moderation. Some ice cream or a cookie here and there isn’t going to kill you!

Dualfit

5 Natural Antibiotics you probably did not know about

Getting your doctor to prescribe you antibiotics is a tall order these days, but our GPs aren’t trying to make us suffer. Modern reliance and over-use of the drugs for decades have led to new strains of bacteria that are resistant to many commonly used antibiotics. This means GPs are extra careful not to give out antibiotics if they believe you have a viral infection, and you may feel short changed walking away from your visit empty handed.

If you’re prescribed antibiotics, it’s because you really need them to get better and fight infection, but for minor ailments, coughs and colds, and to boost your immune system, there are many foods, herbs and extracts that boast bacteria, fungus and viral-fighting properties.

Five natural antibiotics to try

1. Onions

The sulphur in onions that gives them their strong smell and distinct taste is thought to have diuretic and anti-bacterial properties. As well as traditionally being used in a similar way to garlic for fighting minor colds, syrups made from onions are thought to work as an expectorant for nasty coughs. They also improve blood flow and are anti-inflammatory. So make sure you’ve got a big helping in your spag bol tonight.

2. Garlic

One of the oldest medicinal plants, garlic has been used in many cultures for its antibiotic properties and ability to ward off colds and flu. The chemical allicin that gives garlic its strong taste and smell is thought to also give it its therapeutic power. Studies have suggested it can lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels.  Plus, a recent study found that it was more effective at treating food poisoning than standard drugs.

3. Green tea

Though not quite an antibiotic food, green tea has been shown in scientific studies to help antibiotics work well, so you’re less likely to need to take another course of them. As well as being chockablock with antioxidants and generally great for you, it’s a fairly low caffeine choice and could also make even resistant bacteria susceptible to antibiotics.

4. Honey

Good externally for cuts and infections, honey, and especially Manuka honey, from bees that feed exclusively on the manuka bush in New Zealand and Australia, is well known for its antibiotic properties.  Containing antimicrobial enzymes that release hydrogen peroxide, honey can help prohibit the growth of bacteria and has been used to treat external and internal bacterial infections, including stomach ulcers. A dab of Manuka honey on wounds keeps infection way.

5. Echinacea

A plant extract, Echinacea is known for battling a wide range of bugs, both bacterial and viral. It also stimulates your immune system so that your white blood cells fight off infections more effectively.  Studies have shown that taking a daily Echinacea supplement can reduce your chance of catching a cold by around 58 per cent and will reduce the amount of time you are sick. Its effectiveness can wear off though, so it’s recommended you only take it in bursts of a few weeks, particularly during the sickly winter months and if you feel you’re coming down with something. 

Health symptoms women should never ignore

Busy lives and juggling work and family often mean our own health is the last thing women think about. But if you’ve been ignoring any of these warning signs, now’s the time to get them checked out

 In many cases they really are just down to a hectic lifestyle, but occasionally they can be signs of something more serious, and taking a morning out to visit your doctor is a lot easier than needing more complicated treatment further down the line.

Extreme tiredness

Feeling worn out is a common side effect of modern lifestyles but chronic fatigue (LINK) could be a sign of many health issues, some of which can be easily resolved.

If your energy levels have been low for more than two weeks you could have a deficiency in your diet, such as iron (causing anaemia), or an imbalance of hormones. Thyroid problems can make you feel tired and can be treated with medication. In some cases constant tiredness can be a symptom of something more serious, such as lung cancer, heart disease, or depression, so don’t keep putting up with it.

Your shape – apple or pear

While it isn’t exactly a symptom, your shape can give you an early indication of potential health problems so it’s a good idea to be aware where you put weight on (even if you don’t want to admit it to anyone else!). If you are apple shaped and put weight on around your tummy then you’re statistically more likely to run into health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.

If your waist is over 32” (80cm) it’s worth keeping an eye out for symptoms of diabetes. Over 35” (88cm) and you’re even more at risk of both diabetes and heart disease.

Being pear-shaped may not seem like a blessing but generally putting weight on your bottom and thighs doesn’t signal as many health worries.

Bleeding between periods

As well as being annoying and alarming, bleeding when it’s not your period can signal a number of health concerns. It’s a symptom of some gynaecological cancers but is also linked to other conditions, many far less serious. These include hormone imbalances, reactions to the pill or other contraceptives, endometriosis, STDs and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Any bleeding between periods or after the menopause needs to be checked out by your doctor. Pain in the area is also a sign something’s not right, so report any pain or bleeding during or after sex [LINK] to your doctor as well as if you feel constantly bloated or have pelvic pain.

[Related article: Ovarian cancer - know the symptoms]

Breast changes

Breast cancer awareness has never been higher but still many women are unaware of changes in their breasts. Get to know how yours fluctuate over the month and keep an eye out for the warning signs – lumps or thickening of the skin around the breast or armpit, discharge from the nipple, puckering or reddening of the skin and changes in shape of both the breast and the nipple. Breast cancer doesn’t always cause pain but any soreness should also be checked out. There are many other causes of these symptoms though so don’t be afraid of going to the doctors to put your mind at ease.

Chest pain

Heart attacks, heart disease and strokes are the biggest killer of women in the UK. And while classic symptoms of a heart attack will have you straight on the phone to 999, there are many other signs of heart problems you may ignore and dismiss as something else. These include a heavy feeling on the chest, tightness or crushing and also milder chest pain, which can feel a little like a bad case of indigestion. Two fifths of women, particularly at the younger end of the spectrum, have reported experiencing no chest pain before having a heart attack, which is why it’s vital to get any discomfort checked out in case.

Yahoo Lifestyle

Necrotizing Fasciitis (Flesh-Eating Bacteria). Causes. Symptoms. Treatment

Necrotizing fasciitis is an infection caused by bacteria. It can destroy skin, fat, and the tissue covering the muscles within a very short time.

The disease sometimes is called flesh-eating bacteria. When it occurs on the genitals, it is called Fournier gangrene.

Necrotizing fasciitis is very rare but serious. About 1 out of 4 people who get this infection die from it.¹ Many people who get necrotizing fasciitis are in good health before they get the infection.

Your risk of getting this infection is higher if you:

• Have a weak immune system.
• Have chronic health problems such as diabetes, cancer, or liver or kidney disease.
• Have cuts in your skin, including surgical wounds.
• Recently had chickenpox or other viral infections that cause a rash.
• Use steroid medicines, which can lower the body's resistance to infection.

What causes necrotizing fasciitis?

Necrotizing fasciitis is caused by several kinds of bacteria. Some of these bacteria also cause infections such as strep throat and impetigo. Usually the infections caused by these bacteria are mild. But in rare cases they can cause a more dangerous infection.

You can get necrotizing fasciitis when bacteria enter a wound, such as from an insect bite, a burn, or a cut. You can also get it in:

• Wounds that come in contact with ocean water, raw saltwater fish, or raw oysters. You also can get it through injuries from handling sea animals such as crabs.
• An intestinal surgery site, or in tumors or gunshot injuries in the intestines.
• A muscle strain or bruise, even if there is no break in the skin.

Bacteria that cause necrotizing fasciitis can be passed from person to person through close contact, such as kissing, or by touching the wound of the infected person. But a person who gets infected by the bacteria is unlikely to get necrotizing fasciitis unless he or she has an open wound, chickenpox, or an impaired immune system.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms often start suddenly after an injury. You may need medical care right away if you have pain that gets better over 24 to 36 hours and then suddenly gets worse. The pain may be much worse than you would expect from the size of the wound or injury. You may also have:

• Skin that is red, swollen, and hot to the touch.
• A fever and chills.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhea.

The infection may spread rapidly. It quickly can become life-threatening. You may go into shock and have damage to skin, fat, and the tissue covering the muscles. (This damage is called gangrene.) Necrotizing fasciitis can lead to organ failure and death.

How is necrotizing fasciitis diagnosed?

The doctor will diagnose your infection based on how suddenly your symptoms started and how quickly the infection is spreading. The infected tissue may be tested for bacteria. You also may need X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI to look for injury to your organs or to find out how much the infection has spread

How is it treated?

Early treatment of necrotizing fasciitis is critical. The sooner treatment begins, the more likely you will recover from the infection and avoid serious complications, such as limb amputation or death. You may be treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) at the hospital.

Treatment may include:

• Surgery that removes infected tissue and fluids to stop the spread of infection. Surgery is almost always needed. Most people need several surgeries to control the infection. Removing limbs (amputation) or organs may be done to save the person's life, depending on how severe the infection is and where it has spread.
• Medicines (such as antibiotics). These kill the bacteria causing the infection.
• Procedures to treat complications such as shock, breathing problems, and organ failure.
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This can help prevent tissue death and promote healing.

What if you have been near someone who has the disease?

Necrotizing fasciitis is very rare. Bacteria that cause the disease usually don't cause infection unless they enter the body through a cut or other break in the skin.

If you have been in close contact with someone who has necrotizing fasciitis, your doctor may give you an antibiotic to help reduce your chances of getting the infection. If you develop any symptoms of infection (such as pain, swelling, redness, or fever) after you've been in close contact with someone who has it, see your doctor right away.

To help prevent any kind of infection, wash your hands often, and always keep cuts, scrapes, burns, sores, and bites clean.

Source:Webmd

.........................
Flesh Eating Disease - News.

Aimee Copeland, a Georgia student recently lost her leg to a rare flesh-eating infection after a zip line injury.

Yet Aimee Copeland -- who has lost a leg and part of her abdomen to the virulent bacteria and may lose more, including her fingers -- is keeping her spirits strong, her father said.

The bacteria that triggered the infection, Aeromonas hydrophila, thrives in warm climates and fresh water like the river where Copeland was zip lining with friends. The common germ rarely causes flesh-eating disease. But when it does, the infection carries a fatality rate upward of 60 percent, according to 2010 report published in the journal Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 

Read More.......

Should You Exercise When Pregnant?

A lot of women ask the question when they fall pregnant, "Do I continue to train?". If there are no known complications, after speaking with your doctor you’re free to keep training, but some modifications need to be made.

 
SWIMMING
 
As it is non-weight bearing and keeps the body's core temperature down, swimming is the preferred exercise modality for women and can be completed late into the pregnancy.

Getty Images

TRIATHLON
 

Focus on technique and drills in swimming. This will maintain a reasonable level of fitness and, once you can push the training along a little more intensely, give you considerable performance benefits.

Ride indoors on the turbo trainer and have had a number of pregnant squad members participate in sessions with minimum safety concerns.

CYCLING
 
Out on the road can become a bit tricky particularly in the later months as the woman's centre of gravity shifts, lowering her stability and drastically increasing the potential for falls. The last thing mother and child need at 32 weeks into a pregnancy is to come off the bike! So doing some sessions indoors on the turbo-trainer is highly recommended. Cycling is only partially weight-bearing but as the pregnancy advances, even on a stationary bike it can start to get very uncomfortable.

RUNNING
There is no right and wrong way to approach this and all women consult their doctors to ensure that they have no confounding underlying concerns before running. Some women "race” right up till the day before giving birth. Others opt for a more conservative approach and replace their runs with brisk walks of a similar duration. Following a walk the baby can be more relaxed and content from the rhythmical movement.

 
Some key points to remember and avoid:

• Don't allow your core temperature to rise excessively.
• Avoid becoming lactic in training.
• Avoid becoming dehydrated.
• Realise that your balance and mobility won’t be the same throughout the pregnancy and make adjustments accordingly.
• As the pregnancy advances and your body starts to circulate greater concentrations of the hormone relaxin there is an increased possibility of joint problems such as dislocations.
• Don't restrict calories and try to keep you weight down during pregnancy. A healthy weight gain for a woman at full term pregnancy is between 10-14 kilograms for an average size woman (60kg), less if you're overweight, more if you're underweight.
• Use your pregnancy as a period to "exercise" rather than "train".

In the final analysis you and your baby are the most important concerns. If your training has to suffer for a few months for the long term health of your bub then so be it, the rewards out-weigh the sacrifices a thousand fold

Source: Yahoo lifestyle
Images:  Getty Images

Juicing For Weight Loss - Do's and Dont's

There are about 1,000 juicing diets, juicing books, juicing detoxing diets, and juicers for sale. I’m sure if you have tried to lose weight you’ve tried or at least considered trying a juicing diet. All of these “green juices” really have the attention of many people because the possible benefits sound really great. These diets are known as “fasts” and this has become such a popular form of weight loss and detoxing. Although it may sound like genius idea, there is some bad behind it.  If you aren’t familiar with

a juicing diet, read along to find out all the facts about them!

WHAT IS A JUICE DIET, FAST DETOX?

This detox type of diet involves consuming only juice. This doesn’t mean apple juice that you buy in the grocery store, this kind of juice has to be fresh squeezed from the actual fruits and vegetables. Juices in the grocery store are loaded with preservatives and sugars that aren’t welcome in a juicing diet. During this diet, you won’t be consuming any solid foods, even solid fruits and vegetables. Juice diets are generally short term and should not be done any longer than a couple of days. The idea behind the juice diet is to fill the body with nutrients and vitamins and rid the body of any toxins that you have built up.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE BENEFITS OF JUICING?

Following a juicing diet has been known to give your body trillions of amazing benefits that you can’t get from anywhere else. This is the majority of the reason that people do them! Some of the possible benefits include: high intake of vitamins and nutrients, weight loss, alkalizes your whole body, detoxifies your liver, prevents or treats acne, fights aging, improves texture of hair and nails, increases your energy levels, and improves your immune system. After reading those benefits, why wouldn’t you try a juicing diet?

WHAT’S SO BAD ABOUT JUICING?

You have probably heard just about as many bad things about juicing as you have good. Why is this? Well, juicing can get a bad rep sometimes, and for good reason. Aside from the many possible benefits juicing can give you, your body can also suffer from them.

• Too much sugar. Juice is naturally high in sugar, and although these are natural sugars, too much sugar in any form is not good. Consuming glasses and glasses of fruit juice a day provides more sugar than you need.
•  
• Loss of nutrients. This may sound hard to believe because all you will be drinking is liquid nutrients but that’s not so true. Fruits and vegetables are solid foods and they contain skin and fiber that is a big part of the nutritious parts of the foods. While you juice, you aren’t eating that skin so you are skimping out on a heck of a lot of the nutrients. Apples are a perfect example. The skin of an apple contains a ton of fiber. Fiber is important for many aspects of your health. When you juice the apple, you are throwing out a big portion of the nutrition of an apple.
•  
• Expensive. Buying a juicer is not like buying a blender. Many juicers on the market are very highly priced. You can, of course, buy the inexpensive juicers that you must do yourself but buying an electric juicer can get pricey. Aside from purchasing the juicer, you have to buy enough fruits and vegetables in order to last throughout the detox. To get one cup of apple juice, you will need about 3-4 apples. Eating the actual apple would be much cheaper and more nourishing. Another thing about the fruits and vegetables is that you should always buy organic. Organic does tend to be a bit pricier. Therefore if you are looking for an inexpensive diet, juicing wouldn’t be the way to go.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF JUICING

There are a few side effects to participating in a juicing fast. Many of these side effects are on the unpleasant side so it’s important to be aware of them before beginning. Some of the most common side effects include headache, tiredness, constipation, and dizziness. These are the most common ones which aren’t really harmful but are unpleasant. I know that I said before in the benefits part of this article that juicing will increase your energy level and help with acne but you have to go through the bad parts to experience the good parts. For example, during a juicing diet, you may find your face breaking out. This is because your body is detoxing and all of the bad stuff has to come out somewhere so you may find yourself with some pimples. These aren’t temporary! And in the long run, your body will get rid of the dirt and bacteria that cause pimples and will leave you with clear skin. But in case you wanted to detox before a big event like a wedding, you should be cautious. Some of the more serious side effects that juicing can cause include fainting, low blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea, and even possible heart or kidney problems. If you find yourself experiencing any of these, it’s vital that you stop juicing and visit your doctor.

So should you juice or not? Well, that’s not really up to me! But now that you know the pros and cons of juicing, you can make a decision. It’s important that you do it the right away though. Juicing for too long of a time period can create serious problems such as nutrient deficiencies. It would be such a waste to juice for all that time to find yourself in worse shape than you started. Health should always come first. If you are really interested in juicing, I would recommend doing it only 3-4 times a month. That’s about once a week. If you are pregnant or nursing, it is highly, highly recommended that you do not juice. Also if you are taking prescription drugs for any reason, avoid juicing. Juicing reduces blood proteins which can change the way the prescription drugs react in your body. If you are still unsure if you should give it a shot, talk to your healthcare professional.

Source: Dualfit

Treat/prevent that cold and flu today

Relax, revive - and survive the daily grind

If you’ve been struck down by a cold, giving yourself a break may be the best thing you can do. To fight the good fight for your body, balance that cold with warmth – literally. Your body will benefit from hot drinks, hot showers, and gargling with warm salty water.

 

Protect what Matters
Annual vaccinations are a more effective way to treat the flu than antibiotics, which aren’t even designed to treat the flu. Each Autumn, get proactive and get a vaccination – this can save you from some of the known side effects of antibiotics like digestional problems and thrush – and prevention is better than cure!

 

It’s all in your hands

One of the best (and cheapest!) ways to keep cold and flu at bay is one that should be incorporated into your everyday life. Take action on your health by creating physical barriers for the little micro-critters which spread infection. Keep your hands clean by washing with soap before eating or cooking, and after coughing or blowing your nose. Invest in a handbag-sized bottle of anti-bac hand sanitiser for those times when you’re nowhere near a sink!

Life Liquid

Help your body detox when you’re under the cloud of a cold or flu. The answer? It’s as simple as the kitchen sink! Drinking plenty of water will speed up the detoxification process, meaning you really will get better soon.

 

Smoke and Mirrors

Is your life literally getting you down? Smokers with a cold or flu will be bedridden for longer. That’s because smoking slows down the body’s detox processes. If you’re a smoker, make this your opportunity to cut back, or even better, quit altogether – it’s never too late!

The Flu Family

Over the counter cold and flu medicines vary in effectiveness. Painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen are good for relief from a sore throat, but aspirin should not be given to children, as it may cause complications. ‘Cold and Flu’ medicines should also be used with caution in children, and should be avoided altogether for children under two.

Free and Easy

While decongestants will unblock a stuffy nose, they can cause problems. You should take special care if you have heart problems, high blood pressure, or if you’re taking other medicines. They might cause side effects like hallucination and excitability in children younger than 12 years. Saline (salt water) drops or sprays are a safer, natural and equally effective option.

Source. Yahoo Lifestyle